bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation and optimization of simultaneous phosphorus and nitrogen removal from anaerobically digested liquid-dairy-manure using an intermittently-aerated-extended-idle sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Asghar Sehrish , Chen Lide , He B. Brian
Published: July 2023

Wastewater from confined dairy operations requires efficient treatment to reduce its potential to pollute the surrounding environments. In this study, a novel intermittently-aerated-extended-idle sequencing batch reactor (IA-EI SBR) process was developed, evaluated, and optimized for simultaneously removing phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) from anaerobically digested liquid-dairy-manure (ADLDM) with lower carbon-to-nutrient-ratios. Four influential operating parameters including cycle-time of 5–9 h, intermittent-aeration strategy of 10–50 min/h, two feed-phases of 6–30 min, and idle-phase of 40–120 min were statistically analyzed using central-composite design coupled with response-surface methodology for optimal removal efficiencies of ortho-phosphorus (%OPremoval), total-phosphorus (%TPremoval), ammonia-nitrogen (%NH3-Nremoval), total-nitrogen (%TNremoval), and chemical oxygen demand (%CODremoval). Results showed that the interactions of cycle time-idle phase, and aeration strategy-feed phases were significant in affecting %TPremoval (p-value ≤ 0.005). The synergistic effect of aeration strategy-idle phase was significant for %TNremoval and %CODremoval (p-value ≤ 0.006), while the cycle time-feed phases interaction had significant effect on %NH3-Nremoval. The maximum simultaneous nitrification-denitrification (SND) efficiency of 85.7% was recorded under influent COD and TN loading of 3,999.2 and 785.7 mg L−1 at 30 min/h aeration time in 7 h. The quadratic regression models based on statistical analysis of the experimental results adequately described the IA-EI SBR performance and showed that the applied levels of operating parameters were highly correlated with all five responses (p-value ≤ 0.030). Operating conditions for optimal IA-EI SBR process efficiency determined by desirability analysis were cycle-time of 8 h, intermittent-aeration strategy of 36 min/h, feed-phases of 24 min, and idle-phase of 100 min. Under these optimal conditions, the corresponding removal efficiencies for OP, TP, NH3-N, TN, and COD of 82.64, 95.82, 92.92, 73.84, and 90.94%, respectively, were achieved in validation experiments.
Single chest drain is not inferior to double chest drain after robotic esophagectomy: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Eckert F. , Merboth F. , Giehl-Brown E. , Hasanovic J. , Müssle B. , Plodeck V. , Richter T. , Welsch T. , Kahlert C. , Fritzmann J. , Distler M. , Weitz J. , Kirchberg J.
Published: July 2023

Background

Chest drain management has a significant influence on postoperative recovery after robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). The use of chest drains increases postoperative pain by irritating intercostal nerves and hinders patients from early postoperative mobilization and recovery. To our knowledge, no study has investigated the use of two vs. one intercostal chest drains after RAMIE.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients undergoing elective RAMIE with gastric conduit pull-up and intrathoracic anastomosis. Patients were divided into two groups according to placement of one (11/2020–08/2022) or two (08/2018–11/2020) chest drains. Propensity score matching was performed in a 1:1 ratio, and the incidences of overall and pulmonary complications, drainage-associated re-interventions, radiological diagnostics, analgesic use, and length of hospital stay were compared between single drain and double drain groups.

Results

During the study period, 194 patients underwent RAMIE. Twenty-two patients were included after propensity score matching in the single and double chest drain group, respectively. Time until removal of the last chest drain [postoperative day (POD) 6.7 ± 4.4 vs. POD 9.4 ± 2.7, p = 0.004] and intensive care unit stay (4.2 ± 5.1 days vs. 5.3 ± 3.5 days, p = 0.01) were significantly shorter in the single drain group. Overall and pulmonary complications, drainage-associated events, re-interventions, number of diagnostic imaging, analgesic use, and length of hospital stay were comparable between both groups.

Conclusion

This study is the first to demonstrate the safety of single intercostal chest drain use and, at least, non-inferiority to double chest drains in terms of perioperative complications after RAMIE.
Toxicological impact of microplastics and nanoplastics on humans: understanding the mechanistic aspect of the interaction
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Alqahtani Shaherah , Saquib Quaiser , Mohiddin Fayaz
Published: July 2023

Plastic is a pervasive material that has become an indispensable part of our daily lives and is used in various commercial products. However, plastic waste has significantly impacted the environment, accumulating in water and land ecosystems and harming all forms of life. When plastic degrades, it breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics (MPs), which can further breakdown into nanoplastics (NPs). Due to their small size and potential toxicity to humans, NPs are of particular concern. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the production of plastic had reached unprecedented levels, including essential medical kits, food bags, and personal protective equipment (PPE), which generate MPs and NPs when burned. MPs and NPs have been detected in various locations, such as air, food, and soil, but our understanding of their potential adverse health effects is limited. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the sources, interactions, ecotoxicity, routes of exposure, toxicity mechanisms, detection methods, and future directions for the safety evaluation of MPs and NPs. This would improve our understanding of the impact of MPs and NPs on our health and environment and identify ways to address this global crisis.
Contribution of cats and dogs to SARS-CoV-2 transmission in households
Authors: Fischer Egil A. J. , Broens Els M. , Kooistra Hans S. , De Rooij Myrna M. T. , Stegeman Jan Arend , De Jong Mart C. M.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 is known to jump across species. The occurrence of transmission in households between humans and companion animals has been shown, but the contribution of companion animals to the overall transmission within a household is unknown. The basic reproduction number (R0) is an important indicator to quantify transmission. For a pathogen with multiple host species, such as SARS-CoV-2, the basic reproduction number needs to be calculated from the partial reproduction numbers for each combination of host species.

