bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Sport and Companion Animals: Therapeutic Ultrasound
Authors: Boström Anna , Asplund Kjell , Bergh Anna , Hyytiäinen Heli
Published: November 2022

Background: To explore the scientific evidence for therapeutic ultrasound (TU), we conducted a systematic review of the literature on TU in dogs, horses, donkeys, and cats. Methods: In three major databases, relevant articles published in 1980–2020 were identified. The risk of bias in each article was evaluated. Results: Twenty-four relevant articles on the effects of TU in dogs, nine in horses, two in donkeys, and one in cats were identified. TU usually involved 2–6 treatments weekly for up to 4 weeks. Articles on tendon, ligament, and bone healing, acute aseptic arthritis, osteoarthritis, paraparesis, hindquarter weakness, and back muscle pain were identified. In experimental bone lesions in dogs, there is moderate scientific evidence for enhanced healing. For the treatment of other musculoskeletal conditions, the scientific evidence is insufficient due to the high risk of bias. There is substantial evidence that continuous TU increases tissue temperature in muscles and tendons by up to 5 °C in healthy animals. For disorders in tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints in sport and companion animals, there is insufficient evidence for the clinical effects of TU.
Effects of Hard and Soft Scalding on Defeathering and Carcass Quality of Different Breeds of Chickens
Authors: Shung Chia-Cheng , Hsin Kun-Yi , Tan Fa-Jui , Chen Shuen-Ei
Published: November 2022

Current soft scalding in broilers is not applicable to various strains of chickens with different market weights and ages. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of soft (57 °C for 120 s) and hard (60 °C for 60 s) scalding on defeathering and carcass quality of the local strain of Red Feather (RF) country chickens and determine age, breed, and body weight factor in accounting for the defeathering effectiveness using adult layers and juvenile broilers as a reference. Results showed no differences between soft and hard scalding in broilers with 60% and 80% of acceptable defeathering scores, respectively, while a significantly better effect by hard scalding was observed in adult layers, young and old RF chickens with more than 70% of birds exhibiting desirable scores and less than 20% by soft scalding. In contrast to soft scalding, hard scalding had no significant effects on breast meat color but impaired skin color in broilers as assessed by L*, a*, and b* value analysis. Interestingly, hard scalding increased breast skin yellowness and lightness in young RF chickens and lightness in old RF chickens, while there were no significant changes in layers. However, hard scalding decreased skin elasticity in layers and old RF chickens. The effectiveness of defeathering by scalding method was governed by the age to reach a certain threshold in the development of dermal architecture and feather richness, irrelevant to body weight. The alteration of carcass color primarily depends on age, body weight/breed, and their interaction. In conclusion, current soft scalding is suitable for broiler chickens for desirable defeathering effect and carcass color, whereas layers and RF chickens scaled at 60 °C for 60 s showed a better defeathering effect without unfavorable changes of breast meat and skin color.
Effects of Neem (Azadirachta indica) Leaf Powder Supplementation on Rumen Fermentation, Feed Intake, Apparent Digestibility and Performance in Omani Sheep
Authors: El-Zaiat Hani M. , Elshafie Elshafie I. , Al-Marzooqi Waleed , Dughaishi Kawakob Al
Published: November 2022

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of the dietary addition of neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf powder (NLP) when compared to monensin (MON) on ruminal fermentation, feed intake, digestibility, and performance of growing lambs. Eighteen Omani lambs (22.8 ± 2.18 kg of body weight (BW)) were equally divided into three groups (n = 6 lambs/group) for 90 days. Animals were fed an ad lib basal diet consisting of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay (600 g/kg) and a concentrated mixture (400 g/kg) offered twice daily. Experimental treatments were control (basal diet without supplements); MON (control plus 35 mg/kg DM as a positive control); and NLP (control plus 40 g/kg DM). Lambs fed NLP had reduced ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentrations, protozoal counts, total volatile fatty acid, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations compared to the control. Compared to MON, lambs fed NLP had increased ruminal acetate and decreased propionate proportions. Inclusion of NLP in the diet increased blood total protein, globulin, and liver enzyme concentrations in comparison with the control, which was similar to MON. The lamb’s final BW and average BW gain were also increased with the NLP relative to the control. Further, adding NLP to the diet increased the digestibility of crude protein compared to the control diet. In conclusion, adding NLP to the diet with 40 g/kg DM could be used as a promising phytogenic supplement for growing lambs with no detrimental effects on the ruminal fermentation profile, nutrient intake, or digestibility.
Gene and Protein Accumulation Changes Evoked in Porcine Aorta in Response to Feeding with Two Various Fructan Sources
Authors: Marynowska Marta , Herosimczyk Agnieszka , Lepczyński Adam , Barszcz Marcin , Konopka Adrianna , Dunisławska Aleksandra , Ożgo Małgorzata
Published: November 2022

