bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zoonotic diseases transmitted from the camels
Authors: Khalafalla Abdelmalik Ibrahim
Published: October 2023

Background

Zoonotic diseases, infections transmitted naturally from animals to humans, pose a significant public health challenge worldwide. After MERS-CoV was discovered, interest in camels was raised as potential intermediate hosts for zoonotic viruses. Most published review studies pay little attention to case reports or zoonotic epidemics where there is epidemiological proof of transmission from camels to humans. Accordingly, any pathogen found in camels known to cause zoonotic disease in other animals or humans is reported.

Methods

Here, zoonotic diseases linked to camels are reviewed in the literature, focusing on those with epidemiological or molecular evidence of spreading from camels to humans. This review examines the risks posed by camel diseases to human health, emphasizing the need for knowledge and awareness in mitigating these risks.

Results

A search of the literature revealed that eight (36.4%) of the 22 investigations that offered convincing evidence of camel-to-human transmission involved MERS, five (22.7%) Brucellosis, four (18.2%) plague caused by Yersinia pestis, three (13.6%) camelpox, one (4.5%) hepatitis E, and one (4.5%) anthrax. The reporting of these zoonotic diseases has been steadily increasing, with the most recent period, from 2010 to the present, accounting for 59% of the reports. Additionally, camels have been associated with several other zoonotic diseases, including toxoplasmosis, Rift Valley fever, TB, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and Q fever, despite having no evidence of a transmission event. Transmission of human zoonotic diseases primarily occurs through camel milk, meat, and direct or indirect contact with camels. The above-mentioned diseases were discussed to determine risks to human health.

Conclusion

MERS, Brucellosis, plague caused by Y. pestis, camelpox, hepatitis E, and anthrax are the main zoonotic diseases associated with human disease events or outbreaks. Transmission to humans primarily occurs through camel milk, meat, and direct contact with camels. There is a need for comprehensive surveillance, preventive measures, and public health interventions based on a one-health approach to mitigate the risks of zoonotic infections linked to camels.
The Role of Cancer in the Risk of Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shen Ruihuan , Wang Jia , Wang Rui , Tian Yuqing , Guo Peiyao , Shen Shuhui , Liu Donghao , Zou Tong
Published: October 2023

Objectives: Evidence on cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality risks in a wide range of cancer survivors is scarce but needed to inform prevention and management.

Methods: We performed a nationwide prospective cohort study using information from the Continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States and the linked mortality follow-up files, available for public access. A propensity score-matched analysis with a 1:1 ratio was conducted to reduce the baseline differences between participants with and without cancer. The relationship between cancer status and the cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality risk was examined using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression. Independent stratification analysis and cancer-specific analyses were also performed.

Results: The study sample included 44,342 participants, aged 20–85, interviewed between 1999 and 2018. Of these, 4,149 participants had cancer. All-cause death occurred in 6,655 participants, of whom 2,053 died from cardiovascular causes. Propensity-score matching identified 4,149 matched pairs of patients. A fully adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression showed that cancer was linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality both before and after propensity score matching. Stratification analysis and cancer-specific analyses confirmed robustness of results.

Conclusion: Our study confirmed that cancer was strongly linked to cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality, even after adjusting for other factors that could impact a risk, including the American Heart Association (AHA)’s Life’s Simple 7 cardiovascular health score, age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, income, and education level.
Examining the Relationship between Green Mindfulness, Spiritual Intelligence, and Environmental Self Identity: Unveiling the Path to Green Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Alshebami Ali Saleh , Alholiby Mossab Saud , Elshaer Ibrahim A. , Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Al Marri Salem Handhal
Published: October 2023

As inculcating green intention and behaviour among individuals, particularly potential entrepreneurs (students), has recently become a hot topic of discussion, it is essential to contribute to this debate by offering empirical evidence. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to examine how green mindfulness (GM) and spiritual intelligence (SPI) enhance environmental self-identity (ESI). This study also examined the role of GM and SPI in developing green entrepreneurial intention (GEI). The study investigated whether ESI could mediate the relationship between GM, SPI, and GEI. The study gathered information from 202 students at King Faisal University’s Business Administration and Applied Colleges in Saudi Arabia using a self-administered questionnaire for these objectives. The study employed partial least-squares structural equation modeling to analyse the data. The study revealed some interesting findings. It was discovered that GM has a direct and significant positive association with ESI and GEI. Furthermore, it was also reported that SPI has a positive and significant connection with ESI, but no positive relationship with GEI. ESI revealed the existence of a meaningful positive relationship with GEI. Finally, when examining the mediating role played by the ESI, the study reported the inability of the ESI to mediate the relationship between GM and GEI. At the same time, it was able to fully mediate between SPI and GEI. The study provides a set of recommendations for policymakers and other stakeholders. The study is considered one of few studies investigating the key factors influencing GEI among students.
Energy-Harvesting Strategy Investigation for Glider Autonomous Soaring Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhao Jiachi , Li Jun , Zeng Lifang
Published: October 2023

