Search Results (94)

This paper proposes an adaptive human–robot concurrent control scheme that achieves the appropriate gait trajectory for a robotic leg prosthesis to improve the wearer’s comfort in various tasks. To accommodate different wearers, a neuromuscular-force-based impedance method was developed using muscle activation to reshape gait trajectory. To eliminate the use of sensors for torque measurement, a disturbance observer was established to estimate the interaction force between the human residual limb and the prosthetic receptacle. The cost function was combined with the interaction force and tracking errors of the joints. We aim to reduce the cost function by minimally changing the control weight of the gait trajectory generated by the Central Pattern Generator (CPG). The control scheme was primarily based on human-in-the-loop optimization to search for a suitable control weight to regenerate the appropriate gait trajectory. To handle the uncertainties and unknown coupling of the motors, an adaptive law was designed to estimate the unknown parameters of the system. Through a stability analysis, the control framework was verified by semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded stability. Experimental results are discussed, and the effectiveness of the adaptive control framework is demonstrated. In Case 1, the mean error (MEAN) of the tracking performance was $3.6°$ and $3.3°$, respectively. And the minimized mean square errors (MSEs) of the tracking performance were $2.3°$ and $2.8°$, respectively. In Case 2, the mean error (MEAN) of the tracking performance is $2.7°$ and $3.1°$, respectively. And the minimized mean square errors (MSEs) of the tracking performance are $1.8°$ and $2.4°$, respectively. In Case 3, the mean errors (MEANs) of the tracking performance for subject1 and 2 are $2.4°$, $2.9°$, $3.4°$, and $2.2°$, $2.8°$, $3.1°$, respectively. The minimized mean square errors (MSEs) of the tracking performance for subject1 and 2 were $1.6°$, $2.3°$, $2.6°$, and $1.3°$, $1.7°$, $2.2°$, respectively. Full article

Potassium is the most abundant macronutrient in plants, participating in essential physiological processes such as turgor maintenance. A reduction in cell turgor is a hallmark of the ripening process associated with fruit softening. The dynamic of K⁺ fluxes in fleshy fruits is largely unknown; however, the reallocation of K⁺ into the apoplast has been proposed as a contributing factor to the decrease in fruit turgor, contributing to fruit softening. High-affinity K⁺ transporters belonging to the KUP/HT/HAK transporter family have been implicated in this process in some fruits. In this study, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the KUP/KT/HAK family of high-affinity K⁺ transporters in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) was conducted, identifying 60 putative transporter genes. The chromosomal distribution of the FaKUP gene family and phylogenetic relationship and structure of predicted proteins were thoroughly examined. Transcriptomic profiling revealed the expression of 19 FaKUP genes within the fruit receptacle, with a predominant downregulation observed during ripening, particularly in FaKUP14, 24 and 47. This pattern suggests their functional relevance in early fruit development and turgor maintenance. Mineral composition analyses confirmed that K⁺ is the most abundant macronutrient in strawberry fruits, exhibiting a slight decrease as ripening progressed. Membrane potential (E_m) and diffusion potentials (E_D) at increasing external K⁺ concentrations were measured by electrophysiology in parenchymal cells of green and white fruits. The results obtained suggest a significant diminution in cytosolic K⁺ levels in white compared to green fruits. Furthermore, the slope of change in E_D at increasing external K⁺ concentration indicated a lower K⁺ permeability of the plasma membrane in white fruits, aligning with transcriptomic data. This study provides critical insights into the regulatory mechanisms of K⁺ transport during strawberry ripening and identifies potential targets for genetic modifications aimed at enhancing fruit firmness and shelf life. Full article

Helianthus annuus L. (H. annuus) receptacles, a major agricultural by-product generated during seed processing, are currently underutilized. This study aimed to explore the valorization potential of this by-product by extracting H. annuus receptacles total polysaccharides (HRTP) and characterizing their potential as natural ingredients in ultraviolet (UV)-protective cosmetics. A new purified polysaccharide named H. annuus receptacles polysaccharide-1 (HRP-1) was isolated, likely exhibiting a backbone of alternating →4)-α-D-GalA-(1→ and →4)-α-D-GalA(6-OCH₃)-(1→ units, with a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 163 kDa. HRTP demonstrated significant protective effects against UV-induced damage in human immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells by suppressing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and downregulating MAPK-p38/ERK/JNK pathways, thereby inhibiting inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9). Additionally, HRTP exhibited moisturizing properties. These findings highlight H. annuus receptacle polysaccharides as sustainable, bioactive ingredients for eco-friendly sunscreen formulations, providing a practical approach to converting agricultural by-products into high-value industrial biomaterials. Full article

