bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical Distributions of Soil Nutrients and Their Stoichiometric Ratios as Affected by Long Term Grazing and Enclosing in a Semi-Arid Grassland of Inner Mongolia
Authors: Hu Juan , Zhou Daowei , Li Qiang , Wang Qicun
Published: August 2020

Grazing and enclosing are two of the most important grassland managements. In order to evaluate the effects of different managements on the ecosystem balance of grassland, the vertical distributions of soil nutrients and their stoichiometric ratios were determined in the plots of grazing and enclosing over 38 years in a semi-arid grassland of Inner Mongolia. The results showed that total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available nitrogen (AN), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) contents in 0–100 cm soil in the long term enclosing plot were lower than the long term grazing plot and these changes were much greater in the surface soil than in deep soil. However, the soil organic carbon (SOC) and available phosphorus (AP) contents in the long term enclosing plot in the surface soil were higher (p < 0.01) compared with the long term grazing plot. In addition, long term enclosing increased the C/N ratio in each soil layer and improved C/K and C/P ratios in the surface soil compared with long term grazing. However, significant decreases of N/P and N/K ratios in the long term enclosing plot in each soil layer were observed. In conclusion, enclosing for 38 years decreased most of nutrients and reduced the nutrients’ mineralization in the surface soil especially and thus might restrict nutrients cycling in a semi-arid grassland of Inner Mongolia.
Recurrent Selection with Glufosinate at Low Rates Reduces the Susceptibility of a Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum Population to Glufosinate
Authors: Matzrafi Maor , Morran Sarah , Jasieniuk Marie
Published: August 2020

Repeated applications of herbicides at the labelled rates have often resulted in the selection and evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds capable of surviving the labelled and higher rates in subsequent generations. However, the evolutionary outcomes of recurrent herbicide selection at low rates are far less understood. In this study of a herbicide-susceptible population of Lolium perenne ssp. multiflorum, we assessed the potential for low glufosinate rates to select for reduced susceptibility to the herbicide, and cross-resistance to herbicides with other modes of action. Reduced susceptibility to glufosinate was detected in progeny in comparison with the parental population following three rounds of selection at low glufosinate rates. Differences were mainly observed at the 0.5X, 0.75X, and 1X rates. Comparing the parental susceptible population and progeny from the second and third selection cycle, the percentage of surviving plants increased to values of LD50 (1.31 and 1.16, respectively) and LD90 (1.36 and 1.26, respectively). When treated with three alternative herbicides (glyphosate, paraquat, and sethoxydim), no plants of either the parental or successive progeny populations survived treatment with 0.75X or higher rates of these herbicides. The results of this study provide clear evidence that reduced susceptibility to glufosinate can evolve in weed populations following repeated applications of glufosinate at low herbicide rates. However, the magnitude of increases in resistance levels over three generations of recurrent low-rate glufosinate selection observed is relatively low compared with higher levels of resistance observed in response to low-rate selection with other herbicides (three fold and more).
Combination Effects of Plant Extracts Rich in Tannins and Saponins as Feed Additives for Mitigating in Vitro Ruminal Methane and Ammonia Formation
Authors: Jayanegara Anuraga , Yogianto Yogianto , Wina Elizabeth , Sudarman Asep , Kondo Makoto , Obitsu Taketo , Kreuzer Michael
Published: August 2020

The objective of this experiment was to test the effects of combining plant extracts rich in tannins and saponins at varying proportions on in vitro ruminal methane and ammonia formation. Tannins were extracted from Swietenia mahogani leaves and saponins from Sapindus rarak fruits with various solvents. The extracts obtained with the most efficient solvents (tannins: 75% water and 25% methanol; saponins: pure methanol) were then used in vitro. The treatments consisted of two substrate types (high-forage (HF) or high-concentrate (HC) diets) and five extract combinations (tannins: saponins, 1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3, and 0:1) added at 2 mg/mL in incubation liquid. In vitro incubation was performed in four runs, with each treatment being represented with two replicates per run. The addition of plant extracts rich in tannins and saponins, either individually or in combination, decreased the methane proportion of total gas in both the HF (p < 0.05) and HC (p < 0.05) diets. The effects of the plant extracts rich in tannins and saponins were generally additive in mitigating methane emissions. Favorable associative effects between the extracts were observed in the ammonia concentration, both in the HF (p < 0.001) and HC (p < 0.01) diets and in the methane proportion of total gas, with a 1:3 mixture of tannins and saponins added to the HC diet (p < 0.05).
Physical Parameters and Fatty Acids Profiles in Milanino, Mericanel Della Brianza, Valdarnese Bianca and Commercial Hybrids (Gallus Gallus Domesticus) Table Eggs
Authors: Marelli Stefano Paolo , Zaniboni Luisa , Madeddu Manuela , Abdel Sayed Ahmad , Strillacci Maria Giuseppina , Mangiagalli Maria Grazia , Cerolini Silvia
Published: August 2020

