bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the mechanical cost of transport in human walking with a simple kinematic data-driven mechanical model
Authors: Katwal Parvat , Jaiswal Suraj , Jiang Dezhi , Pyrhönen Lauri , Tuomisto Jenni , Rantalainen Timo , Schwab Arend L. , Mikkola Aki
Published: April 2024

This work utilizes a simplified, streamlined approach to study the mechanical cost of transport in human walking. Utilizing the kinematic motion data of the center of mass, velocities and accelerations are determined using kinematic analysis; the applied force is then obtained using inverse dynamics. We calculate the mechanical cost of transport per step from both synthetic and measured data, using a very simple mechanical model of walking. The approach studied can serve as an informative gait characteristic to monitor rehabilitation in human walking.
Potential global distribution of Setaria italica, an important species for dryland agriculture in the context of climate change
Authors: Yang Jingtian , Jiang Xue , Ma Yunlong , Liu Mei , Shama Zixi , Li Jiayi , Huang Yi
Published: April 2024

Setaria italica (S. italica, Linnaeus, 1753) is a drought-resistant, barren-tolerant, and widely adapted C-4 crop that plays a vital role in maintaining agricultural and economic stability in arid and barren regions of the world. However, the potential habitat of S. italica under current and future climate scenarios remains to be explored. Predicting the potential global geographic distribution of S. italica and clarifying its ecological requirements can help promote sustainable agriculture, which is crucial for addressing the global food crisis. In this study, we predicted the potential global geographic distribution of S. italica based on 3,154 global distribution records using the Maxent model and ArcGIS software. We assessed the constraints on its potential distribution based on the contribution of environmental factors variables. The predictive accuracy of the Maxent model was evaluated using AUC values, TSS values, and Kappa statistics, respectively. The results showed that the Maxent model had a high prediction accuracy, and the simulation results were also reliable; the total suitable habitats of S. italica is 5.54×107 km2, which mainly included the United States (North America), Brazil (South America), Australia (Oceania), China, India (Asia), and the Russian Federation (Europe). The most suitable habitat of S. italica was 0.52×107 km2, accounting for 9.44% of the total areas, mainly in the United States, India, the Russian Federation, and China. Soil and precipitation (driest monthly precipitation, hottest seasonal precipitation) are the most critical factors limiting the potential distribution of S. italica. Compared with the modern potential distribution, we predict that the four future climate change scenarios will result in varying reductions in the possible geographic ranges of S. italica. Overall, climate change may significantly affect the global distribution of S. italica, altering its worldwide production and trade patterns.
Securing cloud data using secret key 4 optimization algorithm (SK4OA) with a non-linearity run time trend
Authors: Frimpong Twum , Hayfron Acquah James Benjamin , Missah Yaw Marfo , Dawson John Kwao , Ayawli Ben Beklisi Kwame , Baah Philemon , Sam Samuel Akyeramfo
Published: April 2024

Cloud computing alludes to the on-demand availability of personal computer framework resources, primarily information storage and processing power, without the customer’s direct personal involvement. Cloud computing has developed dramatically among many organizations due to its benefits such as cost savings, resource pooling, broad network access, and ease of management; nonetheless, security has been a major concern. Researchers have proposed several cryptographic methods to offer cloud data security; however, their execution times are linear and longer. A Security Key 4 Optimization Algorithm (SK4OA) with a non-linear run time is proposed in this paper. The secret key of SK4OA determines the run time rather than the size of the data as such is able to transmit large volumes of data with minimal bandwidth and able to resist security attacks like brute force since its execution timings are unpredictable. A data set from Kaggle was used to determine the algorithm’s mean and standard deviation after thirty (30) times of execution. Data sizes of 3KB, 5KB, 8KB, 12KB, and 16 KB were used in this study. There was an empirical analysis done against RC4, Salsa20, and Chacha20 based on encryption time, decryption time, throughput and memory utilization. The analysis showed that SK4OA generated lowest mean non-linear run time of 5.545±2.785 when 16KB of data was executed. Additionally, SK4OA’s standard deviation was greater, indicating that the observed data varied far from the mean. However, RC4, Salsa20, and Chacha20 showed smaller standard deviations making them more clustered around the mean resulting in predictable run times.
Assessing portfolio diversification via two-sample graph kernel inference. A case study on the influence of ESG screening
Authors: Gudmundarson Ragnar L. , Peters Gareth W.
Published: April 2024

