bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Adaptive Control Algorithm of IGC System for Targets with Several Maneuvering Modes Based on GTSMC-DNN
Authors: Niu Kang , Bai Xu , Chen Xi , Yang Di , Li Jiaxun , Yu Jianqiao
Published: April 2023

To improve the performance of intercepting a target with different maneuvering modes and changing the mode suddenly during the interception, a new adaptive control algorithm for the IGC (Integrated Guidance and Control) system is proposed, using the global terminal sliding mode control method and a DNN (Deep Neural Network). Firstly, the missile-target problem is formulated and a new strict-feedback nonlinear IGC model with mismatched uncertainties is established. Secondly, the paper divides the IGC system into four subsystems, including a guidance subsystem, overload subsystem, attitude subsystem and the deep neural network subsystem. To transform the control signal between each subsystem and avoid the “differential explosion” problem, the paper defines the SOF (Second Order Filter). Thirdly, in combination with a deep neural network, a new modified global terminal sliding mode surface and the adaptive control law are designed. At last, using the Lyapunov theory, the stability of the IGC system is analyzed. Finally, to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, several simulation cases are given. The simulation results show the superiority of the proposed algorithm in adapting different maneuvering modes during the whole interception, improving the control performance and having a high interception accuracy.
The Role of Additive Manufacturing in Reducing Demand Volatility in Aerospace: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Alogla Ageel Abdulaziz , Alzahrani Ateyah , Alghamdi Ahmad
Published: April 2023

The aerospace industry faces challenges in managing inventory effectively due to long product life cycles and unpredictable demand. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a promising technology that enables the on-demand production of spare parts, potentially reducing inventory costs and improving supply chain efficiency. This paper proposes a novel conceptual framework for employing AM in the aerospace spare parts industry to isolate demand volatility. A conceptual approach is employed in this study, which involves a comprehensive literature review to identify the factors to consider when employing AM for spare parts and the methods for demand volatility isolation, followed by a structured framework development that outlines the decision-making steps for AM utilization based on the identified factors. The framework outlines a structured approach for using AM to produce spare parts and isolate demand volatility, which can help mitigate the impact of demand uncertainty on inventory management. The proposed approach provides a basis for future research and has the potential to transform how spare parts are produced and managed in the aerospace industry. Overall, this paper contributes to the emerging literature on AM in the aerospace industry by presenting a novel approach to improving inventory management and addressing demand uncertainty.
Oat Hull as a Source of Lignin-Cellulose Complex in Diets Containing Wheat or Barley and Its Effect on Performance and Morphometric Measurements of Gastrointestinal Tract in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Hikawczuk Tomasz , Szuba-Trznadel Anna , Wróblewska Patrycja , Wiliczkiewicz Andrzej
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the experiment was to determine the effect of oat hull on the performance and morphometric measurements of the gastrointestinal tract, and to correlate the results of these measurements with the type of the determined dietary fiber in feed and the number of microorganisms. The Asp method is simpler and quicker than non-starch polysaccharide analysis, and can give quick information in the analysis of fiber fractions (soluble and insoluble) in the component or in a diet, and also related the obtained results with the performance of broiler chickens. The utilization of oat hull in the amount of 1% of the diet of broiler chickens results in the highest body weight on the 28th day of life (p < 0.05) in comparison to the group not receiving oat hull in the diet and with a 3% share of this structural component. Oat hull in the diet of broiler chickens in the amount of 1% also reduces the total length of the intestines (p < 0.05), compared with the share of 0 and 3%. The soluble fiber contained in the grains of barley and wheat has an influence on the higher metabolic weight of the glandular stomach of broiler chickens compared to the birds receiving corn grain in their diet. Barley grain and oat hull in the amount of 3% significantly (p < 0.01) increase the weight of gizzards. The increase in the weight of the proventriculus (r = 0.392), gizzard (r = 0.486) and duodenum (r = 0.657) was positively correlated with the growth of E. coli bacteria in the crop. The opposite effect in the case of negative correlation was determined in the case of the duodenum and E. coli count (r = −0.593).
Agent-Based Modelling to Improve Beef Production from Dairy Cattle: Young Beef Production
Authors: Addis Addisu H. , Blair Hugh T. , Kenyon Paul R. , Morris Stephen T. , Schreurs Nicola M. , Garrick Dorian J.
Published: April 2023

