bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil Hydrology Characteristics among Forest Type, Stand Age and Successive Rotation in Eucalyptus Plantations in Southern China
Authors: Tan Yu , Yang Kaijun , Qin Jiashuang , Ni Longkang , Liao Suhui , Zeng Danjuan , Pan Huibiao , Gu Daxing
Published: February 2024

The water holding capacity of forest soil plays a crucial role in ensuring forest productivity, particularly in Eucalyptus urophylla plantations. In this study, we investigated the soil water holding capacity and hydrological properties of Eucalyptus in a subtropical area of Guangxi, China. Different stand ages (five years old, seven years old, and 15 years old) and successive rotations (first, second, and third) of Eucalyptus plantations were compared, with Cunninghamia lanceolata (Chinese Fir) and Pinus massoniana (Pine) plantations serving as references. Soil physical properties, soil hydrological parameters, and litter characteristics were analyzed to assess soil water retention and conservation variations. Our findings revealed that Eucalyptus and Chinese Fir plantation forests exhibit superior soil physical characteristics compared to Pine plantations, resulting in better soil water retention. However, an increase in the age of Eucalyptus plantations significantly diminished the capillary water holding capacity of the soil, despite an increase in surface litter accumulation and litter moisture content. Furthermore, successive rotations led to a notable reduction in soil capillary porosity, soil moisture content, soil saturated permeability, and overall soil water holding capacity. In addition, soil bulk density emerged as a critical factor relating to the hydrological characteristics of Eucalyptus plantation forests. Decreasing soil bulk density in Eucalyptus forests may offer potential for optimizing their water retention function. These results reveal that Eucalyptus management practices significantly alter the hydrological properties of soil through their effects on soil and litter properties, and consequently, stand age, rotation, and species mixing should be given intensive attention in maintaining the maximization of soil water holding capacity.
Micro-FL: A Fault-Tolerant Scalable Microservice-Based Platform for Federated Learning
Authors: Sabuhi Mikael , Musilek Petr , Bezemer Cor-Paul
Published: February 2024

As the number of machine learning applications increases, growing concerns about data privacy expose the limitations of traditional cloud-based machine learning methods that rely on centralized data collection and processing. Federated learning emerges as a promising alternative, offering a novel approach to training machine learning models that safeguards data privacy. Federated learning facilitates collaborative model training across various entities. In this approach, each user trains models locally and shares only the local model parameters with a central server, which then generates a global model based on these individual updates. This approach ensures data privacy since the training data itself is never directly shared with a central entity. However, existing federated machine learning frameworks are not without challenges. In terms of server design, these frameworks exhibit limited scalability with an increasing number of clients and are highly vulnerable to system faults, particularly as the central server becomes a single point of failure. This paper introduces Micro-FL, a federated learning framework that uses a microservices architecture to implement the federated learning system. It demonstrates that the framework is fault-tolerant and scalable, showing its ability to handle an increasing number of clients. A comprehensive performance evaluation confirms that Micro-FL proficiently handles component faults, enabling a smooth and uninterrupted operation.
Research on Active Repetitive Control for Tracking Lissajous Scan Trajectories with Voice Coil Motors Actuated Fast Steering Mirror
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Shijiao , Liang Shuning , Liu Xuelian , Wang Chunyang
Published: February 2024

The performance of laser beams in tracking Lissajous scan trajectories is severely limited by beam jitter. To enhance the performance of fast steering mirror (FSM) control in tracking Lissajous scan trajectories, this paper proposed a fractional order active disturbance rejection controller (FOADRC) and verified its effectiveness in improving system scanning tracking accuracy. A dynamic mathematical model of a fast steering mirror was studied, and the design of parameters for the control mode of the closed-loop system was determined. A reduced-order linear active disturbance rejection controller suitable for FSM systems was designed, and the corresponding fractional-order proportional differentiation (FOPD) controller was determined according to the mathematical model. The use of the designed controller enabled high-performance tracking of high-frequency Lissajous scanning curves (X-axis 500 Hz, Y-axis 350 Hz) and met the need for high-frequency repetitive scanning. The controller has the characteristics of simple implementation and low computational complexity and is suitable for closed-loop control applications in engineering.
Non-Overlapping Domain Decomposition for 1D Optimal Control Problems Governed by Time-Fractional Diffusion Equations on Coupled Domains: Optimality System and Virtual Controls
Authors: Leugering Günter , Mehandiratta Vaibhav , Mehra Mani
Published: February 2024

We consider a non-overlapping domain decomposition method for optimal control problems of the tracking type governed by time-fractional diffusion equations in one space dimension, where the fractional time derivative is considered in the Caputo sense. We concentrate on a transmission problem defined on two adjacent intervals, where at the interface we introduce an iterative non-overlapping domain decomposition in the spirit of P.L. Lions for the corresponding first-order optimality system, such that the optimality system corresponding to the optimal control problem on the entire domain is iteratively decomposed into two systems on the respective sub-domains; this approach can be framed as first optimize, then decompose. We show that the iteration involving the states and adjoint states converges in the appropriate spaces. Moreover, we show that the decomposed systems on the sub-domain can in turn be interpreted as optimality systems of so-called virtual control problems on the sub-domains. Using this property, we are able to solve the original optimal control problem by an iterative solution of optimal control problems on the sub-domains. This approach can be framed as first decompose, then optimize. We provide a mathematical analysis of the problems as well as a numerical finite difference discretization using the L1-method with respect to the Caputo derivative, along with two examples in order to verify the method.
How the Crosslinker Amount Influences the Final Properties of Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Cryogels
Authors: Proietto Salanitri Giuseppe , Luzzi Enrica , Caretti Daniele , Mecca Tommaso , Carroccio Sabrina C. , Scamporrino Andrea A.
Published: February 2024

