bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-world adherence to toxicity management guidelines for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shen Min , Chen Doudou , Zhao Ruiling , Zheng Xuqin , Gu Yong , Yang Tao , Shi Yun
Published: July 2023

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs) have improved survival and are increasingly used for cancer. However, ICIs use may be limited by immune-related adverse events (irAEs), such as ICI-induced diabetes mellitus(ICI-DM). The objective of the present study was to characterize ICI-DM patients and real-world adherence to guidelines.

Research design and methods

The present study was a retrospective review of electronic records of ICI-DM patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between July 2018 and October 2022.

Results

34.8% (8/23)patients monitored blood glucose in every treatment cycle. The proportion of patients with severe diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA) was lower in the tight glycemic monitoring group than the non-tight glycemic monitoring group (16.7% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.049). 78.3%(18/23) patients with hyperglycemia visited a non-endocrinologist first, but 95.7% of patients were then referred to an endocrinologist. Twenty patients were tested for distinguishing the etiology of hyperglycemia and 20% patients with positive glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody(GADA), 55% with C-peptide <3.33pmol/L. High screening rates for other ICI-induced endocrinopathies were observed and half of the patients with ICI-DM developed other endocrine gland irAEs, with the most common being thyroiditis. Moreover, five patients developed non-endocrine serious adverse events(SAEs). Twelve (52.2%) patients were withdrawn from ICI due to ICI-DM. The time to progression of tumor in ICI-DM patients in the continue and interruption group was longer than in the withdrawal group (333.5 ± 82.5 days vs. 183.1 ± 62.4 days, p = 0.161). Only 17.4% of ICI-DM patients were completely managed according to guidelines. Thus, the present study proposed a screening, diagnosis, and management algorithm for ICI-DM in real-world practice.

Conclusion

The present study reported the largest number of ICI-DM cases described in a single institute, providing insight into real-world ICI-DM management guideline adherence and highlighting the clinical challenges in ICI-DM management.
Efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel plus platinum in non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Tianying , Li Shuangshuang , Hu Wenting , Yue Tinghui , Zeng Qi , Zeng Xingling , Chen Xiaochao , Zhao Xiangdong , Xiao Tianbao
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This meta-analysis was exerted in assessing the anticancer efficacy and safety of nab-paclitaxel (nab-P) when combined with platinum compound agents for therapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Method

We systematically searched the following seven electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, Wan Fang, and China Science and Technology Journal Data. Randomized comparative clinical [randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT)] studies on nab-P plus platinum and carboplatin or cisplatin in combination with conventional chemotherapy agents or traditional paclitaxel were searched.

Results

A total of 19 RCT studies involving 6,011 patients were analyzed. The primary outcome includes the overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary outcome includes adverse events (AEs). Nab-P combined with platinum (carboplatin/cisplatin) had a better ORR [odds ratio (OR) = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.34, 2.05), p < 0.001] and improved PFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.84, 95% CI: (0.74, 0.94), p = 0.01] and OS [HR = 0.86, 95% CI: (0.78, 0.96), p = 0.008] in NSCLC patients. ORR [OR = 2.18, 95% CI: (1.07, 4.43)], PFS [HR = 0.62, 95% CI: (0.40, 0.97)], and OS [HR = 0.63, 95% CI: (0.49, 0.81)] were significantly improved among patients aged >70 years, and ORR [OR = 1.80, 95% CI: (1.20, 2.70)] and PFS [HR = 0.74, 95% CI: (0.56, 0.97)] were significantly elevated with SCC rate ≥65% in NSCLC patients (all p > 0.05). Among the adverse effects, the prevalence of neutropenia, neuralgia, and arthralgia/myalgia (≥ grade 3) compared to that of the control group. On the other hand, the prevalence of anemia and thrombocytopenia was higher in the nab-P plus platinum (carboplatin/cisplatin) compared to that of controls. It is worth noting that fatigue did not show statistical significance.

Conclusion

Nab-P in combination with carboplatin/cisplatin regimen improves efficacy and tolerability in patients with NSCLC.

Systematic review registration

http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier: CRD42022288499.
Ultra-old patients and long-term survival after hip fracture: a real-world assessment
Authors: Tiso Debora , Pizzonia Monica , Giannotti Chiara , Tagliafico Luca , Signori Alessio , Nencioni Alessio , Monacelli Fiammetta
Published: July 2023

