bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of the Ratio of Soil Dissolved Organic Carbon to Available Phosphorus Effectively Improves Crop Productivity under Mulching Measures on the Loess Plateau
Authors: Hao Jia-Qi , Song Jia-Jie , Gao Guo-Xi , Xu Wen , Bai Jin-Ze , Feng Yong-Zhong , Wang Xing
Published: July 2023

Soil erosion and extensive management, as key factors limiting the sustainability of the agroecosystem in the Loess Plateau, severely hamper the high-quality development of regional agriculture. Soil fertility and element synergy can be enhanced by applying mulching measures properly. However, there is a lack of systematic research into how soil stoichiometric characteristics under mulching affect crop productivity. This study focused on the agroecosystem of the Loess Plateau. Based on the 11-year field positioning experiment, the management measures of straw mulching (SM), plastic mulching (PM) and ridge-film mulching (RM) were selected to investigate the effects of long-term mulching measures on the stoichiometric characteristics of topsoil and the impact of crop productivity under the ecological stoichiometry theory. The findings revealed a significant increase in soil carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus contents and microbial biomass under mulching. SM and RM significantly decreased the stoichiometric ratio of soil available nutrients, whereas PM and RM had effective alleviating effects on C:N and C:P imbalance. The yield components of long-term SM and RM greatly increased and responded favorably to the synergy of soil carbon and phosphorus. This study provides theoretical guidance and technical support for the assessment of the effective and sustainable use of agricultural resources on the Loess Plateau.
Biochar Amendment Suppressed Fusarium Wilt and Altered the Rhizosphere Microbial Composition of Tomatoes
Authors: Jin Xue , Zhou Xingang , Wu Fengzhi , Xiang Wensheng , Pan Kai
Published: July 2023

The effectiveness of biochar application to promote plant growth and suppress plant diseases is usually dependent on the application dose of the biochar. Here, we evaluated the effects of biochar supplied at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% (w/w) on tomato growth, Fusarium wilt disease severity, and rhizosphere microbial community diversity. We found that biochar applied at 1% and 2% promoted tomato growth and decreased the severity of Fusarium wilt disease. High-throughput amplicon sequencing indicated that 1% biochar decreased the alpha diversity and altered the composition of the bacterial and fungal community in the tomato rhizosphere, increasing the abundance of potential plant-beneficial microorganisms. Quantitative PCR confirmed that all doses of biochar increased the abundance of rhizosphere bacteria; biochar applied at 1% and 2% decreased the abundance of rhizosphere fungi and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici (FOL), while biochar applied at 3% increased abundance of FOL. Our results indicated that biochar applied at 1% and 2% suppressed tomato Fusarium wilt disease, which might be linked to the change of the rhizosphere microbial community structure and increased the abundance of potential plant-beneficial microorganisms such as Pseudomonas sp. within the microbiome.
Recognition of Tomato Leaf Diseases Based on DIMPCNET
Authors: Peng Ding , Li Wenjiao , Zhao Hongmin , Zhou Guoxiong , Cai Chuang
Published: July 2023

The identification of tomato leaf diseases is easily affected by complex backgrounds, small differences between different diseases, and large differences between the same diseases. Therefore, we propose a novel classification network for tomato leaf disease, the Dense Inception MobileNet-V2 parallel convolutional block attention module network (DIMPCNET). To begin, we collected a total of 1256 original images of 5 tomato leaf diseases and expanded them to 8190 using data enhancement techniques. Next, an improved bilateral filtering and threshold function (IBFTF) algorithm is designed to effectively remove noise. Then, the Dense Inception convolutional neural network module (DI) was designed to alleviate the problem of large intra-class differences and small inter-class differences. Then, a parallel convolutional block attention module (PCBAM) was added to MobileNet-V2 to reduce the impact of complex backgrounds. Finally, the experimental results show that the recognition accuracy and F1-score obtained by DIMPCNET are 94.44% and 0.9475. The loss is approximately 0.28%. This method is the most advanced and provides a new idea for the identification of crop diseases, such as tomatoes, and the development of smart agriculture.
Drought-Induced Morpho-Physiological, Biochemical, Metabolite Responses and Protein Profiling of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Keerthi Sree Yama , Lakra Nita , Manorama Kesineni , Ahlawat Yogesh , Zaid Abbu , Elansary Hosam O. , Sayed Shaban R. M. , Rashwan Mohamed A. , Mahmoud Eman A.
Published: July 2023