Approximately 42% of the total calves born in New Zealand’s dairy industry are either euthanized on farms or commercially slaughtered as so-called bobby calves within 2 weeks of age. These practices have perceived ethical issues and are considered a waste of resources because these calves could be grown on and processed for beef. Young beef cattle harvested between 8 and 12 months of age would represent a new class of beef production for New Zealand and would allow for a greater number of calves to be utilized for beef production, reducing bobby calf numbers in New Zealand. However, the acceptance of such a system in competition with existing sheep and beef cattle production systems is unknown. Therefore, the current study employed an agent-based model (ABM) developed for dairy-origin beef cattle production systems to understand price levers that might influence the acceptance of young beef production systems on sheep and beef cattle farms in New Zealand. The agents of the model were the rearer, finisher, and processor. Rearers bought in 4-days old dairy-origin calves and weaned them at approximately 100 kg live weight before selling them to finishers. Finishers managed the young beef cattle until they were between 8 and 12 months of age in contrast to 20 to 30 months for traditional beef cattle. Processing young beef cattle in existing beef production systems without any price premium only led to an additional 5% of cattle being utilized compared to the traditional beef cattle production system in New Zealand. This increased another 2% when both weaner cattle and young beef were sold at a price premium of 10%. In this scenario, Holstein Friesian young bull contributed more than 65% of total young beef cattle. Further premium prices for young beef cattle production systems increased the proportion of young beef cattle (mainly as young bull beef), however, there was a decrease in the total number of dairy-origin cattle processed, for the given feed supply, compared to the 10% premium price. Further studies are required to identify price levers and other alternative young beef production systems to increase the number of young beef cattle as well the total number of dairy-origin beef cattle for beef on sheep and beef cattle farms. Some potential options for investigation are meat quality, retailer and consumer perspectives, and whether dairy farmers may have to pay calf rearers to utilize calves with lower growth potential.
Bioactive Compounds Extraction Using a Hybrid Ultrasound and High-Pressure Technology for Sustainable Farming Systems
Authors: Nenciu Florin , Fatu Viorel , Arsenoaia Vlad , Persu Catalin , Voicea Iulian , Vladut Nicolae-Valentin , Matache Mihai Gabriel , Gageanu Iuliana , Marin Eugen , Biris Sorin-Stefan , Ungureanu Nicoleta
Published: April 2023

In the context of agricultural soil degradation caused by the extensive use of chemical amendments, ecological alternatives with minimal detrimental impact on ecosystems are gaining popularity. Recent advancements in processing technologies have improved the quality and extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds, particularly when multiple conventional or innovative techniques are being used to potentially overcome the most common limitations. This paper proposes the development and testing of a hybrid technology design that employs two extraction techniques, namely ultrasound and high pressure, that can be used either separately or in tandem. An initial assessment of the prototype potential for isolating the desired compounds was made, by testing three various working regimens for the processing of a mixture of onion, pea, and soybean. By incorporating the bioactive compounds produced during the experimental phase in the seedling transplantation holes, we were able to test the potential of stimulating the development rate of vegetables and reducing the attack of pests. The extracts obtained using the hybrid technology showed positive results when used to reduce pest attacks (decreasing average attack frequency by 7%), however had negative effects when used to promote biostimulation, when acted as an inhibitor. The hybrid extraction approach improved the mass transfer into solvent by 14% when compared to high-pressure processing and by 7% when compared to sonication.
The Effect of Applied Biostimulants on the Yielding of Three Non-Genetically Modified Soybean Cultivars
Authors: Rymuza Katarzyna , Radzka Elżbieta , Cała Joanna
Published: April 2023

Background: Soybean is one of major crop plants cultivated in numerous parts of the world, which is due to an increasing demand for plant protein. Both in Europe and Poland, much attention is paid to enhancing the production of their own fodder protein, as to reduce the import of soybean meal produced from genetically modified plants. Climate warming and breeding progress have made it possible to grow soybeans in central Europe. The yield potential of plants, including soybeans, can be enhanced by an application of biostimulants, which alleviate negative effects of stresses disturbing the life processes of plants. The objective of the present work was to evaluate, under the climatic conditions of central-eastern Poland, the yielding of three non-modified soybean cultivars treated with biostimulants. Methods: A field experiment was conducted in the years 2017–2019 in eastern Poland (central Europe). The soil of the experimental field belonged to the Haplic Luvisol group. The experimental factors included three non-GMO soybean cultivars (Abelina, Merlin, and SG Anser) and two biostimulants (Asahi SL and Improver). Results: Soybean seed yields were affected by the climatic conditions during the growing season, cultivars, and biostimulant applications. Regardless of cultivars and biostimulants, the highest yields were produced by plants grown in 2017 (on average, 3.41 Mg∙ha−1), them being slightly lower in 2019 (on average, 3.0 Mg∙ha−1) and the lowest in the dry 2018 (on average, 2.48 Mg∙ha−1). Significant differences were recorded between cv. SG Anser (the average yield 2.73 Mg∙ha−1) and Merlin (the average yield 3.31 Mg∙ha−1). An application of biostimulants resulted in a significant increase in soybean seed yield compared with the control. Biostimulants contributed to a significant increase in the values of the remaining characteristics, i.e., 1000-seed weight, seed number per pod, and average number of seeds per pod.
Environmental and Agronomical Factors Limiting Differences in Potato Yielding between Organic and Conventional Production System
Authors: Zarzyńska Krystyna , Trawczyński Cezary , Pietraszko Milena
Published: April 2023

