bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entomofauna Associated with Corn Cultivation and Damage Caused by Some Pests According to the Planting Season on the Ecuadorian Coast
Authors: Chirinos Dorys T. , Sánchez-Mora Fernando , Zambrano Freddy , Castro-Olaya Jessenia , Vasconez Gregorio , Cedeño Galo , Pin Kevin , Zambrano Jeison , Suarez-Navarrete Viviana , Proaño Vicente , Mera-Macias Julio , Vasquez Carlos
Published: April 2024

Corn (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal for food sovereignty, extensively planted due to its adaptation to various agroecological conditions. Climatic conditions and pests can affect its production. Concerning the latter, natural enemies could be considered in biological control programs. The objective of this study was to estimate the influence of the presence of insects, damage to plants and cobs, and their incidence on corn yield in two planting seasons. During the rainy (February to May) and dry seasons (Jun to October) of the year 2023, in Calceta, Lodana, and Quevedo, three important corn-growing areas on the Ecuadorian coast, corn plots of 1126 m2 were planted. The diversity of phytophagous and natural enemies was estimated. Damage to young plants and cobs was observed, and corn yield was determined. Of the 9073 insects observed, 44.2% and 55.8% constituted phytophagous and natural enemies, respectively. A moderate diversity (Shannon-H Index = 2.474–2.629 and Margalef Index = 2.734–3.110) of insects associated with corn was determined. Yield (range: 6.9 to 15.3 t) was negatively correlated with rainfall and cob damage (p < 0.05). Although precipitation is necessary for planting in rainy season, frequent and intense rains could be affect corn yield.
Effects of Different Combinations of Red and Blue Light on the Edible Organ Morphology and Quality of Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) Microgreens
Authors: Qiao Jianlei , Li Zhongyang , Lv Zheng , Liu Shuang , Chen Shanshan , Feng Yucai
Published: April 2024

Buckwheat microgreens are rich in nutrients and have a unique flavor that is favored by consumers. The light environment is closely related to the growth and development of the plant. In order to study the effects of treatments with different combinations of red and blue light on the edible organ morphology and nutritional quality of buckwheat microgreens, five experimental treatments were designed, with energy ratios of red light to blue light of 5:1 (R5B1), 3:1 (R3B1), 1:1 (R1B1), 1:3 (R1B3) and 1:5 (R1B5), respectively, and a white light treatment used as the control (CK). The results showed that different combination treatments of red and blue light had obvious effects on the growth of buckwheat microgreens. The hypocotyl length and main root length of buckwheat microgreens treated with a high proportion of red light (R5B1) were obviously higher than those of other treatment designs. However, contents of soluble protein, chlorophyll, rutin and total flavonoids in buckwheat microgreens showed an increasing trend with an increase in the proportion of blue light. Considering the fresh weight, dry weight and quality indexes of the edible organ, the combination of red light and blue light with a ratio of 1:1 was most suitable for buckwheat microgreen production. The results could provide a reference for the production of buckwheat microgreens.
Automated Observations of Dogs’ Resting Behaviour Patterns Using Artificial Intelligence and Their Similarity to Behavioural Observations
Authors: Schork Ivana , Zamansky Anna , Farhat Nareed , de Azevedo Cristiano Schetini , Young Robert John
Published: April 2024

Although direct behavioural observations are widely used, they are time-consuming, prone to error, require knowledge of the observed species, and depend on intra/inter-observer consistency. As a result, they pose challenges to the reliability and repeatability of studies. Automated video analysis is becoming popular for behavioural observations. Sleep is a biological metric that has the potential to become a reliable broad-spectrum metric that can indicate the quality of life and understanding sleep patterns can contribute to identifying and addressing potential welfare concerns, such as stress, discomfort, or health issues, thus promoting the overall welfare of animals; however, due to the laborious process of quantifying sleep patterns, it has been overlooked in animal welfare research. This study presents a system comparing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with direct behavioural observation methods for the same data to detect and quantify dogs’ sleeping patterns. A total of 13,688 videos were used to develop and train the model to quantify sleep duration and sleep fragmentation in dogs. To evaluate its similarity to the direct behavioural observations made by a single human observer, 6000 previously unseen frames were used. The system successfully classified 5430 frames, scoring a similarity rate of 89% when compared to the manually recorded observations. There was no significant difference in the percentage of time observed between the system and the human observer (p > 0.05). However, a significant difference was found in total sleep time recorded, where the automated system captured more hours than the observer (p < 0.05). This highlights the potential of using a CNN-based system to study animal welfare and behaviour research.
Emotional “Contagion” in Piglets after Sensory Avoidance of Rewarding and Punishing Treatment
Authors: Zhang Ye , Yang Xuesong , Sun Fang , Zhang Yaqian , Yao Yuhan , Bai Ziyu , Yu Jiaqi , Liu Xiangyu , Zhao Qian , Li Xiang , Bao Jun
Published: April 2024

