bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation and Calibration of a Measurement System for Testing Electric Motors
Authors: Szántó Attila , Garai Henrik András , Ádámkó Éva , Sziki Gusztáv Áron
Published: February 2024

The authors have been dealing with the modelling and simulation of electric vehicles and motors for many years. Knowing their electromagnetic and dynamic characteristics is essential for the simulation of electric motors. These data have to be determined experimentally because the manufacturers usually do not provide them. In the last two years, we have designed and realised a measurement system for testing electric motors at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Debrecen. In this publication, we present the validation and calibration of the individual components of the above system, the applied methods and procedures, and the obtained results.
The Baroque Renovation of the Medieval Franciscan Church of Jászberény
Authors: Turi Olivér
Published: February 2024

This study discusses the Franciscan church in Jászberény, originally built in the Middle Ages. The methods of Bauforschung/building archaeology were used in the attempt to create a theoretic recon-struction of the church's former appearance, involving laser scanning and point cloud data. The re-search focused mainly on the attic space, more specifically, on the question of the former vaults of the church.
Air Traffic Controller Fatigue Detection by Applying a Dual-Stream Convolutional Neural Network to the Fusion of Radiotelephony and Facial Data
Authors: Xu Lin , Ma Shanxiu , Shen Zhiyuan , Nan Ying
Published: February 2024

The role of air traffic controllers is to direct and manage highly dynamic flights. Their work requires both efficiency and accuracy. Previous studies have shown that fatigue in air traffic controllers can impair their work ability and even threaten flight safety, which makes it necessary to carry out research into how to optimally detect fatigue in controllers. Compared with single-modality fatigue detection methods, multi-modal detection methods can fully utilize the complementarity between diverse types of information. Considering the negative impacts of contact-based fatigue detection methods on the work performed by air traffic controllers, this paper proposes a novel AF dual-stream convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture that simultaneously extracts controller radio telephony fatigue features and facial fatigue features and performs two-class feature-fusion discrimination. This study designed two independent convolutional processes for facial images and radio telephony data and performed feature-level fusion of the extracted radio telephony and facial image features in the fully connected layer, with the fused features transmitted to the classifier for fatigue state discrimination. The experimental results show that the detection accuracy of radio telephony features under a single modality was 62.88%, the detection accuracy of facial images was 96.0%, and the detection accuracy of the proposed AF dual-stream CNN network architecture reached 98.03% and also converged faster. In summary, a dual-stream network architecture based on facial data and radio telephony data is proposed for fatigue detection that is faster and more accurate than the other methods assessed in this study.
Influence of Swine Wastewater Irrigation and Straw Return on the Accumulation of Selected Metallic Elements in Soil and Plants
Authors: Li Siyi , Tao Zhen , Liu Yuan , Li Shengshu , Kama Rakhwe , Hu Chao , Fan Xiangyang , Li Zhongyang
Published: February 2024

Treated livestock wastewater reuse for irrigation and straw return in arid regions have become common practices worldwide. However, many uncertainties still exist regarding the effects of the returning straw sizes on heavy metal accumulation in soil and plants under treated livestock wastewater irrigation. In a pot experiment growing maize and soybean, large (5–10 cm), medium (1–5 cm), and small (<1 cm) sizes of wheat straw were amended to assess the changes in Cu and Zn distribution in the rhizosphere, bulk soils, and plants. Groundwater and swine wastewater were used as irrigation water resources. The results showed that irrigation with swine wastewater significantly reduced soil pH and increased the concentration of soil-available potassium. Concentrations of Cu in soil were more sensitive to swine wastewater and straw application than those of Zn in soil. Swine wastewater irrigation increased the accumulation of Cu and Zn in plants with higher concentrations of Zn, while straw return tended to inhibit this increase, especially when a small size of straw was employed. In addition to providing a reference for revealing the interaction mechanism between swine wastewater irrigation and straw return, this study proposes feasible solutions to improve the efficiency of agricultural waste recycling and realize sustainable agricultural development.
DiffuCNN: Tobacco Disease Identification and Grading Model in Low-Resolution Complex Agricultural Scenes
Authors: Xiong Huizhong , Gao Xiaotong , Zhang Ningyi , He Haoxiong , Tang Weidong , Yang Yingqiu , Chen Yuqian , Jiao Yang , Song Yihong , Yan Shuo
Published: February 2024