This paper presents the results of the authors’ own research and literature research on the impact of selected environmental and agronomical factors on the yield of potato grown under the organic system and the possibility of increasing the yield. The results are based on research conducted for several years at the Institute of Plant Breeding and Acclimatization in Jadwisin, Poland. The influence of factors such as soil quality and climatic conditions, selection of varieties, seed potato preparation, irrigation of plantations, complementary fertilization, and protection against the late blight was described. The aim of this work was to indicate which of these factors affect the yield increase and to what extent. It was stated that it is possible to increase the yield of potato tubers grown under the organic system through all of the proposed treatments. In our studies, using drip irrigation and complementary fertilization had the greatest effect (25.5% and 19%, respectively). Seed potato presprouting had a smaller influence (4.3%) on the final tuber yield. In the years with high pressure of the pathogen Phytophthora infestans, the selection of cultivars with high resistance was very important. Most of the agronomical treatments not only improved the total yield of tubers, but also increased the share of tubers with a larger diameter. A very high variability of potato yielding depending on weather conditions and a selection of cultivars was emphasized. We can say that a proper agronomical practice carried out on an organic potato plantation can largely eliminate the yielding gap between a conventional and an organic system.
Potassium Application Alleviated Negative Effects of Soil Waterlogging Stress on Photosynthesis and Dry Biomass in Cotton
Authors: Huang Li , Li Jinxiang , Yang Pan , Zeng Xianghua , Chen Yinyi , Wang Haimiao
Published: April 2023

Soil waterlogging is one of the most serious abiotic stresses on plant growth and crop productivity. In this study, two potassium application levels (0 and 150 kg K2O hm−2) with three types of soil waterlogging treatments (0 d, 3 d and 6 d) were established during cotton flowering and boll-forming stages. The results showed that soil waterlogging markedly reduced RWC (relative water content), gas exchange parameters and cotton biomass. However, potassium application considerably improved the aforementioned parameters. Specifically, 3 d soil waterlogging with potassium increased Pn (net photosynthetic rate), Gs (stomatal conductance), Ci (intercellular CO2 concentration) and Tr (transpiration rate) by 4.55%, 27.27%, 5.74% and 3.82%, respectively, compared with 3 d soil waterlogging under no potassium, while the abscission rate reduced by 2.96%. Additionally, the number of bolls and fruit nodes under 6 d soil waterlogging with potassium increased by 16.17% and 4.38%, compared with 6 d soil waterlogging under no potassium. Therefore, it was concluded that regardless of 3 d or 6 d soil waterlogging, potassium application alleviated the negative effects of waterlogging by regulating the plant water status, photosynthetic capacity and plant growth in cotton. These results are expected to provide theoretical references and practical applications for cotton production to mitigate the damage of soil waterlogging.
Amenity Grasses—A Short Insight into Species, Their Applications and Functions
Authors: Wiewióra Barbara , Żurek Grzegorz
Published: April 2023

This article presents perennial grasses, without whose presence it is impossible to imagine the natural environment as well as agriculture, recreation, sport, and satisfactory aesthetics of the environment. Grasses have by far the widest distribution of all flowering families, grow on every continent, and are part of all the major biomes of the terrestrial world. They not only occur in almost all types of natural landscapes but also find a prominent place in the agricultural landscape. Grasses are not only a source of food for people (wheat, rice, maize, millet, etc.) and feed for livestock, but also a source of energy, building materials, a component of paper pulp, etc. Moreover, grasses have numerous uses to enhance the beauty of the surrounding landscape, bring relaxation, health, and comfort to people (i.e., gardens, parks, and sports facilities), and support land protection. This article describes just these, not often mentioned, and characterized grass uses, with an emphasis on the relationship between different species of perennial grasses and their functionality. The aim is to show the various aspects of the amenity use of grasses in the context of species diversity and their future under the conditions of a changing climate.
Molecular Surveillance of Canine Degenerative Myelopathy in Breeding Kennels from Romania
Authors: Cocostîrc Vlad , Paștiu Anamaria Ioana , Doboși Anca-Alexandra , Lucaci Felix Daniel , Turcu Maria-Carmen , Borzan Mihai Marian , Pusta Dana Liana
Published: April 2023