The aim of the present study is to investigate the physical parameters and fatty acid composition and related nutritional parameters of market-procured table eggs from Milanino, Mericanel della Brianza and Valdarnese Bianca hens compared to two commercial hybrid strains’ eggs to determine characterizing quality traits for traditional breeds conservation and valorization through high quality niche products. Fifty-four market eggs by three traditional breeds (Mericanel della Brianza—MRC; Milanino—MLN; and Valdarnese Bianca—VLD) and two commercial hybrid strains (Commercial Hybrid Brown—CHB; Commercial Hybrid White—CHW) have been analyzed—physical parameters, fatty acids profile and atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes were investigated. A General Linear Model—GLM was applied to data analysis with breed and genetic origin (traditional breed—TRD; commercial hybrid—HYB) as sources of variation. Two Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were carried out with physical parameters and fatty acid parameters as variables. Eggs produced by traditional breeds MRC MLN and VLD differentiate from eggs produced by commercial hybrids CHB and CHW in physical and chemical parameters (fatty acids parameters). The nutritional value of the traditional eggs has been demonstrated to be higher considering the yolk content, the PUFA fraction, the more favorable n6/n3 ratio and the atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes. Commercial layers’ eggs revealed their higher commercial value based on weight, albumen content and percentage of edible content.
Udder Morphometry and Its Relationship with Intramammary Infections and Somatic Cell Count in Serrana Goats
Authors: Margatho Gisele , Quintas Hélder , Rodríguez-Estévez Vicente , Simões João
Published: August 2020

The external morphological traits of the mammary gland, and their relationships with somatic cell count (SCC) and the presence of intramammary infection (IMI), were studied in 30 Serrana goats, Transmontano ecotype. Globular-shaped udders were the most predominant, with slightly separated and symmetrical halves, presenting some degree of suspension. Funnel-shaped teats were the most prevalent shape with an opening of 120° to 160° degrees. Significant differences were observed between healthy group and the coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS)-infected group for udder cleft, teat perimeter and distance between teats parameters; and between healthy group and CNS or Staphylococcus aureus groups for degree of separation, teat shape and udder shape (p < 0.05). The udder shape, symmetry, degree of suspension and degree of separation parameters showed to be different depending on SCC (p < 0.05). The udder perimeter and udder depth traits showed differences between the lowest and the middle SCC group. We concluded that bifurcated pendular udders, with vertical loose teats and located close to each other, are more likely to have IMI, and have the highest SCC. The inclusion in breeding programs of certain mammary conformation traits would not only help to improve milk production, but would also decrease the susceptibility to IMI of the herd.
Can Zoos Ever Be Big Enough for Large Wild Animals? A Review Using an Expert Panel Assessment of the Psychological Priorities of the Amur Tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) as a Model Species
Authors: Veasey Jake Stuart
Published: August 2020

The ecology of large, wide-ranging carnivores appears to make them vulnerable to conservation challenges in the wild and welfare challenges in captivity. This poses an ethical dilemma for the zoo community and supports the case that there is a need to reconsider prevailing management paradigms for these species in captivity. Whilst the welfare challenges wide ranging carnivores face have been attributed to reduced ranging opportunities associated with the decreased size of captive habitats, attempts to augment wild carnivore welfare in captivity typically focus on behaviours linked to hunting. Thus far, this has yet to result in the systematic elimination of signs of compromised welfare amongst captive carnivores. Here an assessment is carried out to identify the likely welfare priorities for Amur tigers, which, as one of the widest ranging terrestrial carnivores, serves as an excellent exemplar for species experiencing extreme compression of their ranging opportunities in captivity. These priorities are then used to consider novel strategies to address the welfare challenges associated with existing management paradigms, and in particular, attempt to overcome the issue of restricted space. The insights generated here have wider implications for other species experiencing substantive habitat compression in captivity. It is proposed here that the impact of habitat compression on captive carnivore welfare may not be a consequence of the reduction in habitat size per se, but rather the reduction in cognitive opportunities that likely covary with size, and that this should inform strategies to augment welfare.
Hydrolyzable vs. Condensed Wood Tannins for Bio-based Antioxidant Coatings: Superior Properties of Quebracho Tannins
Authors: Moccia Federica , Piscitelli Alessandra , Giovando Samuele , Giardina Paola , Panzella Lucia , d’Ischia Marco , Napolitano Alessandra
Published: August 2020

Tannins have always been the subject of great interest for their countless properties, first of all their ability to produce functional coatings on a variety of materials. We report herein a comparative evaluation of the antioxidant properties of wood tannin-based coated substrates. In particular, nylon membrane filters were functionalized with chestnut (hydrolyzable) or quebracho (condensed) tannins by dip coating under different conditions. The efficiency of functionalization was evaluated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, which invariably highlighted the superior ability of condensed tannins to induce the formation of a functional and robust coating. The results of the antioxidant assays revealed also the deleterious effects of aerial or enzymatic oxidation conditions on substrate functionalization, being more significant in the case of hydrolyzable tannins. On the other hand, the use of oxidizing conditions allowed to obtain more stable coatings, still exhibiting good antioxidant properties, in the case of condensed tannins. The presence of iron ions did not lead to a significant improvement of the coating efficiency for either tannins. The systematic approach used in this work provides novel and useful information for the optimal exploitation of tannins in antioxidant functional coatings.
Proposal of UWB-PPM with Additional Time Shift for Positioning Technique in Nondestructive Environments
Authors: Huyen Nguyen Thi , Le Cuong Nguyen , Thanh Hiep Pham
Published: August 2020