A novel deep learning model, DiffuCNN, is introduced in this paper, specifically designed for counting tobacco lesions in complex agricultural settings. By integrating advanced image processing techniques with deep learning methodologies, the model significantly enhances the accuracy of detecting tobacco lesions under low-resolution conditions. After detecting lesions, the grading of the disease severity is achieved through counting. The key features of DiffuCNN include a resolution enhancement module based on diffusion, an object detection network optimized through filter pruning, and the employment of the CentralSGD optimization algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that DiffuCNN surpasses other models in precision, with respective values of 0.98 on precision, 0.96 on recall, 0.97 on accuracy, and 62 FPS. Particularly in counting tobacco lesions, DiffuCNN exhibits an exceptional performance, attributable to its efficient network architecture and advanced image processing techniques. The resolution enhancement module based on diffusion amplifies minute details and features in images, enabling the model to more effectively recognize and count tobacco lesions. Concurrently, filter pruning technology reduces the model’s parameter count and computational burden, enhancing the processing speed while retaining the capability to recognize key features. The application of the CentralSGD optimization algorithm further improves the model’s training efficiency and final performance. Moreover, an ablation study meticulously analyzes the contribution of each component within DiffuCNN. The results reveal that each component plays a crucial role in enhancing the model performance. The inclusion of the diffusion module significantly boosts the model’s precision and recall, highlighting the importance of optimizing at the model’s input end. The use of filter pruning and the CentralSGD optimization algorithm effectively elevates the model’s computational efficiency and detection accuracy.
Optimal Design and Dynamic Characteristic Analysis of Double-Link Trapezoidal Suspension for 3WPYZ High Gap Self-Propelled Sprayer
Authors: Liu Changxi , Hu Jun , Yu Zhaonan , Li Yufei , Zhao Shengxue , Li Qingda , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2024

A fast spraying speed, wide working area, and easy operation are the operational advantages of high-clearance boom sprayers. To address the issue of spray boom mechanical vibration affecting the spraying effect, a double-link trapezoidal boom suspension is designed for the 3WPYZ sprayer. This suspension can achieve passive vibration reduction, active balance, and ground profiling. The kinematic model of the boom suspension is established based on D’Alembert’s principle and the principle of multi-body dynamics, and the design factors affecting the stability of the boom are determined. Through orthogonal experimental design and virtual kinematics simulation, the influence of the boom length and orifice diameter of each part on the swing angle and the natural frequency of the boom suspension is investigated. Design-Expert 8.0.6 software is used to analyze and optimize the test results. The optimization results show that, when the connecting boom length LAB is 265 mm, the inner boom suspension boom length LAD is 840 mm, the outer boom suspension boom length LBC is 1250 mm, and the throttle hole diameter d is 4 mm; the maximum swing angle of the boom suspension is reduced by 53.02%. In addition, the natural frequency of the boom is reduced from 1.3143 rad/s to 1.1826 rad/s, and the dynamic characteristic optimization effect is remarkable. The modal analysis results show that the first sixth-order vibration test frequency of the boom sprayer suspension designed in this paper meets the requirements and avoids the influence of external factors. Field tests show that, when the sprayer is excited by the environment at 3.5° to 4°, the boom suspension can reduce the vibration transmitted by the body to a reasonable range. The static analysis shows that the structural design of this study reduces the stress at the connection of the end boom suspension, the maximum displacement, and the maximum stress of the inner boom suspension. The test results of the dynamic characteristics of the implement are basically consistent with the virtual model simulation test results, thus achieving the optimization objectives.
Wheat Teacher: A One-Stage Anchor-Based Semi-Supervised Wheat Head Detector Utilizing Pseudo-Labeling and Consistency Regularization Methods
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yao Mingwei , Qiu Zijie , Zhang Lizhuo , Li Wei , Shen Yue
Published: February 2024

Wheat breeding heavily relies on the observation of various traits during the wheat growth process. Among all traits, wheat head density stands out as a particularly crucial characteristic. Despite the realization of high-throughput phenotypic data collection for wheat, the development of efficient and robust models for extracting traits from raw data remains a significant challenge. Numerous fully supervised target detection algorithms have been employed to address the wheat head detection problem. However, constrained by the exorbitant cost of dataset creation, especially the manual annotation cost, fully supervised target detection algorithms struggle to unleash their full potential. Semi-supervised training methods can leverage unlabeled data to enhance model performance, addressing the issue of insufficient labeled data. This paper introduces a one-stage anchor-based semi-supervised wheat head detector, named “Wheat Teacher”, which combines two semi-supervised methods, pseudo-labeling, and consistency regularization. Furthermore, two novel dynamic threshold components, Pseudo-label Dynamic Allocator and Loss Dynamic Threshold, are designed specifically for wheat head detection scenarios to allocate pseudo-labels and filter losses. We conducted detailed experiments on the largest wheat head public dataset, GWHD2021. Compared with various types of detectors, Wheat Teacher achieved a mAP0.5 of 92.8% with only 20% labeled data. This result surpassed the test outcomes of two fully supervised object detection models trained with 100% labeled data, and the difference with the other two fully supervised models trained with 100% labeled data was within 1%. Moreover, Wheat Teacher exhibits improvements of 2.1%, 3.6%, 5.1%, 37.7%, and 25.8% in mAP0.5 under different labeled data usage ratios of 20%, 10%, 5%, 2%, and 1%, respectively, validating the effectiveness of our semi-supervised approach. These experiments demonstrate the significant potential of Wheat Teacher in wheat head detection.
Biological Exploration and Physicochemical Characteristics of Tomato Brown Rugose Fruit Virus in Several Host Crops
Authors: Vasquez Gutierrez Ubilfrido , López López Henry , Frías Treviño Gustavo Alberto , Delgado Ortiz Juan Carlos , Flores Olivas Alberto , Aguirre Uribe Luis Alberto , Hernández Juarez Agustín
Published: February 2024

Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is considered an emerging disease and a viral pandemic for tomato consumers. The objectives of this research were to analyze the biological and physicochemical characteristics of ToBRFV in tomato and tobacco plants, as well as to evaluate its natural host range. Inoculant seeds were recovered from ToBRFV-infected tomato samples in Coahuila, Mexico, and confirmed by RT-PCR. In the first greenhouse experiment, tomato plants of the F1 hybrid variety 172–300 (Yüksel), infected with ToBRFV, were used to evaluate viral inclusions (VI), dilution endpoint (DEP), the incubation period (IP), and latency period (LP). In a greenhouse experiment, Nicotiana longiflora plants were inoculated with ToBRFV to determine the in vitro longevity (IVL) and thermal inactivation (TI) of the virus in sap. Finally, the inoculation of tomato plants grown in open fields was carried out to evaluate transmission to natural hosts. The plants tested for possible ToBRFV reservoirs near the inoculum source were inspected and confirmed by a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA). The results indicate that the VIs on tomato leaves manifested as X-bodies and rounded, stacked plaques within epidermal cells. The DEP required to induce the infection in plants was from a ToBRFV concentration of 1 × 10−5.5, the IP of ToBRFV occurred 9 to 12 days post-inoculation, and LP could be detected one day after inoculation. The TI of ToBRFV in N. longiflora plants occurred at 85 °C for 30 min. Ipomoea purpurea, Mirabilis jalapa, Clematis drummondii, and Solanum tuberosum were newly identified hosts of ToBRFV. The results found contribute to a better understanding of the impact of ToBRFV, managing and preventing the spread of ToBRFV in diverse environments.
The Influence of Sugar Beet Cultivation Technologies on the Intensity and Species Biodiversity of Weeds
Authors: Kotlánová Barbora , Hledík Pavel , Hudec Stanislav , Martínez Barroso Petra , Vaverková Magdalena Daria , Jiroušek Martin , Winkler Jan
Published: February 2024

Sugar beet production is highly affected by weeds. The structure of crop rotation, the use of intercrops and different tillage techniques bring several benefits to sugar beet cultivation and create different living conditions for weeds. The response of weed communities in sugar beet stands has not been studied. The experimental plot is in the cadastral area of Ivanovice na Hané (Czech Republic). During an eight-year monitoring period (2013–2020), 46 weed species were identified. The dominant species was Chenopodium album. There were also summer and winter weeds. A more varied crop rotation increased the intensity of weed infestation, with winter weeds being the most common. On the contrary, a higher proportion of cereals in the crop structure favors the presence of summer weeds. The tillage technology and the inclusion of catch crops did not significantly affect the intensity of weed infestation in sugar beet stands or the spectrum of weed species. Current cropping technologies have driven the evolution of weeds. Due to their short life cycles and relatively simple genomes, weeds can respond very quickly to technological measures and, thus, change their harmfulness.
Synthesis of 3-((4-Hydroxyphenyl)amino)propanoic Acid Derivatives as Promising Scaffolds for the Development of Antimicrobial Candidates Targeting Multidrug-Resistant Bacterial and Fungal Pathogens
Authors: Kavaliauskas Povilas , Grybaitė Birutė , Sapijanskaitė-Banevič Birutė , Vaickelionienė Rita , Petraitis Vidmantas , Petraitienė Rūta , Naing Ethan , Garcia Andrew , Grigalevičiūtė Ramunė , Mickevičius Vytautas
Published: February 2024

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens represent a significant global health concern, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, it is crucial to develop novel compounds targeting drug-resistant microbial strains. Herein, we report the synthesis of amino acid derivatives bearing an incorporated 4-hydroxyphenyl moiety with various substitutions. The resultant novel 3-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)propanoic acid derivatives 2–37 exhibited structure-dependent antimicrobial activity against both ESKAPE group bacteria and drug-resistant Candida species. Furthermore, these derivatives demonstrated substantial activity against Candida auris, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 64 µg/mL. Hydrazones 14–16, containing heterocyclic substituents, showed the most potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This activity extended to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with MIC values ranging from 1 to 8 µg/mL, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (0.5–2 µg/mL), Gram-negative pathogens (MIC 8–64 µg/mL), and drug-resistant Candida species (MIC 8–64 µg/mL), including Candida auris. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential utility of the novel 3-((4-hydroxyphenyl)amino)propanoic acid scaffold for further development as a foundational platform for novel antimicrobial agents targeting emerging and drug-resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Emergence of Carbapenemase Genes in Gram-Negative Bacteria Isolated from the Wastewater Treatment Plant in A Coruña, Spain
Authors: Nasser-Ali Mohammed , Aja-Macaya Pablo , Conde-Pérez Kelly , Trigo-Tasende Noelia , Rumbo-Feal Soraya , Fernández-González Ana , Bou Germán , Poza Margarita , Vallejo Juan A.
Published: February 2024

