bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overdominant expression of genes plays a key role in root growth of tobacco hybrids
Authors: Pi Kai , Huang Ying , Luo Wen , Zeng Shuaibo , Mo Zejun , Duan Lili , Liu Renxiang
Published: January 2023

Heterosis has greatly improved the yield and quality of crops. However, previous studies often focused on improving the yield and quality of the shoot system, while research on the root system was neglected. We determined the root numbers of 12 F1 hybrids, all of which showed strong heterosis, indicating that tobacco F1 hybrids have general heterosis. To understand its molecular mechanism, we selected two hybrids with strong heterosis, GJ (G70 × Jiucaiping No.2) and KJ (K326 × Jiucaiping No.2), and their parents for transcriptome analysis. There were 84.22% and 90.25% of the differentially expressed genes were overdominantly expressed. The enrichment analysis of these overdominantly expressed genes showed that “Plant hormone signal transduction”, “Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis”, “MAPK signaling pathway - plant”, and “Starch and sucrose metabolism” pathways were associated with root development. We focused on the analysis of the biosynthetic pathways of auxin(AUX), cytokinins(CTK), abscisic acid(ABA), ethylene(ET), and salicylic acid(SA), suggesting that overdominant expression of these hormone signaling pathway genes may enhance root development in hybrids. In addition, Nitab4.5_0011528g0020、Nitab4.5_0003282g0020、Nitab4.5_0004384g0070 may be the genes involved in root growth. Genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis enhanced our understanding of the regulatory network of tobacco root development and provided new ideas for studying the molecular mechanisms of tobacco root development.
DFSP: A fast and automatic distance field-based stem-leaf segmentation pipeline for point cloud of maize shoot
Authors: Wang Dabao , Song Zhi , Miao Teng , Zhu Chao , Yang Xin , Yang Tao , Zhou Yuncheng , Den Hanbing , Xu Tongyu
Published: January 2023

The 3D point cloud data are used to analyze plant morphological structure. Organ segmentation of a single plant can be directly used to determine the accuracy and reliability of organ-level phenotypic estimation in a point-cloud study. However, it is difficult to achieve a high-precision, automatic, and fast plant point cloud segmentation. Besides, a few methods can easily integrate the global structural features and local morphological features of point clouds relatively at a reduced cost. In this paper, a distance field-based segmentation pipeline (DFSP) which could code the global spatial structure and local connection of a plant was developed to realize rapid organ location and segmentation. The terminal point clouds of different plant organs were first extracted via DFSP during the stem-leaf segmentation, followed by the identification of the low-end point cloud of maize stem based on the local geometric features. The regional growth was then combined to obtain a stem point cloud. Finally, the instance segmentation of the leaf point cloud was realized using DFSP. The segmentation method was tested on 420 maize and compared with the manually obtained ground truth. Notably, DFSP had an average processing time of 1.52 s for about 15,000 points of maize plant data. The mean precision, recall, and micro F1 score of the DFSP segmentation algorithm were 0.905, 0.899, and 0.902, respectively. These findings suggest that DFSP can accurately, rapidly, and automatically achieve maize stem-leaf segmentation tasks and could be effective in maize phenotype research. The source code can be found at https://github.com/syau-miao/DFSP.git.
Cotton leaf segmentation with composite backbone architecture combining convolution and attention
Authors: Yan Jingkun , Yan Tianying , Ye Weixin , Lv Xin , Gao Pan , Xu Wei
Published: January 2023

Plant leaf segmentation, especially leaf edge accurate recognition, is the data support for automatically measuring plant phenotypic parameters. However, adjusting the backbone in the current cutting-edge segmentation model for cotton leaf segmentation applications requires various trial and error costs (e.g., expert experience and computing costs). Thus, a simple and effective semantic segmentation architecture (our model) based on the composite backbone was proposed, considering the computational requirements of the mainstream Transformer backbone integrating attention mechanism. The composite backbone was composed of CoAtNet and Xception. CoAtNet integrated the attention mechanism of the Transformers into the convolution operation. The experimental results showed that our model outperformed the benchmark segmentation models PSPNet, DANet, CPNet, and DeepLab v3+ on the cotton leaf dataset, especially on the leaf edge segmentation (MIoU: 0.940, BIoU: 0.608). The composite backbone of our model integrated the convolution of the convolutional neural networks and the attention of the Transformers, which alleviated the computing power requirements of the Transformers under excellent performance. Our model reduces the trial and error cost of adjusting the segmentation model architecture for specific agricultural applications and provides a potential scheme for high-throughput phenotypic feature detection of plants.
Research on the innovation of time-honored brands from the perspective of dual ethical patterns
Authors: Ke Di , Li Guodong , Jiang Yichen , Li Yuanyuan , Liu Yi
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Innovation has become an important means to promote the high-quality development of time-honored brands. However, the research on how to stimulate innovation investment in time-honored brands, especially that conducted in the local context, is still rare. To supplement the research limitations, this study adopts the perspective of dual ethical patterns and is set in the domestic context to explore the ethical influence of traditional cultures and marketization on the innovation investment of time-honored brands.