The chickpea (Cicer arieitnum L.) is an important food legume crop of the family Fabaceae with high protein levels that is widely grown in rainfed areas prone to drought stress. It is a self-pollinated cool season crop with a true diploid (2n = 16) nature. It is relatively cheap and a high source of protein. About 90% of the chickpea crop is grown by the use of residual moisture in the soil without depending on irrigation. In the present study, two varieties of chickpea, namely ICC 4958 and HC-6, were grown under three field capacities (FC) (100% FC, 50% FC and 25% FC). Samples were taken three times, i.e., 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing (DAS). Parameters such as morphological, physiological, biochemical, metabolite and protein profiling of the two varieties were completed. Morphological parameters such as shoot length (14.2%), number of branches (20.7%), number of leaves (17.5%) and yield (56%) declined as the drought level increased and other characteristics such as root length (9.7%), number of flowers (24.5%) and number of pods (34.4%) increased as drought stress progressed. Physiological parameters such as relative water content (RWC) (13.5%), cell membrane stability (CMS) (29.6%) and chlorophyll content decreased, whereas electrolyte conductivity (EC) (38%) increased in both the varieties as field capacity decreased. Biochemical parameters such as proline (54.75%), sugar (15.2%), glycine betaine (32.25%), superoxide dismutase (SOD) (49.5%), catalase (CAT) (50.5%), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (44.9%) and glutathione reductase (GR) (49%) increased as drought stress increased. Metabolite analyses of, for example, MDA (malondialdehyde) content (30.5%), total anthocyanin (36.3%), flavonoid content (26%) and phenolic content (29.5%) increased as drought progressed. We also performed protein profiling of the two varieties using SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) to differentiate the expression analysis of the two varieties.
Dynamic Change Patterns of Soil Surface Roughness and Influencing Factors under Different Tillage Conditions in Typical Mollisol Areas of Northeast China
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Ren Jianhua , Chen Qiang , Zhang Zhuopeng
Published: July 2023

Soil surface roughness is an important factor affecting hydrology and soil erosion processes, and its development is influenced by precipitation, topography, and tillage practices. In this study, the typical mollisol area in northeast China was taken as the research object. Then, the variation in soil surface roughness with time was analyzed under different terrains, as well as different tillage methods, and the effect of the precipitation condition on roughness was also discussed in detail. Through the design of field experiments, the height information of the soil surface was measured using a probe-type roughness plate. Two parameters, the root-mean-square height (RMSH) and the correlation length (CL), were selected to quantitatively characterize the soil surface roughness. In addition, the dynamic change patterns of surface roughness resulting from five tillage methods, including rotary tillage, combined tillage, no tillage, conventional tillage, and reduced tillage, under both sloping and flat land, were compared and analyzed throughout the soybean growing season, under the influence of rainfall. The results show that with the increase in rainfall, the RMSH of the soil surface, under different tillage methods, showed a trend of first decreasing, and then increasing. The results also showed that the RMSHs under rotary tillage, combined tillage, conventional tillage, and reduced tillage in flat land were greater than those in sloping land, and that the CLs of the soil surface under different tillage methods in flat land were smaller than those in sloping land. In addition, the degree of variation in the soil surface roughness was greater in flat land than that in sloping land under all tillage practices, indicating that this study is of great practical importance in the rational selection of tillage methods, and in the scientific quantification of soil erosion, which also show obvious significance for soil and water conservation.
Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Late-Season Varieties of Mandarin Growing in Spain under Homogeneous Growing Conditions
Authors: Maciá-Vázquez Alejandro Andy , Núñez-Gómez Dámaris , Martínez-Nicolás Juan José , Legua Pilar , Melgarejo Pablo
Published: July 2023

Mandarins are one of the most important citrus fruits in the world in terms of tons produced. The late-season varieties of mandarin have a great economic value due to their high production in a season with few mandarin varieties. The objective is to carry out a preliminary study of characterization and comparison of the morphological and biochemical properties of the late varieties ‘Afourer’, ‘Tango’, and ‘Orri’. The characterization consisted of physicochemical parameters related to the quality of the fruits, highlighting the total antioxidant activity using ABTS and DPPH, the organic acids and sugars using HPLC and the metabolomics of the juice by 1H-NMR. Afourer’ mandarins were heavier and larger (120.75 g, 67.60 mm) than the other two varieties studied. Mandarins of the ‘Orri’ variety showed a different organic acid profile compared to the other varieties studied, and a higher amount of sugars (13.49 g/100 mL). ‘Tango’ variety mandarins grown on the Forner-Alcaide rootstock stood out for having a larger weight (113.52 g), a more intense color, and a greater amount of phenolic compounds (966.85 mg AGE/L Forner) than the fruits grown on Citrus macrophylla. The metabolomics analysis showed that these mandarin varieties had mainly non-essential amino acids.
Effects of Different Eimeria Inoculation Doses on Growth Performance, Daily Feed Intake, Gut Health, Gut Microbiota, Foot Pad Dermatitis, and Eimeria Gene Expression in Broilers Raised in Floor Pens for 35 Days
Authors: Choi Janghan , Goo Doyun , Sharma Milan Kumar , Ko Hanseo , Liu Guanchen , Paneru Deependra , Choppa Venkata Sesha Reddy , Lee Jihwan , Kim Woo Kyun
Published: July 2023

