bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing student engagement in electronic platforms: e-gallery walk
Authors: Alkhateeb Nazdar Ezzaddin , Bigdeli Shoaleh , Mirhosseini Fakhrosadat
Published: October 2023

Background:
The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the most challenging situations that affected all aspects of humans’ life including education and active face to face teaching and learning methods.
Engaging learners in the teaching and learning process, teaching faculty members, and employing technologies to enhance teaching and learning requires adapting instructional methods based on diverse situations, especially in crises and force majeure.
Methods:
This study was an attempt to design and implement an electronic gallery-walk (e-gallery-walk) based on Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction.
A teacher training e-course was designed, developed, and implemented during COVID-19 era at the center of pedagogy, training and academic development at Hawler Medical University, Iraq.
Moreover, for the purposes of this study different formative assessment tools were designed and implemented. Thirty-eight (n=38) MSc and PhD graduates from different medical specialties who were university instructors participated in this study and their learning was appraised via the designed assessment tools.
Results:
This hands-on-experience indicates that a carefully designed and implemented e-gallery walk enhances student-centered activity in an online faculty development program. This approach by improving student engagement results in more meaningful discussion and peer instruction.
The e-gallery walk gives teachers and students valuable experience of using technological advances and digital tools to modify face-to-face activities. These tools ensure successful teaching and learning practice in critical conditions when remote activities are deemed necessary.
Conclusion:
The study findings indicate that peer and teacher immediate feedback is highly influential on the quality of teaching and learning and a modified e-gallery walk by using Padlet could be a suitable choice to improve the process in virtual settings.
Prediction of birth weight using body measurements in Tunisian local goats raised in a low-input production system
Authors: AHLEM ATOUI , Carabaño M.J. , Mouna L. , Aicha Laaroussi , Mouldi mouldi , Samir Tlahig , Farah B.S. , Sghaier N.
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study is to establish linear measurements of local goat kids at birth and their factors of variation, as well as their possible correlations with birth weight. Additionally, the study aims to design statistical models and barymetric functions to predict birth weight of kids based on their morphometric data. The database includes data on 128 goat kids born to 89 goats and 9 bucks in the experimental goat herd at the El GORDHAB station of IRA. Average BW, withers height (L1), heart girth (L2), rump height (L3) and body length (L4) of all kids were 2.45kg, 32.66cm,30.56cm, 33.41cm and 31.21cm respectively. Results show that in general, local goat kids are small in size and weight at birth, which varies depending on sex, dam age and type of birth. Highest and positive correlation coefficient value between birth weight and heart girth were observed (r = 0.95). The coefficient of determination (R2) for heart girth (78%) was higher than other body measurements in single trait evaluation indicating it as the best trait for the predication of birth weight. The most appropriate combination of body measurements (R2 = 82%) was observed between height at withers and heart girth for predication of birth weight estimation. Developing a system for recording birth weight based on easily obtainable body measurements could be a useful approach for rural areas.
Discovery and epitypification of the sexual stage of Cadophora fallopiae on Fallopia spp. in Japan.
Authors: Itagaki Hiyori , Hosoya Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2023

The genus Cadophora was established as a dematiaceous asexual fungi characterized by solitary phialides with distinct collarettes, and phylogenetically suggested to be the asexual stage of the family Pyrenopezizaceae (Helotiales, Ascomycetes). However, the sexual stage is unknown except in a few species. Cadophora fallopiae which occurs on the overwintered stems of Fallopia in Europe, has only been described for its conidiomatous asexual stage. In Japan, C. fallopiae-like conidiomata were discovered associated with the apothecia of Pyrenopeziza sp. on the same substrate (the stem of Fallopia spp). Therefore, conspecificities of the apothecia and conidiomata were suspected. A detailed comparison of morphology and ITS-5.8S sequences confirmed that this fungus is identical to C. fallopiae known in Europe, and that the sexual stage was connected with its asexual stage for the first time. Based on the genetic diversity of single ascosporous isolates derived from a single apothecium, we hypothesized that the reason the sexual stage has not been discovered in Europe is the lack of a compatible mating type.
Lead and Cadmium have an impact on Oxidative Stress, Rumen and Blood Serum Constituents in Grazing Nubian Goats
Authors: Oraby Mohamed I , Baraka Taher A , Salem Noha Y , Rakha Gamal H
Published: October 2023

Environmental pollution, especially water pollution with heavy metals has a direct economic and health impact on the animal industry. This study investigated the impact of water pollution with heavy metals on grazing goats’ haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, as well as rumen function. Fifty Egyptian Nubian goats were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 13) raised indoors on clean tap water and an exposed group (n = 37) drinking from a polluted drainage water canal with cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb). The exposed goats showed significant reductions in RBCs, PCV, Hb, TLC, TP, albumin, globulin, Ca, and P, and significant elevations in MDA. Significant elevation in rumen pH in exposed goats compared to control goat was recorded. Significant reductions in TVFA, ammonia, AST, ALT, GGT, Ca and P were observed in exposed goats compared with the control goats. Positive correlation between Cd/Pb and rumen pH was recorded, while negative correlation was found in association with TVFA, Ammonia, AST, ALT, GGT, Ca and P. Pb and Cd levels were significantly elevated in the rumen and blood of exposed goats compared to control goats. The study concluded that goats watered in polluted areas suffered from alterations in hematological, serum biochemical, rumen fluid constituents, oxidative stress, and disturbance in mineral levels. These results highlight the harmful impact of heavy metals, particularly lead and cadmium, on goat’s health status and body function.
Epidemiological characteristics of neuroendocrine neoplasms in Beijing: a population-based retrospective study
Authors: Chi Yujia , Liu Shuo , Zhang Jianwei , Li Huichao , Yang Lei , Zhang Xi , Li Haoxin , Li Qingyu , Wang Ning , Lu Ming , Zhuo Minglei
Published: October 2023