The ultra-wide band (UWB) technology has many advantages in positioning and measuring systems; however, powers of UWB signals rapidly reduce while traveling in propagation environments, hence detecting UWB signals are difficult. Various modulation techniques are applied for UWB signals to increase the ability for detecting the reflected signal from transmission mediums, such as pulse amplitude modulation (PAM), pulse position modulation (PPM), and so on. In this paper, we propose an ultra-wide band pulse position modulation technique with optimized additional time shift (UWB-PPM-ATS) to enhance the accuracy in locating buried object in nondestructive environments. Moreover, the Levenberg–Marquardt Fletcher algorithm (LMFA) is applied to determine the medium parameters and buried object location simultaneously. The influences of proposed modulation technique on determining system’s parameters, such as a propagation time, distance, and properties of the medium are analyzed. Calculation results indicate that the proposed UWB-PPM-ATS gives higher accuracy than the conventional one such as UWB-OOK and UWB-PPM in both homogeneous and heterogeneous environments. Furthermore, the LMFA with the proposed UWB-PPM-ATS outperforms the LMFA with the traditional modulation method, especially for unknown propagation environment.
Topical Application of Chlorhexidine Gel with Brush-On Technique in the Tailored Treatment of Plaque Induced Gingivitis
Authors: Nardi Gianna Maria , Grassi Roberta , Campus Guglielmo , Pareti Maria Letizia , Stasio Dario Di , Petruzzi Massimo , della Vella Fedora
Published: August 2020

Aim: This study aimed to assess the action of a chlorhexidine-based brush-on gel application in the treatment of plaque-related gingivitis. Methods: The enrollment involved consecutive patients diagnosed with plaque-induced gingivitis. Each participant’s full mouth plaque score and gingival index were recorded at the first appointment (t0) and at follow ups after 1 week (t1), 2 weeks (t2) and 3 weeks (t4). All patients were randomly sorted into two groups: A study group, who was given instruction to brush their gums daily with a chlorhexidine gel, and a control group who received a placebo gel. The two groups’ data at baseline were compared using a chi-square test, while the t-Student and Mann–Whitney tests were employed to analyze the index’s trends, both separately and compared. Results: In total, 30 patients were enrolled, 15 referring to the study group and 15 to the control group. The study group had an 87% decrease in their plaque score and an 84% decrease in their gingival index (p < 0.05). The control group displayed a reduction in plaque score and gingival index of 74% and 84%, respectively (p < 0.05). The plaque score decreased statistically more significantly in the study group than in the control group. Conclusion: Topical employment of a chlorhexidine-containing brush-on gel appears to be a useful home tool in the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis, associated with professional debridement.
Punching Shear Stress in Post-Tensioned Transfer Plate of Multi-Story Buildings
Authors: Ahn Byeonguk , Kang Thomas H.-K. , Kang Su-Min , Yoon Jang Keun
Published: August 2020

The design of a post-tensioned transfer plate is typically controlled by shear force—in particular, punching shear at the slab-column connection. To verify the accuracy of the separated model only for one floor currently used in the design of a post-tensioned transfer plate, results were compared to a complete model with multi-story building system for which two representative residential building plans were used to emulate physical structural systems. Punching shear stress for the separated model was calculated using the eccentric shear stress model presented in ACI 318. Punching shear stress was found to be overestimated in the separated model, given that interaction between transfer plates and upper shear walls cannot be reflected therein. Differences at column locations were also noted as the number of stories below the transfer floor increased. Consequently, the separated model is not recommended for design of post-tensioned transfer plates. A complete model is more suitable for more realistic and potential cost-effective design, through the inclusion of the interaction between transfer plates and upper shear walls.
Optical Fibres for Condition Monitoring of Railway Infrastructure—Encouraging Data Source or Errant Effort?
Authors: Vidovic Ivan , Marschnig Stefan
Published: August 2020

The condition of railway infrastructure is currently assessed by track recording cars, wayside equipment, onboard monitoring techniques and visual inspections. These data sources deliver valuable information for infrastructure managers on the asset’s condition but are mostly carried out in time-based intervals. This paper examines the potential of fibre optic cables, which are already installed in cable troughs alongside railway tracks, to monitor railway infrastructure conditions. The sensing technique, known as distributed acoustic/vibration sensing (DAS/DVS), relies on the effect of Rayleigh scattering and transforms the optical fibre into an array of “virtual microphones” in the thousands. This sensing method has the ability to be used over long distances and thus provide information about the events taking place in the proximity of the monitored asset in real-time. This study outlines the potential of DAS for the identification of different track conditions and isolated track defects. The results are linked to asset data of the infrastructure manager to identify the root cause of the detected signal anomalies and pattern. A methodology such as this allows for condition-based and component-specific maintenance planning and execution and avoids the installation of additional sensors. DAS can pave the way toward a permanent and holistic assessment of railway tracks.
Fabrication and Characterization of Seawater Temperature Sensor with Self-Calibration Based on Optical Microfiber Coupler Interferometer
Authors: Zhou Lingjun , Yu Yang , Cao Liang , Huang Huimin , Tao Yuyu , Zhang Zhenfu , Wang Jianfei , Yang Junbo , Zhang Zhenrong
Published: August 2020