In the pig farming industry, it is recommended to avoid groups when treating individuals to reduce adverse reactions in the group. However, can this eliminate the adverse effects effectively? Piglets were assigned to the Rewarding Group (RG), the Punishing Group (PG), and the Paired Control Group (PCG). There were six replicates in each group, with two paired piglets per replicate. One piglet of the RG and PG was randomly selected as the Treated pig (TP), treated with food rewards or electric shock, and the other as the Naive pig (NP). The NPs in the RG and PG were unaware of the treatment process, and piglets in the PCG were not treated. The behavior and heart rate changes of all piglets were recorded. Compared to the RG, the NPs in the PG showed longer proximity but less contact behavior, and the TPs in the PG showed more freezing behavior. The percentage change in heart rate of the NPs was synchronized with the TPs. This shows that after sensory avoidance, the untreated pigs could also feel the emotions of their peers and their emotional state was affected by their peers, and the negative emotions in the pigs lasted longer than the positive emotions. The avoidance process does not prevent the transfer of negative emotions to peers via emotional contagion from the stimulated pig.
Comparison of Machine Learning Tree-Based Algorithms to Predict Future Paratuberculosis ELISA Results Using Repeat Milk Tests
Authors: Imada Jamie , Arango-Sabogal Juan Carlos , Bauman Cathy , Roche Steven , Kelton David
Published: April 2024

Machine learning algorithms have been applied to various animal husbandry and veterinary-related problems; however, its use in Johne’s disease diagnosis and control is still in its infancy. The following proof-of-concept study explores the application of tree-based (decision trees and random forest) algorithms to analyze repeat milk testing data from 1197 Canadian dairy cows and the algorithms’ ability to predict future Johne’s test results. The random forest models using milk component testing results alongside past Johne’s results demonstrated a good predictive performance for a future Johne’s ELISA result with a dichotomous outcome (positive vs. negative). The final random forest model yielded a kappa of 0.626, a roc AUC of 0.915, a sensitivity of 72%, and a specificity of 98%. The positive predictive and negative predictive values were 0.81 and 0.97, respectively. The decision tree models provided an interpretable alternative to the random forest algorithms with a slight decrease in model sensitivity. The results of this research suggest a promising avenue for future targeted Johne’s testing schemes. Further research is needed to validate these techniques in real-world settings and explore their incorporation in prevention and control programs.
Fuzzy Logic-Based Driving Decision for an Omnidirectional Mobile Robot Using a Simulink Dynamic Model
Authors: Crenganiș Mihai , Breaz Radu-Eugen , Racz Sever-Gabriel , Gîrjob Claudia-Emilia , Biriș Cristina-Maria , Maroșan Adrian , Bârsan Alexandru
Published: April 2024

This scientific paper presents the development and validation process of a dynamic model in Simulink used for decision-making regarding the locomotion and driving type of autonomous omnidirectional mobile platforms. Unlike traditional approaches relying on differential equations, this study uses Simulink’s block-based diagrams, offering a simpler and efficient development process. Importantly, the dynamic model accounts for friction forces, a critical factor for energy monitoring. The model’s validation is conducted experimentally, ensuring its accuracy and reliability. This paper formulates mathematical models for both conventional and Mecanum wheel configurations, facilitating energy-efficient driving strategies. By decomposing resistive forces into inertial and frictional components using the Jacobian matrix, this study accurately simulates electrical current consumption during robot motion. Through fuzzy decision algorithms utilizing parameters such as energy consumption, travel time, precision, and desired maneuverability, this paper proposes a method for determining the optimal locomotion mode for mobile platforms with Mecanum wheels. Overall, this research brings a new contribution to the field of mobile robotics by providing a comprehensive framework for dynamic modeling and it offers the possibility to drive omnidirectional robots in an energy-efficient manner.
Inferior Alveolar Nerve Canal Segmentation on CBCT Using U-Net with Frequency Attentions
Authors: Liu Zhiyang , Yang Dong , Zhang Minghao , Liu Guohua , Zhang Qian , Li Xiaonan
Published: April 2024

Accurate inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal segmentation has been considered a crucial task in dentistry. Failing to accurately identify the position of the IAN canal may lead to nerve injury during dental procedures. While IAN canals can be detected from dental cone beam computed tomography, they are usually difficult for dentists to precisely identify as the canals are thin, small, and span across many slices. This paper focuses on improving accuracy in segmenting the IAN canals. By integrating our proposed frequency-domain attention mechanism in UNet, the proposed frequency attention UNet (FAUNet) is able to achieve 75.55% and 81.35% in the Dice and surface Dice coefficients, respectively, which are much higher than other competitive methods, by adding only 224 parameters to the classical UNet. Compared to the classical UNet, our proposed FAUNet achieves a 2.39% and 2.82% gain in the Dice coefficient and the surface Dice coefficient, respectively. The potential advantage of developing attention in the frequency domain is also discussed, which revealed that the frequency-domain attention mechanisms can achieve better performance than their spatial-domain counterparts.
An Extracellular Matrix Overlay Model for Bioluminescence Microscopy to Measure Single-Cell Heterogeneous Responses to Antiandrogens in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Champagne Audrey , Chebra Imene , Jain Pallavi , Ringuette Goulet Cassandra , Lauzier Annie , Guyon Antoine , Neveu Bertrand , Pouliot Frédéric
Published: April 2024

