bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determining the Appropriate Treatment for T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia With SET-CAN/NUP214 Fusion: Perspectives From a Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lin Na , Liu Zhenghua , Li Yan , Yan Xiaojing , Wang Lei
Published: March 2021

SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion is a recurrent event most commonly seen in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). It is related to resistance to glucocorticoids and chemotherapy; however, the reported prognosis of T-ALL with SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion is diverse, and the optimal treatment option remains undetermined. Here, we present the treatment process of an illuminating case of T-ALL with SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion. The patient showed early resistance to routine VICLP chemotherapy (at 15th day, 79.2% blasts), but the leukemia burden was significantly reduced after 28-day induction chemotherapy (18.85% blasts), even though she still didn’t achieve complete remission (CR) after a second course of high-dose methotrexate (3 g/m2) and pegaspargase. Ex vivo drug sensitivity screening using a panel of 165 kinds of cytotoxic drugs, targeted therapy drugs, combination chemotherapy drugs, etc., was conducted on the refractory leukemia cells, which showed extensive resistance to various regimens. Surprisingly, AML-like scheme DAE scheme (daunorubicin + cytarabine + etoposide) and carfilzomib showed the highest ex vivo inhibition rate. The patient received DAE regimen chemotherapy, and finally achieved complete remission and received allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). According to our own findings and a literature survey, we found that T-ALL patients with SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion usually shows early resistance to chemotherapy, but they have a delayed response, and the CR rate is not compromised; thus, a chemotherapy regimen featuring a 28-day long course, such as that used in GRAALL 2003 or 2005, is recommended for induction therapy. For refractory patients, AML-like therapy such as DAE or CLAG in combination with asparaginase may be beneficial. In addition, carfilzomib may be a useful therapeutic drug and is worthy of further study. Allo-HSCT improves prognosis and we recommend HSCT if possible. Additional chromosomal or molecular events may affect the prognosis, and further investigation is needed. We believe that through proper treatment, the prognosis of patients with SET-CAN/NUP214 fusion can be greatly improved, at least not worse than that of other T-ALL patients.
High Efficient Metadevices for Terahertz Beam Shaping
Authors: Li Xinan , Shen Zhixiong , Tan Qinggui , Hu Wei
Published: March 2021

Metasurfaces supply a planar approach for flexible wavefront manipulation, thus facilitating the integration and minimization of optical elements, especially in the terahertz (THz) range. High efficient THz metadevices are highly pursued at present. Here, we propose a bilayer design to improve the efficiency of metadevice. Two silicon pillar arrays with distinguishing geometries are integrated on single silicon substrate. On one side, elliptical silicon pillars, with geometry optimized for the target frequency, are spatially orientated to realize the desired Pancharatnam-Berry phase. On the other side, uniform circular silicon pillars are set to suppress the reflection. With this design, versatile metadevices such as lens, lens array, polarization fork grating, Bessel vortex generator, and Airy beam generator are demonstrated. Maximum efficiency up to 95% for the target frequency and excellent design flexibility are verified. It provides a practical strategy for the generation of compact and high-efficiency THz metadevices, which suit for high-performance THz imaging and communication apparatuses.
Photo-Diodes Based on CH3NH3PbCl3 Perovskite Single Crystals by Epitaxial Growth for Ultraviolet Photo-Detection
Authors: Zhao Jingda , Wang Xin , Pan Yuzhu , Xu Yubing , Li Yuwei , Chen Jing , Wu Jun , Li Qing , Zhao Zhiwei , Zhang Xiaobing , Akram Javed , Bae Byung Seong , Yang Haining , Lei Wei
Published: March 2021

Organic-inorganic hybrid methylammonium lead halide perovskite MAPbX3 (where MA = CH3NH3, and X = Cl, Br, I) single crystals are potential semiconductors for photo-detection due to their excellent optoelectronic performance. In particular, MAPbCl3 single crystal is a wide-band-gap (2.9 eV) semiconductor which is suitable for ultraviolet (UV) detection. In this work, n−-n+ photo-diodes are fabricated through solution-processed epitaxial growth, growing Bi-doped MAPbCl3 epitaxial layer on MAPbCl3 single crystal substrate. The epitaxial layer effectively improves the interface between n−-type and n+-type layers and leads to low dark current. This work provides useful information for UV detection based on perovskites.
Claims of Representation: Between Representation and Democratic Innovations
Authors: Guasti Petra , Geissel Brigitte
Published: March 2021