Methods

We proposed two complementary methods, which are OLS regression and fsQCA analysis respectively, to systematically analyze the mechanism and key path of the dual ethical pattern to promote the innovation of time-honored brands.

Results

The results show that traditional culture and marketization level are both positively related to the innovation of time-honored brands. However, traditional culture and marketization level are mutually exclusive in their process of affecting the innovation of time-honored brands.

Discussion

This paper advances time-honored brands literature by highlighting the dual ethic pattern formed by traditional culture and marketization level on the innovation investment of time-honored brands. The findings respond to the academic debate between traditional culture and the innovation of time-honored brands, while enriching the research scope on the innovation mechanism of time-honored brands in the local context.
Preliminary data on the development of emotion vocabulary in typically developing children (5–13 years) using an experimental psycholinguistic measure
Authors: Sturrock Alexandra , Freed Jenny
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Vocabulary of emotion is integral to emotional development and emotional intelligence is associated with improved mental health outcomes. Many language disordered groups experience emotional difficulties; Developmental Language Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and autism. However, (as in the case of autism) research tends to focus on assessing recognition of emotional states, rather than exploring labeling skills. Where labeling is assessed, measures have focused on early-acquired vocabulary (happy, sad, angry) or self/parent reporting. To date, no objective assessment has been made of vocabulary of emotion across childhood.

Methods

This study uses an experimental psycholinguistic measure, The Emotion Vocabulary: Expressive and Receptive ability measure (EVER) which includes two tasks (receptive vocabulary and word generation/expressive vocabulary). This measure has capacity to demonstrate vocabulary growth across age groups. 171 participants (5.0–13.11 years) completed The EVER Measure, alongside two closely matched standardized measures of basic language: BPVS (receptive vocabulary task) and CELF (word-association task). Assessments were completed online and en vivo (COVID testing restrictions dependent).

Results

As predicted, children’s accuracy increased on both receptive and expressive emotion vocabulary tasks, in line with age at time of testing. EVER scores were significantly predicted by age and correlated with matched basic language scores. Secondary analysis provided preliminary findings on age of acquisition for specific emotion vocabulary items.

Discussion

The findings consequently demonstrate proof of concept for the use of The EVER Measure in assessing emotional vocabulary across childhood. This study provides important preliminary data on generating and recognizing emotion labels across typical child development. Critically, it extends current knowledge on emotion vocabulary acquisition into middle childhood, where linguistic ability is relatively mature. As such, findings have implications for research with potential clinical application in the assessment of older children, with either language or emotional differences or both. Findings demonstrate the need for a standardized tool, and its potential application in research and clinical practice is explored. A large-scale study offering proof of concept and reliability of The EVER Measure is indicated.
High-Dose Vitamin E Supplementation Can Alleviate the Negative Effect of Subacute Ruminal Acidosis in Dairy Cows
Authors: Wu Zibin , Guo Yongqing , Zhang Jiahao , Deng Ming , Xian Zhenyu , Xiong Haoming , Liu Dewu , Sun Baoli
Published: January 2023

The aim of this trial was to assess whether the supplementation of vitamin E (VE) in high-concentrate diets could improve the fermentation and blood metabolism in the rumen of dairy cows, thereby modulating the degree of the subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) response and improving the performance. Seven Holstein cows (four fitted with ruminal cannulas) were fed three diets (total mixed rations) during three successive periods (each lasted for 18 d): (1) the control diet (CON); (2) a high-grain (HG) diet, which was the control diet supplied with a 15% finely ground wheat diet (FGW); and (3) a high-VE diet (HGE), which was the control diet provided with a 15% FGW and 12,000 IU of VE/head per day. The results indicated that VE was able to alleviate the reduction in the dry matter intake (DMI) and milk fat yield in cows caused by HG diets. The supplementation of VE significantly reduced the levels of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), histamine (HIS), and the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in the rumen. The supplementation of VE observably increased the antioxidant capacity of the milk and plasma. In addition, VE markedly reduced the plasma levels of endotoxin, HIS, and pro-inflammatory factors. The supplementation of VE significantly enriched the differential metabolites of the purine metabolism, cysteine, methionine metabolism, and ABC transporter synthesis pathway in the serum. The supplementation of VE also significantly increased the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum and decreased the relative abundance of Treponema, thus reducing the production of TVFA in the rumen. In conclusion, considering that the cows in this trial had high ketone levels (BHBA > 2.3 mmol/L), we found that VE could improve the rumen fermentation and blood metabolism by modulating the relative abundance of rumen microorganisms, thereby mitigating a range of adverse effects caused by SARA.
Kernel Density Derivative Estimation of Euler Solutions
Authors: Cao Shujin , Deng Yihuai , Yang Bo , Lu Guangyin , Hu Xiangyun , Mao Yajing , Hu Shuanggui , Zhu Ziqiang
Published: January 2023