Prostate cancer (PCa) displays diverse intra-tumoral traits, impacting its progression and treatment outcomes. This study aimed to refine PCa cell culture conditions for dynamic monitoring of androgen receptor (AR) activity at the single-cell level. We introduced an extracellular matrix-Matrigel (ECM-M) culture model, enhancing cellular tracking during bioluminescence single-cell imaging while improving cell viability. ECM-M notably tripled the traceability of poorly adherent PCa cells, facilitating robust single-cell tracking, without impeding substrate permeability or AR response. This model effectively monitored AR modulation by antiandrogens across various PCa cell lines. Single-cell imaging unveiled heterogeneous antiandrogen responses within populations, correlating non-responsive cell proportions with drug IC50 values. Integrating ECM-M culture with the PSEBC-TSTA biosensor enabled precise characterization of ARi responsiveness within diverse cell populations. Our ECM-M model stands as a promising tool to assess heterogeneous single-cell treatment responses in cancer, offering insights to link drug responses to intracellular signaling dynamics. This approach enhances our comprehension of the nuanced and dynamic nature of PCa treatment responses.
Evaluating Need Crafting: Scale Validation and Workplace Implications
Authors: Putter Ivan , van der Vaart Leoni , Bosman Jacqueline
Published: April 2024

Basic psychological need crafting assumes that need-based experiences are enhanced through intentional behavior and thought changes. Despite its known benefits outside of the work context, need crafting instruments designed for this context, and the implications of need crafting for employee functioning, remain underexplored. Thus, this study set out to adapt and validate the need crafting scale (NCS) among employees (n = 229). Results supported the construct, discriminant validity, and criterion validity of the NCS. The research also revealed that, through need crafting, employees reported enhanced experiences related to their needs, which led to higher work effort and engagement and a reduced desire to leave their jobs. Additionally, the different types of need crafting had differential direct effects on employee functioning, supporting a more nuanced understanding of the construct. As the first of its kind, the study underpins the relevance and generalizability of the NCS and need crafting in the workplace.
The Post-Effects of the Authenticity of Rural Intangible Cultural Heritage and Tourists’ Engagement
Authors: Zuo Yifan , Lan Tianning , Liu Shuangshuang , Zeng Hongfa
Published: April 2024

Amidst the burgeoning interest in rural Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) tourism, this study, anchored in the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) theoretical framework, chose Meizhou Island in Fujian Province as a case study to examine the impacts of tourists’ perceptions of authenticity and their engagement levels on the destination image and loyalty towards rural ICH tourism. Utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to analyze survey data, findings revealed that higher perceptions of a destination’s preservation of original characteristics and traditional values correlate with a more favorable overall perception of the destination, albeit with smaller impact on emotional connections. Conversely, depth of tourist engagement was shown to enhance both understanding and emotional bonds with the destination. Further, familiarity with the destination was found to foster affection, thereby increasing the likelihood of repeat visits or recommendations. The more tourists know about a place, perceiving it as authentic, the more likely they are to remain loyal; similarly, deeper engagement enhances understanding and affection, increasing the probability of revisiting or recommending the place. These outcomes not only offer new insights into tourist behavior but also provide theoretical and practical guidance for the protection and development of rural ICH tourism, destination marketing, and management strategies, thus promoting the sustainable development of rural ICH tourism.
Optimizing the Return Vent Height for Improved Performance in Stratified Air Distribution Systems
Authors: Qiao Danping , Wu Shihai , Zhang Nan , Qin Chao
Published: April 2024

One of the factors that strongly impacts the efficacy of stratified air distribution (STRAD) systems is the return vent height (H), for which different studies have yielded different suggested values. This theoretical research uses a displacement ventilation (DV) system as an example to examine how the H affects the efficacy of STRAD systems through analysis of the trade-offs between the cost of the vertical temperature gradient and the benefits of energy reduction. The key results are as follows: (a) The energy savings due to a lower H are smaller than the cost of the vertical temperature gradient for all STRAD systems. (b) With a supply temperature (Ts) set at 18 °C, elevated return vent positions can result in excessively cooled areas, while extremely low vent positions create a temperature gradient exceeding 3 °C between the head and ankles. (c) The TOPSIS methodology reveals that the optimal H value lies in the range of 1.5–2.3 m when Ts is 18 °C. (d) When adjusting the Ts value to achieve thermal neutrality, 2.3 m is identified as the optimal H value, demonstrating superior performance over the 1.5 m to 2.3 m range at 18 °C Ts. These findings highlight the benefit of a higher H for STRAD systems and the significance of configuring ventilation systems for thermal neutrality.
Analysis of Fatal Construction Accidents in Indonesia—A Case Study
Authors: Bria Theresia Avila , Chen Wei Tong , Muhammad Mubasher , Rantelembang Melati Balla
Published: April 2024

