bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hot Spots of Bitter Compounds in the Roots of Gentiana lutea L. subsp. aurantiaca: Wild and Cultivated Comparative
Authors: González-López Óscar , Rodríguez-González Álvaro , Pinto Carmelo García , Arbizu-Milagro Julia , Casquero Pedro A.
Published: May 2024

Gentiana lutea L. subsp. aurantiaca M. Lainz is a plant endemic to the north-western mountainous areas of the Iberian Peninsula. Its roots are widely used mainly because of the high content of bitter compounds. The occurrence of these valuable bitter compounds in the roots is rather inhomogeneous, resulting in fluctuating root quality. Methanolic extracts obtained from different parts and tissues of wild and cultivated gentian, in and out of its natural environment, were analysed using HPLC chromatography to investigate the variation in the concentration of amarogentin, gentiopicroside, sweroside and swertiamarin. The distribution patterns of these compounds in the different analysed fractions showed that the concentration of bitter compounds varies significantly. Amarogentin is much more highly concentrated in the secondary roots, and all of the analysed compounds were found in a significantly higher content in the root cortex than in the vascular tissues. Roots cultivated in the natural habitat showed much higher concentrations in amarogentin and more biomass, while in those cultivated out of the natural environment, sweroside concentration was higher. These results allow us to understand that, when cultivated, the variability in the concentration of the different bitter compounds is linked with the edaphoclimatic conditions, but more importantly that it is linked with the dominating kind of tissues and the root system structure, especially when analysing the content of amarogentin and sweroside. The selection of plants with an optimal root system structure for breeding may increase the yield in bitter compounds and contribute to developing the commercial cultivation of this protected plant.
Effect of Population Density on Personality of Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)
Authors: Su Li , Lu Leiyu , Si Mengdi , Ding Jingjing , Li Chunlin
Published: May 2024

Personality is widely observed in animals and has important ecological and evolutionary implications. In addition to being heritable, personality traits are also influenced by the environment. Population density commonly affects animal behavior, but the way in which it shapes animal personality remains largely unknown. In this study, we reared juvenile crayfish at different population densities and measured their personality traits (shyness, exploration, and aggression) after reaching sexual maturity. Our results showed repeatability for each behavior in all treatments, except for the shyness of females at medium density. There was a negative correlation between shyness and exploration in each treatment, and aggression and exploration were positively correlated in medium- and high-density females. These indicate the presence of a behavior syndrome. On average, the crayfish raised at higher population densities were less shy, more exploratory, and more aggressive. We found no behavioral differences between the sexes in crayfish. These results suggested that population density may affect the average values of behavioral traits rather than the occurrence of personality traits. Our study highlights the importance of considering population density as a factor influencing personality traits in animals and, therefore, might help us to understand animal personality development.
A Review on Biofloc System Technology, History, Types, and Future Economical Perceptions in Aquaculture
Authors: Raza Bilal , Zheng Zhongming , Yang Wen
Published: May 2024

Given the scarcity of water and land resources, coupled with the competitive nature of aquaculture, the long-term viability of this industry will depend on strategies for vertical development. This involves enhancing production environments, increasing productivity, and advancing aquaculture technologies. The use of biofloc technology offers a potential solution to mitigate the adverse environmental impacts and the heavy reliance on fishmeal in the aquaculture sector. This method is designed to effectively assimilate inorganic nitrogen found in aquaculture wastewater, thereby enhancing water quality. Additionally, this process produces microbial protein, which can serve as a viable supplemental feed for aquatic animals. Furthermore, this technique has the potential to reduce the feed conversion ratio, thereby lowering overall production costs. This article provides an overview of the evolving field of biofloc system technology within aquaculture. In this study, we will examine the historical development and various types of biofloc systems, as well as the factors that influence their effectiveness. Finally, we will explore the economic potential of implementing biofloc systems in aquaculture.
Comparative Analysis of the Ultrastructure, Bubble Pores, and Composition of Eggshells of Dwarf Layer-White and Guinea Fowl
Authors: Wang Yi-Tong , Chen Yi-Fan , Zhang Jun-Jie , Zhang Quan , Zhao Xiao-Yu , Zhou Rong-Yan , Chen Hui , Wang De-He
Published: May 2024

The decrease in eggshell quality seriously affects production efficiency. Guinea fowl (GF) eggs possess strong eggshells because of their unique crystal structure, and few systematic studies have compared laying hen and GF eggs. Sixty eggs were collected from both 40-week-old Dwarf Layer-White (DWL-White) laying hens and GF, and the eggshell quality, ultrastructure, bubble pores, and composition were measured. The results showed that the DWL-White eggs had a higher egg weight and a lower eggshell strength, strength per unit weight, thickness, and ratio than the GF eggs (p < 0.01). There were differences in the mammillary layer thickness ratio, the effective layer thickness ratio, the quantity of bubble pores (QBPs), the ratio of the sum of the area of bubble pores to the area of the eggshell in each image (ARBE), and the average area of bubble pores (AABPs) between the DWL-White and GF eggs (p < 0.01). The composition analysis demonstrated that there were differences in the organic matter, inorganic matter, calcium, and phosphorus between the DWL-White and GF eggs (p < 0.01). There were positive associations between the mammillary knob number in the image and the QBPs and ARBE and a negative correlation with the AABPs in the DWL-White eggs (p < 0.01). This study observed distinctions that offer new insights into enhancing eggshell quality.
Effects of Hibernation on Colonic Epithelial Tissue and Gut Microbiota in Wild Chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus)
Authors: Liu Juntao , Jiang Guangyu , Zhang Hongrui , Zhang Haiying , Jia Xiaoyan , Gan Zhenwei , Yu Huimei
Published: May 2024