This article seeks to build a bridge between the empirical scholarship rooted in the traditional theory of political representation and constructivist theory on representation by focusing on the authorization of claims. It seeks to answer how claims can be authorized beyond elections - selecting three democratic innovations and tracing claims through the claim-making process. Different participatory democratic innovations are selected - providing various claims and taking place in different institutional contexts, i.e., (elected) members of the Council of Foreigners Frankfurt; individual citizens in participatory budgeting procedures in Münster; and citizen’s associations elected politicians in the referendum campaign in Hamburg. We first analyze the claims raised by the different claim-makers to identify their claimed constituency eligible to authorize claims. In the second step, we focus on the authorization by the claimed constituency and the relevant decision-making authority. The article finds that claim-making in democratic innovations is fractured and incomplete. Nevertheless, this is not the reason to dismiss democratic innovations as possible loci of representation; on the contrary, seen through the prism of claim-making, all representation – electoral and nonelectoral – is partial. Focusing on the authorization of claims in democratic innovations provides novel inferences about the potential and limits of democratic innovations for broadening democratic representation
Are Individual Differences in Information-Processing Styles Related to Transformational Leadership? A Test of the Cognitive Experiential Leadership Model
Authors: Curtis Guy J. , Wee Serena
Published: March 2021

The recently proposed Cognitive Experiential Leadership Model (CELM) states that leaders’ preference for rational thinking and behavioral coping will be related to their level of transformational leadership. The CELM was based on research that principally used cross-sectional self-report methods. Study 1 compared both self-ratings and follower-ratings of leadership styles with leaders’ self-rated thinking styles in 160 leader-follower dyads. Study 2 compared both self-ratings and coworker-ratings of leadership styles with leaders’ self-rated thinking styles for 74 leaders rated by 607 coworkers. In both Studies, leaders’ rational thinking, imaginative thinking, and behavioral coping correlated positively with their self-rated transformational leadership. However, only behavioral coping, but not rational thinking, was correlated with follower-rated (FR) transformational leadership in Study 1, and thinking styles were unrelated to other-rated transformational leadership in Study 2. These results partly support and partly challenge the CELM. Practically, this study suggests that leadership may be improved by leaders developing their capacity for behavioral coping.
Depression and Anxiety Among Quarantined People, Community Workers, Medical Staff, and General Population in the Early Stage of COVID-19 Epidemic
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Yu Hegao , Yang Weiqiang , Mo Qihua , Yang Zhanggui , Wen Shuangshuang , Zhao Fei , Zhao Weishun , Tang Yongyan , Ma Liang , Zeng Ruifen , Zou Xia , Lin Hanli
Published: March 2021

Background: We described the prevalence of anxiety and depression related to COVID-19 pandemic among different types of population and examined their potential risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to collect demographic characteristics, exposure histories, and many other concerns about COVID-19. The Zung's self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS), followed by a four-step multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with mental health outcomes.

Results: Out of 3,303 participants, the quarantined people (40.9%), community workstation staffs-policemen-volunteers (CPV) (36.4%) and general public (30.7%) reported higher percentages of depression than the general medical staff (18.4%). Moreover, the quarantined people (19.1%) also showed higher prevalence of anxiety than the general public (9.1%) and the general medical staff (7.8%). The quarantined people had the highest risk of anxiety and depression, whereas the self-rated health was negatively associated with the risks of anxiety and depression. Younger age group (18 to 30 years) showed higher risks of anxiety (OR = 6.22, 95% CI = 2.89–13.38, p < 0.001) and depression (OR = 3.69, 95% CI = 2.40–5.69, p < 0.001). People who had exposure history or contact from Hubei province after December 1, 2019 (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.07–2.30, p < 0.001), had family or friends engaged in front-line health care work (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.02–2.14, p < 0.001), had confirmed case nearby (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.43–4.18, p < 0.001) were all more likely to suffer from anxiety. Moreover, the negligence (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.37–2.51, p < 0.001) or overindulgence (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.03–2.04, p < 0.001) toward the epidemic information was associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety.

Conclusions: Our findings show that the CPV and quarantined people were most at-risk population. We have identified that the young people, people with exposure histories and negligence or overindulgence toward epidemic information are in grave need of attention.
Courage, Justice, and Practical Wisdom as Key Virtues in the Era of COVID-19
Authors: Fowers Blaine J. , Novak Lukas F. , Calder Alexander J. , Sommer Robert K.
Published: March 2021

Fowers et al. (2017)recently made a general argument for virtues as the characteristics necessary for individuals to flourish, given inherent human limitations. For example, people can flourish by developing the virtue of friendship as they navigate the inherent (healthy) human dependency on others. This general argument also illuminates a pathway to flourishing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the risks of which have induced powerful fears, exacerbated injustices, and rendered life and death decisions far more common. Contexts of risk and fear call for the virtue of courage. Courage has emerged more powerfully as a central virtue among medical personnel, first responders, and essential workers. Longstanding inequalities have been highlighted during the pandemic, calling for the virtue of justice. When important personal and public health decisions must be made, the central virtue of practical wisdom comes to the fore. Wise decisions and actions incorporate the recognition of relevant moral concerns and aims, as well as responding in fitting and practical ways to the specifics of the situation. Practicing courage, justice, and practical wisdom illuminates a path to flourishing, even in a pandemic.
Factors Associated With Healthcare Workers' Insomnia Symptoms and Fatigue in the Fight Against COVID-19, and the Role of Organizational Support
Authors: Zou Xia , Liu Shaokun , Li Jie , Chen Wen , Ye Jiali , Yang Yuan , Zhou Fenfen , Ling Li
Published: March 2021

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been exposed to increased risks of insomnia and fatigue during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we identify important risk factors associated with insomnia symptoms and fatigue among HCWs, and evaluate the effect of organizational support on insomnia and fatigue symptoms.