In this paper, a novel high-sensitivity temperature sensor with two sensing regions based on optical microfiber coupler interferometer (OMCI) for ocean application is proposed. The OMCI sensor is constructed by connecting Faraday mirrors to the two ports of the microfiber coupler respectively. Its sensing characteristics analysis and experimental test are conducted. Using a broad-spectrum light source as input light, temperature sensor demodulation can be implemented by tracking the drift of the characteristic wavelength (dip wavelength or peak wavelength) of the reflection spectrum. Experimental results show that the temperature sensitivity of the OMCI sensor can reach 1007.4 pm/°C and the detection dynamic range up to 17.6 °C. Besides, due to the two sensing regions in OMCI, self-calibration of seawater temperature sensing and optimization of multi-parameter cross-sensitive demodulation are performed by affecting the non-equal-arm interferometer through a specific package design of the external environment. The sensor has the advantages of high sensitivity, large dynamic range, small size, easy to manufacture, which will play an important role in the practical application of marine environment monitoring.
Structural Analysis of Factors Influencing the Costs of Facade System Implementation
Authors: Leśniak Agnieszka , Górka Monika
Published: August 2020

External facades of buildings and other structures shape the image of every building, creating the architecture of cities. Traditional concrete forms, as a symbol of durability and stability, have been replaced by lightweight enclosures—for example, in the form of aluminium–glass facades and ventilated facades. In this paper, the authors attempt to verify the strength of influence and relations between the identified factors shaping the costs of facade system implementation using structural analysis. On the basis of the collected quantitative and qualitative data obtained as a result of research on design documentation and cost estimates of implemented public buildings, as well as on the basis of interviews conducted among experts, factors which have a real impact on the costs of facade systems in the form of aluminium and glass facades and ventilated facades were identified. The indicated factors were analysed and classified using the method of structural analysis, namely the MICMAC method (refers to the French acronym for Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification). Particular influences and relations between factors were examined. Finally, six groups of factors influencing the costs of facade systems were identified, including regulatory factors that do not have a very strong impact on the level of costs, but which show a strong correlation with other factors; determinants that have a very strong impact on the costs; and a group of external factors that show the smallest influence on the estimation of façade cost.
Evaporative Mist Cooling as Heat Dissipation Technique: Experimental Assessment and Modelling
Authors: Guerrero Delgado MCarmen , Sánchez Ramos José , Álvarez Domínguez Servando , Toral Ulloa Francisco , Tenorio Ríos José Antonio
Published: August 2020

The severity of extreme weather conditions brought on by climate change are conditioning quality of life, economic development, and well-being in today’s cities. Conventional measures have been shown to be insufficient for tackling climate change and must be supplemented with ecofriendly approaches. Hence, the scientific community’s endeavor to develop natural cooling techniques that lower energy consumption while delivering satisfactory comfort levels. For its simplicity and low cost, evaporative cooling has gained in popularity in recent years. The substantial cooling power to be drawn from evaporative mist cooling, makes it an attractive alternative to conventional systems. Research conducted to date on the technique has focused on producing cold air, whilst cooling the water involved has been neither assessed nor experimentally validated. No readily applicable simplified model for the system able to use operating parameters as input variables has been defined either. The present study consequently aimed to experimentally assess the cooling power of the evaporation of sprayed water and experimentally validate a simplified model to assess and design such systems. The findings confirmed the cooling power of the technique, with declines in water temperature of up to 6 °C, and with it the promise afforded by this natural air conditioning method. Finally, simplified model developed allows to evaluate this technique like a conventional system for producing fresh water.
Tongue Posture, Tongue Movements, Swallowing, and Cerebral Areas Activation: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Scoppa Fabio , Saccomanno Sabina , Bianco Gianluca , Pirino Alessio
Published: August 2020