It’s still undetermined whether ultra-old persons, aged >90 years, are able to tolerate hip fracture surgical stress while maintaining their functional reserve, and even fewer studies have investigated the role of frailty on the risk of mortality, disability, or morbidity in the ultra-old. This is a prospective study performed at the Orthogeriatrics Ward of the IRCCS Policlinico San Martino (Genoa, Italy) that consecutively enrolled 205 older adult patients with hip fractures due to low-energy trauma. Namely, 85 patients were categorized as ultra-old, and 120 patients (64–89 years) were the younger control group. Demographic data, perioperative data, and rehabilitation data were collected. Here we estimated the overall survival and related predictive variables in hospitalized ultra-old hip fracture patients based on a methodologically robust frailty stratification (Rockwood 40-item tool). The median OS for the ultra-old was 18.7 months, which also showed a doubled 1-year mortality risk. Our findings assessed that frailty in the presence of malnutrition, delayed verticalization, and post-operative respiratory complications was associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of long-term mortality, irrespective of advanced chronological age in the ultra-old. Although the higher mortality rate in these patients may be related to a priori lower life expectancy, chronological age alone is an insufficient prognostic determinant for unfavorable outcomes. Our multicomponent prognostic score can be used in combination to stratify frailty in the ultra-old for timely screening and to deliver goals of care discussions prior to surgery, potentially targeting new orthogeriatric pathways for the improvement of appropriateness and treatment intensity.
Low glycemic index therapy in children with sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE): an experience from a measles-endemic country
Authors: Ibrahim Shahnaz H. , Farooq Hira
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Sub-acute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder, commonly seen in measles-endemic countries leading to progressive neuronal loss and death. Currently, there is no proven cure for this devastating disease. We started a low glycemic index therapy (LGIT) in children with SSPE using the same principle as per its role in intractable epilepsy.

Methodology

Low glycemic index diet was started in children with a confirmed diagnosis of SSPE based on Dyken's criteria. All children were then classified into four stages according to disease progression. The response to diet was evaluated by improvement in their myoclonic jerks, motor activities, and changes in their stage of the disease.

Results

A total of 12 children were enrolled. The mean age was 6.65 years (range 3.3–10 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. Five children were at stage IV, five were at stage III, and two were at stage II at the start of the diet. Nine (75%) children showed improvement in their stage of illness. Of three children who were at stage IV at the initiation of the diet, one improved to stage II and two to stage III. Four children at stage III reverted to stage II. Two children initiated at stage II went into total remission. Seven (58.3%) children showed a >50% reduction in myoclonic jerks with three (25%) having a 100% reduction. Three (25%) children died due to pneumonia.

Conclusion

LGIT may play an effective role in the management of SSPE and gives hope to families having children with this potentially life-threatening disease.
Social perception inferences of computer-generated faces: an Asian Indian and United States cultural comparison
Authors: Stahelski Anthony , Radeke Mary Katherine , Reavis Maxie
Published: July 2023

Results from research with computer-generated faces have demonstrated that participants are able to make different trait inferences to different generated faces. However, only a few studies using computer-generated faces with cross-cultural samples have been done. This study compared the facial trait inference results from India and the United States, using three validated neutral expression computer-generated faces from the University of Chicago Perception and Judgment Lab database as facial stimuli. The three faces varied in perceived threat. Participants were asked about the attractiveness, pleasing-ness (to look at), honesty, and potential threat in each of the three faces. Results indicated that participants from both cultural samples made the same inferences to the three faces; participants rated the attractiveness, pleasing-ness, and honesty highest in the low threat face and lowest in the high threat face. Indian participants perceive the high threat face to be less threatening than the United States participants. Participants were also asked about the emotional expression on each of the faces, even though the faces were presumably neutral. United States participants were significantly more likely to indicate that the faces in all three threat conditions were emotionally neutral, compared to Indian participants, reflecting a cultural In-group bias, in which members of a culture are more accurately able to identify expressions on faces from their own culture.
Competence development as a means of HR management in the field of social work
Authors: Ježková Petrů Gabriela , Zychová Kristýna
Published: July 2023

Professional competences in social services are becoming the subject of interdisciplinary cooperation and require a multidisciplinary approach. The research aimed to identify which professional competences are required by social service managers, to determine which variables influence the expansion of social work competences and to categorize the professional competences. Expansion of social work competences is influenced by many factors according to specific characteristics of the organization. The results were obtained through a questionnaire survey of managers (n = 247) and employees (n = 219). All organizations providing social services in the Czech Republic, according to the Register of Social Service Providers of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic, were contacted. The results were used for formulating a competency model for social services. The relationship between the selected variables and the expansion of social work competences was tested using a dependency test (χ2). The significant level of value was chosen as α = 0.05. The strength of dependence was calculated using a Cramer’s V measurement within 0 ≤ V ≤ 1. The result of the measurement was to test the validity of the hypothesis (hypothesis testing), and the result of the test was related back to the theory (verification). Factor analysis enabled the relationships between the latent variables to be uncovered and allowed two groups to be formed within the professional competences. Results showed a relationship between the expansion of competences through continuing education, the evaluation of personal development and motivation plans, and the establishment of a set of professional competences for each job. The results suggest that achieving a particular competency should be part of a workforce development plan. Factor analysis revealed two groups of professional competences. The first group includes competences such as socio-legal counseling, analytical, methodological, and conceptual activities in the social field, and social counseling and social rehabilitation. The second group includes competences such as professional activities in facilities providing social prevention services, social diagnostics, and identifying the needs of the population and the region.
Development and initial evaluation of the COnfident Parent INternet Guide program for parents of 3–8 year olds
Authors: Hutchings Judy , Owen Dawn A. , Williams Margiad E.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Positive parenting promotes children’s cognitive, social and emotional development and parenting programs based on social learning theory are effective in supporting parents to help reduce behavioral problems among high challenge children. However there is less evidence for programs with non-clinical populations. COPING (COnfident Parent INternet Guide) is a 10-week online universal program for parents of 3 – 8 year olds presenting evidence-informed principles based on social learning theory to support parents in addressing common challenges with their children. This study explored the development and feasibility of delivery of the program in terms of recruitment, retention and acceptability. It also reports on initial program effectiveness, evaluated via a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Methods

Data on child behavior, parental skills and mental health were collected at baseline and three months later for all participants and six months post-baseline for the intervention group only.

