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Pig welfare is closely related to the economical production of pig farms. With regard to pig welfare assessment, pig sounds are significant indicators, which can reflect the quality of the barn environment, the physical condition and the health of pigs. Therefore, pig sound analysis is of high priority and necessary. In this review, the relationship between pig sound and welfare was analyzed. Three kinds of pig sounds are closely related to pig welfare, including coughs, screams, and grunts. Subsequently, both wearable and non-contact sensors were briefly described in two aspects of advantages and disadvantages. Based on the advantages and feasibility of microphone sensors in contactless way, the existing techniques for processing pig sounds were elaborated and evaluated for further in-depth research from three aspects: sound recording and labeling, feature extraction, and sound classification. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of pig sound research were discussed for the ultimate purpose of precision livestock farming (PLF) in four ways: concerning sound monitoring technologies, individual pig welfare monitoring, commercial applications and pig farmers. In summary, it was found that most of the current researches on pig sound recognition tasks focused on the selection of classifiers and algorithm improvement, while fewer research was conducted on sound labeling and feature extraction. Meanwhile, pig sound recognition faces some challenging problems, involving the difficulty in obtaining the audio data from different pig growth stages and verifying the developed algorithms in a variety of pig farms. Overall, it is suggested that technologies involved in the automatic identification process should be explored in depth. In the future, strengthen cooperation among cross-disciplinary experts to promote the development and application of PLF is also nessary.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous control cuff pressure (CCCP) versus intermittent control cuff pressure (ICCP) for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. Methods: Relevant literature was searched in several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database and China National Knowledge Infrastructure between inception and September 2022. Randomized controlled trials were considered eligible if they compared CCCP with ICCP for the prevention of VAP in critically ill patients. This meta-analysis was performed using the RevMan 5.3 and Trial Sequential Analysis 0.9 software packages. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used to assess the level of evidence. Results: We identified 14 randomized control trials with a total of 2080 patients. Meta-analysis revealed that CCCP was associated with a significantly lower incidence of VAP compared with ICCP (relative risk [RR] = 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.74; P < 0.001), although considerable heterogeneity was observed (I 2 = 71%). Conducting trial sequential analysis confirmed the finding, and the GRADE level was moderate. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that CCCP combined with subglottic secretion drainage (SSD) had a more significant effect on reducing VAP (RR = 0.39; 95% CI = 0.29-0.52; P < 0.001). The effect of CCCP on ventilator-associated respiratory infection (VARI) incidence was uncertain (RR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.53-1.24; P = 0.34; I 2 = 61%). Additionally, CCCP significantly reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) (mean difference [MD] = −2.42 days; 95% CI = −4.71-0.12; P = 0.04; I 2 = 87%). Descriptive analysis showed that CCCP improved the qualified rate of cuff pressure. However, no significant differences were found in the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD = 2.42 days; 95% CI = −1.84-6.68; P = 0.27) and ICU mortality (RR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.74-1.00; P = 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the combination of CCCP and SSD can reduce the incidence of VAP and the duration of MV and maintain the stability of cuff pressure. A combination of CCCP and SSD applications is suggested for preventing VAP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the human brain's capacity as a powerful biological computer capable of simultaneously processing a vast array of cognitive tasks, many emerging artificial synapse devices have been developed in recent years. Electric-double-layer (EDL) transistors based on interfacial ion-modulation have attracted widespread attention for simulating synaptic plasticity and neural functions. Here, low-voltage EDL p-type thin-film transistors (TFTs) are fabricated on glass substrates, with Ni-doped cuprous iodide (Ni0.06Cu0.94I) as the channel and chitosan as the dielectric. The electrical performance of the Ni0.06Cu0.94I TFTs is investigated: current on/off ratio of 6.4 × 104, subthreshold swing of 33 mV/dec, threshold voltage of 1.38 V, operating voltage of 2 V, and saturation field-effect mobility of 15.75 cm2 V−1 s−1. A dual in-plane gate OR logic operation is demonstrated. Importantly, by applying single voltage pulses, dual voltage pulses, and multiple voltage pulses to the gate, the Ni0.06Cu0.94I transistors exhibited typical synaptic characteristics, including short-term potentiation, short-term depression, long-term potentiation, long-term depression, paired-pulse facilitation, and spiking-rate-dependent plasticity. Furthermore, the synaptic transistor can also simulate the learning–forgetting–relearning process of the human brain. These remarkable behaviors of voltage-stimulated synaptic transistors have potential for neuromorphic applications in future artificial systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of action of the active components of Coptidis rhizoma against porcine epidemic diarrhea and to provide a theoretical foundation for further development of novel anti-PED therapeutic agents based on Coptidis rhizoma. The potential targets of Coptidis rhizoma against PEDV were identified through a comprehensive literature review and analysis using the TCMSP pharmacological database, SwissDrugDesign database, GeneCards database, and UniProt database. Subsequently, the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.7.1 software were employed to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and screen key targets. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were conducted on the identified targets. Molecular docking studies were performed using AutoDock 1.5.7 software to analyze the binding energy and modes of interaction between the active components of Coptidis rhizoma and the target proteins. The PyMOL 2.5.0a0 software was employed to visualize the docking results. Through comprehensive analysis, 74 specific targets of active components of Coptidis rhizoma against PEDV were identified. The core gene targets were screened, and an interaction network diagram was subsequently generated. Ultimately, 14 core targets were identified, with STAT3, ESR1, CASP3, and SRC exhibiting the most significant interactions. GO enrichment analysis revealed a total of 215 molecular items, including 48 biological function items, 139 biological process items, and 28 cellular component items. KEGG enrichment analysis identified 140 signaling pathways. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated that epiberberine and palmatine exhibited high binding affinity with STAT3 protein, worenine showed high binding affinity with ESR1 protein, obacunone exhibited high binding affinity with CASP3 protein, and epiberberine, obacunone, berberine, and berberruine exhibited high binding affinity with SRC protein. A network pharmacology and molecular docking technology approach was employed to screen six important active components of Coptidis rhizoma and four important potential targets against PEDV infection. The findings indicated that the active components of Coptidis rhizoma could serve as promising pharmaceutical agents for the prevention and control of PEDV, with significant potential for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, SnxCu1−xI thin-film transistors were fabricated on a glass substrate, with CuI doped with varying concentrations of SnI2 serving as the channel and chitosan as the dielectric. When x = 0.06, the device exhibited optimal performance: a current on/off ratio of 2.56 × 105, a subthreshold slope of 31.67 mV/dec, a threshold voltage of 1.33 V, and a saturated field-effect mobility of 21.75 cm2 V−1 s−1. Due to the electric double layer effect of chitosan, the operating voltage of the devices was reduced to below 2 V. Simulations were also conducted on the behavior and functionality of artificial synapses, such as short-term plasticity, long-term plasticity, and paired-pulse facilitation. Building upon the functionalities of artificial synapses, the Sn0.06Cu0.94I neuromorphic transistors simulated the fundamental pain perception function of biological nociceptors. Finally, the effects of bias stress and laser irradiation on the devices were investigated, indicating the excellent stability of the Sn0.06Cu0.94I neuromorphic transistors. Fabricated via the solution process, this low-voltage neuromorphic transistors hold significant implications for applications in bionic sensing systems and neuromorphic chip technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a globally distributed, extensively used warm‐season turf and forage grass with high tolerance to salinity and drought stress in alkaline environments. However, the origin of the species and genetic mechanisms for salinity tolerance in the species are basically unknown. Accordingly, we set out to study evolution divergence events in the Cynodon genome and to identify genes for salinity tolerance. We developed a 604.0 Mb chromosome‐level polyploid genome sequence for bermudagrass 'A12359' (n = 18). The C. dactylon genome comprises 2 complete sets of homoeologous chromosomes, each with approximately 30 000 genes, and most genes are conserved as syntenic pairs. Phylogenetic study showed that the initial Cynodon species diverged from Oropetium thomaeum approximately 19.7–25.4 million years ago (Mya), the A and B subgenomes of C. dactylon diverged approximately 6.3–9.1 Mya, and the bermudagrass polyploidization event occurred 1.5 Mya on the African continent. Moreover, we identified 82 candidate genes associated with seven agronomic traits using a genome‐wide association study, and three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were strongly associated with three salt resistance genes: RAP2‐2, CNG channels, and F14D7.1. These genes may be associated with enhanced bermudagrass salt tolerance. These bermudagrass genomic resources, when integrated, may provide fundamental insights into evolution of diploid and tetraploid genomes and enhance the efficacy of comparative genomics in studying salt tolerance in Cynodon. Significance Statement: We have successfully sequenced the first heterozygous, tetraploid genome of Cynodon dactylon, a key warm‐season turfgrass and forage crop. Our GWAS analysis has identified genes linked to vital agronomic traits, enhancing our understanding of bermudagrass cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, NaxCu1−xI thin-film transistors gated by chitosan for low-voltage operation have been created by doping CuI with different Na concentrations (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1). It is found that the devices exhibit optimal performance when x is 0.05: a large current on/off ratio of 1.62 × 105, a steep subthreshold slope of 17.72 mV/dec, a saturation field-effect mobility of 0.51 cm2/V s, and a threshold voltage of 1.10 V. The operating voltage of the devices is reduced to below 2 V due to the electric-double-layer (EDL) effect. At a frequency of 10 Hz, a maximum specific capacitance of 1.36 μF/cm2 can be obtained in the chitosan. The effects of bias stress and laser on Na0.05Cu0.95I thin-film transistors (TFTs) have been examined at the end of the article, and the results revealed that Na0.05Cu0.95I TFTs possess good stability. As the bias stress gets longer and the laser power increases, the transfer curves of TFTs shift positively. Also, artificial synaptic behaviors and functions have been simulated experimentally. It can be divided into single-pulse, double-pulse, and multiple-pulse. According to the experimental results, features such as short-term plasticity, long-term plasticity, paired-pulse facilitation, high-pass filtering, pulse logic, and spatial summation have been achieved. The electrostatic modulation of EDL due to proton transverse migration is vital for this simulation. The realization of low-voltage synaptic Na0.05Cu0.95I TFTs prepared by solution method with pulse logic and spatial summation functions is crucial for application of portable biosensors and neuromorphic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of power exchange between areas of multi-area power systems under the power market, this paper designs a power trading contract based on the generation participation matrix, so as to simulate the specific process of power change in each area. With the integration of wind power into the large-scale power system, it is difficult to model the multi-area power system. For this situation, this paper designs a data-driven model-free adaptive load frequency control algorithm based on collecting input and output data, which gets rid of the dependence of the power system on the model. Along with the frequent transmission of input and output data in each area, the communication load of the power system also increases. Aiming at saving communication resources, this paper designs an event-triggered mechanism to reduce the communication bandwidth. The stability of the control algorithm is demonstrated theoretically. Finally, a three-area power system with wind penetration is used as an example to simulate and verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]