The aim of this study was to pinpoint the cerebral regions implicated during swallowing by comparing the brain activation areas associated with two different volitional movements: tongue protrusion and tongue elevation. Twenty-four healthy subjects (11—males 22 ± 2.9 y; 13—females 23 ± 4.1 y; were examined through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while performing two different swallowing tasks: with tongue protrusion and with tongue elevation. The study was carried out with the help of fMRI imaging which assesses brain signals caused by changes in neuronal activity in response to sensory, motor or cognitive tasks. The precentral gyrus and the cerebellum were activated during both swallowing tasks while the postcentral gyrus, thalamus, and superior parietal lobule could be identified as large activation foci only during the protrusion task. During protrusion tasks, increased activations were also seen in the left-middle and medial frontal gyrus, right thalamus, inferior parietal lobule, and the superior temporal gyrus (15,592-voxels; Z-score 5.49 ± 0.90). Tongue elevation activated a large volume of cortex portions within the left sub-gyral cortex and minor activations in both right and left inferior parietal lobules, right postcentral gyrus, lentiform nucleus, subcortical structures, the anterior cingulate, and left insular cortex (3601-voxels; Z-score 5.23 ± 0.52). However, the overall activation during swallowing tasks with tongue elevation, was significantly less than swallowing tasks with tongue protrusion. These results suggest that tongue protrusion (on inferior incisors) during swallowing activates a widely distributed network of cortical and subcortical areas than tongue elevation (on incisor papilla), suggesting a less economic and physiologically more complex movement. These neuromuscular patterns of the tongue confirm the different purpose of elevation and protrusion during swallowing and might help professionals manage malocclusions and orofacial myofunctional disorders.
Changes in Electroencephalography by Modulation of Interferential Current Stimulation
Authors: Cho Sung-Hyoun , Kim Seon-Chil
Published: August 2020

Interferential current (IFC) stimulation can alter pain perception. This study aimed to investigate the effects of IFC stimulation on motor cortex signals and observe how electroencephalography changes depend on IFC stimulation parameters. Forty-five healthy adults were divided into high frequency (HF)–low intensity (LI), HF–high intensity (HI), and low frequency (LF)–HI groups to compare their electroencephalography before, immediately after, and 30 min after current stimulation. The changes in relative beta power according to the intervention time showed significant differences between the HF–LI and HF–HI, as well as the LF–HI and HF–HI, groups in the C3 and P3 regions immediately after IFC stimulation. Similarly, the gamma band showed significant differences according to the intervention time between the LF–HI and HF–HI groups in the P3 region immediately following IFC intervention. For relative theta power, the interaction between group and time was significantly different in the Fp2, F3, F4, C3, C4, and P4 regions. Based on these results, we were able to map the activation in cerebral cortex regions according to the stimulation level, confirming changes in electroencephalogram activation through peripheral nerve stimulation. This study provides a foundation for future applications for selectively controlling feedback at a proper stimulation level in young adults.
Patient-Specific Surgical Implant Using Cavity-Filled Approach for Precise and Functional Mandible Reconstruction
Authors: Moiduddin Khaja , Mian Syed Hammad , Ameen Wadea , Alkindi Mohammed , Ramalingam Sundar , Alghamdi Osama
Published: August 2020

Mandibular reconstruction is a complicated task because of the complex nature of the regional anatomy. Computer-assisted tools are a promising means of improving the precision and safety of such complex surgeries. The digital techniques utilized in the reconstruction of mandibular defects based on medical data, computer-aided-design approaches, and three-dimensional (3D) printing are widely used to improve the patient’s aesthetic appearance and function, as well as the accuracy and quality of diagnosis, and surgical outcomes. Nevertheless, to ensure an acceptable aesthetical appearance and functional outcomes, the design must be based on proper anatomical reconstruction, mostly done in a virtual environment by skilled design engineers. Mirroring is one of the widely used techniques in the surgical navigation and reconstruction of mandibular defects. However, there are some discrepancies and mismatches in the mirrored anatomical models. Hence, in order to overcome these limitations in the mirroring technique, a novel approach called the cavity-filled technique was introduced. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of the newly recommended cavity-filled technique with the widely used mirror reconstruction technique in restoring mandibular defects. A prominent 3D comparison technique was employed in this work, where the resected and the reconstructed mandibles were superimposed to quantify the accuracy of the two techniques. From the analysis, it can be inferred that the cavity-filled technique with a root-mean-square value of 1.1019 mm produced better accuracy in contrast to the mirroring approach, which resulted in an error of 1.2683 mm. Consequently, by using the proposed cavity-filled design, the discrepancy between the reconstruction plate and the bone contour was mitigated. This method, owing to its high precision, can decrease the number of adjustments and the time of surgery, as well as ensure a quick recovery time with better implant tissue in-growth.
Advanced Prediction of Roadway Broken Rock Zone Based on a Novel Hybrid Soft Computing Model Using Gaussian Process and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Yu Zhi , Shi Xiuzhi , Zhou Jian , Huang Rendong , Gou Yonggang
Published: August 2020

A simple and accurate evaluation method of broken rock zone thickness (BRZT), which is usually used to describe the broken rock zone (BRZ), is meaningful, due to its ability to provide a reference for the roadway stability evaluation and support design. To create a relationship between various geological variables and the broken rock zone thickness (BRZT), the multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN), Gaussian process (GP) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO)-GP method were utilized, and the corresponding intelligence models were developed based on the database collected from various mines in China. Four variables including embedding depth (ED), drift span (DS), surrounding rock mass strength (RMS) and joint index (JI) were selected to train the intelligence model, while broken rock zone thickness (BRZT) is chosen as the output variable, and the k-fold cross-validation method was applied in the training process. After training, three validation metrics including variance account for (VAF), determination coefficient (R2) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were applied to describe the predictive performance of these developed models. After comparing performance based on a ranking method, the obtained results show that the PSO-GP model provides the best predictive performance in estimating broken rock zone thickness (BRZT). In addition, the sensitive effect of collected variables on broken rock zone thickness (BRZT) can be listed as JI, ED, DS and RMS, and JI was found to be the most sensitive factor.
A Low-Cost Automated Digital Microscopy Platform for Automatic Identification of Diatoms
Authors: Salido Jesús , Sánchez Carlos , Ruiz-Santaquiteria Jesús , Cristóbal Gabriel , Blanco Saul , Bueno Gloria
Published: August 2020