The investigation of the mechanical, thermal, and adsorption properties of hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) cryogels as a function of a reactant ratio is herein reported to better address materials for specific applications. To this aim, cryogels have been synthesized using different monomer/crosslinker (N,N′-methylene-bisacrylamide–MBAA) ratios. The study of SEM images made it possible to identify the trend in the material’s macroporosity. As would be expected, the average measured pore width decreased as the amount of MBAA increased while the number of pores grew. Swelling capacity ranges from 8.7 gW/ggel (grams of water per gram of gel) to 9.3 gW/ggel. These values are strictly connected with the pore’s size and distribution, revealing that the water uptake for the most crosslinked sample is inferior to other samples. The equilibrium-adsorption capacity (Qe) towards the methylene violet (MV) was also assessed, revealing no remarkable differences after 24 h of a batch test. As expected, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) also showed no significant changes in stability that ranged from a maximum weight loss temperature (T Max) of 420 °C to 425 °C, which increased as a function of crosslinker content. Conversely, compression strength measurements showed a notable difference of about 50% in modulus (Ec), moving from the higher to the lower HEMA/MBAA ratio. These new comparative results indicate how slight variations in the reactant’s ratio can steadily improve the mechanical properties of the HEMA cryogel without affecting its adsorption efficiency. This can be helpful in the design of materials for water and energy purposes. Since swelling properties are needed in the case of biomedical applications, the HEMA/MBAA ratio should be tuned versus high values.
Genetic Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes in Childhood Eye Cancers: A Review
Authors: Hameed Syed , Yu Angeli Christy , Almadani Bashaer , Abualkhair Shereen , Ahmad Khabir , Zauli Giorgio
Published: February 2024

Childhood eye cancers, although rare, present substantial health challenges, affecting the pediatric population with a remarkable impact on their lives and families. This comprehensive review provides insights into the various types of ocular tumors, primarily focusing on malignant eye tumors, their genetic predispositions, and advancements in managing these conditions. Understanding the genetic risk factors is crucial for early detection, risk assessment, and the development of targeted therapies. This review discusses genome-wide association (GWAS) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) studies to find common and rare genetic variants. Furthermore, it also explores the outcomes and implications of these genetic discoveries in treating pediatric ocular cancer. These findings underscore the significance of genetic research in guiding early interventions and improving outcomes in children with ocular cancers.
Physiological Characteristics and Transcriptional Differences of Growth Traits of Persimmon with Different Ploidy
Authors: Pu Tingting , Wang Yiru , Han Weijuan , Li Huawei , Sun Peng , Suo Yujing , Fu Jianmin
Published: February 2024

Ploidy breeding is one of the important approaches for persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) genetic improvement, and vegetative growth of seedlings is the basis for subsequent fruit development. Therefore, the physiological characteristics and transcriptional differences of seedling growth traits in different ploidy persimmon germplasm were studied in this study, which provided a theoretical basis for fruit evaluation and breeding of new polyploid persimmon varieties. Nonuploid and its full-sib hexaploid seedlings obtained from endosperm culture were used as materials. By observing plant phenotype, leaf tissue section, endogenous hormone content, and transcriptome sequencing, the phenotype and physiological characteristics of different ploidy Persimmon seedlings were compared, as well as the differences in transcription levels. (1) Compared with hexaploid seedlings, the nonuploid were more robust and compact, and the leaves were obviously thicker. The cell size of leaf veins and parenchyma were significantly different between the different ploidy plants. (2) The contents of Salicylic Acid (SA), Jasmonic Acid (JA), gibberellin A1 (GA1), gibberellin A3 (GA3) and Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in nonuploid leaves were significantly higher than those in hexaploid leaves, while the contents of cytokinin trans-zeanoside (Tzt) and dihydrozeanoside (DZR), N6-isopentenyladenine (iP) and Jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-ILE) in nonuploid leaves were significantly lower than those in hexaploid leaves. (3) A total of 5796 differentially expressed genes were identified in nonuploid and hexaploid leaves. These differentially expressed genes were mainly related to photosynthesis, plant-pathogen interaction, etc. Among them, YUCCA genes, GA3ox genes, and IPT genes related to hormone synthesis were significantly differentially expressed in the nonuploid and hexaploid leaves. It is speculated that it may be the key regulatory gene that leads to the difference in IAA, gibberellin (GA), and indolepropionic acid (IPA) levels in the nonuploid and the hexaploid. The growth traits of the new Persimmon germplasms with different ploidy were significantly different. The nonuploid plants were shorter and more compact, and the leaves were larger and thicker. These traits were closely related to the content of endogenous hormones, and the balance of endogenous hormones was affected by gene expression. In addition, based on the biological processes involved in hormones and differentially expressed genes, it is speculated that the nonuploid may be superior to the hexaploid in terms of resistance.
Machine Learning and Signal Processing for Bridge Traffic Classification with Radar Displacement Time-Series Data
Authors: Arnold Matthias , Keller Sina
Published: February 2024