Canine degenerative myelopathy (CDM) is a spontaneous neurodegenerative disease. Genetically, CDM is an autosomal recessive disease with incomplete penetrance, most commonly caused by a genetic mutation in exon 2 of gene SOD1 (c.118G > A). This study aimed to determine the mutant allele frequency associated with CDM in various dog breeds from Romania. Dogs (n = 230) from 26 breeds were included in the study. Genotyping using the PCR-RFLP technique was performed on DNA extracted from oral swabs. The results revealed that 204 dogs were homozygous for the wild-type allele (G/G), 16 were heterozygous (A/G), and 10 were homozygous for the mutant allele (A/A). The mutant allele was identified in Wire Fox Terrier, Romanian Mioritic Shepherd, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Belgian Shepherd, and Czechoslovakian Wolfdog breeds. The mutant allele frequency (A) within the tested population was 0.0783. The results for Belgian Shepherd, German Shepherd, and Romanian Mioritic Shepherd were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, but a departure was observed for Rottweiler. The current study included a first screening of the Romanian Bucovina Shepherd, Romanian Mioritic Shepherd, and Caucasian Shepherd breeds. Genetic testing for the mutation associated with CDM is important in order to avoid the risk of the emergence of dogs homozygous for the SOD1:c118G > A allele.
A Comparison of Small Rodent Assemblages after a 20 Year Interval in the Alps
Authors: Ferrari Giulia , Scaravelli Dino , Mustoni Andrea , Armanini Marco , Zibordi Filippo , Devineau Olivier , Cagnacci Francesca , Grasso Donato A. , Ossi Federico
Published: April 2023

Human-induced environmental alterations in the Alps may importantly affect small mammal species, but evidence in this sense is limited. We live-trapped small rodents in the Central-Eastern Italian Alps in three close-by habitat types (rocky scree, alpine grassland, and heath) at 2100 m a.s.l. during summer-fall, in 1997 and 2016. We compared small rodent assemblages through a Redundancy Detrended Analysis (RDA). In both surveys, we detected two specialist species, i.e., the common vole (Microtus arvalis) and the snow vole (Chionomys nivalis), and, unexpectedly, the forest generalist bank vole (Myodes glareolus). In 1997, grassland was mainly occupied by the common vole, while the bank vole and the snow vole were sympatric in the other habitats. In 2016, the snow vole was detected only in the scree, while other species did not show distribution changes. We discuss a series of hypotheses that might have driven the differences observed across decades, among which is a species-specific response to abiotic and biotic environmental alterations, with the alpine habitat specialist moving out of sub-optimal habitats. We encourage further research on this topic, e.g., via long-term longitudinal studies.
The Fibre Requirements of Horses and the Consequences and Causes of Failure to Meet Them
Authors: Ermers Colette , McGilchrist Nerida , Fenner Kate , Wilson Bethany , McGreevy Paul
Published: April 2023

Failure to meet the minimum forage requirement of 1.5% of the horse’s bodyweight and the opportunity for foraging for a minimum of 8 h a day (not going without this opportunity longer than four to five consecutive hours) can have both physiological and behavioural consequences. To provide an energy source for horses, rations often include starch rather than fibre. This can result in health issues related to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in the horse. In the stomach, the main concern is equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and, more specifically, equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). Ulcerations are caused either by increasing acidity in the stomach (from starch ingestion and reduced saliva production) or splashing of acidic juices caused by a lack of a forage barrier prior to exercise or prolonged periods without fibrous feed intake, which allows the stomach to collapse and spread acidic gastric fluids into the upper squamous regions of the stomach. In the hindgut, starch that has escaped digestion in the small intestine causes microbial instability and increased production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and lactic acid. This puts horses at great risk for acidosis and subsequent laminitis. Shifts in the hindgut microbiota will also affect a horse’s behaviour via the gut-brain axis, as well as potentially compromise immune function. Reduced fluid intake caused by reduced saliva production can result in colic. Choosing a fibrous alternative for starch in a high-energy diet greatly reduces the risk of EGUS and acidosis and improves digestion, GIT pH, body condition, behaviour, immune functions, and performance. Providing hay can reduce crib-biting, wood-chewing, coprophagia, the consumption of bedding, aggression, and stress, and subsequently increase social bonding and affiliation with conspecifics. Adequate fibre intake is related to reduced clinical signs of EGUS, reduced reactivity, and better adaptation to weaning. Lignophagia (wood chewing) has also been observed in horses that are foraging, and this is thought to reflect low fibre content in the available forage (for example, early vegetative, lush pasture).
On the Potential of Relational Databases for the Detection of Clusters of Infection and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns
Authors: Gelfusa Michela , Murari Andrea , Ludovici Gian Marco , Franchi Cristiano , Gelfusa Claudio , Malizia Andrea , Gaudio Pasqualino , Farinelli Giovanni , Panella Giacinto , Gargiulo Carla , Casinelli Katia
Published: April 2023

In recent years, several bacterial strains have acquired significant antibiotic resistance and can, therefore, become difficult to contain. To counteract such trends, relational databases can be a powerful tool for supporting the decision-making process. The case of Klebsiella pneumoniae diffusion in a central region of Italy was analyzed as a case study. A specific relational database is shown to provide very detailed and timely information about the spatial–temporal diffusion of the contagion, together with a clear assessment of the multidrug resistance of the strains. The analysis is particularized for both internal and external patients. Tools such as the one proposed can, therefore, be considered important elements in the identification of infection hotspots, a key ingredient of any strategy to reduce the diffusion of an infectious disease at the community level and in hospitals. These types of tools are also very valuable in the decision-making process related to antibiotic prescription and to the management of stockpiles. The application of this processing technology to viral diseases such as COVID-19 is under investigation.
EGCG Attenuates CA1 Neuronal Death by Regulating GPx1, NF-κB S536 Phosphorylation and Mitochondrial Dynamics in the Rat Hippocampus following Status Epilepticus
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Kim Tae-Hyun , Kang Tae-Cheon
Published: April 2023