In this study, two different ITFs sources were incorporated into a cereal-based diet to evaluate possible aortic protein and gene changes in nursery pigs. The animals were fed two different experimental diets from the 10th day of life, supplemented with either 4% of dried chicory root (CR) or with 2% of native inulin (IN). After a 40-day dietary intervention trial, pigs were sacrificed at day 50 and the aortas were harvested. Our data indicate that dietary ITFs have the potential to influence several structural and physiological changes that are reflected both in the mRNA and protein levels in porcine aorta. In contrast to our hypothesis, we could not show any beneficial effects of a CR diet on vascular functions. The direction of changes of several proteins and genes may indicate disrupted ECM turnover (COL6A1 and COL6A2, MMP2, TIMP3, EFEMP1), increased inflammation and lipid accumulation (FFAR2), as well as decreased activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (TXNDC5, ORM1). On the other hand, the IN diet may counteract a highly pro-oxidant environment through the endothelin–NO axis (CALR, TCP1, HSP8, PDIA3, RCN2), fibrinolytic activity (ANXA2), anti-atherogenic (CAVIN-1) and anti-calcification (LMNA) properties, thus contributing to the maintenance of vascular homeostasis.
Structural Investigation of Therapeutic Antibodies Using Hydroxyl Radical Protein Footprinting Methods
Authors: Ralston Corie Y. , Sharp Joshua S.
Published: November 2022

Commercial monoclonal antibodies are growing and important components of modern therapies against a multitude of human diseases. Well-known high-resolution structural methods such as protein crystallography are often used to characterize antibody structures and to determine paratope and/or epitope binding regions in order to refine antibody design. However, many standard structural techniques require specialized sample preparation that may perturb antibody structure or require high concentrations or other conditions that are far from the conditions conducive to the accurate determination of antigen binding or kinetics. We describe here in this minireview the relatively new method of hydroxyl radical protein footprinting, a solution-state method that can provide structural and kinetic information on antibodies or antibody–antigen interactions useful for therapeutic antibody design. We provide a brief history of hydroxyl radical footprinting, examples of current implementations, and recent advances in throughput and accessibility.
Efficacy of Tuberculosis Treatment in Patients with Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis with the Use of Bedaquiline: The Experience of the Russian Federation
Authors: Starshinova Anna , Dovgalyk Irina , Belyaeva Ekaterina , Glushkova Anzhela , Osipov Nikolay , Kudlay Dmitry
Published: November 2022

In the conditions of the continued growth of multiple- and extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis, use of the new highly effective anti-tuberculosis drugs in this patient category is of great relevance. The aim of the study was determination the efficacy of treatment in patients with multidrug- and extensive drug-resistant tuberculosis using bedaquiline based on studies published in the Russian Federation. Materials and methods: The authors analyzed data published in studies from 2014 to 2022; 41 publications were included in total and 17 articles corresponded to the study design. The results of treatment of 1404 tuberculosis patients with MDR/XDR TB were described. Bedaquiline was used according to the standard scheme with a description of the treatment results after 24–26 weeks. Treatment efficacy was estimated according to accepted criteria. Results of the study: The analysis showed that the treatment efficacy on conversion was achieved in 79.5% of cases (95% Cl 76.5–82.3), and recovery was observed in 82.0% of cases (95% Cl 78.6–85.1). Departure from the therapy was observed in rare cases (9.8%; 95% Cl 7.9–12.2). Deaths were recorded in 6.5% of cases (95% Cl 4.9–8.3), which were associated with the severe disease and concomitant pathology in 74.3%. The development of adverse events was noted in half of the patients (55.7%); however, bedaquiline cancellation occurred in a few cases (7.0%; 95% Cl 3.0–13.0). From analyzing data in patients with MDR and XDR TB, the efficacy of treatment was 89.9% (95% Cl 85.9–93.2) and 71.9% (95% Cl 66.2–77.1), respectively. Conclusion: Use of bedaquiline in treatment makes it possible to achieve recovery of patients with MDR/XDR TB in 82.0% of cases with patients dropping out of treatment in 9.8%. At the same time, in patients with MDR TB, recovery was achieved in 89.9% of cases, while in patients with XDR TB, 71.9% of cases recovered.
Citronellal Attenuates Oxidative Stress–Induced Mitochondrial Damage through TRPM2/NHE1 Pathway and Effectively Inhibits Endothelial Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Yin Ya-Ling , Wang Huan-Huan , Gui Zi-Chen , Mi Shan , Guo Shuang , Wang Yue , Wang Qian-Qian , Yue Rui-Zhu , Lin Lai-Biao , Fan Jia-Xin , Zhang Xue , Mao Bing-Yan , Liu Tian-Heng , Wan Guang-Rui , Zhan He-Qin , Zhu Mo-Li , Jiang Lin-Hua , Li Peng
Published: November 2022

