bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The benefits of role play in the development of drawing in preschool children
Authors: Bonilla-Sánchez María del Rosario , García-Flores Marco Antonio , Méndez-Balbuena Ignacio , Silva-González Jocelyn Guadalupe , Ramírez-Arroyo Ernesto Vladimir
Published: November 2022

Objective

The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the benefits of role play based on a Historical–Cultural perspective with the implementation of symbolic elements generated by the development of drawing of preschool children from suburban origin in a group of normal Mexican preschool children. We predict that the quality of the drawings will be improved after the preschoolers participate in such a role play program.

Methods

A pre-experimental study was carried out, with pre-test and post-test assessments. The drawings were assessed with quantitative (frequencies of the quality of the parameters) and qualitative (characteristics of the children's drawings) methods. The role play program was based on Elkonin's method, activity theory, and P. Ya Galperin's formation by stages of mental actions. The program encouraged the use of graphic signs and symbols, with the intention of representing situations, actions, objects, and/or contents. Twenty-six preschool children participated in our study.

Results

To know the effect of the role play program with symbolic elements on the drawing of preschool children, we performed a quantitative and qualitative analysis, a Wilcoxon test contrast between the initial and final assessment. Both analyses showed a significant increase in the scores in all the tasks with a medium–large effect size, being the largest “Pictograms” and “Drawing of the route”; and in the analysis of the qualitative parameters, specifically in “Maintains the objective,” a significant increase was found in all the tasks.

Discussion

Role play, being the main activity in preschool age, develops all aspects of the child's psychic life. The importance of role play in a preschool child makes it possible to work in the zone of proximal development with the regulatory function of language, with the planning, execution, and control of playful activity and, most importantly, with the use of various materials and perceptual-graphics tools. These findings showed an improvement in the development and complexity of the symbolic function in the drawings.

Conclusion

Role play, as a work methodology in preschool age, leads to the use of new meaning systems that prepare the child to carry out present and future complex symbolic actions.
Exploring the effect of use contexts on user engagement toward tourism short video platforms
Authors: Qu Fei , Wang Nian , Zhang Xianyan , Wang Lan
Published: November 2022

With tourism short video platforms’ increasingly fierce competition, retaining existing users and improving engagement has taken on greater theoretical and practical significance. Based on the self-system model of motivational development, this study, involving an empirical analysis of 252 user data samples, establishes a research model to determine how the use contexts affect users’ psychological process and finally lead to behavioral engagement. In particular, four use contexts of tourism short video platforms are proposed—namely, information acquisition, leisure and entertainment, attention obtainment, and social interaction. Different use contexts differ in the degree to which they satisfy users’ three psychological needs, thus influence their attitudinal engagement and behavioral engagement. The research results can provide theoretical and practical references on how to improve user engagement toward tourism short video platforms.
Binaural detection thresholds and audio quality of speech and music signals in complex acoustic environments
Authors: Biberger Thomas , Ewert Stephan D.
Published: November 2022

Every-day acoustical environments are often complex, typically comprising one attended target sound in the presence of interfering sounds (e.g., disturbing conversations) and reverberation. Here we assessed binaural detection thresholds and (supra-threshold) binaural audio quality ratings of four distortions types: spectral ripples, non-linear saturation, intensity and spatial modifications applied to speech, guitar, and noise targets in such complex acoustic environments (CAEs). The target and (up to) two masker sounds were either co-located as if contained in a common audio stream, or were spatially separated as if originating from different sound sources. The amount of reverberation was systematically varied. Masker and reverberation had a significant effect on the distortion-detection thresholds of speech signals. Quality ratings were affected by reverberation, whereas the effect of maskers depended on the distortion. The results suggest that detection thresholds and quality ratings for distorted speech in anechoic conditions are also valid for rooms with mild reverberation, but not for moderate reverberation. Furthermore, for spectral ripples, a significant relationship between the listeners’ individual detection thresholds and quality ratings was found. The current results provide baseline data for detection thresholds and audio quality ratings of different distortions of a target sound in CAEs, supporting the future development of binaural auditory models.
MicroRNAs as novel peripheral markers for suicidality in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Stapel Britta , Xiao Ke , Gorinski Nataliya , Schmidt Kevin , Pfanne Angelika , Fiedler Jan , Richter Imke , Vollbrecht Anna-Lena , Thum Thomas , Kahl Kai G. , Ponimaskin Evgeni
Published: November 2022

Objective

Major depressive disorder (MDD) constitutes a main risk factor for suicide. Suicide risk in psychiatric patients is primarily determined by often unreliable, self-reported information. We assessed serum levels of three microRNAs (miRNAs), previously demonstrated to be dysregulated in post-mortem brain samples of suicide victims, as potential peripheral biomarkers for suicidality.