Results

Those parents who accessed the course provided very positive feedback however the trial experienced challenges with recruitment and initial engagement, particularly for parents referred by professionals. For parents who engaged with the program there were significant improvements in reported parenting skills with evidence of longer-term maintenance.

Discussion

This paper provides limited evidence of effectiveness for the COPING program however further feasibility work, particularly around recruitment, is needed before conducting larger effectiveness trials.
Prevalence and factors associated with frailty and pre-frailty in the older adults in China: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Zeng Xue-zhai , Meng Ling-bing , Li Ying-ying , Jia Na , Shi Jing , Zhang Chi , Hu Xing , Hu Jia-bin , Li Jian-yi , Wu Di-shan , Li Hui , Qi Xin , Wang Hua , Zhang Qiu-xia , Li Juan , Liu De-ping
Published: July 2023

Objective

Frailty increases poor clinical outcomes in older adults, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with frailty and pre-frailty in older adults in China.

Research design and methods

Data were obtained from the Sample Survey of the Aged Population in Urban and Rural China in 2015, which was a cross-sectional study involving a nationally representative sample of older adults aged 60 years or older from 31 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities in mainland China. The frailty index (FI) based on 33 potential deficits was used to classify individuals as robust (FI < 0.12), pre-frail (FI ≧0.12 and <0.25) and frail (FI ≥0.25).

Results

A total of 208,386 older people were included in the study, and the age-sex standardised prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty among older adults in China was 9.5% (95% CI 9.4–9.7) and 46.1% (45.9–46.3) respectively. The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty was higher in female than in male older adults, higher in rural than in urban older adults, and higher in northern China than in southern China. The multinomial analysis revealed similar risk factors for frailty and pre-frailty, including increased age, being female, living in a rural area, low educational attainment, poor marital status, living alone, difficult financial status, poor access to medical reimbursement, and living in northern China.

Conclusion

Frailty and pre-frailty are very common among older adults in China and differ significantly between southern and northern China, men and women, and rural and urban areas. Appropriate public health prevention strategies should be developed based on identified risk factors in frail and pre-frail populations. The management of frailty and pre-frailty should be optimised according to regional and gender differences in prevalence and associated factors, such as strengthening the integrated management of chronic diseases, increasing reimbursement rates for medical costs, and focusing on vulnerable groups such as the disabled, economically disadvantaged, living alone and those with low literacy levels, in order to reduce the burden of frailty among older adults in China.
Risk assessment and antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers
Authors: Bansal Amit , Trieu Mai-Chi , Mohn Kristin G. I. , Madsen Anders , Olofsson Jan Stefan , Sandnes Helene Heitmann , Sævik Marianne , Søyland Hanne , Hansen Lena , Onyango Therese Bredholt , Tøndel Camilla , Brokstad Karl Albert ,   Bergen COVID-19 research group, Syre Heidi , Riis Åse Garløv , Langeland Nina , Cox Rebecca Jane
Published: July 2023

Background

Preventing infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for protecting healthcare systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we investigated the seroepidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs in Norway with low-transmission settings.

Methods

From March 2020, we recruited HCWs at four medical centres. We determined infection by SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and serological testing and evaluated the association between infection and exposure variables, comparing our findings with global data in a meta-analysis. Anti-spike IgG antibodies were measured after infection and/or vaccination in a longitudinal cohort until June 2021.

Results

We identified a prevalence of 10.5% (95% confidence interval, CI: 8.8–12.3) in 2020 and an incidence rate of 15.0 cases per 100 person-years (95% CI: 12.5–17.8) among 1,214 HCWs with 848 person-years of follow-up time. Following infection, HCWs (n = 63) mounted durable anti-spike IgG antibodies with a half-life of 4.3 months since their seropositivity. HCWs infected with SARS-CoV-2 in 2020 (n = 46) had higher anti-spike IgG titres than naive HCWs (n = 186) throughout the 5 months after vaccination with BNT162b2 and/or ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. In a meta-analysis including 20 studies, the odds ratio (OR) for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was significantly higher with household contact (OR 12.6; 95% CI: 4.5–35.1) and occupational exposure (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4–3.2).

