Search Results (16,637)

This study introduces a novel framework to apply the artifact subspace reconstruction (ASR) algorithm on single-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) data. ASR is known for its ability to remove artifacts like eye-blinks and movement but traditionally relies on multiple channels. Embedded ASR (E-ASR) addresses this by incorporating a dynamical embedding approach. In this method, an embedded matrix is created from single-channel EEG data using delay vectors, followed by ASR application and reconstruction of the cleaned signal. Data from four subjects with eyes open were collected using Fp1 and Fp2 electrodes via the CameraEEG android app. The E-ASR algorithm was evaluated using metrics like relative root mean square error (RRMSE), correlation coefficient (CC), and average power ratio. The number of eye-blinks with and without the E-ASR approach was also estimated. E-ASR achieved an RRMSE of 43.87% and had a CC of 0.91 on semi-simulated data and effectively reduced artifacts in real EEG data, with eye-blink counts validated against ground truth video data. This framework shows potential for smartphone-based EEG applications in natural environments with minimal electrodes. Full article

Microplastic (MP) pollution in agricultural ecosystems is an emerging environmental concern, with limited knowledge of its transport and accumulation in rural waterbodies. This study investigates the distribution and sources of MP in drainage ditches influenced by pond connectivity, land use, and soil properties within a small catchment in Nanjing, East China. Sediment was collected from ditches in 18 sites across forest, agricultural, horticultural, and urban areas. Using laser-directed infrared spectroscopy (LDIR), 922 MP particles were identified. Six materials were dominant: fluororubber (FR), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane (PU), acrylonitrile (ACR), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE), and polyethylene (PE). MP concentrations varied by land use and pond connectivity, with ditches above ponds exhibiting higher counts (1700 particles/kg) than those below (1050 particles/kg), indicating that ponds act as MP sinks. The analysis revealed site-specific MP sources, with FR linked to road runoff and PET associated with agricultural practices. Correlations between MP shape and soil properties showed that more compact and filled shapes were more commonly associated with coarser soils. PE particle size was negatively correlated with organic matter. This study highlights the need for targeted strategies to reduce MP pollution in rural landscapes, such as reducing plastic use, ditch maintenance, and improved road runoff management. Full article

Self-healing systems have become essential in modern computing for  ensuring continuous and secure operations while minimising downtime and maintenance costs. These systems autonomously detect, diagnose, and  correct anomalies, with effective self-healing relying on accurate interpretation of system logs generated by operating systems (OSs). Manual analysis of these logs in complex environments is often cumbersome, time-consuming, and error-prone, highlighting the need for automated, reliable log analysis methods. Our research introduces an intelligent methodology for creating self-healing systems for multiple OSs, focusing on log classification using CountVectorizer and the Multinomial Naive Bayes algorithm. This approach involves preprocessing OS logs to ensure quality, converting them into a numerical format with CountVectorizer, and then classifying them using the Naive Bayes algorithm. The system classifies multiple OS logs into distinct categories, identifying errors and warnings. We tested our model on logs from four major OSs; Mac, Android, Linux, and Windows; sourced from Zenodo to simulate real-world scenarios. The model’s accuracy, precision, and reliability were evaluated, demonstrating its potential for deployment in  practical self-healing systems. Full article