In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), oxidative stress induces endothelial dysfunction (ED), which is closely related to the formation of atherosclerosis. However, there are few effective drugs to prevent and cure it. Citronellal (CT) is an aromatic active substance extracted from citronella plants. Recently, CT has been shown to prevent ED, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether CT ameliorated T2DM-induced ED by inhibiting the TRPM2/NHE1 signal pathway. Transient receptor potential channel M2 (TRPM2) is a Ca2+-permeable cation channel activated by oxidative stress, which damages endothelial cell barrier function and further leads to ED or atherosclerosis in T2DM. The Na+/H+ exchanger 1 (NHE1), a transmembrane protein, also plays an important role in ED. Whether TRPM2 and NHE1 are involved in the mechanism of CT improving ED in T2DM still needs further study. Through the evaluations of ophthalmoscope, HE and Oil red staining, vascular function, oxidative stress level, and mitochondrial membrane potential evaluation, we observed that CT not only reduced the formation of lipid deposition but also inhibited ED and suppressed oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage in vasculature of T2DM rats. The expressions of NHE1 and TRPM2 was up-regulated in the carotid vessels of T2DM rats; NHE1 expression was also upregulated in endothelial cells with overexpression of TRPM2, but CT reversed the up-regulation of NHE1 in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, CT had no inhibitory effect on the expression of NHE1 in TRPM2 knockout mice. Our study show that CT suppressed the expression of NHE1 and TPRM2, alleviated oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial damage, and imposed a protective effect on ED in T2DM rats.
Effect of Mulberry Leaf Powder of Varying Levels on Growth Performance, Immuno-Antioxidant Status, Meat Quality and Intestinal Health in Finishing Pigs
Authors: Ma Jiayu , Ma Hong , Liu Sujie , Wang Jian , Wang Hongliang , Zang Jianjun , Long Shenfei , Piao Xiangshu
Published: November 2022

Background: The purpose of the research was to investigate the effect of mulberry leaf powder (MP) of varying levels on growth performance, immuno-antioxidant status, meat quality and intestinal health. A total of 120 healthy finishing pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire], 72.2 ± 4.8 kg) were selected for this experiment and divided into four treatments, according to randomized complete block design, with three replicates of 10 pigs each (barrow:gilt = 1:1). The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) Ctrl, corn-soybean meal basal diet; (2) MP_6: basal diet with 6% MP. (3) MP_9: basal diet with 9% MP; (4) MP_12, basal diet with 12% MP. The whole experiment lasted for 33 days. Results: Compared to the Ctrl, dietary supplementation of 9% MP had no negative effects on growth performance, antioxidative capacity, intestinal digestive enzyme activities and inflammatory factors, carcass trait, the lipid profile and amino acid of muscle or related mRNA expression. MP_6 and MP_12 showed detrimental effects on average daily gain (p < 0.05) and digestibility (p < 0.05) of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy. Furthermore, MP_9 could improve (p < 0.05) the level of serum immunoglobulin M, enhance (p < 0.05) the a*24h of meat, up-regulate (p < 0.05) the mRNA expression of occludin and Mucin-2, increase (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and decrease (p < 0.05) the relative abundance of Campylobacter in the hindgut. Conclusion: Summarizing our study, dietary supplementation of 9% MP had no negative effects on growth performance, antioxidative capacity, intestinal digestive enzyme activities and inflammatory factors, carcass trait, the lipid profile and amino acid of muscle, or related mRNA expression. Furthermore, MP_9 could improve serum immunity, enhance meat quality, up-regulate the mRNA expression related to the mechanical and chemical barriers and enrich the beneficial microbiota of the hindgut. Hence, dietary supplementation of 9% MP in finishing pigs may be advisable.
Transcriptomic Analysis Suggests a Coordinated Regulation of Carotenoid Metabolism in Ripening Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum var. conoides) Fruits
Authors: Song Shuyan , Song Shu-Yuan , Nian Peiwen , Lv Dexin , Jing Yunhe , Lu Shan , Wang Qiang , Zhou Fei
Published: November 2022

Carotenoids are not only photosynthetic and photoprotective pigments in plants, but also essential antioxidative nutrients for human health. The fruit is the main plant organ that synthesizes and sequestrates carotenoids. Fruit ripening is a complicated developmental process, during which the rewiring of the metabolic network is tightly coordinated with the re-organization of cellular and organellular structures. Chili pepper (Capsicum annuum) is one of the major crops that accumulates a distinct level of carotenoids, especially capsanthin, in their ripened fruits. To elucidate how different metabolic and developmental scenarios are regulated in ripening chili pepper fruits, we analyzed the carotenoid profiles and transcriptomes of fruits at different ripening stages. Our pigment analysis indicated an opposite correlation between the contents of carotenoid species with β,β-structures (e.g., β-carotene, zeaxanthin, and capsanthin) and of lutein with the β,ε-structure, whereas lutein displayed a high correlation with chlorophylls during ripening. From the chili pepper Zunla-1 genome, a full repertoire of 38 homologous genes encoding enzymes in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway was identified. The fluctuations in their transcript abundances during ripening suggested different involvement of these genes in the regulation of carotenoid biosynthesis. We further searched genes of which the expression showed high correlations with the accumulation of β-carotene during the ripening process. Moreover, from the transcriptomic analysis, a total of 17 transcription factors that co-expressed with different groups of carotenoid biosynthetic genes were identified.
The Relationships between Organizational Factors and Systems Engineering Process Performance in Launching Space Vehicles
Authors: Gibson Denton , Karwowski Waldemar , Kotnour Timothy , Rabelo Luis , Kern David
Published: November 2022