In this work we seek to enhance the frameworks practitioners in asset management and wealth management may adopt to asses how different screening rules may influence the diversification benefits of portfolios. The problem arises naturally in the area of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) based investing practices as practitioners often need to select subsets of the total available assets based on some ESG screening rule. Once a screening rule is identified, one constructs a dynamic portfolio which is usually compared with another dynamic portfolio to check if it satisfies or outperforms the risk and return profile set by the company. Our study proposes a novel method that tackles the problem of comparing diversification benefits of portfolios constructed under different screening rules. Each screening rule produces a sequence of graphs, where the nodes are assets and edges are partial correlations. To compare the diversification benefits of screening rules, we propose to compare the obtained graph sequences. The method proposed is based on a machine learning hypothesis testing framework called the kernel two-sample test whose objective is to determine whether the graphs come from the same distribution. If they come from the same distribution, then the risk and return profiles should be the same. The fact that the sample data points are graphs means that one needs to use graph testing frameworks. The problem is natural for kernel two-sample testing as one can use so-called graph kernels to work with samples of graphs. The null hypothesis of the two-sample graph kernel test is that the graph sequences were generated from the same distribution, while the alternative is that the distributions are different. A failure to reject the null hypothesis would indicate that ESG screening does not affect diversification while rejection would indicate that ESG screening does have an effect. The article describes the graph kernel two-sample testing framework, and further provides a brief overview of different graph kernels. We then demonstrate the power of the graph two-sample testing framework under different realistic scenarios. Finally, the proposed methodology is applied to data within the SnP500 to demonstrate the workflow one can use in asset management to test for structural differences in diversification of portfolios under different ESG screening rules.
Statistical estimation of fatal and serious injuries saved by iRAP protocols in 74 countries
Authors: Li Qingfeng , Bradford James , Bachani Abdulgafoor M.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Road traffic crashes cause 1.19 million deaths and millions more injuries annually. The persistently high burden has drawn attention from national and international stakeholders worldwide. Unsafe road infrastructure is one of the major risk factors for traffic safety, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

Aiming to eliminate high-risk roads in all countries, the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) developed a robust and evidence-based approach to support country transportation agencies.

Results

Thus far, the iRAP protocols have been used to collect 1.8 million kilometers of Crash Risk Mapping and 1.5 million kilometers of Star Rating and FSI estimations in 128 countries. Deploying an observational before-and-after (or pre-post) study design, this report estimated the fatal and series injuries (FSI) saved through use of the iRAP protocols. The study is based on 441,753 kilometers of assessed roads from 1,039 projects in 74 countries. Our results show that the implementation of iRAP’s proposed countermeasures saves about 159,936 FSI annually. Throughout the lifetime of the implemented countermeasures, a total of 3.2 million FSI could be saved.

Conclusion

While quantifying the success of the iRAP protocols, our results suggest an opportunity to save many millions more lives on the roads through expanding iRAP implementation to more regions and countries.
Factors associated with venous collaterals in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Petchprom Phirat , Sanghan Nuttha , Khumthong Rujimas , Setthawatcharawanich Suwanna , Sathirapanya Pornchai , Leelawattana Rattana , Korathanakhun Pat
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To identify the factors associated with venous collaterals in Thai patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.

Materials and methods

This retrospective 20-year cohort study enrolled patients diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis between January 2002 and December 2022. Data was collected from the electronic medical record, and venous collaterals were independently reviewed by two neuroradiologists using the Qureshi classification. Patients with and without venous collaterals were compared. Significant factors (P<0.05) in the univariate analysis were recruited into the multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine independently associated factors.

Results

Among 79 patients with cerebral venous thrombosis, the prevalence of venous collaterals at the initial neuroimaging was 25.3%. In the univariate analysis, patients with cerebral venous thrombosis and venous collaterals were significantly younger (37.0±13.9 years vs. 44.9±17.4 years, P = 0.048), more often had occlusion in the superior sagittal sinus (80.0% vs. 54.2%, P = 0.041), and were associated with hormonal exposure (35.0% vs. 6.8%, P = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed occlusion in the superior sagittal sinus (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.581; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.941–13.626; P = 0.044) and hormonal exposure (aOR 7.276, 95% CI 1.606–32.966, P = 0.010) as independent factors associated with venous collaterals in cerebral venous thrombosis.

Conclusions

In this cohort, the prevalence of venous collaterals was 25.3%. Occlusion in the superior sagittal sinus and hormonal exposure were independently associated with venous collaterals in patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.
The effect of methylphenidate on anaesthesia recovery: An experimental study in pigs
Authors: Mirra Alessandro , Micieli Fabiana , Arnold Mirjam , Spadavecchia Claudia , Levionnois Olivier Louis
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Due to the lack of specific antagonists for general anaesthetics, the pharmacological stimulation of the arousal pathways might contribute to reduce recovery time. We aimed at assessing the effect of methylphenidate on physiological parameters, nociceptive withdrawal reflex thresholds, electroencephalographic variables and time of reappearance of reflexes in pigs undergoing propofol anaesthesia.

Materials and methods

Two experiments have been performed. Five (experiment 1) and sixteen (experiment 2) healthy juvenile pigs were anaesthetised with propofol. In experiment 1, saline, methylphenidate 10 mg/kg or methylphenidate 20 mg/kg was administered intravenously at the end of propofol administration, using a cross-over design. In experiment 2, saline (n = 8) or methylphenidate 20 mg/kg (n = 8) was administered immediately after extubation. In both experiments, physiological parameters, nociceptive withdrawal reflex thresholds, electroencephalographic variables and time of reappearance of reflexes were assessed. Comparison among groups was performed using either the two-way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni-Test or the t-test in case of parametric data, and either the Kruskal-Wallis test or the Mann-Whitney Rank Sum test in case of non-parametric data. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

No clinically relevant changes were observed in both experiments for physiological parameters, nociceptive withdrawal reflex thresholds and electroencephalographic variables.