Methods: This is an online cross-sectional survey of HCWs in China administered during the COVID-19 epidemic (from February 27, 2020 to March 12, 2020). We employed the AIS-8 scale for insomnia screening, and a self-reported ten-point scale to evaluate subjects' degrees of fatigue. We also designed a four-point scale to assess the degree of social support provided on an organizational level. Additionally, we conducted logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors.

Results: This study included a total of 3,557 participants, 41% of which consisted of non-frontline HCWs and 59% of which was frontline HCWs. Of the non-frontline HCWs, 49% reported insomnia symptoms, and 53.8% reported a moderate to high degree of fatigue. Meanwhile, among the frontline HCWs, the percentages for insomnia and moderate to high fatigue were 63.4% and 72.2%, respectively. Additionally, frontline HCWs and HCWs employed at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) had elevated risks of insomnia and fatigue. However, with increased organizational support, insomnia symptoms decreased among frontline HCWs. Also, organizational support mitigated the positive correlation between daily working hours and degree of fatigue among HCWs.

Conclusion: Frontline HCWs and staff in Chinese CDCs have been at a high risk of insomnia symptoms and fatigue during the fight against COVID-19. This study provides evidence for the positive effects of organizational support in relation to insomnia and fatigue among HCWs. This sheds light on government responses to the COVID-19 epidemic for other countries.
Major Stress-Related Symptoms During the Lockdown: A Study by the Italian Society of Psychophysiology and Cognitive Neuroscience
Authors: Invitto Sara , Romano Daniele , Garbarini Francesca , Bruno Valentina , Urgesi Cosimo , Curcio Giuseppe , Grasso Alberto , Pellicciari Maria Concetta , Koch Giacomo , Betti Viviana , Fiorio Mirta , Ricciardi Emiliano , de Tommaso Marina , Valeriani Massimiliano
Published: March 2021

The clinical effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are now the subject of numerous studies worldwide. But what are the effects of the quarantine imposed by the states that implemented the measures of lockdown? The present research aims to explore, in a preliminary way, the major stress-related symptoms during the lockdown, due to Covid-19, in the Italian population. Subjects were asked to fill out a survey, that traced a line identifying the most relevant psychophysiological symptoms that took into account factors such as perceived stress, body perception, perceived pain, quality of sleep, perceptive variations (i.e., olfactory, gustatory, visual, acoustic, and haptic perception). A network approach formulating a hypothesis-generating exploratory analysis was adopted. Main results of the network analysis showed that the beliefs of having had the Covid-19 was related to individual variables (i.e., gender, working in presence, sleep quality, anxiety symptoms), while the familiarity of Covid-19 disease was related to contextual factors (e.g., number of recorded cases in the Region, working in presence). The self-perception of olfactory and perceptive alterations highlighted a great sensorial cross-modality, additionally, the olfactory impairment was related to the belief of having had the Covid-19. Compared to general network data, BAI, perceived stress, anxiety and chronic pain were in relation to daily sleep disturbance. Main study's results show how the management of the Covid-19 stressful representation, in its cognitive aspects, can modulate the psychophysiological responses.
Toward Spectral and Energy Efficient 5G Networks Using Relayed OFDM With Index Modulation
Authors: Dang Shuping , Zhou Jiusi , Shihada Basem , Alouini Mohamed-Slim
Published: March 2021

Next generation wireless networks are expected to provide much higher data throughput and reliable connections for a far larger number of wireless service subscribers and machine-type nodes, which results in increasingly stringent requirements of spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE). Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing with index modulation (OFDM-IM) stands out as a promising solution to satisfy the SE requirement with a reasonable increase in system complexity. However, the EE of OFDM-IM is still required to be enhanced. Moreover, diversity gain is difficult to harvest from the frequency domain without affecting the SE for OFDM-IM systems, which hinders further reliability enhancement. In this regard, relay-assisted OFDM-IM, as a promising joint paradigm to achieve both high SE and EE, was proposed and has been studied since last year. The objectives of this study are to summarize the recent achievements of this joint paradigm, articulate its pros and cons, and reveal the corresponding challenges and future work. More importantly, we provide a full picture and insights into the implementation of this new paradigm in next generation networks.
A Scooping-Binding Robotic Gripper for Handling Various Food Products
Authors: Wang Zhongkui , Furuta Haruki , Hirai Shinichi , Kawamura Sadao
Published: March 2021