Lactoferrin (LF) is a multifunctional protein abundant in breast milk that modulates the functions of neural stem cells. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of bovine LF (bLF) in mitigating behavioral changes; however, the molecular mechanisms on the nervous system have not yet been elucidated. The presented study aimed to characterize the molecular mechanisms of bLF on nerve extension in PC12 cells. PC12 cells were treated with 0.01–1000 µg/mL of bLF, and cell viability was determined using the cell counting kit-8 assay after treatment for 24 h. Morphometric evaluation was performed after 24 or 72 h of treatment with 50 ng/mL nerve growth factor (NGF) or 100–500 µg/mL bLF. The molecular mechanisms were investigated using Western blotting and real-time quantitative PCR. Cell viability was significantly decreased after treatment with 600–1000 µg/mL bLF for 24 h compared with the control group. Morphometric evaluation revealed neurite outgrowth after 72 h of NGF treatment, with a significant increase in neurite outgrowth after treatment with 250 µg/mL bLF. The phosphorylated p44/42 expression ratio peaked at 5 min and persisted for up to 10 min. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed a significant decrease in MAP2 expression. Our findings suggested that bLF enhanced PC12 cell neurite outgrowth to a similar extent as NGF. These effects are thought to be mediated via the TrkA receptor and activated by the phosphorylated ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, this study demonstrates that bLF promotes neurite outgrowth via a pathway similar to that of NGF. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP) and chitinase combinations on the conservation and nutritive value of alfalfa high-moisture hay (HMH). P. pentosaceus [10¹² colony forming unit/g fresh forage] combined with (g/tonne of fresh forage) 1.5 (PP + LC), 7.5 (PP + MC), or 15.0 (PP + HC) g of LANiHay01 chitinase (Exp. 1) or with LANiHay02 (PP + Fe; 1.5 g), LANiHay01 (PP + Pe; 1.5 g), or Sigma (PP + Si; 55 mg) chitinase/tonne (Exp. 2) were used in 2016. In 2017, PP was applied alone or in combination with LANiHay01 at 1.5 g (PP + LC) or 7.5 g (PP + MC) chitinase/tonne (Exp. 3 and 4). Deionized water and propionic acid (4.0 L/tonne of fresh forage in Exp. 1 and 2 and at 6.0 L/tonne of fresh forage in Exp. 3 and 4) were applied as neutral (CON) and positive control (CON+), respectively. The maximum temperature (r² = 0.66) and NH₃-N concentration (r² = 0.80) of the HMH were positively related to total microbial populations. PP + MC had lower (p ≤ 0.05) yeast and mold counts than CON in Exp. 3 and 4 while the neutral detergent fiber degradability was greater (p < 0.01) for PP + MC and PP + LC than CON in Exp. 1 and 3, respectively. P. pentosaceus in combination with chitinase has the potential in conserving the nutrient quality of alfalfa HMH. Full article

This study investigates the kinetics of interleukine-6 (IL-6) and interleukine-10 (IL-10) levels in dengue virus (DENV) infections during the febrile stage. Viremic patients were categorized into two phases based on anti-DENV IgM presence. Among 259 patients, 71% were in Phase I and 29% in Phase II. Secondary infections, accounting for 38.2% of cases, exhibited earlier elevations of IL-6 and IL-10 than primary infections, suggesting that pre-existing immune memory primes faster cytokine release. Thrombocytopenia and elevated aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were associated with Phase II, secondary infections, and hospitalization. Elevated IL-6 and IL-10 levels correlated with low platelet counts, linking them to clinical manifestations. The key finding is that IL-6 and IL-10 levels rise earlier in secondary infections compared to primary infections, whereas elevated cytokine levels typically occur later in the febrile phase. This study highlights the importance of cytokine dynamics in DENV infections, particularly during the early stages. The observation of cytokine concentration changes, especially in viremic samples, provides insights into the progression of dengue disease. Further research with broader cytokine panels is warranted to validate and expand these findings. Full article

Weizmannia coagulans has been shown to have anticancer properties. However, there is limited research on the effects of postbiotic W. coagulans on colorectal cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, the exact mechanisms through which it influences apoptosis- and autophagy-related signaling pathways are yet to be thoroughly elucidated. This study explored the role of W. coagulans MZY531 as a postbiotic in inhibiting tumor growth by modulating apoptosis and autophagy in tumor cells. During the experimental period in the model group, tumors proliferated, tumor markers increased significantly, and immunofluorescence results showed that caspase-3 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling were significantly decreased. Conversely, supplementation with W. coagulans MZY531 postbiotics significantly reduced the levels of tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen, colon cancer antigen, and extracellular protein kinase A and promoted cell apoptosis by increasing the caspase-3-positive count and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling-positive cells in tumor tissue. Mechanistically, W. coagulans MZY531 postbiotics inhibit tumor growth through the modulation of the Bax/Bcl-2/caspase-3 and JAK2/STAT3 apoptosis pathways and PI3K/AKT/mTOR and TGF-β/SMAD4 cell autophagy pathways. W. coagulans MZY531 postbiotics had a more significant effect than that of W. coagulans MZY531 alone. Probiotics are expected to become effective natural functional foods for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Full article

Cream cheese is a type of fresh cheese with a thin consistency with great potential for adding probiotics. However, artificial thickeners have been used in its production, decreasing consumer satisfaction. This study suggests natural mucilage, specifically from the Cactaceae Opuntia ficus-indica, as a replacement for artificial thickeners due to its thick gelatinous properties. This study evaluated different cream cheese formulations by adding varying concentrations of Opuntia ficus-indica mucilage and the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). Four formulations were created: formulation C (control, without mucilage), F1 (containing 1 mL/kg mucilage), F2 (2 mL/kg), and F3 (3 mL/kg mucilage). The physicochemical characteristics (pH, 4.90–5.57; 0.15–0.20% acidity; 1.78–2.42% protein; 29.98–30.88% fat; 38.27–41.63% moisture; and 1.25–1.63% ash) and microbiological analysis met the quality standards required by Brazilian legislation, and the cream cheese showed probiotic potential, with L. acidophilus counts above 10⁸ CFU/mL within four weeks of storage. Regarding sensory evaluation, the texture received one of the highest scores (7.89), followed by aroma (7.11). Therefore, the Cactaceae mucilage has proven to be a viable alternative to replace artificial thickeners in cream cheese, making it an excellent option for probiotic supplementation. Full article