Method

In this study, the basic and partial reproduction numbers for SARS-CoV-2 were estimated by reanalyzing a survey of Dutch households with dogs and cats and minimally one SARS-CoV-2-infected human.

Results

For households with cats, a clear correlation between the number of cats and the basic reproduction number (Spearman's correlation: p 0.40, p-value: 1.4 × 10−5) was identified, while for dogs, the correlation was smaller and not significant (Spearman's correlation: p 0.12, p-value: 0.21). Partial reproduction numbers from cats or dogs to humans were 0.3 (0.0–2.0) and 0.3 (0.0–3.5) and from humans to cats or dogs were 0.6 (0.4–0.8) and 0.6 (0.4–0.9).

Discussion

Thus, the estimations of within-household transmission indicated the likelihood of transmission from these companion animals to humans and vice versa, but the observational nature of this study limited the ability to establish conclusive evidence. This study's findings support the advice provided during the pandemic to COVID-19 patients to maintain distance from companion animals as a precautionary measure and given the possibility of transmission, although there is an overall relatively limited impact on the pandemic when compared to human-to-human transmission.
Wide-field optical coherence tomography for microstructural analysis of key tissue types: a proof-of-concept evaluation
Authors: Rabindran Beryl , Corben Adriana D.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The presence of positive margins following tumor resection is a frequent cause of re-excision surgery. Nondestructive, real-time intraoperative histopathological imaging methods may improve margin status assessment at the time of surgery; optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been identified as a potential solution but has not been tested with the most common tissue types in surgical oncology using a single, standardized platform.

Methods: This was a proof-of-concept evaluation of a novel device that employs wide-field OCT (WF-OCT; OTIS 2.0 System) to image tissue specimens. Various cadaveric tissues were obtained from a single autopsy and were imaged with WF-OCT then processed for permanent histology. The quality and resolution of the WF-OCT images were evaluated and compared to histology and with images in previous literature.

Results: A total of 30 specimens were collected and tissue-specific microarchitecture consistent with previous literature were identified on both WF-OCT images and histology slides for all specimens, and corresponding sections were correlated. Application of vacuum pressure during scanning did not affect specimen integrity. On average, specimens were scanned at a speed of 10.3 s/cm2 with approximately three features observed per tissue type.

Conclusion: The WF-OCT images captured in this study displayed the key features of the most common human tissue types encountered in surgical oncology with utility comparable to histology, confirming the utility of an FDA-cleared imaging platform. With further study, WF-OCT may have the potential to bridge the gap between the immediate information needs of the operating room and the longer timeline inherent to histology workflow.
Simplified Routing Mechanism for Capsule Networks
Authors: Hollósi János , Ballagi Áron , Pozna Claudiu Radu
Published: July 2023

Classifying digital images using neural networks is one of the most fundamental tasks within the field of artificial intelligence. For a long time, convolutional neural networks have proven to be the most efficient solution for processing visual data, such as classification, detection, or segmentation. The efficient operation of convolutional neural networks requires the use of data augmentation and a high number of feature maps to embed object transformations. Especially for large datasets, this approach is not very efficient. In 2017, Geoffrey Hinton and his research team introduced the theory of capsule networks. Capsule networks offer a solution to the problems of convolutional neural networks. In this approach, sufficient efficiency can be achieved without large-scale data augmentation. However, the training time for Hinton’s capsule network is much longer than for convolutional neural networks. We have examined the capsule networks and propose a modification in the routing mechanism to speed up the algorithm. This could reduce the training time of capsule networks by almost half in some cases. Moreover, our solution achieves performance improvements in the field of image classification.
Linear and Nonlinear Models for Drop Simulation of an Aircraft Landing Gear System with MR Dampers
Authors: Kang Byung-Hyuk , Jo Bang-Hyun , Kim Bo-Gyu , Hwang Jai-Hyuk , Choi Seung-Bok
Published: July 2023

In this study, our focus is on the drop test simulation of an MR (Magnetorheological) damper-based main landing gear (MRMLG), aiming to explore multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) dynamic models during aircraft landing. Three different 6-DOF dynamic models are proposed in this work, and their drop performances are compared with results achieved by commercial software. The proposed models include a nonlinear aircraft model (NLAM); a linearized approximated aircraft model (LAAM) linearizing from the nonlinear equations of motion in NLAM; and a fully approximated aircraft model (FAAM) which linearizes the MRMLG’s strut force model. In order to evaluate the drop performance of the aircraft landing gear system with MR dampers, a 7-DOF aircraft model incorporating the nonlinear MRMLG was formulated using RecurDyn. The principal comparative parameters are the coefficient of determination (R2) for the system response of each model with the RecurDyn model and root mean square error (RMSE), which is the ensemble of CG displacement data for each model. In addition, the ensemble of time series data is created for diverse drop scenarios, providing valuable insights into the performance of the proposed drop test models of an aircraft landing gear system featuring MR dampers.
Structural Optimization of Lightweight Composite Floors with Integrated Constrained Layer Damping for Vibration Control
Authors: Renedo Carlos M. C. , Díaz Iván M. , García-Palacios Jaime H. , Gallegos-Calderón Christian
Published: July 2023