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is an antioxidant that directly scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibits pro-oxidant enzymes. Although EGCG protects hippocampal neurons from status epilepticus (SE, a prolonged seizure activity), the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. As the preservation of mitochondrial dynamics is essential for cell viability, it is noteworthy to elucidate the effects of EGCG on impaired mitochondrial dynamics and the related signaling pathways in SE-induced CA1 neuronal degeneration, which are yet unclear. In the present study, we found that EGCG attenuated SE-induced CA1 neuronal death, accompanied by glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPx1) induction. EGCG also abrogated mitochondrial hyperfusion in these neurons by the preservation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2)–dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1)-mediated mitochondrial fission, independent of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. Furthermore, EGCG abolished SE-induced nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) serine (S) 536 phosphorylation in CA1 neurons. ERK1/2 inhibition by U0126 diminished the effect of EGCG on neuroprotection and mitochondrial hyperfusion in response to SE without affecting GPx1 induction and NF-κB S536 phosphorylation, indicating that the restoration of ERK1/2–DRP1-mediated fission may be required for the neuroprotective effects of EGCG against SE. Therefore, our findings suggest that EGCG may protect CA1 neurons from SE insults through GPx1–ERK1/2–DRP1 and GPx1–NF-κB signaling pathways, respectively.
Effects of the Germinated Glycine max and Angelica gigas Nakai Mixture on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Bone Turnover Balance in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Cho Yunsang , Choi Jihye , Choi Hwal , Jung Tae Sung , Kwon Jungkee
Published: April 2023

Women going through menopause experience changes in their hormone levels, such as decreased estrogen secretion. Those changes can lead to weight gain and steatosis (fatty liver) due to abnormal lipid metabolism and bone turnover. Natural herbal medicines have been developed to treat and prevent menopausal symptoms. The aim of this study was to evaluate how a mixture of germinated Glycine max (GG) and Angelica gigas Nakai (AG) affected serum lipid profile levels, hepatic damage, inflammation, and bone turnover in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. The animals were randomly allocated into six groups: Sham control group (Sham), OVX control group (OVX), OVX + 50 mg/kg b.w. of GG (GG50) group, and OVX + 25, 50, 100 mg/kg b.w. of GG and AG mixture (GAM; GAM25, GAM50, GAM100) groups. After four weeks of treatment, the GAM groups exhibited decreases in serum lipid profile levels (TC, TG, and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)) and increases in High Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Proinflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS) were reduced after the administration of GAM, and the degree of liver damage (ALT, AST) also decreased. Bone resorption (CTX1, NTX1, osteoclasts in H&E staining) decreased in the GAM-treated groups, and bone morphometric markers (BMD, BV/TV, Tb.N) improved compared with the OVX group. Additionally, increased bone formation (ALP, mineralization) and decreased bone resorption (TRACP) were confirmed in in vitro experiments. These results suggest that GAM has anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory effects by preventing dyslipidemia and that it alleviates bone mass loss in OVX rats by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis.
Weak-Edge Extraction of Nuclear Plate Fuel Neutron Images at Low Lining Degree
Authors: Wang Qibiao , Luo Yushi , Sun Yong , Wu Yang , Tang Bin , Peng Shuming , Tuo Xianguo
Published: April 2023

Neutron imaging is an effective nondestructive testing (NDT) technique widely applied to detect structural defects and the enrichment of nuclear fuel elements due to its high penetration and nuclide-sensitive properties. Since the fuel element pellet is sealed in the cladding, the transmission imaging result is a superposition of the two parts. Therefore, the attenuation of neutrons by the cladding is interference that must be considered in the enrichment analysis. It is necessary to extract and separate cladding and pellets using an edge extraction method. However, the low neutron cross-section of the cladding material (e.g., aluminum and zirconium) leads to poor grayscale contrast at the cladding edge in the imaging result, and the intensity of the cladding edge is significantly lower than that of the pellet edge. In addition, affected by the noise from the imaging environment, the boundaries of targets are further blurred, making edge detection more challenging. Traditional detection algorithms extract the weak edges of cladding incompletely, and the results are discontinuous, with obvious edge breaks and missing areas. This paper proposes a method to extract edges in neutron images based on phase congruency (PC). This study utilized the classical perceptual field model to improve contrast at weak edges. The enriched edge map was generated using our PC model from six directions, allowing more weak edges to be detected accurately. The non-maximum suppression ensured precise localization and avoided edge breaks. Furthermore, the edge results were optimized by eliminating noise through morphological operations. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively detects the weak edges of the cladding, is superior in accuracy and integrity to traditional detection, and is able to obtain stable and reliable results with different materials of neutron images. The edge integrity improved by 64.1%, and the edge localization accuracy reached 94.3%. The extracted edge information is useful in the next stage of the high-precision enrichment analysis.
Free Vibration of Rectangular Composite Cantilever Plate and Its Application in Material Degradation Assessment
Authors: Liu Ching Wen , Kam Tai Yan
Published: April 2023

