Search Results (44)

The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model to predict the body weight of tilapia fingerlings using variables obtained through computer vision. A total of 2092 tilapia fingerlings and juveniles, weighing between 10 and 100 g, were fasted for 12 h, anesthetized, weighed, and photographed using an iPhone 12 Pro Max at 33 cm height in a closed container with different bottom colors. Images were segmented using Roboflow’s instance segmentation model, achieving 99.5% mean average precision, 99.9% precision, and 100% recall. From the segmented images, area, perimeter, major axis (MA), minor axis (SA), X and Y centroids, compactness, eccentricity, and the MA/SA ratio were extracted. Seventy percent of the data was used to build the model, and 30% for validation. Stepwise multiple regression (backward selection) was performed, using body weight as the dependent variable. The prediction model was: −17.7677 + 0.0007539(area) – 0.0848303 (MA) – 0.108338(SA) + 0.0034496(CX). The validation model showed similar coefficients and R² = 0.99. The second validation, using observed versus predicted values, also yielded an R² of 0.99 and a mean absolute error of 1.57 g. Correlation and principal component analyses revealed strong positive associations among body weight, area, axes, and predicted values. Computer vision proved effective for predicting tilapia fingerlings’ weight. Full article

Egg yolk immunoglobulin Y (IgY) possesses advantages such as low cost, easy availability, simple preparation, high antigen specificity, absence of drug residues, and compliance with animal welfare standards, making it an environmentally friendly and safe alternative to antibiotics. This research utilizes IgY antibody technology to develop a multivalent passive immune vaccine for major pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture. In this study, IgY antibodies against live Shewanella xiamenensis (LSX-IgY) and inactivated S. xiamenensis (ISX-IgY) were prepared by immunizing laying hens, and passive immunization protection experiments were conducted in Carassius auratus infected with S. xiamenensis and Aeromonas hydrophila. The passive immunization protection rates of LSX-IgY and ISX-IgY against S. xiamenensis were 63.64% and 72.73%, respectively, and the passive cross-protection rates against A. hydrophila were 50% and 71.43%, respectively. Further, C. auratus sera could specifically bind to S. xiamenensis or A. hydrophila in vitro, and the phagocytic activity of leukocytes was increased. LSX-IgY and ISX-IgY could reduce the bacterial load in the C. auratus kidneys. Meanwhile, they could significantly reduce the levels of antioxidant factors in serum and inhibit the mRNA expression of inflammation-related factors in the kidneys and spleens. Additionally, histopathology and immunofluorescence analysis showed that both IgY preparations preserved tissue integrity and reduced the expression of apoptosis factor (p53) and DNA damage factor (γH2A.X) of visceral organs, respectively. In summary, LSX-IgY and ISX-IgY can combat various bacterial infections, with no significant difference between the two. Additionally, inactivated bacterial immunization is more aligned with animal welfare standards for laying hens. Therefore, ISX-IgY is expected to serve as a multivalent vaccine against major aquaculture pathogens. Full article