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are recognized as important niches of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can be easily spread to the environment. In this study, we collected wastewater samples from the WWTP of A Coruña (NW Spain) from April 2020 to February 2022 to evaluate the presence of Gram-negative bacteria harboring carbapenemase genes. Bacteria isolated from wastewater were classified and their antimicrobial profiles were determined. In total, 252 Gram-negative bacteria carrying various carbapenemase genes were described. Whole-genome sequencing was conducted on 55 selected carbapenemase producing isolates using Oxford Nanopore technology. This study revealed the presence of a significant population of bacteria carrying carbapenemase genes in WWTP, which constitutes a public health problem due to their risk of dissemination to the environment. This emphasizes the usefulness of WWTP monitoring for combating antibiotic resistance. Data revealed the presence of different types of sequences harboring carbapenemase genes, such as blaKPC-2, blaGES-5, blaGES-6, blaIMP-11, blaIMP-28, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-48, blaOXA-58, blaOXA-217, and blaVIM-2. Importantly, the presence of the blaKPC-2 gene in wastewater, several months before any clinical case was detected in University Hospital of A Coruña, suggests that wastewater-based epidemiology can be used as an early warning system for the surveillance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
NMDA Receptors Regulate Oxidative Damage in Keratinocytes during Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in HaCaT Cells and Male Rats
Authors: Wen Bei , Zhu He , Xu Jijun , Xu Li , Huang Yuguang
Published: February 2024

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), a type of primary chronic pain, occurs following trauma or systemic disease and typically affects the limbs. CRPS-induced pain responses result in vascular, cutaneous, and autonomic nerve alterations, seriously impacting the quality of life of affected individuals. We previously identified the involvement of keratinocyte N-methyl-d-asparagic acid (NMDA) receptor subunit 2 B (NR2B) in both peripheral and central sensitizations in CRPS, although the mechanisms whereby NR2B functions following activation remain unclear. Using an in vivo male rat model of chronic post-ischemia pain (CPIP) and an in vitro oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) cell model, we discovered that oxidative injury occurs in rat keratinocytes and HaCaT cells, resulting in reduced cell viability, mitochondrial damage, oxidative damage of nucleotides, and increased apoptosis. In HaCaT cells, OGD/R induced increases in intracellular reactive oxygen species levels and disrupted the balance between oxidation and antioxidation by regulating a series of antioxidant genes. The activation of NMDA receptors via NMDA exacerbated these changes, whereas the inhibition of the NR2B subunit alleviated them. Co-administration of ifenprodil (an NR2B antagonist) and NMDA (an NMDA receptor agonist) during the reoxygenation stage did not result in any significant alterations. Furthermore, intraplantar injection of ifenprodil effectively reversed the altered gene expression that was observed in male CPIP rats, thereby revealing the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of peripheral ifenprodil administration in CRPS. Collectively, our findings indicate that keratinocytes undergo oxidative injury in CRPS, with NMDA receptors playing regulatory roles.
A Mixture of Formic Acid, Benzoic Acid, and Essential Oils Enhanced Growth Performance via Modulating Nutrient Uptake, Mitochondrion Metabolism, and Immunomodulation in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Wang Xinyu , Deng Tanyi , Zhou Xuemei , Chu Licui , Zeng Xiangfang , Zhang Shihai , Guan Wutai , Chen Fang
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a complex comprising formic acid, benzoic acid, and essential oils (AO3) on the growth performance of weaned piglets and explore the underlying mechanism. Dietary AO3 supplementation significantly enhanced the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), while decreasing the feed conversion rate (FCR) and diarrhea rate (p < 0.05). Additionally, AO3 addition altered the fecal microflora composition with increased abundance of f_Prevotellaceae. LPS challenges were further conducted to investigate the detailed mechanism underlying the benefits of AO3 supplementation. The piglets fed with AO3 exhibited a significant increase in villus height and decrease in crypt depth within the jejunum, along with upregulation of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-1 (p < 0.05) compared with those piglets subjected to LPS. Furthermore, AO3 supplementation significantly ameliorated redox disturbances (T-AOC, SOD, and GSH) and inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12) in both the serum and jejunum of piglets induced by LPS, accompanied by suppressed activation of the MAPK signaling pathway (ERK, JNK, P38) and NF-κB. The LPS challenge downregulated the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway, mRNA levels of electron transport chain complexes, and key enzymes involved in ATP synthesis, which were significantly restored by the AO3 supplementation. Additionally, AO3 supplementation restored the reduced transport of amino acids, glucose, and fatty acids induced by LPS back to the levels observed in the control group. In conclusion, dietary AO3 supplementation positively affected growth performance and gut microbiota composition, also enhancing intestinal barrier integrity, nutrient uptake, and energy metabolism, as well as alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation under LPS stimulation.
5′-Cytimidine Monophosphate Ameliorates H2O2-Induced Muscular Atrophy in C2C12 Myotubes by Activating IRS-1/Akt/S6K Pathway
Authors: Wu Xin , Zhu Na , He Lixia , Xu Meihong , Li Yong
Published: February 2024