Birds and experienced glider pilots frequently use atmospheric updrafts for long-distance flight and energy conservation, with harvested energy from updrafts serving as the foundation. Inspired by their common characteristics in autonomous soaring, a reinforcement learning algorithm, the Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic policy gradient, is used to investigate the optimal strategy for an unpowered glider to harvest energy from thermal updrafts. A round updraft model is utilized to characterize updrafts with varied strengths. A high-fidelity six-degree-of-glider model is used in the dynamic modeling of a glider. The results for various flight initial positions and updraft strengths demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategy learned via reinforcement learning. To enhance the updraft perception ability and expand the applicability of the trained glider agent, an extra wind velocity differential correction module is introduced to the algorithm, and a strategy symmetry method is applied. Comparison experiments regarding round updraft, the Gedeon thermal model, and Dryden continuous turbulence indicate the crucial role of the further optimized methods in improving the updraft-sensing ability of the reinforcement learning glider agent. With optimized methods, a glider trained in a simplified thermal updraft with a simple training method can have more effective flight strategies.
The Development of a Weight Prediction System for Pigs Using Raspberry Pi
Authors: Na Myung Hwan , Cho Wan Hyun , Kim Sang Kyoon , Na In Seop
Published: October 2023

Generally, measuring the weight of livestock is difficult; it is time consuming, inconvenient, and stressful for both livestock farms and livestock to be measured. Therefore, these problems must be resolved to boost convenience and reduce economic costs. In this study, we develop a portable prediction system that can automatically predict the weights of pigs, which are commonly used for consumption among livestock, using Raspberry Pi. The proposed system consists of three parts: pig image data capture, pig weight prediction, and the visualization of the predicted results. First, the pig image data are captured using a three-dimensional depth camera. Second, the pig weight is predicted by segmenting the livestock from the input image using the Raspberry Pi module and extracting features from the segmented image. Third, a 10.1-inch monitor is used to visually show the predicted results. To evaluate the performance of the constructed prediction device, the device is learned using the 3D sensor dataset collected from specific breeding farms, and the efficiency of the system is evaluated using separate verification data. The evaluation results show that the proposed device achieves approximately 10.702 for RMSE, 8.348 for MAPE, and 0.146 for MASE predictive power.
Benefits through Innovative Cropping Patterns in the Hilly Regions of Southwest China: An Integrated Assessment of Emergy and Economic Returns
Authors: Li Tongliang , Chen Wei , Liu Fan , Yao Hongqian , Huo Qi , Zhang Wei , Yin Pijiang , Feng Dongju , Yuan Jichao , Wang Xinglong , Kong Fanlei
Published: October 2023

Optimizing Cropping patterns is important for the improvement of regional agricultural economic efficiency and sustainable development. However, there are few studies on the sustainability of cropping patterns in hilly areas. Here, we studied four new three-maturing cropping patterns in a typical ecological site in the hilly areas of southwest China. An analytical method combining economic efficiency evaluation and energy value analysis was used to evaluate and compare the economic efficiency and sustainability of the new cropping model and the traditional cropping model. We explored the construction of a new three-crop cropping model suitable for the southwest hilly area to improve the economic benefits of agricultural production and improve the sustainability of agricultural production. To solve the above problems, we constructed eight cropping patterns and classified them as follows: The Traditional Double Cropping System: T1, oilseed rape-summer soybean; T2, oilseed rape-summer maize; T3, wheat-summer maize. Traditional Triple Cropping System: T4, wheat/spring maize/summer soybean. Novel Triple Cropping System: T5, forage oilseed rape-spring maize/summer soybean; T6, forage oilseed rape-spring maize/peanut; T7, potato-spring maize/peanut; T8, potato-spring maize/summer soybean. The results of the study showed that compared with the Traditional Double Cropping System and the Traditional Triple Cropping System, the Novel Triple Cropping System increased the economic yield by an average of 100.39% and 49.18%, the economic production capacity by 71.32% and 36.48%, the biological yield by 12.53% and 4.90%, and the biological production capacity by 13.59% and 5.80%. The economic benefits of the Novel Triple Cropping System were significantly improved, with economic profits increased by CNY 9068 ·hm−2 and CNY 7533 ·hm−2 compared with the Traditional Double Cropping System and the Traditional Triple Cropping System. The energy value analysis further revealed the characteristics of the Novel Triple Cropping System as a high input and high output model. The Novel Triple Cropping System increased energy value inputs by 6.56% and 4.25%, and energy value outputs by 13.69% and 4.27% compared with the Traditional Double Cropping System and the Traditional Triple Cropping System, respectively. This high level of inputs stems mainly from a significant increase in labor inputs. Meanwhile, the energy-value indicator analysis of the Novel Triple Cropping System shows its lower dependence on natural resources, greater production intensification, and increased system stability. As a result, the Novel Triple Cropping System showed higher sustainable production capacity. In summary, the results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for optimizing cropping patterns and promoting high-yield and the sustainable development of agriculture.
Exogenous Application of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Improved Antioxidants, Photosynthetic, and Yield Traits in Salt-Stressed Maize
Authors: Seleiman Mahmoud F. , Ahmad Awais , Alhammad Bushra Ahmed , Tola ElKamil
Published: October 2023