Booming demand for facilities and infrastructure in Indonesia has led to an increase in construction-related accidents. Court rulings provide valuable data on accident circumstances, which can help improve safety standards. Although information on these accidents is scarce and not systematically consolidated, effective data gathering and analysis can lead to better safety outcomes. This study analyzes 150 court rulings in construction industry accident cases and their related decision frameworks to identify seven risk categories using scenario analysis. The correlative patterns and their associated significance are explored via descriptive statistical analysis, and four categories, namely project, task, accident, and medium, were found to be correlated. The results of the cross-tabulation test between two categories were used to highlight correlated categories. Toll road works accounted for 52% of accident cases, with collisions with construction machinery being the most frequent accident type (36%, 76 cases). Lifting and moving goods had respective phi and Cramer values of 0.534 and 0.001. It is obvious that future safety improvement efforts should focus on roadway projects and utilizing construction vehicles for transportation and lifting work. This can be achieved through increased regulatory compliance, proper utilization of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensuring vehicle suitability. The results of this study are highly relevant to workplace health and safety officers and risk management personnel.
Practical Formulae for Estimating Cable Tension with Unknown Rotational Restraints by the Frequency Method
Authors: Tang Shenghua , Guo Baofeng , Zhang Xuebing , Zhang Man , Zhang Guogang
Published: April 2024

To calculate the tension in cables with different boundary conditions, the relationship between cables with fixed–fixed and hinged–hinged boundary conditions in terms of the frequency was determined according to frequency characteristic equations of cables with the two boundary conditions. In this way, a simple calculation formula for tension with fixed–fixed boundary conditions was deduced. Similarly, a calculation formula for the tension in cables with a fixed–hinged boundary condition was proposed using the method. Results show that the proposed formulae, with high computational accuracy and wide ranges of application, can be used to calculate the cable tension under a dimensionless parameter (ξ) not lower than 6.9, so it is convenient to apply the formulae to calculate tension in practice. Meanwhile, changes in the frequency ratios of cables with different boundary conditions than those with a hinged–hinged boundary condition were analyzed. Results show that when ξ is not lower than 25, the frequency ratios of cables of various orders tend to be the same. The boundary coefficient(λ) was introduced. Given the cable stiffness, the tension and boundary coefficient(λ) can be calculated through linear regression. The method considers influences of unknown rotational end-restraints of cables and accurately calculates the cable tension. By using simulation examples and engineering examples, the method was verified to be accurate in calculating the cable tension, thus providing a novel, practical method for estimating tension in cables, booms, and anchor-span strands of suspension bridges.
Upregulation of the Renin–Angiotensin System Is Associated with Patient Survival and the Tumour Microenvironment in Glioblastoma
Authors: Lozinski Mathew , Lumbers Eugenie R. , Bowden Nikola A. , Martin Jennifer H. , Fay Michael F. , Pringle Kirsty G. , Tooney Paul A.
Published: April 2024

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive disease with poor survival outcomes. An emerging body of literature links the role of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS), well-known for its function in the cardiovascular system, to the progression of cancers. We studied the expression of RAS-related genes (ATP6AP2, AGTR1, AGTR2, ACE, AGT, and REN) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) glioblastoma cohort, their relationship to patient survival, and association with tumour microenvironment pathways. The expression of RAS genes was then examined in 12 patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines treated with chemoradiation. In cases of glioblastoma within the TCGA, ATP6AP2, AGTR1, ACE, and AGT had consistent expressions across samples, while AGTR2 and REN were lowly expressed. High expression of AGTR1 was independently associated with lower progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.01) and had a non-significant trend for overall survival (OS) after multivariate analysis (p = 0.095). The combined expression of RAS receptors (ATP6AP2, AGTR1, and AGTR2) was positively associated with gene pathways involved in hypoxia, microvasculature, stem cell plasticity, and the molecular characterisation of glioblastoma subtypes. In patient-derived glioblastoma cell lines, ATP6AP2 and AGTR1 were upregulated after chemoradiotherapy and correlated with an increase in HIF1A expression. This data suggests the RAS is correlated with changes in the tumour microenvironment and associated with glioblastoma survival outcomes.
Unlocking the Future: Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Lung Repair
Authors: Goecke Tobias , Ius Fabio , Ruhparwar Arjang , Martin Ulrich
Published: April 2024

The human respiratory system is susceptible to a variety of diseases, ranging from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary fibrosis to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Today, lung diseases represent one of the major challenges to the health care sector and represent one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Current treatment options often focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the underlying cause of the disease. The limitations of conventional therapies highlight the urgent clinical need for innovative solutions capable of repairing damaged lung tissue at a fundamental level. Pluripotent stem cell technologies have now reached clinical maturity and hold immense potential to revolutionize the landscape of lung repair and regenerative medicine. Meanwhile, human embryonic (HESCs) and human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be coaxed to differentiate into lung-specific cell types such as bronchial and alveolar epithelial cells, or pulmonary endothelial cells. This holds the promise of regenerating damaged lung tissue and restoring normal respiratory function. While methods for targeted genetic engineering of hPSCs and lung cell differentiation have substantially advanced, the required GMP-grade clinical-scale production technologies as well as the development of suitable preclinical animal models and cell application strategies are less advanced. This review provides an overview of current perspectives on PSC-based therapies for lung repair, explores key advances, and envisions future directions in this dynamic field.
Role of Sphingosine Kinase 1 in Glucolipotoxicity-Induced Early Activation of Autophagy in INS-1 Pancreatic β Cells
Authors: Coant Nicolas , Rendja Karima , Bellini Lara , Flamment Mélissa , Lherminier Jeannine , Portha Bernard , Codogno Patrice , Le Stunff Hervé
Published: April 2024