Conclusions

Methylphenidate does not shorten or modify anaesthesia recovery in pigs, when the sole propofol is administered.
The influence of diagnostic subgroups, patient- and hospital characteristics for the validity of cardiovascular diagnoses–Data from a Norwegian hospital trust
Authors: Rye Cathrine Sæthern , Ofstad Anne Pernille , Åsvold Bjørn Olav , Romundstad Pål Richard , Horn Julie , Dalen Håvard
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiovascular discharge diagnoses may serve as endpoints in epidemiological studies if they have a high validity. Aim was to study if diagnoses-specific characteristics like type, sub-categories, and position of cardiovascular diagnoses affected diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

Patients (n = 7,164) with a discharge diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure or cerebrovascular disease were included. Data were presented as positive predictive values (PPV) and sensitivity.

Results

PPV was high (≥88%) for acute myocardial infarction (n = 2,189) (except for outpatients). For heart failure (n = 4,026) PPV was 67% overall, but higher (>99%) when etiology or echocardiography was included. For hemorrhagic (n = 257) and ischemic (n = 1,034) strokes PPVs were 87% and 80%, respectively, with sensitivity of 79% and 75%. Transient ischemic attacks (n = 926) had PPV 56%, but sensitivity 86%. Primary diagnoses showed higher validity than subsequent diagnoses and inpatient diagnoses were more valid than outpatient diagnoses (except for transient ischemic attack). The diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction and heart failure where most valid when placed at cardiology units, while ischemic stroke when discharged from an internal medicine unit.

Conclusions

The diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction and stroke had excellent validity when placed during hospital stays. Similarly, heart failure diagnoses had excellent validity when echocardiography was performed before placing the diagnosis, while overall the diagnoses of heart failure and transient ischemic attack were less valid. In conclusion, the results indicate that cardiovascular diagnoses based on objective findings such as acute myocardial infarction and stroke have excellent validity and may be used as endpoints in clinical epidemiological studies with less rigid validation.
Sample, time, and wording effects on estimating the prevalence of childfree adults: Insights from Japan
Authors: Neal Zachary P. , Neal Jennifer Watling
Published: April 2024

Childfree adults neither have nor want children, but estimates of their prevalence vary widely, leading to ambiguity about how common this family status actually is. The goal of this study is to examine the effects of sample composition, time, and question wording on estimates of the prevalence of childfree adults. We pool 83 nationally representative estimates of the prevalence of childfree adults in Japan since 2000 using meta-regression to identify the influence of sex, marital status, year, and survey question. Prevalence estimates are higher when computed from samples of women than men, from samples of singles than married people, from samples collected more recently, and from surveys asking questions about expectations than wants. Most of the variation in estimates of the prevalence of childfree adults can be attributed to differences in sample composition, time, and question wording. Taking these factors into account, we estimate that over 2.5 million Japanese adults age 18-50, or 5.64% of this population, were childfree in 2020.
Effects of COVID-19 vaccine safety framing on parental reactions
Authors: Tan Hao , Liu Jiayan , Zhang Yingli
Published: April 2024

As a major concern shared by parents globally, COVID-19 vaccine safety is typically being messaged to the public in a negative frame in many countries. However, whether the COVID-19 vaccine safety framing have an effect on parents when vaccinating their children is unclear. Here we implement an online survey with a convenience sample of 3,861 parents living in mainland China, all over 18 years old and with at least one child under 18. The parents were randomly assigned to receive information about COVID-19 vaccine safety in either a negative frame (incidence of side effects) or a positive frame (the inverse incidence of side effects), to compare parental reactions to a range of questions about communication, risk perception, trust, involvement and behavioral intention. We found that parents were more likely to regard vaccine safety as relevant to policy support and as a higher priority for government when receiving positively framed information (p = 0.002). For some specific subgroups, parents in positive framing group showed lower risk perception and higher trust (p<0.05). This suggests that positive framing of COVID-19 vaccine safety messages show more effective performance than negative framing in terms of involvement, as well as trust and risk perception in specific subgroups, which may lead to a reflection on whether to adjust the current widespread use of negative framing. Our findings inform how governments and health care workers strategically choose the framing design of COVID-19 vaccine safety information, and have important implications for promoting COVID-19 vaccination in children in the future.
CO2 exposure drives a rapid pH response in live adult Drosophila
Authors: Zimmerman Sandra G. , Berg Celeste A.
Published: April 2024