Many composite cantilever plate-like structures have found engineering applications in different industries. For attaining a meaningful assessment of the plate vibration characteristics, it is important to have efficient and effective methods for determining the natural frequencies/mode shapes of composite cantilever plates. In this paper, a method formulated on the basis of the Ritz method and a simple first-order shear deformation theory (SFSDT) is presented to analyze the free vibration of thin as well as thick rectangular composite cantilever plates for determining their natural frequencies. In the SFSDT, the total deflection is the sum of two deflection components, namely, bending and through-thickness shear-deformation-induced deflections. The successful application of the Ritz method together with the SFSDT for the free vibration analysis of thick composite plates relies on the selection of two independent sets of characteristic functions for the bending and through-thickness shear-deformation-induced deflections, respectively, to satisfy the requirements for the displacement and force conditions at the fixed edge of the plate. The novelty of the proposed method is that two independent sets of characteristic functions, namely, polynomials and trigonometric functions, which satisfy the displacement and force conditions at the fixed edge have been identified and used in the variational method to construct the eigenvalue problem for extracting the modal characteristics (natural frequencies and mode shapes) of the plate. It has been shown that the uses of the selected characteristic functions can produce excellent natural frequencies for both thin and thick composite cantilever plates. Some existing theoretical and experimental natural frequencies of thin as well as thick composite plates have been used to demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method in predicting natural frequencies. The significant effects of through-thickness shear deformation on the natural frequencies of composite cantilever plates are studied to show the merit of the present method. Finally, for illustrating the application of the proposed method in free vibration analysis, a novel procedure established on the basis of the sensitivity analysis of natural frequencies is presented to assess the material degradation of composite cantilever plates. The numerical examples have shown that fewer than 10 iterations are required in the identification process to produce a good estimation of the current value for each material constant.
Satellite Image Categorization Using Scalable Deep Learning
Authors: Tehsin Samabia , Kausar Sumaira , Jameel Amina , Humayun Mamoona , Almofarreh Deemah Khalaf
Published: April 2023

Detecting and classifying objects from satellite images are crucial for many applications, ranging from marine monitoring to land planning, ecology to warfare, etc. Spatial and temporal information-rich satellite images are exploited in a variety of manners to solve many real-world remote sensing problems. Satellite image classification has many associated challenges. These challenges include data availability, the quality of data, the quantity of data, and data distribution. These challenges make the analysis of satellite images more challenging. A convolutional neural network architecture with a scaling method is proposed for the classification of satellite images. The scaling method can evenly scale all dimensions of depth, width, and resolution using a compound coefficient. It can be used as a preliminary task in urban planning, satellite surveillance, monitoring, etc. It can also be helpful in geo-information and maritime monitoring systems. The proposed methodology is based on an end-to-end, scalable satellite image interpretation. It uses spatial information from satellite images to categorize these into four categories. The proposed method gives encouraging and promising results on a challenging dataset with a high inter-class similarity and intra-class variation. The proposed method shows 99.64% accuracy on the RSI-CB256 dataset.
Apple Consumption Protects against Acute Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in Rats
Authors: Wang Chen , Ma Chang-Ning , Liu Xiao-Long , Sun Quan , Zhang Qian , Lin Ying-Ying , Yan Cheng-Yu , Hu Da-Gang
Published: April 2023

Acute alcoholic liver injury is an important health problem worldwide. Apples are rich in many nutrients and have a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor, and therefore have the potential to be a natural protective agent against acute alcoholic liver injury. This study evaluated the protective effect of apples (Malus pumila Mill) on acute alcoholic liver injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group (C), a control group that was fed fresh apples (CA), an ethanol-treated group (E), and an ethanol-treated group that was fed fresh apples (EA). Rats were treated with continuous forced gavage with 40° ethanol (4 mL/kg) for one week to simulate human alcoholism. Liver injury was assessed based on changes in the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as histological analysis. The protective effect of apples on alcoholic liver injury was assessed in terms of alcohol metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid synthesis, and tissue fibrosis. The results showed that apple consumption protected against alcoholic liver injury, as indicated by the decreased serum ALT and AST levels, reduced liver lipid peroxidation, and improved liver histopathology. Moreover, apple consumption increased antioxidant enzyme activity and reduced inflammatory cytokine levels in the liver. These findings suggest that apple consumption may have a protective effect against acute ethanol-induced liver injury in rats, possibly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Berry Seeds—A By-Product of the Fruit Industry as a Source of Oils with Beneficial Nutritional Characteristics
Authors: Górska Agata , Piasecka Iga , Wirkowska-Wojdyła Magdalena , Bryś Joanna , Kienc Kinga , Brzezińska Rita , Ostrowska-Ligęza Ewa
Published: April 2023