This paper introduces a novel nothing-on-road (NOR) bridge weigh-in-motion (BWIM) approach with deep learning (DL) and non-invasive ground-based radar (GBR) time-series data. BWIMs allow site-specific structural health monitoring (SHM) but are usually difficult to attach and maintain. GBR measures the bridge deflection contactless. In this study, GBR and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) monitor a two-span bridge in Germany to gather ground-truth data. Based on the UAV data, we determine vehicle type, lane, locus, speed, axle count, and axle spacing for single-presence vehicle crossings. Since displacement is a global response, using peak detection like conventional strain-based BWIMs is challenging. Therefore, we investigate data-driven machine learning approaches to extract the vehicle configurations directly from the displacement data. Despite a small and imbalanced real-world dataset, the proposed approaches classify, e.g., the axle count for trucks with a balanced accuracy of 76.7% satisfyingly. Additionally, we demonstrate that, for the selected bridge, high-frequency vibrations can coincide with axles crossing the junction between the street and the bridge. We evaluate whether filtering approaches via bandpass filtering or wavelet transform can be exploited for axle count and axle spacing identification. Overall, we can show that GBR is a serious contender for BWIM systems.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Management of Eales Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mercuț Maria Filoftea , Ică Oana Maria , Tănasie Cornelia Andreea , Mercuț Răzvan , Mocanu Carmen Luminița , Nicolcescu Andreea Mihaela , Danielescu Ciprian
Published: February 2024

Eales disease manifests as an obliterative periphlebitis affecting the retina; it originates from the periphery and progresses posteriorly. It is characterized by retinal vessel wall inflammation, ischemia, and retinal neovascularization. In this report, we present the case of a 34-year-old male who attended our clinic with a sudden blurring of vision in his right eye. A diagnosis of bilateral retinal vasculitis with vitreal hemorrhage was ascertained in his RE. A dilated ocular fundus examination revealed perivenous sheathing of the peripheral vessels in both eyes. Fluorescein angiography indicated dye staining, vessel obliteration, capillary drop-out, areas of non-perfusion and the formation of new vessels. Laboratory tests revealed positive results for Borrelia; a PPD skin test and QuantiFERON TB assay were also positive. The patient underwent bilateral retinal laser pan-photocoagulation, followed by systemic treatment with oral steroids, cephazoline, isoniazid, azathioprine, and entecavir. The steroid dose was progressively reduced over 10 months; the treatment with azathioprine continues, as we are monitoring the patient over the long term. After 3 months, the vasculitis had regressed without any vitreal hemorrhage recurrence. Vision acuity improved from 0.4 to 1 in the patient’s right eye. A multidisciplinary approach, which included collaborative management with gastroenterology, infectious disease, pulmonology, and rheumatology specialists, was essential for the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow up of the patient.
Automated Extraction and Analysis of Sentences under Production: A Theoretical Framework and Its Evaluation
Authors: Ulasik Malgorzata Anna , Miletić Aleksandra
Published: February 2024

Sentences are generally understood to be essential communicative units in writing that are built to express thoughts and meanings. Studying sentence production provides a valuable opportunity to shed new light on the writing process itself and on the underlying cognitive processes. Nevertheless, research on the production of sentences in writing remains scarce. We propose a theoretical framework and an open-source implementation that aim to facilitate the study of sentence production based on keystroke logs. We centre our approach around the notion of sentence history: all the versions of a given sentence during the production of a text. The implementation takes keystroke logs as input and extracts sentence versions, aggregates them into sentence histories and evaluates the sentencehood of each sentence version. We provide detailed evaluation of the implementation based on a manually annotated corpus of texts in French, German and English. The implementation yields strong results on the three processing aspects.
Distributed Sparse Precision Matrix Estimation via Alternating Block-Based Gradient Descent
Authors: Dong Wei , Liu Hongzhen
Published: February 2024

Precision matrices can efficiently exhibit the correlation between variables and they have received much attention in recent years. When one encounters large datasets stored in different locations and when data sharing is not allowed, the implementation of high-dimensional precision matrix estimation can be numerically challenging or even infeasible. In this work, we studied distributed sparse precision matrix estimation via an alternating block-based gradient descent method. We obtained a global model by aggregating each machine’s information via a communication-efficient surrogate penalized likelihood. The procedure chooses the block coordinates using the local gradient, to guide the global gradient updates, which can efficiently accelerate precision estimation and lessen communication loads on sensors. The proposed method can efficiently achieve the correct selection of non-zero elements of a sparse precision matrix. Under mild conditions, we show that the proposed estimator achieved a near-oracle convergence rate, as if the estimation had been conducted with a consolidated dataset on a single computer. The promising performance of the method was supported by both simulated and real data examples.
Effectiveness of Electroencephalography Neurofeedback for Improving Working Memory and Episodic Memory in the Elderly: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lin Yu-Ru , Hsu Tien-Wei , Hsu Che-Wei , Chen Peng-Yu , Tseng Ping-Tao , Liang Chih-Sung
Published: February 2024