Conclusion

We found high and modest risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection with household and occupational exposure, respectively, in HCWs, suggesting the need to strengthen infection prevention strategies within households and medical centres. Infection generated long-lasting antibodies in most HCWs; therefore, we support delaying COVID-19 vaccination in primed HCWs, prioritising the non-infected high-risk HCWs amid vaccine shortage.
Determining return levels of extreme daily precipitation, reservoir inflow, and dry spells
Authors: Milojevic Tatjana , Blanchet Juliette , Lehning Michael
Published: July 2023

Return level calculations are widely used to determine the risks that extreme events may pose to infrastructure, including hydropower site operations. Extreme events (e.g., extreme precipitation and droughts) are expected to increase in frequency and intensity in the future, but not necessarily in a homogenous way across regions. This makes localized assessment important for understanding risk changes to specific sites. However, for sites with relatively small datasets, selecting an applicable method for return level calculations is not straightforward. This study focuses on the application of traditional univariate extreme value approaches (Generalized Extreme Value and Generalized Pareto) as well as two more recent approaches (extended Generalized Pareto and Metastatistical Extreme Value distributions), that are specifically suited for application to small datasets. These methods are used to calculate return levels of extreme precipitation at six Alpine stations and high reservoir inflow events for a hydropower reservoir. In addition, return levels of meteorological drought and low inflow periods (dry spells) are determined using a non-parametric approach. Return levels for return periods of 10- and 20- years were calculated using 10-, 20-, and 40- years of data for each method. The results show that even shorter timeseries can give similar return levels as longer timeseries for most methods. However, the GEV has greater sensitivity to sparse data and tended to give lower estimates for precipitation return levels. The MEV is only to be preferred over GPD if the underlying distribution fits the data well. The result is used to assemble a profile of 10- and 20-year return levels estimated with various statistical approaches, for extreme high precipitation/inflow and low precipitation/inflow events. The findings of the study may be helpful to researchers and practitioners alike in deciding which statistical approach to use to assess local extreme precipitation and inflow risks to individual reservoirs.
Development of a general protocol for rapid response research on water quality disturbances and its application for monitoring the largest wildfire recorded in New Mexico, USA
Authors: Tunby Paige , Nichols Justin , Kaphle Asmita , Khandelwal Aashish Sanjay , Van Horn David J. , González-Pinzón Ricardo
Published: July 2023

Anthropogenic and natural disasters (e.g., wildfires, oil spills, mine spills, sewage treatment facilities) cause water quality disturbances in fluvial networks. These disturbances are highly unpredictable in space-time, with the potential to propagate through multiple stream orders and impact human and environmental health over days to years. Due to challenges in monitoring and studying these events, we need methods to strategize the deployment of rapid response research teams on demand. Rapid response research has the potential to close the gap in available water quality data and process understanding through time-sensitive data collection efforts. This manuscript presents a protocol that can guide researchers in preparing for and researching water quality disturbance events. We tested and refined the protocol by assessing the longitudinal propagation of water quality disturbances from the 2022 Hermit's Peak—Calf Canyon, NM, USA, the largest in the state's recorded history. Our rapid response research allowed us to collect high-resolution water quality data with semi-continuous sensors and synoptic grab sampling. The data collected have been used for traditional peer-reviewed publications and pragmatically to inform water utilities, restoration, and outreach programs.
Martin Lajos szerepe a kolozsvári magyar egyetemi oktatásban
Authors: Bitay Enikő
Published: July 2023

Martin Lajos (1827–1897) matematikus, mérnök, a Magyar Tudományos Akadémia levelező tagja (1861), az EME alapító tagja, az 1872-ben megalakult kolozsvári magyar egyetem elsőként kinevezett egyetemi tanára, a repülés egyik magyar úttörője, az evangélikus egyházközség gondnoka – 2022-ben rá emlékeztünk halálának 125 éves, illetve a kolozsvári egyetem alapításának 150 éves évfordulója alkalmából, amelynek a megalakulásától egyetemi tanára volt haláláig, az 1895/96-os tanévben pedig rektora is. Hagyatékát (a lebegőkereket, a kutatásait tartalmazó iratgyűjteményét, a Martin-mappát) gyermekei az Erdélyi Múzeum-Egyesületre testálták, arra az intézményre, amelyben számos előadást tartott, illetve kutatásainak eredményeit kiadványaiban tette közzé. Jelen tanulmány nem csupán a megemlékezés, az évfordulók jegyében tett kutatások által feltárt életének azon részét szeretné részletesebben bemutatni, amely által a kolozsvári magyar oktatásban vállalt szerepe domborodik ki, mint oktató, mint intézményszervező s mint a tudományosságnak szánt hite által.
A csíkszentimrei Olt-híd részleges árvízvédelmi vizsgálata
Authors: Kisfaludi-Bak Zsombor , Gobesz F.-Zsongor
Published: July 2023

Erdély területén számos pontban figyelhetünk fel építmények romjaira, maradványaira, melyekből sok érdekes következtetést vonhatunk le. Egy átfogóbb kutatás részeként, melyben régi erdélyi hidak árvízvédelmi biztonságát vizsgáljuk, ez esetben a csíkszentimrei átépített közúti hídra került sor. A terepen végzett mérések alapján végrehajtott modellezések és hidraulikai számítások rávezethetnek a híd tervezésénél használt régi vízépítési követelményekre, majd az adatok a ma érvényes szabványok tükrében is mérlegelve lettek.
Függesztett munkagép vonóerőre gyakorolt hatásának vizsgálata
Authors: Pásztor Judit , Miklós Előd , Farmos Rudolf-László , Popa-Müller Izolda , Egyed-Faluvégi Erzsébet
Published: July 2023