Methods

All study participants were diagnosed with MDD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition criteria. Suicidality, defined as acute suicide risk or suicide attempt within one week prior to study entry, was assessed by clinical interview. Relative serum levels of miR-30a, miR-30e, and miR-200a, normalized to U6, were measured by quantitative real-time PCR in MDD inpatients with (MDD/SI, N = 19) and without (MDD, N = 31) acute suicide risk. Median age and gender distribution were comparable in both groups.

Results

Levels of miR-30a, miR-30e, and miR-200a were significantly elevated in MDD/SI compared to MDD. Subgroup analysis of the MDD/SI group showed that levels of miR-30e and miR-200a were significantly higher and miR-30a was increased by trend in patients admitted following a suicide attempt (N = 7) compared to patients with acute suicide risk but without recent suicide attempt (N = 12). Additionally, use of two databases for in silico transcription factor–miRNA interaction prediction indicated early growth response protein (EGR) 1 as potential transcriptional regulator for all three miRNAs.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates suicide risk in MDD patients to be associated with increased levels of miR-30a, miR-30e, and miR-200a. Thus, these miRNAs might constitute potential biomarkers to predict suicidal behavior in MDD patients.
Current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use and associated factors among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Bete Tilahun , Lami Magarsa , Negash Abraham , Eyeberu Addis , Birhanu Abdi , Berhanu Bekelu , Abdeta Tilahun , Nigussie Shambel , Dechasa Deribe Bekele , Gemechu Kabtamu , Wedaje Dawud , Alemu Ayichew , Kibret Haregeweyn , Bayu Kefelegn , Meseret Fentahun , Abinew Yideg , Wondimneh Fenta , Dirirsa Gebisa , Godana Abduro , Husen Jemal , Alemu Addisu , Nigussie Kabtamu , Heluf Helina , Bogale Kasahun , Dessie Yadeta
Published: November 2022

Background

Psychoactive substance use becomes a major public health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. Despite its burden and consequences, there is no community-based study conducted on psychoactive substance use and associated factors in eastern Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and determinants of current alcohol, tobacco, and khat among adults living in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 955 adults living in Harari regional state. Participants were randomly recruited using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected by interviewer-administered structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and exported to Stata version 14.0 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between the outcome and independent variables, and the statistical significance was declared at a p < 0.5.

Results

Of 955 eligible participants, 95.29% participated in the study. The overall prevalence of current alcohol use, tobacco use, and khat use in this study was 8.24, 14.5, and 63.30%, respectively. The availability of alcohol, being unemployed, and being a current khat user were significantly associated with current alcohol use. Being male, having a low level of education, having peer pressure, having a common mental disorder, being a current alcohol user, and being a khat user were identified as significant predictors for current tobacco use. The age between 31 and 40 years, being a Muslim religion follower, being a farmer, being a current tobacco user, and availability of khat were significantly associated with current khat use.

Conclusion and recommendations

The prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the study area was relatively high compared with that of previous studies. By considering these determinants, screening, early identification, and developing appropriate intervention strategies to prevent and tackle current alcohol, tobacco, and khat use in the community should be of great concern.
Correlation between maternal and fetal heart rate increases with fetal mouse age in typical development and is disturbed in autism mouse model treated with valproic acid
Authors: Widatalla Namareq , Khandoker Ahsan , Yoshida Chihiro , Nakanishi Kana , Fukase Miyabi , Suzuki Arisa , Saito Masatoshi , Kimura Yoshitaka , Kasahara Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered a significant behavioral problem that is characterized by impairment in social interaction and communication. It is believed that some cases of ASD originate in the intrauterine maternal environment. Therefore, we hypothesized that there might be qualitative changes in the interaction between the mother and fetus in ASD during the prenatal period, hence, we investigated the similarity patterns between maternal and fetal heart rate (HR).

Methods

In this study, we first demonstrate the presence and formation of similarities between maternal and fetal RR interval (RRI) collected from typical developmental mice at different embryonic days (EDs), ED13.5, ED15.5, ED17.5, and ED18.5. The similarities were quantified by means of cross-correlation (CC) and magnitude-squared coherence (MSC) analyses. Correlation analysis between the CC coefficients and EDs and between MSC coefficients and EDs showed that the same coefficients increase with EDs, suggesting that similarities between maternal and fetal RRI are associated with typical fetal development. Next, because maternal and fetal similarities were indicative of development, a comparison analysis between the autism mouse model (injected with valproic acid (VPA)), and the control group (injected with saline) was performed for ED15.5 and ED18.5.