In this study, Caciocavallo, a typical cheese produced in Sicily Island (Italy), was obtained from the milk of dairy cows fed with and without enriched olive cake (ECO and CTR, respectively) in order to evaluate nutritional, microbiological, volatile, and sensory differences in cheeses. ECO cheese showed greater (p < 0.05) MUFA and PUFA and polyphenols content and lower SFA content than CTR cheese. Microbiological analyses revealed the absence of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and E. coli O157, and no significant differences in the viable counts of the remaining microbial groups analyzed, between samples. Thermophilic lactococci were more prevalent in ECO cheese. The implementation of a culture-independent method, such as PCR-DGGE analyses, revealed the presence of a more diverse microbial population in both cheeses. Regarding the volatile compounds profile, long-chain free fatty acids were more abundant in the ECO cheese, resulting in a healthier free fatty acid profile. This study also showed that, especially for their appearance and taste, consumers mostly appreciated the ECO cheese. The results show that using enriched olive cake could enhance the sustainability and the quality of Ragusano cheese, improving not only the health of its consumers but also positively influencing tastes and acceptability. Full article

Blueberries, as one of the more economically rewarding fruits in the fruit industry, play a significant role in fruit detection during their growing season, which is crucial for orchard farmers’ later harvesting and yield prediction. Due to the small size and dense growth of blueberry fruits, manual detection is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. We found that there are few studies utilizing drones for blueberry fruit detection. By employing UAV remote sensing technology and deep learning techniques for detection, substantial human, material, and financial resources can be saved. Therefore, this study collected and constructed a UAV remote sensing target detection dataset for blueberry canopy fruits in a real blueberry orchard environment, which can be used for research on remote sensing target detection of blueberries. To improve the detection accuracy of blueberry fruits, we proposed the PAC3 module, which incorporates location information encoding during the feature extraction process, allowing it to focus on the location information of the targets and thereby reducing the chances of missing blueberry fruits. We adopted a fast convolutional structure instead of the traditional convolutional structure, reducing the model’s parameter count and computational complexity. We proposed the PF-YOLO model and conducted experimental comparisons with several excellent models, achieving improvements in mAP of 5.5%, 6.8%, 2.5%, 2.1%, 5.7%, 2.9%, 1.5%, and 3.4% compared to Yolov5s, Yolov5l, Yolov5s-p6, Yolov5l-p6, Tph-Yolov5, Yolov8n, Yolov8s, and Yolov9c, respectively. We also introduced a non-maximal suppression algorithm, Cluster-NMF, which accelerates inference speed through matrix parallel computation and merges multiple high-quality target detection frames to generate an optimal detection frame, enhancing the efficiency of blueberry canopy fruit detection without compromising inference speed. Full article

‘Xinomavro’ (V. vinifera L.) is an important native red wine grape variety in Northern Greece, particularly in PDO (protected designation of origin) regions. Despite its significance, there is limited research on the effects of pruning type and severity on ‘Xinomavro’ vine physiology, yield, and berry quality across diverse environmental conditions. This study aimed to address this knowledge gap and provide growers with crucial information for optimizing vineyard management practices. The study was conducted over two consecutive years (2016 and 2017) in a vineyard in Thessaloniki, Northern Greece. Four treatments (B12: 12 buds on 6 spurs, B24: 24 buds on 12 spurs, M12: 12 buds on 2 canes, and M24: 24 buds on 4 canes) combining two bud load levels (12 or 24 count nodes) and two pruning types (short spurs or long canes) were applied to ‘Xinomavro’ vines in a complete block randomized design. The vine water status, gas exchange, canopy characteristics, yield components, and berry composition were measured. Bud load and pruning type significantly influenced vine canopy development, microclimate, and yield components. Short pruning with high bud load (B24) resulted in denser canopies and higher yields, whereas cane pruning (M12 and M24) led to more open canopies and improved berry quality indicators. Treatment effects on berry composition were inconsistent across years but showed a tendency for higher anthocyanin and total phenol content in cane-pruned vines. This study demonstrates that pruning type (short or long fruiting units) may have a greater impact on vine growth, yield, and berry composition than bud load alone in ‘Xinomavro’ vines. Cane pruning appears to be a more effective strategy for achieving vine balance and potentially improving grape quality under given experimental conditions. Full article