Background
The incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) is rising rapidly worldwide. However, there are few reports on these heterogeneous diseases in China. Our study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of NENs in Beijing.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using population-based cancer surveillance data in Beijing, China. All data were extracted from the Beijing Cancer Registry with incidence dates from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2018; the follow-up period was through 31 December 2021. Segi’s world standard population was used to estimate the age-standardized rate. Survival was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method.
Results
From 1998 to 2018, the incidence of NENs in Beijing initially showed a significant increasing trend, from 1.07/100,000 to 4.03/100,000; this began to plateau after 2013. The age-specific incidence rate increased with age and peaked in the age group 70–74 years. The incidence in men was significantly higher than that in women (4.41/100,000 vs. 1.69/100,000). The most common sites of NENs were the lung (2.38/100,000) and rectum (0.14/100,000). Most NENs were diagnosed at a late stage. We found that NENs originating from the lung had worse overall survival than extrapulmonary NENs, and male patients had worse survival than female patients.
Conclusions
This study retrospectively analyzed the epidemiological characteristics of NENs in Beijing from 1998 to 2018. Our findings provide a reference regarding the epidemiological statistics of NENs in Beijing to contribute to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these specific tumors.
A Champion, Any Champion: Leveraging Household Climate-Change or Energy-Efficiency Champions for Achieving Zero Emission Targets
Authors: Kleinschafer Jodie , Morrison Mark , Dowell David , Parton Kevin
Published: October 2023

Relationships between household members can be a significant determinant of the household’s overall stance towards energy efficiency and climate change. One understudied aspect of such within-household relationships is the role of champions. While the household champion is not a new concept, little previous research has examined the impact of champions on a household’s attitudes and actions directed towards energy efficiency and climate-change mitigation. Here, we use regression methods and a sample of 2,278 people drawn from the general population of Australia to show that household champions do significantly influence the way in which households regard these issues, and consequently the types of mitigation behaviour they engage in. There is a positive association between the presence of a champion and involvement, the perceived importance of the issue, efficacy, behaviour and behavioural intentions. While the presence of a climate-change champion was found to lead to a more substantive effect on behaviours, the presence of any champion in the household was found to have a meaningful influence on the extent of household energy-related behaviours. This was irrespective of whether they were championing energy efficiency or climate change, which household member they were and whether they were the respondent or not. These findings suggest the importance of differentiating strategies to drive behavioural change depending on whether there is someone to champion the cause in a household, as well as the type of champion present.
Upconverting-photon Quenching-mediated Perforation Influx as an Intracellular Delivery Method using posAuNP@UCNPs Nanocomposites for Osteoarthritis Treatment
Authors: Kim Hye Jin , Cho Hui Bang , Kim Hye-Ryoung , Lee Sujeong , Park Ji-in , Park Keun-Hong
Published: October 2023

Photoporation techniques based on plasmonic nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles have been extensively studied for the intracellular delivery of substances via cell membrane disruption. However, the clinical application of AuNP is challenging due to its absorption in the 500 nm region of the light spectrum. To overcome this challenge, upconversion nanoparticles were employed to stimulate AuNP at NIR wavelengths. posAuNP@UCNPs nanocomposites were produced by coating 30 nm UCNPs on 80 nm AuNPs using DOPA-PEI, which were then irradiated with 980 nm NIR light to facilitate their intracellular delivery. TEM and DLS confirmed that posAuNP and UCNP combine to form nanocomposites. Additionally, multiphysics simulation was used to analyze the distribution of the posAuNP electric field based on morphological differences that change as the UCNP ratio increases. Next, effective LED irradiation conditions were established by applying upconverting-photon quenching-mediated perforation influx to C28/I2 cells as suspensions or spheroids. posAuNP@UCNP nanocomposites were confirmed to be effective for the delivery of baricitinib as a treatment for osteoarthritis in a three-dimensional osteoarthritis model. Finally, chondrocyte differentiation was induced through intracellular delivery of baricitinib using posAuNP@UCNPs. The findings suggest that posAuNP@UCNPs have great potential as a tool for non-invasive drug delivery via UCPPin.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of HPV Vaccination Willingness of Female Sex Workers in Urban Entertainment Venues Based on IMB Model in Guangxi, China
Authors: HE Zhiyan , WEI Junhong , JIANG Jianming , HU Rui , QI Guangzi
Published: October 2023