Background and Objective: Existing evidence indicates the potential benefits of electroencephalography neurofeedback (NFB) training for cognitive function. This study aims to comprehensively review all available evidence investigating the effectiveness of NFB on working memory (WM) and episodic memory (EM) in the elderly population. Material and Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five databases to identify clinical trials examining the impact of NFB on memory function in healthy elderly individuals or those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The co-primary outcomes focused on changes in WM and EM. Data synthesis was performed using a random-effects meta-analysis. Results: Fourteen clinical trials (n = 284) were included in the analysis. The findings revealed that NFB was associated with improved WM (k = 11, reported as Hedges’ g = 0.665, 95% confidence [CI] = 0.473 to 0.858, p < 0.001) and EM (k = 12, 0.595, 0.333 to 0.856, p < 0.001) in the elderly, with moderate effect sizes. Subgroup analyses demonstrated that NFB had a positive impact on both WM and EM, not only in the healthy population (WM: k = 7, 0.495, 0.213 to 0.778, p = 0.001; EM: k = 6, 0.729, 0.483 to 0.976, p < 0.001) but also in those with MCI (WM: k = 6, 0.812, 0.549 to 1.074, p < 0.001; EM: k = 6, 0.503, 0.088 to 0.919, p = 0.018). Additionally, sufficient training time (totaling more than 300 min) was associated with a significant improvement in WM (k = 6, 0.743, 0.510 to 0.976, p < 0.001) and EM (k = 7, 0.516, 0.156 to 0.876, p = 0.005); however, such benefits were not observed in groups with inadequate training time. Conclusions: The results suggest that NFB is associated with enhancement of both WM and EM in both healthy and MCI elderly individuals, particularly when adequate training time (exceeding 300 min) is provided. These findings underscore the potential of NFB in dementia prevention or rehabilitation.
An Overview of Innovative Surface-Modification Routes for Pool Boiling Enhancement
Authors: Pereira José , Souza Reinaldo , Moreira António , Moita Ana
Published: February 2024

This overview intends to provide a comprehensive assessment of the novel fluids and the current techniques for surface modification for pool boiling enhancement. The surface modification at macro-, micro-, and nanoscales is assessed concerning the underlying fluid routing and capability to eliminate the incipient boiling hysteresis and ameliorate the pool boiling heat-transfer ability, particularly when employed together with self-rewetting fluids and nanofluids with enriched thermophysical properties. Considering the nanofluids, it is viable to take the profit of their high thermal conductivity and their specific heat simultaneously and to produce a film of deposited nanoparticles onto the heating surface, which possesses enhanced surface roughness and an increased density of nucleation sites. Whilst the diverse improvement scales are found to achieve distinct levels of success regarding the nucleate boiling heat-transfer capability enhancement, it is also shown that the micro–nanoscale boiling surface features are susceptible to blockage, leading to the degradation of the improvement with time. Furthermore, topics relating to the heat transfer thermal behavior, ease of manufacture, cost-effectiveness, reliability, and durability are reviewed whenever available and challenges and recommendations for further research are highlighted.
Bioelectrical Impedance in Premature Newborns and Its Relationship with Diet Therapy in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Tortorella Catiuscie Cabreira da Silva , Chao Bárbara Mendes Paz , Rabito Estela Iraci , Lima Mônica Nunes , Sarquis Ana Lúcia Figueiredo
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: To estimate resistance, reactance, and phase angle values among moderate preterm infants and their variation according to neonatal and maternal characteristics and nutritional intake. (2) Methods: This was a cohort that evaluated 43 moderate preterm infants using bioelectrical impedance analysis. The study variables included resistance, reactance, and phase angle measurements, in addition to classification of nutritional intake. (3) Results: Mean resistance was 602.0 ± 118.2 Ω, reactance was 57.2 Ω (IQR = 42.6–65.2), and phase angle was 522° (IQR = 4.1–6.6). Lower resistance values were found in the presence of risky pregnancy (532.2 ± 111.9 Ω vs. 650.9 ± 97.9 Ω, p < 0.001) and lower reactance values, in the presence of harmful maternal lifestyle habits at both the first (p = 0.01) and second assessments (p = 0.01). Eight preterm infants were considered to have insufficient nutritional intake (23.5%); 17, sufficient (50.0%) and 9, partially sufficient (26.5%). There was less reactance among preterm infants with insufficient nutritional intake (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The bioelectrical impedance analysis measurements were within the range of values reported in other studies. There was an association between full diet and adequate nutritional intake with higher resistance values, while a lower reactance value was associated with the presence of risky pregnancy and harmful maternal lifestyle.
Electrospun Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Based Dressings Containing GO/ZnO Nanocomposites: A Novel Frontier in Antibacterial Wound Care
Authors: Martín Cristina , Ferreiro Fernández Adalyz , Salazar Romero Julia C. , Fernández-Blázquez Juan P. , Mendizabal Jabier , Artola Koldo , Jorcano José L. , Rabanal M. Eugenia
Published: February 2024

