bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spillover effect of workplace democracy: A conceptual revision
Authors: Rybnikova Irma
Published: December 2022

The so-called “spillover thesis” by Pateman is one of the prominent theoretical explanations for why workplace-based participation and democracy could induce stronger political participation. By this thesis, Pateman underscored the relevance of industrial workplaces as relevant places where citizens can be socialized regarding democratic attitudes while proposing the educative effect of workplace democracy and assuming a strong linkage between workplace-based and political participation as moderated by self-efficacy. The spillover thesis has received a controversial consideration as previous empirical studies have provided inconsistent evidence. Some empirical undertakings support the assumption by Pateman and indicate a positive relationship between workplace democracy and societal effects, like increased moral and community orientation or higher levels of political participation among employees from companies with higher degrees of workplace democracy. Other empirical studies yield results that do not confirm the thesis. Scholars have discussed method-based shortcomings of the previous empirical research while pointing to the inconsistency of definitions and operationalizations as the main shortcoming. In contrast to that, systematic conceptual consideration of the spillover thesis and the accompanying scholarship are still lacking. The present article addresses this shortcoming and provides a critical reflection on the spillover thesis and corresponding research. It aims at identifying the main conceptual shortcomings and providing avenues for future theoretical undertakings in analyzing whether and how participation at the workplace is related to participation in political domains.
Freedom dreaming to STEM: A conceptual model for Black youth’s racial and STEM identity development through social media
Authors: LeBlanc Tate , Loyd Aerika Brittian
Published: December 2022

Social media use has become increasingly enmeshed in the lives of youth. Although investigations in this area have tended to focus on risk (e.g., cyberbullying) and negative outcomes (e.g., in mental health and academic functioning), a growing body of literature suggests there may be positive developmental outcomes associated with Black youths’ social media use. Social media may offer Black youth a means of resisting negative experiences, expand their opportunities to create and explore, and facilitate the integration of their racial and STEM identities. Aligned with PYD perspectives and PVEST, we suggest this dynamic process occurs iteratively within youth and bidirectionally between youth and their environment (online and offline) over the course of development. In this article, we present a conceptual model to guide future investigations to address gaps in the literature and elucidate the linkages between social media use, racial identity, and STEM identity among Black youth. We begin by reviewing two frameworks that provide the theoretical foundations for our model. We then discuss our outcomes of interest: racial identity and STEM identity. Given its rapidly evolving nature, we then proceed with a discussion about how social media may be operationalized, noting limitations in the current literature and highlighting the unique ways in which social media differs from offline contexts. Subsequently, we present our conceptual model, which we situate within distal, proximal, and individual offline influences. We also propose processes that may link social media use to positive identity outcomes. We conclude this article with recommendations for future investigations.
Development and validation of a scale to measure team communication behaviors
Authors: Hartner-Tiefenthaler Martina , Loerinc Ivana , Hodzic Sabina , Kubicek Bettina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

With the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was increased all over the globe. As a consequence, workers had to adapt their communication behaviors to smoothly coordinate work in their flexible teams (i.e., when team members divide work between the office and their homes). Drawing on relational coordination theory, we constructed and validated a scale to capture the most relevant team communication behaviors.

Methods

We employed interviews and focus groups to construct the scale, refined the scale based on three samples with employees working flexibly and finally validated the scale with 130 teams from diverse organizations.

Results

Our scale comprises three dimensions: focused communication, knowledge sharing and spontaneous communication. All three dimensions showed convergent validity with team planning and discriminant validity with time-spatial flexibility. Also, predictive validity with collective efficacy and team viability was achieved for focused communication and knowledge sharing. Spontaneous communication only predicted collective efficacy, but not team viability.

Discussion

We conclude that the TCS is a reliable and valid measure for assessing team communication and contribute by focusing on behaviors.
Effects of physical activity and use of digital devices on visual acuity in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zheng Xiao , Shi Lei , Ou Weiyan , Xue Yaqing , Xu Ying , Xue Benli , Zhang Jiachi , Liang Pengyan , Huang Wei , Qin Zuguo , Zhang Chichen
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To determine the association between poor visual acuity, the use of digital devices and physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A total of 327,646 Chinese children and adolescents were included in the analysis using a cluster random sampling method; this is a case-control study, of those 144,708 children and adolescents with poor visual acuity were included in the case group, while 182,938 who did not have poor visual acuity were included in the control group. A logistic regression model was used to assess the contribution of PA and the use of digital devices to poor visual acuity.

Results

A total of 144,708 children and adolescents experienced poor visual acuity during the COVID-19 pandemic; 54.8% were male, and 55.2% live in rural areas. Compared to controls, children and adolescents with poor visual acuity exhibited more time for the use of digital devices (4.51 ± 2.44 vs. 3.79 ± 2.34 for cases and controls, respectively; P < 0.001) and PA (3.07 ± 0.92 vs. 2.85 ± 1.00 for cases and controls, respectively; P < 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, risk factors related to poor visual acuity among children and adolescents included the use of digital devices (OR 1.135; 95% CI 1.132–1.139), and PA (OR 1.269; 95%CI 1.259–1.278). The results of interaction analysis show that for children and adolescents aged 12 to 17, the positive association between the use of digital devices and poor visual acuity decreased. The interaction effect between PA and digital devices is 0.987.