Background
To investigate the willingness of female sex workers in urban entertainment venues in Guangxi, China to vaccinate against HPV and its influencing factors.
Methods
From August 15 to October 15, 2022, the intentional sampling method was used to select female sex workers in commercial sex trading entertainment venues in an urban area of Guangxi as the respondents of the study for the questionnaire survey. The questionnaire based on the information-motivation-behavior skills (IMB) model collected the basic information, HPV and HPV vaccine-related information and cognition, vaccination motivation, behavioral skills, and willingness to vaccination of the respondents. A multi-factor logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of the HPV vaccination willingness of the respondents.
Results
Among the 921 respondents, 712 (77.31%) were willing to receive HPV vaccination. The higher the level of awareness of HPV and HPV vaccine-related information, the stronger the motivation for HPV and HPV vaccination, and the higher the behavioral skills score, the higher the willingness of female sex workers in entertainment venues to receive HPV vaccination (P < 0.001). Female sex workers in entertainment venues with lower grades [OR(95% CI) = 0.693 (0.539, 0.891), P = 0.004] were more reluctant to receive HPV vaccination; those who favored the vaccines as effective in preventing disease [OR(95% CI) = 2.144 (1.449, 3.174), P < 0.001], had heard of HPV vaccine [OR( 95% CI) = 2.105 (1.451, 3.054), p < 0.001], being able to perceive the benefits of HPV vaccination [OR(95% CI) = 1.134 (1.045, 1.230), p = 0.002] and acquiring more behavioral skills i.e. self-decision for HPV vaccination [OR(95% CI) = 1.130 (1.008, 1.267), P = 0.036] and self-efficacy [OR (95% CI) = 1.135 (1.081, 1.191), P < 0.001] preferred to receive HPV vaccination.
Conclusion
Female sex workers in urban entertainment venues in Guangxi, China, have relatively high willingness to vaccinate against HPV, and should focus on introducing the benefits of primary prevention measures such as HPV vaccine to individuals and behavioral skills of HPV vaccination, so as to improve the willingness and vaccination rate of HPV vaccine.
Efficiency of fixed-ratio combination glucagon-like peptide receptor agonist and basal insulin in type 2 diabetes on different therapeutic regimen
Authors: Risovic Ivona , Djekic Danijel , Bojic Mirjana , Markovic Aleksandra , Dojcinovic Tamara , Vlatkovic Vlastimir , Dobrovoljski Daniela
Published: October 2023

Fixed ratio combination of basal insulin and a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) offers another option to patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) with inadequate glycemic control, especially for those desiring simplified method of treatment intensification in order to improve adherence. There are two types of fixed-ratio combinations: insulin degludec/liraglutide (iDergLira) and insulin glargine/lixisenatide (iGlarLixi). The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of intesifying the treatment with fixed ratio combination basal insulin and GLP-1 RA in patients inadequatly controlled on different therapeutic regimen. The study included 200 patients with uncontrolled T2DM, who were divided into four equal groups based on the therapeutic regimen before study: oral diabetic agents or metformin and basal insulin or metformin and GLP 1RA or premix insulin. Our results showed that fixed ratio combination showed better efficiency of on glycemic control in patients previously treated with oral agents and premix insulin, while patients previously treated with premix insulin have had the greatest benefit regarding weight change. We found no difference in glycemic control between iDegLira and iGlarLixi, but significant difference in weight reduction between iDegLira and iGlarLixi.
Effectiveness evaluation of the postnatal care intervention ‘Look! - your baby is talking to you’: A complex intervention trial aiming to reduce depressive symptoms among vulnerable mothers
Authors: Ejlertsen Camilla , Brødsgaard Anne , Kristensen Ingeborg Hedegaard , Urhoj Stine Kjaer , Andersen Anne-Marie Nybo
Published: October 2023

Background
It is widely acknowledged that the postnatal period is crucial in creating a healthy relationship between infant and parent. The mental health of the mother challenges the prerequisites for this process. This study aimed to evaluate whether a short-term intervention delivered to vulnerable mothers during the post-partum stay in hospital reduced the symptoms of depression and impaired well-being three months post partum.
Methods
All new mothers with a history of maternal depression and/or anxiety were invited to participate in a complex intervention trial where they received either care as usual (n=65) or, after a period where health care professionals were trained, were allocated to the intervention (n=57). Background characteristics and baseline data were collected using online questionnaires 48-72 hours post-partum, and the mothers were followed up regarding mental health three months post-partum.
The intervention took place during the planned five-day stay post-partum at the hospital. It consisted of three Newborn Behavioral Observation sessions and three family conversations with trained healthcare professionals, one of which was a meeting including the health visitor from the municipality to improve the transition to the primary healthcare sector. The primary outcome measure was maternal depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and secondary well-being outcome measures were maternal stress (Parental Stress Scale) and Family function (ICE-EFFQ). Differences between the intervention and the non-intervention group were estimated using Poisson and linear regression analyses.
Results
Mothers in the intervention group showed a small, however not statistically significant, reduction in maternal depressive symptoms three months post-partum (OR 0.80 95% CI 0.36-2.00) when compared to mothers in the non-intervention group. No significant differences between the intervention and non-intervention were found regarding the well-being outcomes, although the results pointed towards an improvement in the intervention group. The observation that all mothers with depressive symptoms in the intervention group participated until the end of follow-up suggests that these mothers found the intervention meaningful.
Conclusions
In this short-term and easy-to-implement intervention project ‘Look-your baby is talking to you’, maternal depressive symptoms three months after birth were slightly, however not statistically significantly, decreased in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group.
Impact of High-Speed Handpiece Noise- Induced Dental Anxiety on Heart Rate: Analyzing Experienced and Non- Experienced Patients - A Comparative Study
Authors: Ghaffar Raahim Salman Abdul , Sheikh Mahnoor , Kidwai Muneeza , Sanaullah Anas , Salman Mousab , Ilyas Anum , Ahmed Naseer , lal Abhishek
Published: October 2023