The launch vehicle industry has long been considered a pioneering industry in systems engineering. Launch vehicles are large complex systems that require a methodical multi-disciplinary approach to design, build, and launch. Launch vehicles are used to deliver payloads—such as humans, robotic science missions, or national security payloads—to desired locations in space. Previous research has identified deficient or underperforming systems engineering as a leading contributor to launch vehicle failures. Launch vehicle failures can negatively affect national security, the economy, science, and society, thus highlighting the importance of understanding the factors that influence systems engineering in launch vehicle organizations in the United States. The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the relationships between organizational factors and systems engineering process performance. Structural equation modeling was used to develop a model of the relationships of these factors and test hypotheses. The results showed that organizational commitment, top management support, the perceived value of systems engineering, and systems engineering support significantly influence systems engineering process performance in the launch vehicle industry. Implications of this study for improving the performance of systems engineering in launch vehicle organizations are discussed.
Influence of Stress Anisotropy on Petrophysical Parameters of Deep and Ultradeep Tight Sandstone
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xu Ke , Zhang Binxin , Yin Guoqing , Wang Haiying , Wang Zhimin , Li Chao , Lai Shujun , Qian Ziwei
Published: November 2022

Rock mechanics parameters control the distribution of in situ stress and natural fractures, which is the key to sweet spot evaluation in reservoir engineering. Combined with the distribution of in situ stress, an experimental scheme of stress on rock physical parameters was designed. The results show that rock sonic velocity is extremely sensitive to water saturation under overburden pressure. At ultrasonic frequencies, when the water saturation increases from 0% to 80%, the P-wave velocity increases first and then decreases. When the water saturation continues to increase to 100%, the P-wave velocity increases. This is due to the effect of water saturation on the shear modulus. Saturation is negatively correlated with shear wave velocity and resistivity. Different minerals have different control effects on the rock P-S wave velocity ratio. Quartz content plays a dominant role, and the two are negatively correlated, followed by feldspar and clay, and the two are positively correlated with the P-S wave ratio. The confining pressure, axial compression, stress ratio and burial depth are positively correlated with the P-S wave and negatively correlated with the P-S wave ratio; in descending order, the influencing factors of stress on the petrophysical parameters are maximum stress ratio > confining pressure > axial pressure.
Modified Biochar as a More Promising Amendment Agent for Remediation of Pesticide-Contaminated Soils: Modification Methods, Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Perspectives
Authors: Pan Lixuan , Mao Liangang , Zhang Haonan , Wang Pingping , Wu Chi , Xie Jun , Yu Bochi , Sial Muhammad Umair , Zhang Lan , Zhang Yanning , Zhu Lizhen , Jiang Hongyun , Zheng Yongquan , Liu Xingang
Published: November 2022

With the acceleration of the process of agricultural modernization, many pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) are applied to the field and finally brought into the soils, causing serious damage to the environment. The problem of pesticide pollution has become increasingly prominent. This has highlighted the urgent need for effective and efficient remediation treatment technology for pesticide-contaminated soils. Biochar has a high specific surface area, high porosity, and strong adsorption capacity, making it a soil amendment agent and carbon fixation agent that can improve soil health and enhance adsorption capacity for pesticides to remediate contaminated soils. Recently, efforts have been made to enhance the physicochemical and adsorption properties of biochar by preparing modified biochar, and it has been developed to expand the application of biochar. Specifically, the following aspects were reviewed and discussed: (i) source and modification methods of biochar for pesticide remediation; (ii) the effect of biochar on the environmental fate of remediating pesticides; (iii) the effect of biochar on pesticide-contaminated soils; and (iv) potential problems for the large-scale promotion and application of biochar remediation of pesticides. In conclusion, this review may serve as a reference and guide for pesticide remediation, hence reducing the environmental concerns associated with pesticides in soil.
Evaluating the Potential Anticancer Properties of Salvia triloba in Human-Osteosarcoma U2OS Cell Line and Ovarian Adenocarcinoma SKOV3 Cell Line
Authors: Saleh Naela Adel Mohammed , El-bary Rowan Bahaa El-din Abd , Mpingirika Eric Zadok , Essa Hanaa L. , El-Sayed Mayyada M. H. , Sherbetjian Mirna Sarkis , Elfandi Hanin Fadel , Wahed Muhammad Adel Abdel , Arafeh Rami , Amleh Asma
Published: November 2022