Conclusions

Children and adolescents were at risk of poor visual acuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extended use of the digital devices increased the risk of poor visual acuity, especially for children aged 6–11 years. But the risk of poor visual acuity among children and adolescents decreases as the time spent on PA increases.
Hopes and fears regarding care robots: Content analysis of newspapers in East Asia and Western Europe, 2001–2020
Authors: Kodate N. , Maeda Y. , Hauray B. , Tsujimura M. , Chan W. C. H. , Mannan H. , Yu W. , Dalgalarrondo S. , Cheung M. C. , Yumoto A. , Suwa S. , Donnelly S. , Sakata N. , O’Shea D. , Obayashi K. , Masuyama S.
Published: December 2022

Background

As a type of welfare technology, care robotics is now widely seen as a potential aide to rehabilitation, increasing independence and enhancing the wellbeing of people with disabilities and older adults. Research into and development of care robots have both been vigorously promoted in North America, Europe and Asia, and the competition for technological advancement in robotics is becoming fierce. AI ethics and policy guidelines are being established. However, there are still differences in attitudes and perceptions, as well as national policies regarding this type of welfare technology. Moreover, despite the anticipated usefulness, it is believed that progress has been slow in the diffusion of care robots.

Purpose

In order to explore how public discourses support technological innovation, such as care robots, while preparing society for potential risks and impact, we sought to ascertain whether public discourse on care robots varies from region to region. For example, what are the hopes and promises associated with care robots and what are the concerns?

Methods

To address these questions, this article explored how care robots have been portrayed in five major broadsheet newspapers in five jurisdictions in Asia and Europe (France, Great Britain, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland and Japan). We obtained 545 articles for the period between January 2001 and September 2020, more than half of which originated in Japan. A thematic analysis was conducted of these articles written in four languages (Chinese, English, French and Japanese).

Results

Positive and negative narratives were teased out, alongside other key prominent themes identified, such as Japan as the land of robots, the pandemic, and the impact of robots on the economy. As the number of robot-related articles grew from the year 2012 onwards, narratives became more nuanced in European newspapers, but not in Asian ones. Furthermore, recent articles began to address the social and relational impact of care robots, while providing concrete examples of improvements in the quality of life for users. Further careful examination will be necessary in the future in order to establish the impact of robotics use in rehabilitation for people with disabilities, older adults, their carers and society at large.
Use of the consolidated framework for implementation research in a mixed methods evaluation of the EQUIPPED medication safety program in four academic health system emergency departments
Authors: Kegler Michelle C. , Rana Shaheen , Vandenberg Ann E. , Hastings S. Nicole , Hwang Ula , Eucker Stephanie A. , Vaughan Camille P.
Published: December 2022

Background

Enhancing Quality of Prescribing Practices for Older Adults Discharged from the Emergency Department (EQUIPPED) is an effective quality improvement program initially designed in the Veterans Administration (VA) health care system to reduce potentially inappropriate medication prescribing for adults aged 65 years and older. This study examined factors that influence implementation of EQUIPPED in EDs from four distinct, non-VA academic health systems using a convergent mixed methods design that operationalized the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Fidelity of delivery served as the primary implementation outcome.

Materials and methods

Four EDs implemented EQUIPPED sequentially from 2017 to 2021. Using program records, we scored each ED on a 12-point fidelity index calculated by adding the scores (1–3) for each of four components of the EQUIPPED program: provider receipt of didactic education, one-on-one academic detailing, monthly provider feedback reports, and use of order sets. We comparatively analyzed qualitative data from focus groups with each of the four implementation teams (n = 22) and data from CFIR-based surveys of ED providers (108/234, response rate of 46.2%) to identify CFIR constructs that distinguished EDs with higher vs. lower levels of implementation.

Results

Overall, three sites demonstrated higher levels of implementation (scoring 8–9 of 12) and one ED exhibited a lower level (scoring 5 of 12). Two constructs distinguished between levels of implementation as measured through both quantitative and qualitative approaches: patient needs and resources, and organizational culture. Implementation climate distinguished level of implementation in the qualitative analysis only. Networks and communication, and leadership engagement distinguished level of implementation in the quantitative analysis only.

Discussion

Using CFIR, we demonstrate how a range of factors influence a critical implementation outcome and build an evidence-based approach on how to prime an organizational setting, such as an academic health system ED, for successful implementation.