Proper management of waste is one of the major challenges for the food industry. Fruit seeds are an example of by-products that are rich in bioactive substances and generated in significant amounts during fruit processing. Oils, including those obtained from seeds, should meet certain requirements to be allowed for human consumption. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of oils from black currant, strawberry and cranberry seeds by determining the following parameters: fatty acid composition by gas chromatography, distribution of fatty acids between sn-2 and sn-1,3 positions of triacylglycerols by partial enzymatic hydrolysis, oxidative stability by pressure differential scanning calorimetry and melting characteristics by differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, health indices of atherogenicity (IA), thrombogenicity (IT) and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic (HH) ratio were calculated. It was found that the oils studied were a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid was found to occupy the internal position of triacylglycerols in the highest proportion. Black currant and strawberry seed oils were of lower oxidative stability and, in the case of cranberry seed oil, high oxidative stability was determined. The shape of melting curves for black currant and strawberry seed oils indicated the presence of low-melting fractions of triacylglycerols containing polyunsaturated fatty acids. It can be concluded that cranberry seed oil, with low values of IA and IT, high values of HH index and the highest oxidative stability, can be considered the most favorable from a nutritional point of view concerning human health.
Truss-like Discrete Element Method Applied to Damage Process Simulation in Quasi-Brittle Materials
Authors: Tanzi Boris Nahuel Rojo , Birck Gabriel , Sobczyk Mario , Iturrioz Ignacio , Lacidogna Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

This paper discusses the combined application of the lattice discrete element method (LDEM) and the acoustic emission (AE) technique to analyze damage in quasi-brittle materials. These methods were used to study the damage in a concrete slab under pure-shear stress and a pre-fissured sandstone beam subjected to three-point bending. The first test was restricted to simulation results, whereas the second included experimental data. The discrete element method was used to perform the simulations for both tests, whereas the corresponding results and the information from the experiments were assessed using AE analysis tools. It was shown that the synergistic use of these two methods led to a comprehensive understanding of the two analyzed cases and offered an effective, generalizable approach for assessing damage processes in quasi-brittle materials.
Metaverse for Digital Anti-Aging Healthcare: An Overview of Potential Use Cases Based on Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, IoT Technologies, Its Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Mozumder Md Ariful Islam , Armand Tagne Poupi Theodore , Imtiyaj Uddin Shah Muhammad , Athar Ali , Sumon Rashedul Islam , Hussain Ali , Kim Hee-Cheol
Published: April 2023

Metaverse is the buzz technology of the moment raising attention both from academia and industry. Many stakeholders are considering an extension of their existing applications into the metaverse environment for more usability. The healthcare industry is gradually making use of the metaverse to improve quality of service and enhance living conditions. In this paper, we focus on the potential of digital anti-aging healthcare in the metaverse environment. We show how we can use metaverse environment to enhance healthcare service quality and increase the life expectancy of patients through more confident processes, such as chronic disease management, fitness, and mental health control, in the metaverse. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain (BC), Internet of Things (IoT), immersive technologies, and digital twin in the metaverse environment presents new scopes for the healthcare industry. By leveraging these technologies, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and create new healthcare experiences for a better life, thus facilitating the anti-aging process. AI can be used to analyze large-scale medical data and make personalized treatment plans, while blockchain can create a secure and transparent healthcare data ecosystem. As for IoT devices, they collect real-time data from patients, which is necessary for treatment. Together, these technologies can transform the healthcare industry and improve the lives of patients worldwide. The suggestions highlighted in this paper are worthy to undergo implementation and create more benefits that will promote a digital anti-aging process for its users for a longer life experience.
Radiological and Pathological Features of Cyst Formation in Idiopathic Multicentric Castleman Disease
Authors: Otoshi Ryota , Sekine Akimasa , Muraoka Tatsuya , Iwasawa Tae , Takemura Tamiko , Matsushita Shoichiro , Okudela Koji , Kitamura Hideya , Baba Tomohisa , Ogura Takashi
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) has been reported to form lung cysts at a relatively high rate. However, the radiological and pathological features of cystic formation in MCD are unclear. Methods: To clarify these questions, we retrospectively investigated the radiological and pathological findings of cysts in MCD patients. Eight consecutive patients who underwent surgical lung biopsies in our center from 2000 to 2019 were included. Results: The median age was 44.5 years, with three males and five females. On the initial computed tomography, cyst formation was found in seven patients (87.5%). All of the cysts were multiple, round, and thin walled, accompanying ground-glass attenuation (GGA) around cysts. In six patients (75%), cysts increased during their clinical courses, and the new cysts had emerged from GGA, although GGA was improved by treatment. In all four cases, whose pulmonary cysts could be pathologically evaluated, a marked plasma cell infiltration around the cyst wall, and loss of elastic fibers of the alveolar wall were observed. Conclusions: Pulmonary cysts emerged in the area of GGA pathologically consistent with plasma cell infiltration. Cysts in MCD may be formed by the loss of elastic fibers due to marked plasma cell infiltration and may be considered irreversible changes.
The Challenge of Digital Transition in Engineering. A Solution Made from a European Collaborative Network of Remote Laboratories Based on Renewable Energies Technology
Authors: Martínez Macarena , Segura Francisca , Andújar José Manuel
Published: April 2023