In recent years, the rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a significant concern in the healthcare field, and although bactericidal dressings loaded with various classes of antibiotics have been used in clinics, in addition to other anti-infective strategies, this alarming issue necessitates the development of innovative strategies to combat bacterial infections and promote wound healing. Electrospinning technology has gained significant attention as a versatile method for fabricating advanced wound dressings with enhanced functionalities. This work is based on the generation of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based dressings through electrospinning, using a DomoBIO4A bioprinter, and incorporating graphene oxide (GO)/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites as a potent antibacterial agent. GO and ZnO nanoparticles offer unique properties, including broad-spectrum antibacterial activity for improved wound healing capabilities. The synthesis process was performed in an inexpensive one-pot reaction, and the nanocomposites were thoroughly characterized using XRD, TEM, EDX, SEM, EDS, and TGA. The antibacterial activity of the dispersions was demonstrated against E. coli and B. subtilis, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively, using the well diffusion method and the spread plate method. Bactericidal mats were synthesized in a rapid and cost-effective manner, and the fiber-based structure of the electrospun dressings was studied by SEM. Evaluations of their antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and B. subtilis were explored by the disk-diffusion method, revealing an outstanding antibacterial capacity, especially against the Gram-positive strain. Overall, the findings of this research contribute to the development of next-generation wound dressings that effectively combat bacterial infections and pave the way for advanced therapeutic interventions in the field of wound care.
Effects of Norflurazon and UV Radiation on Symbiotic and Free-Living Hydra
Authors: Kovačević Goran , Matijević Ana , Korać Petra , Želježić Davor , Reipert Siegfried , Caput Mihalić Katarina , Sirovina Damir , Peharec Štefanić Petra , Ivšić Martina
Published: February 2024

In this study, we aimed to document the freshwater symbiotic interactions along with the impact of the abiotic environment and anthropogenic effects on the functionality of freshwater organisms. Symbiotic green hydra (Z) and free-living brown hydra (S), either separately or both species together, were treated with the herbicide norflurazon in concentrations of 2 × 10−6 mol/L (N6) and 2 × 10−7 mol/L (N7) for 72 h. Also, hydras were treated with both norflurazon and UV radiation at a wavelength of 254 nm for 2 min or were irradiated only. The next part of the experiment was performed in the same way but with added suspensions of isolated endosymbiotic alga, free-living alga, or both algae together. Mortality, migration, tentacle and tissue damage, changes in the thickness of the mesoglea of hydras, and clustering of algae were monitored. Green hydra generally showed lower rates of migration, and mortality was observed only in green hydra exposed to UV radiation. Tentacle damage was more pronounced in green hydra and included a specific fork-like structure. The use of cryofixation and TEM enabled us to partly elucidate the effect of clustering of algae. In summary, our study provides new insights into the influence of different environmental stressors and their combination on symbiotic and free-living freshwater hydras and algae and a better understanding of interactions in freshwater ecosystems.
Daucus carota L. como fuente de pigmento natural y su efecto sobre los parámetros zootécnicos en pollos de engorde Cobb 500
Authors: Jácome-Gómez Janeth Rocío , Valencia-Enríquez Ximena Patricia , Salcán-Sánchez Edison Javier , Martínez Sotelo María Cristina , De La Cruz Chicaiza Diana Leticia
Published: February 2024

Este estudio evaluó el efecto de la harina de zanahoria (HZ; Daucus carota L.) comosustituto parcial de la dieta basal de pollos de engorde Cobb 500 sobre la pigmentaciónde la piel, parámetros productivos y rentabilidad. Un total de 64 pollos fueronseparados según el sexo y se asignaron a cuatro dietas, con cuatro réplicas de dos avescada una. Los grupos testigos fueron alimentados con una dieta estándar y los gruposexperimentales recibieron la misma dieta convencional con niveles de reemplazo del10, 15 y 20% de HZ. No se observaron diferencias significativas en el consumo dealimento, ganancia de peso o índice de conversión alimenticia. Sin embargo, las dietascon harina de zanahoria mejoraron el consumo de alimento, promovieron el aumentode peso y optimizaron la eficiencia alimenticia con un 10% en machos y un 15% enhembras. No se registró mortalidad en los grupos experimentales. La intensidad de lapigmentación en la piel de los pollos aumentó a medida que se incrementó el nivel desustitución, mientras que el sexo influyó en la expresión del color. Las dietas con HZmejoraron la rentabilidad especialmente en los machos. En conclusión, la sustituciónde la dieta basal con HZ en la dieta de los pollos de engorde Cobb 500, tuvo efectospositivos en los parámetros evaluados; por tanto, puede usarse como fuente alternativade pigmento natural en la producción de pollos de engorde de piel amarilla.
Follow-up cancer care in Danish general practice: a questionnaire study
Authors: Sætre Lisa Maria Sele , Naamansen Steffi Blach , Balasubramaniam Kirubakaran , Søndergaard Jens , Jarbøl Dorte Ejg
Published: February 2024

Background

The number of patients who have survived cancer has increased substantially owing to improved cancer treatment. This has reinforced the need for effective strategies for follow-up cancer care in general practice.

Aim

To investigate the organisation of follow-up cancer care in Danish general practice and to analyse GPs’ self-assessment of competences regarding patients who have survived cancer and late effects.

Design & setting

A total of 500 Danish general practices were invited to a web-based survey.

Method

Questions comprised organisation of follow-up cancer care, and GPs’ self-assessment of their competences in follow-up care and evaluation of late effects. Covariates considered included sex, age, seniority, and practice type. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Some 28% of the GPs reported systematic organisation of follow-up cancer care in their clinic. More than half of the GPs assessed themselves as competent in evaluating mental sequelae, existential considerations, and the impact on comorbidities. In contrast, only 19% and 33% of GPs reported competences in sexual and physical sequelae, respectively. Female GPs were less likely to report competences regarding physical and mental sequelae as well as sexual disturbances, and GPs from partnership practices were more likely to report competence in assessing mental sequelae.