Food products are usually difficult to handle for robots because of their large variations in shape, size, softness, and surface conditions. It is ideal to use one robotic gripper to handle as many food products as possible. In this study, a scooping-binding robotic gripper is proposed to achieve this goal. The gripper was constructed using a pneumatic parallel actuator and two identical scooping-binding mechanisms. The mechanism consists of a thin scooping plate and multiple rubber strings for binding. When grasping an object, the mechanisms actively makes contact with the environment for scooping, and the object weight is mainly supported by the scooping plate. The binding strings are responsible for stabilizing the grasping by wrapping around the object. Therefore, the gripper can perform high-speed pick-and-place operations. Contact analysis was conducted using a simple beam model and a finite element model that were experimentally validated. Tension property of the binding string was characterized and an analytical model was established to predict binding force based on object geometry and binding displacement. Finally, handling tests on 20 food items, including products with thin profiles and slippery surfaces, were performed. The scooping-binding gripper succeeded in handling all items with a takt time of approximately 4 s. The gripper showed potential for actual applications in the food industry.
Increased Leg Strength After Concurrent Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training in Older Adults Is Augmented by a Whole Food-Based High Protein Diet Intervention
Authors: Timmons James F. , Hone Michelle , Cogan Karl E. , Duffy Orlaith , Egan Brendan
Published: March 2021

Most studies in older adults have utilized powdered protein supplements or oral nutrition solutions as a source of additional dietary protein, but whole foods may provide a greater anabolic stimulus than protein isolated from food matrices. Therefore, the present study investigated a concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training program in older adults, in the absence or presence of a high protein whole food-based dietary intervention, for effects on strength, physical function, and body composition. Community-dwelling older adults (n = 56; M/F, 28/28; age, 69.3 ± 4.0 years; BMI, 26.6 ± 3.7 kg m−2) participated in a 12-week intervention after randomization to either nutrition only (NUTR; n = 16), exercise only (EX, n = 19), or nutrition plus exercise (NUTR + EX, n = 21) groups. NUTR and NUTR + EX followed a dietary intervention targeting an increase in protein-rich meals at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Exercise training in EX and NUTR + EX consisted of 24 min sessions of concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise performed three times per week. Daily protein intake increased in NUTR and NUTR + EX, but not EX. The increase in 1RM leg press strength was greater (Interaction effect, P = 0.012) in NUTR + EX [29.6 (18.1, 41.0) kg] than increases observed in NUTR [11.1 (−1.3, 23.6) kg] and EX [12.3 (0.9, 23.8) kg]. The increase in 1RM chest press strength was greater (interaction effect, P = 0.031) in NUTR + EX [6.3 (4.0, 8.6) kg] than the increase observed in NUTR [2.9 (0.3, 5.5) kg], but not EX [6.3 (3.9, 8.7) kg]. Hand-grip strength and sit-to-stand performance were each improved in all three groups, with no differences observed between groups (interaction effect, P = 0.382 and P = 0.671, respectively). An increase in percentage body fat was observed in NUTR, but not in EX or NUTR + EX (interaction effect, P = 0.018). No between-group differences were observed for change in lean body mass (interaction effect, P = 0.402). Concurrent aerobic and resistance exercise training improves strength and physical function in older adults, but combining this training with an increase in daily protein intake through whole foods may be advantageous to increase lower limb strength.
Urban Foodscapes and Greenspace Design: Integrating Grazing Landscapes Within Multi-Use Urban Parks
Authors: Davis Shannon
Published: March 2021

Since the early 2000s an increasing number of planning and design projects, within the spatial design fields of landscape architecture and urban design, have focused on food landscapes and their re-integration into the urban environment; particularly as a result of recent global movements toward creating more sustainable cities and human settlements. This article explores the potential contribution of grazing lands within cities of the Global North as a multi-beneficial layer in public greenspace design. Plant-based urban farms and community gardens have experienced significant growth within developed nations in recent years, in both scholarship and practice, however the design and implementation of integrated grazing lands within the urban zone has been largely left out. For much of the Global North animal agriculture is still considered primarily rural. This research considers the potential of integrating grazing lands within the city through multiuse greenspace design, and undertakes a case study design critique of Cornwall Park, Auckland where since 1903, the Park has provided urban grazing for sheep and cattle, alongside other land uses and experiences such as recreation, heritage, bio-diversity, and education. Undertaking a “descriptive critique” of Cornwall Park, and its 100 Year Master Plan, this research is intended to enhance, the understanding and role, grazing animals can play within public greenspace.
Study of Pumpkin Drying Through Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Ripoli Cristina , Adiletta Giuseppina , Russo Paola , Funicello Nicola , Iannone Gerardo , Di Matteo Marisa , De Pasquale Salvatore
Published: March 2021