Society currently faces two crucial challenges: digital transition and energy transition. Educative innovation plays a key role in this challenging scenario, particularly engineering careers, where laboratory practices are as important as theoretical classes. This paper presents a standardized training platform supported by five European universities which include a remote laboratory experience. Each university is responsible for developing a training module under the guidance provided by the responsible entity (University of Huelva, Spain). For this purpose, the University of Huelva has implemented a remote laboratory based on a supercapacitor power bank. The rest of the universities have selected any other renewable source and have replicated the information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure. The result is a European network materialized on a homogenized platform where teachers and students can find all the teaching materials (theory and practice) to train and to be trained in renewable energy matters in the new digital era.
Atmospheric Deposition around the Industrial Areas of Milazzo and Priolo Gargallo (Sicily–Italy)—Part B: Trace Elements
Authors: Brugnone Filippo , D’Alessandro Walter , Parello Francesco , Brusca Lorenzo , Saiano Filippo , Li Vigni Lorenza , Sprovieri Mario , Calabrese Sergio
Published: April 2023

The concentrations of trace elements in atmospheric bulk depositions (wet plus dry) were investigated from two highly industrialised areas of Sicily (southern Italy) from June 2018 to July 2019, in order to recognise the main natural and anthropogenic sources. A side objective of this study was to improve the common sampling procedures and analytical methods used for monitoring trace elements in atmospheric deposition. The trace element VWM (Volume-Weighted Mean) concentrations ranged from less than 0.01 μg L−1 for trace elements such as Cs, Tl, and U, up to 24 μg L−1 for minor elements (Al, Zn, Sr), in the filtered aliquot, while they reached concentrations up to 144 μg L−1 for the same elements, in the unfiltered aliquot. Therefore, significant differences in concentrations between these two aliquots were found, particularly for Al, Fe, Ti, Zn, Cr, Pb, Se, Cs, and U. This implies that filtering operations may produce a consistent underestimation of concentrations of certain ‘constituents’ of the atmospheric deposition. Natural (marine spray, local and regional geogenic input, volcanic emanations) and anthropogenic sources (industrial emissions, auto vehicular traffic, and diffuse background pollution) which influence rainwater chemistry were identified. Enrichment factors (EFs), with respect to the upper crust composition, provided clear evidence of the different sources above mentioned: Ti, Fe, Al, Cs, Cr, Rb, and Co have low EFs (<1), and are referable to the (local and/or regional) geogenic input, while Se, Sb, Zn, B, Cd, Cu, Mo, Sr, As, with high EFs (>10), highlight the influence of marine and/or industrial sources. The study produced a novel dataset on the atmospheric deposition rate of several trace elements, which had never been studied in the investigated areas. Finally, a comparison of trace element deposition rates in the studied areas with the atmospheric deposition reported for 53 different sites, belonging to 20 different European nations, was made. The comparison showed that some elements, such as Al, V, Zn, and Mo had higher median deposition fluxes in the Sicilian sites than in European monitoring sites.
Investigation of Summertime Ozone Formation and Sources of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Suburb Area of Hefei: A Case Study of 2020
Authors: Yu Hui , Liu Qianqian , Wei Nana , Hu Mingfeng , Xu Xuezhe , Wang Shuo , Zhou Jiacheng , Zhao Weixiong , Zhang Weijun
Published: April 2023

Ground surface ozone (O3) is an emerging concern in China due to its complex formation process. In August 2020, field measurements of O3, NOx, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were carried out in Hefei’s western suburbs. The pollution features of VOCs and O3 formation were thoroughly analyzed. The total VOC concentration was 42.26 ppb, with the dominant contributor being oxygenated VOCs (OVOCs). Seven emission sources were recognized using the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model, including aged air masses, combustion sources, fuel evaporation, industrial emissions, vehicular emission, solvent utilization, and biogenic emission. Ozone generation mainly occurred under an NOx-limited regime based on the zero-dimensional box model analysis. According to the scenario analysis, the 13% cut in O3 might be achieved by the 10% and 30% reduction in NOx and VOCs, respectively. The O3 budget analysis demonstrates its high ozone production rate during the pollution period. The influence of regional transport cannot be ignored for high O3 pollution. This paper provides scientific evidence for O3 production and the strategies of reducing O3 by controlling its precursors.