This study evaluated short-term immune responses of dairy ewes supplemented with barley β-glucan (BG) following an intramammary Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In the adaptation period, 36 ewes were fed an alfalfa hay diet ad libitum and barley grain cv. Hispanic (3.8% BG). Then, ewes were assigned into three experimental groups: (1) Control (CON), the same previous diet (13.3 g BG/d); (2) high β-glucans barley (HBG), new barley (cv. Annapurna) containing 10% BG (35 g BG/d); (3) intraperitoneally injected (INP) with a 1.4% BG solution dose (2 g BG/ewe). At d 9, all ewes were infused with an E. coli LPS or saline solution in each udder half. After the challenge, rectal temperature (RT), milk yield and composition, somatic cell count (SCC), and plasma interleukins (IL-1α and IL-1β) were monitored daily. The INP treatment revealed a transitory increase in RT and decreased milk yield by 38%. Milk fat, protein, and SCC increased in LPS-treated udders but not by BG treatment. The IL-1α plasma concentration was similar among groups but INP ewes showed a lower IL-1β concentration suggesting a lower inflammatory response. The BG administration appears more effective intraperitoneally than orally, which needs additional study. Full article

The escalating impact of human activities has led to the accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals in marine environments, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems. As essential components of oceanic ecosystems, large seaweeds such as Caulerpa lentillifera play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. This study investigated the effects of MPs and cadmium (Cd) on the growth, physiology, biochemistry, and Cd accumulation in C. lentillifera while elucidating the underlying molecular regulatory mechanisms. The results demonstrated that exposure to MPs alone significantly promoted the growth. In contrast, exposure to Cd either alone or in combination with MPs significantly suppressed growth by reducing stem and stolon length, bud count, weight gain, and specific growth rates. Combined exposure to MPs and Cd exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effect on growth. MPs had negligible impact while Cd exposure either alone or combined with MPs impaired antioxidant defenses and exacerbated oxidative damage; with combined exposure being the most detrimental. Analysis of Cd content revealed that MPs significantly increased Cd accumulation in algae intensifying its toxic effects. Gene expression analysis revealed that Cd exposure down-regulated key genes involved in photosynthesis, impairing both photosynthetic efficiency and energy conversion. The combined exposure of MPs and Cd further exacerbated these effects. In contrast, MPs alone activated the ribosome pathway, supporting ribosomal stability and protein synthesis. Additionally, both Cd exposure alone or in combination with MPs significantly reduced chlorophyll B and soluble sugar content, negatively impacting photosynthesis and nutrient accumulation. In summary, low concentrations of MPs promoted C. lentillifera growth, but the presence of Cd hindered it by disrupting photosynthesis and antioxidant mechanisms. Furthermore, the coexistence of MPs intensified the toxic effects of Cd. These findings enhance our understanding of how both MPs and Cd impact large seaweed ecosystems and provide crucial insights for assessing their ecological risks. Full article

In traditional pest monitoring, specimens are manually inspected, identified, and counted. These techniques can lead to poor data quality and hinder effective pest management decisions due to operational and economic limitations. This study aimed to develop an automatic detection and early warning system using the European Pepper Moth, Duponchelia fovealis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), as a study model. A prototype water trap equipped with an infrared digital camera controlled using a microprocessor served as the attraction and capture device. Images captured by the system in the laboratory were processed to detect objects. Subsequently, these objects were labeled, and size and shape features were extracted. A machine learning model was then trained to identify the number of insects present in the trap. The model achieved 99% accuracy in identifying target insects during validation with 30% of the data. Finally, the prototype with the trained model was deployed in the field for result confirmation. Full article

The use of session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) as a measure of workload is a popular athlete load monitoring tool. However, the nature of sRPE means the contribution of salient, sport-specific factors to athlete load in field sports is challenging to isolate and quantify. In rugby sevens, drivers of load include high-speed running and physical contact. In soccer and men’s rugby, union acceleration/deceleration also influences load. These metrics are evaluated using data from global navigation satellite system (GNSS) sensors worn by athletes. Research suggests that sensor data methods for identifying load in men’s rugby do not accurately quantify female athlete loads. This investigation examined how mass, contact, and accelerations and decelerations at different speeds contribute to load in women’s rugby sevens. The study evaluated 99 international matches, using data from 19 full-time athletes. GNSS measures, RPE, athlete mass, and contact count were evaluated using a linear mixed-model regression. The model demonstrated significant effects for low decelerations at low and high speeds, mass, distance, and contact count explaining 48.7% of the global variance of sRPE. The use of acceleration/deceleration and speed from GNSS sensors alongside mass, as well as contact count, presents a novel approach to quantifying load. Full article