Due to current architectural trends, contemporary public buildings are becoming open-plan spaces with much less weight and damping. Consequently, Vibration Serviceability Limit State (VSLS) due to human-induced vibrations has become an increasing concern for structural engineers, especially when designing offices, hospitals, or gymnasiums. When dealing with resonant vibrations, a slight increase in the floor-damping enables decreasing considerably the vibration level. The damping strategy studied in this work is usually known in the literature as Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) and consists of a viscoelastic layer constrained between the concrete slab and the steel beam of a lightweight composite floor. In this paper, a complete structural checking methodology has been developed for analyzing all the limit states that determine the final sizing of a steel–concrete composite floor treated with CLD, including a detailed analysis of the VSLS. The methodology has been used for setting a structural optimization problem for floors with and without CLD treatments. Thus, it has been demonstrated that the integration of CLD treatments at the design stage of the building allows the development of lighter floor structures with a smaller embodied carbon (EC) footprint, especially for long-span schemes with restrictive vibration limitations.
A Study on Sustainability and ESG in the Service Sector in India: Benefits, Challenges, and Future Implications
Authors: Efthymiou Leonidas , Kulshrestha Ambika , Kulshrestha Sandeep
Published: July 2023

At the intersection of digitization and sustainability, the current article explores the application of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) in the service sector in India. The analysis draws on findings collected through questionnaires and interviews (mixed methods) with managers at middle, senior, and top levels of the hierarchy. The findings suggest that technology can both facilitate and hinder the sustainability effort; therefore, the implications on internal stakeholders, such as workers and managers, can be both positive and negative. Additionally, technologies that are taken for granted in certain parts of the world may be inappropriate in the Indian context. As a result, sustainability frameworks are implemented selectively rather than holistically. The adoption of an ESG framework has a largely positive impact on investors. While companies do not place much emphasis on employees’ wellbeing and ‘human rights’, they still link ESG to ‘Supply Chain Sustainability’. Contributing to the signaling theory, there is also evidence of firms’ motivation to adopt ESG practices for the purposes of legitimacy and forming external stakeholders’ perceptions. The current study is both timely and important due to the high interest in the application of tools facilitating sustainability performance. The study contributes to both the literature and practice, since it adds to our understanding concerning the challenges faced by firms in implementing ESG practices, whereas it also enables administrators to identify areas for the further development of sustainable practices.
Non-Contact Measurement of Pregnant Sows’ Backfat Thickness Based on a Hybrid CNN-ViT Model
Authors: Li Xuan , Yu Mengyuan , Xu Dihong , Zhao Shuhong , Tan Hequn , Liu Xiaolei
Published: July 2023

Backfat thickness (BF) is closely related to the service life and reproductive performance of sows. The dynamic monitoring of sows’ BF is a critical part of the production process in large-scale pig farms. This study proposed the application of a hybrid CNN-ViT (Vision Transformer, ViT) model for measuring sows’ BF to address the problems of high measurement intensity caused by the traditional contact measurement of sows’ BF and the low efficiency of existing non-contact models for measuring sows’ BF. The CNN-ViT introduced depth-separable convolution and lightweight self-attention, mainly consisting of a Pre-local Unit (PLU), a Lightweight ViT (LViT) and an Inverted Residual Unit (IRU). This model could extract local and global features of images, making it more suitable for small datasets. The model was tested on 106 pregnant sows with seven randomly divided datasets. The results showed that the CNN-ViT had a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.83 mm, a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 1.05 mm, a Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) of 4.87% and a coefficient of determination (R-Square, R2) of 0.74. Compared to LviT-IRU, PLU-IRU and PLU-LviT, the CNN-ViT’s MAE decreased by more than 12%, RMSE decreased by more than 15%, MAPE decreased by more than 15% and R² improved by more than 17%. Compared to the Resnet50 and ViT, the CNN-ViT’s MAE decreased by more than 7%, RMSE decreased by more than 13%, MAPE decreased by more than 7% and R2 improved by more than 15%. The method could better meet the demand for the non-contact automatic measurement of pregnant sows’ BF in actual production and provide technical support for the intelligent management of pregnant sows.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Integration in the Regular Monitorization of Pasture Nutritional Properties and Gas Production
Authors: Maduro Dias Cristiana , Nunes Helder , Borba Alfredo
Published: July 2023