Background: Dental anxiety is very much common among the patients and could be due to different factors like the behavior of the dentist, past experiences, Needle phobia, or word of mouth from other patients. According to recent studies, a strong association between sound and anxiety has been found, so this observational study has been conducted to find out the link between the activation of anxiety with the sound of a handpiece between experienced patients, who have already gone through the dental treatments and non-experienced patients.
METHODS Total of 297 participants were part of this study. These participants were divided into 2 groups according to the experienced and non-experienced dental patients. The researcher first filled out the CORAH anxiety form to mark the anxiety level of the patients, and then noted the readings of the heart rate in 3 intervals which were before during, and after the treatment with the pulse oximeter. Later the data was analysed using the spss paired t-test.
RESULTS: Results show that patients in group 1 who have gone through the dental treatment before were less anxious and had a lesser effect on their heart rate than the patient who were having the treatment for the first time who were in group 2. Another interesting factor was noticed that in both the groups female were found to be more anxious than male participants. Participants with younger age were found to be more anxious than older age patient in both groups
CONCLUSIONS: The sound of the handpiece can provoke anxiety in the patient, affecting the heart and increasing the heart rate. Participants who were experienced were found to be less anxious than the participants who were inexperienced
Cytokine profile of anti-spike CD4+T cells predicts humoral and CD8+T cell responses after anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Tartour Eric , Benhamouda Nadine , Besbes Anissa , Bauer Rebecca , Mabrouk Nesrine , Gadouas Gauthier , Desaint Corinne , Chevrier Lucie , Lefebvre Maeva , Radenne Anne , Roelens Marie , Parfait Béatrice , Weiskopf Daniela , Sette Alessandro , Gruel Nadège , courbebaisse Marie , Appay Victor , Paul Stéphane , Gorochov Guy , Ropers Jacques , Lebbah Said , Lelièvre Jean-Daniel , Johannes Ludger , Ulmer Jonathan , Lebeaux David , FRIEDLANDER Gérard , de Lamballerie Xavier , RAVEL Patrice , Kieny Marie-Paule , Batteux Frederic , Durier Christine , Launay Odile
Published: October 2023

Coordinating immune responses – humoral and cellular – is vital for protection against severe Covid-19. Our study evaluates a multicytokine CD4+T cell signature’s predictive potential for post-vaccinal serological and CD8+T cell responses. A cytokine signature composed of four cytokines (IL-2, TNF-α, IP10, IL-9) excluding IFN-g and generated through machine learning, effectively predicted the CD8+T cell response following mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 vaccine administration. Its applicability extends to murine vaccination models, encompassing diverse immunization routes (such as intranasal) and vaccine platforms (including adjuvanted proteins). Notably, we found correlation between CD4+T lymphocyte-produced IL-21 and the humoral response. Consequently, we propose a straightforward test that offers a rapid overview and deepens our understanding of complex immune responses. This approach holds particular relevance for scenarios involving immunocompromised patients or pandemics. This study also underscores the pivotal role of CD4+T cells during a vaccine response, presenting an opportunity harnessing this role in vaccine immunomonitoring.
Ceramic Soft Tissue Trimming Bur versus Conventional Scalpel Technique in Gingival Depigmentation Procedure: A Split-mouth Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Nassar Sally Khaled , Abuel-Ela Hala Ahmed , Fouad Yasmine Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Objectives:
Ceramic soft tissue trimming bur (Cerabur) was primarily launched to be used in gingivoplasty but has been used recently in gingival depigmentation. Cerabur depigmentation has the advantage of good hemostasis because of blood coagulation by frictional heat. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of depigmentation using the novel cerabur versus the gold-standard surgical scalpel technique.
Materials and methods:
Eight healthy, non-smokers with moderate to severe gingival hyperpigmentation in both arches were randomly assigned for cerabur depigmentation in one arch [test group (TG)] and scalpel depigmentation in the opposite arch [control group (CG)]. Pigmentation indices, pain levels, patient satisfaction, treatment time as well as re-pigmentation rates were the assessed parameters. The assessment was at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
Results:
At all the assessment visits the pigmentation intensity represented by Dummet oral pigmentation index (DOPI), and distribution represented by Hedin melanin index (MI) were significantly less than baseline (p <0.001) in both groups.
When comparing both groups, Scalpel depigmentation had better initial clinical outcomes, while Cerabur had less visible re-pigmentation, pain Scores, and treatment time, along with more patient satisfaction. However, all these differences were statistically insignificant.
Conclusion: Both techniques successfully removed the gingival hyperpigmentation with comparable clinical outcomes. Cerabur depigmentation was favored by the patients.
Clinical relevance:
Gingival hyperpigmentation is an esthetic problem for many individuals. Investigating a simple, cost-effective, and bloodless depigmentation technique would be beneficial to both the clinician and the patient.
A retrospective study of endoscopic treatment of esophageal fistulas on the efficacy and safety
Authors: Zuo Jiaxuan , Zhao Yan , Li Hengcun , Li Peng , Zhang Shutian
Published: October 2023