The objective was to conduct a review and meta-analysis of questionnaire-based surveys of dengue knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and practices (KAP)s among the general public in Sri Lanka as no prior island-wide survey existed. The electronic database PubMed and other bibliography were searched for literature on dengue questionnaire-based KAP surveys in Sri Lanka from 2000–2023. Data pertaining to the three domains were extracted from sixteen eligible articles, pooled, and analyzed separately using random effect models. Meta-analyses of the three domains were performed using R version 3.6.3. The population surveyed (8955) was <0.045% of the total Sri Lankan population. The publication frequency increased over time and surveys were distributed in Colombo and suburbs 43.7% (7/16), Kandy 25% (4/16,) Gampaha 12.5% (2/16), and 6.3% (1/16) one each in Kurunegala, Matara, Batticaloa, and Jaffna. Knowledge on dengue transmission, vector breeding, and fever as a symptom was >80%, while on vector species, preferred feeding times, recurrence of dengue it was > 55% and on warning signs of severity it was 25%. Attitudes towards community participation in dengue prevention activities and knowledge of dengue risk factors (avoidance of aspirin and dark colored drinks) were poor, while practice of control measures (removal of water collecting receptacles, roof-gutter management) lacked regularity. Full article

Morphological modifications are a potential mechanism for functional species and phylogenetic diversification. The sella turcica in mammals is a structure associated with the basisphenoid bone and serves as the receptacle for the pituitary gland; however, little is known about the morphological variation that may affect functionality in chiropterans. In this study, we provide morphological and morphometric evidence of differences between populations of Pteronotus mesoamericanus [the Gulf of Mexico] and P. mexicanus [the Pacific Coast] by describing variations in the dimensions of the dorsum sellae and the processus clinoideus caudalis of the sella turcica. We obtained 20 a priori designed measurements of the dorsum of the sella turcica from 243 skulls of both species from various locations in Mexico. The dorsum sellae were found at an average distance of 3.4 mm from the lower edge of the foramen magnum. The dorsum of the sella turcica has a truncated pyramidal shape, with the processus clinoideus caudalis located at the tip of the pyramid. Ten of the measurements obtained were found to be significant for both regions (the Pacific Coast and the Gulf of Mexico). We propose that these measurements be tested in future studies of populations from the Mormoopidae family in the Antilles, Central America, and South America for comparative purposes, and to help distinguish different lineages and functions. Full article

The welding of the bottom-locking structure in a detector receptacle plays an essential role in ensuring the safety of nuclear equipment. A pulsed TIG–laser hybrid welding method is proposed to address the problem of welding pores in locking structural parts. The effects of the pulse frequency on the escape of porosity and of porosity on the mechanical properties of the hybrid welding joint were investigated. The results were compared to those of direct current (0 Hz), showing that the pulse frequency affects the stability of the arc. With an increase in pulse frequency, the grain size of the fusion zone gradually decreases, and the flow in the middle area of the molten pool increases. This subjects bubbles in the molten pool to a thrust force, which causes the bubbles to escape to the surface of the molten pool. Compared with 0 Hz, the tensile strength of the joint increased by 67%. This provides a new solution for obtaining reliable welded joints for the bottom-locking structure of detector storage tanks. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sunflower receptacles are the main by-product of the processing of Helianthus annuus L. Methods: In this study, several extraction methods of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) from sunflower receptacles were evaluated, and then, the physicochemical structure and functional properties of these SDFs were examined. Finally, a mouse constipation model was established to explore its therapeutic potential for constipation. Results: The results showed that the SDF yield of citric acid extraction and enzyme extraction was better than that of hot-water extraction. Structural characterization showed that the three SDF functional groups were similar and amorphous, while the surface distribution of the SDF obtained by the citric acid extraction method (ASDF) had more fine pores. Physicochemical analysis showed that ASDF had the best water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and expansion force. Animal experiments showed that the first black stool defecation time of the model group changed significantly (p < 0.001), indicating that the model was successful. Compared with the model group, the middle- and high-dose groups reduced the first black stool defecation time (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and increased the fecal water content (p < 0.05). The high-dose group significantly promoted the intestinal peristalsis of mice (p < 0.05). From hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining, it can be seen that the three dose groups of ASDF can improve the damage of mouse colon tissue induced by loperamide hydrochloride to a certain extent. Conclusions: Our results show that ASDF has good physical and chemical properties and laxative properties and has broad development space in the field of health food. Full article