Nutrition has a very significant impact on animal performance. Given the limited agricultural area of the Azores, the optimization of forage quality, quantity, and availability is key for the local livestock industry’s ability to respond to the challenges of an increasingly globalized market. This work’s goal was to evaluate the use of near-infrared spectroscopy to determine several chemical and biological parameters of pastures under the agroclimatic conditions of the Azores, and to compare its predicative ability when applied to dry homogeneous samples and to fresh inhomogeneous samples, so that we can assess the feasibility of using it to predict new samples on-site in the future. Infrared spectra of 400 fresh and dried grass samples were collected and associated with the corresponding reference values, determined through conventional methods. Mathematical models were created that established relationships between these readings and the values of the properties of interest. Predictive capacity proved especially good for crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, and dry matter, but insufficient for the biological parameters included in the study related to gas production. Near-infrared spectroscopy proved to be useable on-site as a quick, non-destructive, and cost-effective technique to monitor forage quality on a regular basis, enabling forage management and diet design optimizations.
Remote Sensing Monitoring of Rice Diseases and Pests from Different Data Sources: A Review
Authors: Zheng Qiong , Huang Wenjiang , Xia Qing , Dong Yingying , Ye Huichun , Jiang Hao , Chen Shuisen , Huang Shanyu
Published: July 2023

Rice is an important food crop in China, and diseases and pests are the main factors threatening its safety, ecology, and efficient production. The development of remote sensing technology provides an important means for non-destructive and rapid monitoring of diseases and pests that threaten rice crops. This paper aims to provide insights into current and future trends in remote sensing for rice crop monitoring. First, we expound the mechanism of remote sensing monitoring of rice diseases and pests and introduce the applications of different commonly data sources (hyperspectral data, multispectral data, thermal infrared data, fluorescence, and multi-source data fusion) in remote sensing monitoring of rice diseases and pests. Secondly, we summarize current methods for monitoring rice diseases and pests, including statistical discriminant type, machine learning, and deep learning algorithm. Finally, we provide a general framework to facilitate the monitoring of rice diseases or pests, which provides ideas and technical guidance for remote sensing monitoring of unknown diseases and pests, and we point out the challenges and future development directions of rice disease and pest remote sensing monitoring. This work provides new ideas and references for the subsequent monitoring of rice diseases and pests using remote sensing.
Pseudomonas fluorescens SP007S Formulations in Controlling Soft Rot Disease and Promoting Growth in Kale
Authors: Nilmat Aphisit , Thepbandit Wannaporn , Chuaboon Wilawan , Athinuwat Dusit
Published: July 2023

Kale has gained popularity as a healthy food choice due to its rich nutrient profile. However, kale production systems are also affected by various pests and diseases, especially plant pathogenic bacteria, such as Pectobacterium carotovorum. The purpose of this research was to investigate the biocontrol activity of the Pseudomonas fluorescens strain SP007s and develop a formulation that provides stability, long shelf life, and disease control, as well as promoting growth in kale; we expect this formulation to have further commercial applications in the cultivation of kale. The results indicated that a unique mixture of paper sludge, sugar sludge, and glycerol at 40% relative humidity promoted SP007 survival for 6 months at room temperature (30 °C) with measures of 5.92 × 106 CFU/g. This treatment maintained the control efficacy of P. carotovorum in infected soil within 28 days of soil drenching. We evaluated the SP007s formula for controlling soft rot disease in greenhouse conditions, and our results revealed that it can reduce the disease in kale by 65.2% and promotes growth in terms of canopy width, shoot height, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight, and dry weight, which were superior to the control. In addition, the formula can induce the accumulation of endogenous salicylic acid and phenolic compounds, as well as a systemic acquired resistance pathway in the plant defense system. Therefore, the formula of SP007s can be a promising novel biocontrol formula for use in kale production, as it promotes plant growth and acts against P. carotovorum causal soft rot disease.
Comparative Study on the Morpho-Physiological Responses of White Clover Cultivars with Different Leaf Types to Water Deficiency
Authors: Zhao Xueying , Tian Zhi , Cheng Lintao , Jiang Jia , Liu Yujiao , Liu Lizhi , You Chunxu , Liu Xun , Xie Fuchun , Qin Ligang , Chen Yajun
Published: July 2023

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is one of the legume herbages with high feed quality, but it is sensitive to water deficiency. The objectives of this study were to compare morpho-physiological responses to drought stress and post-drought recovery in four-leafed white clover cultivars. Under well-watered conditions, drought stress (3 d, 6 d, 9 d and 12 d), and rehydration, the relative water content (RWC), membrane lipid permeability, osmoregulatory substances, photosynthetic characteristics and stomatal features of Chinese native Longping No.1 (LP, small-leafed) and three introduced cultivars, namely Pudi (PD, small-leafed), Rivendel (RD, medium-leafed) and Koala (KL, large-leafed), were evaluated. Results showed that small-leafed white clover maintained higher RWC and better membrane stability and osmotic regulation with increased drought intensities, compared to the medium-leafed and large-leafed cultivars. Following rewatering, small-leafed white clover recovered more rapidly with all of the parameters than the other cultivars. The increase of drought stress intensity led to the decline of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr) and stomatal conductance (Cs). However, the decreased range of Pn, Tr and Cs in the small-leafed white clover was significantly smaller than that in the medium-leafed and large-leafed white clovers. Meanwhile, the small-leafed white clover showed a smaller size and higher density of stoma either under normal or drought conditions than the intermediate- and large-leafed cultivars. Taken together, the results indicated that the adaptability of small-leafed white clover to drought stresses and post-drought recovery was better than that of medium-leafed and large-leafed white clovers. The study will provide better insights into the mechanism of drought response and recovery potential in different white clover cultivars.
Isolation and Identification of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus from Animals in the Republic of Mordovia
Authors: Kolbasova Olga , Sevskikh Timofey , Titov Ilya , Kolbasov Denis
Published: July 2023