Insulin-producing pancreatic β cells play a crucial role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis, and their failure is a key event for diabetes development. Prolonged exposure to palmitate in the presence of elevated glucose levels, termed gluco-lipotoxicity, is known to induce β cell apoptosis. Autophagy has been proposed to be regulated by gluco-lipotoxicity in order to favor β cell survival. However, the role of palmitate metabolism in gluco-lipotoxcity-induced autophagy is presently unknown. We therefore treated INS-1 cells for 6 and 24 h with palmitate in the presence of low and high glucose concentrations and then monitored autophagy. Gluco-lipotoxicity induces accumulation of LC3-II levels in INS-1 at 6 h which returns to basal levels at 24 h. Using the RFP-GFP-LC3 probe, gluco-lipotoxicity increased both autophagosomes and autolysosmes structures, reflecting early stimulation of an autophagy flux. Triacsin C, a potent inhibitor of the long fatty acid acetyl-coA synthase, completely prevents LC3-II formation and recruitment to autophagosomes, suggesting that autophagic response requires palmitate metabolism. In contrast, etomoxir and bromo-palmitate, inhibitors of fatty acid mitochondrial β-oxidation, are unable to prevent gluco-lipotoxicity-induced LC3-II accumulation and recruitment to autophagosomes. Moreover, bromo-palmitate and etomoxir potentiate palmitate autophagic response. Even if gluco-lipotoxicity raised ceramide levels in INS-1 cells, ceramide synthase 4 overexpression does not potentiate LC3-II accumulation. Gluco-lipotoxicity also still stimulates an autophagic flux in the presence of an ER stress repressor. Finally, selective inhibition of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) activity precludes gluco-lipotoxicity to induce LC3-II accumulation. Moreover, SphK1 overexpression potentiates autophagic flux induced by gluco-lipotxicity. Altogether, our results indicate that early activation of autophagy by gluco-lipotoxicity is mediated by SphK1, which plays a protective role in β cells.
GDF-15 Suppresses Puromycin Aminonucleoside-Induced Podocyte Injury by Reducing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Glomerular Inflammation
Authors: von Rauchhaupt Ekaterina , Klaus Martin , Ribeiro Andrea , Honarpisheh Mohsen , Li Chenyu , Liu Min , Köhler Paulina , Adamowicz Karina , Schmaderer Christoph , Lindenmeyer Maja , Steiger Stefanie , Anders Hans-Joachim , Lech Maciej
Published: April 2024

GDF15, also known as MIC1, is a member of the TGF-beta superfamily. Previous studies reported elevated serum levels of GDF15 in patients with kidney disorder, and its association with kidney disease progression, while other studies identified GDF15 to have protective effects. To investigate the potential protective role of GDF15 on podocytes, we first performed in vitro studies using a Gdf15-deficient podocyte cell line. The lack of GDF15 intensified puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN)-triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress and induced cell death in cultivated podocytes. This was evidenced by elevated expressions of Xbp1 and ER-associated chaperones, alongside AnnexinV/PI staining and LDH release. Additionally, we subjected mice to nephrotoxic PAN treatment. Our observations revealed a noteworthy increase in both GDF15 expression and secretion subsequent to PAN administration. Gdf15 knockout mice displayed a moderate loss of WT1+ cells (podocytes) in the glomeruli compared to wild-type controls. However, this finding could not be substantiated through digital evaluation. The parameters of kidney function, including serum BUN, creatinine, and albumin–creatinine ratio (ACR), were increased in Gdf15 knockout mice as compared to wild-type mice upon PAN treatment. This was associated with an increase in the number of glomerular macrophages, neutrophils, inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines in Gdf15-deficient mice. In summary, our findings unveil a novel renoprotective effect of GDF15 during kidney injury and inflammation by promoting podocyte survival and regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress in podocytes, and, subsequently, the infiltration of inflammatory cells via paracrine effects on surrounding glomerular cells.
How Constructionist Perspectives on Learning Can Improve Learning and Prevent Accidents in High-Risk Industries
Authors: Wold Thomas
Published: April 2024

Management systems containing procedures, checklists, and descriptions for how various tasks should be conducted are often used in high-risk industries. Much has been written about the judicial and technological concerns of management systems, but less has been written on how to train staff in the use of them. Through a cognitive-constructionist perspective combined with social constructivism, this paper discusses how staff training can be designed to fit the characteristics of the workers. This paper focuses on how people learn in different ways, and how this is related to perspectives on knowledge. The method used is semi-structured interviews with twenty-seven workers in two different companies operating in the oil and gas-producing industry. The workers got only a short web-based theory course on the management system, with no practical exercises, repetitions, or other types of follow-ups. This is a signal that the management system is of less importance, and many of the workers thought they did not need it. Training must be designed to fit the workers, with practical exercises, repetition, and possibilities for on-the-job training. Accidents in this sector can cause human losses and great environmental harm, and this paper argues that better training of staff can prevent such accidents and reduce harm to the environment.
Parenting and Emotional and Behavioral Difficulties in a General Population Sample of Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Emotional Dysregulation
Authors: Smorti Martina , Milone Annarita , Fanciullacci Luisa , Ciaravolo Alessia , Berrocal Carmen
Published: April 2024