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different Eimeria inoculation doses on the growth performance, gut ecosystem, and body composition of broilers in floor pens for 35 days. A total of 750 15-day-old broilers were allocated to five experimental groups with six replicate pens. The five experimental groups included unchallenged control (CON); Eimeria dose 1 (ED1): E. acervulina: 31,250/E. maxima: 6250/E. tenella: 6250; Eimeria dose 2 (ED2): E. acervulina: 62,500/E. maxima: 12,500/E. tenella: 12,500; Eimeria dose 3 (ED3): E. acervulina: 125,000/E. maxima: 25,000/E. tenella: 25,000; and Eimeria dose 4 (ED4): E. acervulina: 250,000/E. maxima: 50,000/E. tenella: 50,000. On D 21, BW were linearly reduced by increased Eimeria inoculation doses (p < 0.01). On D 35, the Eimeria challenge groups had significantly lower BW compared to the CON group. Increased Eimeria inoculation doses linearly decreased crude fat (CF) (p < 0.01) on D 21. Increased Eimeria inoculation doses tended to increase the relative abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria (p = 0.098) on D 21. On D 35, lean:fat was linearly reduced by increased Eimeria inoculation doses (p < 0.05). Eimeria infection negatively influenced growth performance and gut health in broilers in the acute phase, and the negative effects were prolonged to D 35 in floor pen conditions.
Antioxidant Enzyme System Modulation by Dietary Palm Oils, Palm Kernel Oil and Soybean Oil in Laying Hens
Authors: Izuddin Wan Ibrahim , Loh Teck Chwen , Nayan Nazri , Akit Henny , Foo Hooi Ling , Noor Ahmadilfitri Md
Published: July 2023

Palm-based oils (palm oil and kernel oil) and soybean oil have unique fatty acid and antioxidant profiles based on the compounds present in them. Hence, this study elucidated the antioxidant properties of crude palm oil (CPO), red palm oil (RPO), refined palm oil (RBD), palm kernel oil (PKO) and soybean oil (SBO) and the influence of dietary oils on blood lipid profiles, tissue fatty acid deposition and the expression of hepatic lipid and lipoprotein metabolism genes in laying hens. The oils were analyzed for color, beta-carotene, free fatty acid and acid value, phenolic content and lipid peroxidation. In an in vivo trial, 150 laying hens were allotted into five groups and supplemented with either CPO, RPO, RBD, PKO or SBO for 16 weeks. High antioxidant compounds present in palm oils help reduce the oxidation of oils. Dietary supplementation with palm oils, particularly CPO and RPO, contributed to the lower liver, serum and jejunal mucosal antioxidant enzyme activities. The antioxidant enzyme genes in the jejunal mucosa were downregulated in palm oils and PKO, but there was no difference between oils in antioxidant enzyme genes in the liver. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with oils with high antioxidant content contributed to protection against oxidation and was associated with a lower requirement for producing antioxidant enzymes.
Occurrence of ESBL- and AmpC-Producing E. coli in French Griffon Vultures Feeding on Extensive Livestock Carcasses
Authors: Haenni Marisa , Du Fraysseix Laetitia , François Pauline , Drapeau Antoine , Bralet Tristan , Madec Jean-Yves , Boulinier Thierry , Duriez Olivier
Published: July 2023

Despite the fact that the selective pressure of antibiotics on wild birds is supposed to be very weak, they are considered potential vectors of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Obligate scavengers such as vultures can present high proportions of resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins (ESC) and multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, partially due to feeding stations that are provisioned with livestock carcasses from intensive farming. Here we investigated whether griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) from two populations located in the French Alps, which feed on livestock carcasses from extensive farms, may carry such resistant bacteria. Phenotypic and genotypic characterization showed an 11.8% proportion of ESC-resistant bacteria, including five extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing and one AmpC-producing E. coli. The five ESBL-positive E. coli were clonal and all came from the same vulture population, proving their spread between animals. The ESBL phenotype was due to a blaCTX-M-15 gene located on the chromosome. Both ESBL- and AmpC-positive E. coli belonged to minor STs (ST212 and ST3274, respectively); interestingly, ST212 has already been identified in wild birds around the world, including vultures. These results suggest that actions are needed to mitigate the spread of MDR bacteria through wild birds, particularly in commensal species.
Bactericidal Activity to Escherichia coli: Different Modes of Action of Two 24-Mer Peptides SAAP-148 and OP-145, Both Derived from Human Cathelicidine LL-37
Authors: Ön Ayse , Vejzovic Djenana , Jennings James , Parigger Lena , Cordfunke Robert A. , Drijfhout Jan Wouter , Lohner Karl , Malanovic Nermina
Published: July 2023