Currently, microalgae (i.e., diatoms) constitute a generally accepted bioindicator of water quality and therefore provide an index of the status of biological ecosystems. Diatom detection for specimen counting and sample classification are two difficult time-consuming tasks for the few existing expert diatomists. To mitigate this challenge, in this work, we propose a fully operative low-cost automated microscope, integrating algorithms for: (1) stage and focus control, (2) image acquisition (slide scanning, stitching, contrast enhancement), and (3) diatom detection and a prospective specimen classification (among 80 taxa). Deep learning algorithms have been applied to overcome the difficult selection of image descriptors imposed by classical machine learning strategies. With respect to the mentioned strategies, the best results were obtained by deep neural networks with a maximum precision of 86% (with the YOLO network) for detection and 99.51% for classification, among 80 different species (with the AlexNet network). All the developed operational modules are integrated and controlled by the user from the developed graphical user interface running in the main controller. With the developed operative platform, it is noteworthy that this work provides a quite useful toolbox for phycologists in their daily challenging tasks to identify and classify diatoms.
Thermodynamics and Magnetism of YCo5 Compound Doped with Fe and Ni: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Landa Alexander , Söderlind Per , Moore Emily E. , Perron Aurelien
Published: August 2020

YCo5 permanent magnet exhibits high uniaxial magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy and has a high Curie temperature. These are good properties for a permanent magnet, but YCo5 has a low energy product, which is notably insufficient for a permanent magnet. In order to improve the energy product in YCo5, we suggest replacing cobalt with iron, which has a much bigger magnetic moment. With a combination of density-functional-theory calculations and thermodynamic CALculation of PHAse Diagrams (CALPHAD) modeling, we show that a new magnet, YFe3(Ni1-xCox)2, is thermodynamically stable and exhibits an improved energy product without significant detrimental effects on the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy or the Curie temperature.
Surface Disinfection to Protect against Microorganisms: Overview of Traditional Methods and Issues of Emergent Nanotechnologies
Authors: Kchaou Mohamed , Abuhasel Khaled , Khadr Mosaad , Hosni Faouzi , Alquraish Mohammed
Published: August 2020

Sterilization methods for individuals and facilities are extremely important to enable human beings to continue the basic tasks of life and to enable safe and continuous interaction of citizens in society when outbreaks of viral pandemics such as the coronavirus. Sterilization methods, their availability in gatherings, and the efficiency of their work are among the important means to contain the spread of viruses and epidemics and enable societies to practice their activities almost naturally. Despite the effective solutions given by traditional methods of surface disinfection, modern nanotechnology has proven to be an emergent innovation to protect against viruses. On this note, recent scientific breakthroughs have highlighted the ability of nanospray technology to attach to air atoms in terms of size and time-period of existence as a sterilizer for renewed air in large areas for human gatherings. Despite the ability of this method to control the outbreak of infections, the mutation of bactericidal mechanisms presents a great issue for scientists. In recent years, science has explored a more performant approach and techniques based on a surface-resistance concept. The most emergent is the self-defensive antimicrobial known as the self-disinfection surface. It consists of the creation of a bacteria cell wall to resist the adhesion of bacteria or to kill bacteria by chemical or physical changes. Besides, plasma-mediated virus inactivation was shown as a clean, effective, and human healthy solution for surface disinfection. The purpose of this article is to deepen the discussion on the threat of traditional methods of surface disinfection and to assess the state of the art and potential solutions using emergent nanotechnology.
Effects of the Top Edge Impedance on Sound Barrier Diffraction
Authors: Huang Xiaofan , Zou Haishan , Qiu Xiaojun
Published: August 2020

Sound barriers can be configured with different top edge impedance to improve their noise control performance. In this paper, the integral equation method was used to calculate the sound field of a barrier with various top edge impedance, and the effects of the barrier top edge impedance on sound barrier diffraction were investigated. The simulation results showed that the noise reduction performance of a sound barrier with a soft boundary on its top edge was larger than that with a hard boundary, but there were some impedance values which, if assigned to the top edge boundary, would give the sound barrier even better noise reduction performance. It was found that the sound barrier with a good top edge impedance formed a dipole-like radiation pattern above the barrier to expand the effective range of the shadow zone. The research discoveries reported in this paper point out the potentials of using acoustics metamaterials or active control methods to implement the desired good impedance on the top edge of a sound barrier for better noise reduction.
Influence of Complex Terrain on Near-Surface Turbulence Structures over Loess Plateau
Authors: Liang Jiening , Guo Qi , Zhang Zhida , Zhang Min , Tian Pengfei , Zhang Lei
Published: August 2020