Research has shown that both parenting and emotional dysregulation are associated with mental health outcomes in youth. This cross-sectional research was developed to replicate these noted findings and explore the mediating role of emotional dysregulation to explain the relationship between parenting and emotional and behavioral difficulties (internalizing and externalizing problems) in adolescents. A total of 104 adolescents (61.5% females; M = 15.62 yrs., SD = 1.38) participated in the study. Participants completed the Parental Bonding Instrument (measuring care, promotion of autonomy, and overprotection) referring to both the mother and father, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and the Youth Self-Report. The results showed that difficulties in emotion regulation fully mediated the relationship between overprotection (in both parents) and low maternal care with internalizing problems, on the one hand, and the relationship between maternal overprotection and low care (in both parents) with externalizing problems, on the other hand. Furthermore, emotional dysregulation partially mediated the effect of paternal care on internalizing problems. These findings help to clarify one of the mechanisms through which parenting can affect mental health in youth. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.
Factors Affecting Balance Performance in Adolescents
Authors: Kovačević Milena , Krasnik Rastislava , Mikov Aleksandra , Mikić Darko , Zvekić-Svorcan Jelena , Vukliš Dragana , Dedić Novaković Dajana , Đelić Marina
Published: April 2024

(1) Background: The influence of different factors on balance in adolescence is assessed by conducting functional balance tests that examine its different components. (2) Materials and methods: The study sample comprised 110 healthy adolescents of both sexes, aged 12–18 years. Single Leg Stance with Eyes Open (SLS-EO) and Eyes Closed (SLS-EC) tests were conducted to evaluate static balance, whereas the Functional Reach Test (FRT) and Lateral Reach Test (LRT) were performed to establish functional stability limits. The influence of sex, age, demographic factors, anthropometric characteristics, participation in sports activities, and trunk extensor muscle endurance (Biering–Sorensen test) on balance performance was determined through correlational and univariate linear regression analyses. (3) Results: Older age (Beta [β] = 0.247; 95% CI [0.75, 5.20]; p < 0.01) and better trunk extensor muscle endurance (β = 0.224; 95% CI [0.015, 0.13]; p < 0.05) were significant predictors of the SLS-EO results, while younger age (β = −0.219; 95% CI [−1.32, −0.11]; p < 0.05) and higher muscle percentage (β = 0.237; 95% CI [0.06, 0.48]; p < 0.05) emerged as significant predictors of LRT performance, and greater bone mass was a significant predictor of FRT results (β = 0.444; 95% CI [3.62, 8.17]; p < 0.01). However, none of the independent variables was a statistically significant predictor of the SLS-EC results. (4) Conclusions: The current study found that age, trunk extensor muscle endurance, muscle percentage, and bone mass are significant predictors of different balance components, suggesting that balance is task-specific.
Comparison of Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing (PIRS) versus Open Ligation of the Patent Processus Vaginalis for the Treatment of Communicating Pediatric Hydrocele
Authors: Pogorelić Zenon , Stanić Petar , Bašković Marko
Published: April 2024

Background: Although the laparoscopic approach become standard for the treatment of many surgical conditions many studies still debating whether laparoscopic surgery has significant advantages over open surgery in regards to hernia or hydrocele treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of treatment of treatment of communicating hydrocele in pediatric patients between laparoscopic percutaneous internal ring suturing (PIRS) and open ligation of the patent processus vaginalis (PPV). Methods: The medical records of pediatric patients who underwent surgery for communicating hydrocele between 1 January 2019 and 1 January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary objective of the study is to investigate the outcomes of treatment (complications and recurrence rates) of communicating hydrocele in children between laparoscopic and open surgical approaches. Secondary outcomes of the study are the duration of surgery and anesthesia, length of hospital stay (LOS), frequency of hospital readmissions (ReAd) and unplanned return to the operating room (uROR). Results: A total of 198 children underwent surgery for a communicating hydrocele (205 repairs, as 7 cases were bilateral) and were included in the study. Of these, 87 children underwent a PIRS, while the remaining 111 cases underwent open ligation of the PPV. No recurrence of the hydrocele was observed in any of the study groups. Intraoperative complication (epigastric vein injury) was noted in two cases in both groups (2.3% vs. 1.8%, p > 0.999). A slightly higher number of postoperative complications was observed in the open group (n = 7, 6.3%) compared to the PIRS group (n = 2, 2.3%) (p = 0.190). The median duration of surgery (15 min (IQR 10, 17) vs. 21 min (IQR 15, 25); p < 0.001) and anesthesia (30 min (IQR 25, 40) vs. 40 min (IQR 35, 40); p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the PIRS group compared to open ligation of the PPV. In addition, a significantly shorter median of LOS was observed in the PIRS group compared to the open PPV group (9 h (IQR 8, 12) vs. 24 h (IQR 12, 24; p < 0.001). No cases of ReAd and uROR were observed in any of the study groups. Conclusions: PIRS is a safe and effective laparoscopic technique that can be used in the treatment of communicating hydrocele in children. PIRS showed excellent outcomes and a low incidence of complications and recurrences, comparable to traditional open surgery.
Challenges in Defining a Reference Set of Differentially Expressed lncRNAs in Ulcerative Colitis by Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fenton Christopher G. , Ray Mithlesh Kumar , Paulssen Ruth H.
Published: April 2024