Conventional Euler deconvolution is widely used for interpreting profile, grid, and ungridded potential field data. The Tensor Euler deconvolution applies additional constraints to the Euler solution using all gravity vectors and the full gravity gradient tensor. These algorithms use a series of different-sized moving windows to yield many solutions that can be employed to estimate the source location from the entire survey area. However, traditional discrimination techniques ignore the interrelation among the Euler solutions, so they cannot be employed to separate adjacent targets. To overcome this difficulty, we introduced multivariate Kernel Density Derivative Estimation (KDDE) as an extension of Kernel Density Estimation, which is a mathematical process to estimate the probability density function of a random variable. The multivariate KDDE was tested on a single cube model, a single cylinder model, and three composite models consisting of two cubes with various separations using gridded data. The probability value calculated by the multivariate KDDE was used to discriminate spurious solutions from the Euler solution dataset and isolate adjacent geological sources. The method was then applied to airborne gravity data from British Columbia, Canada. Then, the results of synthetic models and field data show that the proposed method can successfully locate meaningful geological targets.
Local Energy Market-Consumer Digital Twin Coordination for Optimal Energy Price Discovery under Thermal Comfort Constraints
Authors: Andriopoulos Nikos , Plakas Konstantinos , Mountzouris Christos , Gialelis John , Birbas Alexios , Karatzas Stylianos , Papalexopoulos Alex
Published: January 2023

The upward trend of adopting Distributed Energy Resources (DER) reshapes the energy landscape and supports the transition towards a sustainable, carbon-free electricity system. The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) in Demand Response (DR) enables the transformation of energy flexibility, originated by electricity consumers/prosumers, into a valuable DER asset, thus placing them at the center of the electricity market. In this paper, it is shown how Local Energy Markets (LEM) act as a catalyst by providing a digital platform where the prosumers’ energy needs and offerings can be efficiently settled locally while minimizing the grid interaction. This paper showcases that the IoT technology, which enables control and coordination of numerous devices, further unleashes the flexibility potential of the distribution grid, offered as an energy service both to the LEM participants as well as the external grid. This is achieved by orchestrating the IoT devices through a Consumer Digital Twin (CDT), which facilitates the optimal adjustment of this flexibility according to the consumers’ thermal comfort level constraints and preferences. An integrated LEM-CDT platform is introduced, which comprises an optimal energy scheduler, accounts for the Renewable Energy System (RES) uncertainty, errors in load forecasting, Day-Ahead Market (DAM) feed in/out the tariff, and a fair price settling mechanism while considering user preferences. The results prove that IoT-enabled consumers’ participation in the energy markets through LEM is flexible, cost-efficient, and adaptive to the consumers’ comfort level while promoting both energy transition goals and social welfare. In particular, the paper showcases that the proposed algorithm increases the profits of LEM participants, lowers the corresponding operating costs, addresses efficiently the stochasticity of both energy demand and generation, and requires minimal computational resources.
Perturbation-Based Explainable AI for ECG Sensor Data
Authors: Paralič Ján , Kolárik Michal , Paraličová Zuzana , Lohaj Oliver , Jozefík Adam
Published: January 2023

Deep neural network models have produced significant results in solving various challenging tasks, including medical diagnostics. To increase the credibility of these black-box models in the eyes of doctors, it is necessary to focus on their explainability. Several papers have been published combining deep learning methods with selected types of explainability methods, usually aimed at analyzing medical image data, including ECG images. The ECG is specific because its image representation is only a secondary visualization of stream data from sensors. However, explainability methods for stream data are rarely investigated. Therefore, in this article we focus on the explainability of black-box models for stream data from 12-lead ECG. We designed and implemented a perturbation explainability method and verified it in a user study on a group of medical students with experience in ECG tagging in their final years of study. The results demonstrate the suitability of the proposed method, as well as the importance of including multiple data sources in the diagnostic process.
Effects of Tricaine Methanesulphonate (MS-222) on Physiological Stress and Fresh Quality of Sea Bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) under Simulated High-Density and Long-Distance Transport Stress
Authors: Zhang Hongzhi , Wang Qi , Dong Yixuan , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different transport densities on water deterioration, physiological response, nutrients, and fresh quality of sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus) at 30 mg/L tricaine methanesulphonate (MS-222) before and after simulated live transport. The results indicated that the addition of MS-222 could effectively decrease mortality compared with the control (CK) sample during the simulated live transport. The concentration of dissolved oxygen was lower and the total ammonia nitrogen was higher in the high transport density samples than those of low transport density samples after 72 h in transport. The level of blood cortisol (COR), glucose (GLU), lactic acid (LD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) for the sea bass were significantly higher compared with the CK sample (p < 0.05) during the simulated live transport and after 12 h of recovery. These results indicated that the sea bass presented a strong stress response in high-density transport. The glycogen, fat, and protein of the sea bass were degraded to supply the energy for the body in the process of surviving the transportation, resulting in the decreased nutrient content in the muscle, which recovered to the initial level (CK) after 12 h. The increase in flavor substance content, such as free amino acids, nucleotides, organic acids, and minerals, enhanced the special flavor of the muscle during the simulated live transport. This study demonstrates that the addition of MS-222 at 30 mg/L to the transport water is an effective method for live fish to realize low mortality and physiological response during high-density and long-distance transport.
Impact of Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 (TNFR1) Polymorphism on Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Acuna Kelly , Choudhary Anjalee , Locatelli Elyana , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Martin Eden R. , Levitt Roy C. , Galor Anat
Published: January 2023