Age-related muscle atrophy (sarcopenia), characterized by reduced skeletal muscle mass and muscle strength, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, which is especially true for older people, and can seriously damage health and quality of life in older adults. This study aims to investigate the beneficial effects of 5′-cytimidine monophosphate (CMP) on H2O2-induced muscular atrophy in C2C12 myotubes. C2C12 myotubes were treated with H2O2 in the presence and absence of CMP and the changes in the anti-oxidation, mitochondrial functions, and expression of sarcopenia-related proteins were observed. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that CMP significantly increased the diameter of myotubes. We found that CMP could increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes and improve mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as reduce inflammatory cytokine levels associated with sarcopenia. RNA-seq analysis showed that CMP could relieve insulin resistance and promote protein digestion and absorption. Western blot analysis further confirmed that CMP could promote the activation of the IRS-1/Akt/S6K signaling pathway and decrease the expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1, which are important markers of muscle atrophy. The above results suggest that CMP protects myotubes from H2O2-induced atrophy and that its potential mechanism is associated with activating the IRS-1/Akt/S6K pathway to promote protein synthesis by improving mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin resistance. These results indicate that CMP can improve aging-related sarcopenia.
The Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Wild Bilberry Fruit Extracts Embedded in Mesoporous Silica-Type Supports: A Stability Study
Authors: Brezoiu Ana-Maria , Deaconu Mihaela , Mitran Raul-Augustin , Sedky Nada K. , Schiets Frédéric , Marote Pedro , Voicu Iulia-Stefania , Matei Cristian , Ziko Laila , Berger Daniela
Published: February 2024

Polyphenolic extracts from wild bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) have shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, but they are prone to degradation when exposed to environmental factors, limiting their use in biomedical applications. To overcome this issue, this study proposed the embedding of wild bilberry fruit ethanolic extracts in pristine mesoporous silica functionalized with organic groups (mercaptopropyl and propionic acid), as well as coated with fucoidan, a biopolymer. Herein, we report a stability study of free and incorporated extracts in mesoporous silica-type supports in high-humidity atmospheres at 40 °C up to 28 days, using HPLC analysis, thermal analysis, and radical scavenging activity determination. Better chemical and thermal stability over time was observed when the extracts were incorporated in mesoporous silica-type supports. After 12 months of storage, higher values of antioxidant activity were determined for the extract embedded in the supports, silica modified with mercaptopropyl groups (MCM-SH), and fucoidan-coated silica (MCM-SH-Fuc) than that of the free extract due to a synergistic activity between the support and extract. All encapsulated extracts demonstrated remarkable effects in reducing NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The treatment with extract embedded in MCM-SH-Fuc in a dose of 10 μg/mL surpassed the effect of free extract in the same concentration. For the extract encapsulated in an MCM-SH support, a lower IC50 value (0.69 μg/mL) towards COX-2 was obtained, comparable with that of Indomethacin (0.6 μg/mL). Also, this sample showed a higher selectivity index (2.71) for COX-2 than the reference anti-inflammatory drug (0.98). The developed formulations with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties could be further used in nutraceuticals.
PGC-1α-Coordinated Hypothalamic Antioxidant Defense Is Linked to SP1-LanCL1 Axis during High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity in Male Mice
Authors: Shi Shuai , Wang Jichen , Gong Huan , Huang Xiaohua , Mu Bin , Cheng Xiangyu , Feng Bin , Jia Lanlan , Luo Qihui , Liu Wentao , Chen Zhengli , Huang Chao
Published: February 2024

High-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity parallels hypothalamic inflammation and oxidative stress, but the correlations between them are not well-defined. Here, with mouse models targeting the antioxidant gene LanCL1 in the hypothalamus, we demonstrate that impaired hypothalamic antioxidant defense aggravates HFD-induced hypothalamic inflammation and obesity progress, and these could be improved in mice with elevated hypothalamic antioxidant defense. We also show that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a critical transcriptional coactivator, is implicated in regulating hypothalamic LanCL1 transcription, in collaboration with SP1 through a direct interaction, in response to HFD-induced palmitic acid (PA) accumulation. According to our results, when exposed to HFD, mice undergo a process of overwhelming hypothalamic antioxidant defense; short-time HFD exposure induces ROS production to activate PGC-1α and elevate LanCL1-mediated antioxidant defense, while long-time exposure promotes ubiquitin-mediated PGC-1α degradation and suppresses LanCL1 expression. Our findings show the critical importance of the hypothalamic PGC-1α-SP1-LanCL1 axis in regulating HFD-induced obesity, and provide new insights describing the correlations of hypothalamic inflammation and oxidative stress during this process.
Maternal Malic Acid May Ameliorate Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Sows through Modulating Gut Microbiota and Host Metabolic Profiles during Late Pregnancy
Authors: Chen Meixia , Zhao Ying , Li Shuang , Chang Zhuo , Liu Hui , Zhang Dongyan , Wang Sixin , Zhang Xin , Wang Jing
Published: February 2024