Serological tests are critical tools in the fight against infectious disease. They detect antibodies produced during an adaptive immune response against a pathogen with an immunological reagent, whose antibody binding characteristics define the specificity and sensitivity of the assay. While pathogen proteins have conveniently served as reagents, their performance is limited by the natural grouping of specific and non-specific antibody binding sites, epitopes. An attractive solution is to build synthetic proteins that only contains pathogen-specific epitopes, which could theoretically reach 100% specificity. However, the genesis of de novo proteins remains a challenge. To address the uncertainty of producing a synthetic protein, we have repurposed the beta barrel of fluorescent proteins into a receptacle that can receive several epitope sequences without compromising its ability to be expressed. Here, two versions of a multiepitope protein were built using the receptacle that differ by their grouping of epitopes specific to the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent for Chagas disease. An evaluation of their performance as the capture reagent in ELISAs showed near-complete agreement with recommended diagnostic protocols. The results suggest that a single assay could be developed for the diagnosis of Chagas disease and that this approach could be applied to other diseases. Full article

We aimed to analyze the natural population characteristics and habitat growth conditions of the valuable seaweed Silvetia siliquosa. Its population characteristics and habitat conditions were assessed monthly from May 2022 to April 2023 and April to August 2022, respectively, on selected habitats. The average population density, coverage, and frequency of S. siliquosa were 579 ± 94.18 ind./m², 27.82 ± 6.92%/m², and 78.37 ± 5.98/m², respectively. The average thallus length and width were 47.53 ± 4.35 and 46.33 ± 4.17 mm, respectively, while the branch width, thickness, and frequency were 2.35 ± 0.03 mm, 0.59 ± 0.12 mm, and 2.8 ± 0.2 times, with a receptacle length and width of 24.13 ± 2.07 and 2.81 ± 0.19 mm, respectively. Among the 40 previously known natural habitats of S. siliquosa, growth was confirmed only in Sepo, Sebang, and Bangpo. The causes for the declining S. siliquosa populations could be attributed to habitat changes due to construction, coastal road maintenance projects, habitat disturbances, and increased pollutants. Habitat substrate disturbances and changes were the main causes of the decrease in S. siliquosa growth. Studies on environmental factors and habitat degradation, growth related to environmental factors, mass cultivation, and the marine ecosystem restoration of S. siliquosa are needed. Full article

Reflecting on the experience of curating Veronica Ryan’s work for the 2021 exhibition Life Support: Forms of Care in Art and Activism at Glasgow Women’s Library, this essay contextualizes the artist’s recent sculptures in relation to the theories, philosophies, and ethics of care that have recently gained increasing prominence in artistic and curatorial practice. Drawing on the philosopher Virginia Held’s understanding of care as inherently intersubjective, it proposes that Ryan’s sculptures model a comparable understanding of caring relations through their associative yet ultimately elusive operations. Ryan is recognized for her use of abstracted organic forms, particularly seeds, pods, husks, and fruits. Since moving to New York from Britain in 1990 and developing a career between the two countries, Ryan has engaged with industrial and mass-produced receptacles, molds, and packing materials, an interest which has expanded to include fishing wire, plastic bottles, and take-away food containers, alongside textiles. Yet, although many of these elements remain identifiable, the resulting works delight in category confusion between organic and prefabricated, instigating uncanny textural effects that engender perceptual uncertainty. Their chains of allusion resist singular, fixed meanings, generating a continual back and forth of association and dissociation that constitutes a sustained meditation on care’s relational complexity. Full article

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) is an important oil crop, ranking behind soybean, peanut, and rapeseed in terms of planting area in China. Throughout its cultivation, sunflower is susceptible to various diseases that can significantly reduce its seed yield. Among them, Fusarium species pose a major threat to numerous crops. The accurate identification of Fusarium species responsible for specific diseases is crucial for developing effective control measures. In Inner Mongolia, sunflower disk rot (SDR) has been observed in various sunflower fields, with an average infection rate of approximately 8.50%. The infection rate can reach up to 11.67% in certain highly susceptible cultivars. Samples of diseased sunflower receptacles were collected from different locations, and Koch’s postulates were employed to identify the causal agent. The results confirmed Fusarium verticillioides as the pathogen responsible for SDR. Fungicide toxicity tests were conducted, screening six fungicides for efficacy against F. verticillioides. Fludioxonil and Flutolanil were identified as the most effective, with EC50 values of 0.05 µg/mL (R = 0.9825) and 0.96 µg/mL (R = 0.9964), respectively. This is the first report of SDR caused by F. verticillioides, and it will alert sunflower researchers to include SDR in the disease list, so as to control sunflower diseases with integrated management strategies successfully. Full article