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the host’s metabolic processes. Many studies have shown significant changes in the gut microbiota of mammals during hibernation to adapt to the changes in the external environment, but there is limited research on the colonic epithelial tissue and gut microbiota of the wild chipmunks during hibernation. This study analyzed the diversity, composition, and function of the gut microbiota of the wild chipmunk during hibernation using 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing technology, and further conducted histological analysis of the colon. Histological analysis of the colon showed an increase in goblet cells in the hibernation group, which was an adaptive change to long-term fasting during hibernation. The dominant gut microbial phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria, and the relative abundance of them changed significantly. The analysis of gut microbiota structural differences indicated that the relative abundance of Helicobacter typhlonius and Mucispirillum schaedleri increased significantly, while unclassified Prevotella-9, unclassified Prevotellaceae-UCG-001, unclassified Prevotellaceae-UCG-003 and other species of Prevotella decreased significantly at the species level. Alpha diversity analysis showed that hibernation increased the diversity and richness of the gut microbiota. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbiota diversity between the hibernation group and the control group. PICRUSt2 functional prediction analysis of the gut microbiota showed that 15 pathways, such as lipid metabolism, xenobiotics biodegradation and metabolism, amino acid metabolism, environmental adaptation, and neurodegenerative diseases, were significantly enriched in the hibernation group, while 12 pathways, including carbohydrate metabolism, replication and repair, translation, and transcription, were significantly enriched in the control group. It can be seen that during hibernation, the gut microbiota of the wild chipmunk changes towards taxa that are beneficial for reducing carbohydrate consumption, increasing fat consumption, and adapting more strongly to environmental changes in order to better provide energy for the body and ensure normal life activities during hibernation.
Rational Antibiotic Prescribing Is Underpinned by Dental Ethics Principles: Survey on Postgraduate and Undergraduate Dental Students’ Perceptions
Authors: Roganović Jelena , Barać Milena
Published: May 2024

Background: Dentists bear the burden of responsibility for antimicrobial resistance since antibiotics are the drugs most prescribed by dentists. Often, “inappropriate” antibiotic use is considered as a “gray area” by dentists mainly due to ethical challenges associated with the clinical judgement depending on patients and/or prescribers. Aim: The study aimed to assess whether and in what way dental ethical principles underpin rational antibiotic use by investigating perceptions of postgraduate and undergraduate dental students without formal knowledge of dental ethics. Method: A cross-sectional anonymous survey comprised nine close-ended questions and was conducted among dental students (n = 125). The investigated practice of appropriate antibiotic prescribing in the survey relied on the respect of three basic principles of ethics: autonomy, non-maleficence, and beneficence. Results: Results show that dental students exhibit a lack of dental ethics knowledge that results in an inappropriate antibiotic-prescribing practice: prescribing an antibiotic when it is not necessary, without examination, or for indications that are not within the competence of the dentist. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between under- and postgraduates. Conclusions: Within the pharmacology course, a review of the clinical scenarios which cover both ethical and clinical complexities regarding the appropriate use of antibiotics should be introduced as an educational approach.
“Primum, non nocere”: The Epidemiology of Toxigenic Clostridioides difficile Strains in the Antibiotic Era—Insights from a Prospective Study at a Regional Infectious Diseases Hospital in Eastern Europe
Authors: Stămăteanu Lidia Oana , Pleşca Claudia Elena , Miftode Ionela Larisa , Bădescu Aida Corina , Manciuc Doina Carmen , Hurmuzache Mihnea Eudoxiu , Roșu Manuel Florin , Miftode Radu Ștefan , Obreja Maria , Miftode Egidia Gabriela
Published: May 2024