The study aimed to identify common differentially expressed lncRNAs from manually curated ulcerative colitis (UC) gene expression omnibus (GEO) datasets. Nine UC transcriptomic datasets of clearly annotated human colonic biopsies were included in the study. The datasets were manually curated to select active UC samples and controls. R packages geneknitR, gprofiler, clusterProfiler were used for gene symbol annotation. The R EdgeR package was used to analyze differential expression. This resulted in a total of nineteen lncRNAs that were differentially expressed in at least three datasets of the nine GEO datasets. Several of the differentially expressed lncRNAs found in UC were associated with promoting colorectal cancer (CRC) through regulating gene expression, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell cycle progression, and by promoting tumor proliferation, invasion, and migration. The expression of several lncRNAs varied between disease states and tissue locations within the same disease state. The identified differentially expressed lncRNAs may function as general markers for active UC independent of biopsy location, age, gender, or treatment, thereby representing a comparative resource for future comparisons using available GEO UC datasets.
Development of a Ready-to-Use Oxyresveratrol-Enriched Extract from Artocarpus lakoocha Roxb. Using Greener Solvents and Deep Eutectic Solvents for a Whitening Agent
Authors: Saesue Krittanon , Thanomrak Pornnapa , Prompan Wipawan , Punan Warakhim , Khorana Nantaka , Juprasert Wasinee , Rungsang Tammanoon , Thong-on Pattravee , Srivilai Jukkarin
Published: April 2024

Oxyresveratrol (ORV) is naturally found in Artocapus lakoocha Roxb. (AL), similar to resveratrol. This AL extract has demonstrated considerable importance in dietary supplements and cosmetics for its anti-tyrosinase and antioxidant properties. There is a great demand for ORV in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Traditionally, harsh solvents have been used to extract ORV from AL. This study aims to address this issue by introducing green technology with a ready-to-use extract for the enrichment of ORV extraction from AL using deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Thirty-three DESs were synthesized and characterized. The extraction efficiency of these DESs was evaluated by ORV content (g ORV/kg dried plant) and compared with the conventional solvents, analyzed by validated HPLC. Notably, two synthesized DESs, namely choline chloride/citric acid/water (2:1:3) (DES10) and choline chloride/xylose (1:1) (DES17), showed higher ORV content than the conventional solvents and were therefore selected for optimization of extraction conditions using Box–Behnken designs, considering three variable levels: time, temperature, and water as co-solvents. Interestingly, the biological activities of ORV-enriched extracts from DES10 and DES17 were evaluated, and the results showed that they were 74-fold and 252-fold more potent than kojic acid in terms of tyrosinase inhibitory activity. DES17 was 17-fold more potent antioxidants than ascorbic acid. The morphology of AL powder before and after extraction with DESs under SEM suggested that DESs have the same mechanism as classical organic solvents. These ORV-enriched extracts can be directly incorporated into cosmetic formulations and production scales without the need to prepare a stock solution and are therefore referred to as ready-to-use extracts. This study successfully pioneered the use of DESs for environmentally friendly and highly efficient ORV extraction from AL to produce ready-to-use extracts and applications for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Association of Genetic Risk for Age-Related Macular Degeneration with Morphological Features of the Retinal Microvascular Network
Authors: Sendecki Adam , Ledwoń Daniel , Tuszy Aleksandra , Nycz Julia , Wąsowska Anna , Boguszewska-Chachulska Anna , Wylęgała Adam , Mitas Andrzej W. , Wylęgała Edward , Teper Sławomir
Published: April 2024

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a multifactorial disease encompassing a complex interaction between aging, environmental risk factors, and genetic susceptibility. The study aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between the polygenic risk score (PRS) in patients with AMD and the characteristics of the retinal vascular network visualized by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: 235 patients with AMD and 97 healthy controls were included. We used data from a previous AMD PRS study with the same group. The vascular features from different retina layers were compared between the control group and the patients with AMD. The association between features and PRS was then analyzed using univariate and multivariate approaches. Results: Significant differences between the control group and AMD patients were found in the vessel diameter distribution (variance: p = 0.0193, skewness: p = 0.0457) and fractal dimension distribution (mean: p = 0.0024, variance: p = 0.0123). Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed no direct and significant association between the characteristics of the vascular network and AMD PRS. Conclusions: The vascular features of the retina do not constitute a biomarker of the risk of AMD. We have not identified a genotype–phenotype relationship, and the expression of AMD-related genes is perhaps not associated with the characteristics of the retinal vascular network.
Quantifying Forest Cover Loss as a Response to Drought and Dieback of Norway Spruce and Evaluating Sensitivity of Various Vegetation Indices Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Miletić Boban R. , Matović Bratislav , Orlović Saša , Gutalj Marko , Đorem Todor , Marinković Goran , Simović Srđan , Dugalić Mirko , Stojanović Dejan B.
Published: April 2024