DUSPs, a diverse group of protein phosphatases, play a pivotal role in orchestrating cellular growth and development through intricate signaling pathways. Notably, they actively participate in the MAPK pathway, which governs crucial aspects of plant physiology, including growth regulation, disease resistance, pest resistance, and stress response. DUSP is a key enzyme, and it is the enzyme that limits the rate of cell metabolism. At present, complete understanding of the DUSP gene family in cotton and its specific roles in resistance to Verticillium wilt (VW) remains elusive. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive identification and analysis of four key cotton species: Gossypium arboreum, Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum, and Gossypium raimondii. The results revealed the identification of a total of 120 DUSP genes in the four cotton varieties, which were categorized into six subgroups and randomly distributed at both ends of 26 chromosomes, predominantly localized within the nucleus. Our analysis demonstrated that closely related DUSP genes exhibited similarities in terms of the conserved motif composition and gene structure. A promoter analysis performed on the GhDUSP gene promoter revealed the presence of several cis-acting elements, which are associated with abiotic and biotic stress responses, as well as hormone signaling. A tissue expression pattern analysis demonstrated significant variations in GhDUSP gene expression under different stress conditions, with roots exhibiting the highest levels, followed by stems and leaves. In terms of tissue-specific detection, petals, leaves, stems, stamens, and receptacles exhibited higher expression levels of the GhDUSP gene. The gene expression analysis results for GhDUSPs under stress suggest that DUSP genes may have a crucial role in the cotton response to stress in cotton. Through Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) experiments, the silencing of the target gene significantly reduced the resistance efficiency of disease-resistant varieties against Verticillium wilt (VW). Consequently, we conclude that GH_A11G3500-mediated bispecific phosphorylated genes may serve as key regulators in the resistance of G. hirsutum to Verticillium wilt (VW). This study presents a comprehensive structure designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the potential biological functions of cotton, providing a strong foundation for further research into molecular breeding and resistance to plant pathogens. Full article

The biblical account of Salome has been marked throughout history by two main themes: on the one hand, the princess’s dance in front of the main rulers of Galilee, and on the other hand, the request for the head of John the Baptist to King Herod, instigated by his mother Herodias. The reading of this passage has been strongly marked by the different patriarchal exegetical approaches, which have modulated the reception of both female characters being traceable through the visual and literary arts, to the point of taking on the concept of femme fatale. Really, in both moments Salome is the executor of the actions, not as a result of her capacity for agency, but due to her influenceable character. Through a critical–historical analysis of the biblical passage, Herodias and Salome emerge with characteristics quite different from what 19th-century Art History inherited. The methodology of feminist rhetorical criticism allows for an approach to the visual re-imaginings of this biblical passage that have shaped the iconography of these two figures. The field of visual arts, particularly the production of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, will be the great receptacle for the genesis of the fatality and assimilation of these female biblical figures. Full article

Two field trials were conducted in Northern Thailand from 2018 to 2020 to determine the best manual harvesting method for maximizing seed yield and seed quality of two Urochloa ruziziensis cultivars, cv. OKI-1 and cv. Br-203. Four manual seed harvesting methods were implicated in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The four methods were as follows: knocking seeds from seedheads into a nylon net receptacle and collecting them once every day (T1); knocking seeds from seedheads into a nylon net receptacle and collecting them once every three days (T2); allowing ripe seeds to fall into a nylon net sheet that was stretched as a receptacle beneath the seedheads and collecting seeds once every five days (T3); and covering the tied seedheads with a nylon net bag and collecting seeds once every five days (T4). The highest pure seed yield was obtained from T3 in cv. Br-203 (333.11 kg/ha), as well as the highest trend in cv. OKI-1 (534.67 kg/ha). T3 produced 22–46% and 11–27% more pure germinated seed yields than the other methods in cv. Br-203 and cv. OKI-1, respectively. As a result, T3 was recommended for higher seed yield, convenient seed harvest, and reduced manual seed harvest time. Full article

Municipalities face the greatest difficulty in implementing an efficient and effective waste collection system, especially in informal settlements with limited spatial planning. Illegal dumping is exacerbated by the proliferation of informal settlements and the lack of adequate waste management services provided by municipalities. A geographic information system (GIS) provides decision makers with a framework for analyzing and simulating a wide variety of spatial problems, including waste management issues. The purpose of this study is to map areas susceptible to illegal dumping and to determine why the community dumps there. The data were collected qualitatively via a questionnaire using a purposeful sampling technique, and SPSS 28.0 was used to analyze the data. The accessibility of streets and the availability of vacant land affected the location and concentration of illegal dumping in the test area. The lands within a buffer zone of 250 to 500 m of populated areas are the most vulnerable. The majority of residents have individual garbage receptacles, while a minority of 43.18% do not. A total of 52 dumpsites were identified inside the red zone of the model, suggesting a strong likelihood of illegal dumping activities. Hence, the community continues to have difficulties in effectively managing garbage disposal, compelling them to resort to alternative methods of waste disposal. Full article