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), though identified nearly five decades ago, still remains a major challenge, being associated with significant mortality rates. The strains classified as hypervirulent, notably 027/NAP1/BI, have garnered substantial attention from researchers and clinicians due to their direct correlation with the severity of the disease. Our study aims to elucidate the significance of toxigenic Clostridioides difficile (CD) strains in the clinical and therapeutic aspects of managing patients diagnosed with CDI. We conducted a single-center prospective study, including patients with CDI from north-eastern Romania. We subsequently conducted molecular biology testing to ascertain the prevalence of the presumptive 027/NAP1/BI strain within aforementioned geographic region. The patients were systematically compared and assessed both clinically and biologically, employing standardized and comparative methodologies. The study enrolled fifty patients with CDI admitted between January 2020 and June 2020. Among the investigated patients, 43 (86%) exhibited infection with toxigenic CD strains positive for toxin B genes (tcdB), binary toxin genes (cdtA and cdtB), and deletion 117 in regulatory genes (tcdC), while the remaining 7 (14%) tested negative for binary toxin genes (cdtA and cdtB) and deletion 117 in tcdC. The presence of the presumptive 027/NAP1/BI strains was linked to a higher recurrence rate (35.56%, p = 0.025), cardiovascular comorbidities (65.1% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.016), and vancomycin treatment (55.8% vs. 14.3%, p = 0.049). The findings of our investigation revealed an elevated incidence of colitis attributed to presumptive 027/NAP1/BI. Despite the prevalence of the presumptive 027 strain and its associated heightened inflammation among the patients studied, no significant differences were observed regarding the clinical course or mortality outcomes.
The Impact of Urinary Catheterization on the Antibiotic Susceptibility of ESBL-Producing Enterobacterales: A Challenging Duo
Authors: Miftode Ionela-Larisa , Vâță Andrei , Miftode Radu-Ștefan , Parângă Tudorița , Luca Mihaela Cătălina , Manciuc Carmen , Țimpău Amalia Stefana , Radu Viorel , Roșu Manuel Florin , Stămăteanu Lidia Oana , Leca Daniela , Anton-Păduraru Dana Teodora , Miftode Egidia Gabriela
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is currently a growing concern among healthcare providers, underscoring the importance of describing the regional susceptibility profile for common microorganisms that are associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). This knowledge serves as the foundation for proper empirical therapeutic recommendations tailored to local susceptibility patterns. Results: We found a high prevalence of ESBL-producing strains (36.9%), with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. being the most prevalent isolated bacteria. Among the catheterized patients, Klebsiella spp. emerged as the primary etiology, with a significant correlation between catheterization and Proteus spp. (p = 0.02) and Providencia stuartii (p < 0.0001). We observed significant correlations between urinary catheterization and older age (68.9 ± 13.7 years vs. 64.2 ± 18.1 years in non-catheterized patients, p = 0.026) and with the presence of an isolate with extensive drug resistance (p < 0.0001) or even pandrug resistance (p < 0.0001). Susceptibility rates significantly decreased for almost all the tested antibiotics during the study period. Notably, susceptibility was markedly lower among catheterized patients, with the most pronounced differences observed for carbapenems (59.6% versus 83.4%, p < 0.0001) and aminoglycosides (37.1% versus 46.9%, p = 0.0001). Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study analyzing the susceptibility profiles of 724 extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales isolated from urine cultures. Our focus was on highlighting susceptibility profiles among isolates associated with urinary catheterization and assessing the shifts in the susceptibility rates over time. Conclusions: The constant rise in AMR rates among Enterobacterales presents significant challenges in treating severe infections, particularly among urinary catheterized patients. This trend leaves clinicians with limited or no effective treatment options. Consequently, the development and implementation of personalized treatment protocols are imperative to ensure efficient empirical therapies.
Development and Implementation of Algorithms for an Intelligent IGBT Gate Driver Using a Low-Cost Microcontroller
Authors: Zolotov Artemy R. , Ledovskikh Artur A. , Zhukov Alexandr N. , Zharkov Alexandr A. , Kazemirova Yulia K. , Anuchin Alecksey S.
Published: May 2024

High-power IGBTs are used in power electronic converters in a variety of applications: traction drives, renewable power converters, mining equipment, oil and water pumping, and so on. To control a transistor, a special gate driver board is required. This board converts the logical control signal into the appropriate voltage values necessary to turn the resistor on and off. Gate drivers can perform the protection functions of IGBTs using hardware and algorithmic approaches. Application-specific integrated circuits are often used in driver solutions to implement control and protection. The development of an application-specific integrated circuit is a time-consuming and expensive procedure, which increases the cost of the driver. This paper describes the control and protection algorithms implemented in an intelligent IGBT driver based on a low-cost microcontroller. The use of the microcontroller makes the gate driver design more flexible and allows for the accurate tuning of the protection thresholds. The gate driver protects the IGBT from short-circuiting, overcurrent, and overvoltage, monitors the voltage supply, and controls the switch on and switch off processes in the transistor. The performance of the protection algorithms was tested experimentally using a specialized test bench.
Wav2wav: Wave-to-Wave Voice Conversion
Authors: Jeong Changhyeon , Chang Hyung-pil , Yoo In-Chul , Yook Dongsuk
Published: May 2024