The goal of the study was to examine whether a genetic polymorphism in tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) gene impacted the dry eye disease (DED) phenotype and response to anti-inflammatory therapy. The prospective study included 328 individuals with various dry eye (DE) symptoms and signs recruited from the Miami Veterans Hospital eye clinic between October 2013 and October 2017. The population underwent genetic profiling for a polymorphism within the TNFR1 gene (rs1800693 [TT, TC, CC]). The study examined the genotype distribution and relationships between the genotype, phenotype, and response to anti-inflammatory therapy. The mean age of the population was 61.7 ± 9.8 years. Here, 92% self-identified as male, 44% as White, and 21% as Hispanic; 13% (n = 42) of individuals had a CC genotype. DED symptoms and signs were similar across the three genotype groups. Thirty individuals (four with CC) were subsequently treated with an anti-inflammatory agent. There was a non-significant trend for individuals with CC genotype to have a partial or complete symptomatic response to treatment compared with the other two groups (100% for CC vs. 40% for TT and 36.4% for TC, p = 0.22). In conclusion, the presence of homozygosity of minor allele C (CC genotype) in a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within TNFR1 was noted in a minority of individuals with various aspects of DED, but did not impact the DED phenotype. Our findings suggest that the current phenotyping strategies for DED are insufficient to identify underlying disease contributors, including potential genetic contributors.
Blood Levels of Neuropeptide 26RFa in Relation to Anxiety and Aggressive Behavior in Humans—An Exploratory Study
Authors: Værøy Henning , Takhlidjt Saloua , Cherifi Yamina , Lahaye Emilie , Chartrel Nicolas , Fetissov Serguei O.
Published: January 2023

26RFa, also referred to as QRFP, is a hypothalamic neuropeptide mainly known for its role in the regulation of appetite and glucose metabolism. Its possible relevance to emotional regulation is largely unexplored. To address this, in the present exploratory study, we analyzed the plasma concentrations of 26RFa in humans characterized by different levels of anxiety and aggressive behavior. For this purpose, the study included 13 prison inmates who have committed violent crimes and 19 age-matched healthy men from the general population as controls. Anxiety, depression and aggressive behavior were evaluated in both groups using standard questionnaires. The inmate group was characterized by increased aggression and anxiety compared to the controls. We found that the mean plasma levels of 26RFa did not significantly differ between the inmates and the controls. However, several high outliers were present only in the inmate group. The plasma levels of 26RFa correlated positively with the anxiety scores in all the studied subjects and controls. After removing the high outliers in the inmate group, positive correlations of 26RFa with anxiety and a subscale of hostility in the aggression scale were also recorded in this group. No significant correlations of 26RFa with depression scores or other parameters of aggressive behavior were found. Thus, the present results did not support an involvement of 26RFa in aggressive behavior in humans but pointed to a link between this neuropeptide and anxiety. Nevertheless, considering the exploratory nature of the present study, this conclusion should be verified in a larger cohort, including the clinical degree of anxiety.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of Composite Damped Hinge Bearings
Authors: Lin Songwei , He Zhiming , Ou Tong , Zhou Yun
Published: January 2023

To resolve the problem of the super-long steel structures producing high-temperature stress on the lower concrete roof column section and improve the structure’s seismic performance, in this paper, we introduce a type of composite damped hinge bearing (CDHB). Firstly, this paper introduces the detailed construction of the CDHB and elaborates on its working principle. The mechanical properties of a CDHB have been tested, including the monotonic loading test on the whole bearing and the reciprocal loading test on the built-in dampers. The CDHB’s working performance, rotation performance, and energy consumption performance under tensile and compressive forces are also discussed in this paper. The study results show that: (1) Generally, the vertical deformation of the CDHB increases linearly with the increase of compressive and tensile forces, while it decreases with the increase of initial displacement. (2) Under vertical loading, the CDHB can reach a turning angle of 0.6 rad. The bearing is more likely to rotate with the increase in initial displacement. (3) The ultimate displacement, maximum damping force, damping constant, and damping coefficient of the built-in dampers are all stable.
User Satisfaction Study for Sustainability of YouTube Content Quality: Focusing on Ski Technology
Authors: Cho Taesoo , Cho Taeyoung , Choi Hyunjun , Yang Sungchul , Zhang Hao
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study is to find a way to maintain the sustainability of YouTube quality by identifying the relationship between user satisfaction, perceived achievement, and continuous use intention of YouTube content quality that provides ski technology information. Moreover, with the recent emergence of the recent emergence of COVID-19, face-to-face activities have been limited and skiing technique is commonly conveyed through YouTube. Therefore, it is urgent to develop and provide meaningful skiing technique content and information to YouTube users. To this end, this study focuses on YouTube content on ski techniques provided by the Education Committee of Korea Ski Instructors Association. The subjects of this study were 322 individuals who watched five YouTube videos produced by the Education Committee at High1, Yongpyeong, Phoenix Park, and Welli Hilli 4 ski resorts located in Gangwon-do from November 2021 to March 2022. Frequency analysis, Cronbach’s α, and correlation analysis were performed using SPSSWIN 24.0. In addition, AMOS 24.0 was used for confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model analysis for hypothesis validation. All statistical significance levels were set to p < 0.05. The findings support the suitability of the research model.
Uterine Cavity Lavage Mutation Analysis in Lithuanian Ovarian Cancer Patients
Authors: Žilovič Diana , Vaicekauskaitė Ieva , Čiurlienė Rūta , Sabaliauskaitė Rasa , Jarmalaitė Sonata
Published: January 2023