Conclusion

Fewer than one in three general practices have organised systematic follow-up cancer care and GPs assess their competence as low with respect to physical sequelae and sexual challenges. This emphasises the need for more systematic organisation and focus on knowledge of late effects in general practice.
GROWTH AND YIELD OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS ANNUUS L.) UNDER DIFFERENT ORGANIC (FARM YARD MANURE) AND INORGANIC PHOSPHORUS DOSES
Authors: Kaleri Asif , Soomro Nighat Seema , Banbhan Ghulam Mustafa , Wahocho Safdar Ali , Rehman Shafiq-ur- , Kaleri Naseeruddin , Iqbal Khalid , Samoon Rukhsar , Khokhar Farhan , Bughio Aweesha , Baloch Ghulam Asghar
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigate the impact of different rates of farmyard manure application on the growth and yield of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Our objective is to assess how various levels of organic fertilizer influence the development and productivity of this crop. The experiment involved five integrated applications of farmyard manure (T1 = 00 tons of farmyard manure + P (0), T2 = 1 ton of farmyard manure, P (30 P kg ha-1), T3 = 3 tons of farmyard manure + (60 P kg ha-1), T4 = 4 tons of farmyard manure + 90 P kg ha-1, and T5 = 5 tons of farmyard manure + (120 P kg ha-1). The results revealed that T5 = 5 tons of farmyard manure and (120 P kg ha-1).  resulted best and produced the maximum plant population (m2) (10.5), plant height (273.7 cm), stem girth (10.9 cm), head diameter (53.8 cm), number of seeds head-1 (2696.9), seed weight head-1 (60.7 g), seed index (32.7 g), and seed yield (2698.7 kg ha-1). Whereas the T1=00-ton Farm Yard Manure treatment produced the least results and recorded plant population (m-2) (6.6), plant height (217.7 cm), stem girth (9.3), head diameter (30.3 cm), number of seeds head-1 (1510.7), seed weight head-1 (26.6 g), seed index (23.0 g), and seed yield (2100.0 kg ha-1). It is therefore recommended that, for obtaining higher growth and seed yields of sunflower, farmyard manure should be applied at 5 tons per hectare, and (120 P kg ha-1) respectively. The results concluded that the growth and yield of sunflowers were significantly affected by the application of farmyard manure as compared to the control (no farmyard manure). The grain yield increased linearly with increasing farmyard manure levels. However, the plot fertilized with 5 tons of farmyard manure produced the maximum grain yield of sunflower.
Função motora e presença do sintoma de fadiga em pacientes com distrofias musculares
Authors: Silva Geovane Balçanufo de Souza e , Melo Natália Guimarães , Silva Francine Aguilera Rodrigues da , Cipriano Graziella França Bernardelli , Morais Letícia de Araújo
Published: February 2024

Introdução. As distrofias musculares são doenças neuromusculares de característica hereditária e degenerativa caracterizando o grupo das miopatias tendo como principal sintoma a fraqueza muscular progressiva e a fadiga, causando maior incapacidade funcional. Objetivo. Analisar e correlacionar a função motora e presença do sintoma de fadiga em pacientes com distrofia muscular. Método. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo e transversal. Foi analisado o perfil sociodemográfico dos participantes, a Escala de Severidade da fadiga (FSS) Dinamometria manual, Medida da Função Motora (MFM-32) e Medical Research Council (MRC) foram utilizados como instrumentos de avaliação. Resultados. A amostra foi composta por 66 participantes, divididos em 3 grupos, Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD), Distrofia Muscular de Cinturas (DMC) e Distrofia Miotônica de Steinert (DMS), a maioria do sexo masculino 39(59,1%). Os pacientes com DMD apresentaram escores inferiores na MFM-32 em relação as demais (23,5±12,6). A fadiga foi relatada em 45 (68,2%) participantes, em sua maioria de forma moderada 24 (36,4), com prevalência maior nos indivíduos com DMS, entretanto, não foi observada diferença significativa entre os grupos. Não houve correlação entre as varáveis analisadas. Conclusão. A função motora apresenta-se prejudicada principalmente nos indivíduos com DMD. A fadiga está presente na maioria dos participantes, com uma maior prevalência nos na DMS, porém não há correlação entre estas duas variáveis avaliadas.
Genève a-t-elle un héritage colonial ?
Authors: Etemad Bouda
Published: February 2024

An analysis of writings on colonisation and slavery by 18th and 19th century Genevan writers reveals the existence in the City of Calvin of a discourse justifying European expansionism. According to it, " advanced" Europe had the right to show " backward" overseas peoples the path to civilisation. What is presented as a mission and a duty legitimises colonial domination and presupposes a hierarchy of " races". This vision of the world has had extensions right up to the present day.
Discours et engagement des géographes français, allemands et britanniques en contexte colonial (1800-1900)
Authors: Péaud Laura
Published: February 2024

Au cours du XIXe siècle, les géographes européens s'engagent peu à peu sur le terrain de la colonisation, d'abord en tant que simples compilateurs de données sur les territoires coloniaux, puis comme ardents défenseurs de ce processus. Ce faisant, ils contribuent à transformer la géographie, au moins partiellement, en une science coloniale. Cet article porte sur les liens tissés entre sociétés de géographie et processus colonial, en considérant la situation en France, en Grande-Bretagne et en Prusse, au cours d'un long XIXe siècle.
Le rôle de la Suisse dans la répression des opposants congolais-zaïrois à Mobutu (1980-1990)
Authors: N'Pango Zanetti Lisa
Published: February 2024