Sows suffer oxidative stress and inflammation induced by metabolic burden during late pregnancy, which negatively regulates reproductive and lactating performances. We previously found that L-malic acid (MA) alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation and improved reproductive performances in sows. However, the mechanism underlying the MA’s positive effects remains unexplored. Here, twenty Large White × Landrace sows with similar parity were randomly divided into two groups and fed with a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 2% L-malic acid complex from day 85 of gestation to delivery. The gut microbiome, fecal short-chain fatty acids, and untargeted serum metabolome were determined. Results showed that Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Spirochaetota were the top abundant phyla identified in late pregnancy for sows. Maternal MA supplementation modulated the composition but not the richness and diversity of gut microbiota during late pregnancy. Correlation analysis between gut microbiota and antioxidant capacity (or inflammation indicators) revealed that unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, UCG-002, norank_f_norank_o_RF3, and Lactobacillus might play a role in anti-oxidation, and Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, UCG-002, unclassified_f_Ruminococcaceae, Candidatus_Soleaferrea, norank_f_UCG-010, norank_f_norank_o_RF39, and unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae might be involved in the anti-inflammatory effect. The improved antioxidant and inflammation status induced by MA might be independent of short chain fatty acid changes. In addition, untargeted metabolomics analysis exhibited different metabolic landscapes of sows in the MA group from in the control group and revealed the contribution of modified amino acid and lipid metabolism to the improved antioxidant capacity and inflammation status. Notably, correlation results of gut microbiota and serum metabolites, as well as serum metabolites and antioxidant capacity (or inflammation indicators), demonstrated that differential metabolism was highly related to the fecal microorganisms and antioxidant or inflammation indicators. Collectively, these data demonstrated that a maternal dietary supply of MA can ameliorate oxidative stress and inflammation in sows through modulating gut microbiota and host metabolic profiles during late pregnancy.
Bacillus subtilis Simultaneously Detoxified Aflatoxin B1 and Zearalenone
Authors: Wu Jianwen , Wang Zhenlong , An Wei , Gao Boquan , Li Chunxiao , Han Bing , Tao Hui , Wang Jinquan , Wang Xiumin , Li Huanrong
Published: February 2024

The co-occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and zearalenone (ZEN) in grain-based food and animal feed poses significant health risks to humans and animals due to their potent mutagenic, cytotoxic, and carcinogenic properties. Conventional physical and chemical methods are insufficient for effectively detoxifying multiple mycotoxins present in food and feed. In this study, we evaluated the capability of Bacillus subtilis ZJ-2019-1 (B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1) to simultaneously degrade AFB1 and ZEN while optimizing reaction to enhance degradation efficiency. The localization of active ingredients from B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Our findings demonstrated that B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 eliminated 60.88% of AFB1 and 33.18% of ZEN within 72 h at a concentration of 10 mg/L at 37 °C (pH 7.0) and exerted greater activity under alkaline conditions. The autoclaved and boiled supernatants of B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 exhibited significant enhancement in the degradation of AFB1 and ZEN, achieving degradation rates of 79.85% and 100%, respectively, at a concentration of 1 mg/L within 48 h at 37 °C. Moreover, the crude enzymes from B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 showed maximum degradation rates for AFB1 (100%) and ZEN (94.29%) within 72 h at 70 °C. Additionally, divalent cations (such as Co2+, Fe2+, Mn2+, and Ni2+) significantly augmented the activity of crude enzymes from B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 towards mycotoxin degradation. Furthermore, when applied to corn gluten meals, B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 strain effectively detoxify 66.08% of AFB1 and 22.01% of ZEN, surpassing the efficacy of a commercial detoxification agent on the market (34.17% for AFB1 and 2.28% for ZEN). Collectively, these findings indicated that B. subtilis ZJ-2019-1 is a promising candidate for the simultaneous removal of multiple mycotoxins in food and feed, while addressing health concerns associated with harmful mycotoxins.
Mineralurgical and Environmental Characterization of the Mine Tailings of the IOCG Mine of Guelb Moghrein, Akjoujt, Mauritania
Authors: Ba NDiarel Baidy , Souissi Radhia , Manai Faouzi , Taviche Imad Khalil , Bejaoui Bochra , Bagga Mohamed Abdallahi , Souissi Fouad
Published: February 2024

Since 2004, the processing of the iron oxide–copper–gold (IOCG) ore of Guelb Moghrein, Akjoujt, Mauritania, has resulted in the generation of approximately 40 million tons of mine tailings. The storage of these tailings poses significant environmental challenges particularly to surface and underground water resources. To address this issue, we propose an approach involving both mineralurgical and environmental characterization. Our mineralogical analysis reveals that the TSF tailings consist of sulfides and iron oxides associated with a silico-carbonated matrix. This mineralogical analysis also shows that the TSF tailings consist of secondary minerals, resulting from sulfides oxidation. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the chemical analysis of the TSF tailings contains potential toxic elements (PTEs) such as Cu, As, Co, Ni, Sb, and Se. Regarding the environmental characterization of the tailings, conducted through acid-based accounting (ABA) static tests, we demonstrate that leaching from the tailings generates a contaminated neutral drainage (CND).
Comparison of Thermal and High-Pressure Pasteurization on Immunoglobulins, Lysozyme and Microbial Quality of Donkey Colostrum
Authors: Gonçalves Mafalda S. , Fidalgo Liliana G. , Sousa Silvia G. , Queirós Rui P. , Castro Sónia M. , Pinto Carlos A. , Saraiva Jorge A.
Published: February 2024