This study was based on the hypothesis that the hybrid type and its physical–mechanical properties significantly influence the operational efficiency of transplanting systems. Understanding these properties is essential for optimizing the performance of semi-automatic and automatic transplanters. To test this hypothesis, a completely randomized design was implemented to evaluate the physical–mechanical properties of tomato seedlings. A total of 1350 seedlings from three F1 hybrids—Natalie (H1), CID (H2), and Gavilán (H3)—cultivated in central Mexico, were analyzed. The statistical analyses included mean comparisons using Tukey’s test and multiple linear regression to estimate the center of mass (CM). The results indicate that H2 was notable for its total height (${\mathrm{h}}_{\mathrm{t}}$ = 311.76 mm), canopy development in X, Y, and Z axes (170.24 mm, 106.84 mm, and 98.14 mm, respectively), stem diameter (${\mathrm{d}}_{\mathrm{s}}$ = 3.65 mm), total weight (${\mathrm{w}}_{\mathrm{t}}$ = 11.92 g), ${\mathrm{d}}_{\mathrm{e}}$ (78.36 mm) and ${\mathrm{d}}_{\mathrm{p}}$ (233.40 mm) distances, and oscillation period (T = 0.88 s). H1 had the highest stem height (${\mathrm{h}}_{\mathrm{s}}$ = 53.18 mm), ${\mathrm{w}}_{\mathrm{t}}$ = 11.76 g, and root ball (RB) moisture content (MC) (77.36%). H3 had the largest ${\mathrm{d}}_{\mathrm{s}}$ = 3.70 mm, as well as the highest MC in the stem (94.51%) and the remaining foliage (92.92%). Regarding mechanical properties, the average adhesion force (AF) was 4.606 N (H1), 7.470 N (H2), and 3.815 N (H3). The average root ball punching force (RBPF) was 0.36, 0.48, and 0.25 N, respectively. The lowest static friction coefficient (SFC) on a galvanized steel sheet was 0.936. The drop test (DT) revealed an average residual substrate mass of 0.148 g at a height of 500 mm. It can be concluded that the interaction between hybrid type, transplanting age, and MC plays a critical role in the efficient design of semi-automatic and automatic transplanting equipment. This interaction enables process optimization, ensures operational quality, reduces seedling damage, and ultimately enhances and increases the long-term profitability and sustainability of the equipment. Full article

Vaccination is widely recognized as an effective strategy for preventing various bacterial and viral diseases. In this study, protein, DNA, and egg yolk antibody (IgY) vaccines targeting the outer membrane protein VF14355 of Vibrio fluvialis (V. fluvialis) were administered to goldfish (Carassius auratus, C. auratus) subsequently challenged with V. fluvialis and Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila). The immune efficacy of the three VF14355 vaccines was evaluated through their immune activities, protective rates, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, histopathology, and immunofluorescence, and the results indicated that the protective rates in the three immunized groups were significantly higher than those in the control group; furthermore, the number of kidney bacteria was significantly reduced in the immunized group compared to the control group. The ELISA results demonstrated an in vitro interaction between the bacteria and C. auratus serum. The plasma phagocytosis index and phagocytosis percentage were significantly increased in C. auratus, and their serum immune factor levels, including those of acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lysozyme (LZM), were increased, while those of serum antioxidant factors, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA), were reduced in the immunized group; notably, the expression levels of inflammatory factors were also diminished in the immunized groups. Histopathological analyses further revealed that the organ structures of the immunized group remained intact, and immunofluorescence tests indicated significant reductions in apoptosis factor p53 and DNA damage factor γH2A.X in kidney tissues. Therefore, the protein, DNA, and IgY vaccines of VF14355 demonstrate the potential to confer resistance against various bacterial infections, positioning them as promising multivalent vaccine candidates for aquaculture. Full article

In multi-load wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, when multiple loads simultaneously charge using the same transmitter, the unpredictable spatial positions of the loads and the presence of cross-coupling make it challenging to achieve complete system decoupling, thereby limiting the effective power reception area. To address this issue, this paper investigates a one-to-multiple WPT system based on a single-transistor P^#-type LCC-S compensation network. Air-core coils are employed at the receiving end to mitigate cross-coupling, and the effective power reception area is analyzed. First, the operating principle of the system is examined and the parameter configuration conditions for the resonant circuit are derived. Then, MATLAB/Simulink R2022b is used to establish simulation circuit models for both single-transmitter single-receiver and single-transmitter dual-receiver WPT systems. The results indicate that for an effective output power of 5 W, the mutual inductance ranges are (3.5, 6) μH and (3, 6.5) μH, respectively. Next, finite element simulations are conducted to analyze the mutual inductance variations caused by spatial misalignment of the coils. For the single-transmitter single-receiver system, when the transmission distance is 5–12.5 mm, the effective power reception area corresponds to an X- and Y-axis misalignment of ±15 mm, while at a transmission distance of 10 mm, the effective reception area is ±10 mm along both axes. In the single-transmitter dual-receiver system, for a transmission distance of 5–14 mm, the maximum reception area is ±15 mm along the X-axis and ±10 mm along the Y-axis. Finally, an experimental platform is built to verify that multiple loads at different positions can achieve effective power reception for charging. Full article

