bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant Leaf Segmentation and Phenotypic Analysis Based on Fully Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Cao Liying , Li Hongda , Yu Helong , Chen Guifen , Wang Heshu 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsModify the U-Net segmentation network to reduce the loss of segmentation accuracy.Reducing the number of layers U-net network, modifying the loss function, and the increase in the output layer dropout.It can be well extracted after splitting blade morphological model and color feature.Abstract. From the perspective of computer vision, the shortcut to extract phenotypic information from a single crop in the field is image segmentation. Plant segmentation is affected by the background environment and illumination. Using deep learning technology to combine depth maps with multi-view images can achieve high-throughput image processing. This article proposes an improved U-Net segmentation network, based on small sample data enhancement, and reconstructs the U-Net model by optimizing the model framework, activation function and loss function. It is used to realize automatic segmentation of plant leaf images and extract relevant feature parameters. Experimental results show that the improved model can provide reliable segmentation results under different leaf sizes, different lighting conditions, different backgrounds, and different plant leaves. The pixel-by-pixel segmentation accuracy reaches 0.94. Compared with traditional methods, this network achieves robust and high-throughput image segmentation. This method is expected to provide key technical support and practical tools for top-view image processing, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle phenotype extraction, and phenotype field platforms. Keywords: Deep learning, Full convolution neural network, Image segmentation, Phenotype analysis, U-Net.
Rapid Recognition of Tomato’s Disease Stages Based on the Kernel Mutual Subspace Method
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wu Huarui , Wang Xiaomin 
Published: October 2021