This article sheds light on the collaboration between the Swiss government and the Congolese-Zairian administration in monitoring the political opposition to Mobutu in the 1980s. Through the use of unpublished sources from Swiss federal archives, the article shows that this collaboration was motivated by concerns regarding bilateral relations between the two countries, as well as by considerations relating to asylum policy and the treatment of refugees in the context of the Cold War and the fight against communism.
Nyon : centre ou périphérie ? Exister au coeur de l'arc lémanique
Authors: Lambelet Sébastien , Maeder Thierry
Published: February 2024

Nyon est une ville suisse de taille moyenne située sur les bords du lac Léman, à mi-chemin entre Genève et Lausanne. Dans les années 1980, les autorités nyonnaises craignaient que leur ville ne devienne une cité-dortoir sans âme. A contrario, Nyon s'affiche aujourd''hui comme une ville particulièrement dynamique. Afin de décrypter comment la ville et parvenue à tirer son épingle du jeu de la concurrence territoriale, cet article propose d''arpenter la ville de Nyon en s''arrêtant sur plusieurs lieux emblématiques ayant forgé son identité et son histoire récente.
Estudio básico para la determinación de las condiciones de operación para la extracción del aceite esencial de Myrcianthes pseudomato
Authors:   Carrera de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés UMSA, Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz N° 1175, La Paz, Bolivia, 0201-0220, secreiqaa@gmail.com, Hilari Callisaya Ana G. , Silva M. Armenio ,   Carrera de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés UMSA, Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz N° 1175, La Paz, Bolivia, 0201-0220, secreiqaa@gmail.com, Flores Esther Ninoska ,   Instituto de Investigaciones Fármaco Bioquímicas IIFB, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés UMSA, Avenida Saavedra N° 2224, La Paz, Bolivia, 0201-0220, iifb@hotmail.com
Published: February 2024

Estudio básico para la determinación de las condiciones de operación para la extracción del aceite esencial de Myrcianthes pseudomato. Las principales variables, masa, tamaño del grano y tiempo de extracción, que intervienen en la extracción por destilación de arrastre de vapor del aceite esencial de Myrcianthes pseudomato (D. Legrand) McVaugh fueron determinadas. El screening fitoquímico reveló la presencia de flavonoides y terpenoides entre otros. La composición del aceite esencial fue determinada por GC-MS la cual mostró la presencia mayoritaria de eucaliptol y linalool. El equipo por destilación de vapor fue según el diseño Bench Scale.
New anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum orchidearum on Cattleya sp. orchid in India
Authors: Dutta Suman , Basu Amitava , Maji Pijush Kanti
Published: February 2024

Cattleya sp. is high value tropical orchid gaining huge popularity due to its great aesthetic value in West Bengal among the non- conventional agriculturist growers. In August, 2017 to February, 2018 and August, 2018 to February, 2019, new anthracnose disease with initial symptoms characterized by: Blight lesions from margin of the leaves forming greyish to whitish centre surrounded by irregular deep brown colour covering large area were observed on Cattleya sp. of orchid in a nursery at Arambagh, Hooghly District, West Bengal, India (23⁰69’80’’N, 87⁰67’34’’E).Disease incidence and severity were recorded up to 22.67% and during survey in January month Cattleya sp. was found to infest with anthracnose where disease severity was recorded up to 23.00%, respectively. The fungus was isolated from the diseased leaves and tentatively identified as Colletotrichum orchidearum based on cultural and morphological characteristics such as spore and acervulus characters.  Partial DNA sequences of the ITS1 and ITS4 of the rRNA gene of Small Sub Unit (SSU) of the representative isolate CATA was found to be 100% similar with that of Colletotrichum orchidearumstrain LZJZ6 (Accession number: MK796541, China) and Colletotrichum orchidearum strain LL29-1-3 (Accession number: OM666546, China) obtained from NCBI database. Phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences indicated that the isolate CATA (MT158680) was closely related with Colletotrichum orchidearum strain LZJZ6 (Accession number: MK796541) and Colletotrichum orchidearum strain LL29-1-3 (Accession number: OM666546) and clustered together in as a single group with other deposited isolates of Colletotrichum orchidearum (OM666547 from China, MT114868 from Sri Lanka and MT299587 from Brazil). Isolates CATA was found to be pathogenic on the Cattleya sp. orchid. This is the first report of Colletotrichum orchidearum as the causal organism of Anthracnose disease in Cattleya sp.orchid in India.
Zukunftsfähige Gestaltung des Logistiksystems mit fahrerlosen Fahrzeugen
Authors: Tjaden Sandra
Published: February 2024