Results

The results of the comparison showed that the CC and MSC coefficients of VPA fetuses were significantly lower than that of the control group. The lower coefficients in VPA-treated mice suggest that they could be one of the features of ASD symptoms. The findings of this study can assist in identifying potential ASD causes during the prenatal period.
Developmental origins of disease highlight the immediate need for expanded access to comprehensive prenatal care
Authors: McDonald Chloe R. , Weckman Andrea M. , Wright Julie K. , Conroy Andrea L. , Kain Kevin C.
Published: November 2022

The prenatal environment plays a critical role in shaping fetal development and ultimately the long-term health of the child. Here, we present data linking prenatal health, via maternal nutrition, comorbidities in pregnancy (e.g., diabetes, hypertension), and infectious and inflammatory exposures, to lifelong health through the developmental origins of disease framework. It is well-established that poor maternal health puts a child at risk for adverse outcomes in the first 1,000 days of life, yet the full health impact of the in utero environment is not confined to this narrow window. The developmental origins of disease framework identifies cognitive, neuropsychiatric, metabolic and cardiovascular disorders, and chronic diseases in childhood and adulthood that have their genesis in prenatal life. This perspective highlights the enormous public health implications for millions of pregnancies where maternal care, and therefore maternal health and fetal health, is lacking. Despite near universal agreement that access to antenatal care is a priority to protect the health of women and children in the first 1,000 days of life, insufficient progress has been achieved. Instead, in some regions there has been a political shift toward deprioritizing maternal health, which will further negatively impact the health and safety of pregnant people and their children across the lifespan. In this article we argue that the lifelong health impact attributed to the perinatal environment justifies policies aimed at improving access to comprehensive antenatal care globally.
Introduction of a bone-centered three-dimensional coordinate system enables computed tomographic canine femoral angle measurements independent of positioning
Authors: Brühschwein Andreas , Schmitz Bronson , Zöllner Martin , Reese Sven , Meyer-Lindenberg Andrea
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Measurement of torsional deformities and varus alignment in the canine femur is clinically and surgically important but difficult. Computed tomography (CT) generates true three-dimensional (3D) information and is used to overcome the limitations of radiography. The 3D CT images can be rotated freely, but the final view for angle measurements remains a subjective variable decision, especially in severe and complex angular and torsional deformities. The aim of this study was the development of a technique to measure femoral angles in a truly three-dimensional way, independent of femoral positioning.

Methods

To be able to set reference points in any image and at arbitrary positions of the CT series, the 3D coordinates of the reference points were used for mathematical calculation of the angle measurements using the 3D medical imaging Software VoXim®. Anatomical reference points were described in multiplanar reconstructions and volume rendering CT. A 3D bone-centered coordinate system was introduced and aligned with the anatomical planes of the femur. For torsion angle measurements, the transverse projection plane was mathematically defined by orthogonality to the longitudinal diaphyseal axis. For varus angle measurements, the dorsal plane was defined by a femoral retrocondylar axis. Independence positioning was tested by comparison of angle measurement results in repeated scans of 13 femur bones in different parallel and two double oblique (15/45°) positions in the gantry. Femoralvarus (or valgus), neck version (torsion), and inclination angles were measured, each in two variations.

Results

Resulting mean differences ranged between –0.9° and 1.3° for all six determined types of angles and in a difference of <1° for 17 out of 18 comparisons by subtraction of the mean angles between different positions, with one outlier of 1.3°. Intra- and inter-observer agreements determined by repeated measurements resulted in coefficients of variation for repeated measurements between 0.2 and 13.5%.

Discussion

The introduction of a bone-centered 3D coordinate system and mathematical definition of projection planes enabled 3D CT measurements of canine femoral varus and neck version and inclination angles. Agreement between angular measurements results of bones scanned in different positions on the CT table demonstrated that the technique is independent of femoral positioning.
Genome-Wide Identification of Phytophthora sojae-Associated microRNAs and Network in a Resistant and a Susceptible Soybean Germplasm
Authors: Guo Na , Tahir Ammara , Cui Xiaoxia , Xu Jianyu , Sun Jutao , Zhang Nannan , Sun Ruidong , Deng Sushuang , Xing Han , Zhao Jinming
Published: November 2022