OP-145 and SAAP-148, two 24-mer antimicrobial peptides derived from human cathelicidin LL-37, exhibit killing efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at comparable peptide concentrations. However, when it comes to the killing activity against Escherichia coli, the extent of membrane permeabilization does not align with the observed bactericidal activity. This is the case in living bacteria as well as in model membranes mimicking the E. coli cytoplasmic membrane (CM). In order to understand the killing activity of both peptides on a molecular basis, here we studied their mode of action, employing a combination of microbiological and biophysical techniques including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), zeta potential measurements, and spectroscopic analyses. Various membrane dyes were utilized to monitor the impact of the peptides on bacterial and model membranes. Our findings unveiled distinct binding patterns of the peptides to the bacterial surface and differential permeabilization of the E. coli CM, depending on the smooth or rough/deep-rough lipopolysaccharide (LPS) phenotypes of E. coli strains. Interestingly, the antimicrobial activity and membrane depolarization were not significantly different in the different LPS phenotypes investigated, suggesting a general mechanism that is independent of LPS. Although the peptides exhibited limited permeabilization of E. coli membranes, DSC studies conducted on a mixture of synthetic phosphatidylglycerol/phosphatidylethanolamine/cardiolipin, which mimics the CM of Gram-negative bacteria, clearly demonstrated disruption of lipid chain packing. From these experiments, we conclude that depolarization of the CM and alterations in lipid packing plays a crucial role in the peptides’ bactericidal activity.
Characterization of 20 Oenological Tannins from Different Botanical Origins for Formulation of Blends with Redox Potential Tuning Ability in Model Wine Solution
Authors: Maioli Francesco , Sanarica Luigi , Cecchi Lorenzo , Zanoni Bruno , Mulinacci Nadia , Canuti Valentina
Published: July 2023

Twenty oenotannins from different botanical origins were studied in model wine solution (1 g/L, 12% ethanol, pH 3.5). An original device was created for measuring Oxidation–Reduction potential (ORp) of the solutions at 20 °C in strict anoxic condition by the electrochemical method of the platinum electrode zero-current potential. Reactivity against proteins and antioxidant properties were related to the chemical structure and, consequently, to the botanical origin of the oenotannins. The highest turbidity after BSA addition (ΔNTU > 1000) values were measured for the gallic hydrolysable tannins. The ORp versus standard hydrogen electrode ranged from 420 to 260 mV. The ellagitannins had the highest antioxidant power (AP%), followed by condensed tannins and gallotannins, highlighting a correlation with the phenolic profile. Based on these findings, two formulations were prepared as a blend of some of the tested oenotannins, with the ability to increase (MIX1) and decrease (MIX2) the ORp of the model wine.
Effect of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Vaccination on Oxidative Status of Human Placenta: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Macáková Kristína , Pšenková Petra , Šupčíková Nadja , Vlková Barbora , Celec Peter , Záhumenský Jozef
Published: July 2023

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy increases the risk of pregnancy complications associated with inflammation, which could lead to oxidative stress in the placenta. Whether vaccination against COVID-19 has any effect is unclear. This study aimed to analyze the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination against COVID-19 during pregnancy on oxidative stress in the placenta and on extracellular DNA (ecDNA) in umbilical cord plasma. Placenta samples from healthy uninfected and unvaccinated control patients who recovered from COVID-19 and women vaccinated against COVID-19 during pregnancy were collected. Biomarkers of oxidative damage and antioxidant capacity were assessed in the placenta homogenates. EcDNA and deoxyribonuclease activity were quantified in umbilical cord plasma using real-time PCR and the single radial enzyme diffusion method, respectively. Markers of oxidative damage to lipids and proteins as well as antioxidant capacity in the placenta did not differ between the study groups. No differences were observed in total, nuclear or mitochondrial ecDNA, or deoxyribonuclease activity in the umbilical cord plasma. Taking into account the limits of a small observational study, our results suggest that the infection with SARS-CoV-2 and vaccination against COVID-19 do not induce any major disturbances in the balance between the production of free radicals and antioxidant activity in the placenta. This is in line with the minor effects on fetal outcomes and ecDNA as a suggested marker of fetal well-being.
Comparative Analysis of Single Bands, Vegetation Indices, and Their Combination in Predicting Grass Species Nitrogen in a Protected Mountainous Area
Authors: Mashiane Katlego , Adelabu Samuel , Ramoelo Abel
Published: July 2023

The role of biodiversity in improving the primary productivity within terrestrial ecosystems is well documented. Each species in an ecosystem has a role to play in the overall productivity of an ecosystem. Grass species nitrogen (N) estimation is essential in rangelands, especially in rugged terrain such as mountainous regions. It is an indicator of forage quality, which has nutritional implications for grazing animals. This research sought to improve and test the predictability of grass N by applying a combination of remotely sensed spectral bands and vegetation indices as input. Recursive feature selection was used to select the optimal spectral bands and vegetation indices for predicting grass N. Subsequently, the selected vegetation indices and bands were used as input into the non-parametric random forest (RF) regression to predict grass N. The prediction of grass N improved slightly in the vegetation indices model (81%) compared to the bands model (80%), and the highest prediction was achieved by combining the two (85%). This research ascertains that including red-edge-based vegetation indices improves the prediction of grass N. S2 MSI remains the ideal remote sensing tool for estimating grass N because of its strategically positioned red-edge bands, which are highly correlated with chlorophyll content in plants.
Design of Man-Machine Synergic Lunar Coring Device and Its Coring Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Guoqing , Gao Mingzhong , Wen Yufeng , Wang Yaohui
Published: July 2023