Logistik- und Transportunternehmen versprechen sich von fahrerlosen Fahrzeugen vielfältige Optimierungspotenziale. In der bestehenden Forschung bleiben diese potenziellen Wirkungen und ihre Wirkungsgefüge im Logistiksystem bislang jedoch weitestgehend unberücksichtigt. Tjaden (2023) schließt diese Forschungslücke und schafft basierend auf einer Literaturanalyse mithilfe eines dreistufigen Modellansatzes ein Verständnis des fahrerlosen Fahrens im Logistiksystem. Aus den sowohl qualitativen als auch quantitativen Ergebnisse werden Gestaltungsoptionen abgeleitet, die von den relevanten Akteuren für eine zukunftsfähige Einführung des fahrerlosen Fahrens im Logistiksystem genutzt werden können.
Testimonios y evidencias
Authors: Pozzi Escot Denise , Sala i Vila Núria , Villar Rocío , Fuentes Sarita
Published: February 2024

Una práctica recurrente en la arqueología peruana es comparar las evidencias arqueológicas con informaciones aportadas por los cronistas de la conquista y el temprano siglo XVI, quienes brindan datos significativos sobre el imperio incaico y las sociedades coexistentes, su organización económica, política, social, cultos, ideología, entre otros aspectos. En este artículo proponemos un diálogo analítico y cuestionador entre las informaciones de exploradores, viajeros y otros testimonios del s. XVIII y el registro arqueológico, a fin de comprender los vestigios del santuario de Pachacamac, tal como fueron observados y descritos en ese tiempo.

Presentamos los alcances en base a nuestra última intervención en el Templo Pintado (200 – 1470 d.C.) del santuario de Pachacamac, que revela parcialmente la apariencia del oráculo de Pachacamac durante sus últimos momentos de servicio al culto prehispánico, luego de la incursión de los primeros colonizadores españoles, actividades intensivas de saqueo, un parcial abandono y de desde la mirada de los viajeros del S.XVIII, expedicionarios científicos, cartógrafos e intelectuales peruanos.
Perancangan Alat Roll Press Untuk Pembuatan Emping Jagung Kapasitas 150 Kg/Jam Menggunakan Software Solidworks
Authors: Pell Yeremias M. , Odjan Benediktus Sori , Bunganaen Wenseslaus
Published: February 2024

The development of machine technology that makes it easier for humans to do things more easily and quickly, encourages the world of small and medium-sized corn chip craftsmen to develop home businesses that produce corn chips using a corn chipping machine. The production process with the help of machines can accelerate human performance in carrying out activities. In this design, we will redesign the corn chip machine which already uses a motor to drive a flattened roll that can be adjusted for slack. In this design, the mechanical system of the corn chips roll press machine, the source of rotation is the motor gear that drives the belt and pulley which is connected directly to the reducer which then moves the flattened roll with a chain and sprocket as an introduction. By utilizing the rotation of the gear motor, it can move the flattening roll which will later function to take corn kernels from the inlet funnel. The constant rotation of the motor that drives the flattening roll can work to take corn kernels continuously, thus providing convenience in the process of flattening corn seeds
CAN DVD VIDEOS IN ENGLISH WITH CAPTIONS HELP ITALIAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO DEVELOP THEIR EFL LISTENING COMPREHENSION SKILLS?
Authors: Valente Federico , Spilabotte Francesco , Lungu Monica
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether the bimodal input (videos in theEnglish language with English captions) can lead Italian high school students toimprove their listening comprehension skills. The trigger for this research comes frommy EFL teaching experiences at Italian schools where the syllabi employed tend toneglect the training of the listening comprehension skills and focus mainly on grammartranslation and English literature instructions. The literature review describes in detailtheoretical issues with regard to the advantages of the bimodal input over monomodalinput and other approaches on how these techniques help FL students to facilitatecomprehension difficulties. It also makes reference to a few key findings from formerresearch. Findings indicate that not only can the bimodal input effectively help learnersto enhance their comprehension, but it can stimulate their motivation in studyingEnglish and lower learners� level of anxiety which is commonly associated with theircomprehension performance.
PARKINSON'S DISEASE - A REVIEW OF DIAGNOSTIC METHODS AND MODERN THERAPIES
Authors: Borowska-Waniak Karolina , Marcinkiewicz Anita , Ochotnicka Aleksandra , Borowska Maja , Michalik Dominik , Skorupińska Kinga , Opala Anna , Łukaszczyk Aneta
Published: February 2024

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, neurodegenerative disease belonging to the group of alpha-synucleinopathies. It is associated with the loss of dopaminergic neurons and is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies. The diagnosis of PD is mainly based on the clinical picture. The basis of therapy are dopaminergic drugs, and the doses of drugs, as well as the frequency of their administration, should be increased along with the progression of the disease, which, however, is associated with an increase in side effects. We are still looking for new solutions that will make the therapy optimal and tailored to each patient. Currently, methods such as deep brain stimulation are becoming more and more available. New technologies such as PD-watch, hydrogel, Parkinson's gloves, STAT-ON TM or gene therapy bring hope to patients struggling with this disease on a daily basis. The aim of our work was to provide an overview of modern treatment methods and to provide the reader with basic information about Parkinson's disease. The information we used in this work comes from a critical review of the Pubmed literature, as well as specialized medical literature. Methods:We analyzed scientific publications containing information on Parkinson's disease, current treatment data. We also searched for modern diagnostic methods and information on Parkinson's disease treatment options. We have collected the data and summarized it in this article. Conclusion: Currently available therapies provide good control of motor symptoms, but do not modify the development of Parkinson's disease. However, the development of technology and medicine allows us to think that in the future the fate of patients with this disease will change, and new solutions will bring positive results.