Background: Type II ovarian cancer (OC) is generally diagnosed at an advanced stage, translating into a poor survival rate. Current screening methods for OC have failed to demonstrate a reduction in mortality. The uterine lavage technique has been used to detect tumor-specific TP53 mutations from cells presumably shed from high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). We aimed to pilot whether the detection of TP53 mutation in uterine cavity lavage can be used as a diagnostic method for HGSOC using an expanded gene panel. Methods: In this study 90, uterine lavage and 46 paired biopsy samples were analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting TP53 as well as five additional OC-related genes: BRCA1, BRCA2, PI3KCA, PTEN, and KRAS. Results: Uterine lavage was successfully applied to all patients, and 56 mutations were detected overall. TP53 mutations were detected in 27% (10/37) of cases of type HGSOC; BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations were also frequent in this group (46%; 17/37). Overall concordance between tissue and liquid biopsy samples was 65.2%. Conclusion: Uterine lavage TP53 mutations in combination with other biomarkers could be a useful tool for the detection of lowly invasive HGSOC.
Facilitating Factors and Barriers in the Return to Work of Working Women Survivors of Breast Cancer: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Marinas-Sanz Rebeca , Iguacel Isabel , Maqueda Jerónimo , Mínguez Laura , Alquézar Paula , Andrés Raquel , Pérez Esther , Sousa Ramón , Moreno-Atahonero Elena , Solé Dolors , Güemes Antonio , Martínez-Jarreta Begoña
Published: January 2023

Several studies have identified the main barriers and facilitators that breast cancer survivors experience in the return to work (RTW). The authors conducted a qualitative study using focus group discussions with a group of female non-metastatic breast cancer survivors (n = 6), a group of health professionals from different medical specialties (n = 8), and a third group of company managers mainly composed of human resources managers (n = 7). The study was carried out between March and December 2021 in Zaragoza (Spain). Transcripts were analyzed using inductive content analysis to identify work-related barriers and facilitators and coded by the research team. Barriers identified included physical and cognitive symptoms, psychosocial problems, lack of knowledge and coordination (health professional, patients, and managers), legal vacuum, physical change, time constraints, work characteristics (lower skilled jobs), unsupportive supervisors and coworkers, family problems and self-demand. Facilitators included family and work support, physical activity and rehabilitation, personalized attention, interdisciplinary collaboration, legal advice for workers, knowledge about breast cancer in companies, positive aspects of work, elaboration of protocols for RTW in women with breast cancer. RTW in working women with breast cancer requires a personalized and holistic view that includes the perspectives of patients, healthcare professionals and company managers.
Saudi Consensus Recommendations on the Management of Multiple Sclerosis: Diagnosis and Radiology/Imaging
Authors: Saeedi Jameelah A. , AlYafeai Rumaiza H. , AlAbdulSalam Abdulaziz M. , Al-Dihan Abdulaziz Y. , AlDwaihi Azeeza A. , Al Harbi Awad A. , Aljadhai Yaser I. , Al-Jedai Ahmed H. , AlKhawajah Nuha M. , Al-Luqmani Majed M. , AlMalki Abdulrahman O. , Al-Mudaiheem Hajer Y. , AlNajashi Hind A. , AlShareef Rayan A. , AlShehri Amani A. , AlThekair Faisal Y. , Ben Slimane Nabila S. , Cupler Edward J. , Kalakatawi Mamdouh H. , Kedah Hanaa M. , Al Malik Yaser M. , Althubaiti Ibtisam A. , Bunyan Reem F. , Shosha Eslam , Al Jumah Mohammed A.
Published: January 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurological illness common in young adults. The prevalence and incidence of MS are regionally and globally increasing. Recent data from Saudi Arabia (SA) estimate the prevalence to be 40.40 cases per 100,000 population, and 61.95 cases per 100,000 population for Saudi nationals. With the increasing availability of treatment options, new challenges for treatment selection and approaches have emerged. There is a clear need for national guidelines to standardize practice, guide the personalization of decisions, and contain increasing costs. A multidisciplinary expert panel was formed to develop evidence-based Saudi consensus recommendations on the diagnosis and clinical care of MS, to aid healthcare practitioners in advising patients on treatment decisions. The recommendations were agreed upon after a thorough review, an evaluation of existing international guidelines, and the latest emerging evidence.
Robust Image Processing Framework for Intelligent Multi-Stage Malaria Parasite Recognition of Thick and Thin Smear Images
Authors: Aris Thaqifah , Nasir Aimi , Mustafa Wan , Mashor Mohd , Haryanto Edy , Mohamed Zeehaida
Published: January 2023