Mindenkori törekvés a mezőgazdasági gépüzemeltetésben a traktor – munkagép – talaj kapcsolat pontos megismerése. A munkagép a traktorhoz gyakran hárompont-függesztő berendezéssel kapcsolódik. A hárompont-függesztő berendezés az erőgép – munkagép – gépcsoport mozgását összehangolja, növeli a vonóerőt, és a kapcsolt munkagép beállítását is lehetővé teszi. Működésének megértése nagyon fontos. A dolgozatban vizsgáljuk a hárompont-függesztő berendezés bekötési pontjainak hatását az adhéziós súlyerő változására egy sajátos esetben, az U532DT és PP2-30, függesztett ágyeke esetében.
Anomáliadetektálás mesterségesintelligencia-módszerekkel : Áttekintés
Authors: Sebestyén Pál György , Hangan Lia-Anca , Czakó Zoltán
Published: July 2023

Napjainkban egyre több emberi tevékenység függ a számítógépen alapuló automatizált rendszerektől. A teljesen automatizált (robotizált) gyártóvonalak, az energiaelosztó infrastruktúrák és más városi szolgáltatások vagy környezetvédelmi rendszerek csak néhány példa a kiberfizikai rendszerekre, amelyek teljes mértékben az automatizált vezérlőrendszerektől függenek. Ezekben az esetekben jelentős kihívást jelent a rendszerek rendellenes viselkedésének azonosítása a hibás működés vagy néha katasztrofális események elkerülése érdekében. Fő kutatási célunk az volt, hogy felmérjük a mesterségesintelligencia-technikák adaptálásának és használatának lehetőségeit az anomáliadetektálás területén. Ennek érdekében, fejlesztettünk egy platformot, melynek segítségével a különböző területeken dolgozó szakemberek hatékony megoldást találhatnak az anomáliák felderítésére. A platform tartalmaz egy eszközt, amely automatikusan kiválasztja a legjobb észlelési algoritmust egy adott adatkészlethez. Az eszközt számos orvosi és ipari területen sikeresen teszteltük.
Dynamic Analysis and Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from a Nonideal Portal Frame System including Nonlinear Energy Sink Effect
Authors: Tusset Angelo M. , Pires Dim B. , Balthazar Jose M. , Fuziki Maria E. K. , Andrade Dana I. , Lenzi Giane G.
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates, through numerical simulations, the application of piezoelectric materials in energy generation. The mathematical model describes a U-shaped portal frame system, excited by an engine with unbalanced mass and coupled to a nonlinear energy sink (NES), which is used as a passive vibration absorber. The influence of the piezoelectric material parameters used in the energy collection and the dimensioning parameters of the NES system is deeply analyzed in this paper. Numerical simulations are presented considering all combinations of the parameters of the piezoelectric material model and the NES. The system dynamics were analyzed through phase diagrams and the 0–1 test. The estimation of energy collection was carried out by calculating the average power. The numerical results show that a more significant potential for energy generation is obtained for certain combinations of parameters, as well as chaotic behavior in some cases.
Elastic Gauge Wheel with Irregular Cavity for Improving Seed Furrow Structure and Seeding Quality
Authors: Li Honggang , Xia Xiaomeng , Chen Linqiang , Ran Ruiqiang , Huang Dongyan
Published: July 2023

The traditional gauge wheel has poor performance in reducing the adhesion to soil and constructing seed furrow, which results in lower seeding quality of the planter. To reduce the adhesion of the gauge wheel to the soil and build a well-structured seed furrow, an elastic gauge wheel with soil retention groove and irregular cavity was designed in this study. The soil retention groove built ridges on both sides of the seed furrow and avoided the gauge wheel compacting the seed furrow sidewalls. The irregular cavity increased the elasticity of the gauge wheel and allowed the wheel to squeeze the soil on both sides of the seed furrow, which reduced the soil adhesion of the wheel and built stable ridges. Soil moisture content was chosen as the experimental factor for comparative tests to evaluate the soil adhesion and the constructed seed furrow of the gauge wheel with an irregular cavity and the traditional gauge wheel. The experimental results showed that the viscosity reduction rate of the gauge wheel with the irregular cavity was not less than 12.61%. Compared with the traditional gauge wheel, the seed furrow constructed by the irregular cavity gauge wheel had ridges on both sides and less backfill soil, and the soil compaction of sidewalls decreased by 18.16%. The field experiment was designed using the Box–Behnken design. The working speed, downforce, and planting depth were taken as experimental factors, and the soil adhesion of the gauge wheel and the consistency of planting depth were taken as evaluation indicators. The optimal operating parameters of planter obtained by Design-Expert 8.0.6 software were as follows: the working speed was 8 km·h−1, the downforce was 844 N, and the planting depth was 65 mm. The verification test of the optimal operating parameters showed that the soil adhesion mass of the gauge wheel was 123.65 g and the coefficient of variation of the planting depth was 5.35%. This study provides a reference for the mechanized construction method of seed furrow by precision planter and the structural design and performance optimization of gauge wheels.
Agrivoltaics and Aquavoltaics: Potential of Solar Energy Use in Agriculture and Freshwater Aquaculture in Croatia
Authors: Matulić Daniel , Andabaka Željko , Radman Sanja , Fruk Goran , Leto Josip , Rošin Jakša , Rastija Mirta , Varga Ivana , Tomljanović Tea , Čeprnja Hrvoje , Karoglan Marko
Published: July 2023