CO2 anesthesia is the most common method for immobilizing Drosophila for research purposes. But CO2 exposure has consequences—it can impact fertility, behavior, morphogenesis, and cytoskeletal dynamics. In this respect, Drosophila is an outstanding model for studying the impact of CO2 exposure on tissues. In this study we explored the response of intracellular pH (pHi) to a one-minute CO2 pulse using a genetically encoded, ubiquitously expressed pH sensor, tpHusion, to monitor pHi within a live, intact, whole fly. We compared wild-type flies to flies lacking Imaginal disc growth factors (Idgfs), which are chitinase-like proteins that facilitate developmental processes and the innate immune response. Morphogenetic and cytoskeletal defects in Idgf-null flies are enhanced after CO2 exposure. We found that pHi drops sharply within seconds of the beginning of a CO2 pulse and recovers over several minutes. The initial profile was nearly identical in control and Idgf-null flies but diverged as the pHi returned to normal. This study demonstrates the feasibility of monitoring pH in live adult Drosophila. Studies exploring pH homeostasis are important for understanding human pathologies associated with pH dysregulation.
Shedding light on the problem: Influence of the radiator power, source-sample distance, and exposure time on the performance of UV-C lamps in laboratory and real-world conditions
Authors: Arkusz Katarzyna , Pasik Kamila , Jędrzejewska Aleksandra , Klekiel Tomasz , Woźniak Waldemar , Nycz Marta , Stryjski Roman
Published: April 2024

Effective surface disinfection is crucial for preventing the spread of pathogens in hospitals. Standard UltraViolet-C (UV-C) lamps have been widely used for this purpose, but their disinfection efficiency under real-world conditions is not well understood. To fill this gap, the influence of the power of the ultraviolet radiator, source-sample distance, and exposure time on the performance of UV-C lamps against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis were experimentally determined in the laboratory and hospital. The obtained results showed that the UV irradiance and, thus, the UV-C disinfection efficiency decreased significantly at distances greater than 100 cm from the UV-C lamp. Moreover, increasing the total power of the radiators does not improve the performance of UV-C lamps under real conditions. The UV-C disinfection efficiency greater than 90% was achieved only under laboratory conditions at a close distance from the UV-C lamp, i.e., 10 cm. These findings provide novel insights into the limitations of UV-C lamps in real-world conditions and highlight the need for more effective disinfection strategies in hospitals.
Genetic insights into Cyphocharax magdalenae (Characiformes: Curimatidae): Microsatellite loci development and population analysis in the Cauca River, Colombia
Authors: Ochoa-Aristizábal Ana Maria , Márquez Edna Judith
Published: April 2024

Cyphocharax magdalenae, a Colombian freshwater fish species, plays a vital role in nutrients distribution and serves as a significant food source for other fish species and local fishing communities. Considered a short-distance migratory species, C. magdalenae populations face substantial extinction risk due to human activities impacting their habitats. To address the lack of knowledge on genetic diversity and population structure, this study used next-generation sequencing technology to develop species-specific microsatellite loci and conducted a population genetics analysis of C. magdalenae in the middle and lower sections of the Cauca River, Colombia. Out of 30 pairs of microsatellite primers evaluated in 324 individuals, 14 loci were found to be polymorphic, at linkage equilibrium and, in at least one population, their genotypic frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Results showed high genetic diversity levels compared to other neotropical Characiformes, with inbreeding coefficients similar to those reported for phylogenetically related species. Moreover, C. magdalenae exhibits seasonal population structure (rainy-dry) consisting of two genetic stocks showing bottleneck signals and high effective population sizes. This information is essential for understanding the current species genetics and developing future management programs for this fishery resource.
Evidence for vagal sensory neural involvement in influenza pathogenesis and disease
Authors: Verzele Nathalie A. J. , Chua Brendon Y. , Short Kirsty R. , Moe Aung Aung Kywe , Edwards Isaac N. , Bielefeldt-Ohmann Helle , Hulme Katina D. , Noye Ellesandra C. , Tong Marcus Z. W. , Reading Patrick C. , Trewella Matthew W. , Mazzone Stuart B. , McGovern Alice E.
Published: April 2024

Influenza A virus (IAV) is a common respiratory pathogen and a global cause of significant and often severe morbidity. Although inflammatory immune responses to IAV infections are well described, little is known about how neuroimmune processes contribute to IAV pathogenesis. In the present study, we employed surgical, genetic, and pharmacological approaches to manipulate pulmonary vagal sensory neuron innervation and activity in the lungs to explore potential crosstalk between pulmonary sensory neurons and immune processes. Intranasal inoculation of mice with H1N1 strains of IAV resulted in stereotypical antiviral lung inflammation and tissue pathology, changes in breathing, loss of body weight and other clinical signs of severe IAV disease. Unilateral cervical vagotomy and genetic ablation of pulmonary vagal sensory neurons had a moderate effect on the pulmonary inflammation induced by IAV infection, but significantly worsened clinical disease presentation. Inhibition of pulmonary vagal sensory neuron activity via inhalation of the charged sodium channel blocker, QX-314, resulted in a moderate decrease in lung pathology, but again this was accompanied by a paradoxical worsening of clinical signs. Notably, vagal sensory ganglia neuroinflammation was induced by IAV infection and this was significantly potentiated by QX-314 administration. This vagal ganglia hyperinflammation was characterized by alterations in IAV-induced host defense gene expression, increased neuropeptide gene and protein expression, and an increase in the number of inflammatory cells present within the ganglia. These data suggest that pulmonary vagal sensory neurons play a role in the regulation of the inflammatory process during IAV infection and suggest that vagal neuroinflammation may be an important contributor to IAV pathogenesis and clinical presentation. Targeting these pathways could offer therapeutic opportunities to treat IAV-induced morbidity and mortality.
Genetic drift and purifying selection shape within-host influenza A virus populations during natural swine infections
Authors: VanInsberghe David , McBride Dillon S. , DaSilva Juliana , Stark Thomas J. , Lau Max S. Y. , Shepard Samuel S. , Barnes John R. , Bowman Andrew S. , Lowen Anice C. , Koelle Katia
Published: April 2024