Malaria is a pressing medical issue in tropical and subtropical regions. Currently, the manual microscopic examination remains the gold standard malaria diagnosis method. Nevertheless, this procedure required highly skilled lab technicians to prepare and examine the slides. Therefore, a framework encompassing image processing and machine learning is proposed due to inconsistencies in manual inspection, counting, and staging. Here, a standardized segmentation framework utilizing thresholding and clustering is developed to segment parasites’ stages of P. falciparum and P. vivax species. Moreover, a multi-stage classifier is designed for recognizing parasite species and staging in both species. Experimental results indicate the effectiveness of segmenting thick smear images based on Phansalkar thresholding garnered an accuracy of 99.86%. The employment of variance and new transferring process for the clustered members, enhanced k-means (EKM) clustering has successfully segmented all malaria stages with accuracy and an F1-score of 99.20% and 0.9033, respectively. In addition, the accuracies of parasite detection, species recognition, and staging obtained through a random forest (RF) accounted for 86.89%, 98.82%, and 90.78%, respectively, simultaneously. The proposed framework enables versatile malaria parasite detection and staging with an interactive result, paving the path for future improvements by utilizing the proposed framework on all others malaria species.
Temporal, Structural, and Functional Heterogeneities Extend Criticality and Antifragility in Random Boolean Networks
Authors: López-Díaz Amahury Jafet , Sánchez-Puig Fernanda , Gershenson Carlos
Published: January 2023

Most models of complex systems have been homogeneous, i.e., all elements have the same properties (spatial, temporal, structural, functional). However, most natural systems are heterogeneous: few elements are more relevant, larger, stronger, or faster than others. In homogeneous systems, criticality—a balance between change and stability, order and chaos—is usually found for a very narrow region in the parameter space, close to a phase transition. Using random Boolean networks—a general model of discrete dynamical systems—we show that heterogeneity—in time, structure, and function—can broaden additively the parameter region where criticality is found. Moreover, parameter regions where antifragility is found are also increased with heterogeneity. However, maximum antifragility is found for particular parameters in homogeneous networks. Our work suggests that the “optimal” balance between homogeneity and heterogeneity is non-trivial, context-dependent, and in some cases, dynamic.
A Contagious… Smile! Training Emotional Skills of Adults with Intellectual Disability in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Vanutelli Maria Elide , Grieco Antonella , Comelli Eleonora , Lucchiari Claudio
Published: January 2023

The COVID-19 emergency has had important implications not only for physical but also for psychological well-being. This is particularly true for fragile populations such as people with intellectual disability (ID), who are particularly at risk of suffering during uncertain times. The goal of this action research was to design, implement, and test the efficacy of emotional competencies training to support people with ID in coping with stressful events. For this purpose, eight adults with ID followed a 5-week training of increasing complexity, aimed at exercising different skills through group activities. We designed a study to test its feasibility and efficacy, using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The analyses revealed that, after the training, participants used a more complex emotional language and were able to frame their perception of COVID-related threat with greater confidence and awareness. These findings, although circumscribed, respond positively to the urgent need to develop emotional support programs targeted at people with ID.
State-of-Art Review on Chemical Indicators for Monitoring the Aging Status of Oil-Immersed Transformer Paper Insulation
Authors: Zhang Enze , Liu Jiang , Zhang Chaohai , Zheng Peijun , Nakanishi Yosuke , Wu Thomas
Published: January 2023

Chemical compounds dissolved in insulating oil, as indicators can excellently monitor the paper aging condition, which has attracted increasing interest in areas of transformer condition monitoring and fault diagnosis. Because of their outstanding features, such as good correlation with the degree of polymerization of cellulose paper and the aid of non-destructive online monitoring, chemical indicators have been effectively used for transformer condition assessment. In this study, a comprehensive, in-depth insight into the indicators of the aging of insulating paper from aging characteristics, physico-chemical characteristics, shortcomings of various compounds, generation pathways and mechanisms, and monitoring technologies are provided. It is expected that these chemical indicators can provide better guidance for the evaluation of paper insulation performance and transformer aging. In addition, the latest research progress, as well as current challenges and future prospects are also outlined. This study provides a theoretical basis and reference for chemical indicators in the fields of microscopic formation mechanism, diffusion equilibrium phenomenon, and insulation aging state assessment.
Sensory Assessment of Bi-Enzymatic-Treated Glucose-Galactose Syrup
Authors: Majore Kristine , Ciprovica Inga
Published: January 2023