Background
There are currently no standard treatments for esophageal fistulas (EFs) and endoscopic therapy may be recommended with minimally invasive and lower mortality. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic treatment in treating EFs and the standardized evidence-based strategy for the management of EFs.
Methods
We retrospectively studied patients with EFs who underwent endoscopic treatment or best supportive care (BSC) for 12 years. The success rate, survival, and other clinical data were compared.
Results
A total of 52 patients were included in this study, including 16 stents, 7 through-the-scope-clips, 2 over-the-scope-clips, 1 endoscopic suturing, and 26 BSC. The clinical success rate was higher in endoscopic treatment compared with BSC treatment (76.9% vs 33.3%, P = 0.002). Endoscopic treatment leads to higher survival rates for patients with malignant EFs than BSC (125 days vs 62 days, hazard ratio = 0.35, P = 0.042). In contrast, those with benign EFs had a similar overall survival rate. Endoscopic treatment maintains hemoglobin levels and lower CRP in EF patients (P = 0.733, P = 0.019). In addition, endoscopic treatment better maintains ECOG and nrs2002 scores for patients with malignant EFs. (0.00 vs -0.50, 0.00 vs -0.50, P = 0.037, P = 0.021). Adverse events occurred in 8 (30.8%) patients treated with esophageal stents; two (7.7%) were significant complications.
Conclusion
Endoscopic treatment is a safe option for patients with EFs. For benign EFs, endoscopic therapy can be an option for inoperable patients or as a bridge before surgery. For malignant EFs, self-expendable metallic stents (SEMS) can be the first line of treatment.
Challenges and Opportunities in perinatal public health: The utility of perinatal health inequality dashboards in addressing disparities in maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Olakotan Olufisayo , Lim Jennifer NW , Pillay Thillagavathie
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In clinical settings, digital dashboards display medical data, with the aim of identifying trends and signals. In so doing these contribute towards improving service delivery and care within hospitals. It is not clear whether the utility of perinatal health equity dashboards could be used to identify health inequality trends that could potentially impact on health service delivery, care and public health interventions. This scoping review examines the usefulness of health inequality dashboards in improving maternal and neonatal care, specifically for disadvantages populations.
Methods: We searched the Embase, CINAHL, and Medline databases for articles published between 2010 and 2022, using keywords such as health inequality dashboard, maternal care disparities, neonatal care disparities, maternal mortality. We included grey literature searches. Our searches identified 661 articles, of which 13 met the inclusion criteria.
Results: Our study findings highlight the necessity of utilizing perinatal health inequality dashboards in maternal and neonatal care to enhance health equity and inform policymaking. We identified three key themes: functions of the dashboard and types of data, data accuracy, and challenges in collecting data on health inequalities. We also suggest strategies, including the use of publicly available databases.
Conclusion: The integration of perinatal health inequality dashboards stands as a critical step forward in optimizing maternal and neonatal care. These tools not only serve to foster health equity but also act as a vital resource for informing nuanced policy decisions. Through adopting innovative strategies, including capitalizing on publicly available databases, we can further streamline efforts to address existing disparities and pave the way for enhanced healthcare outcomes in this sector.
The impact of climate change on grain yield and biomass of winter wheat and sunflower in Northwest Turkey
Authors: Bakanoğulları Fatih
Published: October 2023

Prediction of crop yield and biomass in agricultural production is crucial for both food safety and national economic projections. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the effects of climate change and biomass and grain yield of two crops at two locations, Kirklareli (KRK), Edirne-Orhaniye (EOL), with different soil textures in the Thrace region of Turkey. The effects of climate change were analyzed by using sixty-five different climate scenarios (n = S1, S2, …, S65) for sunflower and winter wheat crops with the AquaCrop model. The model predicted the highest grain yield and biomass loss when the air temperature was increased by 5°C and the precipitation was decreased by 50% during the growing seasons of both crops. In the scenarios where only temperature was increased, yield and biomass values of sunflower was decreased, while those of winter wheat was increased. The combined effects of increased global solar radiation and decreased temperature had a negative effect on wheat production at EOL. For both sunflower and wheat, the most negative impacts on yield and biomass production were observed with the combined scenarios of various temperature increases and precipitation decreases during each growing season at each location. Finally, under the defined climate scenarios, the correlation coefficients between sunflower and winter wheat biomass and grain yields were found to be R2 = 0.88 and 0.87 for KRK and R2 = 0.56, and 0.79, for EOL, respectively.
A Traffic Flow Control Method Using a Connected and Automated Vehicle at Signalized Intersection
Authors: Yang Hanyi , Zou Rong , Zhang Guohui
Published: October 2023