Conclusion

This study provides insights into implementation of evidence-informed programs targeting medication safety in ED settings and serves as a potential model for how to integrate theory-based qualitative and quantitative methods in implementation studies.
Reflections on 10 years of effectiveness-implementation hybrid studies
Authors: Curran Geoffrey M. , Landes Sara J. , McBain Sacha A. , Pyne Jeffrey M. , Smith Justin D. , Fernandez Maria E. , Chambers David A. , Mittman Brian S.
Published: December 2022

This article provides new reflections and recommendations from authors of the initial effectiveness-implementation hybrid study manuscript and additional experts in their conceptualization and application. Given the widespread and continued use of hybrid studies, critical appraisals are necessary. The article offers reflections across five conceptual and methodological areas. It begins with the recommendation to replace the term “design” in favor of “study.” The use of the term “design” and the explicit focus on trial methodology in the original paper created confusion. The essence of hybrid studies is combining research questions concerning intervention effectiveness and implementation within the same study, and this can and should be achieved by applying a full range of research designs. Supporting this recommendation, the article then offers guidance on selecting a hybrid study type based on evidentiary and contextual information and stakeholder concerns/preferences. A series of questions are presented that have been designed to help investigators select the most appropriate hybrid type for their study situation. The article also provides a critique on the hybrid 1-2-3 typology and offers reflections on when and how to use the typology moving forward. Further, the article offers recommendations on research designs that align with each hybrid study type. Lastly, the article offers thoughts on how to integrate costs analyses into hybrid studies.
The magnitude of healthcare professionals' turnover intention and associated factors during the period of COVID-19 pandemic in North Shewa Zone government hospitals, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2021
Authors: Benayew Mengistu , Hailu Dejene , Gizaw Berhanu , Zerihun Lidya , Zerihun Mehiret , Liknaw Tiliksew , Ayenw Muluken , Shukure Rebik , Bekele Kumera , Worku Abera
Published: December 2022

Background

Healthcare professional turnover and shortages are perceived as a global issue affecting the performance of healthcare organizations. Studies show that the coronavirus disease has physical and psychological effects on healthcare workers. This study assessed the magnitude of turnover intention and related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study of 402 healthcare professionals working in the North Shewa Zone was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic from 1 February to 28 February 2021. The data were collected using a self-managed structure questionnaire, entered into EpiData version 3.1, and exported to SPSS version 25 for further analysis. We performed a logistic regression analysis to identify factors related to healthcare professionals' turnover intention. Finally, the data were displayed in frequency, percentage, and summary statistics.

Result

From the total of 402 study participants, 363 of them were involved in the study with a response rate of 90.3%. The magnitude of healthcare professionals' turnover intention was 56.7%. Single marital status (AOR: 3.926; 95% CI: 1.961; 7.861), completion of obligatory service years (AOR: 0.287; 95% CI: 0.152, 0.542), dissatisfaction with the training opportunities (AOR: 2.407) 95% CI: 1.232, 4.701), having no established family (AOR: 2.184; 95% CI: 1.103, 4.326), dissatisfaction with organizational decisions process (AOR: 0.483; 95% CI: 0.250, 0.932), low continuous organizational commitment (AOR: 0.371; 95% CI 0.164; 0.842), dissatisfaction with professional development opportunities (AOR: 2.407; 95% CI: 1.232–4.701), and a non-conducive work environment (AOR: 2.079; 95% CI: 1.199, 3.607) were independent predictors of turnover intention.

Conclusions

Our study showed that 56.7% of healthcare professionals have turnover intention. Being unmarried, lack of training opportunities, lack of established family, having completed the obligatory service years, non-conducive work environment, low continuous organizational commitment, dissatisfaction with the decision-making of the organization, and dissatisfaction with professional development opportunities of the organization all contributed to a higher rate of healthcare professionals' turnover intention.

Recommendations

Healthcare organizations and other concerned bodies should create strategies that enhance the working environment, foster continuous organizational commitment, improve organizational decision-making, and provide professional development and training opportunities to lower the rate of turnover intention.
Redefining low Earth orbit as a parking orbit for flexible and economical Earth departure in deep space missions
Authors: Takei Yuto , Saiki Takanao , Tsuda Yuichi
Published: December 2022

There are a number of deep space probes that are currently in operation with diverse destinations and objectives. For example, the Japanese Hayabusa2 and the U.S. OSIRIS-REx missions are both sample returns, targeting different near-Earth asteroids. Europe’s ExoMars and the U.S. Perseverance are orbiting and roving Mars as precursors of future manned explorations. Conventionally, deep space missions require dedicated launch vehicles for each mission. The interplanetary Earth departure trajectory from the low Earth orbit (LEO) usually lacks flexibility and efficiency. Furthermore, innovative and reusable launch systems have been researched and developed by multiple organizations including private sector organizations such as SpaceX and Blue Origin. It is expected that the unit cost per launch weight to LEO be significantly reduced by rideshare mass transportation executed by using reusable mega launchers in the near future. This study aims to fill the transportation gap between LEO and deep space by realizing a flexible and economical interplanetary Earth departure without sacrificing the arbitrariness of LEO, target V-infinity vector, and target Earth departure epoch. Thus, the one-revolution Earth free-return orbit (1rEFRO) and the consequent Earth gravity assist (EGA) are introduced to separate the velocity increment and direction adjustment. The planetary free-return and EGAs are common in interplanetary missions; however, a comprehensive study on the flexibility, economic efficiency, and arbitrariness of the sequence (1rEFRO + EGA) originating from LEO was not explicitly found. After describing the necessary coordinate frames, LEO’s orbital elements, 1rEFRO, and the terms ‘flexibility’ and ‘economic efficiency’ are defined in Section 2. Then in Section 3, the two-body-based preliminary orbit design method is proposed and formulated. Section 4 aims to reveal LEO’s comprehensiveness as efficient parking orbits when adopting the 1rEFRO + EGA sequence, using the newly proposed “ΣVEt LEO i-Ω diagram”. Section 5 describes a detailed orbit design constructed based on multi-body propagation and optimization to confirm the feasibility, flexibility, and economics of the solution and the usefulness of the initial solution given by the preliminary design method formulated in Section 3.
Auroral kilometric radiation—The electron cyclotron maser paradigm
Authors: Baumjohann Wolfgang , Treumann R. A.
Published: December 2022