Phytophthora root rot, caused by Phytophthora sojae (P. sojae), is one of the most devastating diseases limiting soybean production worldwide. microRNAs (miRNAs) play major roles in regulating plant defense against pathogens. To understand the roles of soybean miRNAs during P. sojae infection, we analyzed four small RNA libraries from two soybean germplasms before and after P. sojae isolate JS08-12 infection. The cultivar Nannong 10-1 was resistant to JS08-12, whereas the 06-070583 line was susceptible to JS08-12. In total, 528 known and 555 putative novel miRNAs in soybean were identified from 97 million reads; 74 known miRNAs and 75 novel miRNAs that might be specifically related to Nannong10-1 responses to P. sojae; and 55 known and 43 novel miRNAs expressed before and after infection in the susceptible line 06-070583. qRT-PCR provided similar miRNA expression patterns to those obtained by the small-RNA sequencing of the four libraries. Then, the potential target genes of these differentially expressed miRNA were predicted, which encoded transcriptional factors, resistance proteins and transporters. Finally, we focused on the targets of the three legume-specific miRNAs (gma-miR1508, gma-miR1509, and gma-miR1510) and charted the miRNA–target interactions and networks based on the published degradome data.
Inter Simple Sequence Repeat-Based Genetic Divergence and Varietal Identification of Banana in Pakistan
Authors: Noor Saima , Muhammad Aish , Shahzad Armghan , Hussain Iqbal , Zeshan Muhammad , Ali Kazim , Begum Sania , Aqeel Muhammad , Numan Mian , Muazzam Naz Raja Mohib , Shoukat Shehla , Hafeez Hina , Zaid Imdad Ullah , Ali Ghulam Muhammad
Published: November 2022

Banana is one of the major cash and fruit crops of Pakistan. The lack of information concerning genetic diversity and purity within locally cultivated banana varieties is a major bottleneck in improving its genetics. Due to the existence of a narrow genetic background, it’s quite important to find genomic variations in banana varieties. DNA marker-based techniques have been used to effectively characterize banana varieties. In the current study, Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to characterize banana cultivars and to assess the genetic diversity of 14 local banana varieties grown in Pakistan. Out of the 45 primers used, 40 primers revealed reproducible results and produced 121 polymorphic bands, which contributed a ratio of 47.87 polymorphism. The ISSR UBC-835 and UBC-834 possessed the highest PIC ranged between (86–88%) in banana varieties, while the lowest PIC (46%) was detected in the case of UBC−857 marker with (100–1500 bp) PCR product size. Pairwise Jaccard’s similarity coefficient values were also calculated, and these were ranged from 0.56–0.88. Multivariate analysis divided 14 banana varieties into two distinct groups—A and B respectively—and furthermore into subgroups, clusters, and sub−clusters. Our results indicated that at the molecular level, the banana varieties in group—A were found to be 66% similar whereas in group B were 88% similar. Nei’s genetic diversity, PCA analysis, and a minimum spanning tree depicted Fenjiao, Dajiao, and NIGAB-2 as the most diverse members as compared to all other varieties of the three populations. Out of 14 varieties used, 11 varieties were uniquely identified by 54 polymorphic ISSR bands of different sizes. Some varieties like NIGAB-2 and NIGAB-3 were uniquely identified only with one band while others were tagged by multiple unique bands. In future, this study will be utilized to establish a molecular-based protocol for the identification of banana varieties.
Agronomic Performance of RR® Soybean Submitted to Glyphosate Application Associated with a Product Based on Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Braz Guilherme Braga Pereira , Freire Eduardo Souza , Pereira Bruno César Silva , Farnese Fernanda dos Santos , Souza Matheus de Freitas , Loram-Lourenço Lucas , Sousa Letícia Ferreira de
Published: November 2022

Despite the great benefits arising from the adoption of Roundup Ready® (RR®) soybean, there are reports about the lack of selectivity of glyphosate for this crop. The use of growth-promoting microorganisms can help attenuate the injuries caused by herbicides. The objective of this work was to evaluate the agronomic performance of RR® soybean submitted to the post-emergence application of glyphosate both isolated and in association with Bacillus subtilis. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design, with four replications. The treatments consisted of the post-emergence applications of glyphosate (1296 g a.i. ha−1), glyphosate (2592 g a.i. ha−1), glyphosate/glyphosate (1296/1296 g a.i. ha−1), glyphosate + B. subtilis BV02 (1296 + 42 g a.i. ha−1), glyphosate + B. subtilis BV02 (2592 + 42 g a.i. ha−1), and glyphosate + B. subtilis BV02/glyphosate + B. subtilis BV02 (1296 + 42/1296 + 42 g a.i. ha−1). The application of glyphosate (2592 g a.i. ha−1) and the sequential application of glyphosate provides higher levels of intoxication. The association of B. subtilis BV02 with glyphosate (2592 g a.i. ha−1) prevented losses in the values of relative chlorophyll a and b and the total chlorophyll index. The soybean yield was reduced when the plants were submitted to a sequential application of glyphosate.
Effects of Post-Anthesis Drought and Irrigation on Grain Yield, Canopy Temperature and 13C Discrimination in Common Wheat, Spelt, and Einkorn
Authors: Kuresova Gabriela , Haberle Jan , Svoboda Pavel , Wollnerova Jana , Moulik Michal , Chrpova Jana , Raimanova Ivana
Published: November 2022