There are a variety of ways to make glucose-galactose syrup (GGS) and other products of lactose hydrolysis; therefore, research is still ongoing and will undoubtedly result in improved methods and lower costs. The aim of the study was to use a two-stage fermentation approach to increase the sweetness of glucose-galactose syrup. Comparing lactose hydrolysis with β-galactosidases, the enzyme Ha-Lactase 5200 (K. lactis) showed the highest hydrolysis yield but NOLA™ Fit5500 (B. licheniformis) and GODO-YNL2 (K. lactis) hydrolysis yields varied. After the two-stage fermentation, the syrups from sweet whey permeate had shown the highest sweet taste intensity scores; the sweetest samples were 1NFS and 1HLS with a score of 9.2 and 9.3, respectively. The presence of fructose in the range of 14 ± 3 to 25 ± 1 %, significantly (p < 0.05) increased the sweetness of the syrups. Obtained syrups from whey permeates using enzymes NOLA™ Fit5500 and Ha-Lactase 5200 contained less than 10% lactose. Additionally, results indicate that hydrolysis of lactose and subsequent enhancement of sweetness through glucose isomerisation may provide additional benefits through the production of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in the range of 2 ± 1 to 34 ± 7%.
Microbiological, Physicochemical and Nutritional Properties of Fresh Cow Milk Treated with Industrial High-Pressure Processing (HPP) during Storage
Authors: Lim Shu Huey , Chin Nyuk Ling , Sulaiman Alifdalino , Tay Cheow Hwang , Wong Tak Hiong
Published: January 2023

The safety, shelf life, and quality of fresh cow milk treated using industrial High-Pressure Processing (HPP) treatment at 600 MPa for 10 min was studied to identify the novelty of this non-thermal technology in milk processing. Changes in microbiological and physicochemical properties, including nutritional values of vitamins and amino acid profiles, were measured for a 60-day storage period at 6 °C +/− 1 °C. The HPP treatment produced milk that met all microbial safety requirements and exhibited a shelf life beyond 60 days in a hot and humid region. High physicochemical stability was achieved, with consistent pH and undetectable titratable acidity. The HPP treatment successfully retained all vitamins and minerals, including calcium (99.3%), phosphorus (99.4%), and magnesium (99.1%). However, the 60-day storage caused some degradation of Vitamin A (25%), B3 (91%), B5 (35%), B6 (80%), and C (85%), and minerals, including potassium (5%) and zinc (18%) when compared with fresh milk. This research has shown that the adoption of advanced treatment with HPP is very beneficial to the dairy industry in preserving milk quality in terms of its physicochemical and nutritional properties and extending its storage shelf life beyond 60 days.
Association between the rs820218 Variant within the SAP30BP Gene and Rotator Cuff Rupture in an Amazonian Population
Authors: Barros Rui Sergio Monteiro de , Sant’ Anna Carla de Castro , Alcantara Diego Di Felipe Ávila , Pantoja Karla Beatriz Cardias Cereja , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , Bentes Lívia Guerreiro de Barros , Pimentel Antônio Leonardo Jatahi Cavalcanti , Lemos Rafael Silva , Almeida Nyara Rodrigues Conde de , Fernandes Manuela Rodrigues Neiva , da Cruz Thiago Sequeira , Candido Atylla de Andrade , Burbano Rommel Mario Rodriguez
Published: January 2023

Background: Rotator cuff disease is one of the leading causes of musculoskeletal pain and disability, and its etiology is most likely multifactorial but remains incompletely understood. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the relationship of the single-nucleotide rs820218 polymorphism of the SAP30-binding protein (SAP30BP) gene with rotator cuff tears in the Amazonian population. Methods: The case group consisted of patients who were operated on due to rotator cuff tears in a hospital in the Amazon region between 2010 and 2021, and the control group was composed of individuals who were selected after negative physical examinations for rotator cuff tears. Genomic DNA was obtained from saliva samples. For the genotyping and allelic discrimination of the selected single nucleotide polymorphism (rs820218) in the SAP30BP gene, real-time PCR was performed. Results: The frequency of the A allele in the control group was four times as high as that in the case group (AA homozygotes); an association of the genetic variant rs820218 of the SAP30BP gene with rotator cuff tears was not established (p = 0.28 and 0.20), as the A allelic frequency is ordinarily low in the general population. Conclusions: The presence of the A allele indicates protection against rotator cuff tears.
Equity in the Allocation of General Practitioner Resources in Mainland China from 2012 to 2019
Authors: Fu Yingjie , Wang Jian , Sun Jiyao , Zhang Shuo , Huang Derong
Published: January 2023