Voice conversion is the task of changing the speaker characteristics of input speech while preserving its linguistic content. It can be used in various areas, such as entertainment, medicine, and education. The quality of the converted speech is crucial for voice conversion algorithms to be useful in these various applications. Deep learning-based voice conversion algorithms, which have been showing promising results recently, generally consist of three modules: a feature extractor, feature converter, and vocoder. The feature extractor accepts the waveform as the input and extracts speech feature vectors for further processing. These speech feature vectors are later synthesized back into waveforms by the vocoder. The feature converter module performs the actual voice conversion; therefore, many previous studies separately focused on improving this module. These works combined the separately trained vocoder to synthesize the final waveform. Since the feature converter and the vocoder are trained independently, the output of the converter may not be compatible with the input of the vocoder, which causes performance degradation. Furthermore, most voice conversion algorithms utilize mel-spectrogram-based speech feature vectors without modification. These feature vectors have performed well in a variety of speech-processing areas but could be further optimized for voice conversion tasks. To address these problems, we propose a novel wave-to-wave (wav2wav) voice conversion method that integrates the feature extractor, the feature converter, and the vocoder into a single module and trains the system in an end-to-end manner. We evaluated the efficiency of the proposed method using the VCC2018 dataset.
Aerodynamic Analysis of Hovering Flapping Wing Using Multi-Plane Method and Quasi-Steady Blade Element Theory
Authors: Ye Ruiqi , Liu Ziming , Cui Jin , Wang Chenyang , Wu Yirong
Published: May 2024

In the design of flapping-wing micro-size air vehicles capable of hovering, wings serve as the primary source of hovering power, making the analysis of aerodynamics and aerodynamic efficiency crucial. Traditional quasi-steady models treat the wings as single rigid plane, neglecting the deformable characteristics of flexible wings. This paper proposes a multi-plane method that, in conjunction with various design parameters of flexible wings in a two-dimensional plane, analyzes their deformation characteristics under the assumption of multiple planes in three-dimensional space, and describes the deformation of wings during flapping. By combining the quasi-steady aerodynamic model, aerodynamic analysis of the deformed wings can be conducted. The relationship between the slack angle, wing flapping position, and wing deformation are analyzed, along with their effects on aerodynamics and aerodynamic efficiency. Experiments validate the deformation patterns of wings during flapping and compare the simulated aerodynamic forces with measured ones. The results indicate that wing deformation can be accurately described by adjusting the parameters in the multi-plane method and that the aerodynamic analysis using this method closely approximates the average lift results. Additionally, the multi-plane method establishes a connection between wing morphology and aerodynamic forces and efficiency, providing valuable insights for aerodynamic analysis.
RPC-EAU: Radar Plot Classification Algorithm Based on Evidence Adaptive Updating
Authors: Yang Rui , Zhao Yingbo
Published: May 2024

Accurately classifying targets and clutter plots is crucial in radar data processing. It is beneficial for filtering out a large amount of clutters and improving the track initiation speed and tracking accuracy of real targets. However, in practical applications, this problem becomes difficult due to complex electromagnetic environments such as cloud and rain clutter, sea clutter, and strong ground clutter. This has led to poor performance of some commonly used radar plot classification algorithms. In order to solve this problem and further improve classification accuracy, the radar plot classification algorithm based on evidence adaptive updating (RPC-EAU) is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the multi-dimensional recognition features of radar plots used for classification are established. Secondly, the construction and combination of mass functions based on feature sample distribution are designed. Then, a confidence network classifier containing an uncertain class was designed, and an iterative update strategy for it was provided. Finally, several experiments based on synthetic and real radar plots were presented. The results show that RPC-EAU can effectively improve the radar plot classification performance, achieving a classification accuracy of about 0.96 and a clutter removal rate of 0.95. Compared with some traditional radar pattern recognition algorithms, it can improve by 1 to 10 percentage points. The target loss rate of RPC-EAU is also the lowest, only about 0.02, which is about one third to one half of the comparison algorithms. In addition, RPC-EAU avoids clustering all radar points in each update, greatly saving the computational time. The proposed algorithm has the characteristics of high classification accuracy, low target loss rate, and less computational time. Therefore, it is suitable for radar data processing with high timeliness requirements and multiple radar plots.
Effects of Quasi-Static Strain Rate and Temperature on the Microstructural Features of Post-Processed Microstructures of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Ti6Al4V Alloy
Authors: Muiruri Amos , Maringa Maina , du Preez Willie
Published: May 2024

This study documents an investigation of the flow stress properties and microstructural features of Ti6Al4V (ELI) alloy produced using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Selected heat treatment strategies were applied to the material to obtain different microstructures. The influence of quasi-static strain rates and temperature on the obtained microstructures of this material and their strain hardening properties are documented in this study. All microstructures of the alloy formed in this study were found to be sensitive to quasi-static strain rates and temperatures, where their flow stresses increased with increasing strain rate and decreased for tests conducted at elevated temperatures. The strain hardening rates of the fine microstructures were found to be high compared to those of coarse microstructures. The strain hardening rates for the various forms of LPBF Ti6Al4V (ELI) examined here were found to diminish with increasing test temperature. Though the deformed surfaces of the built samples were largely dominated by adiabatic shear bands (ASBs), the absence of ASBs was noted for all samples tested at a temperature of 500 °C and an imposed strain of 30%.
Numerical Simulation Study on Welding Process of Upper Frame of Hydropower Unit
Authors: Yu Chenlei , Pan Jun , Han Junzhao , Ma Jianfeng , Zhang Weiliang
Published: May 2024