Auroral kilometric radiation (AKR) is the paradigm of intense radio emission from planetary magnetospheres. Being close to the electron gyro frequency and/or its lower harmonics, its observation indicates the non-thermal state of the source plasma. Emission is produced when the plasma enters a state of energetic excitation which results in deformation of the electron distribution function. Under certain conditions this leads to “quasi-coherent” emission. It is believed that the weakly-relativistic electron-cyclotron-maser instability is responsible for this kind of radiation. Since energetically radio radiation normally is not of primary importance in the large-scale magnetospheric phenomena, AKR as such has, for the purposes of large-scale magnetospheric physics, become considered a marginal problem. Here this notion is questioned. AKR while applying to the auroral region mainly during magnetospherically disturbed times carries just a fraction of the total substorm energy. It is, however, of diagnostic power in the physics of the upper auroral ionosphere and Space Weather research. As a fundamental physical problem of generation of radiation in non-thermal plasmas it remains not resolved yet. Many questions have been left open even when dealing only with the electron-cyclotron-maser. These can advantageously be studied in the magnetosphere proper both by observation and theory, the only continuously accessible place in space. The most important are listet here with hint on how they should be attacked. Its value is to be sought in the role it should play in application to the other magnetized planets, extra-solar planets, and to strongly magnetized astronomical objects as an important tool to diagnose the matter state responsible for radiation in the radio frequency range beyond thermal, shock or synchrotron radiation.
Effect of artificial insemination in comparison to natural mating on the reproductive performance and profitability of smallholder pig production system in Indian Himalaya
Authors: Singh Mahak , Mollier R. Talimoa , Pongener Nungshitula , Patton R. N. , Yadav Rekha , Chaudhary J. K. , Katiyar Rahul , Babu Subhash , Rajkhowa D. J. , Mishra V. K.
Published: December 2022

In fragile ecosystems, smallholder pig production systems provide food and nutritional security to resource-poor communities. Pigs are the main livestock raised by indigenous communities in the Himalayan region of India, but their productivity is low for several reasons. The present study aimed to study the pig herd size and to evaluate the impact of artificial insemination (AI) on profitability and sustainability in the small-holder pig production system. A total of 612 AIs were carried out in 483 sows in the farmer's field along with 114 sows that underwent natural breeding. A comparison was made between the reproductive performance of sows following AI and natural breeding. The profitability and economics of AI and natural breeding were also compared. The mean pig population varied from 4.75 to 6.42 in the study region. The farrowing rate, total born piglets (TBPs), and live born piglets (LBPs) were significantly higher (P< 0.001) in artificially inseminated sows compared to naturally bred sows (9.37 vs. 6.28; 8.93 vs. 5.45). Farrowing rate (P= 0.005), TBP, and LBP were significantly (P< 0.001) higher in sows inseminated by female inseminator as compared to male inseminator (81.26 vs. 71.42%; 9.65 vs. 8.80; 9.21 vs. 8.38). The insemination by uneducated farmers resulted in significantly (P= 0.002) lower farrowing rate, TBP (P< 0.001), LBP (P< 0.001), and AI per farrowing (P= 0.042). The farmers who did AI for the third time and more than three times recorded significantly (P< 0.001) higher farrowing rates, TBP, and LBP. The farrowing rate was significantly (P< 0.001) less in sows that were located more than 30 km away from the semen center (66.66 vs. 82.90%). The net return per sow was significantly higher (P< 0.001) in artificially inseminated sows (US$464.8 vs. US$248.11). AI resulted in an 87.33% increase in net returns per farrowing as compared to natural breeding. In conclusion, AI in smallholder pig production systems has the potential to sustainably improve the profitability as well as the food and nutritional security of resource-poor farmers.
How does the grassroots drive just transition? Evidence from an alteration of resettlement sites in China
Authors: Gou Jie , Jiang Tianhe , Chen Shaojun , Lu Yihua
Published: December 2022

Dam-induced resettlement is a typical pattern of development-induced displacement and resettlement (DIDR), which concludes involuntariness and leads to injustice practices. Although the justice of resettlement is studied in existing works, few of them notice that the selection of resettlement sites might be holistically an opportunity for just transition, and the performance of this process is not totally a government arrangement. To address this gap, this paper takes the Multi-level Perspective (MLP) as the theoretical framework, and adopts mixed methods to examine a second selection case of resettlement sites for the Wuxikou dam in Jiangxi Province, China. Based on grounded theory, five categories of resettlees' demands for resettlement sites, namely agricultural production (AP), non-agricultural production (NAP), material life (ML), social life (SL), and reception of natural ecology (RNE) are identified. The multiple conjunctural causation between these demands and resettlees' actions for changing initial resettlement sites is analyzed by Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). Four intermediate solutions as well as the core and peripheral conditions are found. Apart from the bottom-up petitions, how the political environment and governmental administration enabled the resettlees' request for altering resettlement sites is illustrated. It is found that, although the government and resettlees with different interests and action logics, the same result is promoted under the national policies,viz, the implementation of changing resettlement sites, process justice and outcome justice are therein realized. Relative policy implications and outlooks on just resettlement practice are remarked.
Genetic characterization of three recently discovered parvoviruses circulating in equines in China
Authors: Ou JiaJun , Li Jinghao , Wang Xijie , Zhong Lintao , Xu Liang , Xie Jinxin , Lu Gang , Li Shoujun
Published: December 2022