This study explored the formation of soft colloidal particles from a diblock ionomer (DI) with the monomeric composition (acrylonitrile)_x-co-(glycidyl methacrylate)_y-b-(3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium)_z—abbreviated as (A_xG_y)S_z, where x >> z > y. A colloidal dispersion was generated by introducing water into the pre-prepared DMSO solutions of DI, which led to micelle formation and subsequent coagulation. The assembly of the hydrophobic (A_xG_y) blocks was influenced by water content and chain conformational flexibility (the ability to adopt various forms of conformation). The resulting microgel structure (in particle form) consists of coagulated micelles characterized by discrete internal hydrophobic gel domains and continuous external hydrophilic gel layers. Characterization methods included light scattering, zeta potential analysis, and particle size distribution measurements. In contrast, the copolymer (A_xG_y) chains form random coil aggregates in DMSO–H₂O mixtures, displaying a chain packing state distinct from the hydrophobic gel domains as aforementioned. Additionally, the amphiphilic glycidyl methacrylate (G) units within the (A_xG_y) block were found to modulate the microgel dimensions. Notably, the nanoscale hydrogel corona exhibits high accessibility to reactive species in aqueous media. The typical microgel has a spherical shape with a diameter ranging from 50 to 120 nm. It exhibits a zeta potential of −65 mV in a neutral aqueous medium; however, it may precipitate if the metastable colloidal dispersion state cannot be maintained. Its properties could be tailored through adjusting the internal chain conformation, highlighting its potential for diverse applications. Full article

The plant kingdom serves as a valuable resource for cancer drug development. This study explored the antitumor activity of different sub-fractions (hexane, dichloromethane and methanol) of U. gallii (gorse) methanol extract in glioblastoma (U-87MG and U-373MG) and neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell lines, along with their phytochemical profiles. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, and cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were assessed through flow cytometry and by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protein expression levels. D7 and D8 dichloromethane sub-fractions significantly reduced cell viability, triggered early apoptosis in SH-SY5Y and U-87MG cells and specifically increased ROS levels in U-87MG cells. Western blot analyses showed that D7 increased p53, caspase-3, caspase-8 and γH2AX expression in SH-SY5Y and U-87MG cells, while D8 specifically elevated p53 in SH-SY5Y cells and caspase-3 in both cell lines. In U-373 cells, D7 and D8 markedly reduced cell viability, with D8 inducing necrosis. Morphological changes indicative of apoptosis were also observed in all cell lines. Bioinformatic analysis of UHPLC-MS and GC-MS data tentatively identified 20 metabolites in D7 and 15 in D8, primarily flavonoids. HPLC-DAD confirmed isoprunetin and genistein as the most abundant in D7 and D8, respectively, both isolated and identified by NMR spectroscopy. Most of the flavonoids identified have been reported as antitumor agents, suggesting that these compounds may be responsible for the observed pharmacological activity. Full article

Ensuring the safety of transmission line towers is vital for human safety, power supply, economic development, and environmental protection. This study specifically examines how temperature affects tower inclination. Multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis (MF-DCCA) is a combination of multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) and DCCA that reveals the multifractal features of two cross-correlated non-stationary signals. This paper adopts the MF-DCCA tool to investigate the cross-correlations between the internal temperature of an inclination sensor device and the posture of a transmission line tower. The tilt angle data in the x- and y-axes are used to measure the posture of the transmission line tower. We start by using Pearson correlation to assess the relationship between temperature and two inclination angles, followed by verifying their correlation with a p-value below $0.05$ using first-order linear fitting. We initially assess the multifractal features of three time series using MF-DFA before MF-DCCA analysis. All exhibit multifractal traits with $H\left(2\right)<0.5$, indicating negative persistence, especially notable in the temperature series. Finally, we adopt the MF-DCCA approach to examine the multifractal cross-correlation between tilt-angle time series and temperature time series, and the results indicate the negative persistence of the cross-correlation between the time series. Furthermore, the multifractal cross-correlation of temperature and inclination data on the y-axis was also found to be stronger than on the x-axis based on features of the scaling exponent and symmetry exponent. Full article