Agrivoltaics and aquavoltaics combine renewable energy production with agriculture and aquaculture. Agrivoltaics involves placing solar panels on farmland, while aquavoltaics integrates photovoltaic systems with water bodies and aquaculture. This paper examines the benefits and challenges of agrivoltaics and aquavoltaics, focusing on their potential for Croatian agriculture and freshwater aquaculture. Benefits include dual land use, which allows farmers to produce clean energy while maintaining agricultural practices. They diversify renewable energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar panels in agrivoltaics provide shade, protect crops, reduce water needs, and increase yields. Challenges include high initial costs and limited accessibility, especially for small farmers. Integration with existing systems requires careful planning, considering irrigation, soil moisture, and crop or fish production. Maintenance and cleaning present additional challenges due to dust, debris, and algae. Policy and regulatory frameworks must support implementation, including incentives, grid integration, land use regulations, and conservation. The location, resources, and crops grown in Croatia present an opportunity for agrivoltaics and aquavoltaics, considering cultivation methods, species, and regulatory requirements.
Spatial Variability of Soil Resistance to Penetration in Fruit Cultivation in Eastern Amazonia
Authors: Lopes Chayanne Costa , Valente Gislayne Farias , de Cinque Mariano Daiane , Okumura Ricardo Shigueru , de Jesus Matos Viégas Ismael , Ferraz Gabriel Araújo e Silva , Ferraz Patrícia Ferreira Ponciano , Dos Santos Sthéfany Airane
Published: July 2023

The application of precision agriculture in cocoa and papaya cultivation in Brazil is still incipient. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial variability of the physical attributes of soil cultivated with a consortium of papaya and cocoa. The study was conducted in two sampling grids of 50 points, in two areas cultivated with papaya and cocoa with different planting times (three and eleven months). The soil attributes soil resistance to penetration (RP) and soil gravimetric moisture (UG) were determined at soil depths of 0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm. The data were submitted to an exploratory and descriptive analysis. Subsequently, a geostatistical analysis was performed to quantify spatial dependence and then interpolation of the data through kriging. The maps showed weak spatial variability for the UG and RP. In the two areas, it was observed that the depth of 0–20 cm had a lower RP (1.7 Mpa) and a higher UG (40 g g−1), and as the depth was higher, had a higher RP (4.4 Mpa) and a lower UG (38 g g−1). Area 1 presented higher RP values in depth, showing greater susceptibility to compaction. The area characterized by the consortium of papaya and cocoa presented more susceptible to compaction. The mechanical resistance of the soil to penetration was more critical in the 40–60 cm layer for the two consortia evaluated, evidencing areas with possible restriction to plant growth.
Deep Straw Burial Accelerates Straw Decomposition and Improves Soil Water Repellency
Authors: Zhang Bo-Yan , Dou Sen , Guan Song , Yang Chuang , Wang Zhao
Published: July 2023

The continuous input, slow decomposition, and retention of straw can impede tillage and crop growth, and the decomposition process of the straw in soil is affected by its composition and the method of application. Experimental Station of Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun City, Jilin Province. The soil type was Argiudolls, the experimental field area was 30 m2, and the maize was planted continuously for 12 years without returning the straw to the field. There were four treatments: (1) control (CK), 10 g of straw was placed on the surface of a nylon mesh bag, and the nylon mesh bag was separated from the soil by polyethylene film without contacting with the soil; (2) straw mulching (CM), a nylon mesh bag with 10 g of straw was placed on the soil surface; (3) straw burying (CD), a nylon mesh bag with 10 g of straw was buried at a depth of 40 cm from the soil surface; (4) straw burying (CE), a nylon mesh bag with 40 cm of soil depth. Fifteen micro-zones were set up with a micro-zone area of 1 m2 and each micro-zone consisted of four treatments randomly grouped in three replicates per treatment. The on-site nylon bag burying trial started on 20 April 2021 and ended on 15 April 2022. Nylon bag and soil samples were collected on days 0, 30, 90, 180, 270, and 360. SOC, TN, straw component decomposition, and water droplet-soil contact angle were determined. Our results showed that the CE treatment increased soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) content compared to the CM and CD treatments. Compared with CK, straw decomposition rates increased by 13.3%, 30.8%, and 22.3% in the CM, CD, and CE treatments, respectively. Lignin decomposition rates increased by 7.8%, 27.3%, and 16.2%; cellulose decomposition rates increased by 14.6%, 35.4%, and 27.3%; and hemicellulose decomposition rates increased by 17.2%, 31.7% and 23.7% in the CD treatment, respectively. Compared with CK, the contact angle of droplets in the CD treatment was statistically significantly increased by 91.5% when the droplets remained on the soil surface for 5 s. The rate of decrease of droplet contact angle with time was statistically significantly decreased by 11.8%, and the penetration rate of droplets on the soil surface was slower. Overall, the CD treatment promoted straw decomposition and increased SWR compared to the CM and CE treatments. which are important attributes to enhance soil quality and improve soil structural stability.
Comparison of Selenium Accumulation in Edible Parts of Wheat and Broad Bean
Authors: Bao Keman , Wang Yurong , Du Xiaoping , Wuriyanghan Hada , Wang Xu , Xie Jiatao , Zhao Xiaohu , Jia Wei
Published: July 2023