This article presents the results of virological and genetic studies of an isolate of caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) virus from the republic of Mordovia, Russian Federation. The isolate was found during monitoring studies of goat blood samples for the viral genome, and the presence of antibodies to lentiviruses was detected. According to the recommendation of the OIE, the positive result of PCR was confirmed with nucleotide sequencing. It was found that the obtained nucleotide sequence is identical to the genome of small ruminant lentiviruses presented in the GenBank database. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolate “Mordovia-2018” was included in the same cluster with an isolate from the Tver region of the Russian Federation detected in 2008. The sequence of the fragment of the env-gene of the isolate from the republic of Mordovia is available in GenBank under the number MN186380.1. To isolate the virus, a fraction of peripheral blood monocyte cells from the animal’s blood was added to a monolayer of lamb synovial membrane cell culture, and ten passages were carried out. The first manifestations of the cytopathic effect were observed after the third passage on the eighth day of cultivation in the form of single large cells of irregular shape with 5–7 nuclei. At the seventh passage, multiple syncytium with 7–12 nuclei were observed. At subsequent passage levels, the formation of syncytium containing more than 10–14 nuclei was observed.
Comparison of Two Preoperative Radiographic Methods for Assessing Tibial Tuberosity Advancement to Achieve a Postoperative Patella Tendon Angle of 90° in Dogs
Authors: Aragosa Federica , Della Valle Giovanni , Caterino Chiara , Lamagna Barbara , Buonocore Sara , Lamagna Francesco , Fatone Gerardo
Published: July 2023

Previous studies have suggested that the preoperative methods used to plan tibial tuberosity advancement in dogs may result in under-advancement. Therefore, this cadaveric study compared the effectiveness of the common tangent method and the tibial-anatomy-based method for achieving a target patellar tendon angle (PTA) of 90° after the modified Maquet procedure. Twenty stifle joints of mesomorphic dogs were randomly assigned to the two measurement methods. Radiographs taken in the mediolateral projection were used to measure tibial tuberosity advancement, and the wedge size was selected accordingly. For each surgical procedure, a custom-made three-dimensional wedge matched to an OrthoFoam wedge was used as a spacer. Postoperative radiographs were used to measure the PTA and to evaluate the position of the wedge. The measured advancement was not significantly different between the two methods. For 60% of the cases, the advancement measured using the common tangent method was <5.3 mm and the wedge size was increased to match that of commercially available wedges. Consequently, there was a significant difference between the measurements and wedges selected between the two procedures. The postoperative PTA did not differ significantly between the two methods and was 90° ± 5° in 80% of the stifles. The position of the wedge relative to the osteotomy was not significantly different between the methods. In conclusion, the advancement determined using the tibial-anatomy-based method was generally consistent with the size of commercially available wedges, and the method yielded a mean postoperative PTA of 90°.
The Role of Comparative Psychology in the Training of Veterinarians
Authors: Boughton Brooke A. , Abramson Charles I.
Published: July 2023

This article highlights some of the advantages that comparative psychology offers the veterinary student and veterinary education generally. Comparative psychology is the oldest of the social sciences and, as such, has accumulated over three centuries of experience in such areas as research design, animal–human interactions, and animal behavior. To establish whether comparative psychology is taught in veterinary schools, we survey all course catalogs of U.S. veterinary schools. None of the schools surveyed offered a course in comparative psychology, and inconsistencies were noted among the schools in regard to courses in animal–human interaction, animal behavior, and ethics. Suggestions are provided on how to incorporate principles of comparative psychology in veterinary education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Effect of an E-Prescription Intervention on the Adherence to Surgical Chemoprophylaxis Duration in Cardiac Surgery: A Single Centre Experience
Authors: Kostourou Sofia , Samiotis Ilias , Dedeilias Panagiotis , Charitos Christos , Papastamopoulos Vasileios , Mantas Dimitrios , Psichogiou Mina , Samarkos Michael
Published: July 2023