Fluctuations in precipitation and higher evapotranspiration due to rising temperatures are reflected in reduced wheat yields, even in areas with a low historical incidence of drought. In this study, the effects of drought (S) and irrigation (IR) on spelt, einkorn wheat, and two common wheat cultivars were assessed in a field experiment in the years 2018–2021. Water availability was differentiated from the flowering stage using a mobile cover and drip irrigation. Grain yield, canopy temperature, and discrimination of 13C in grain (Δ 13C) were monitored. Drought reduced the average grain yield of common wheat to 5.24 t.ha−1, which was 67.00% of the rain-fed control (C) yield, and 62.09% of the irrigated wheat yield. For spelt and einkorn wheat, the average grain yield from stressed plants was 2.02 t.ha−1; this was 79.97% of the C-variant yield, and 70.82% of the IR-variant yield. Higher stand temperatures were an excellent indicator of water deficit in the stressed crops. The relationship between temperature and final grain yield in the monitored variants was always negative. In all years, discrimination of 13C in grain corresponded to water availability; in its effect on yields, the correlation was always positive. Between 2018 and 2020, spelt and einkorn exhibited lower Δ 13C in comparison with common wheat in all variants, suggesting a greater impact of differentiated water supply. The results of the experiment conclusively demonstrated systematic effects of drought after flowering upon yields and other studied characteristics.
Improvements in Performance of Nursery Pigs Provided with Supplemental Oil Derived from Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae
Authors: van Heugten Eric , Martinez Gabriela , McComb Alejandra , Koutsos Liz
Published: November 2022

The current study evaluated the impact of increasing levels of supplemental black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil, a novel and sustainable feed ingredient, on growth performance and blood chemistry indices in nursery pigs. Pigs were weaned at 21 days of age (n = 192; body weight = 6.9 ± 0.15 kg) and randomly allotted within sex and body weight to 1 of 4 dietary treatments, using 48 pens (4 pigs/pen). Treatments contained 0, 2, 4, or 6% supplemental BSFL oil, replacing equivalent quantities of corn oil. A 3-phase feeding program was used with 14, 11, and 15 days for phase 1 to 3, respectively. Supplementation of BSFL oil linearly (p ≤ 0.052) improved pig body weight and daily gain throughout the study and overall. No differences were observed in feed intake; however, feed efficiency was linearly improved with BSFL oil supplementation for phase 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). Serum cholesterol increased linearly (p = 0.002) and platelet count tended to increase linearly (p = 0.082) with increasing BSFL oil. No other differences were detected in blood chemistry and all results were within normal ranges. In conclusion, BSFL oil is a valuable, energy-dense feed ingredient that can promote growth performance of nursery pigs.
Clinical and Pathological Findings Associated with Mycobacteriosis in Captive Syngnathids
Authors: Montero Estefanía , Rojo-Solís Carlos , de Castro Noelia , Fernández Miguel , Pérez Valentín , Corpa Juan M. , Ortega Joaquín
Published: November 2022

Mycobacteriosis is an important disease that affects captive and wild aquatic fish. Syngnathids are susceptible to infection by non-tuberculous mycobacteria. The aim of this study was to describe clinical signs, and macroscopic and histological lesions in 25 syngnathids and the molecular characterization of the causative mycobacteria. Clinical presentation ranged from sudden death to non-specific signs, including anorexia, poor body condition, weight loss and marked dyspnea with increased respiratory effort and rate. Gross lesions were mostly ulcers on the tail and small white nodules in the liver, coelomic cavity and inside the eye. The most affected organs were gills, liver, intestine and coelomic mesentery. Microscopic lesions consisted of areas of multifocal to diffuse granulomatous inflammation and bacterial emboli with numerous intralesional acid-fast bacilli. Epithelioid cells, multinucleated giant cells, lymphocytes and fibrous connective tissue, which are commonly observed in granulomatous inflammation, were not observed here. In the real-time PCR, M. fortuitum, M. chelonae and M. marinum common primers, Mycobacterium spp. were detected in 4, 7 and 14 individuals, respectively. In addition, this is the first description of mycobacteriosis found in Syngnathus acus.
Effects of Acute Cold Stress after Intermittent Cold Stimulation on Immune-Related Molecules, Intestinal Barrier Genes, and Heat Shock Proteins in Broiler Ileum
Authors: Liu Xiaotao , Li Shuang , Zhao Ning , Xing Lu , Gong Rixin , Li Tingting , Zhang Shijie , Li Jianhong , Bao Jun
Published: November 2022