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) techniques are widely used in food science, mainly because they are non-invasive techniques. MRI, as a non-destructive technique, allows the study of intact samples and without any preparation of the samples before analysis. In food processing, the monitoring of distribution and water content is a consolidated analysis technique, frequently used on the market in order to preserve appropriate nutritional and health characteristics of food according to quality standards. In a food matrix, the variation of the water content is related to the changes in the internal structure and in the physico-chemical properties that occur during the transformation process. In this study MRI technique is used to evaluate the variation of the water content as a function of the drying time. Pumpkin samples are analyzed at four different drying temperatures of 50, 60, 65, and 70°C. The transverse relaxation time, T2, is used to assess the hydration level of the samples by comparing the information extracted from MR images with the drying kinetics measured by gravimetric method. Moreover, T2 maps are used to correlate the change in water distribution with the change in T2 values. The results show that the global weight loss curves obtained with the standard gravimetric method and with the MRI data are in excellent agreement. This work indicates that monitoring changes in the T2 profile of food (i.e., pumpkin) is a useful method for evaluating moisture profiles and changes induced on the sample during the drying process.
Use of Clinical Audits to Evaluate Timing of Preoperative Antimicrobials in Equine Surgery at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital
Authors: Ceriotti Serena , Westerfeld Roxane , Bonilla Alvaro G. , Pang Daniel S. J.
Published: March 2021

Based on human surgical guidelines, intravenous antimicrobials are recommended to be administered within 60 min of surgical incision. Achieving this target in horses is reportedly challenging and influenced by hospital policies. The objectives of this study were to evaluate and improve: (1) the timing of antimicrobial administration to surgical incision (tAB-INC), (2) contributions of anesthesia pre-induction (tPRI) and surgical preparation (tPREP) periods to tAB-INC, and the (3) completeness of antimicrobial recording. Two clinical audits were conducted before and after the policy changes (patient preparation and anesthesia record keeping). tPRI, tPREP, and tAB-INC were calculated and compared for elective arthroscopies and emergency laparotomies within and between the audits. The percentage of procedures with a tAB-INC <60 min was calculated. Antimicrobial recording was classified as complete or incomplete. A median tAB-INC <60 min was achieved in laparotomies (audit 1; 45 min, audit 2; 53 min) with a shorter tPREP than arthroscopies (p< 0.0001, both audits). The percentage of procedures with tAB-INC <60 min, tAB-INC, tPRI, and tPREP durations did not improve between the audits. There was a positive correlation between the number of operated joints and tPREP (audit 1,p<0.001,r= 0.77; audit 2,p< 0.001,r= 0.59). Between audits, antimicrobial recording significantly improved for elective arthroscopies (82–97%,p= 0.008) but not emergency laparotomies (76–88%,p= 0.2). Clinical audits successfully quantified the impact of introduced changes and their adherence to antimicrobial prophylaxis guidelines. Antimicrobial recording was improved but further policy changes are required to achieve a tAB-INC <60 min for arthroscopies.
Case Report: Multidrug Resistant Raoultella ornithinolytica in a Septicemic Calf
Authors: Pas Mathilde L. , Vanneste Kevin , Bokma Jade , Van Driessche Laura , De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Roosens Nancy H. , Haesebrouck Freddy , Boyen Filip , Pardon Bart
Published: March 2021

Sepsis is a frequent life-threatening condition in young calves, requiring rapid broad spectrum and bactericidal therapy to maximize survival chances. Few studies have identified and characterized bacteria involved in sepsis in calves. This report demonstrates the involvement of a multidrug resistant Raoultella ornithinolytica, an emerging pathogen in human medicine, in a calf with suspected sepsis. R. ornithinolytica was identified by MALDI-TOF MS from blood cultures of a critically ill calf. Susceptibility testing showed phenotypic resistance against ampicillin, gentamicin, potentiated sulphonamides, streptomycin, tetracyclines and intermediate susceptibility for enrofloxacin. Whole genome sequencing confirmed identification as R. ornithinolytica and the multidrug resistant character of the isolate. Antimicrobial resistance genes acting against aminoglycosides, beta-lactam antibiotics, fosfomycin, quinolones, sulphonamides, trimethoprim and tetracyclines were found. The calf recovered after empirical parenteral therapy with enrofloxacin and sodium penicillin for seven days. Ancillary therapy consisted of fluid therapy, ketoprofen and doxapram hydrochloride. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report characterizing a multidrug resistant R. ornithinolytica isolate from blood culture in cattle. It is currently unknown whether animals and farms may act as reservoirs for multidrug resistant R. ornithinolytica strains.
The Effect of Grazing Intensity and Sward Heterogeneity on the Movement Behavior of Suckler Cows on Semi-natural Grassland
Authors: Hamidi Dina , Komainda Martin , Tonn Bettina , Harbers Jens , Grinnell Natascha Alexandria , Isselstein Johannes
Published: March 2021