To study the influence of complex terrain with different scales on the structure of near-surface turbulence, the turbulence observational data from Semi-Arid Climate and Environment Observatory of Lanzhou University (SACOL) were analyzed. SACOL is located in typical Loess Plateau topography. The terrain around the site varies greatly with the direction. Representative data from the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest were selected to study the structure characteristics of the near surface turbulence. The complex topography within the flux footprint enhances the vertical scale of turbulence σw and thereby increases the vertical–longitudinal ratio of turbulence Ar. While the turbulent horizontal scale σu is also significantly affected by the distant terrain beyond the flux footprint. The upwind terrain undulation increases σu and reduces Ar. Affected by the complex terrain, the ratio of the spectrum of the vertical velocity to that of the longitudinal velocity, Sw(n)/Su(n), is far less than 4/3 in the southwest direction, and the turbulence is significantly anisotropic.
Heat Wave and Elderly Mortality: Historical Analysis and Future Projection for Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Diniz Fernanda Rodrigues , Gonçalves Fábio Luiz Teixeira , Sheridan Scott
Published: August 2020

The Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo (MRSP) is one of the main regions of Brazil that in recent years has shown an increase in the number of days with heat waves, mainly affecting the health of the most sensitive populations, such as the elderly. In this study, we identified the heat waves in the MRSP using three different definitions regarding the maximum daily temperature threshold. To analyze the impact of heat waves on elderly mortality, we used distributed lag nonlinear models (dlnm) and we quantified the heat wave-related excess mortality of elderly people from 1985 to 2005 and made projections for the near future (2030 to 2050) and the distant future (2079–2099) under the climate change scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 (RCP: Representative Concentration Paths). An important aspect of this research is that for the projections we take into account two assumptions: non-adaptation and adaptation to the future climate. Our projections show that the heat wave-related excess of elderly mortality will increase in the future, being highest when we consider no adaptation, mainly from cardiovascular diseases in women (up to 587 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants per year). This study can be used for public policies to implement preventive and adaptive measures in the MRSP.
Water Footprint Sustainability as a Tool to Address Climate Change in the Wine Sector: A Methodological Approach Applied to a Portuguese Case Study
Authors: Saraiva Artur , Presumido Pedro , Silvestre José , Feliciano Manuel , Rodrigues Gonçalo , Silva Pedro Oliveira e , Damásio Miguel , Ribeiro António , Ramôa Sofia , Ferreira Luís , Gonçalves Artur , Ferreira Albertina , Grifo Anabela , Paulo Ana , Ribeiro António Castro , Oliveira Adelaide , Dias Igor , Mira Helena , Amaral Anabela , Mamede Henrique , Oliveira Margarida
Published: August 2020

In the Mediterranean region, climate change is likely to generate an increase in water demand and the deterioration of its quality. The adoption of precision viticulture and the best available techniques aiming at sustainable production, minimizing the impact on natural resources and reducing production costs, has therefore been a goal of winegrowers. In this work, the water footprint (WFP) in the wine sector was evaluated, from the vineyard to the bottle, through the implementation of a methodology based on field experiments and life cycle assessment (LCA) on two Portuguese case studies. Regarding direct water footprint, it ranged from 366 to 899 L/FU (0.75 L bottle), with green water being the most significant component, representing more than 50% of the overall water footprint. The approach used in the current study revealed that although more than 97.5% of the water footprint is associated with vineyard, the winery stage is responsible for more than 75% of the global warming potential indicator. A linear correlation between the carbon footprint and the indirect blue water footprint was also observed for both case studies. Climate change is expected to cause an earlier and prolonged water stress period, resulting in an increase of about 40% to 82% of blue WFP.
A General Inertial Projection-Type Algorithm for Solving Equilibrium Problem in Hilbert Spaces with Applications in Fixed-Point Problems
Authors: Wairojjana Nopparat , Rehman Habib ur , De la Sen Manuel , Pakkaranang Nuttapol
Published: August 2020

A plethora of applications from mathematical programming, such as minimax, and mathematical programming, penalization, fixed point to mention a few can be framed as equilibrium problems. Most of the techniques for solving such problems involve iterative methods that is why, in this paper, we introduced a new extragradient-like method to solve equilibrium problems in real Hilbert spaces with a Lipschitz-type condition on a bifunction. The advantage of a method is a variable stepsize formula that is updated on each iteration based on the previous iterations. The method also operates without the previous information of the Lipschitz-type constants. The weak convergence of the method is established by taking mild conditions on a bifunction. For application, fixed-point theorems that involve strict pseudocontraction and results for pseudomonotone variational inequalities are studied. We have reported various numerical results to show the numerical behaviour of the proposed method and correlate it with existing ones.
Extracellular Vesicles: From Biomarkers to Therapeutic Tools
Authors: Bernardi Simona , Balbi Carolina
Published: August 2020