Highlights A low time complexity and high accuracy recognition method of tomato’s disease stages was proposed.Small number of disease image samples can support a stable and high accuracy method with less computation time and less memory cost.Provided a solution to establish a real-time and low energy consumption disease recognize system.Abstract. Disease stages recognition of tomato is important for the timely diagnosis and prevention of tomato diseases. In this article, the color and texture features were extracted, and the kernel mutual subspace method (KMSM) was introduced to establish a rapid Tomato’s disease stage recognition method. Firstly, the color and textural features were extracted from tomato leaf and mapped to a high-dimensional space using a Gaussian kernel function. Secondly, a nonlinear disease feature subspace was established by applying principal component analysis (PCA) based on the mapped high-dimensional space. Finally, disease stages are recognized by calculating the canonical angles between the testing subspace and reference sub-spaces. To validate recognition rate of the proposed method, we conducted 10-fold cross-validation for experiments using the tomato disease sets contained in PlantVillage and artificial intelligence (AI) Challenger 2018 datasets. Also compared with the support vector machine (SVM) and VGG 16 methods, the results show that, accuracy of those three evaluated methods on the PlantVillage datasets are 99.34%, 89.2%, and 97%, respectively; and accuracy on the AI Challenger 2018 datasets are 98.66%, 71.14%, and 73.93%, respectively. Moreover, average training and recognition time of the proposed method is 0.1496 and 0.008 s, respectively, which is faster than SVM and VGG16 methods. In conclusion, the proposed method can be carried out in real-time recognition intelligent equipment which requires less memory space, less computation time, and with higher recognition rate, and low energy consumption. Keywords: Color and textural feature, High dimensional feature space, Kernel mutual subspace method, Tomato’s disease stages recognition,.
Research and Experiment on Path-Tracking Control of Autonomous Tractor Based on Lateral Deviation and Yaw Rate Feedback
Authors: Zhang Bingli , Cheng Jin , Zheng Pingping , Li Aojia , Cheng Xiaoyu 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsAutomatic navigation technology in autonomous tractors is one of the key technologies in precision agriculture.A path-tracking control algorithm based on lateral deviation and yaw rate feedback is proposed.The modified steering angle was obtained by comparing the ideal yaw rate with the actual yaw rate.The results demonstrate the efficiency and superior accuracy of the proposed algorithm for tractor path-tracking control.Abstract. The performance of path-tracking control systems for autonomous tractors affects the quality and efficiency of farmland operations. The objective of this study was to develop a path-tracking control algorithm based on lateral deviation and yaw rate feedback. The autonomous tractor path lateral dynamics model was developed based on preview theory and a two-degree-of-freedom tractor model. According to the established dynamic model, a path-tracking control algorithm using yaw angular velocity correction was designed, and the ideal steering angle was obtained by lateral deviation and sliding mode control. The modified steering angle was obtained by a proportional-integral-derivative feedback controller after comparing the ideal yaw rate with the actual yaw rate, which was then combined with the ideal steering angle to obtain the desired steering angle. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and superior accuracy of the proposed tractor path-tracking control algorithm, enabling its application in automatic navigation control systems for autonomous tractors. Keywords: Autonomous tractor, Path-tracking control, Sliding mode control, Yaw rate feedback.
Effects of Various Edge-Curve Types and Rotational Speeds of Disc Blades on Breaking Force and Energy Consumption in the Maize Stalk Chopping Process
Authors: Liu Peng , He Jin , Li Hongwen , Wang Qingjie , Lu Caiyun , Lou Shangyi , Wang Yingbo , Lin Han , Li Hui , Zhang Zhenguo 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsThe peak breaking force and energy consumption change in maize stalk were predicted by the FEM.A high SADBT reduced the PBFR and PBFS and increased the ECSC.The TRYDB had the most critical effect on the peak breaking force and energy consumption.Abstract. The mechanized retention of stalks is the primary method to avoid open burning. However, the variation in the breaking force and energy consumption in the chopping process of mechanized retention must be clarified. Therefore, based on the finite element method (FEM) and field validation experiments, the effects of various edge-curve types and rotational speeds of disc blades for maize stalk retention on the breaking force and energy consumption were examined. The test indices were the peak breaking force of the rind (PBFR) and stalk (PBFS), energy consumption of stalk chopping (ECSC), and energy transmission efficiency (ETE). The test factors were the spiral disc blade type (Archimedean, logarithmic, and sinusoidal-exponential spiral), slide-cutting angles of the disc blade tip (SADBT, 30°, 40°, 50°, and 60°), rotational speed of the Y-type blade (RSYB, 1400, 1600, 1800, 2000, 2200, and 2400 rpm), and transmission ratio between Y-type and disc blades (TRYDB, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0). The chopping process was divided into the cutting processes of the initial rind, rind and pith, final rind, and stalk end. The results showed that the SADBT, TRYDB, and RSYB had significant effects on the PBFR, PBFS, ECSC, and ETE. The most influential factor on all test indices was the TRYDB. The RSYB positively affected the PBFR, PBFS, and ECSC. The growth rates of the PBFR, PBFS, and ECSC increased with the TRYDB. The maximum PBFR, PBFS, and ETE values were obtained under an SADBT of 60°, and the maximum ECSC value was obtained under an SADBT of 40°. The difference in energy consumption between the field validation experiment and simulation was less than 10%, which proved the correct results of the FEM simulation. Keywords: Energy consumption, Finite element method, Maize stalk, Peak breaking force, Slide cutting.
A Precision Agriculture Technology Course for Regions with Lower Technology Adoption Levels
Authors: Mathanker Sunil 
Published: October 2021

HighlightsPrior and post-knowledge surveys showed that students had varied knowledge levels in the course topics. Knowledge gains were higher for the course topics with lower prior knowledge scores. Knowledge surveys can be used to adapt to the needs of the students in real-time, improve instructional material, identify effective teaching methods, and modify the course. Abstract. Precision agriculture technologies offer several benefits, and most important among them are higher farm profits and improved environmental health. The quality of precision agriculture education is one of the main barriers to the adoption of these technologies. There are studies documenting the development of precision agriculture technology courses for the world regions with higher levels of adoption. However, there are limited studies for the world regions typically characterized by lower adoption of these technologies. This study attempts to develop and teach a precision agriculture technology course for such a world region Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory. This study also consisted of collecting and analyzing the pre- and post-knowledge levels of the students attending the developed course. Using the procedure for calculation of overall grade point average, the knowledge score for each course topic was calculated from all the pre- or post-survey responses for the course topic. Additionally, the knowledge gain for each course topic was calculated by subtracting the prior knowledge score from the post knowledge score of the course topic. The results indicated that knowledge gains were higher for the course topics with the lower prior knowledge scores and were lower for the course topics with the higher prior knowledge scores. The study indicates that a prior knowledge survey can be used to adapt to the needs of the students in real-time. Likewise, a post-knowledge survey can be used to improve instructional material, identify suitable teaching methods, and modify the course. World regions with limited adoption of precision agriculture technology may begin with a precision agriculture technology course without laboratory exercises, and later add laboratory exercises as equipment becomes available and adoption level increases. Keywords: Agricultural and environmental systems, Course development, Curriculum, Precision agriculture technologies, Student assessment
Broadband terahertz metamaterial absorber: design and fabrication
Authors: Qiu Yanqing , Wang Jinfeng , Xiao Meiyu , Lang Tingting 
Published: October 2021