The family Parvoviridae comprises many major viral pathogens that can infect humans and multiple other species, causing severe diseases. However, knowledge of parvoviruses that infect equids is limited. In the present study, we found that three equine parvoviruses (EqPVs), namely, equine parvovirus-hepatitis (EqPV-H), equine parvovirus-cerebrospinal fluid (EqPV-CSF) and equine copivirus (EqCoPV) cocirculated among horses in China. We examined the prevalence of these three EqPVs in 225 horse serum samples in China and found EqPV-H, EqPV-CSF and EqCoPV viremia in 7.6% (17/225), 2.7% (6/225) and 2.2% of samples (5/225), respectively. We also obtained the complete genomes of one EqPV-H strain, six EqPV-CSF strains and one EqCoPV strain. After phylogenetic analysis of the EqPVs, we found that EqPV-CSF and EqCoPV may have evolved from the same ancestor. The EqPV-CSF strains (E111 and A27) and EqCoPV strain (F124) were genetically similar to foreign strains, but the EqPV-CSF strains (B48, E96, C61 and F146) comprised unique clades. This study determined the prevalence of three EqPVs in Chinese horses and analyzed the genetic characteristics of EqPVs prevalent strains in Chinese horse herds. Our data provide a theoretical basis for follow-up research on the prevention and control of EqPVs.
Impacts of vitamin premix and/or yeast ingredient inclusion in a canned cat food on thiamin retention during 6 months of storage
Authors: Dainton Amanda N. , White Brittany , Lambrakis Leah , Aldrich Charles Gregory
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Low thiamin levels in thermally processed canned cat foods are concerning for the pet food industry. However, there is little information on storage stability of thiamin in this food format or if inclusion of select ingredients, such as dried yeasts, has an effect. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the storage stability of thiamin when a vitamin premix and/or yeasts ingredients were included in a canned cat food.

Materials and methods

The factorial treatment arrangement consisted of 2 levels of vitamin premix (with or without) and 4 inclusions of yeast (NY = none, LBV = Lalmin B Complex Vitamins, BY = product #1064B, or EA = BGYADVANTAGE). Diets were stored for 6 months and analyzed every month for thiamin. Data were analyzed as a mixed model (SAS v. 9.4; SAS Institute, Cary, NC) with fixed effects (vitamin premix, yeast, time, and their two-way and three-way interactions) and random effects (production day and the interaction of production day, vitamin premix, and yeast). Significance was set at P < 0.05 and Fisher's LSD was used to separate means.

Results and discussion

Diets including the vitamin premix [average 55.1 mg/kg dry matter basis (DMB)] contained more (P < 0.05) thiamin than diets that did not (average 7.5 mg/kg DMB). Inclusion of LBV (average 40.3 mg/kg DMB) resulted in the highest (P < 0.05) levels of thiamin, followed by BY (P < 0.05; average 26.9 mg/kg DMB). Diets with NY and EA contained the lowest (P < 0.05) levels of thiamin and were not different from each other (P > 0.05; average 19.3 mg/kg DMB). The diet containing vitamin premix without yeast lost (P < 0.05) 17.8% thiamin while diets containing a yeast ingredient maintained thiamin levels better during storage. This suggested that thiamin from yeast ingredients was more resistant to degradation during storage and should be considered when designing new canned cat foods.
Clinical benefits of oral capecitabine over intravenous 5-fluorouracyl regimen in case of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery for locally advanced rectal cancer
Authors: Paszt Attila , Ottlakan Aurel , Abraham Szabolcs , Simonka Zsolt , Vas Marton , Maraz Aniko , Szepes Zoltan , Tiszlavicz Laszlo , Nyari Tibor , Olah Judit , Lazar Gyorgy
Published: December 2022

Background: During the last decade, one of the most important treatment options for locally advanced, potencially resectable rectal tumours was neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by surgery.

Methods: Effects of the neoadjuvant treatment on surgical outcomes were retrospectively analysed in 185 patients with stage T2–T4 and N0–2, resectable rectal tumour among two patient groups defined by radiosensitizer agents. Group 1 (n = 94) involved radiotherapy (RT) with 50.4 Gy total dose (25 × 1.8 Gy + 3 × 1.8 Gy tumour bed boost), and intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (350 mg/m2) with leucovorin (20 mg/m2) on the 1–5 and 21–25 days, while Group 2 (n = 91) RT and orally administrated capecitabine (daily 2 × 825 mg/m2) on RT days. Surgery was carried out after 8–10 weeks. Side effects, perioperative complications, type of surgery, number of removed regional lymph nodes, resection margins and tumour regression grade (TRG) were analysed.