Extensively grazed semi-natural grasslands contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services, including the preservation of biodiversity and provision of livestock feed. Depending on the grazing intensity, cattle are set in motion to fulfill their nutritional needs. In this way, they influence the vegetation composition, while at the same time the foraging behavior is affected by the vegetation. A better understanding of the relationship between grazing intensity and animal behavior is an essential component for strategies to improve the value of semi-natural grasslands and for gaining insights for the development of smart farming technologies. The long-term cattle grazing experiment “FORBIOBEN” with its replicated three paddock-scale (1 ha) grazing intensities [moderate (M), lenient (L), very lenient (VL)] was used to investigate the movement behavior of suckler cows during four grazing periods between 2017 and 2020. For this, pregnant suckler cows (Fleckvieh) were equipped with Vectronics GPS Plus (VECTRONIC Aerospace GmbH, Berlin) collars, which recorded the position of the animals at defined time intervals. The main outcomes were that with an increase in the grazing intensity, the herbage on offer declined and, consequently the herbage allowance. However, the spatial heterogeneity of the herbage on offer decreased with increasing grazing intensity (M < VL) which means that the amount of available herbage was lower but more evenly distributed under moderate grazing. Further, there was a tendency that the moderate grazing intensity was associated with the highest effort of walking compared to lenient and very lenient grazing in three out of four grazing periods. We found a strong (p < 0.001) negative correlation among walking distance vs. herbage variability across all treatments × periods. Consequently, the grazing intensity itself was not a good predictor of walking distances which were mainly a result of the available herbage, its distribution or heterogeneity. Future smart farming livestock management systems will, therefore, likely require interfaces with the grassland growth rates and heterogeneity benchmarks if decisions based on livestock movement should be reliable.
Risk Perception and Emotion Reaction of Chinese Health Care Workers Varied During COVID-19: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Research
Authors: Qianlan Yin , Ying Liu , Aibin Chen , Xiangrui Song , Wenpeng Cai , Guanghui Deng , Wei Dong
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To examine risk perception and negative emotions during two periods of the COVID-19 and provide plausible intervention points for the psychological aid under a stressful condition.

Methods: The current study adopted the repeated cross-sectional research and was participated by a cohort of Chinese HCWs who were assigned to work at the current disease resistance line. The between-group information about gender, profession, and location was collected in the demographic questionnaire. Risk perception questionnaire was adapted for COVID-19 to assess risk perception and the Chinese version of emotional self-rating scale (PANAS) was used to evaluate HCWs’ negative emotions.

Results: Findings revealed the risk perception and negative emotions of HCWs varied in different gender, profession, location, as well as different periods of COVID-19. Over the different periods, the predominated negative emotion expressed by HCWs varied, but negative emotion was consistently associated with risk perception and could be a significant indicator of risk perception.

Conclusion: The significance of this research lies in its examination of risk perception and negative emotions of HCWs confronting the COVID-19 during two periods of the pandemic, which underscored the importance of monitoring the risk perception and negative emotions of HCWs to ensure safety and prevent the return of the pandemics.
Rotation and Fertilization Effects on Soil Quality and Yields in a Long Term Field Experiment
Authors: Giacometti Caterina , Mazzon Martina , Cavani Luciano , Triberti Loretta , Baldoni Guido , Ciavatta Claudio , Marzadori Claudio
Published: March 2021

Understanding the complex relationships among soil quality, crop productivity, and management practices would help to develop more sustainable agricultural production systems. In this study, we investigated the combined effects of crop rotations and fertilization treatments on soil quality and crop yield in a long term (about 50 years) field experiment. Crop rotations included continuous corn (Zea mays L.), a 2 year corn-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation, and a 9 year corn-wheat-corn-wheat-corn-wheat-alfalfa-alfalfa-alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) rotation. Fertilization treatments included control, mineral fertilization with urea and triple superphosphate, and amendment with cattle manure. Crop rotations and fertilization treatments were combined in a factorial experimental design with two replications for each rotation and six replications for each fertilization treatment. The continuous corn and the corn-wheat rotations had negative effects on the main soil quality indicators considered (carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools, microbial biomass and activity). On the contrary, the 9 year rotation had positive effects on soil organic carbon (+24%) and total nitrogen (+23%) but resulted in impoverished available P (−5%). Positive effects on soil microbial biomass (+37% of microbial biomass C and +23% of microbial biomass N) and activity (+19%) were also observed. Soil amendment with manure built up soil organic carbon (+13%), increased nutrient content (+31% of extractable C and +19% of extractable N), including that of available P (+47%), and stimulated microbial growth (+34%) and activity (+8%). As compared to manure, mineral fertilization increased the soil nutrient content to a lesser extent. This study showed that the combined use of rotations, including legume forage crops, and soil amendment with manure may help preserve soil quality and crop productivity in the long term.
Status of the Ex Situ and In Situ Conservation of Brazilian Crop Wild Relatives of Rice, Potato, Sweet Potato, and Finger Millet: Filling the Gaps of Germplasm Collections
Authors: Medeiros Marcelo B. , Valls José F. M. , Abreu Aluana G. , Heiden Gustavo , Ribeiro-Silva Suelma , José Solange C. B. R. , Santos Izulmé R. I. , Passos Alexandre M. A. , Burle Marília L.
Published: March 2021