Cold stress will have a negative impact on animal welfare and health. In order to explore the effect of intermittent cold stimulation training on the cold resistance of broilers. Immune-related and intestinal barrier genes were detected before and after acute cold stress (ACS), aiming to find an optimal cold stimulation training method. A total of 240 1-day-old Ross broilers (Gallus) were divided into three groups (G1, G2, and G3), each with 5 replicates (16 chickens each replicate). The broilers of G1 were raised at normal temperature, while the broilers of G2 and G3 were treated with cold stimulation at 3 °C lower than the G1 for 3 h and 6 h from 15 to 35 d, respectively, at one-day intervals. At 50 d, the ambient temperature for all groups was reduced to 10 °C for six hours. The results demonstrated that before ACS, IL6, IL17, TLR21, and HSP40 mRNA levels in G3 were apparently down-regulated (p < 0.05), while IL8 and Claudin-1 mRNA levels were significantly up-regulated compared with G1 (p < 0.05). After ACS, IL2, IL6, and IL8 expression levels in G3 were lower than those in G2 (p < 0.05). Compared to G2, Claudin-1, HSP90 mRNA levels, HSP40, and HSP70 protein levels were increased in G3 (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of TLR5, Mucin2, and Claudin-1 in G2 and IL6, IL8, and TLR4 in G3 were down-regulated after ACS, while IL2, IL6, and IL17 mRNA levels in G2 and HSP40 protein levels in G3 were up-regulated after ACS (p < 0.05). Comprehensive investigation shows that cold stimulation at 3 °C lower than the normal feeding temperature for six hours at one day intervals can enhanced immune function and maintain the stability of intestinal barrier function to lessen the adverse effects on ACS in broilers.
Evaluation of a Comprehensive Profile of Salivary Analytes for the Diagnosis of the Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome
Authors: Muñoz-Prieto Alberto , Cerón José J. , Rubio Camila P. , Contreras-Aguilar María Dolores , Pardo-Marín Luis , Ayala-de la Peña Ignacio , Martín-Cuervo María , Holm Henriksen Ida-Marie , Arense-Gonzalo Julián J. , Tecles Fernando , Hansen Sanni
Published: November 2022

In this report, the measurement of salivary biomarkers as an aid for diagnosis of equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) was studied. A comprehensive panel of 23 salivary analytes was measured in the saliva of horses affected by EGUS and compared to healthy animals and horses with other diseases clinically similar to EGUS but with a negative diagnosis at gastroscopic examination. A total of 147 horses were included in the study and divided into heathy population (n = 12), the EGUS group (n = 110), and the group of horses with other diseases (n = 25). From the 23 analytes studied, 17 showed increased values in EGUS horses when compared to healthy ones, and uric acid, triglycerides, and calcium were significantly increased in horses with EGUS compared to the group of other diseases. The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed a modest but significant discriminatory power of those three analytes to identify EGUS from other diseases with similar symptoms. The discriminatory power enhanced when the results of the three analytes were combined. In conclusion, the results showed that selected salivary analytes could have potential use as biomarkers in horses with EGUS.
Refinement in the European Union: A Systematic Review
Authors: Díez-Solinska Alina , Vegas Oscar , Azkona Garikoitz
Published: November 2022

Refining experiments and housing conditions so as to cause the minimum possible pain and distress is one of the three principles (3Rs) on which Directive 2010/63/EU is based. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify and summarize published advances in the refinement protocols made by European Union-based research groups from 2011 to 2021, and to determine whether or not said research was supported by European or national grants. We included 48 articles, the majority of which were related to improvements in experimental procedures (37/77.1%) for mice (26/54.2%) and were written by research groups belonging to universities (36/57.1%) and from the United Kingdom (21/33.9%). More than two thirds (35/72.9%) of the studies received financial support, 26 (mostly British) at a national level and 8 at a European level. Our results indicated a clear willingness among the scientific community to improve the welfare of laboratory animals, as although funding was not always available or was not specifically granted for this purpose, studies were published nonetheless. However, in addition to institutional support based on legislation, more financial support is needed. We believe that more progress would have been made in refinement during these years if there had been more specific financial support available at both the national and European Union levels since our data suggest that countries investing in refinement have the greatest productivity in successfully publishing refinements.
Short-Term Regional Temperature Prediction Based on Deep Spatial and Temporal Networks
Authors: Wu Shun , Fu Fengchen , Wang Lei , Yang Minhang , Dong Shi , He Yongqing , Zhang Qingqing , Guo Rong
Published: November 2022