The Moon is the closest extraterrestrial celestial body to the Earth. Sampling and analysis of lunar regolith or rocks can pave the way for the development and utilization of lunar resources. The acquisition of lunar regolith samples with original stratigraphic information by astronauts on the lunar surface is one of the essential missions in the manned lunar landing project. Therefore, to maintain the original stratigraphic information of the lunar samples during the sampling process while further improving the coring rate and sampling depth, a handheld dual-mode lunar regolith coring device is proposed in this paper. The device innovatively combines impact penetration and rotary drilling sampling, which allows the selection of a suitable sampling method according to the environment. In addition, this study designs a synergic coring device that can be operated by the astronaut and carried on the lander or rover based on the handheld coring device, which can ensure safe and stable coring mission. The mechanical analysis is carried out for the key properties in the coring device, the corresponding mechanical model is established, the structural parameters are optimally designed, and the performance analysis is carried out accordingly. Finally, the impact and drilling process of the coring device is simulated in explicit dynamics, and the results show that the optimized impact module can effectively penetrate the lunar rocks. The research work will provide technical reference and theoretical support for the design of human–machine synergic coring devices in manned lunar exploration missions.
The Effects of 8 Aerobic Endurance Training Weeks of 4vs.4+GK Small-Sided Games versus Traditional Training on Physical Fitness and Skills among U18 Football Players
Authors: Zaharia Gabriel , Badau Dana , Tudor Virgil , Costache Raluca , Geambasu Adina , Damian Mirela , Giurgiu Laura , Damian Cosmin , Ursu Vasile Emil , Rusu Razvan Gheorghe , Hasmasan Ioan Teodor , Stoian Iulian , Tifrea Corina
Published: July 2023

The aim of the research was to identify the effect of 4vs.4 small-sided games (SSGs) with goalkeepers (4vs.4+GK), applied twice a week, for 8 weeks, on U18 football players’ physical ability, compared to that of the athletes who performed specific aerobic endurance training. The research included 40 football players U18, divided into two groups: 20 in the experiment group (EG) aged 17.49 ± 0.61 years and 20 in the control group (CG) aged 17.66 ± 0.54 years. From the initial test (IT) to final tests (FT) performed on the parameters, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and 10 m and 20 m sprint and agility with and without a ball showed a significant increase for both groups. The first and last SSG training was monitored, using total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HSR—high-speed running) and maximum intensity distance (VHSR—very-high-speed running). Comparative analyses of EG and CG parameters at the FT shows that the differences between the means of two groups are statistically significant in favor of the experimental group in terms of all parameters, except 10 m sprint (p < 0.05). Referring to SSGs, the experimental group had a 7.78% increase rate in TD (p < 0.0005), a 30.90% (p < 0.0005) increase rate with HSR and no significant differences (p > 0.05) with VHSR. The experimental training program of 4vs.4+GK SSGs, applied to U18 football players, produced significant progress in the physical, and functional parameters.
Impact on Protective Device Sequence of Operation in Case Distributed Generation Integrated to Distribution System
Authors: Ngamroo Issarachai , Kotesakha Wikorn , Yoomak Suntiti , Kunakorn Anantawat
Published: July 2023

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the distributed generator (DG) connection to the grid. The simulated results present the parameters of the system required to install DG on the end of the main distribution feeder. Various parameters, such as voltage, current, and protective relay coordination are modelled after the actual provincial electricity authority (PEA) distribution system. Various case studies compared the coordination without and with DG connections to the grid by finding the difference of protective devices. The results indicate that the malfunction can be fixed in order of priority protective devices, which operate according to the parameter setting. Additionally, the coordinate functions between the recloser and fuse devices in both phase and ground configurations in the operating zone prevented the drop-out fuse melting or burning out. Based on the result, this problem is fixed by providing a directional recloser device and increasing the fuse-link rated with 40k installation for replacing the conventional sizing, which can improve the performance in case of fault occurrence to investigate the reliability and stability of the distribution system.
Quantitative Classification Model of Composite Product Image Based on Event-Related Potential
Authors: Li Yan , Li Huan , Song Wu , Le Chen
Published: July 2023

As an important research tool in neuroscience, event-related potential (ERP) technology enables in-depth analysis of the consumer’s product image cognition process and complements and verifies the product image cognition model at the ERP level. It provides an important theoretical basis for systematically capturing product image and improvement of the product image cognitive model. In this work, the correlation between ERP data, product image word pairs and the degree of semantic match with the product is investigated, and a support vector machine algorithm is selected to build a classification model with physiological data (behavioral data + ERP data) as the independent variable and the degree of semantic match with the product image as the dependent variable. By adjusting the model parameters, the final classification accuracy reaches 95.667%, which shows that the model has some reliability and is a viable research method for ERP-based product image researchers in the future.
Estimation of Intelligent Commercial Vehicle Sideslip Angle Based on Steering Torque
Authors: Li Yafei , Yang Yiyong , Wang Xiangyu , Zhao Yongtao , Wang Chengbiao
Published: July 2023