Actin is a protein of central importance to many cellular functions. Its localization and activity are regulated by interactions with a high number of actin-binding proteins. In a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) screening system, snail family transcriptional repressor 2 (SNAI2 or slug) was identified as a yet unknown potential actin-binding protein. We validated this interaction using immunoprecipitation and analyzed the functional relation between slug and actin. Since both proteins have been reported to be involved in DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, we focused on their interaction during this process after treatment with doxorubicin or UV irradiation. Confocal microscopy elicits that the overexpression of actin fused to an NLS stabilizes complexes of slug and γH2AX, an early marker of DNA damage repair. Full article

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the resolution of infection or tissue damage. In addition, inflammation is considered a hallmark of aging, which in turn compromises wound healing. Thymbra capitata is an aromatic plant, whose infusion is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent. In this study, a T. capitata infusion was prepared and characterized by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MSn and its safety profile determined by the resazurin metabolic assay. The anti-inflammatory potential was revealed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages by assessing nitric oxide (NO) release and levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the interleukin-1β pro-form (pro-IL-1β). Wound-healing capacity was determined using the scratch assay. The activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase was used to unveil the anti-senescent potential, along with the nuclear accumulation of yH2AX and p21 levels. The antiradical potential was assessed by DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays. The infusion contains predominantly rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acids. The extract decreased NO, iNOS, and pro-IL-1β levels. Interestingly, the extract promoted wound healing and decreased β-galactosidase activity, as well as yH2AX and p21 levels. The present work highlights strong antiradical, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing capacities, corroborating the traditional uses ascribed to this plant. We have described, for the first time for this extract, anti-senescent properties. Full article

Gd³⁺ and Sm³⁺ co-activation, the effect of cation substitutions and the creation of cation vacancies in the scheelite-type framework are investigated as factors influencing luminescence properties. Ag_xGd_{((2−x)/3)−0.3−y}Sm_yEu³⁺_0.3☐_(1−2x)/3WO₄ (x = 0.50, 0.286, 0.20; y = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.3) scheelite-type phases (A_xGS_yE) have been synthesized by a solid-state method. A powder X-ray diffraction study of A_xGS_yE (x = 0.286, 0.2; y = 0.01, 0.02, 0.03) shows that the crystal structures have an incommensurately modulated character similar to other cation-deficient scheelite-related phases. Luminescence properties have been evaluated under near-ultraviolet (n–UV) light. The photoluminescence excitation spectra of A_xGS_yE demonstrate the strongest absorption at 395 nm, which matches well with commercially available UV-emitting GaN-based LED chips. Gd³⁺ and Sm³⁺ co-activation leads to a notable decreasing intensity of the charge transfer band in comparison with Gd³⁺ single-doped phases. The main absorption is the ⁷F₀ → ⁵L₆ transition of Eu³⁺ at 395 nm and the ⁶H_5/2 → ⁴F_7/2 transition of Sm³⁺ at 405 nm. The photoluminescence emission spectra of all the samples indicate intense red emission due to the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺. The intensity of the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ emission increases from ~2 times (x = 0.2, y = 0.01 and x = 0.286, y = 0.02) to ~4 times (x = 0.5, y = 0.01) in the Gd³⁺ and Sm³⁺ co-doped samples. The integral emission intensity of Ag_0.20Gd_0.29Sm_0.01Eu_0.30WO₄ in the red visible spectral range (the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ transition) is higher by ~20% than that of the commercially used red phosphor of Gd₂O₂S:Eu³⁺. A thermal quenching study of the luminescence of the Eu³⁺ emission reveals the influence of the structure of compounds and the Sm³⁺ concentration on the temperature dependence and behavior of the synthesized crystals. Ag_0.286Gd_0.252Sm_0.02Eu_0.30WO₄ and Ag_0.20Gd_0.29Sm_0.01Eu_0.30WO₄, with the incommensurately modulated (3 + 1)D monoclinic structure, are very attractive as near-UV converting phosphors applied as red-emitting phosphors for LEDs. Full article