Salvia triloba (S. triloba) is an herb inherently linked to traditional medicine systems in the Eastern Mediterranean region. There is minimal experimental evidence however, regarding the anticancer effects of S. triloba in both osteosarcoma and ovarian cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of crude (macerated) S. triloba ethanol and acetone leaf extracts on viability, migratory ability, and the expression of genes regulating these activities in U2OS and SKOV3 cells using MTT assay, scratch-wound healing/trans-well migration assay, and RT-qPCR respectively. MTT assay results indicated that the acetone extract significantly reduced both U2OS and SKOV3 cell viability with half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 54.51 ± 1.10 µg/mL and 75.96 ± 1.0237 µg/mL respectively; these concentrations further displayed negligible hemolytic activity. The combination of acetone extract (19 µg/mL) and paclitaxel (0.787 µg/mL) displayed synergy and reduced SKOV3 cell viability by over 90%. Additionally, the trans-well migration assay illustrated that the acetone extract (IC50) inhibited both U2OS and SKOV3 cell migration by more than 50%. Moreover, S. triloba acetone extract significantly downregulated the steady-state mRNA expression of key genes involved in driving select cancer hallmarks. Four fractions were generated from the acetone extract by thin layer chromatography (TLC), and the obtained retention factors (Rf) (ranging from 0.2 to 0.8) suggested a mixture of high and moderately polar compounds whose bioactivities require further investigation. In addition, FTIR measurements of the extract revealed peaks corresponding to OH, aliphatic CH, and ester groups suggesting the presence of phenolic compounds, terpenes, and polysaccharides. Altogether, these results suggest that S. triloba possesses potential therapeutic compounds that inhibit cell proliferation and migration, and modulate several genes involved in osteosarcoma and ovarian carcinoma progression.
Suppression Effect of Ulva lactuca Selenium Nanoparticles (USeNPs) on HepG2 Carcinoma Cells Resulting from Degradation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) with an Evaluation of Its Antiviral and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Makhlof Mofida E. M. , Albalwe Fauzeya Mateq , Al-Shaikh Turki M. , El-Sheekh Mostafa M.
Published: November 2022

The current study sought to assess the antitumor, anticancer, and antioxidant efficacy of Ulva lactuca-mediated selenium nanoparticles by using an in vitro model of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2 cells) and HAV HM175 strain of hepatitis A virus, with the evaluation of antioxidant activity conducted using DPPH assay. The study showed promising cytotoxicity at the highest concentrations of 250 and 500 µg/mL, with viability rates of 19.43 and 8.75% for cancer cells, and the lowest toxicity with the highest viability rates of 59.41 and 30.64% for normal cells, respectively. These concentrations also exhibited the highest inhibition rates (51.28 and 76.31%, respectively) against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) enzyme and provide an explanation of the mechanism of such cytotoxicity, as this enzyme is responsible for the degradation of EGFR. Additionally, U. lactuca-mediated selenium nanoparticles (USeNPs) showed promising antiviral activity (+++) (50–<75%) with EC50 = 57.41 μg/mL and 74.13% antiviral rates against HAV HM175 at 100 µg/mL maximum noncytotoxic conc (MNCC). Using MTT assay, its selectivity index was 5.78 ≥ 2, which indicates that USeNPs exhibited antiviral activity that outweighed its toxicity. Therefore, USeNPs is an active antiviral agent and warrants further study. Furthermore, the DPPH scavenging activity of such nanoparticles was moderate as the highest sample concentration (100 µg/mL) recorded 31.64 ± 0.03% DPPH scavenging activity (with IC50 = 158.02 ± 0.07 μg/mL), a percentage which does not exceed that of standard ascorbic acid.
Research on Geometric Parameters Optimization of Fixed Frog Based on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Rang , Shen Gang , Wang Xujiang
Published: November 2022

In this paper, to improve the wheel/rail dynamic performance of the vehicle passing through the fixed frog area and improve the service life of the fixed frog, a geometric parameter optimization design method of the fixed frog area is proposed using particle swarm optimization (PSO). Based on the variable section rail profile interpolation algorithm and wheel/rail contact solution algorithm, the wheel/rail contact characteristics of the fixed frog area are analyzed. Then, the vehicle-fixed frog dynamic model is built using a MATLAB/Simulink platform to complete the dynamic calculation and analysis of the rail vehicle passing through the fixed frog area. Finally, based on the wheel/rail contact characteristics of the fixed frog area, and take wheel/rail forces as the optimization goal, the optimization design method for the wing rail lifting value and the nose rail height of the fixed frog area is proposed. The comparative analysis shows that the wheel/rail dynamic performance in the fixed frog area has been greatly improved after optimization, which verifies the feasibility of the optimization strategy.
Effectiveness of Food Processing By-Products as Dust Suppressants for Exposed Mine Soils: Results from Laboratory Experiments and Field Trials
Authors: Freer Justus , Lübeck Maximilian , Sieger Johannes L. , Lottermoser Bernd G. , Braun Marius
Published: November 2022