This study presents the status of ex situ and in situ conservation for the crop wild relatives of rice, potato, sweet potato, and finger millet in Brazil, and the subsequent germplasm collection expeditions. This research is part of a global initiative entitled “Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change: Collecting, Protecting, and Preparing Crop Wild Relatives” supported by the Global Crop Diversity Trust. Species of the primary, secondary, and tertiary gene pools with occurrences reported in Brazil were included: Oryza alta Swallen, O. grandiglumis (Döll) Prod., O. latifolia Desv., O. glumaepatula Steud., Eleusine tristachya (Lam.) Lam., E. indica (L.) Gaertn., Solanum commersonii Dunal, S. chacoense Bitter, Ipomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O’Donell, I. ramosissima (Poir.) Choisy, I. tiliacea (Willd.) Choisy, I. triloba L., and I. cynanchifolia Meisn. The status of the ex situ and in situ conservation of each taxon was assessed using the gap analysis methodology, and the results were used to plan 16 germplasm collection expeditions. Seeds of the collected material were evaluated for viability, and the protocols for seed germination and cryopreservation were tested. The final conservation score, resulting from the gap analysis and including the average of the ex situ and in situ scores, resulted in a classification of medium priority of conservation for all the species, with the exception of I. grandifolia (high priority). The total accessions collected (174) almost doubled the total accessions of these crop wild relatives incorporated in Embrapa’s ex situ conservation system prior to 2015. In addition, accessions for practically absent species were collected for the ex situ conservation system, such as Ipomoea species, Eleusine indica, and Solanum chacoense. The methods used for dormancy breaking and low temperature conservation for the Oryza, Eleusine, and Ipomoea species were promising for the incorporation of accessions in the respective gene banks. The results show the importance of efforts to collect and conserve ex situ crop wild relatives in Brazil based on previous gap analysis. The complementarity with the in situ strategy also appears to be very promising in the country.
Exploring Molecular Insights of Cereal Peptidic Antioxidants in Metabolic Syndrome Prevention
Authors: Ofosu Fred Kwame , Mensah Dylis-Judith Fafa , Daliri Eric Banan-Mwine , Oh Deog-Hwan
Published: March 2021

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is presently an alarming public health problem globally. Oxidative stress has been postulated to be strongly correlated with MetS, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Cereals are important staple foods which account for a huge proportion of the human diet. However, owing to recent growing demand and the search for natural antioxidants for the prevention and management of MetS, cereal peptides have gained increasing attention for developing functional ingredients or foods with substantial antioxidant properties. This review explores the current production techniques for cereal peptidic antioxidants and their potential mechanism of action in the prevention and management of MetS.
Influence of Ozone on the Biochemical Composition of Birch Sap
Authors: Paulikienė Simona , Mingaila Justas , Vilimas Vladas , Bartkevičius Edmundas , Viskelis Pranas , Raila Algirdas
Published: March 2021

Studies have shown that ozone is a good oxidizer and a strong disinfectant. There are many uses for ozone in the food industry, but there is relatively little information about the influence of ozone on biochemical composition and the capacity to reduce the number of microorganisms in birch sap. In this study, sap was ozonated at different intervals for 5 min (O3: 0.087 ± 0.009 mg L−1), 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, or 30 min (O3: 0.99 ± 0.09 mg L−1). The parameters of the birch sap were studied immediately after the ozone treatment as well as during storage for seven days at 2 °C and for five days at 20 °C. The parameters of ozonated birch sap were compared with the parameters of fresh sap (control). The microbiological analysis included total bacterial count, lactic acid bacterial count, and yeast and mold count. Birch sap color, pH, titratable acidity, and ºBrix values were also determined. Evaluation of monosaccharides, sucrose, total sugars, and ascorbic acid was carried out in fresh sap as well as sap ozonated for 30 min, immediately after ozonation. The results show the statistical significance of the inactivation of microorganisms after treatment in most cases. The microorganism counts gradually reduced with increasing intervals of ozone treatment. The best results were obtained after 25 and 30 min of ozonation. Ozone treatment did not significantly influence the pH, titratable acidity, or °Brix statistically. Values of monosaccharides, sucrose, total sugars, and ascorbic acid were influenced within the margin of error. Ozone had a significant influence on the chroma and hue angle.
Immobilization of (Aqueous) Cations in Low pH M-S-H Cement
Authors: Marsiske Maximilian R. , Debus Christian , Di Lorenzo Fulvio , Bernard Ellina , Churakov Sergey V. , Ruiz-Agudo Cristina
Published: March 2021

Incorporation of heavy metal ions in cement hydrates is of great interest for the storage and immobilization of toxic, hazardous, and radioactive wastes using cementitious matrix. Magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) is a low pH alternative cementitious binder to commonly used Portland cement. Low pH cements have been considered as promising matrix for municipal and nuclear waste immobilization in the last decades. It is however crucial to assure that the incorporation of secondary ions is not detrimental for the formation of the hydration products. Herein, we investigate the early stages of formation of M-S-H from electrolyte solutions in presence of a wide range of metal cations (LiI, BaII, CsI, CrIII, FeIII, CoII, NiII, CuI, ZnII, PbII, AlIII). The final solid products obtained after 24 h have been characterized via powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), elemental analysis via energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). In all the experiments, the main precipitated phase after 24 h was confirmed to be M-S-H with a ratio (total metal/Si) close to one. The obtained M-S-H products showed strong immobilization capacity for the secondary metal cations and can incorporate up to 30% of the total metal content at the early stages of M-S-H formation without significantly delaying the nucleation of the M-S-H. It has been observed that presence of Cr, Co, and Fe in the solution is prolonging the growth period of M-S-H. This is related to a higher average secondary metal/total metal ratio in the precipitated material. Secondary phases that co-precipitate in some of the experiments (Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn) were also effectively trapped within in the M-S-H matrix. Barium was the only element in which the formation of a secondary carbonate phase isolated from the M-S-H precipitates was detected.
Focal Vibration Therapy: Vibration Parameters of Effective Wearable Devices
Authors: Ghazi Mustafa , Rippetoe Josiah , Chandrashekhar Raghuveer , Wang Hongwu
Published: March 2021