To optimize the welding process of the upper frame of the hydropower unit, a thermal elastic–plastic (TEP) finite element model of the typical T-joint of the upper frame was established, and the effectiveness and accuracy of the model were verified by welding tests. The effect of welding speed and interlayer cooling time on welding residual stress and deformation was analyzed, and a welding process in line with the requirements was obtained. Based on the results of the TEP calculation, the inherent strain was obtained, and the inherent strain method (ISM) was used to predict the overall deformation of the upper frame under three welding sequence schemes, and the optimal welding sequence was obtained.
Application of Three-Dimensional Porous Aerogel as Adsorbent for Removal of Textile Dyes from Water
Authors: Liugė Monika , Paliulis Dainius , Leonavičienė Teresė
Published: May 2024

The textile industry is one of the most important industries in the European Union. The main environmental problems of the textile industry are the high water consumption, the generated pollution, the variety of chemicals used and the high energy demand. Recently, adsorbents with a large specific surface area and low weight, such as aerogels, have attracted great interest as promising materials for removing dyes from polluted water. Cellulose aerogels are inexpensive and non-toxic. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were chosen as the best method to describe the performance of the adsorbent. In this study, the adsorption efficiency of Congo red, Naphthol green B, Rhodamine B and Methylene blue were determined by using an adsorbent synthesized from paper and cardboard waste. The total organic carbon concentration was chosen as an indicator of the concentration of the dyes in the solutions. The aerogel capsules had 5% cellulose content. It was found that the adsorption capacity of the aerogel in the solutions of Congo red varied from 0.028 mg/g to 14.483 mg/g; in the solutions of Naphthol green B, from 0.013 mg/g to 7.698 mg/g; in the solutions of Rhodamine B, from 0.020 mg/g to 8.768 mg/g; and in the solutions of Methylene blue, from 0.024 mg/g to 13.538 mg/g.
Delayed Enhancement in Cardiac CT: A Potential Alternative to Cardiac MRI? Technical Updates and Clinical Considerations
Authors: De Stefano Domenico , Vaccarino Federica , Santucci Domiziana , Parillo Marco , Nenna Antonio , Loreni Francesco , Ferrisi Chiara , Giacinto Omar , Barbato Raffaele , Mastroianni Ciro , Lusini Mario , Chello Massimo , Zobel Bruno Beomonte , Grasso Rosario Francesco , Faiella Eliodoro
Published: May 2024

Despite cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) being the current gold standard for non-invasive myocardial characterization and fibrosis quantification, its accessibility is limited, particularly in acute settings and in certain patient populations with contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging. Late iodine enhancement (LIE) in computed tomography (CT) imaging has emerged as a potential alternative, capitalizing on the similarities in the contrast kinetics between gadolinium and iodinated contrast agents. Studies have investigated LIE-CT’s effectiveness in myocardial infarction (MI) detection, revealing promising outcomes alongside some disparities compared to LGE-CMR. LIE-CT also proves beneficial in diagnosing non-ischemic heart diseases such as myocarditis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and sarcoidosis. While LIE-CT demonstrates good accuracy in detecting certain myocardial pathologies, including acute MI and chronic fibrotic changes, it has limitations, such as the inability to detect diffuse myocardial enhancement. Nonetheless, thanks to the availability of optimized protocols with minimal radiation doses and contrast medium administration, integrating LIE-CT into cardiac CT protocols could enhance its clinical utility, particularly in acute settings, providing valuable prognostic and management insights across a spectrum of cardiac ischemic and non-ischemic conditions.
Changes in Collagen across Pork Tenderloin during Marination with Rosehip Nanocapsules
Authors: Ulloa-Saavedra Araceli , Jardon-Xicotencatl Samantha , Zambrano-Zaragoza María L. , Ojeda-Piedra Sergio A. , Cornejo-Villegas María de los Angeles , García-Betanzos Claudia I. , Mendoza-Elvira Susana E.
Published: May 2024

The objective of this study was to prepare zein–gum Arabic nanocapsules with rosehip oil (NC-RH), apply them to pork tenderloin, and analyze the changes in collagen structure under different conditions (pH 6.5 and 4.0) and temperatures (25 °C and 4 °C). NC-RHs were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method. Nanocapsules had a particle size of 423 ± 4.1 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.125 ± 3.1, a zeta potential value of −20.1 ± 0.41 mV, an encapsulation efficiency of 75.84 ± 3.1%, and backscattering (ΔBS = 10%); the antioxidant capacity of DPPH was 1052 ± 4.2 µM Eq Trolox and the radical scavenging capacity was 84 ± 0.4%. The dispersions exhibited Newtonian behavior at 25 °C and 4 °C. Incorporating NC-RH into acid marination benefited the tenderness, water-holding capacity, and collagen swelling, and favored changes in myofibrillar proteins corroborated with histological tests. The conditions with the best changes in pork tenderloin were a pH of 4.0 at 4 °C with an NC-RH-administered 11.47 ± 2.2% collagen area. Incorporating rosehip nanocapsules modifies collagen fibers and can be applied in pork marinades to increase the shelf life of a functional product.
Identifying p56lck SH2 Domain Inhibitors Using Molecular Docking and In Silico Scaffold Hopping
Authors: Samanta Priyanka , Doerksen Robert J.
Published: May 2024