In this study, the effectiveness of biodegradable food processing by-products (chicory vinasses, corn steep liquor, decantation syrup, and palatinose molasses) as dust suppressants on mine soils has been precisely quantified using controlled laboratory experiments and field trials. Laboratory experiments using a wind tunnel indicate that rainfall intensity and repetitive wetting and drying cycles affect the by-products’ effectiveness. In addition, field trials conducted using soil plots at an open-pit lignite mine (Germany) demonstrate that the tested biomaterials can effectively reduce dust emissions under field conditions, despite the fact that rainfall led to the leaching of the applied biomaterials, decreasing the additives’ concentrations on the soil surface and impairing the materials’ effectiveness to suppress wind erosion. Thus, food processing by-products may be used for short-term dust mitigation at mine sites and represent environmentally benign alternatives to dust control chemicals detrimental to the environment.
Intelligent Fault Diagnosis of Broken Wires for Steel Wire Ropes Based on Generative Adversarial Nets
Authors: Zhang Yiqing , Han Jialin , Jing Luyang , Wang Chengming , Zhao Ling
Published: November 2022

The quantitative identification of broken wires is of great significance to maintain the safety of mechanical systems, such as steel wire ropes. However, in order to achieve high accuracy recognition results, a large number of fault samples are necessary, which is difficult to achieve in practical industrial detection. In this paper, a novel quantitative identification approach, based on generative adversarial nets (GANs) and a convolutional neural network (CNN), is proposed to solve the broken wire recognition problem in situations where real inspections have generated only a small sample of broken wires for analysis. One-dimensional original signals of broken wires are transformed into two-dimensional time-frequency images by continuous wavelet transform (CWT). Next, these time-frequency images are used for quantitative identification of various defects by combing GANs and CNN with limited samples. The main innovation of this paper is that the identification accuracy of broken wires can be improved by generating fault samples through GANs. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves better recognition rates for broken wires compared with the existing detection methods.
A Comparative Study of Meta-Modeling for Response Estimation of Stochastic Nonlinear MDOF Systems Using MIMO-NARX Models
Authors: Chen Menghui , Gao Xiaoshu , Chen Cheng , Guo Tong , Xu Weijie
Published: November 2022

Complex dynamic behavior of nonlinear structures makes it challenging for uncertainty analysis through Monte Carlo simulations (MCS). Surrogate modeling presents an efficient and accurate computational alternative for a large number of MCS. The previous study has demonstrated that the multi-input multi-output nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous input (MIMO-NARX) model provides good discrete-time representations of deterministic nonlinear multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) structural dynamic systems. Model order reduction (MOR) is executed to eliminate insignificant modes to reduce the computational burden due to too many degrees of freedom. In this study, the MIMO-NARX strategy is integrated with different meta-modeling techniques for uncertainty analysis. Different meta-models including Kriging, polynomial chaos expansion (PCE), and arbitrary polynomial chaos (APC) are used to surrogate the NARX coefficients for system uncertainties. A nine-DOF structure is used as an MDOF dynamic system to evaluate different meta-models for the MIMO-NARX. Good fitness of statistical responses is observed between the MCS results of the original system and all surrogated MIMO-NARX predictions. It is demonstrated that the APC-NARX model with the advantage of being data-driven is the most efficient and accurate tool for uncertainty quantification of nonlinear structural dynamics.
Reducing Operation Costs of Thyroid Nodules Using Machine Learning Algorithms with Thyroid Nodules Scoring Systems
Authors: Ayvaz Erdal , Kaplan Kaplan , Kuncan Fatma , Ayvaz Ednan , Türkoğlu Hüseyin
Published: November 2022

Continuous advancement in the health sector is essential to reduce costs and increase efficiency and quality of service. The widespread use of ultrasonography (USG) has made it possible to detect thyroid nodules with higher success rates. Some standard scoring systems have been developed to score thyroid nodules. Thyroid scoring systems are classification systems that determine the risk of cancer in thyroid nodules according to ultrasonographic characteristics and nodule size. Different scoring results for the same thyroid nodule may occur according to these different scoring systems, which can cause some unnecessary surgical interventions. In this study, some intelligent models are developed to assist thyroid scoring systems, with the aim to determine the correct surgical intervention and reduce operation costs by preventing unnecessary interventions and surgical procedures. The integration of current thyroid scoring systems (K-TIRADS, ACR-TIRADS, EU-TIRADS, ATA, and BTA) and machine learning methods provides radiologists and clinicians a decision-support mechanism in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. Correct diagnosis will help to reduce costs by helping prevent unnecessary procedures. The present dataset was retrospectively constructed using ultrasound images of thyroid nodules between 2014 and 2018. In determining the treatment process of thyroid nodules, Random Forest, Adaboost, J48 Decision Tree (J48 DT), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models are used for increased prediction accuracy of thyroid scoring systems. The goal is to decrease redundant Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsies and surgical interventions of suspicious thyroid nodules. As a result of the study, higher degrees of accuracy are achieved in the determination of correct or incorrect surgical interventions of thyroid nodules using the J48 DT algorithm with the EU-TIRADS scoring system, with an accuracy rate of 99.7853%, compared to other classifiers.
Flock Nocturnal Activity: Is There a Rotative Guard?
Authors: Gonçalves Pedro , Antunes Mário , Xavier William , Monteiro António
Published: November 2022