The effect of thermal pasteurization (TP, 62.5 °C/30 min—conditions similar to those used in milk banks/hospitals, known as Holder pasteurization) and high-pressure pasteurization (HPP: 400–625 MPa/2.5–30 min) was studied on immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM and IgA) content, lysozyme activity and microbial load of donkey colostrum (in this case, after 40 days at 4 °C). IgG level remained unchanged with HPP at 400 MPa, increased up to 4-fold at 625 MPa/10 min and decreased 90% with TP, while IgM decreased progressively with pressure treatment intensity increment to below the detection limit at 625 MPa and decreased 20% with TP. IgA decreased to below the detection limit after TP and all HPP treatments. Lysozyme activity presented overall a higher decrease after TP (37%) compared to HPP (decreasing from 20% at 400 MPa to about 40% at 600 MPa/10 and 30 min). Furthermore, both total aerobic mesophiles and Enterobacteriaceae remained below detection limits after 40 days of refrigerated storage for both TP and HPP. So, HPP can be considered a potential alternative to the conventional TP to preserve donkey colostrum, with overall equal to better retention, particularly for IgG and lysozyme activity. As far as the authors are aware, this is the first study evaluating the effects of HPP on donkey colostrum, and research in this field should be pursued.
A Novel Wideband Splitter for a Four-Element Antenna Array
Authors: Adamec Bohumil , Machaj Juraj , Brida Peter
Published: February 2024

In the paper, a novel design of a wideband power splitter for a four-element antenna array using two RF antiphase segments is proposed. Based on a detailed analysis of the power splitter circuit, an analytical model was set up in the MATLAB environment. The derived analytical model allows the development of a design of the described structure for any operating frequency and estimates the properties of the designed structure. In addition to the RF electrical part, the copper cover is also considered in this study. The copper cover serves as both a support and shielding part of the proposed structure. The electrical part consists of two sections of transmission lines. The first transmission line is symmetrical, while the second transmission line is asymmetrical. The given transmission lines can be realized using any technology (microstrip, coaxial, etc.). A prototype of the proposed wideband splitter operating at 650 MHz with a fractional bandwidth of 84.3% was designed and tested in real-world conditions to prove the concept. The board of the manufactured prototype has dimensions of 25 × 152 mm. A double-sided FR4 material with a substrate height of 1.48 mm, copper thickness of 50μm, and ϵr ≅ 4.3, with a dielectric loss tangent of 0.021 was used to manufacture the prototype. The prototype was tested and its parameters were verified in practical conditions as a part of the current radio communication system for the 5G band. Under these conditions, verification measurements of the proposed splitter with a four-element antenna array were carried out.
Study on Gas Extraction Technology for Goaf Using L-Shaped Borehole on the Ground
Authors: Shu Longyong
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to examine gas extraction technology in the goaf of an L-shaped borehole in the mining fissure zone of a short-distance coal seam group. The numerical simulation method was used to analyze the failure law of overlying rock during mining, and a mathematical model was established for gas migration in the mining overburden. Finally, gas extraction tests were performed for the L-shaped borehole in the mining fissure zone. The results showed that as the coal mining project progressed, the damage area of the overlying strata in the goaf became larger, and the plastic damage area of the overlying rock along the strike had a saddle shape, being concave in the middle and convex at both ends. The closer the L-shaped borehole in the mining fissure zone was to the coal seam roof, the greater the amount of air leaking from the working face into the goaf, and the lower the overall gas concentration in the goaf. When the vertical distance of the L-shaped borehole was too high, the ability of the L-shaped borehole to control the gas concentration in the lower goaf was weakened. Moreover, the mining fracture zone was a good space for gas migration and storage. Thus, arranging the L-shaped borehole in this zone can greatly improve the efficiency of borehole gas extraction. According to the overlying rock conditions and mining conditions of Tunlan Mine, the L-shaped borehole was positioned 43 m away from the roof of the coal seam. The extraction rate of the L-shaped borehole reached 9.30 m3∙min−1, and the gas concentration in the corners of the working face was kept below 0.4%, yielding an excellent extraction effect.
Characterization of Small Micro-and Nanoparticles in Antarctic Snow by Electron Microscopy and Raman Micro-Spectroscopy
Authors: Riboni Nicolò , Ribezzi Erika , Nasi Lucia , Mattarozzi Monica , Piergiovanni Maurizio , Masino Matteo , Bianchi Federica , Careri Maria
Published: February 2024

The impact of the anthropic activities in Antarctica is a concerning issue. According to the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research, attention has to be paid to the next-generation contaminants deriving from both long-range atmospheric transport and local sources. In this study, the capabilities of transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Raman micro-spectroscopy were exploited to evaluate the size, morphology, and chemical composition of small micro- and nanoparticles, as well as their aggregates, in surface snow samples collected during the 2020–2021 austral summer in the coastal area of Victoria Land near the Mario Zucchelli research station. The presence of biological particles, mineral dust, sea salts, and small carbonaceous and plastic micro- and nanoparticles was assessed. Sulfate, carbonate, and nitrate minerals were detected in all the samples, whereas polyethylene, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl-acetate), and different kinds of carbonaceous materials were predominantly identified in the samples closest to the research base. The presence of small micro- and nanoparticles containing heavy metals and plastic polymers in samples collected in the areas surrounding the Italian research base highlights the impact of anthropogenic activities on the polar environment, suggesting the need for continuous monitoring to evaluate possible threats to the delicate Antarctic ecosystem.
Research on the Time-Domain Explicit and Implicit Solution Methods of the Shallow Water Seismic Wavefield Equations
Authors: Cao Weihao , Cheng Guangli , Liu Bao , Cai Yangfan
Published: February 2024