Results: More favourable side effects were observed in Group 2. Despite the same rate of diarrhoea (Group 1 vs. Group 2: 54.3% vs. 56.0%), Grade 2–3 diarrhoea ratio was lower (p = 0.0352) after capecitabine (Group 2). Weight loss occurred in 17.0% and 2.2% (p = 0.00067), while nausea and vomiting was described in 38.3% and 15.4% (p = 0.00045) with 5-FU treatment and capecitabine respectively. Anaemia was observed in 33.0% and 22.0% (p = 0.0941). Complete tumour regression occurred in 25.3% after oral- and 13.8% after intravenous treatment (p = 0.049). Ratio of sphincter preservation was higher with laparoscopy than open surgery (72.3% vs. 39.7%) (p = 0.00001).

Conclusion: The study confirms advantages of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with oral capecitabine for rectal tumours, such as more favourable side effect profile and overall clinical outcome, with increased rate of complete tumour regression.
Nonlinear Extended Observer-Based ADRC for a Lower-Limb PAM-Based Exoskeleton
Authors: Dao Quy-Thinh , Dinh Van-Vuong , Trinh Minh-Chien , Tran Viet-Cuong , Nguyen Van-Linh , Duong Minh-Duc , Bui Ngoc-Tam
Published: December 2022

In lower-limb rehabilitation systems, exoskeleton robots are one of the most important components. These robots help patients to execute repetitive exercises under the guidance of physiotherapists. Recently, pneumatic artificial muscles (PAM), a kind of actuator that acts similarly to human muscles, have been chosen to power the exoskeleton robot for better human–machine interaction. In order to enhance the performance of a PAM-based exoskeleton robot, this article implements an active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) strategy with a nonlinear extended state observer (NLESO). Moreover, the stability of the closed-loop system is proved by Lyapunov’s theory. Finally, the experimental results show that with the proposed control strategy, the rehabilitation robot can effectively track the desired trajectories even when under external disturbance.
Vermicompost Amendment in Soil Affects Growth and Physiology of Zea mays Plants and Decreases Pb Accumulation in Tissues
Authors: Landorfa-Svalbe Zaiga , Vikmane Māra , Ievinsh Gederts
Published: December 2022

Minimization of the possible harmful effects of soil pollution on agricultural production and food safety are the major challenges in modern agriculture. There is great scientific interest in the detailed understanding of the physiology of lead uptake and toxicity in Zea mays, together with the search for approaches to minimizing Pb accumulation in tissues. The aim of the present study was to explore the possibility of reducing Pb accumulation in Z. mays plants cultivated in Pb-contaminated soil, by means of vermicompost amendment. Z. mays plants were cultivated at three soil vermicompost amendment rates (10, 20, and 30%), with the addition of 1000 mg L−1 of Pb in the form of Pb(NO3)2 or an equivalent amount of nitrogen in the form of NH4NO3. Additional nitrogen had a significant stimulatory effect on plant growth and physiology, but only for control plants, and at a low vermicompost amendment rate. Independently, Pb had an insignificant negative effect on plant growth and biomass partitioning, but significantly negatively affected the mineral nutrition of Z. mays plants. At a 10 and 20% soil vermicompost amendment rate, the Pb concentration in plant leaves and roots decreased by 65%, while plant biomass increased four to five times in comparison to soil-grown control plants, together with accelerated flowering. It was concluded that vermicompost is one of the most promising soil amendments for reducing heavy metal uptake and accumulation in crop plants, while also being an efficient organic fertilizer.
A Decision-Making Capability Optimization Scheme of Control Combination and PID Controller Parameters for Bivariate Fertilizer Applicator Improved by Using EDEM
Authors: Dang Yugong , Yang Gang , Wang Jun , Zhou Zhigang , Xu Zhidong
Published: December 2022

The fertilization rate is adjusted through the regulation of opening length and the rotational speed for bivariate fertilizer applicators. It is essential to optimally determine the control combination according to the target fertilization rate and further improve the control performance of fertilization operation in precision agriculture. In this study, a novel decision-making capability optimization scheme of control combination and PID controller parameters is proposed to improve the feasibility and practicability of variable fertilizer applicators. Firstly, EDEM is adopted to acquire the minimum allowable opening length and the proper gap between the spiral blades and the discharge cavity wall, and then calibration experiments are implemented to establish the fitting model of fertilization rate using polynomial fitting. Secondly, the modified sparrow search algorithm (SSA) with chaotic operator and mutation section of the DE algorithm is used to optimize the control combination utilizing the accuracy, uniformity, and adjustment time as the evaluation criteria. Moreover, the tent mapping bat algorithm (TBA) is applied to tune the PID controller parameters for enhancing the accuracy and response speed of the fertilization-rate control system. Compared to the PID controller based on the bat algorithm (BA), traditional PID controller, and fuzzy PID controller, the rise time of the PID controller improved by TBA decreases by 0.018 s, 0.09 s, and 0.038 s, respectively, and the average steady-state deviation of that drops by 0.02 kg ha−1, 1.45 kg ha−1, and 0.19 kg ha−1, respectively. In addition, under the condition of the same controller, compared with SSA, GA, and MOEA/D-DE, the average accuracy of the proposed decision-making algorithm decreases from 1.9%, 2.5%, and 3.5% to 1.8%, the average uniformity drops from 0.52% and 0.48% to 0.47%, and the average adjustment time declines from 0.99 s, 1.48 s, and 1.34 s to 0.5 s. It can be concluded that the method proposed in this study performs better in terms of accuracy and adjustment time but exhibits no apparent effect on the improvement of uniformity.
Influence of Reduced Tillage, Fertilizer Placement, and Soil Afforestation on CO2 Emission from Arable Sandy Soils
Authors: Sosulski Tomasz , Niedziński Tomasz , Jadczyszyn Tamara , Szymańska Magdalena
Published: December 2022