Animal activity during the night period is of enormous importance, since it represents approximately half of animals’ lives, and monitoring it during this period makes it possible to detect problems related to well-being and safety, and allows us to infer energy expenditure on the basis of their activity level. The present study analyzes a sheep activity dataset created during the night period to validate non-invasive techniques of monitoring that can be used to infer energy expenditure at night and to detect abnormal nocturnal activity. The study allowed us to detect cyclic changes in activity during the night period, which is composed of inactive and active periods, and to identify sheep lying positions. The analysis of the joint activity of the flock allowed us to perceive a time lag in the rest cycles, which consisted of periods of activity of ewes undone between elements of the flock. Although it does not allow us to identify the components of the period of inactivity, since the method used does not monitor brain activity, the results allow us to confirm the cyclical character of the nocturnal activity of sheep that has been reported in the literature, as well as their typical posture when lying down. Although this is an exploratory application with a very small number of animals, the similarity between the results obtained and the results documented in the existing literature, which have mostly been obtained using invasive methods, is encouraging, and suggests it is possible to rely on activity monitoring processes based on inertial sensors.
How do University Student Cyclists Ride? The Case of University of Bologna
Authors: Battistini Roberto , Nalin Alessandro , Simone Andrea , Lantieri Claudio , Vignali Valeria
Published: November 2022

In a general urban planning context, in which sustainable active mobility progressively takes up increasing attention, studies of cyclists’ attitudes and behaviors represent a relevant step to help any enhancing measures for urban cycling. Among different categories, university student cyclists represent a still unidentified class, despite the relevant impacts in terms of mass and variability of attitudes in urban areas. The novelty of this paper is to propose an innovative overview on the specific category of university student cyclists. The integrated methodology, based on direct observation through GPS detection, GIS processing, and qualitative survey, permits the evaluation of some interesting issues related to students’ propensity to cycling and their mobility patterns. The approach finds relevance in speed, frequency of movements, routing, and related infrastructure preferences. The methodology has been applied to a sample of more than 300 students of the University of Bologna who were allowed an original university-designed bicycle from February 2021 to June 2021. The analysis was applied in the Bologna urban area and allowed the evaluation of students’ preferences of using existing cycle paths, when available, the limited relevance of speed factors, the main distribution of commuter journeys concentrated in the main avenues directed to city center, and other behaviors.
Torsional Stress Analysis of Improved Composite Box Girder with Corrugated Steel Webs
Authors: Qin Aoao , Liu Shizhong , Gong Baojia , Cai Minghao , Wang Fangxu
Published: November 2022

Based on Umansky’s second theory, this paper studies the torsional stress of an improved composite box girder with corrugated steel webs and considers the effective elastic modulus of the converted section. The calculation formulas of the torsional stress of a single-box multi-cell-improved composite box girder with corrugated steel webs were derived, the initial parameter solution of the generalized displacement and internal force under the restrained torsion were obtained through a model test and finite element simulation, the correctness of the theoretical formulas were verified, the distribution forms of the torsional stress on the box girder section were analyzed, and the effects of the height/width ratio, the width ratio of the cantilever plate, and the thickness of the bottom steel flange on the torsional stress were studied. The results show that the theoretical values and finite element values are in good agreement with the measured values for the torsional stress at each measuring point, and the errors are within 10%. The torsional normal stress of the bottom steel flange of the box girder is much greater than that of the top concrete flange, and the corrugated steel web hardly bears the torsional normal stress. The total shear stress of the box girder is mainly borne by the corrugated steel web on both sides and the bottom steel flange and less by the top concrete flange. The greater height/width ratio, the greater the difference between the torsional normal stress of the bottom steel flange and the top concrete flange. For a box girder with small height/width ratio, the total shear stress of each plate is significantly greater than that of a box girder with large height/width ratio.
Research on Indoor 3D Positioning Model Using Improved Triangular Centroid Position Algorithm Based on UWB
Authors: Fang Yuan , Ma Weihao , Chen Mingzhang , Chai Cong , Zhang Xuancheng
Published: November 2022

The indoor positioning technology of an ultra-wideband (UWB) can play an excellent supplementary role in satellite navigation and has broad application prospects. However, if strong interference exists, the measurement data based on UWB will fluctuate abnormally, which seriously affects the accuracy of positioning. In view of the above problems, based on the combination of mathematical modeling, this paper starts from the subject data, and proposes a positioning method suitable for non-interference/interference conditions and an abnormal data identification method to improve the positioning accuracy. The specific scheme includes data preprocessing model establishment and solution, positioning model establishment and solution, migration application of positioning model, interfering data identification model establishment and solution, and movement track positioning model establishment and solution.
An Analytical Solution for the Deformation of Soft Ground Reinforced by Columnar Inclusions under Equal Stress Conditions
Authors: Zhou Zan , Lok Thomas Man-Hoi , Zhou Wan-Huan , Zhao Lin-Shuang
Published: November 2022