We proposed and experimentally demonstrated a broadband terahertz (THz) metamaterial absorber based on a symmetrical L-shaped metallic resonator. The absorber structure produces two absorption peaks at 0.491 and 0.73 THz, with the absorption rates of 98.6% and 99.6%, respectively. Broadband absorption was obtained from 0.457 to 1 THz, achieving a

>

90

%

absorption bandwidth of 0.543 THz. By analyzing the distributions of the electric and magnetic field at the two resonance frequencies, electric and magnetic dipole resonances were proposed to explain the broadband absorption mechanism. Furthermore, various widths and lengths of the symmetrical L-shaped metallic resonator on the absorption characteristics were investigated. Moreover, the broadband absorption characteristic can be maintained with an incident angle of up to 45° for transverse-electric and 30° for transverse-magnetic polarization. Finally, we experimentally observed a

>

70

%

broadband absorption characteristic from 0.42 to 1 THz. This proposed absorber has the potential for bolometric imaging, modulating, and spectroscopy in the THz region.
Association of tear matrix metalloproteinase 9 immunoassay with signs and symptoms of dry eye disease: A cross-sectional study using qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative strategies
Authors: Lee You Hyun , Bang Seung-Pil , Shim Kyu-Young , Son Myung-Jin , Kim Harim , Jun Jong Hwa 
Published: October 2021

Purpose
This study aimed to analyze the association of tear matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) immunoassay with the severity of dry eye (DE) signs and symptoms through qualitative, semiquantitative, and quantitative evaluations of immunoassay band.

Materials and methods
This cross-sectional study enrolled 320 eyes of 320 patients. The clinical signs of DE were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disorder Index (OSDI) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), tear breakup time (tBUT), tear volume evaluation by tear meniscometry, and staining scores of the cornea and conjunctiva by the Oxford grading scheme. The tear MMP-9 immunoassay results were interpreted using qualitative (positive or negative), semi-quantitative (reagent band density on a four-point scale: 0 = negative; 1 = weakly positive; 2 = moderately positive; 3 = strongly positive), and quantitative (ratio of reagent band density to control band density) indicators.

Results
Positive MMP-9 immunoassay results were significantly related to shorter tBUT, tBUT ≤3 seconds, higher corneal staining score, corneal staining score ≥2, and conjunctival staining score ≥2. The semi-quantitative results of the MMP-9 immunoassay were positively correlated with higher corneal staining score (r = 0.122, p = 0.029) and negatively correlated with tBUT (r = -0.125, p = 0.025). However, in the quantitative analysis, none of the DE signs or symptoms were correlated to the band density of the MMP-9 immunoassay.

Conclusions
The positive MMP-9 immunoassay results were related to the severity of ocular signs of DE. However, using quantitative measures of the MMP-9 immunoassay to assess the clinical severity of DE requires further investigation.
Association between nitric oxide synthase T-786C genetic polymorphism and chronic kidney disease: Meta-analysis incorporating trial sequential analysis
Authors: Hsiao Po-Jen , Chiu Chih-Chien , Tsai Dung-Jang , Ko Pi-Shao , Chen Ying-Kai , Cheng Hao , Su Wen , Lu Kuo-Cheng , Su Sui-Lung 
Published: October 2021

Background
Several meta-analyses of the relationship between endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) T-786C gene polymorphism and chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been published. However, the results of these studies were inconsistent, and it is undetermined whether sample sizes are sufficient to reach a definite conclusion.