Extreme meteorological phenomena resulting from climate change caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) require the implementation of CO2 mitigation practices from various industries, including agriculture. Owing to varying soil, climatic, and agrotechnical characteristics, they may have different efficiencies in mitigating soil CO2 emissions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of three mitigation practices (reduced tillage, deep fertilizer placement, and soil afforestation) on CO2 emissions from sandy soils in Central and Eastern Europe allowing the prediction of the mitigation effectiveness of these methods. The average soil CO2-C flux under a moldboard plow system ranged from 218.4 ± 108.4 to 263.7 ± 176.6 mg CO2-C m−2 h−1 and under a reduced tillage system ranged from 169.7 ± 118.7 to 163.6 ± 115.2 mg CO2-C m−2 h−1 in a year with normal meteorological conditions and under extreme drought conditions, respectively. In the dry growing season, similar amounts of CO2-C were released from the soil fertilized to the soil surface and after mineral fertilizers application at a depth of 10 cm and 20 cm (133.7 ± 155.8, 132.0 ± 147.5 and 131.0 ± 148.1 mg CO2-C m−2 h−1, respectively). Meanwhile, from the forest soil, the average CO2-C emission in the dry growing season was 123.3 ± 79 mg CO2-C m−2 h−1. The obtained results revealed that reduced tillage on sandy soil allowed for reduced CO2 emissions from the soil by 28.7–61.2% in normal and drought weather, respectively. Under drought conditions, deep fertilizer placement did not reduce CO2 emissions from sandy soil, and CO2 emissions from forest soils were even higher than from arable soils.
Water Quality, Source Identification, and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Using Multivariate Analysis in the Han River Watershed, South Korea
Authors: Im Jong Kwon , Kim Young Seuk , Cho Yong Chul , Kang Taegu , Kim Sang Hun
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to investigate the irrigation water quality, major pollution sources, and human health hazards by focusing on heavy metal concentrations in the surface water of the Han River watershed, South Korea that supplies water for consumption and irrigation. Here, Mn was found to have the highest mean concentration, with the maximum concentration recorded at IH-2. The heavy metal concentrations were higher during summer and fall than that during spring. The mean concentration of heavy metals was relatively high in the downtown area (1.8 times) and downstream of the wastewater treatment facilities (1.3 times), indicating that the wastewater treatment facilities (WTFs) may be the primary source of pollution. Water at most of the sites were found to be suitable for irrigation. However, the sodium absorption ratio and soluble sodium percentage indicated that IH-2 was unsuitable. The results of the principal component analysis indicated that anthropogenic (vehicle and industrial) activities were the primary sources of metal pollution. Ingestion was identified as the primary exposure pathway in terms of health risks. However, the hazard quotients and hazard index for all pathways were below the safety limit (<1) for children and adults.
Haematological Alterations Associated with Selected Vector-Borne Infections and Exposure in Dogs from Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Authors: Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Gutiérrez-Grajales Erwin J. , Osorio-Navia Daniela , Chacón-Peña Mariana , Trejos-Mendoza Adrián E. , Pérez-Vargas Soffia , Valencia-Mejía Lorenzo , Marín-Arboleda Luisa F. , Martínez-Hidalgo J. Paola , Reina-Mora María Angelica , González-Colonia Luz Victoria , Cardona-Ospina Jaime A. , Jiménez-Posada Erika Vanessa , Diaz-Guio Diego Andrés , Salazar Jean Carlos , Sierra Manuel , Muñoz-Lara Fausto , Zambrano Lysien I. , Ramírez-Vallejo Eduardo , Álvarez Juan Camilo , Jaramillo-Delgado Ingrid Lorena , Pecho-Silva Samuel , Paniz-Mondolfi Alberto , Faccini-Martínez Álvaro A. , Rodríguez-Morales Alfonso J.
Published: December 2022