Patterns of within-host influenza A virus (IAV) diversity and evolution have been described in natural human infections, but these patterns remain poorly characterized in non-human hosts. Elucidating these dynamics is important to better understand IAV biology and the evolutionary processes that govern spillover into humans. Here, we sampled an IAV outbreak in pigs during a week-long county fair to characterize viral diversity and evolution in this important reservoir host. Nasal wipes were collected on a daily basis from all pigs present at the fair, yielding up to 421 samples per day. Subtyping of PCR-positive samples revealed the co-circulation of H1N1 and H3N2 subtype swine IAVs. PCR-positive samples with robust Ct values were deep-sequenced, yielding 506 sequenced samples from a total of 253 pigs. Based on higher-depth re-sequenced data from a subset of these initially sequenced samples (260 samples from 168 pigs), we characterized patterns of within-host IAV genetic diversity and evolution. We find that IAV genetic diversity in single-subtype infected pigs is low, with the majority of intrahost Single Nucleotide Variants (iSNVs) present at frequencies of <10%. The ratio of the number of nonsynonymous to the number of synonymous iSNVs is significantly lower than under the neutral expectation, indicating that purifying selection shapes patterns of within-host viral diversity in swine. The dynamic turnover of iSNVs and their pronounced frequency changes further indicate that genetic drift also plays an important role in shaping IAV populations within pigs. Taken together, our results highlight similarities in patterns of IAV genetic diversity and evolution between humans and swine, including the role of stochastic processes in shaping within-host IAV dynamics.
Indirect hemagglutination assay for diagnosing brucellosis: Past, present, and future
Authors: Mikailov M. M. , Gunashev Sh. A. , Yanikova E. A. , Halikov A. A. , Bulashev Aitbay K.
Published: April 2024

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes enormous losses in livestock production worldwide and has a significant public health impact. None of the brucellosis-free countries is currently able to guarantee their ability to prevent the introduction of the pathogen due to the increase in tourism and the expansion of migration. The timely identification of infected animals is an effective means of preventing brucellosis and minimizing the epidemiological risk. The tube agglutination test, Rose Bengal plate test, complement fixation test, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which are routinely used to identify seropositive productive animals, have limitations and results that do not always correlate. The indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) stands out among non-traditional methods because it is affordable, has a simple protocol, and is more reliable than classical serological tests, especially in cases of questionable and/or false-negative results. The diagnostic value of the IHA has long been studied by laboratories in several countries, but mostly by post-soviet research teams; therefore, the results continue to be published in Russian-language journals, ensuring that the local scientific community can access the results. In addition, the efficacy of this test for the diagnosis of brucellosis and other infectious diseases has not yet been reviewed. The purpose of this review was to summarize the results of studies on the development and use of IHA for the diagnosis of brucellosis and to determine the prospects for further improvement

Keywords: brucellosis, diagnostic value, indirect hemagglutination assay, prospects for improving the test, serological tests.
Influence of two collection frequency intervals on sperm quality of standard and miniature bull Terriers during short breeding periods: A clinical field study
Authors: Salvado J. , Catilina D. , Borges P. , Simoes J. , Martins-Bessa A.
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim: The quality of canine sperm can be influenced by many factors, such as breed, body weight, age, ejaculatory frequency, nutrition, and environment. In the UK, it is common practice for standard Bull Terriers (SBT) and miniature Bull Terriers (MBT) to require male donors during a short breeding period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of semen collection frequency on ejaculate volume and nine sperm parameters in SBT and MBT males, considering age and body condition score (BCS).

Materials and Methods: Ejaculates from six adult SBTs and four MBTs were collected 5 times at two consecutive intervals (Time Series [TS]1, 24 h vs. TS2, 48 h), 1 week apart. Ejaculate volume, concentration, total output, viability (live sperm), subjective total motility, vigor, and total morphological defects, including head, midpiece, and tail defects of sperm, were evaluated. A multivariable mixed linear model for repeated measures was used to analyze the effects of semen collection frequency, age, breed, and BCS on ejaculate volume and sperm parameters.