The development of connected and autonomous vehicles (CAV) makes it possible to control traffic flow propagation to reduce travel time and/or fuel consumption. This study develops an adaptive CAV trajectory control (ACTC) method to minimize the fuel consumption of the whole traffic flow on a signalized approach under mixed traffic condition (CAVs and Human-driven vehicles coexisting) by controlling a CAV’s trajectory. First, a fuel consumption oriented optimal trajectory control model is built up. Next, a traffic state-based fuel consumption function is developed to illustrate the relationship between fuel consumption and traffic state. Also, an estimation algorithm of CAV impacted traffic state evolution is developed, which is taken as the dynamic function. Finally, dynamic programming is employed to solve the proposed optimal control model. The performance of the ACTC is validated by a simple numerical experiment at a 2500 ft long approach with signalized control. The experiment results show that the proposed method is effective is fuel consumption.
Agreement between self-reported and registered age at asthma diagnosis in Finland
Authors: Nurmi Elias , Vähätalo Iida , Ilmarinen Pinja , Andersén Heidi , Tuomisto Leena , Sovijärvi Anssi , Backman Helena , Lehtimäki Lauri , Hedman Linnea , Langhammer Arnulf , Nwaru Bright , Piirilä Päivi , Kankaanranta Hannu
Published: October 2023

Introduction
In epidemiological studies, the age at asthma onset is often defined by patients’ self-reported age at diagnosis. The reliability of this report might be questioned. Our objective was to evaluate the agreement between self-reported and registered age at asthma diagnosis and assess features contributing to the agreement.
Methods
As part of the FinEsS respiratory survey in 2016, randomly selected population samples of 13435 from Helsinki and 8000 from Western Finland were studied. Self-reported age at asthma diagnosis was compared to age at asthma diagnosis registered in the Finnish register on special reimbursement for asthma medication. The reimbursement right is based on lung function criteria according to GINA and Finnish guidelines. If the difference was less than 5 years, self-reported diagnosis was considered reliable. Features associated with the difference between self-reported and registered age at asthma diagnosis were evaluated.
Results
Altogether 197 subjects from Helsinki and 144 from Western Finland were included. Of these, 61.9% and 77.8%, respectively, reported age at diagnosis reliably. Median difference between self-reported and registered age at diagnoses was −2.0 years (IQR −9.0 to 0) in Helsinki and −1.0 (IQR −4.3 to 0) in Western Finland indicating earlier self-reported age at diagnosis. More reliable self-report was associated with non-allergic subjects and subjects who reported having asthma diagnosis more recently.
Conclusions
Agreement between self-reported and registered age at asthma diagnosis was good especially with adult-onset asthma patients. Poor agreement in early-onset asthma could be related to delay in registration due to reimbursement criteria.
Changes in the components of physical fitness determining health of young adults - on the example of a long-term observation of physiotherapy students from Bydgoszcz (Poland) in the years 2001-2020
Authors: Lewandowski Andrzej , Siedlaczek Marcin , Piekorz Zuzanna , Kryst Łukasz
Published: October 2023

Introduction
The aim of the study was to assess the changes in the components of physical fitness that are conducive to the health of young people surveyed in the years 2001–2020. Hypotheses were formulated about the increase in the thickness of skinfolds, especially among women, the deterioration of the results of fitness tests and the lack of conditioning of the examined changes with socio-economic factors.
Materials and methods
Every year, physiotherapy students of Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń (Poland) were examined in terms of body height and weight, skinfolds and flexibility, static strength, abdominal muscle strength, functional strength and endurance. Results were obtained from 1161 female students and 464 male students.
Results
A similar changes course was observed for most of the studied characteristics of people of both sexes. In men, there was a decrease in biceps skinfold (R2 = 0.455, p = 0.002) and lower leg (R2 = 0.314, p = 0.015). In women, there was an increase in body weight (R2 = 0.41, p = 0.003), a decrease in skinfold over the biceps (R2 = 0.477, p = 0.001) and worsened flexibility (R2 = 0.283, p = 0.023). It was found that male sex and suprailiac skinfold are frequent predictors of the examined motor characteristics and socioeconomic determinants do not significantly affect their maintenance.
Conclusions
The obtained results, except for a few examples in somatic features and flexibility of women, showed their stability and lack of conditioning by social factors as well as by the fitness test. Attention to the appropriate level of the observed components is justified, especially in the light of the identified trace of the trend which shows their deterioration.
The Botanical Status of the COM Clade in Rosidae
Authors: Yao Huipeng , Peng Hong , Qing Hua , Li Tingting , Huang Yan , Yu Guozhi , Zhang Huaiyu , Huang Zhongchao , Chen Xi , Liang Fangyun , Zhang Yuxin , Cai Yi
Published: October 2023