Accurate prediction of air temperature is of great significance to outdoor activities and daily life. However, it is important and more challenging to predict air temperature in complex terrain areas because of prevailing mountain and valley winds and variable wind directions. The main innovation of this paper is to propose a regional temperature prediction method based on deep spatiotemporal networks, designing a spatiotemporal information processing module to align temperature data with regional grid points and further transforming temperature time series data into image sequences. Long Short-Term Memory network is constructed on the images to extract the depth features of the data to train the model. The experiments demonstrate that the deep learning prediction model containing the spatiotemporal information processing module and the deep learning prediction module is fully feasible in short-term regional temperature prediction. The comparison experiments show that the model proposed in this paper has better prediction results for classical models, such as convolutional neural networks and LSTM networks. The experimental conclusion shows that the method proposed in this paper can predict the distribution and change trend of temperature in the next 3 h and the next 6 h on a regional scale. The experimental result RMSE reached 0.63, showing high stability and accuracy. The model provides a new method for local regional temperature prediction, which can support the planning of production and life in advance and tend to save energy and reduce consumption.
The Lateralization of Spatial Cognition in Table Tennis Players: Neuroplasticity in the Dominant Hemisphere
Authors: Peng Ziyi , Xu Lin , Wang Haiteng , Song Tao , Shao Yongcong , Liu Qingyuan , Weng Xiechuan
Published: November 2022

Spatial cognition facilitates the successful completion of specific cognitive tasks through lateral processing and neuroplasticity. Long-term training in table tennis induces neural processing efficiency in the visuospatial cognitive processing cortex of athletes. However, the lateralization characteristics and neural mechanisms of visual–spatial cognitive processing in table tennis players in non-sport domains are unclear. This study utilized event-related potentials to investigate differences in the spatial cognition abilities of regular college students (controls) and table tennis players. A total of 48 participants (28 controls; 20 s-level national table tennis players) completed spatial cognitive tasks while electroencephalography data were recorded. Task performance was better in the table tennis group than in the control group (reaction time: P < 0.001; correct number/sec: P = 0.043), P3 amplitude was greater in the table tennis group (P = 0.040), spatial cognition showed obvious lateralization characteristics (P < 0.001), table tennis players showed a more obvious right-hemisphere advantage, and the P3 amplitude in the right hemisphere was significantly greater in table tennis athletes than in the control group. (P = 0.044). Our findings demonstrate a right-hemisphere advantage in spatial cognition. Long-term training strengthened the visual–spatial processing ability of table tennis players, and this advantage effect was reflected in the neuroplasticity of the right hemisphere (the dominant hemisphere for spatial processing).
Shear Behavior of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag-Based Geopolymer-Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Ozturk Mehdi , Arslan Guray
Published: November 2022

Active research is ongoing regarding the mechanical behavior of structural members manufactured from geopolymer concrete (GC), as it lacks standardized/codified manufacturing and design procedures. This study aims to address the shear behavior of GC beams. First, a consistent trial–error-based approach was used to develop the optimal mixture ratio (102.38/234.0 for NaOH/Na2SiO3) in terms of workability and consistency for the production of six (6) test specimens with span-to-depth ratios of (a/d) of 2.5, 3.5, and 4.5 and transverse reinforcement intervals of 10, 15, and 20 cm. Then, shear failure tests using a three-point bending setup were conducted and analyzed statistically. As a first attempt in the literature, an empirical expression for shear capacity prediction that was specifically tuned for GC beams was given. This expression, along with seven other similar expressions for ordinary concrete beams from the literature, and various practice codes were tested against a pool of experimental shear failure results given by four (4) different researchers. As a measure of the predictive capability, coefficient of variation (COV = standard deviation/average) values were obtained, and the lowest COV value of 0.305 suggested that the expression obtained the highest predictive capability, whereas more common practice codes such as ACI318, EN1992, and ENV1992 produced COV values of 0.435, 0.374, and 0.627, respectively. Finally, this study provides a working expression for the shear capacity estimation of GC beams and a mixture ratio for the practical manufacturing conditions of workability and consistency, with a slump value of 270 mm and a 90 min setting time.
A Mixed Review of Cash Flow Modeling: Potential of Blockchain for Modular Construction
Authors: Assaf Mohamed , Hussein Mohamed , Alsulami Badr T. , Zayed Tarek
Published: November 2022