Salinity is one of the most threatening abiotic stresses to agricultural production, alarmingly expanding both through natural salinization phenomena and anthropogenic activities in recent times. The exploration of sustainable and eco-friendly strategic approaches for mitigating the negative impact of salinity on food crops is of vital importance for future food security. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) as potent salinity mitigators in maize (Zea mays L.). Three ZnO-NPs foliar treatments (i.e., 0, 50, and 100 mg/L) were applied 40, 55, and 70 days after sowing on maize plants exposed to continuous salinities of 0 mM NaCl (S0), 60 mM NaCl (S1), and 120 mM NaCl (S3) in a semi-automated greenhouse facility. Results showed that the highest salinity (i.e., 120 mM NaCl) significantly affected plant growth attributes, physiological performance, nutrient profiles, antioxidant activity, plant yield, and yield-contributing characteristics of maize plants. Thus, 120 mM NaCl resulted in −53% number of grains per cob (NG), −67% grains weight per cob (GW), −36% 100-grains weight (HGW), and −72% grain yield per plant (GY) compared to controls. However, foliar treatment of maize plants with ZnO-NPs successfully mitigated salinity and significantly improved all studied parameters, except transpiration rate (TR) and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE). Foliar application of 100 mg/L of ZnO-NPs alleviated NG, GW, HGW, and GY by 31%, 51%, 13%, and 53%, respectively. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation further strengthened the significance of ZnO-NP application as salinity mitigators.
Modelling of Animal Activity, Illuminance, and Noise on a Weaned Piglet Farm
Authors: Fernández Maria D. , Besteiro Roberto , Arango Tamara , Rodríguez Manuel R.
Published: October 2023

Measuring animal activity and its evolution in real time is useful for animal welfare assessment. In addition, illuminance and noise level are two factors that can improve our understanding of animal activity. This study aims to establish relationships between animal activity as measured by passive infrared sensors, and both illuminance and noise level on a conventional weaned piglet farm. First, regression models were applied, and then cosine models with three harmonics were developed using least squares with a Generalized Reduced Gradient Nonlinear method. Finally, all the models were validated. Linear models showed positive correlations, with values between 0.40 and 0.56. Cosine models drew clear patterns of daily animal activity, illuminance and noise level with two peaks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, coinciding with human activity inside the building, with a preference for inactivity at night-time and around midday. Cosine model fitting revealed strong correlations, both in the measurement and validation periods, for animal activity (R = 0.97 and 0.92), illuminance (R = 0.95 and 0.91) and noise level (R = 0.99 and 0.92). The developed models could be easily implemented in animal welfare monitoring systems and could provide useful information about animal activity through continuous monitoring of illuminance or noise levels.
Acute Exposure to Two Biocides Causes Morphological and Molecular Changes in the Gill Ciliary Epithelium of the Invasive Golden Mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857)
Authors: Moreira Amanda Maria Siqueira , Freitas Erico Tadeu Fraga , Reis Mariana de Paula , Nogueira Júlia Meireles , Barbosa Newton Pimentel de Ulhôa , Reis André Luiz Martins , Pelli Afonso , Camargo Paulo Ricardo da Silva , Cardoso Antonio Valadão , de Paula Rayan Silva , Jorge Erika Cristina
Published: October 2023

Limnoperna fortunei, the golden mussel, is a bivalve mollusk considered an invader in South America. This species is responsible for ecological and economic damages due to its voluminous fouling capability. Chemical biocides such as MXD-100™ and sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) are often used to control L. fortunei infestations in hydraulic systems. Thus, we proposed to investigate the effects of different periods (24, 48 and 72 h) of exposure to MXD-100™ (0.56 mg L−1) and NaDCC (1.5 mg L−1) on the gills of L. fortunei through morphological and molecular analyses. NaDCC promoted progressive morphological changes during the analyzed periods and only an upregulation of SOD and HSP70 expression during the first 24 h of exposure. MXD-100™ led to severe morphological changes from the first period of exposure, in addition to an upregulation of SOD, CAT, HSP70 and CYP expression during the first 24 h. In contrast, MXD-100™ led to a downregulation of CAT transcription between 24 and 48 h. In static conditions, NaDCC causes lethal damage after 72 h of exposure, and that exposure needs to be continuous to achieve the control of the species. Meanwhile, the MXD-100™ treatment presented several effects during the first 24 h, showing acute toxicity in a shorter period of time.
Estimating the Spatial Distribution and Future Conservation Requirements of the Spotted Seal in the North Pacific
Authors: Yang Leyu , Zhuang Hongfei , Liu Shenghao , Cong Bailin , Huang Wenhao , Li Tingting , Liu Kaiyu , Zhao Linlin
Published: October 2023