In our hospital, adherence to the guidelines for peri-operative antimicrobial prophylaxis (PAP) is suboptimal, with overly long courses being common. This practice does not offer any incremental benefit, and it only adds to the burden of antimicrobial consumption, promotes the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, and it is associated with adverse events. Our objective was to study the effect of an electronic reminder on the adherence to each element of PAP after cardiac surgery. We conducted a single center, before and after intervention, prospective cohort study from 1 June 2014 to 30 September 2017. The intervention consisted of a reminder of the hospital guidelines when ordering PAP through the hospital information system. The primary outcome was adherence to the suggested duration of PAP, while secondary outcomes included adherence to the other elements of PAP and incidence of surgical site infections (SSI). We have studied 1080 operations (400 pre-intervention and 680 post-intervention). Adherence to the appropriate duration of PAP increased significantly after the intervention [PRE 4.0% (16/399) vs. POST 15.4% (105/680), chi-square p < 0.001]; however, it remained inappropriately low. Factors associated with inappropriate duration of PAP were pre-operative hospitalization for <3 days, and duration of operation >4 h, while there were significant differences between the chief surgeons. Unexpectedly, the rate of SSIs increased significantly during the study (PRE 2.8% (11/400) vs. POST 5.9% (40/680), chi-square p < 0.019). The implemented intervention achieved a relative increase in adherence to the guideline-recommended PAP duration; however, adherence was still unacceptably low and further efforts to improve adherence are needed.
Evaluation of Disinfectant Efficacy against Biofilm-Residing Wild-Type Salmonella from the Porcine Industry
Authors: Osland Ane Mohr , Oastler Claire , Konrat Katharina , Nesse Live L. , Brook Emma , Richter Anja M. , Gosling Rebecca J. , Arvand Mardjan , Vestby Lene K.
Published: July 2023

Salmonella enterica is a causative pathogen of Salmonellosis, a zoonosis causing global disease and financial losses every year. Pigs may be carriers of Salmonella and contribute to the spread to humans and food products. Salmonella may persist as biofilms. Biofilms are bacterial aggregates embedded in a self-produced matrix and are known to withstand disinfectants. We studied the effect of glutaraldehyde and peracetic acid, two active substances frequently used in disinfectant formulations in the pig industry, on representative biofilm-residing wild-type Salmonella collected from pig housings in the United Kingdom (UK). We screened biofilm production of strains using the microtiter plate (MTP) assay and Congo Red Coomassie Blue (CRCB) agar method. Previously published stainless-steel coupon (SSCA), polyvinylchloride coupon (PCA), and glass bead (GBA) assays were used for disinfection studies. The mean reduction in the tested wild-type strains met the criterion of ≥4 log10 CFU at a disinfectant concentration of 0.05% with SSCA and GBA, and 0.005% with PCA for peracetic acid, along with 0.5% for glutaraldehyde with all three assays on the mean. At these concentrations, both tested disinfectants are suitable for disinfection of pig housings against Salmonella. When evaluating the efficacy of disinfectants, biofilms should be included, as higher disinfectant concentrations are necessary compared to planktonic bacteria.
Comparison of the Effects of Pulsed Electric Field Disintegration and Ultrasound Treatment on the Efficiency of Biogas Production from Chicken Manure
Authors: Szwarc Dawid , Nowicka Anna , Zieliński Marcin
Published: July 2023

This study used chicken manure classified as lignocellulosic biomass due to its high straw content. This paper compares the possibility of using pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment of lignocellulosic substrates with ultrasonic disintegration (UP) to increase methane production. As for ultrasonic treatment, the BMP increased from 210.42 ± 7.92 mL/g VS to 250.06 ± 8.68 mL/g VS, whereas with PEF disintegration, the BMP ratio increased from 210.42 ± 7.92 mL/g VS to 248.90 ± 9.29 mL/g VS. The use of PEF and UP pretreatment increased methane production from 307.29 ± 13.65 mL/g VS to 366.99 ± 14.18 mL/g VS and from 307.29 ± 13.65 mL/g VS to 365.07 ± 11.71 mL/g VS, respectively. This study showed that both ultrasonic treatment and PEF contribute to the biochemical potential of methane (BMP) from chicken manure.
Using Wearables to Monitor Trunk Kinematics and Accuracy in the Sport of Axe Throwing: A Pilot Study
Authors: Evans Stuart A , Bini Rodrigo
Published: July 2023

The sport of axe throwing has gained popularity. Axe throwing is defined as a striking sport in which competitors are required to throw an axe with accuracy and appropriate velocity. However, evidence on the role of the trunk center of mass (CoM) in axe throwing, based on in-the-field experimental settings, is lacking. The aim of this study was to understand the variation in the magnitude of trunk CoM acceleration between male and female axe throwers and its relationship to throwing accuracy. The sample consisted of 10 adult axe throwers (five males: 35.9 ± 7.5 years; five females: 25.2 ± 3.2 years) of varying skill level and experience. The axe throwers completed five single-handed overarm axe throws using their right hand. The accuracy of the axe throws was recorded, along with CoM acceleration. The overall magnitudes of trunk CoM acceleration were significantly different between the male and female axe throwers (male CoM acceleration vector: 3.6 ± 1.1; female CoM acceleration vector: 2.2 ± 0.4; p = 0.001), with males recording a higher level of accuracy (males: 76%; females: 36%) in the axe throwing task combined with greater magnitudes of vertical acceleration. Female kinematics of the trunk were observed to have significantly higher magnitudes of mediolateral acceleration (3.55 ± 1.78, p = 0.016). The overall results identified that the vector magnitude of trunk CoM acceleration was significantly correlated (r = 0.87) to performance accuracy in the male throwers. It is suggested that axe throwers should consider using trunk CoM acceleration as a viable performance metric.
Active Nitrogen Fixation by Iron-Reducing Bacteria in Rice Paddy Soil and Its Further Enhancement by Iron Application
Authors: Zhang Zhengcheng , Masuda Yoko , Xu Zhenxing , Shiratori Yutaka , Ohba Hirotomo , Senoo Keishi
Published: July 2023