Results: Semen collection frequency, age, and, to a lesser extent, breed, and BCS significantly affected sperm parameters. Semen collection frequency affected all sperm parameters (p < 0.05) but not ejaculate volume (p > 0.05). Total sperm output, sperm vigor, total motility, and tail defects decreased (p < 0.05) at the end of TS1. However, sperm parameters remained relatively constant (p > 0.05) in TS2 between semen collection sessions. Overall, poorer sperm parameters were observed in older dogs (aged 5-8 years) than in younger dogs (aged 4 years). MBT produced less (p < 0.001) ejaculate volume (3.2 ± 0.2 mL vs. 4.3 ± 0.2 mL: Least Squares Mean ± Standard Error of Mean), lower total sperm output (221.8 ± 19.2 x 106 vs. 348.6 ± 19.2 x 106) and lower total morphological defects (25.0 ± 1.1% vs. 31.3 ± 0.9%), and a higher percentage of live sperm (77.0 ± 1.4% vs. 71.7 ± 1.1%) than SBT. In addition, a BCS of 4 positively influenced (p < 0.05) viability, vigor, and total sperm motility.

Conclusion: Despite differences in age, breed, and BCS, better sperm parameter values were observed in all semen collection sessions. However, intensive semen collection (TS1) appears to be less effective in maintaining good sperm quality. For breeding or artificial insemination purposes, a 48-h interval between collection sessions is recommended for both breeds. The results of this study could be used to further optimize assisted reproductive technologies in both breeds.

Keywords: bull terriers, dog, ejaculate, ejaculatory frequency, sperm quality.
Longitudinal Microbiome Changes in Children Exposed to Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Zhang Yanjia Jason , Connearney Sarah , Hester Lisa , Du Maritha , Catacora Andrea , Akkara Anna , Wen Anna , Bry Lynn , Alm Eric J. , Rosen Rachel
Published: April 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use has been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory infections in children. There are limited longitudinal data on the effect of PPI in children. The goal of this prospective observational study was to compare the stool and oropharyngeal microbiome of children before and after starting PPIs.

METHODS:

We prospectively recruited participants from a gastroenterology clinic. Consented participants provided stool samples and oropharyngeal swabs at baseline and after 8 weeks of PPI therapy. Microbiome changes were measured by analyzing 16S sequencing from both body sites at both time points.

RESULTS:

Thirty-four participants completed the study and provided samples both at baseline and after 8 weeks on PPI therapy. Of those, 24 participants had sufficient sequencing from both stool and oropharyngeal samples at both time points. There were no differences between the pre-PPI and post-PPI samples using beta-diversity metrics in either the oropharynx or stool. There were, however, significant changes in specific taxa. There was an enrichment of Streptococcus in the stool after PPI use and a reduction in the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Peptostreptococcus, and Turicibacter (P-values < 0.01). Furthermore, there was an increase in the relative abundance of oropharyngeal bacteria in the stool after PPI therapy. This enrichment of oropharyngeal bacteria in the stool was most prominent in younger participants.

DISCUSSION:

Further investigation is needed to determine the clinical and microbial factors that predispose or protect against microbiome changes due to PPI use and why young children are more susceptible to this PPI effect.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in a Patient With Multivessel Disease and Dextrocardia With Situs Inversus Totalis
Authors: Shahani Rohit , Ahmed Adham , Rosell Frank M. , Iribarne Alexander
Published: April 2024

Dextrocardia with situs inversus totalis is a rare hereditary condition characterized by reversed orientation of the major thoracic and abdominal organs. Though dextrocardia itself is not believed to increase the risk of coronary artery disease, the workup and surgical management of patients with this condition may be technically challenging to heart team clinicians. This report describes the case management of a high-risk 56-year-old man with dextrocardia who presented with multivessel coronary artery disease.
El Estado ecológico de derecho y el acceso a la información en el Acuerdo de Escazú
Authors: Aguilar Cavallo Gonzalo
Published: April 2024

Este artículo examina la relevancia del reconocimiento del derecho al acceso a la información ambiental en el proceso de construcción del Estado de derecho contemporáneo. Se analiza la protección de la naturaleza y la consideración de nuevos paradigmas del conocimiento, como elementos que se han incorporado en los contenidos del Estado de derecho. Además, se analiza el acceso a la información en relación con estos componentes, con el objetivo de fortalecer el concepto de Estado ecológico de derecho.
Factors affecting Chinese undergraduate medical students’ behavioural intention and actual use of intelligent tutoring systems
Authors: Han Feifei
Published: April 2024

This study examined Chinese undergraduate medical students’ acceptance and adoption of intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs) using the general extended technology acceptance model for e-learning via a Likert-scale questionnaire. Specifically, it examined the relations between the five antecedents and the four core components in the model (i.e., perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), behavioural intention and actual use of ITSs). The results of PLS-SEM showed that perceived enjoyment was the most influential antecedent as it significantly impacted both PU and PEOU. Both self-efficacy and prior experience only significantly contributed to PEOU but not PU. Both PU and PEOU significantly and positively predicted behavioural intention, which in turn had a significant and positive path to actual use. The results provide some practical implications to teachers as to how to encourage Chinese undergraduate medical students’ adoption of ITSs: by integrating some gamification elements into the learning activities in ITSs to foster students’ enjoyable feelings or familiarising students with using ITSs so that they can quickly adapt to learning through them. This could be achieved by providing guidance in using ITSs via videos, websites or booklets, or at the beginning of the course, inviting senior students to share their perceived advantages and usefulness of using ITSs.
 