The sideslip angle is crucial for the lateral stability state and stability control of intelligent commercial vehicles. However, sensors that can be used for direct measurements are often complex, expensive, and difficult to install in commercial vehicles. To estimate the vehicle sideslip angle, a state observer derived from the extended Kalman filter (EKF) method is proposed, and the state observer is estimated based on steering torque rather than steering angle. The transfer functions between the sideslip angle–steering torque and sideslip angle–steering angle are established, respectively, and the analysis shows that the steering torque signal has a more rapid and more direct reaction due to the hydraulic pressure in the steering system. Finally, the proposed method is validated using Simulink/TruckSim simulation hardware-in-the-loop bench test, and the results show that the proposed method can accurately reflect the actual state of the sideslip angle with good reliability and effectiveness.
FMGAN: A Filter-Enhanced MLP Debias Recommendation Model Based on Generative Adversarial Network
Authors: Liu Zhaoxuan , Luo Wenjie
Published: July 2023

In recommendation models, bias can distort the distribution of user-generated data, leading to inaccurate representation of user preferences. Failure to filter out biased data can result in significant learning errors, ultimately reducing the accuracy of the recommendation model. To address this issue, this paper proposes a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) model comprising a filter-enhanced Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) generator and a linear discriminator to mitigate bias and improve the accuracy of the recommendation. The proposed model leverages the GAN architecture, where the filter structure in the generator enhances the data distribution before model training, allowing for the generation of more precise recommendation lists. The discriminator learns from the skew-corrected user review list to extract user features, which are then used alongside the recommendation list generated by G in an adversarial process. This adversarial process enables each component to optimize and improve itself while strengthening the correction effect. To enhance the accuracy of G generation, we evaluate the influence of three different input lists on the filter effect. Finally, we validate our model on two real-world datasets by comparing the effect of filter-augmented MLP and pure MLP generators. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of filters, and our model achieves better recommendation accuracy than other baseline models.
Research on Prediction and Regulation of Thermal Dissatisfaction Rate Based on Personalized Differences
Authors: Liu Guanghui , Wang Xiaohui , Meng Yuebo , Zhang Yalin , Chen Tingting
Published: July 2023

Thermal discomfort body language has been shown to be a psychological representation of personnel’s particular thermal comfort. Individual thermal comfort differences are ignored in public building settings with random personnel flow. To solve this issue, we suggested a Bayesian group thermal dissatisfaction rate prediction model based on thermal discomfort body language expression and subsequently implemented intelligent indoor temperature and humidity control. The PMV-PPD model was utilized to represent the group’s overall thermal comfort and to create a prior distribution of thermal dissatisfaction rate. To acquire the dynamic distribution of temperature discomfort body language, data on thermal discomfort body language expression were collected in a real-world office setting experiment. Based on Bayesian theory, we used personalized thermal discomfort body language expressions to modify the group’s universal thermal comfort and realized the assessment of the thermal dissatisfaction rate by combining commonality and personalization. Finally, a deep reinforcement learning system was employed to achieve intelligent indoor temperature and humidity control. The results show that when commonality and personalized thermal comfort differences are combined, real-time prediction of thermal dissatisfaction rate has high prediction accuracy and good model performance, and the prediction model provides a reference basis for reasonable indoor temperature and humidity settings.
Proximate Analysis and Antioxidant Properties of Young Plants of Sinapis alba L. Depend on the Time of Harvest and Variety
Authors: Sadowska Urszula , Jewiarz Klaudia , Kopak Magdalena , Dziadek Kinga , Francik Renata , Kopeć Aneta
Published: July 2023

White mustard plant (Sinapis alba L.) is an easy-to-grow species with low soil requirements and is often sown as a catch crop in Northern Europe to reduce nitrate leaching, especially during the winter. There are studies showing the high nutritional value of mustard seeds, which have a wide application, mainly in food production. Still little is known about the young shoots or plants of different cultivars of white mustard, although in Asian countries, eating them raw is quite common. The aim of the research was to determine the proximate composition, antioxidant activity and polyphenolic compound content in young green plants of the Polish cultivars of white mustard: Borowska (traditional, with a high content of erucic acid and glucosinolates), Bamberka (non-erucic with glucosinolates) and Warta (non-erucic with low glucosinolates content; double-improved). Young plants were harvested in three terms. The first harvest took place at the plover stadium and the next ones at 7-day intervals (31, 38 and 45 day after sowing). In freeze-dried plant material, proximate composition and antioxidant activity with the ABTS and FRAP methods, as well as phenolic compound content, were measured. The highest concentration of protein was measured in cultivars Warta and Borowska after 31 and 38 days of sowing. Harvest time and cultivar affected antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content in young mustard plants. Thirty-eight days after sowing, the examined cultivars of the young plants of mustard had the highest antioxidant activity and total polyphenolic compound content. Green young mustard plants have strong antioxidant properties at the basic level, they are classified as functional foods and are similar to other edible leafy plants such as celery, spinach and Brussels sprouts.
Water Quality Evaluation, Spatial Distribution Characteristics, and Source Analysis of Pollutants in Wanquan River, China
Authors: An Mengyang , Song Yanwei , Jiang Junyi , Fu Guowei , Wang Yang , Wan Xiaoming
Published: July 2023