Bacterial infections are the second-leading cause of death, globally. The prevalence of antibacterial resistance has kept the demand strong for the development of new and potent drug candidates. It has been demonstrated that Src protein tyrosine kinases (TKs) play an important role in the regulation of inflammatory responses to tissue injury, which can trigger the onset of several severe diseases. We carried out a search for novel Src protein TK inhibitors, commencing from reported highly potent anti-bacterial compounds obtained using the Mannich reaction, using a combination of e-pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening, ensemble docking, and core hopping. The top-scoring compounds from ligand-based virtual screening were modified using protein structure-based design approaches, and their binding to the Src homology-2 domain of p56lck TK was predicted using ensemble molecular docking. We have prepared a database of 202 small molecules and have identified six novel top hits that can be subjected to further investigation. We have also performed in silico ADMET property prediction for the hit compounds. This combined computer-aided drug design approach can serve as a starting point for identifying novel TK inhibitors that could be further subjected to in vitro studies and validation of antimicrobial activity.
Automatic Bird Species Recognition from Images with Feature Enhancement and Contrastive Learning
Authors: Yang Feng , Shen Na , Xu Fu
Published: May 2024

Accurate bird species recognition is crucial for ecological conservation, wildlife monitoring, and biological research, yet it poses significant challenges due to the high variability within species and the subtle similarities between different species. This paper introduces an automatic bird species recognition method from images that leverages feature enhancement and contrast learning to address these challenges. Our method incorporates a multi-scale feature fusion module to comprehensively capture information from bird images across diverse scales and perspectives. Additionally, an attention feature enhancement module is integrated to address noise and occlusion within images, thus enhancing the model’s robustness. Furthermore, employing a siamese network architecture allows effective learning of common features within instances of the same class and distinctions between different bird species. Evaluated on the CUB200-2011 dataset, our proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance, surpassing existing methods with an accuracy of 91.3% and F1 score of 90.6%. Moreover, our approach showcases a notable advantage in scenarios with limited training data. When utilizing only 5% of the training data, our model still achieves a recognition accuracy of 65.2%, which is significantly higher than existing methods under similar data constraints. Notably, our model exhibits faster execution times compared to existing methods, rendering it suitable for real-time applications.
Automatic Irrigation System Based on Computer Vision and an Artificial Intelligence Technique Using Raspberry Pi
Authors: Oudah Munir , Al-Naji Ali , AL-Janabi Thooalnoon Y. , Namaa Dhuha S. , Chahl Javaan
Published: May 2024

Efficient irrigation water use directly affects crop productivity as demand increases for various agricultural products due to population growth worldwide. While technologies are being developed in various fields, it has become desirable to develop automatic irrigation systems to reduce the waste of water caused by traditional irrigation processes. This paper presents a novel approach to an automated irrigation system based on a non-contact computer vision system to enhance the irrigation process and reduce the need for human intervention. The proposed system is based on a stand-alone Raspberry Pi camera imaging system mounted at an agricultural research facility which monitors changes in soil color by capturing images sequentially and processing captured images with no involvement from the facility’s staff. Two types of soil samples (sand soil and peat moss soil) were utilized in this study under three different scenarios, including dusty, sunny, and cloudy conditions of wet soil and dry soil, to take control of irrigation decisions. A relay, pump, and power bank were used to achieve the stability of the power source and supply it with regular power to avoid the interruption of electricity.
Exponential Stability of the Numerical Solution of a Hyperbolic System with Nonlocal Characteristic Velocities
Authors: Aloev Rakhmatillo Djuraevich , Berdyshev Abdumauvlen Suleimanovich , Alimova Vasila , Bekenayeva Kymbat Slamovna
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we investigate the problem of the exponential stability of a stationary solution for a hyperbolic system with nonlocal characteristic velocities and measurement error. The formulation of the initial boundary value problem of boundary control for the specified hyperbolic system is given. A difference scheme is constructed for the numerical solution of the considered initial boundary value problem. The definition of the exponential stability of the numerical solution in ℓ2-norm with respect to a discrete perturbation of the equilibrium state of the initial boundary value difference problem is given. A discrete Lyapunov function for a numerical solution is constructed, and a theorem on the exponential stability of a stationary solution of the initial boundary value difference problem in ℓ2-norm with respect to a discrete perturbation is proved.
The Effect of Battery Configuration on Dendritic Growth: A Magnetic Resonance Microscopy Study on Symmetric Lithium Cells
Authors: Peklar Rok , Mikac Urša , Serša Igor
Published: May 2024