Infections due to Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Dirofilaria, Mycoplasma, Babesia and Hepatozoon continue to be highly prevalent in dogs, especially in tropical and subtropical areas, where vectors of many of them are present. However, many clinical aspects of dogs have not been characterized in detail, including assessing the haematological alterations associated with them, particularly in Colombia and Latin America. A group of 100 dogs with Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Dirofilaria, Mycoplasma, Babesia and Hepatozoon infections/exposure were assessed by blood smear serology (SNAP4DX) and PCR in Pereira, Colombia. We performed blood counts to evaluate anaemia, leukopenia/leukocytosis, neutropenia, neutrophilia, lymphopenia/lymphocytosis, monocytosis, eosinophilia, and thrombocytopenia, among other alterations. Bivariate analyses were performed on Stata®14, with significant p < 0.05. From the total, 85% presented ≥1 infection (past or present), 66% with coinfections (≥2 pathogens) (Ehrlichia 75%), and 89% presented clinical alterations. A total of 100% showed anaemia, 70% thrombocytopenia, 61% monocytosis, and 47% neutropenia, among other alterations. Additionally, 11% presented pancytopenia and 59% bicytopenia. The median platelet count was lower in infected dogs (126,000 cells/μL) versus non-infected (221,000 cells/μL) (p = 0.003). Thrombocytopenia was higher among infected dogs (75%) versus non-infected (40%) (p = 0.006), with a 91% positive predictive value for infection. Median neutrophil count was lower in infected dogs (6591 cells/μL) versus non-infected (8804 cells/μL) (p = 0.013). Lymphocytosis occurred only among those infected (27%) (p = 0.022). Leukopenia was only observed among infected dogs (13%). Pancytopenia was only observed among infected dogs. Ehrlichiosis and other hematic infections have led to a significant burden of haematological alterations on infected dogs, including pancytopenia in a tenth of them, most with thrombocytopenia and all anemic.
Antibiotic Therapy in the Critically Ill with Acute Renal Failure and Renal Replacement Therapy: A Narrative Review
Authors: Corona Alberto , Cattaneo Dario , Latronico Nicola
Published: December 2022

The outcome for critically ill patients is burdened by a double mortality rate and a longer hospital stay in the case of sepsis or septic shock. The adequate use of antibiotics may impact on the outcome since they may affect the pharmacokinetics (Pk) and pharmacodynamics (Pd) of antibiotics in such patients. Acute renal failure (ARF) occurs in about 50% of septic patients, and the consequent need for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) makes the renal elimination rate of most antibiotics highly variable. Antibiotics doses should be reduced in patients experiencing ARF, in accordance with the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), whereas posology should be increased in the case of CRRT. Since different settings of CRRT may be used, identifying a standard dosage of antibiotics is very difficult, because there is a risk of both oversimplification and failing the therapeutic efficacy. Indeed, it has been seen that, in over 25% of cases, the antibiotic therapy does not reach the necessary concentration target mainly due to lack of the proper minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) achievement. The aim of this narrative review is to clarify whether shared algorithms exist, allowing them to inform the daily practice in the proper antibiotics posology for critically ill patients undergoing CRRT.
Dynamic Analysis and Structure Parameter Research on a Hydraulic Anti-Swaying System for Container Cranes
Authors: Zhong Bin , Ma Lili , Dong Hao
Published: December 2022

An anti-swaying or swaying-reduction effect for a container crane is key for improving the rapidity and safety of container handling operations. By analyzing the structure of a container crane hydraulic anti-swaying system, a dynamic system model was developed in the time domain, and the changing law of the load swaying angle was studied. In order to study the attenuation effect of the load swaying angle and the different working states of the anti-swaying system, the frequency domain equation of the load swaying angle was developed in the frequency domain. A time domain study on the dynamic model shows that the structure parameter is the key parameter that affects the load anti-swaying effect, and a larger structure parameter produces a better anti-swaying effect. A study regarding the load swaying angle in the frequency domain shows that the container crane hydraulic anti-swaying system works in a critical-damping state when the structure parameter load ratio is equal to twice the system frequency, and in this case, the hydraulic anti-swaying system has good load swaying-reduction effect and a small dependence on changes in the hoisting rope length. The longitudinal and transverse installation distances of the anti-swaying fixed pulleys jointly affect the structure parameter. In engineering applications, the longitudinal and transverse distances can be selected according to size near that of a standard container. To obtain a good swaying-reduction effect, data such as the hoisting load mass, the hoisting rope length, and the hoisting load swaying speed can be obtained in real-time and used to calculate the required pressure adjustments for the relief valve of the hydraulic anti-swaying system.
Process Improvement and Application of Pavement Management System Based on Pavement Conditions in Jeju Island
Authors: Ohm Byung-Sik , Jung Dong-Hyuk , Lee Su-Hyung , Choi Ji-Young , Kim Yeong-Min
Published: December 2022

The objective of this study is to provide a process that can be applied in preparation for the introduction of an efficient and systematic pavement management system. This process includes features for selecting pavement segmentation (for management) and priority based on a cumulative difference approach(CDA), starting from the development of an index that reflects the pavement condition and current distribution status. For the index, which can reflect the current pavement conditions of sections to be managed, this study proposes a basic model form and establishes a simple modeling plan that uses only 3 points (maximum value, minimum value, and management standard) for typical flaws. For pavement segmentation, this study establishes a plan that uses a moving average combined with a minimum maintenance length standard to reflect existing condition distribution characteristics as much as possible. Finally, for priority, this study establishes a plan that performs selections using the averages of the index values of the sections that require maintenance, as determined via the segmentation step.