The Norway spruce is one of the most important tree species in Europe. This tree species has been put under considerable pressure due to the ongoing impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, frequent droughts and pest outbreaks are reported as the main reason for its dieback, resulting in severe forest cover loss. Such was the case with Norway spruce forests within the Kopaonik National Park (NP) in Serbia. This study aims to quantify, spatially and temporally, forest cover loss and to evaluate the sensitivity of various vegetation indices (VIs) in detecting drought-induced response and predicting the dieback of Norway spruce due to long-lasting drought effects in the Kopaonik NP. For this purpose, we downloaded and processed a large number of Landsat 7 (ETM+), Landsat 8 (OLI), and Sentinel 2 (MSI) satellite imagery acquired from 2009 to 2022. Our results revealed that forest cover loss was mainly driven by severe drought in 2011 and 2012, which was later significantly influenced by bark beetle outbreaks. Furthermore, various VIs proved to be very useful in monitoring and predicting forest health status. In summary, the drought-induced response detected using various VIs provides valuable insights into the dynamics of forest cover change, with implications for monitoring and conservation efforts of Norway spruce forests in the Kopaonik NP.
Study of the Geometry of an Oscillating Water Column Device with Five Chambers Coupled under Regular Waves through the Constructal Design Method
Authors: de Lima Yuri Theodoro Barbosa , Isoldi Liércio André , dos Santos Elizaldo Domingues , Machado Bianca Neves , Gomes Mateus das Neves , Biserni Cesare , Rocha Luiz Alberto Oliveira
Published: April 2024

This research conducts a numerical study of a wave energy converter (WEC) device with five coupled hydropneumatic chambers, operating based on the principle of an oscillating water column (OWC). A turbine was not included, only considering the tube without it. The computational domain was defined by a wave channel housing an OWC device subjected to regular incident waves. The central objective was to assess the impact of chamber geometry on maximizing the total hydropneumatic power in energy conversion. The numerical simulations consider the pressure, mass flow rate, and total hydropneumatic power, with the latter being the performance indicator. To determine the geometries to be analyzed, the Constructal Design method was employed in conjunction with the exhaustive search optimization method to maximize the performance indicator. The degrees of freedom defined were the ratios between the height (Hn) and the length (Ln) of the hydropneumatic chambers (Hn/Ln, where n varies from one to five). Based on the results of the mass flow rate and pressure, their influence on power was evaluated. It was observed that the influence of the degrees of freedom on the pressure difference, mass flow rate, and hydrodynamic power was quite similar, displaying an increase for low ratios of Hn/Ln up to a maximum magnitude and followed by a decrease in magnitude. The best performance was achieved for the geometric configuration with Hn/Ln = 0.2613 (Hn = 5.0625 m and Ln = 15.8219 m), representing an improvement of 98.6% compared to the worst case analyzed.
Short-Term Opioid Treatment of Acute Locomotor Pain in Older Adults: Comparison of Effectiveness and Safety between Tramadol and Oxycodone: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Janssens Wim Henri , Verhoestraete Pauwelijn , Piers Ruth D. , Van Den Noortgate Nele J.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: We conducted a head-to-head comparison of step 2 (tramadol) and step 3 (oxycodone) of the WHO pain ladder in older adults with moderate to severe acute locomotor pain. Materials and methods: Multi-center prospective randomized study. Patients were 70 years or older, admitted to the acute geriatric ward of three hospitals, suffering from acute moderate to severe locomotor pain, and opioid-naive. Patients were randomized into two treatment groups: tramadol versus oxycodone. The Consort reporting guidelines were used. Results: Forty-nine patients were included. Mean numeric rating scale (NRS) decreased significantly between day 0 and 2 of the inclusion in both groups. A sustained significant decrease in mean NRS was seen at day 7 in both groups. Nausea was significantly more prevalent in the tramadol group, with a trend towards a higher prevalence of delirium and falls and three serious adverse events in the same group. Conclusions: Opioid therapy may be considered as a short-term effective treatment for moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults. Oxycodone may possibly be preferred for safety reasons. These results can have implications for geriatric practice, showing that opioids for treatment of acute moderate to severe locomotor pain in older patients are effective and safe if carefully monitored for side effects. Opioid therapy may be considered as a short-term treatment for moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults, if carefully monitored for (side) effects, while oxycodone may possibly be preferred for safety reasons. These results can have implications for daily practice in geriatric, orthopedic, and orthogeriatric wards, as well as in terminal care, more precisely for the treatment of moderate to severe acute locomotor pain in older adults.