The taxonomic status determination of populations plays a crucial role in the conservation and management of global biodiversity. The Celastrales–Oxalidales–Malpighiales (COM) clade, an important component of Rosidae, holds a significant position within the angiosperms. In this study, systematic phylogenetic analyses were conducted on the mitochondrial genomes, chloroplast genomes, and nuclear genomes of all sequenced species within the COM clade using three different methods. Phylogenetic analysis of eight conserved mitochondrial genes from 34 plant species revealed that under high-confidence conditions, the COM clade is not affiliated with fabids or malvids, indicating a parallel relationship. However, analysis of four additional conserved mitochondrial genes suggested a closer affinity of the COM clade to malvids than to fabids. A phylogenetic analysis of 49 conserved chloroplast genes from 57 plant species showed that the COM clade is parallel to both fabids and malvids, rather than belonging to either group. The results from 45 chloroplast genes indicated that the three subgroups within the COM clade are parallel to each other and parallel to fabids and malvids. The majority of results from the four conserved genes support a parallel relationship between the main branch of COM and malvids, with a closer affinity to fabids than to other groups. A systematic phylogenetic analysis of 879 conserved nuclear genes from five fabid species, five malvid species, and all species within Celastrales, Malpighiales, and Asteridae revealed that the three subgroups within the COM clade are parallel to each other and parallel to fabids and malvids under high-confidence conditions. In conclusion, the systematic phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial genomes, chloroplast genomes, and nuclear genomes of all analysable conserved genes collectively demonstrate that the COM clade belongs to neither the fabids nor the malvids but is parallel to them.
Effect of Postpartum Depression and Role of Infant Feeding Practices on Relative Weight of Child at 1 and 3 Years of Age
Authors: Shrestha Drishti , Bhandari Aliza K C , Ogawa Kohei , Tanaka Hisako , Miyayama Chiharu , Horikawa Reiko , Urayama Kevin Y. , Morisaki Naho
Published: October 2023

Background
Childhood obesity has increased and is considered one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century globally, and may be exacerbated by postpartum depression (PPD). The purpose of this study was to examine the association between PPD at 1st and 6th month postpartum, infant feeding practices, and body mass index (BMI) z-score of the child at one and three years of age.
Methods
This study used data from an ongoing prospective maternal-child birth cohort performed at the National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD) in suburban Tokyo, Japan with the period of recruitment from May 13, 2010 to November 28, 2013. Out of 2,309 total number of mothers, 1,279 mother-child dyads were assessed in the study. We performed multivariable linear regression analysis to examine the association between PPD and child’s BMI z-score stratified by the child’s age at 1 year and 3 years of age.
Results
The prevalence of PPD at 1 month postpartum (17%) was found to be higher than at 6 months (12%). In multivariable linear regression analysis we observed that children at 3 years who had mothers with PPD at 6 months had, on average, a BMI z-score 0.25 higher than children of mothers who did not have PPD at 6 months (ß coefficient 0.25, 95% CI [0.04 to 0.46], p value 0.02), holding all other covariates constant. Also, initiation of weaning food when child is at six months of age was associated with higher BMI z-score of the child at 3 years after adjusting for all covariates (ß coefficient = 0.18, 95% CI [0.03 to 0.34], p-value < 0.05).
Conclusion
The significant association between PPD at 6 months and child’s BMI z-score at 3 years of age, in conjunction with birth trends and high prevalence of PPD, can add to the body of evidence that there is need for multiple assessment across the first postpartum year to rule out PPD as early screening and early interventions may benefit both maternal health and child development outcomes. These findings can indicate the need for establishing support systems for care-giving activities for mothers with PPD.
Metal Pollution, Environmental Assessment and Suggested Solutions in the Recent Bottom Sediments of Qaroun Lake, Fayoum, Egypt
Authors: M.G. Mahmoud , G.S. Salem , M. Dawoud , I.M.L Lotfy , M.M Abu El-Hasan , A. El-Dokouny H.
Published: October 2023

Qaroun Lake is located in the deepest area of the Fayoum depression, within the western desert and about 83 kilometres south of Cairo. The current study aimed to determine the distribution of polluting elements resulting from the wastewater discharge of these drains as a significant source of pollution. Sediment in Qaroun Lake was sandy silt in the east zone, while the middle and west were silty sand and sandy silt. The heavy metals mentioned were found in higher amounts in the eastern and middle parts of the lake's recent bottom sediments, in contrast to the western area, where their concentration was lower. The metal pollution in the lake was measured by using single indices like contamination factor, enrichment factor, ecological risk factor, and index of I geo accumulation, combining indices like the degree of contamination, ecological risk factor, and potential ecological risk index. The results revealed that the distribution of the measured heavy elements over the lake was found in the range of (0.55–7.72%), (227–1840 ppm), (43–174 ppm), (24–76 ppm), (18–42 ppm), (48–114 ppm), (31–94 ppm), (21–49 ppm), and (583–4944 ppm) for Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Lead, Cobalt, Nickel, Rubidium, and Strontium; respectively which means all parts of Qaroun Lake show high contamination levels (Cd). The ecological risk factor (PLI) indicates no contamination in most stations, except for one close to the polluted El-Wadi drain. The potential ecological risk index (RI) is low in all stations around Qaroun Lake.
Stripe Noise Removal in Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Li Mian , Rieck Jan , Noheda Beatriz , Roerdink Jos B.T.M. , Wilkinson Michael H.F.
Published: October 2023