Intercellular communication is an essential hallmark of multicellular organisms and can be mediated through direct cell–cell contact or transfer of secreted molecules. In the last two decades, a third mechanism for intercellular communication has emerged that involves intercellular transfer of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are membranous vesicles of 30–5000 nm in size. Based on their dimension and biogenesis, EVs can be divided into different categories, such as microvesicles, apoptotic bodies, ectosomes, and exosomes. It has already been demonstrated that protein changes, expressed on the surfaces or in the content of these vesicles, may reflect the status of producing cells. For this reason, EVs, and exosomes in particular, are considered ideal biomarkers in several types of disease—from cancer diagnosis to heart rejection. This aspect opens different opportunities in EVs clinical application, considering the importance given to liquid biopsy in the recent years. Furthermore, extracellular vesicles can be natural or engineered carriers of cytoprotective or cytotoxic factors and applied, as a therapeutic tool, from regenerative medicine to target cancer therapy. This is of pivotal importance in the so called “era of the 4P medicine”. This Editorial focuses on recent findings pertaining to EVs in different medical areas, from biomarkers to therapeutic applications.
A Simplified Iohexol-Based Method to Measure Renal Function in Sheep Models of Renal Disease
Authors: Luis-Lima Sergio , Mas-Sanmartin Carolina , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Ana Elena , Porrini Esteban , Ortiz Alberto , Gaspari Flavio , Diaz-Martin Laura , Åsberg Anders , Jenssen Trond , Jiménez-Sosa Alejandro , Martinez-Ros Paula , Gonzalez-Bulnes Antonio
Published: August 2020

Sheep are highly adequate models for human renal diseases because of their many similarities in the histology and physiology of kidney and pathogenesis of kidney diseases. However, the lack of a simple method to measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR) limits its use as a model of renal diseases. Hence, we aimed to develop a simple method to measure GFR based on the plasma clearance of iohexol by assessing different pharmacokinetic models: (a) CL2: two-compartment (samples from 15 to 420 min; reference method); (b) CL1: one-compartment (samples from 60 to 420 min); (c) CLlf: CL1 adjusted by a correction formula and (d) SM: simplified CL2 (15 to 300 min). Specific statistics of agreement were used to test the models against CL2. The agreement between CL1 and CL2 was low, but both CL1f and SM showed excellent agreement with CL2, as indicated by a total deviation index of ~5–6%, a concordance correlation of 0.98–0.99% and a coverage probability of 99–100%, respectively. Hence, the SM approach is preferable due to a reduced number of samples and shorter duration of the procedure; two points that improve animal management and welfare.
Fumonisin B1-Induced Changes in Cotton Fiber Elongation Revealed by Sphingolipidomics and Proteomics
Authors: Wang Li , Liu Chen , Liu Yujie , Luo Ming
Published: August 2020

Sphingolipids are essential biomolecules and membrane components, but their regulatory role in cotton fiber development is poorly understood. Here, we found that fumonisin B1 (FB1)—a sphingolipid synthesis inhibitor—could block fiber elongation severely. Using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we detected 95 sphingolipids that were altered by FB1 treatment; of these, 29 (mainly simple sphingolipids) were significantly increased, while 33 (mostly complex sphingolipids) were significantly decreased. A quantitative analysis of the global proteome, using an integrated quantitative approach with tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling and LC-MS/MS, indicated the upregulation of 633 and the downregulation of 672 proteins after FB1 treatment. Most differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were involved in processes related to phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis. In addition, up to 20 peroxidases (POD) were found to be upregulated, and POD activity was also increased by the inhibitor. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the effects of FB1 treatment on cotton fiber and ovule sphingolipidomics and proteomics. Our findings provide target metabolites and biological pathways for cotton fiber improvement.
Branched-Chain Fatty Acids as Mediators of the Activation of Hepatic Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha by a Fungal Lipid Extract
Authors: Maheshwari Garima , Ringseis Robert , Wen Gaiping , Gessner Denise K. , Rost Johanna , Fraatz Marco A. , Zorn Holger , Eder Klaus
Published: August 2020

The study aimed to test the hypothesis that monomethyl branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and a lipid extract of Conidiobolus heterosporus (CHLE), rich in monomethyl BCFAs, are able to activate the nuclear transcription factor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). Rat Fao cells were incubated with the monomethyl BCFAs 12-methyltridecanoic acid (MTriA), 12-methyltetradecanoic acid (MTA), isopalmitic acid (IPA) and 14-methylhexadecanoic acid (MHD), and the direct activation of PPARalpha was evaluated by reporter gene assay using a PPARalpha responsive reporter gene. Furthermore, Fao cells were incubated with different concentrations of the CHLE and PPARalpha activation was also evaluated by using the reporter gene assay, and by determining the mRNA concentrations of selected PPARalpha target genes by real-time RT-PCR. The reporter gene assay revealed that IPA and the CHLE, but not MTriA, MHD and MTA, activate the PPARalpha responsive reporter gene. CHLE dose-dependently increased mRNA concentrations of the PPARalpha target genes acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX1), cytochrome P450 4A1 (CYP4A1), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and solute carrier family 22 (organic cation/carnitine transporter), member 5 (SLC22A5). In conclusion, the monomethyl BCFA IPA is a potent PPARalpha activator. CHLE activates PPARalpha-dependent gene expression in Fao cells, an effect that is possibly mediated by IPA.