The concentration of selenium (Se) in agricultural products primarily depends on the concentration of Se in soil and the ability of plants to accumulate Se. Selenium deficiency not only leads to decreased body resistance, but also increases the risk of cancer. The form and concentration of bioavailable Se is important for diet. The present study was carried out via field experiment with wheat and broad beans in soil of different Se concentrations (0, 1.12, and 11.2 kg·ha−1), which was determined based on the national standard and the team’s previous experience. Results indicated that the concentration of Se in the edible organs of wheat was higher than in broad bean, while the enriched Se concentration in the root of broad bean was more than twice and three times higher than that of wheat at medium and high levels of Se, respectively. Selenomethionine, which accounted for over half of the total Se speciations, was the dominant species in the edible parts of the two crops, followed by Selenocystine and methylselenocysteine. Through the analysis of the rhizosphere soil, it was found that Fe-Mn oxide-bound Se exceeded 80% of the total Se. Additionally, there was a significant linear correlation between the Se content in the edible parts of the two crops and the Se content in the soil. Findings suggested that wheat was more favorable than broad beans as Se supplement crops in a Se-supplied field.
A Comprehensive Approach to Assessing Yield Map Quality in Smart Agriculture: Void Detection and Spatial Error Mapping
Authors: Byabazaire John , O’Hare Gregory M. P. , Collier Rem , Kulatunga Chamil , Delaney Declan
Published: July 2023

Smart agriculture relies on accurate yield maps as a crucial tool for decision-making. Many yield maps, however, suffer from spatial errors that can compromise the quality of their data, while several approaches have been proposed to address some of these errors, detecting voids or holes in the maps remains challenging. Additionally, the quality of yield datasets is typically evaluated based on root mean squared errors after interpolation. This evaluation method relies on weighbridge data, which can occasionally be inaccurate, impacting the quality of decisions made using the datasets. This paper introduces a novel algorithm designed to identify voids in yield maps. Furthermore, it maps three types of spatial errors (GPS errors, yield surges, and voids) to two standard data quality dimensions (accuracy and completeness). Doing so provides a quality score that can be utilized to assess the quality of yield datasets, eliminating the need for weighbridge data. The paper carries out three types of evaluations: (1) evaluating the algorithm’s efficacy by applying it to a dataset containing fields with and without voids; (2) assessing the benefits of integrating void detection and other spatial error identification techniques into the yield data processing chain; and (3) examining the correlation between root mean squared error and the proposed quality score before and after filtering out spatial errors. The results of the evaluations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm achieves a 100% sensitivity, 91% specificity, and 82% accuracy in identifying yield maps with voids. Additionally, there is a decrease in the root mean squared error when various spatial errors, including voids after applying the proposed data pre-processing chain. The inverse correlation observed between the root mean squared error and the proposed quality score (−0.577 and −0.793, before and after filtering spatial errors, respectively) indicates that the quality score can effectively assess the quality of yield datasets. This assessment enables seamless integration into real-time big data quality assessment solutions based on various data quality dimensions.
Real-Life Experience of Continuously Infused Ceftolozane/Tazobactam in Patients with Bronchiectasis and Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in the Outpatient Setting
Authors: Venuti Francesco , Gaviraghi Alberto , De Nicolò Amedeo , Stroffolini Giacomo , Longo Bianca Maria , Di Vincenzo Alessia , Ranzani Fabio Antonino , Quaranta Matilde , Romano Francesca , Catellani Eleonora , Marchiaro Carlotta , Cinnirella Giacoma , D’Avolio Antonio , Bonora Stefano , Calcagno Andrea
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) is a novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor with excellent activity against the multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa. Continuous infusion (CI) dosing allows the optimization of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties of β-lactam antibiotics and may support patients’ treatment as outpatients. (2) Methods: Adult patients receiving their entire course of C/T as a CI in the outpatient setting were retrospectively included in the study. The primary outcome evaluated was clinical resolution. The secondary outcomes evaluated were PK/PD target attainment (ƒT > 4 × MIC) and microbiologic clearance at the end of treatment. Therapeutic drug monitoring to assess C/T concentration was performed. (3) Results: Three patients were enrolled in the study and received 9 g of C/T in CI every 24 h. One patient received an additional course of antimicrobial therapy due to disease exacerbation six months after initial treatment, accounting for four evaluated treatments. The primary outcome was achieved in 3/4 treatments and the secondary outcome was achieved in 4/4 and 3/3, respectively. In all patients, free ceftolozane concentrations were >10 times higher than the EUCAST breakpoint (4 mg/L). (4) Conclusions: Elastomeric infusion of C/T delivered in CI can be an effective and convenient way to treat acute diseases caused by MDR-P. aeruginosa, avoid hospital admission, and contribute to infection control strategies. Despite the small number of enrolled patients, clinical and microbiological results support this strategy.
Evaluation of the BD Phoenix CPO Detect Panel for Detection and Classification of Carbapenemase Producing Enterobacterales
Authors: Lade Harshad , Jeong Seri , Jeon Kibum , Kim Han-Sung , Kim Hyun Soo , Song Wonkeun , Kim Jae-Seok
Published: July 2023