Objective
To elucidate the relationship between T-786C and CKD by combining previous studies with our case-control sample and incorporate trial sequential analysis (TSA) to verify whether the sample size is adequate to draw a definite conclusion.

Methods
PubMed and Embase databases were searched for relevant articles on eNOS T-786C and CKD before February 28, 2021. TSA was also incorporated to ascertain a conclusion. A total of 558 hemodialysis cases in the case-control study was recruited from nine dialysis centers in the northern area of Taiwan in 2020. Additionally, 640 healthy subjects of the control group, with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2, were selected from participants of the annual elderly health examination program at the Tri-Service General Hospital. The functional analysis was based on eQTL data from GTExPortal.

Results
After screening with eligibility criteria, 15 papers were included and eventually combined in a meta-analysis. The result of the TSA showed that the sample size for Caucasians was adequate to ascertain the correlation between eNOS T-786C and CKD but was insufficient for Asians. Therefore, we added our case-control samples (n = 1198), though not associated with CKD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69–1.46), into a meta-analysis, which supported that eNOS T-786C was significantly associated with CKD in Asians (OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.04–1.85) by using an adequate cumulative sample size (n = 4572) analyzed by TSA. Data of eQTL from GTEx showed that T-786C with the C minor allele exhibited relatively lower eNOS mRNA expression in whole blood, indicating the hazardous role of eNOS T-786C in CKD.

Conclusions
eNOS T-786C genetic polymorphism was of conclusive significance in the association with CKD among Asians in our meta-analysis. Our case-control samples play a decisive role in changing conclusions from indefinite to definite.
Repercusión del acúfeno en pacientes con enfermedad de Ménière
Authors: Prieto Maillo Estela Cristina , Ferreira Cendón Sofía , Fernández Nava María José , Martínez Carranza Ramón Antonio , Gómez Sánchez José Carlos , Batuecas Caletrío Ángel 
Published: October 2021

Introducción y objetivo: El acúfeno conforma junto con los episodios de vértigo, hipoacusia neurosensorial y la sensación de plenitud ótica los síntomas cardinales de la Enfermedad de Ménière. No alcanzando la importancia que le corresponde en el manejo de esta enfermedad, el acúfeno repercute profundamente en la vida de los pacientes, sobre todo en la esfera psicológica. Método: Se seleccionaron 15 pacientes con Enfermedad de Ménière diagnosticados según los criterios de la Sociedad de Bárány en Hospital Universitario de Salamanca. Se registraron variables específicas para el análisis de los síntomas cardinales de la enfermedad de Ménière. Se recogieron datos sobre la edad de aparición y años de evolución de la enfermedad y de la misma manera para el acúfeno, la afectación bilateral o unilateral de la misma y en este último supuesto, el oído afecto. Se sometió a los pacientes a estudio audiométrico junto con acufenometría. Se valoraron los principales parámetros definitorios del acúfeno: frecuencia (Hz), intensidad (dB), umbral de enmascaramiento (dB) e inhibición residual (segundos). Los pacientes realizaron el test Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) y Escala visual analógica (VAS). La valoración de alteraciones en el estado de ánimo se obtuvo a través de la Escala Hospitalaria de Ansiedad y Depresión (HADS). Resultados: La edad media de diagnóstico de la Enfermedad de Ménière es 47,47 años. Las medias de pérdida auditiva en cada frecuencia por la enfermedad de Ménière se sitúan en torno a los 50 dB. El acúfeno no predomina en ninguno de los oídos (p>0,05). Se determinó una relación fuertemente significativa entre THI y VAS (r=0,72; p<0,01). Tanto THI como VAS no se relacionaron con los valores de la media de las pérdidas auditivas de ambos oídos. Los pacientes con más de dos años de evolución de la enfermedad se corresponden estadísticamente con puntuaciones mayores en THI y en la subescala de depresión del HADS (r= 0,821; p=0,001). Discusión: La intensidad del acúfeno, cuantificada de manera subjetiva con THI, no se relaciona con el grado de pérdida auditiva en los pacientes con Enfermedad de Ménière. El estudio de la esfera psicológica a través de la escala HADS demuestra la existencia de trastornos del ánimo en estos pacientes, prevaleciendo la patología depresiva en aquellos que presentan acúfenos de larga evolución.
Insomnia in chronic non-specific low back pain
Authors: Lamkova I. A. , Parfenov V. A. 
Published: October 2021

Patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) often have sleep disturbances (insomnia), which negatively affects pain severity, mental state, activities of everyday living, and the overall quality of life. The prevalence of insomnia in patients with CNSLBP and the effectiveness of its therapy require further investigation.Objective: to identify the prevalence of insomnia and the effectiveness of its treatment in CNSLBP.Patients and methods. The study included 71 patients aged 18–75 years (mean age 55.09±13.0 years) with CNSLBP. A single sleep hygiene educational session was run in the standard treatment group (n=34; mean age – 51±14 years). Intervention in the extended therapy group (n=37; mean age – 59±12 years) included an educational program dedicated to sleep, which was an individual face-to-face course of 4–5 sessions over two weeks and a telephone survey after three months. We used the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess sleep disturbances, a numerical rating scale (NRS) to assess pain, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), and the 12-item short form health survey (SF-12) to assess physical activity and quality of life. The survey was carried out three times (at the admission, after 7–10 and 80–90 days).Results and discussion. In both groups of patients with CNSLBP, PSQI scores improved in a week and after 3 months compared with baseline (p<0.05). Sleep quality between 7th and 90th days significantly improved only in the extended therapy group (p=0.025). ISI scores significantly improved during inpatient treatment in both groups (p<0.05), but between 7th and 90th days significantly improved only in the extended therapy group (р=0.048). Back pain intensity according to NRS significantly decreased in a week and after 3 months, compared to baseline (р<0.0001). Significant increase in physical activity (p≤0.001), physical and mental components of quality of life (p<0.05) were found only in the extended therapy group.Conclusion. Most patients with CNSLBP have insomnia, the treatment of which can improve sleep and help reduce pain.
Spasticity syndrome in cerebral pathology: evaluation and clinical models
Authors: Kovalenko A. P. , Voznyuk I. A. , Misikov V. K. 
Published: October 2021

Knowing the frequency of spasticity patterns in different muscles allows correcting the botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) administration schemes and creating spasticity models that could predict the drug consumption and treatment cost.Objective: to develop clinical spasticity models based on the frequencies of the spastic syndrome in the muscles of the extremities in post-stroke patients to optimize BoNT administration.Patients and methods. We examined 129 patients of both sexes aged 61.2±8.0 years with post-stroke spasticity (mean time after the stroke – 4.6±2.2). Twenty-seven muscles were tested for spasticity: shoulder girdle (n=3), upper (n=9) and lower (n=15) extremities. We used the original manual testing methods (MTM) of spasticity and the Tardieu scale (TS).Results and discussion. We observed the following frequencies of spasticity in the arm muscles: pectoralis major, brachioradialis, pronator teres, fl. carpi radialis, fl. digitorum profundus et superfacialis, fl. pollicis long. – over 70%, subscapularis – 61%, brachialis – 56.6%, biceps brachii – 35.8%. Frequencies of spasticity in the leg muscles were: semitendinosus, semimembranosus, fl. digitorum long. – 37.5%, gracilis – 21.4%, cap. med. gastrocnemius – 48%, tibialis post. – 39.2%, soleus – 19.6%, fl. halluces long. – 23%. There was no spasticity in the hip adductors; low spasticity incidence was seen in fl. digitorum brev. et fl. halluces brev. (<10%), tibialis ant., rectus femoris (<5%); biceps femoris, teres major, fl. carpi ulnaris, and cap. lat. gastrocnemius (<2%). Based on the frequency of identified spastic patterns, we created four models of patients with arm spasticity and five models – with leg spasticity with the calculation of the necessary doses of BoNT.Conclusion. We propose several spasticity models, which allow calculating the treatment costs, considering the frequency of involvement of specific muscles in spasticity evaluation, and tracking the rehabilitation follow-up of the patient's transition from one clinical model to another.