Surface water quality assessment is an important component of environmental protection and sustainable development. In this study, 24 sampling sites were arranged in the Wanquan River area of Hainan Island, China, in 2021, and nine water quality indicators were measured. The water quality of the Wanquan River was assessed using the single factor pollution index method and the Nemerow pollution index method; the spatial distribution characteristics of pollutants were revealed, and the sources of pollution were further analyzed using factor analysis. The results show that the overall water quality of the Wanquan River basin is good, with the average values of all indicators meeting China’s Class III water quality standards. The results of the single factor pollution index method showed that 29% of the sampling sites were in the no pollution class, 38% in the slight pollution class, 25% in the light pollution class, and 8% in the moderate pollution class. The results of the Nemerow pollution index showed that 25% of the sampling sites were in the clean category, 17% in the cleaner category, 42% in the light category, and 17% in the moderate category. The results of the factor analysis show that agricultural activities and domestic sewage discharge are the main sources of pollution, with nitrogen and phosphorus being the most important factors affecting water quality. This paper proposes several measures to reduce water pollution in the Wanquan River, including improving agricultural activities, improving wastewater treatment, and strengthening environmental monitoring. The findings have practical implications for reducing water pollution in rivers and lakes and can provide a reference for policy decisions related to water resource management and environmental protection.
Microbiological, Physicochemical, Organoleptic, and Rheological Properties of Bulgarian Probiotic Yoghurts Produced by Ultrafiltered Goat’s Milk
Authors: Dushkova Mariya , Kodinova Siyka , Yanakieva Velichka , Simitchiev Apostol , Denkova Zapryana , Menkov Nikolay
Published: July 2023

In this experimental work, the microbiological, physicochemical, organoleptic, and rheological properties of yoghurts produced by ultrafiltered goat’s milk using two volume-reduction ratios and three probiotic starters were studied. It was established that the dry matter, fats, proteins, count of lactic acid bacteria, titratable acidity, and dynamic viscosity increased and the pH decreased with the rise of the volume-reduction ratio during ultrafiltration. All yoghurts exhibited Bingham plastic flow behaviour. We recommend using a volume-reduction ratio of 3 and MZ2f + Bifidobacterium bifidum BB-87 to produce probiotic Bulgarian yoghurts with the highest dry matter contents (23.02%), protein contents (10.20%), fat contents (9.80%), number of viable lactic acid cells (9.34 logN), viscosity (4.99 Pa·s at shear rate of 1.22 s−1), and organoleptic properties and the highest score (15) in the range of this experiment.
Effect of Magnesium on Mineral Nutrition, Chlorophyll, Proline and Carbohydrate Concentrations of Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis cv. Newhall) Plants
Authors: Papadakis Ioannis E. , Antonopoulou Chrysovalantou , Sotiropoulos Thomas , Chatzissavvidis Christos , Therios Ioannis
Published: July 2023

Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the growth and development of plants. Its deficiency is becoming a growing concern in many citrus orchards worldwide, adversely affecting numerous functions in plants and limiting their productivity and quality. Three-year-old orange (Citrus sinensis cv. Newhall) plants grafted on Swingle citrumelo (C. paradisi Macf. × Poncirus trifoliata L.) rootstock were irrigated for 63 days with nutrient solutions containing 0, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 192 mg Mg L−1. Thereafter, Mg deficiency-induced changes were investigated in leaf chlorophyll concentration and fluorescence, and in proline and carbohydrate concentration in leaves and roots, as well as in the nutritional status of leaves, stems, and roots. Magnesium concentration in the nutrient solution was positively correlated with the concentration of Mg (leaves, stems, roots), Ca (rootstock’s stem), K (roots), and Fe (leaves, rootstock’s stem), as well as with the total Mg absorption. However, Mg concentration in the nutrient solution was negatively correlated with the concentration of Mn (rootstock’s stem, roots), Ca (leaves, scion’s stems, roots), and Fe (roots), as well as with the total absorption of Mn, Fe, P, K, and Ca. The lower values of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were observed by the effect of the highest concentration of Mg. As far as leaf chlorophyll concentration and carbohydrate and proline content of leaves and roots, they were not affected by the Mg treatments. Concluding, this research highlights the significance of Mg management in citrus farming, offering insights into increasing Mg concentrations, understanding root mechanisms in Mg absorption, and suggesting the benefits of fertilization to address Mg deficiency. It emphasizes the importance of careful Mg fertilizer dosages, considering other nutrient interactions, and provides valuable guidance for optimizing Mg nutrition and overall nutrient management in sweet orange trees.
Extraction of Cuminum cyminum and Foeniculum vulgare Essential Oils and Their Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity against Clinically Isolated Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Rashid Ayub Hussein , Gul Sarhang Sarwat , Azeez Hoshyar Abdullah , Azeez Shokhan Hamaali
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the essential oils of Cuminum cyminum (CEO) and Foeniculum vulgare (FEO) on the clinically isolated Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia). Subgingival plaque samples were collected from periodontal pockets (≥6 mm) of patients with generalized severe periodontitis. Microbiological and molecular tests were performed to isolate and confirm P. intermedia. A previously isolated P. gingivalis was used. The hydrodistillation method was used to extract the CEO and FEO. The antibacterial activity of the examined oils against the confirmed clinical strains was determined using the disc diffusion and broth dilution methods to determine the minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal concentrations (MBC). The antibiofilm properties of CEO and FEO were determined using the tube method. The t-test was used for comparisons of inhibition zones. Both CEO and FEO presented inhibition zones against both clinically isolated bacteria. The CEO and FEO revealed antibacterial activity with MIC values of 3.125 µL/mL and MBC of 6.25 µL/mL against P. gingivalis, respectively. In addition, their MIC and MBC against P. intermedia were 0.195 µL/mL and 3.125 µL/mL, respectively. Finally, the essential oils showed moderate to strong antibiofilm activities against the clinically isolated P. gingivalis and P. intermedia, respectively. This study supports the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of CEO and FEO against clinically isolated P. gingivalis and P. intermedia. Further studies should focus on using these essential oils as an adjunct to periodontal therapy.
Uncovering the Hidden Correlations between Socioeconomic Indicators and Aviation Accidents in the United States
Authors: Samarra Joana , Santos Luís F. F. M. , Barqueira Ana , Melicio Rui , Valério Duarte
Published: July 2023