Implications for practice or policy:

Because of the importance of perceived enjoyment, teachers may integrate some gamification into the learning activities in ITSs to nurture students’ enjoyable feelings.
To enable students to quickly accommodate learning via ITSs, institutions may provide students with information on common features of ITSs or how to navigate a specific ITS.
Teachers may explicitly explain how learning objectives can be better achieved through using an ITSs so that students will appreciate its usefulness.
Corpus-based discourse analysis: from meta-reflection to accountability
Authors: Bednarek Monika , Schweinberger Martin , Lee Kelvin K. H.
Published: April 2024

Recent years have seen an increase in data and method reflection in corpus-based discourse analysis. In this article, we first take stock of some of the issues arising from such reflection (covering concepts such as triangulation, objectivity/subjectivity, replication, transparency, reflexivity, consistency). We then introduce a new ‘accountability’ framework for use in corpus-based discourse analysis (and perhaps beyond). We conceptualise such accountability as a multi-faceted phenomenon, covering various aspects of the research process. In the second part of this article, we then link this framework to a new cross-institutional initiative – the Australian Text Analytics Platform (ATAP) – which aims to address a small part of the framework, namely the transparency of analyses through Jupyter notebooks. We introduce the Quotation Tool as an example ATAP notebook of particular relevance to corpus-based discourse analysis. We reflect on how this notebook fosters accountability in relation to transparency of analysis and illustrate key applications using a set of different corpora.
Active cooling of a photovoltaic module in hot-ambient temperatures: theory versus experiment
Authors: Abdel-Raheim Amr Ayman , Hassan Ali A. M. , Abdel-Salam Mazen , El-Sayed Abou Hashema M.
Published: April 2024

The performance improvement of a PV-module is investigated theoretically and experimentally in a long-term research-plan via module cooling by different approaches including passive, active, and evaporative cooling as well as water cooling for the same module. In the present paper, the investigation is conducted to decide on the suitability of active-cooling of the module in hot-ambient temperatures. A module without cooling is used as a base case for comparison against cooled modules with and without fins attached to the module’s rear-surface and extended down in an air-cooling duct underneath the module. At first, a theoretical study of heat transfer through the module is conducted to investigate how the calculated cell temperature and module output power are influenced by the air velocity from a blower, ambient temperature and solar irradiation. The results showed a decrease of cell temperature by about 7–10 °C with a subsequent increase of electrical efficiency. The cell temperature decreases significantly with the increase of duct height and with the increase of the number and length of fins, the same as in passive cooling. The cell temperature decreases by more than 3 °C at duct height of 0.2 m. The calculated values of cell temperature, open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of the module with and without active cooling agreed reasonably with the present measured values over the day hours of two successive days in summer season. At air velocity of 1.5 m/s, the increase of electrical efficiency by active cooling was found 0.67–0.80 %. Further increase of air-flow velocity or duct-height in active cooling seeking higher efficiency is not recommended due to increase of consumed electric power by air-blower and limited decrease of cell temperature. This concludes that air cooling is not effective in regions of hot ambient temperatures. For a non-cooled module, the cell temperature is related to the ambient temperature in terms of the solar radiation and NOCT, the datasheet value of normal-operating-cell-temperature. The relationship is modified in the present paper to account for air-flow through the duct seeking its extension for application to air-cooled modules.
Endocrinological and metabolic profile of Gaucher disease patients treated with enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Kilic Ayse , Emecen Sanli Merve , Ozsaydı Aktasoglu Ekin , Gokalp Sabire , Biberoğlu Gürsel , Inci Aslı , Okur Ilyas , Suheyl Ezgu Fatih , Tumer Leyla
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Gaucher disease (GD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by glucocerebrosidase (GCase) enzyme deficiency. Gaucher cells transformed from the macrophages by progressive sphingolipid accumulation and infiltrate bone marrow, spleen, liver, and other organs. The accumulation of substrate causes inflammation, compromised cellular homeostasis, and disturbed autophagy. It has been hypothesized that this proinflammatory state of GD leads cytokines and chemokines release. As a result of inflammatory process, the cellular dysfunction caused by disruption of cellular signaling, organelle dysfunction, or autoimmune antibodies may affect endocrine profile of GD patients such as hormone levels, lipid profile, and bone mineral density status.

Methods

A total of 13 patients confirmed to have GD, 12 non-neuronopathic type and one subacute neuronopathic type, were enrolled in our study.

Results

The median treatment duration in the enzyme therapy was 13.33 years (9–26 years). At least one endocrinological abnormality was detected in blood tests of nine patients. Hyperinsulinism was the most common finding although fasting blood glucose levels HgbA1c levels were normal in all patients. Two patients had osteopenia, and osteoporosis was detected in two patients. Low HDL levels were detected in six patients, but HDL levels below 23 mg/dL associated with disease severity have been detected in two patients who have not receiving enzyme replacement therapy. None of patients had thyroidal dysfunction.