Conductive atomic force microscopy (c-AFM) can provide simultaneous maps of the topography and electrical current flow through materials with high spacial resolution and it is playing an increasingly important role in the characterization of novel materials that are being investigated for novel memory devices. However, noise in the form of stripe features often appear in c-AFM images, challenging the quantitative analysis of conduction or topographical information. To remove stripe noise without losing the interesting information, as many as sixteen destriping methods are investigated in this paper, including three additional models that we propose based on the stripes characteristics and thirteen state-of-the-art destriping methods. We have also designed a gradient stripe noise model and obtained a ground truth dataset consisting of 800 images, generated by rotating and cropping a clean image, and a noisy image dataset, created by adding random intensities of simulated noise to the ground truth dataset. In addition to comparing the results of the stripe noise removal visually, we performed a quantitative image quality comparison using simulated datasets and five images with very different strengths of simulated noise. All results show that the Low-Rank Recovery method has the best performance and robustness in removing varying degrees of gradient stripe noise without losing useful information in c-AFM images.
Effect of biochar on heavy metal solubility and speciation in Technogenic soils around Aurubis-Pirdop copper smelter in Bulgaria
Authors: Atanassova Irena , Nenova Lyuba , Simeonova Tsetska , Benkova Maya , Harizanova Milena , Ilinkin Vladimir
Published: October 2023

Soils from the area of Aurubis-Pirdop Cu smelter in Bulgaria were studied for the effect of biochar (BC) on the heavy metals concentrations and speciation. Maximum permissible lеvels (MPL) were exceeded for Cu, Pb, Zn, As and Mn. Total concentrations of the contaminants varied from 319–2645 mg/kg for Cu and from 92–234 mg/kg for Pb. Incubation experiments were performed with different rates of biochar (BC), 1, 5, 10 and 20% and changes in soluble forms of metals were recorded. Incubation time and increasing BC rates led to a total decrease of Cu and Pb. There was a clear pronounced effect of BC increasing rates, and especially the highest rate of 20%. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and pH increased with BC rates at the 3rd sampling period. Ion speciation, e.g. for Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, etc. in the non-treated variants and those with pH 4.7-5 was represented by the free Men+ ions, while with increasing incubation time and BC rates, heavy metal species, were represented by organic fulvic acid – metal complexes, such as bidentate (FA2M) and M-FA gel fraction species, e.g. FAM + 2G; FA-Cr + 3G. The total Cu concentration decreased by ~ 70%, while Cu2+ species decreased to ~ 3,7% at the 4th month of incubation for some soils. Biochar incorporation had a positive effect both on Cu, Pb and other metals total concentrations, as well as on metal speciation in favour of increasing metal-organic complexes in soil solution, which are less mobile and bioavailable.
Reference Intervals of Complete Blood Count and Coagulation Tests in Vietnamese Pregnant Women
Authors: Pham Huan Nguyen , Huynh Nghiem Xuan , Pham Phuc Nguyen Huu , Dang Dung Ngoc Yen , Le Oanh Hoang , Beaupha Suzanne Monivong Cheanh , Thoi Hau Thi Thu , Cao Long Thang , Huynh Diem Minh
Published: October 2023

Background: Pregnancy has major effects that make hematology parameters outside normal reference ranges. Therefore, we conducted this study to establish reference intervals for Vietnamese pregnant women.
Methods: From June 2023 to Augst 2023, blood samples from 879 eligible pregnant women were run on DxH 900 hematology analyzer and ACL TOP 550 coagulation analyzer. The tested parameters are prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), white blood cell (WBC) and its differentials (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), RBC distribution width (RDW), RBC distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV). A non-parametric method was used to establish the 2.5th and 97.5th percentile reference intervals.
Results: PT, APTT decrease but fibrinogen increases during pregnancy. Physiological adaptations of pregnancy results in a decrease of RBC count, but an increase in WBC count and no change in platelet count. The reference intervals for PT (seconds), APTT (seconds), fibrinogen (mg/dL), in the first trimester were 10.30–12.88, 25.40–35.50, 280.28–559.00, in the second trimester were 9.80–11.66, 24.05–33.23, 347.75–593.35, in the third trimester were 9.60–11.40, 23.40–31.80, 330.28–628.56, respectively. The reference intervals for main hematology parameters which are WBC (×109/L), RBC (×1012/L), HGB (g/dL), HCT (%), PLT (×109/L) in the first trimester were 6.33-15.24, 3.73-5.32, 10.33-13.95, 32.22-42.29, 169.66-413.88, in the second trimester were 6.99-15.55, 3.33-4.98, 9.71-13.17, 30.26-40.07, 172.34-372.19, in the third trimester were 6.22-14.14, 3.54-4.98, 9.80-13.97, 31.11-42.70, 151.30-417.14, respectively.
Conclusions: Most established referenced intervals from each trimester differ from other trimesters. These trimester-specific reference ranges for Vietnamese pregnant women will aid clinicians in entepreting parameters and help other laboratories adopt these ranges after validating.
Trial registration: This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05929326.