In rice paddy soil, biological nitrogen fixation is important for sustaining soil nitrogen fertility and rice growth. Anaeromyxobacter and Geobacteriaceae, iron-reducing bacteria belonging to Deltaproteobacteria, are newly discovered nitrogen-fixing bacteria dominant in paddy soils. They utilize acetate, a straw-derived major carbon compound in paddy soil, as a carbon and energy source, and ferric iron compounds as electron acceptors for anaerobic respiration. In our previous paddy field experiments, a significant increase in soil nitrogen-fixing activity was observed after the application of iron powder to straw-returned paddy field soil. In addition, combining iron application with 60–80% of the conventional nitrogen fertilizer rate could maintain rice yields similar to those with the conventional nitrogen fertilization rate. It was thus suggested that iron application to paddy soil increased the amount of nitrogen fixed in the soil by enhancing nitrogen fixation by diazotrophic iron-reducing bacteria. The present study was conducted to directly verify this suggestion by 15N-IRMS analysis combined with 15N-DNA-stable isotope probing of iron-applied and no-iron-applied plot soils in an experimental paddy field. In no-iron-applied native paddy soil, atmospheric 15N2 was incorporated into the soil by biological nitrogen fixation, in which diazotrophic iron-reducing bacteria were the most active drivers of nitrogen fixation. In iron-applied paddy soil, the amount of 15N incorporated into the soil was significantly higher due to enhanced biological nitrogen fixation, especially via diazotrophic iron-reducing bacteria, the most active drivers of nitrogen fixation in the soil. Thus, our previous suggestion was verified. This study provided a novel picture of active nitrogen-fixing microorganisms dominated by diazotrophic iron-reducing bacteria in paddy soil, and directly proved the effectiveness of iron application to enhance their nitrogen fixation and increase the incorporation of atmospheric nitrogen into soil. The enhancement of biological nitrogen fixation in paddy fields by iron application may lead to novel and unique paddy soil management strategies to increase soil nitrogen fertility and ensure rice yields with reduced nitrogen fertilizer input and lower environmental nitrogen burdens.
SP-YOLOv8s: An Improved YOLOv8s Model for Remote Sensing Image Tiny Object Detection
Authors: Ma Mingyang , Pang Huanli
Published: July 2023

An improved YOLOv8s-based method is proposed to address the challenge of accurately recognizing tiny objects in remote sensing images during practical human-computer interaction. In detecting tiny targets, the accuracy of YOLOv8s is low because the downsampling module of the original YOLOv8s algorithm causes the network to lose fine-grained feature information, and the neck network feature information needs to be sufficiently fused. In this method, the strided convolution module in YOLOv8s is replaced with the SPD-Conv module. By doing so, the feature map undergoes downsampling while preserving fine-grained feature information, thereby improving the learning and expressive capabilities of the network and enhancing recognition accuracy. Meanwhile, the path aggregation network is substituted with the SPANet structure, which facilitates the acquisition of more prosperous gradient paths. This substitution enhances the fusion of feature maps at various scales, reduces model parameters, and further improves detection accuracy. Additionally, it enhances the network’s robustness to complex backgrounds. Experimental verification is conducted on the following two intricate datasets containing tiny objects: AI-TOD and TinyPerson. A comparative analysis with the original YOLOv8s algorithm reveals notable enhancements in recognition accuracy. Specifically, under real-time performance constraints, the proposed method yields a 4.9% and 9.1% improvement in mAP0.5 recognition accuracy for AI-TOD and TinyPerson datasets, respectively. Moreover, the recognition accuracy for mAP0.5:0.95 is enhanced by 3.4% and 3.2% for the same datasets, respectively. The results indicate that the proposed method enables rapid and accurate recognition of tiny objects in complex backgrounds. Furthermore, it demonstrates better recognition precision and stability than other algorithms, such as YOLOv5s and YOLOv8s.
Experimental Investigation on Deformation Characteristics of Strutted U-Shape Sheet Pile Flexible Retaining Structures in Excavations Using 3D Printing
Authors: Huang Jie , Yang Zeping , Lin Qinyue
Published: July 2023

U-shape steel sheet piles are widely used in deep and large excavation engineering due to their excellent soil-retaining and water-stopping performances. To achieve deformation control in excavations, an experimental investigation on the deformation characteristics of a strutted U-shape sheet pile flexible retaining structure was conducted. Single-layer and double-layer strutted retaining structure excavation indoor model tests in sand, where U-shape sheet piles were formed by 3D printing, were successfully accomplished. Deformation was monitored in real time during the test. The results show that the lateral displacement mode of the retaining structure transformed with the change in excavation from the “cantilever” to the “bulge” and finally developed into an intricate “recurve bow”. The average maximum lateral displacement was 0.756% of the excavation depth. With a maximum settlement of 0.375% of the excavation depth on average, the distribution of ground settlement behind walls changed from “exponential” to “triangular” before ultimately transforming into “trough” or “trapezoid” mode. The maximum settlement to maximum lateral displacement ratio (smax/δmax) on average was 0.54; the maximum settlement deformation rate was always less than the maximum lateral displacement deformation rate.
Can Photobiomodulation Therapy Using an 810-nm Diode Laser Increase the Secondary Stability of Orthodontic Mini-Screws? A Split-Mouth Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: El Khoury Melissa , Akl Roula , El Feghali Rita , Ghoubril Stephanie , Ghoubril Joseph , Khoury Elie , Migliorati Marco , Benedicenti Stefano
Published: July 2023