Local adaptation has been increasingly involved in the designation of species conservation strategies to response to climate change. Marine mammals, as apex predators, are climatechange sensitive, and their spatial distribution and conservation requirements are critically significant for designing protection strategies. In this study, we focused on an ice-breeding marine mammal, the spotted seal (Phoca largha), which exhibits distinct morphological and genetic variations across its range. Our objectives were to quantify the ecological niches of three spotted seal populations, construct the species-level model and population-level models that represent different regions in the Bering population (BDPS), Okhotsk population (ODPS) and southern population (SDPS), and conduct a conservation gap analysis. Our findings unequivocally demonstrated a clear niche divergence among the three populations. We predicted habitat contraction for the BDPS and ODPS driven by climate change; in particular, the spotted seals inhabiting Liaodong Bay may face breeding habitat loss. However, most spotted seal habitats are not represented in existing marine protected areas. Drawing upon these outcomes, we propose appropriate conservation policies to effectively protect the habitat of the different geographical populations of spotted seals. Our research addresses the importance of incorporating local adaptation into species distribution modeling to inform conservation and management strategies.
The Performance and Metabolism of Dairy Cows Receiving an Ultra-Diluted Complex in the Diet during the Transition Period and Early Lactation
Authors: Gheller Larissa S. , Martins Mellory M. , Silva Thiago H. , Freu Gustavo , Salles Márcia S. V. , Júnior Luiz C. R. , Soares Weber V. B. , Netto Arlindo S.
Published: October 2023

This study evaluated the effects of feeding an ultra-diluted complex to dairy cows during the transition period and early lactation. Thirty multiparous pregnant dairy cows were blocked and randomly assigned to either a placebo control (CON) group or ultra-diluted complex (UD) group. The CON group received a placebo (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of expanded silicate), while the UD group received the ultra-diluted complex (basal diet + 40 g/cow/day of PeriParto Transição–RealH, composed of ultra-diluted substances + vehicle: expanded silicate). Cows were evaluated from 30 days before the expected calving date until 60 days in milk (DIM) for sample and data collection. Post-partum dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by the treatment. Cows fed UD had higher DMI relative to BW. Feeding UD increased milk lactose content and decreased milk protein content. Cows fed UD had lower somatic cell counts in the third and fourth week of lactation. Cows fed UD showed a tendency for higher liver health index. Using UD during the transition period and early lactation may benefit liver and udder health of dairy cows with no detrimental effect on milk performance.
Dietary Administration Effects of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Bacillus tequilensis PS21 Using Riceberry Broken Rice, and Soybean Meal on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Sutthi Nantaporn , Wangkahart Eakapol , Panase Paiboon , Karirat Thipphiya , Deeseenthum Sirirat , Ma Nyuk Ling , Luang-In Vijitra
Published: October 2023

Overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture has generated bacterial resistance and altered the ecology. Aquacultural disease control requires an environmentally sustainable approach. Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) as bioimmunostimulants have not been extensively explored in aquaculture. This study investigated EPS produced from 5% w/v riceberry broken rice as a carbon source and 1% w/v soybean meal as a nitrogen source by Bacillus tequilensis PS21 from milk kefir grain for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant activities and resistance to pathogenic Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The FTIR spectrum of EPS confirmed the characteristic bonds of polysaccharides, while the HPLC chromatogram of EPS displayed only the glucose monomer subunit, indicating its homopolysaccharide feature. This EPS (20 mg/mL) exhibited DPPH scavenging activity of 65.50 ± 0.31%, an FRAP value of 2.07 ± 0.04 mg FeSO4/g DW, and antimicrobial activity (14.17 ± 0.76 mm inhibition zone diameter) against S. agalactiae EW1 using the agar disc diffusion method. Five groups of Nile tilapia were fed diets (T1 (Control) = 0.0, T2 = 0.1, T3 = 0.2, T4 = 1.0, and T5 = 2.0 g EPS/kg diet) for 90 days. Results showed that EPS did not affect growth performances or body composition, but EPS (T4 + T5) significantly stimulated neutrophil levels and serum lysozyme activity. EPS (T5) significantly induced myeloperoxidase activity, catalase activity, and liver superoxide dismutase activity. EPS (T5) also significantly increased the survival of fish at 80.00 ± 5.77% at 14 days post-challenge with S. agalactiae EW1 compared to the control (T1) at 53.33 ± 10.00%. This study presents an efficient method for utilizing agro-industrial biowaste as a prospective source of value-added EPS via a microbial factory to produce a bio-circular green economy model that preserves a healthy environment while also promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Microplastics in Cetaceans Stranded on the Portuguese Coast
Authors: Sá Sara , Torres-Pereira Andreia , Ferreira Marisa , Monteiro Sílvia S. , Fradoca Raquel , Sequeira Marina , Vingada José , Eira Catarina
Published: October 2023