Strenuous exercise involving eccentric muscle actions induces skeletal muscle damage resulting in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Antioxidant supplementation, such as astaxanthin (AX), may alleviate muscle injury following intense exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a four-week course of AX supplementation at 12 mg/day⁻¹ on subjective markers of DOMS, recovery, and performance after a bout of muscle damaging eccentric exercise. Nineteen resistance-trained men (mean ± SD: age, 22.6 ± 2.2 y) completed a between-group design with a four-week supplementation period of 12 mg/day⁻¹ of either AX or a placebo. Subjects completed four trials, with trials One and Three designed to induce muscle damage, consisting of a one repetition maximum test (1RM) for leg-press, followed by five sets of ten repetitions at 65% of 1RM. Trials Two and Four were performance trials, conducted 48 h later and consisting of repetitions to failure at 65%, 70%, and 75% of 1RM. Subjective markers of DOMS and recovery were collected at multiple timepoints post-trial for trials One and Three. Although performance was not affected (p > 0.05), AX supplementation significantly decreased subjective markers of DOMS (p = 0.01) compared to the placebo. The results demonstrated that AX may enhance recovery by reducing DOMS without detriment to performance in resistance-trained men. Full article

In the present work, we report the synthesis of isomeric heteronuclear terbium(III) and yttrium(III) triple-decker phthalocyaninates [(BuO)₈Pc]M[(BuO)₈Pc]M*[(15C5)₄Pc] (M = Tb, M* = Y or M = Y, M* = Tb, [(BuO)₈Pc]²⁻–octa-n-butoxyphthalocyaninato-ligand, [(15C5)₄Pc]²⁻–tetra-15-crown-5-phthalocyaninato-ligand). We show that these complexes undergo solvation-induced switching: the conformers in which both metal centers are in square-antiprismatic environments are stabilized in toluene, whereas in dichloromethane, the metal centers M and M* are in distorted prismatic and antiprismatic environments, respectively. This conclusion follows from the detailed analysis of lanthanide-induced shifts in ¹H NMR spectra, which makes it possible to extract the axial component of the magnetic susceptibility tensor ${\mathsf{\chi }}_{\mathrm{ax}}^{\mathrm{Tb}}$ and to show that this term is particularly sensitive to conformational switching when terbium(III) ion is placed in the switchable “M” site. This result provides a new tool for controlling the magnetic properties of lanthanide complexes with phthalocyanine ligands. Full article

Cerium dioxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NP) show antioxidant enzyme-like properties and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity, making them a promising material for potential therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this work was to assess the biological behavior of CeO₂NP in human SH-SY5Y neuronal and A172 glial cells by means of the MTT assay and the γH2AX assay. Despite the significant dose- and time-dependent NP internalization by both cell lines, nanoceria generally presented scarce cytotoxicity or genotoxicity, essentially restricted to the highest NP doses and longest exposure times. In conclusion, a high biocompatibility of CeO₂NP was observed under the conditions tested. Full article

Recent research has shown an increasing interest in wireless power transfer (WPT) technology for drone batteries. The inconvenience of wired charging, especially for drones, is a huge obstacle. In this research project, a WPT platform was proposed by applying four transmitting coils and a single receiving coil. To meet the industrial standards required for transmitter Tx and receiver Rx, a calculation of the parameters was implemented. An H-bridge MOSFET was used as a DC–AC inverter, a bridge diode was used as an AC–DC rectifier, and a Pi low pass filter was added to the receiver circuit design to filter the high-frequency noise. Experimental investigations were conducted to study the maximum power and power efficiency of the coil’s alignment. The focus of this article was to design and fabricate workable multiple-transmitter coils and a single-receiver coil for a wireless power transfer system, in order to charge a 3S LiPo drone’s battery. It not only covers an overview of wireless power transfer but also includes the method for charging a 3S LiPo drone’s battery, a misalignment study on the X and Y axes of the wireless charging system, and a stable charging of the battery that does not exceed the maximum current of 1.26 A for healthy charging. An efficiency of 58.29% was achieved at a power of 14.924 W and the minimum value was found to be 0.008 W. The efficiency of the typical coil design and the proposed coil design were 55.04% and 12.06%, respectively. The charging current obtained was 1.27 A, which gives an estimated charging time of 3.31 h based on the calculation. The actual charging time of the 3s 4200 mAh 11.1 V LiPo battery was 2 h. Full article