The potential of metallic lithium to become the anode material for next-generation batteries is hampered by significant challenges, chief among which is dendrite growth during battery charging. These dendritic structures not only impair battery performance but also pose safety risks. Among the non-destructive analytical techniques in battery research, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) stands out as a promising tool. However, the direct imaging of lithium by 7Li MRI is limited by its low sensitivity and spatial resolution, making it a less effective way of imaging dendrite growth. Instead, a recently introduced indirect imaging approach which is based on 1H MRI of the electrolyte was used in this study. This method was used to sequentially 3D image and thus monitor the charging process of lithium metal symmetric cells in three different electrical circuits, namely those composed of a single cell, four cells in parallel, and four cells in series. The measured sequential images allowed for the measurement of dendrite growth in each cell using volumetric analysis. The growth results confirmed the theoretical prediction that the growth across cells is uneven in a parallel circuit, and even in a series circuit. The methods presented in this study can also be applied to analyze many other dendrite-related issues in batteries.
Biomechanical Effects of the Badminton Split-Step on Forecourt Lunging Footwork
Authors: Wang Yile , Xu Liu , Jiang Hanhui , Yu Lin , Wu Hanzhang , Mei Qichang
Published: May 2024

Background: This research investigates the biomechanical impact of the split-step technique on forehand and backhand lunges in badminton, aiming to enhance players’ on-court movement efficiency. Despite the importance of agile positioning in badminton, the specific contributions of the split-step to the biomechanical impact of lunging footwork still need to be determined. Methods: This study examined the lower limb kinematics and ground reaction forces of 18 male badminton players performing forehand and backhand lunges. Data were collected using the VICON motion capture system and Kistler force platforms. Variability in biomechanical characteristics was assessed using paired-sample t-tests and Statistical Parametric Mapping 1D (SPM1D). Results: The study demonstrates that the split-step technique in badminton lunges significantly affects lower limb biomechanics. During forehand lunges, the split-step increases hip abduction and rotation while decreasing knee flexion at foot contact. In backhand lunges, it increases knee rotation and decreases ankle rotation. Additionally, the split-step enhances the loading rate of the initial ground reaction force peak and narrows the time gap between the first two peaks. Conclusions: These findings underscore the split-step’s potential in optimizing lunging techniques, improving performance and reducing injury risks in badminton athletes.
Computational Lower Limb Simulator Boundary Conditions to Reproduce Measured TKA Loading in a Cohort of Telemetric Implant Patients
Authors: Maag Chase , Fitzpatrick Clare K. , Rullkoetter Paul J.
Published: May 2024

Recent advancements in computational modeling offer opportunities to refine total knee arthroplasty (TKA) design and treatment strategies. This study developed patient-specific simulator external boundary conditions (EBCs) using a PID-controlled lower limb finite element (FE) model. Calibration of the external actuation required to achieve measured patient-specific joint loading and motion was completed for nine patients with telemetric implants during gait, stair descent, and deep knee bend. The study also compared two EBC scenarios: activity-specific hip AP motion and pelvic rotation (that was averaged across all patients for an activity) and patient-specific hip AP motion and pelvic rotation. Including patient-specific data significantly improved reproduction of joint-level loading, reducing root mean squared error between the target and achieved loading by 28.7% and highlighting the importance of detailed patient data in replicating joint kinematics and kinetics. The principal component analysis (PCA) of the EBCs for the patient dataset showed that one component represented 77.8% of the overall variation, while the first three components represented 97.8%. Given the significant loading variability within the patient cohort, this group of patient-specific models can be run individually to provide insight into expected TKA mechanics variability, and the PCA can be utilized to further create reasonable EBCs that expand the variability evaluated.
Deep Learning for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Segmentation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Chih-Keng , Wang Ting-Wei , Yang Ya-Xuan , Wu Yu-Te
Published: May 2024