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) pose a serious public health threat due to their resistance to most antibiotics. Rapid and correct detection of carbapenemase producing organisms (CPOs) can help inform clinician decision making on antibiotic therapy. The BD Phoenix™ CPO detect panel, as part of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), detects carbapenemase activity (P/N) and categorizes CPOs according to Ambler classes. We evaluated a CPO detect panel against 109 carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales (CPE) clinical isolates from Korea. The panel correctly detected carbapenemases production in 98.2% (n = 107/109) isolates and identified 78.8% (n = 26/33) class A, 65.9% (n = 29/44) class B, and 56.3% (n = 18/32) class D carbapenemase producers as harboring their corresponding Ambler classes. Specifically, the panel correctly classified 81.3% (n = 13/16) of K. pneumoniae KPC isolates to class A. However, the panel failed to classify 40.0% (n = 4/10) IMP and 63.6% (n = 7/11) VIM isolates to class B. Despite 27.5% (n = 30/109) CPE not being assigned Ambler classes, all of them tested carbapenemase positive. Our results demonstrate that the CPO detect panel is a sensitive test for detecting CPE and classifying KPC as class A, helping with antibiotics selection, but one-third of CPE remained unclassified for Ambler classes.
Micromolar Dihydroartemisinin Concentrations Elicit Lipoperoxidation in Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes
Authors: Skorokhod Oleksii , Valente Elena , Mandili Giorgia , Ulliers Daniela , Schwarzer Evelin
Published: July 2023

Malaria is still the most important parasitic infectious disease. Numerous substances are known to have antimalarial activity; among them, artemisinin is the most widely used one, and artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is recommended for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum (P.f.) malaria. Antitumor, immunomodulatory, and other therapeutic applications of artemisinin are under extensive study. Several different mechanisms of action were proposed for dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the active metabolite of artemisinin, such as eliciting oxidative stress in target cells. The goal of this study is to monitor the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation product 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) by DHA in P.f.-infected human erythrocytes. Checking ROS and 4-HNE-protein adducts kinetics along the maturation of the parasite, we detected the highest level of 4-HNE in ring forms of P.f. due to DHA treatment. Low micromolar concentrations of DHA quickly induced levels of 4-HNE-adducts which are supposed to be damaging. Mass spectrometry identified the P.f. protein cysteine proteinase falcipain-1 as being heavily modified by 4-HNE, and plausibly, 4-HNE conjugation with vital P.f. proteins might contribute to DHA-elicited parasite death. In conclusion, significant 4-HNE accumulation was detectable after DHA treatment, though, at concentrations well above pharmacologically effective ranges in malaria treatment, but at concentrations described for antitumor activity. Thus, lipid peroxidation with consequent 4-HNE conjugation of functionally relevant proteins might be considered as a uniform mechanism for how DHA potentiates antimalarials’ action in ACT and controls the progression of tumors.
Real-Life Traffic Data Based ITS-G5 Channel Load Simulations of a Major Hungarian C-ITS Deployment Site
Authors: Wippelhauser András , Tomaschek Tamás Attila , Verdes Máté , Bokor László
Published: July 2023

Transportation efficiency and safety are crucial development areas nowadays. Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITSs), relying on Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, are a promising group of technologies and applications aimed at solving several issues related to road safety or efficiency. The C-Roads Platform was brought to life to ensure the cross-border harmonization of C-ITS at a European level, guiding several pilot activities in national deployment projects and providing a harmonized pan-European C-ITS service perspective. Because of the safety relevance of V2X technologies, it is essential to ensure that the crucial parameters of wireless communication are within an acceptable range to serve C-ITS applications appropriately. In this work, we developed a simulation pipeline to evaluate future V2X deployments using the real-world traffic and map data of a C-Roads harmonized major Hungarian C-ITS deployment site. First, we selected three time periods representing different traffic patterns. Then, we reconstructed the flow-based traffic data from the real-world traffic counters for the selected time periods. We developed an approach based on linear equations to perform the conversion. Eventually, we used the real-world data to simulate the effects of various DSRC (ITS-G5-based) C-ITS services and V2X penetration rates on the Channel Busy Ratio (CBR) parameter of the radio access environment.