Background: In orthodontic treatment, mini-screws can provide maximum anchorage conditions. If the miniscrew stability is compromised, this could jeopardize the outcomes of the orthodontic treatment or biomechanics. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMt) is beneficial for biological tissues since it promotes wound healing with its anti-inflammatory and osteo-stimulatory properties. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 810-nm Diode PBMt on the stability of orthodontic mini-screws for three months. Trial Design: Parallel, allocation ratio 1:1. Methods: Using a split-mouth technique, a total of 40 mini-screws were randomly allocated (1:1) to either a placebo laser application (P group) or a laser PBMt (L group). An 810-nm diode laser irradiation of 1 W output power, operating in continuous wave mode for 50 s, was applied in a sweeping movement at a 22 mm distance from the mini-screws. The allocated mini-screws first received PBMt at baseline, then every other day for five days, and then at each orthodontic visit (every three weeks) for a period of three months. At each visit, the stability of the mini-screws was measured by the Osstell Implant Stability Quotient (Osstell ISQ) at three points: lower, upper, and distal to the mini-screw. Results: The lower, upper, and distal ISQ values of irradiated and non-irradiated mini-screws significantly decreased at each point over time (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in the global ISQ values between the laser and the placebo group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: PBM did not significantly increase the stability of orthodontic mini-screws over a period of three months. Trial Registration: Protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Dental Medicine of Saint Joseph University, Beirut, Lebanon University (#USJ/2019/161).
Newly Discovered Irbesartan Disinfection Byproducts via Chlorination: Investigating Potential Environmental Toxicity
Authors: Siciliano Antonietta , Medici Antonio , Guida Marco , Libralato Giovanni , Saviano Lorenzo , Previtera Lucio , Di Fabio Giovanni , Zarrelli Armando
Published: July 2023

Irbesartan belongs to the Sartan family, whose members are used in the treatment of arterial hypertension and kidney disease among patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus as part of a treatment based on antihypertensive drugs. This drug has reached surface waters, accumulating to the extent of being considered an emerging pollutant, along with other substances from the same class. Wastewater treatment plants, which constitute the main environmental source of this compound, fail to completely reduce its presence in wastewater and generate additional toxic byproducts through the chlorine-based disinfection process. This study provides a comprehensive investigation into the chlorination mechanisms of irbesartan, revealing the identity of twelve new byproducts, which were characterized using NMR and mass spectrometry (MS-TOF). The other six byproducts were published in a previous study, allowing for the confirmation of some aspects of the supposed mechanisms of degradation, along with the identification of those that had only been hypothesized. An ecotoxicological assessment of a mixture and isolated byproducts was performed using Raphidocelis subcapitata for algal growth inhibition, Daphnia magna for immobility, and Aliivibrio fischeri for luminescence inhibition. The results revealed the variable toxicity of irbesartan and its byproducts. Different organisms exhibited varying sensitivities to the byproducts, with Aliivibrio fischeri being the most sensitive. The coexistence of multiple byproducts in the environment, their high toxicity, and their potential interactions highlight the significant environmental risks associated with chlorination and its derivates. Our study highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the generation of disinfection byproducts.
Ecological Zoning of the Baikal Basin Based on the Results of Chemical Analysis of the Composition of Atmospheric Precipitation Accumulated in the Snow Cover
Authors: Molozhnikova Yelena V. , Shikhovtsev Maxim Yu. , Netsvetaeva Olga G. , Khodzher Tamara V.
Published: July 2023

This research used the geostatistical analysis of snow cover samples taken in 2017–2022 in the Baikal basin. Groups of snow cover pollution sources were identified by the method of empirical Bayesian kriging (ArcMap software) and mathematical data processing. The studied area was divided into fourteen districts. Geovisualization of marker substances accumulated in the snow cover allowed for the zoning of the studied area according to the degree of anthropogenic load. It was revealed that the atmospheric pollution of the territory from local sources extended for tens of kilometers along the prevailing wind direction. The maximum concentrations of anthropogenic aerosols in the snow cover were determined in towns that were sources of pollution and near settlements located on the coast of Lake Baikal and at the Selenga River mouth. The industrial centers of the region and the southern basin of Baikal, being affected by the air emissions from the Irkutsk agglomeration, were determined to be the most susceptible to anthropogenic pollution. The middle and northern basins could be attributed to the background regions being affected only by local heating sources and the natural background. The main atmospheric pollutants and the areas of their distribution were established. The main sources of snow cover pollution in the region, in addition to the natural background, were emissions from thermal power plants and motor vehicles.