Columnar inclusion is a versatile and cost-effective technique for improving weak soils. Currently, most approaches are based on the “equal strain” assumption to calculate the deformation of soft ground reinforced by columnar inclusions. In this study, a new model to simulate the behavior of column-reinforced soft soil under equal stress conditions based on the variational principles is proposed. The proposed model satisfies the force equilibrium and deformation compatibility simultaneously, which is seldom fulfilled in traditional empirical methods or other analytical models. The corresponding analytical solution is obtained and its accuracy is verified by comparing it with the numerical solutions using finite element analysis. The comparisons of the proposed solution with an existing solution show that the proposed solution can provide very close agreement over a wide range of parameters while the existing solution is only able to provide a reasonable agreement for a certain range of stiffness ratio of the column and soft ground. In addition, a parametric study is made to illustrate the influence of various parameters on ground settlement predictions. The parametric study indicated that, by increasing the ratio of elastic modulus between the stone column and surrounding soils and the ratio between the radius of the stone column and the space of the stone column, the load transfer effect has been significantly improved, and the ground settlement becomes smaller. Furthermore, the Poisson’s ratio of the surrounding soil also has a very significant effect on ground settlement, while the effect of the Poisson’s ratio of the stone column on ground settlement is less significant compared with that of the surrounding soil.
Advances in Space Biology: Cell Behavior in Microgravity
Authors: Mariggiò Maria A. , Ricci Giulia
Published: November 2022

The intrinsic nature of human beings always pushes them to search for knowledge of everything that surrounds them, from the depths of the sea to the peaks of the mountains up to the space expanses [...]
Assessing Green Solutions for Indoor and Outdoor Environmental Quality: Sustainable Development Needs Renewable Energy Technology
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Khan Shiraz , Zaman Khalid , Khan Haroon ur Rashid , Rashid Awais
Published: November 2022

The survival of humans depends on both natural and manufactured surroundings. Though most people spend their time indoors, there are constantly new challenges to address, and air pollution is one of them. This research considered both outdoor and indoor factors that affected green development agendas. Outdoor factors include fossil fuel combustion, renewable energy supplies, and carbon emissions, whereas indoor factors include industrial waste management, chemical use in production, and green technologies. Against the backdrop of the Indian economy, plagued by severe environmental problems from 1995Q1 to 2020Q4, this research evaluated green alternatives for indoor and outdoor environments. Carbon emissions rise with the use of chemicals in production, with the burning of fossil fuels, and with economic expansion, as shown by the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) testing method employed. In contrast, emissions fall when a nation invests in renewable energy technologies and appropriately manages its industrial waste. Granger causality estimations validated the feedback link between industrial chemical usage and carbon emissions while demonstrating a unidirectional causality from chemical use to green energy demand and fossil fuel combustions. Moreover, burning fossil fuels and energy demand causes carbon emissions. Carbon emissions and fossil fuel combustion are produced due to industrial waste handling. The scale of the use of chemicals is expected to have the greatest impact on carbon emissions over the next few decades, followed by industrial waste, renewable energy supply, fossil fuel combustion, and renewable energy technologies. In order to achieve environmental sustainability via emissions reduction, this study proposed policies for a low-carbon economy, renewable energy source encouragement, and sustainable management. Close attention should be paid to clean energy and environmental sustainability by investing in research and development (R&D) to create a long-term sustainable energy strategy that is environmentally benign.
Hilbert’s Double Series Theorem’s Extensions via the Mathieu Series Approach
Authors: Pogány Tibor
Published: November 2022

The author’s research devoted to the Hilbert’s double series theorem and its various further extensions are the focus of a recent survey article. The sharp version of double series inequality result is extended in the case of a not exhaustively investigated non-homogeneous kernel, which mutually covers the homogeneous kernel cases as well. Particularly, novel Hilbert’s double series inequality results are presented, which include the upper bounds built exclusively with non-weighted ℓp–norms. The main mathematical tools are the integral expression of Mathieu (a,λ)-series, the Hölder inequality and a generalization of the double series theorem by Yang.
Estimation of Caenorhabditis Elegans Lifespan Stages Using a Dual-Path Network Combining Biomarkers and Physiological Changes
Authors: Song Yao , Liu Jun , Yin Yanhao , Tang Jinshan
Published: November 2022

Assessing individual aging has always been an important topic in aging research. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has a short lifespan and is a popular model organism widely utilized in aging research. Studying the differences in C. elegans life stages is of great significance for human health and aging. In order to study the differences in C. elegans lifespan stages, the classification of lifespan stages is the first task to be performed. In the past, biomarkers and physiological changes captured with imaging were commonly used to assess aging in isogenic C. elegans individuals. However, all of the current research has focused only on physiological changes or biomarkers for the assessment of aging, which affects the accuracy of assessment. In this paper, we combine two types of features for the assessment of lifespan stages to improve assessment accuracy. To fuse the two types of features, an improved high-efficiency network (Att-EfficientNet) is proposed. In the new EfficientNet, attention mechanisms are introduced so that accuracy can be further improved. In addition, in contrast to previous research, which divided the lifespan into three stages, we divide the lifespan into six stages. We compared the classification method with other CNN-based methods as well as other classic machine learning methods. The results indicate that the classification method has a higher accuracy rate (72%) than other CNN-based methods and some machine learning methods.