This study characterises microplastics in small cetaceans on the coast of Portugal and assesses the relationship between several biological variables and the amount of detected microplastics. The intestines of 38 stranded dead cetaceans were processed in the laboratory, with digestion methods adapted to the amount of organic matter in each sample. The influence of several biological and health variables (e.g., species, sex, body condition) on the amount of microplastics was tested in all analysed species and particularly in common dolphins, due to the larger number of available samples. Most of the analysed individuals had microplastics in the intestine (92.11%), with harbour porpoises revealing a significantly higher median number of microplastics than common dolphins, probably due to their different diets, use of habitat and feeding strategies. None of the other tested variables significantly influenced the number of microplastics. Moreover, the microplastics found should not be enough to cause physical or chemical sublethal effects, although the correlation between microplastic ingestion and plastic additive bioaccumulation in cetacean tissues requires further investigation. Future monitoring in biota should rely on improved and standardised protocols for microplastic analyses in complex samples to allow for accurate analyses of larger samples and spatio-temporal comparisons.
Transcriptomic Analysis on Pectoral Muscle of European Meat Pigeons and Shiqi Pigeons during Embryonic Development
Authors: Li Fada , Zhu Chenyu , Luo Yongquan , Li Songchao , Wang Qi , Han Yuanhao , Wu Zhongping , Li Xiujin , Liang Yayan , Chen Yitian , Shen Xu , Huang Yunmao , Tian Yunbo , Zhang Xumeng
Published: October 2023

In avian muscle development, embryonic muscle development determines the number of myofibers after birth. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the phenotypic differences and the molecular mechanism of pectoral muscle development of the European meat pigeon Mimas strain (later called European meat pigeon) and Shiqi pigeon on embryonic day 6 (E6), day 10 (E10), day 14 (E14) and day 1 after birth (P1). The results showed that the myofiber density of the Shiqi pigeon was significantly higher than that of the European meat pigeon on E6, and myofibers with a diameter in the range of 50~100 μm of the Shiqi pigeon on P1 were significantly higher than those of European meat pigeon. A total of 204 differential expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from RNA-seq analysis in comparison between pigeon breeds at the same stage. DEGs related to muscle development were found to significantly enrich the cellular amino acid catabolism, carboxylic acid catabolism, extracellular matrix receptor interaction, REDOX enzyme activity, calcium signaling pathway, ECM receptor interaction, PPAR signaling pathway and other pathways. Using Cytoscape software to create mutual mapping, we identified 33 candidate genes. RT-qPCR was performed to verify the 8 DEGs selected—DES, MYOD, MYF6, PTGS1, MYF5, MYH1, MSTN and PPARG—and the results were consistent with RNA-seq. This study provides basic data for revealing the distinct embryonic development mechanism of pectoral muscle between European meat pigeons and Shiqi pigeons.
Pro-Atherogenic and Pro-Oxidant Diets Influence Semen and Blood Traits of Rabbit Bucks
Authors: Mattioli Simona , Angelucci Elisa , Dal Bosco Alessandro , Signorini Cinzia , Sylla Lakamy , Bosa Luigia , Collodel Giulia , Durand Thierry , Galano Jean-Marie , Oger Camille , Castellini Cesare
Published: October 2023

Many dietary factors can affect sperm traits. We compared the effect of diets rich in pro-oxidant (flaxseed oil) and pro-atherogenic (coconut oil) substances without added antioxidants on semen traits, using the rabbit as an animal model. Thirty rabbit bucks (8 months old) were fed three diets for 150 days: CNT (control) a standard diet; HA (high-atherogenic) standard diet + 3% coconut oil, and HO (high-oxidizing) standard diet + 3% flaxseed oil. Semen samples were collected weekly for the evaluation of qualitative traits (kinetics, viability) and the oxidative damage (MDA and cytokines). Blood was collected at the start (T0) and end (T8) of the experimental period for the assessment of the oxidative damage (MDA and isoprostanoids), lipid profile, and testosterone. A worsening of sperm kinetics and viability was recorded in the HA group. Lipid oxidation in seminal plasma, as well as isoprostanoids in blood (F3-IsoPs and F4-NeuroPs), increased in both the HO and HA groups. A high level of TNF-α, a marker of inflammatory status, was recorded in the seminal plasma of the HA group. The resulting outcomes were mainly attributable to the different fatty acid profiles (SFA vs. PUFA) of the diets, which modulated an inflammatory/oxidative response.
Boundary Treatment with Additive Boundary Particles for Incompressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method
Authors: Sun Fanfan , Song Bingyue , Tan Mingyi
Published: October 2023

A new boundary treatment considering uniform particle distribution using additive boundary particles for the incompressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics (ISPH) method is proposed. With this new boundary treatment, the solid boundary can be easily modeled just following the geometry configuration and consequently the simulations of fluid–structure interaction problems can be simplified. The efficiency of this new boundary treatment is analyzed, and the implementations are compared with other exiting boundary treatments such as repulsive force and ghost particles. Simulations of the 2D dam-breaking case, static tank, and 2D u-tube test are carried out as examples to demonstrate the performance of this new boundary treatment. It is shown that better predictions can be gained with the new boundary treatment for the pressure distribution in these cases than those obtained from other boundary treatments.
Early Warning of Red Tide of Phaeocystis globosa Based on Phycocyanin Concentration Retrieval in Qinzhou Bay, China
Authors: Liu Yin , Yao Huanmei , Chen Huaquan , Wang Mengsi , Huang Zengshiqi , Zhong Weiping
Published: October 2023