The current time-domain solution methods for the wavefield equations of a single medium do not apply to the wavefield equations of shallow water seismic with a fluid–elastomer coupling. To solve this problem, based on the explicit central difference method and implicit Newmark method, the explicit–explicit method, implicit–implicit method, and explicit–implicit method time-domain expressions for the local solution are derived, and the time-domain expressions for the explicit and implicit methods in the global solution are derived.The stability and computational efficiency of different time-domain solving methods for the shallow water seismic wavefield equations are theoretically analyzed. The numerical results are compared with the simulation data from the multiphysics field simulation software COMSOL 6.0, and the numerical stability, computational efficiency and accuracy of the different solving methods are also analyzed theoretically. The results show that the implicit method in the global solution is relatively optimal among the methods proposed in this paper, which ensures numerical stability at the larger step size for improving the computational efficiency and considers the higher computational efficiency and accuracy.
An Inductive Heterogeneous Graph Recommendation Model for High-Scoring Items Applied to Business Intelligence
Authors: Tian Songlin , Yang Ying , Yang Lei
Published: February 2024

Business intelligence (BI), as a system for business data integration, processing, and analysis, is receiving increasing attention from enterprises. Data visualization is an important feature of BI, which allows users to visually observe the distribution and direction of data and assists them in making correct decisions. The core of this feature is visual analysis charts, which need to be pre-created and integrated into the dashboard by the chart makers, so there are situations where user needs cannot be accurately grasped. At the same time, there may be omissions in the work of users, and a method is needed to remind them. Introducing recommendation models into data visualization is a good solution; therefore, this paper proposes a recommendation model suitable for this type of scenario, which recommends high-scoring items (charts) to users. This model consists of a inductive heterogeneous graph recommendation algorithm with user preferences and a slow-acting collaborative filtering method. The experimental results in two datasets showed an improvement of 0.020/0.045, 0.083/0.019 and 0.076/0.023 in Hit, F-score, and NDCG compared to baselines, which proves that it is more suitable for data visualization requirements and other similar scenarios that require inductive recommendations based on user preferences.
The Behavior of Ceramic Fiber Geopolymer Concrete under the Effect of High Temperature
Authors: Dalğıç Aras , Yılmazer Polat Berivan
Published: February 2024

Geopolymer concrete (GC), also known as green concrete, contains slag, silica fume, and fly ash as binders. The absence of cement in concrete is critical to protect the world from the environmental impacts of cement production. In addition, exposure to high temperatures is a critical parameter that causes loss of strength in concrete. In this study, Geopolymer concrete samples were prepared with 10 different samples containing different proportions of slag, silica fume, and porous ash and subjected to various physical, mechanical, and optical tests. The sample (GS90) with optimum workability and compressive strength, which also showed high performance in water absorption, freeze-thaw, and UPV tests, was used in high-temperature tests. Portland cement concrete (PCC) was used as a control sample. This study investigated the effect of high temperatures on the physical and mechanical properties of fiber-free GCs containing 2%, 5%, and 10% by volume of ceramic fibers. Therefore, fiber-reinforced, fiber-free, and PCC specimens were subjected to high-temperature tests at 100, 300, 600, and 900 °C. As a result of the observation of crack growth, color changes, and compressive strength parameters in the samples subjected to high-temperature tests, the thermal resistance of the 10% ceramic fiber geopolymer concrete sample was 2.5% higher than other samples. There is no study in the literature that examines the behavior of ceramic fiber-reinforced geopolymer concrete at high temperatures. This research revealed an important finding by proving that ceramic fiber reinforcement increases the compressive strength of geopolymer concretes at a remarkable rate after high-temperature impact.
Implementing Cognitive Semantics of Autoepistemic Membership Statements: The Case of Categories with Prototypes
Authors: Katarzyniak Radosław Piotr , Popek Grzegorz , Żurawski Marcin
Published: February 2024

This article presents a model of an architecture of an artificial cognitive agent that performs the function of generating autoepistemic membership statements used to communicate beliefs about the belonging of an observed external object to a category with a prototype. The meaning of statements is described within the model by means of cognitive semantics. The presented proposal builds upon a pre-existing architecture and a semantic model designed for a simpler case of categories without a prototype. The main conclusion is that it is possible to develop an interactive cognitive agent capable of learning about categories with prototypes and producing autoepistemic membership statements fulfilling requirements of Rosch’s standard version of prototype semantics and satisfying pragmatic and logical rules for generating equivalents of these statements in natural languages. Detailed results include the following: an original proposal for an agent’s architecture, a model of an agent’s strategy of learning categories with a prototype, a scheme for determining the computational complexity of particular implementations of the learning strategy, definitions of cognitive semantics for particular cases of autoepistemic membership statements, and an analytical verification of properties of the proposed cognitive semantics. Finally, this article discusses the directions of further development and potential variants of the proposed architecture.