Focal vibration therapy can provide neurophysiological benefits. Unfortunately, standardized protocols are non-existent. Previous research presents a wide range of protocols with a wide range of effectiveness. This paper is part of a broader effort to identify effective, standardized protocols for focal vibration therapy. In this study, the authors evaluated the vibration characteristics (frequency and peak-to-peak intensity) of four commercially available focal vibration devices: (1) Vibracool (wearable), (2) Novafon (hand-held), (3) Myovolt 3-actuator (wearable), and (4) Myovolt 2-actuator (wearable). An accelerometer was used for the measurements. Measurements were made under the following two conditions: (a) when the devices were free, i.e., unconstrained vibration, and (b) when the devices were strapped to the human body, i.e., constrained vibration. In the free vibration condition, frequency ranged from 120 to 225 Hz and peak-to-peak amplitude ranged from 2.0 to 7.9 g’s. When the devices were strapped to the body (constrained), vibration amplitude decreased by up to 65.7%. These results identify effective ranges of focal vibration frequency and amplitude. They illustrate the importance of identifying vibration environment, free or constrained, when quoting vibration characteristics. Finally, the inconsistency output of multi-actuator devices is discussed. These results will guide protocol development for focal vibration and potentially better focal vibration devices.
Meta-Models and Genetic Algorithm Application to Approximate Optimization with Discrete Variables for Fire Resistance Design of A60 Class Bulkhead Penetration Piece
Authors: Park Woo Chang , Song Chang Yong
Published: March 2021

A60 class bulkhead penetration piece is a fire-resistance apparatus installed on bulkhead compartments to protect lives and to prevent flame diffusion in case of fire accident in ships and offshore plants. In this study, approximate optimization with discrete variables was carried out for the fire-resistance design of an A60 class bulkhead penetration piece (A60 BPP) using various meta-models and multi-island genetic algorithms. Transient heat transfer analysis was carried out to evaluate the fire-resistance design of the A60 class bulkhead penetration piece, and we verified the results of the analysis via a fire test. The design of the experiment’s method was applied to generate the meta-models to be used for the approximate optimization, and the verified results of the transient heat transfer analysis were integrated with the design of the experiment’s method. The meta-models used in the approximate optimization were response surface model, Kriging, and radial basis function-based neural network. In the approximate optimization, the bulkhead penetration piece length, diameter, material type, and insulation density were applied to discrete design variables, and constraints that were considered include temperature, productivity, and cost. The approximate optimum design problem based on the meta-model was formulated such that the discrete design variables were determined by minimizing the weight of the A60 class bulkhead penetration piece subject to the limit values of constraints. In the context of approximate accuracy, the solution results from the approximate optimization were compared to actual analysis results. It was concluded that the radial basis function-based neural network, among the meta-models used in the approximate optimization, showed the most accurate optimum design results for the fire-resistance design of the A60 class bulkhead penetration piece.
Load Bearing Capacity of Cohesive-Frictional Soils Reinforced with Full-Wraparound Geotextiles: Experimental and Numerical Investigation
Authors: Sukmak Gampanart , Sukmak Patimapon , Horpibulsuk Suksun , Hoy Menglim , Arulrajah Arul
Published: March 2021

This research investigated the effects of types of cohesive-frictional soil and geotextile reinforcement configurations on the bearing capacity of reinforced soil foundation (RSF) structures, via laboratory test and numerical simulation. The four reinforcement configurations studied for the RSF included: (i) horizontal planar form of geotextile, (ii) full-wraparound ends of geotextile, (iii) full-wraparound ends of geotextile with filled-in sand, and (iv) full-wraparound ends of geotextile with filled-in sand and sand backfill. The foundation soils studied were mixtures of fine sand and sodium bentonite at replacement ratios of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% by dry weight of sand to have various values of plasticity index (PI). The numerical analysis of RSF structures was performed using PLAXIS 2D software. Several factors were studied, which included: embedment depth of the top reinforcement layer (U), width of horizontal planar form of the reinforcement (W), and spacing between geotextile reinforcement layers (H). Number of reinforcement layers (N) was varied to determine the optimum parameters of U/B, W/B, H/B, and N, where B is the footing width. The most effective improvement technique was found for the full wraparound ends of geotextile with filled-in sand and sand backfill. The outcome of this research will provide a preliminary guideline in a design of RSF structure with different ground soils and other RSF structures with different geosynthetic types.