Phaeocystis globose (P. glo) are the most frequent harmful algae responsible for red tides in Qinzhou Bay, Guangxi. They pose a significant threat to the coastal marine ecosystem, making it essential to develop an efficient indicator method tailored to P. glo outbreaks. In remote sensing water quality monitoring, there is a strong correlation between P. glo and cyanobacteria, with phycocyanin (PC) serving as an indicator of cyanobacterial biomass. Consequently, existing research has predominantly focused on remote sensing monitoring of medium to high PC concentrations. However, it is still challenging to monitor low PC concentrations. This paper introduced the BP neural network (BPNN) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO). It selects spectral bands and indices sensitive to PC concentrations and constructs a PC concentration retrieval model, in combination with meteorological factors, offering a comprehensive exploration of the indicative role of low PC concentrations in predicting P. glo red tide outbreaks in Qinzhou Bay. The results demonstrated that the PC concentration retrieval model, based on the backpropagation neural network optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO-BPNN), demonstrated better performance (MAE = 0.469, RMSE = 0.615). In Qinzhou Bay, PC concentrations were mainly concentrated around 2~5 μg/L. During the P. glo red tide event, the area with undetectable PC concentrations (PC < 0.04 μg/L) increased by 4.97 km2, with regions below 0.9 μg/L experiencing exponential growth. Considering the variations in PC concentrations along with meteorological factors, we proposed a straightforward early warning threshold for P. glo red tides: PC < 0.9 μg/L and T < 20 °C. This method, from a remote sensing perspective, analyzes the process of P. glo outbreaks, simplifies PC concentration monitoring, and provides a reasonably accurate prediction of the risk of P. glo red tide disasters.
A Method for Estimating Source Depth Based on the Adjacent Mode Group Acoustic Pressure Field
Authors: Li Jian , Li Rong , Wang Zexi , Zhang Zhen , Gu Mingyu , Han Guangjie
Published: October 2023

In order to effectively estimate the depth of the source in the acoustic pressure field, this study investigated the relationship between the distribution of acoustic pressure fields in different adjacent mode groups and the depth of the source in shallow waveguides and proposed a method to estimate the depth of the source on the basis of the adjacent mode group acoustic pressure field. We first derived and calculated the adjacent mode group acoustic pressure field of a typical shallow waveguide, then verified the accuracy of this derivation process through simulations. In addition, combined with singular value decomposition mode extraction, the adjacent mode group acoustic pressure field of the SACLANT experimental data was obtained and used as a comparative parameter for the method presented in this paper. By using the depth of the source as the estimation variable, a simulated annealing algorithm and related parameters were designed, and the feasibility of this method was verified through simulation and experiments. The proposed method achieved a higher localization accuracy without the need for accurate modeling of underwater acoustic channels. Under the conditions of the simulation environment, the average estimation error rate of the method was 0.24%, and with increases in the temperature coefficient and Markov chain length, the average estimation error rate of the method decreased. In the experimental environment, the average estimation error rate of the method was 0.45%. This study provides a method to obtain the depth of source in a shallow waveguide via the adjacent mode group acoustic pressure field.
Creation of One- and Two-Dimensional Copper and Zinc Oxides Semiconductor Structures
Authors: Murzin Serguei P. , Kazanskiy Nikolay L.
Published: October 2023

The most effective methods for the synthesis of nanostructured copper and zinc oxides, which have unique properties and potential applications in a variety of fields including electronics, photonics, sensorics, and energy conversion, are analyzed. Special attention is paid to laser-based methods for synthesizing oxide nanostructures, with an emphasis on the importance of controlling power density distribution to influence the quality and properties of the nanomaterials. The great significance of wavefront shaping techniques for controlling laser-initiated processes is highlighted, which enable precise control over the phase and amplitude of light waves to achieve desired outcomes in optics and laser-assisted formation of one- and two-dimensional structures of oxide semiconductor materials. Diffractive computer optics is presented as a powerful tool for precise beam control. The significance of laser-induced thermochemical processes for creating and improving the properties of ZnO and CuO-based nanomaterials is discussed. The presented analysis shows that the synthesis of nanocomposites based on ZnO and CuO using pulse-periodic laser treatment, coupled with precise laser beam control using free-form diffractive optics, presents novel opportunities for applications in optoelectronics, sensor technology, electronics and portable energy sources manufacturing, and various other fields.
Marginal Discrepancy and Internal Fit of Bi-Layered and Monolithic Zirconia Fixed Dental Prostheses: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alsarani Majed M. , Rizkalla Amin S. , Fava Joseph , Coyle Thomas W. , El-Mowafy Omar
Published: October 2023