Conclusions

This study had revealed endocrinological abnormalities in GD patients that have not led any severe morbidity in our patients. However, thyroid hormone abnormalities, insulin resistance, or lipid profile abnormalities may cause unpredictable comorbidities. Endocrinological assessment in GD patients in routine follow-up may prevent possible clinical manifestation in long term as well as can define efficacy of ERT on endocrine abnormalities.
What’s hidden below definiteness and genitive: on indefinite partitive articles in Romance
Authors: Pinzin Francesco
Published: April 2024

In French, Italian, and other Romance languages indefinite nominal phrases can be introduced by what appears to be the conflation of a genitive preposition and a definite article, the so-called “indefinite partitive articles” (e.g., Fr. Je cuisine de la soupe depuis deux jours. ‘I’ve been cooking soup for two days’). This is rather unexpected, since these nominal phrases are neither definite nor in a syntactic position in which we expect to find a genitive preposition. This led part of the literature to consider them as built by lexical items synchronically distinct from the genitive preposition/definite article but homophonous with them. This contribution shows how a constituent-based approach to the lexicon-syntax interface as nanosyntax, paired with a specific take on the sequence of syntactic functions, can capture their apparently conflicting distribution without stipulating multiple homophonous lexical items. The key factor in this proposal is a revised analysis of the Romance lexical item (LI) for (i) definite articles – linked to a constituent containing not only features of definiteness but also lower indefinite features and higher nominative/accusative case features – and (ii) the genitive preposition DE – linked to a constituent containing not only genitive features but also lower nominative/accusative features. Holding these LIs crosslinguistically stable, the variation attested in this domain is modeled as depending on the amount of functional structure lexicalized by the nominal root in the different languages.
Soliton dynamics of the KdV–mKdV equation using three distinct exact methods in nonlinear phenomena
Authors: Ullah M. Atta , Rehan Kashif , Perveen Zahida , Sadaf Maasoomah , Akram Ghazala
Published: April 2024

The KdV–mKdV equation is investigated in this study. This equation is a useful tool to model many nonlinear phenomena in the fields of fluid dynamics, quantum mechanics, and soliton wave theory. The exact soliton solutions of the KdV–mKdV equation are extracted using three distinct exact methods, namely, the generalized projective Riccati equation method, the modified auxiliary equation method, and the generalized unified method. Many novel soliton solutions, including kink, periodic, bright, dark, and singular dark–bright soliton solutions, are obtained. Rational functions, exponential functions, trigonometric functions, and hyperbolic functions are contained in the acquired nontrivial exact solutions. The graphical simulation of some obtained solutions is depicted using 3D plots, 2D contour plots, density plots, and 2D line plots. For the first time, the KdV–mKdV equation is investigated using the proposed three exact methods, and many novel solutions, such as dark, bright, and dark–bright singular soliton solutions, are determined, which have never been reported in the literature.
Investigation of the lubrication performance of a marine diesel engine crankshaft using a thermo-electrohydrodynamic model
Authors: Xu Yanming , Teng Xianbin
Published: April 2024

This study outlines the development of a three-dimensional model for the crankshaft-bearing and a multi-body dynamics model for a four-stroke marine diesel engine. The models are constructed through a simulation approach that integrates the finite element method and multi-body dynamics method. Additionally, the Greenwood/Tripp asperity contact theory and average flow model are incorporated. The investigation also delves into the dynamic coupling between the crankshaft-bearing multi-body system and the mixed lubrication effects, accounting for lubricating oil as a thermo-electrohydrodynamic model and the journal as an elastomer. The study meticulously examines the lubrication characteristics of main bearings in marine diesel engines during normal operational conditions and scrutinizes the impact of various parameters on crankshaft-bearings. The study concludes by offering recommendations and technical support for innovative optimization design and model enhancement of diesel engine crankshaft-bearings.
Erholung wirkt ansprechender als Gesundheit – Anregungen für die Angebotskommunikation von Gesundheitsdestinationen
Authors: Hürten Dennis , Kimmich Katharina
Published: April 2024

Eine wichtige Aufgabe der Heilbäder und Kurorte Marketing GmbH Baden-Württemberg besteht darin, die höher prädikatisierten Orte Baden-Württembergs als zeitgemäße Gesundheitsdestinationen zu vermarkten. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, wurde in den Jahren 2019 bis 2022 eine marktforschungsbasierte Strategie entwickelt. Diese sieht vor, den Gesundheitstourismus in Baden-Württemberg zweigleisig anhand der Themen ‚Gesundheit‘ und ‚Erholung‘ zu positionieren. Aus diesem Grund stellte sich die Frage, inwiefern die Kundenansprache bezüglich dieser beiden Makrosegmente künftig differenziert werden sollte. Zur Beantwortung dieser Frage wurde im Jahr 2022 eine quantitative Marktforschungsstudie durchgeführt, in der die aktuelle Angebotskommunikation (Begriffe, Slogans, Werbebilder und Werbeanzeigen) hinsichtlich der beiden zuvor genannten Themen miteinander verglichen wurde. Die Ergebnisse der Studie legen den Schluss nahe, dass dem Thema ‚Erholung‘ für die Kundenansprache insgesamt eine höhere Eignung zukommt als dem Thema ‚Gesundheit‘.