Background: General practitioners (GPs) play a vital role in primary health care services and promoting the health equity of residents, but there is a paucity of evidence on equity in the allocation of GP resources in mainland China. This study explores equity in the allocation of GP resources from 2012 to 2019 in mainland China. Methods: We used GP data from 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities in mainland China. Lorenz curves, Gini coefficients, Theil indices, and agglomeration degree were used to analyze the data. Results: The total number of GPs in China was 365,082 in 2019, which corresponded to 2.61 GPs per 10,000 residents and accounted for 9.44% of the total number of practicing doctors in 2019. From 2012 to 2019, the Gini coefficient of GP allocation based on population decreased from 0.3123 to 0.1872. However, the Gini coefficient based on geographical area was maintained at 0.7108–0.7424. The Theil index of GP allocation based on population decreased from 0.0742 to 0.0270, but GP allocation based on geographical area was maintained at 0.5765–0.6898. The intra-regional contribution rates were higher than the inter-regional rates. The agglomeration degree based on geographical area and population decreased in the eastern region but increased in the central and western regions. Conclusions: The number of Chinese GPs has increased rapidly in recent years, but the distribution of GPs across China is uneven. In the western and middle regions, there is a relative shortage. Equity in the allocation of GP resources based on population was far greater than that based on geographical area. In the future, the tough issue of inequitable GP resource allocation should be resolved by comprehensive measures from a multidisciplinary perspective.
“I Assumed It Would Be Somebody Who Had a Stroke That Was Doing This”: Views of Stroke Survivors, Caregivers, and Health Professionals on Tailoring a Relaxation and Mindfulness Intervention
Authors: Atkinson Thomas , Brown Emma , Jones Georgina , Sage Karen , Wang Xu
Published: January 2023

Stroke survivors and informal caregivers experience high levels of stress and anxiety, linked to heightened risk of secondary stroke in survivors. Relaxation and mindfulness could reduce stress and anxiety; being most effective when tailored to the target populations. Aims of the PPI include to: (1) consult on possible alterations to an existing relaxation and mindfulness intervention, delivered via YouTube/DVD and (2) discuss relevance and preference of prompts and cues designed to facilitate the daily practice of the intervention. Eleven UK PPI contributors were consulted during 2020: four stroke survivors (F = 2, M = 2), three caregivers (F = 1, M = 2), and four HCPs (F = 4) (range = 23–63 years). Contributors watched the existing intervention and provided feedback via online discussions. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified, highlighting several necessary alterations to the intervention: “Who represents the stroke population?”; “The paradox of age”; “Specifically selected language”; “Visual presentation of the intervention”; and the “Audio qualities”. Contributors ranked the prompts and cues in order of preference with setting alarms and email alerts as the most popular. The PPI consultations resulted in several alterations enabling a revised version of the intervention. Including a PPI consultation at an early stage of the research improves the relevance and appropriateness of the research. The revised intervention is more representative of the stroke population thus more likely to be practised by survivors and caregivers, which will enhance the extent of effectiveness, reducing the risk of a secondary stroke.
Sport Participation for People with Disabilities: Exploring the Potential of Reverse Integration and Inclusion through Wheelchair Basketball
Authors: Ramsden Rebecca , Hayman Rick , Potrac Paul , Hettinga Florentina Johanna
Published: January 2023

Reverse integration is defined as the inclusion of able-bodied people into disability sport. For decades, there have been movements towards integrating people with a disability in mainstream society. There has been a lack of research supporting the movement of able-bodied involvement in disability sport, known as reverse integration. In this study, the real-life experiences and motivations of 11 national wheelchair basketball players (four able-bodied and seven with a disability) were explored, identifying the potential of reverse integration and what influenced the players involvement. Thematic analysis was employed using a deductive approach. The social-relational model was used as a framework to help interpret the findings. The results highlighted that health and social benefits were key factors towards prolonged engagement in wheelchair basketball, and it was reported that reverse integration led to an increased mutual understanding of the impact of (dis)ability. All participants reported positive experiences and supported able-bodied involvement, suggesting that able-bodied players play a key role and help to grow the sport locally. However, involvement of able-bodied players was not supported at international level. This challenges the concept of inclusion at higher level and whether the sport could be more inclusive. These findings could provide direction to coaches and policymakers for developing further inclusive opportunities at all levels. Further research may explore coach education programs and learning experiences of becoming an inclusive coach to ensure coaches know how to create, stimulate and coach in inclusive sport environments.
Pain and Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport in Elite Volleyball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gajardo-Burgos Rubén , Valdebenito-Tejos Camila , Gálvez-García Germán , Bascour-Sandoval Claudio
Published: January 2023

Pain is modulated by multiple factors. A relevant psychological process peculiar to athletes and which could be associated with pain is Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (PRRS). The analysis of this association in competition context is particularly important. Objective: To determine the correlation between the PRRS and pain intensity in elite volleyball players during their participation in a continental sporting event. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Data from 107 male volleyball players (23.50 ± 4.08 years of age) participating in the South American Volleyball Championship were used. The athletes answered a self-report questionnaire on the day the championship began regarding their history of injuries in the previous six months. The athletes who declared injuries were asked about the current pain intensity using the Pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport using the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport scale (I-PRRS). Results: 43.93% (n = 47) of the athletes (23.70 ± 3.54 years) reported an injury in the six months prior to the championship. They presented a median on the NRS of three (interquartile range (IQR), 2–5), and 54 (IQR, 46–58) on the I-PRRS. The Spearman’s Rho correlation test showed an inversely and moderate correlation (rs = −0.36; p = 0.011; CI: −0.64–−0.08) between pain intensity and PRRS. Conclusions: In male elite volleyball players who participate in a Continental Championship in South America, higher levels of PRRS was correlated to lower pain intensity.