Rules and regulations for accident mitigation have been implemented between all players. It is necessary to use new technologies and resources for human factors to mitigate future accidents to decrease accidents. It has been verified that accidents by sabotage are currently non-existent and that most of the fatalities are during the flight and in the runway approach phase. Severe accidents with associated fatalities are a small number that tend to decrease over time. Human errors, although with all the mitigations over time, are still the most significant cause of accidents; although accidents have decreased, other factors may be related to this type of error, such as the lack of personnel for the operation of a flight. Accidents can also be related to other factors, such as economic factors. GDP growth is positively correlated with accidents, and inflation is negatively correlated. It is also found that the inflation factor is also related to the number of flights due to a lack of demand.
Research and Development Status of Prepared Foods in China: A Review
Authors: Yi Bo , Xu Hengyi
Published: July 2023

In recent years, due to the influence and promotion of several factors, the Chinese market demands for prepared foods have grown rapidly. However, there are still many problems with Chinese prepared food. As China’s prepared foods are still at an early stage of development, there are problems such as vague concepts, outdated processing techniques and equipment, imperfect, unclear and inconsistent national standards, and prominent safety risks. The existence of these problems hinders the high quality and stable development of prepared foods. Thus, to meet the further development of prepared foods, it is necessary to conduct further analysis and research on the concept and boundary of prepared foods, set the Chinese national standards for prepared foods further, reform and upgrade the processing technology and equipment of prepared foods, and develop the safety control management system of prepared foods to promote the high-quality development of the prepared foods industry and provide a solid foundation for the further development of this industry. In this paper, the research progress of prepared foods’ processing techniques and the difficulties of industry development have been reviewed. In addition, an outlook on the future of prepared foods is provided, with a view to giving some reference for the innovative and stable development of prepared foods in the future.
Deep Reinforcement Learning Method for 3D-CT Nasopharyngeal Cancer Localization with Prior Knowledge
Authors: Han Guanghui , Kong Yuhao , Wu Huixin , Li Haojiang
Published: July 2023

Fast and accurate lesion localization is an important step in medical image analysis. The current supervised deep learning methods have obvious limitations in the application of radiology, as they require a large number of manually annotated images. In response to the above issues, we introduced a deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based method to locate nasopharyngeal carcinoma lesions in 3D-CT scans. The proposed method uses prior knowledge to guide the agent to reasonably reduce the search space and promote the convergence rate of the model. Furthermore, the multi-scale processing technique is also used to promote the localization of small objects. We trained the proposed model with 3D-CT scans of 50 patients and evaluated it with 3D-CT scans of 30 patients. The experimental results showed that the proposed model has strong robustness, and its accuracy was improved by more than 1 mm on average under the premise of using a smaller dataset compared with the DQN models in recent studies. The proposed model could effectively locate the lesion area of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 3D-CT scans.
3D Printed Robotic Hand with Piezoresistive Touch Capability
Authors: Fonseca Gonçalo , Nunes-Pereira João , Silva Abílio P.
Published: July 2023

This work proposes the design of a low-cost sensory glove system that complements the operation of a 3D-printed mechanical hand prosthesis, providing it with the ability to detect touch, locate it and even measure the intensity of associated forces. Firstly, the production of the prosthetic model was performed using 3D printing, which allowed for quick and cheap production of a robotic hand with the implementation of a mechanical system that allows controlled movements with high performance and with the possibility of easily replacing each piece individually. Secondly, we performed the construction and instrumentation of a complementary sensory mimicry add-on system, focusing on the ability to sense touch as the primary target. Using piezoresistive sensors attached to the palm of the glove, a multi-sensor system was developed that was able to locate and quantify forces exerted on the glove. This system showed promising results and could be used as a springboard to develop a more complex and multifunctional system in the future.