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a significant health challenge that is particularly prevalent in Southeast Asia and North Africa. MRI is the preferred diagnostic tool for NPC due to its superior soft tissue contrast. The accurate segmentation of NPC in MRI is crucial for effective treatment planning and prognosis. We conducted a search across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception up to 20 March 2024, adhering to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Eligibility criteria focused on studies utilizing DL for NPC segmentation in adults via MRI. Data extraction and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the performance of DL models, primarily measured by Dice scores. We assessed methodological quality using the CLAIM and QUADAS-2 tools, and statistical analysis was performed using random effects models. The analysis incorporated 17 studies, demonstrating a pooled Dice score of 78% for DL models (95% confidence interval: 74% to 83%), indicating a moderate to high segmentation accuracy by DL models. Significant heterogeneity and publication bias were observed among the included studies. Our findings reveal that DL models, particularly convolutional neural networks, offer moderately accurate NPC segmentation in MRI. This advancement holds the potential for enhancing NPC management, necessitating further research toward integration into clinical practice.
Integration of Ultrasound in Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy in Cancer of the Uterine Cervix
Authors: Manea Elena , Chitoran Elena , Rotaru Vlad , Ionescu Sinziana , Luca Dan , Cirimbei Ciprian , Alecu Mihnea , Capsa Cristina , Gafton Bogdan , Prutianu Iulian , Serban Dragos , Simion Laurentiu
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer continues to be a public health concern, as it remains the second most common cancer despite screening programs. It is the third most common cause of cancer-related death for women, and the majority of cases happen in developing nations. The standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer involves the use of external beam radiation therapy, along with concurrent chemotherapy, followed by an image-guided adaptive brachytherapy (IGABT) boost. The five-year relative survival rate for European women diagnosed with cervical cancer was 62% between 2000 and 2007. Updated cervical cancer treatment guidelines based on IGABT have been developed by the Gynecological working group, which is composed of the Group Européen de Curiethérapie–European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. The therapeutic strategy makes use of three-dimensional imaging, which can be tailored to the target volume and at-risk organs through the use of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Under anaesthesia, the brachytherapy implantation is carried out. Ultrasonography is utilised to assess the depth of the uterine cavity and to facilitate the dilation of the uterine canal during the application insertion. In this study, we examine data from the international literature regarding the application of ultrasound in cervical cancer brachytherapy.
Investigation of the Role of Osteoporotic Vertebra Degeneration on the Stability of the Lumbar Spine: In Silico Modelling under Compressive Loading
Authors: Chabarova Olga , Selivonec Jelena , Menendez Hurtado Alicia
Published: May 2024

An evaluation of the impact of osteoporosis on loss of spinal stability, with or without intervertebral disc degeneration, using computational analysis is presented. The research also investigates the correlation between osteoporosis and intervertebral disc degeneration. Three-dimensional finite element models of human lumbar spine segments were used to assess the influence of osteoporosis on spinal stability. Five different models of age-related degeneration were created using various material properties for trabecular bone and intervertebral discs. Calculation results indicate that in a spine with osteoporosis, the deformation of the intervertebral discs can increase by more than 30% when compared to a healthy spine. Thus, intervertebral disc deformation depends not only on the degree of degeneration of the discs themselves, but their deformation is also influenced by the degree of osteoporosis of the vertebrae. Additionally, the load-bearing capacity of the spine can decrease by up to 30% with osteoporosis, regardless of the degree of intervertebral disc deformation. In conclusion, osteoporosis can contribute to intervertebral disc degeneration.
Recent Advances in Magnesium–Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticle Composites for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Saberi Abbas , Baltatu Madalina Simona , Vizureanu Petrica
Published: May 2024

Magnesium (Mg) is considered an attractive option for orthopedic applications due to its density and elastic modulus close to the natural bone of the body, as well as biodegradability and good tensile strength. However, it faces serious challenges, including a high degradation rate and, as a result, a loss of mechanical properties during long periods of exposure to the biological environment. Also, among its other weaknesses, it can be mentioned that it does not deal with bacterial biofilms. It has been found that making composites by synergizing its various components can be an efficient way to improve its properties. Among metal oxide nanoparticles, magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have distinct physicochemical and biological properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, high bioactivity, significant antibacterial properties, and good mechanical properties, which make it a good choice as a reinforcement in composites. However, the lack of comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of Mg NPs as Mg matrix reinforcements in mechanical, corrosion, and biological fields is considered a challenge in their application. While introducing the role of MgO NPs in medical fields, this article summarizes the most important results of recent research on the mechanical, corrosion, and biological performance of Mg/MgO composites.
IFN-γ, IL-17A, IL-4, and IL-13: Potential Biomarkers for Prediction of the Effectiveness of Biologics in Psoriasis Patients
Authors: Hsieh Ching-Liang , Yu Sheng-Jie , Lai Kuo-Lung , Chao Wei-Ting , Yen Chung-Yang
Published: May 2024

Biologics are widely used to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. However, we have unmet needs for predicting individual patient responses to biologics before starting psoriasis treatment. We investigate a reliable platform and biomarkers for predicting individual patient responses to biologics. In a cohort study between 2018 and 2023 from a referral center in Taiwan, twenty psoriasis patients with or without psoriatic arthritis who had ever experienced two or more biologics were enrolled. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from these patients were treated with Streptococcus pyogenes and different biologics. The PASI reduction rate was strongly correlated with the reduction rate in the IL-13 level (p = 0.001) and the ratios of IFN-γ to IL-13 (p < 0.001), IFN-γ to IL-4 (p = 0.019), and IL-17A to IL-13 (p = 0.001). The PASI reduction difference was strongly correlated with the difference in the IFN-γ level (p = 0.002), the difference in the ratios of IFN-γ to IL-4 (p = 0.041), the difference in the ratios of IFN-γ to IL-13 (p = 0.006), the difference in the ratios of IL-17A to IL-4 (p = 0.011), and the difference in the ratios of IL-17A to IL-13 (p = 0.029). The biomarkers IFN-γ, IL-13, IFN-γ/IL4, IFN-γ/IL13, IL-17A/IL-4, and IL-17A/IL-13 are representative of the effectiveness of psoriasis treatment.