This in vitro study evaluated the influence of restoration design (bi-layered vs. monolithic) and manufacturing technique on the marginal discrepancy and internal fit of 3-unit zirconia fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Mandibular second premolars and second molars were prepared as abutments in a 3-unit zirconia bridge to develop four groups (n = 10 FDPs): MZ: Monolithic zirconia FDPs, ZL: zirconia framework veneered by the hand-layering technique, ZP: zirconia framework veneered by the heat-pressed technique, and CAD-on: zirconia framework veneered by CAD/CAM lithium-disilicate glass–ceramic. All the zirconia FDPs were cemented to their corresponding die replicas using dual-cure resin cement and were subjected to compressive cyclic loading at a load range for half a million cycles using a universal testing machine. FDPs were sectioned mesiodistally to measure the marginal gap and internal fit using scanning electron microscopy. The measurements were taken at pre-assigned points of each abutment. Data were statistically analyzed via a Kruskal–Wallis test (α = 0.05). No significant differences were found between the monolithic and bi-layered zirconia groups in terms of the marginal discrepancy. However, there was a significant difference in the marginal gap between the zirconia groups. The marginal gap between monolithic and bi-layered zirconia FDPs was within the clinically acceptable range (<100 μm). Comparable mean values of the marginal gaps of 3-unit monolithic and veneered zirconia FDPs were found. Therefore, the FDP design and veneering methods did not affect the marginal discrepancy. However, the mean internal gap varied among the experimental groups. As the current in vitro investigation demonstrated equivalent mean values of marginal gaps of both 3-unit monolithic and bi-layered zirconia FPDs, the use of monolithic 3-unit zirconia FPDs would be a viable alternative fabrication technique.
A “Hardware-Friendly” Foreign Object Identification Method for Belt Conveyors Based on Improved YOLOv8
Authors: Luo Bingxin , Kou Ziming , Han Cong , Wu Juan
Published: October 2023

As a crucial element in coal transportation, conveyor belts play a vital role, and monitoring their health is essential for the coal mine transportation system’s safe and efficient operation. This paper introduces a new ‘hardware-friendly’ method for monitoring belt conveyor damage, aiming to address the issue of large parameters and computational requirements in existing deep learning-based foreign object detection methods and their challenges in deploying on edge devices with limited computing power. This method is tailored towards edge computing and aims to reduce the parameters and computational load of foreign object recognition networks deployed on edge computing devices. This method improves the YOLOv8 object detection network and redesigns a novel lightweight ShuffleNetV2 network as the backbone network, making the network more delicate in recognizing foreign object features while reducing redundant parameters. Additionally, a simple parameter-free attention mechanism called SimAM is introduced to further enhance recognition efficiency without imposing additional computational burden. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved foreign object recognition method achieves a detection accuracy of 95.6% with only 1.6 M parameters and 4.7 G model computational load (FLOPs). Compared to the baseline YOLOv8n, the detection accuracy has improved by 3.3 percentage points, while the number of parameters and model computational load have been reduced by 48.4% and 42.0%, respectively. These works are more friendly to edge computing devices that tend to “hardware friendly” algorithms. The improved algorithm can reduce latency in the data transmission process, enabling the accurate and timely detection of non-coal foreign objects on the conveyor belt. This provides assurance for the subsequent host computer system to promptly identify and address foreign objects, thereby ensuring the safety and efficiency of the belt conveyor.
Experimental Investigation on Effects of Water Injection on Rock Frictional Sliding and Its Implications for the Mechanism of Induced Earthquake
Authors: Huang Yuanmin , Zhang Lei , Ma Shengli , Li Xiaohui
Published: October 2023

This study conducted water-induced fault slip experiments on saw-cut granite, sandstone, and limestone samples. Experimental results demonstrated that injecting 15 MPa pressurized water into the vicinity of a high-permeability sandstone fault could decrease the effective normal stress and induce fault slip but not significantly affect the stress of granite and limestone faults due to low permeability. When the pressurized water was injected into the fault plane, 1 MPa pressurized water could not significantly affect fault stress; however, the 15 MPa pressurized water caused a significant reduction in frictional strength and induced fault sliding. The actual pore pressure differed from the injection pressure and showed significant differences in three faults, resulting in the apparent difference in stress drop, slip duration, displacement, and sliding rate. Three faults showed velocity-strengthening properties at room temperature. The fault slip caused by 15 MPa pressurized water injection was a direct response of fault strength to the reduction in effective normal stress. The limestone fault was characterized by velocity-weakening behavior at 100 °C, and the sliding rate of the fault induced by the 15 MPa pressurized water injection was faster than that at room temperature. The experiment results suggest that high-pressure injection can dominate over velocity-dependent effects, inducing fault-unstable slips in velocity-strengthening faults, but is more likely to induce medium-strong earthquakes on the velocity-weakening fault.
Retromalleolar Groove Deepening in Recurrent Peroneal Tendon dislocation: Short- and Medium-Term Functional Outcomes
Authors: Samaila Elena Manuela , Auregli Ludovica , Maluta Tommaso , Leigheb Massimiliano , Mazzotti Antonio , Magnan Bruno
Published: October 2023

Recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation is a rare and often underrecognized condition. It may result from acute injuries, more commonly seen in athletes, or from untreated ankle sprains leading to chronic ankle instability. The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate short- and medium-term functional outcomes of the surgical technique involving deepening of the retromalleolar groove for the management of recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation. Nine patients, one of whom had bilateral dislocation, were enrolled in this study. The study group consisted of six males and three females, with a mean age of 31.2 years. CT scans were used to measure the depth of the neo-grooves, while the EFAS score (European Foot and Ankle Society Score) and AOFAS score (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score) were used to assess functional results. The medium follow-up period was 4.8 years. CT scan data revealed a mean increase of 4.69 mm in the depth of the neo-retromalleolar groove. AOFAS scores improved from a mean preoperative value of 74.4 to 86.9 after surgery, and EFAS scores increased from a mean preoperative score of 19.7 to 31. Statistical analysis of clinical scores yielded significant results with a p-value < 0.005. All patients returned to their previous sports activities within an average time of 7.7 months, reporting no pain or limitations. There were no recurrences observed. The retromalleolar groove deepening technique demonstrated excellent results in the treatment of recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation, evidenced by significant improvements in clinical scores, functional recovery, successful return to sports, and high patient satisfaction.
Effect of Growth Regulators on the Quality of Apple Tree Whorls
Authors: Kapłan Magdalena , Klimek Kamila , Borkowska Anna , Buczyński Kamil
Published: October 2023

High-quality nursery stock ensures the dynamic development of orchard crops. The most desirable by orchardists is a tree with a strongly developed crown, which makes it possible to shorten the investment period of newly planted orchards. The quality of the perianth and the degree of its branching depend on the growth strength of the rootstock, the ability of a given variety to form lateral shoots, the type and effectiveness of the treatments used to stimulate branching, soil and climatic conditions related to the location of the nursery and the course of the weather during the period of initiation and growth of young shoots. The study was conducted in 2017–2019 at a private nursery farm near Lublin. The aim of the experiment was to study the effect of mixtures based on the compounds benzyladenine (BA) and gibberellins (GA3) and (GA4+7) for chemical stimulation of lateral shoot outgrowth in apple cv. ‘Alwa’ and ‘Najdared’. In the course of the research, significant effects of the type of growth regulations used and the variety on the height of the perianths, the number and length of lateral shoots and the degree of branching were demonstrated.
Application of the Residue Method in Steam Superheater Fault Detection
Authors: Maican Camelia Adela , Rădulescu Virginia Maria , Pană Cristina Floriana
Published: October 2023

Steam superheaters experience various defects that can affect the system’s operation differently. Maintaining a constant temperature and pressure of the steam at the turbine input is crucial for optimal steam turbine running conditions. This is achieved by regulating the steam temperature in the superheater, which is divided into three parts with devices mounted at each connection point to allow for the injection of condensates to cool the steam. The steam pressure is controlled by adjusting the fuel flow command. However, controlling the output temperature can be challenging because of the transfer time delay between the points where the water is sprayed and the points where the steam temperature is measured. To address this challenge, a temperature control system was developed and tested in three different environments using an electronic simulator, the block-oriented simulation hardware BORIS, data acquisition board dSpace, and a MATLAB R2020a Simulink with a PI controller model. These simulations allowed for the study of the superheater’s function in both normal and fault conditions, with the possibility of controlling the system structure and detecting faults through the proper implementation of weighting matrices.
Refined and Simplified Simulations for Steel–Concrete–Steel Structures
Authors: Calixte Robine , Jason Ludovic , Davenne Luc
Published: October 2023

Steel–concrete–steel (SCS) sandwich structures have gained increasing interest in new constructions. The external steel plates increase the stiffness, the sustainability, and the strength of the structures under some extreme solicitations. Moreover, the use of these plates as lost prefabricated formwork makes SCS structures modular, enabling higher construction rates. However, for a better understanding of the complex behavior of these structures up to failure, refined numerical simulations are needed to consider various local phenomena, such as concrete crushing in compression and interface interactions. Indeed, the highly non-linear steel–concrete interaction around the dowels is the key point of the composite action. In this contribution, a refined methodology is first proposed and applied on a push-out test. It is especially demonstrated that a regularization technique in compression is needed for the concrete model. Interface elements are also developed and associated with a nonlinear constitutive law between steel connectors and external plates. From this refined methodology, simplified numerical modeling is then deduced and validated. Directly applied to an SCS wall-to-wall junction, this simplified strategy enables the reproduction of the overall behavior, including the elastic phase, the degradation of the system, and the failure mode. The response of each component is particularly analyzed, and the key points of the behavior are highlighted.
Towards an Indoor Gunshot Detection and Notification System Using Deep Learning
Authors: Khan Tareq
Published: October 2023

Gun violence and mass shootings kill and injure people, create psychological trauma, damage properties, and cause economic loss. The loss from gun violence can be reduced if we can detect the gunshot early and notify the police as soon as possible. In this project, a novel gunshot detector device is developed that automatically detects indoor gunshot sound and sends the gunshot location to the nearby police station in real time using the Internet. The users of the device and the emergency responders also receive smartphone notifications whenever the shooting happens. This will help the emergency responders to quickly arrive at the crime scene, thus the shooter can be caught, injured people can be taken to the hospital quickly, and lives can be saved. The gunshot detector is an electronic device that can be placed in schools, shopping malls, offices, etc. The device also records the gunshot sounds for post-crime scene analysis. A deep learning model, based on a convolutional neural network (CNN), is trained to classify the gunshot sound from other sounds with 98% accuracy. A prototype of the gunshot detector device, the central server for the emergency responder’s station, and smartphone apps have been developed and tested successfully.