Cash is considered the most critical resource in construction projects. However, many contractors fail to obtain adequate liquidity due to a lack of proper cash flow management. Therefore, numerous research studies have been conducted to address cash flow-related issues in the construction industry. However, the literature still lacks a comprehensive review of cash flow management, methods and topics, in the construction industry. This study contributes by providing a holistic, up-to-date, and thorough review of 172 journal articles on construction cash flow. To achieve this primary objective, the study applies a mixed review methodology using scientometric and systematic reviews. The scientometric analysis provides the most contributing scholars, the timeline of cash flow research attention, and keywords clustering. On the other hand, the systematic analysis categorizes the cash flow themes, identifies current literature gaps, and highlights future research areas in the cash flow domain. The results show that cash flow analysis gained more research attention in the last two decades, cash flow-based schedule is the most frequent topic in the literature, and optimization techniques are predominant in the literature. Consequently, the study highlights five potential research frontiers. Further, an automated payment framework for modular construction projects using Blockchain-based smart contracts is developed to address some of the literature limitations. This study provides a guideline for future research efforts and raises researchers’ awareness of the latest trends and methods of construction cash flow analysis.
Re-Imaging the Future in Urban Studies and Built Environment Discourse: A Neurourbanism Perspective
Authors: Ndaguba Emeka , Cilliers Jua , Mbanga Sijekula , Brown Kerry , Ghosh Sumita
Published: November 2022

Neurological constructs are being applied in various fields; within urban studies and built environments, neurourbanism stands out. To understand this concept, this study seeks to conduct a scientometric analysis of the concept of neurourbanism. To do so, we gauged the intellectual structure and clarified the influencers and emerging themes while seeking to identify essential gaps in neurourbanism research in urban studies and the built environment. Data were sorted from Dimensions Artificial Intelligence platform because of its reliability in providing the needed dataset accurately, and the Citespace software was used to analyze the data. Our results suggest plurality in explaining the risk factors in urbanicity research, particularly regarding prevalence, incidence, and the general cause of psychosis in urban living. The study also shows that players in the construction sector, such as engineers, town planners, and developers, have not fully grasped how the built environment assists in improving well-being, reducing stress levels of urbanists, assisting migrants in settling into the community, and the general mental wellness of those who live in the city. The study also identified a correlation between urbanization and mental health and added that the main recipient of rapid urban transformation countries does not show leadership in neurourbanism studies.
Identification of a Novel Curcumin Derivative Influencing Notch Pathway and DNA Damage as a Potential Therapeutic Agent in T-ALL
Authors: Zhdanovskaya Nadezda , Lazzari Sara , Caprioglio Diego , Firrincieli Mariarosaria , Maioli Chiara , Pace Eleonora , Imperio Daniela , Talora Claudio , Bellavia Diana , Checquolo Saula , Mori Mattia , Screpanti Isabella , Minassi Alberto , Palermo Rocco
Published: November 2022

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy considered curable by modern clinical management. Nevertheless, the prognosis for T-ALL high-risk cases or patients with relapsed and refractory disease is still dismal. Therefore, there is a keen interest in developing more efficient and less toxic therapeutic approaches. T-ALL pathogenesis is associated with Notch signaling alterations, making this pathway a highly promising target in the fight against T-ALL. Here, by exploring the anti-leukemic capacity of the natural polyphenol curcumin and its derivatives, we found that curcumin exposure impacts T-ALL cell line viability and decreases Notch signaling in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. However, our findings indicated that curcumin-mediated cell outcomes did not depend exclusively on Notch signaling inhibition, but might be mainly related to compound-induced DNA-damage-associated cell death. Furthermore, we identified a novel curcumin-based compound named CD2066, endowed with potentiated anti-proliferative activity in T-ALL compared to the parent molecule curcumin. At nanomolar concentrations, CD2066 antagonized Notch signaling, favored DNA damage, and acted synergistically with the CDK1 inhibitor Ro3306 in T-ALL cells, thus representing a promising novel candidate for developing therapeutic agents against Notch-dependent T-ALL.
Growth and Optical Properties of Ga2O3 Layers of Different Crystalline Modifications
Authors: Osipov Andrey V. , Sharofidinov Shukrillo Sh. , Osipova Elena V. , Kandakov Andrey V. , Ivanov Andrey Y. , Kukushkin Sergey A.
Published: November 2022

In the present work, a new method of growing layers of three main crystal modifications of Ga2O3, namely α-phase, ε-phase, and β-phase, with thickness of 1 µm or more was developed. The method is based on the use of two approaches, namely a combination of Ga2O3 growth using the hydride vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE) method and the use of a silicon crystal with a buffer layer of dislocation-free silicon carbide as a substrate. As a result, Ga2O3 gallium oxide layers of three major Ga2O3 crystal modifications were grown, namely, α-phase, ε-phase, and β-phase. The substrate temperatures and precursor flux values at which it is possible to grow only α-phase, only ε-phase, or only β-phase without a mixture of these phases were established. It was found that the metastable α- and ε-phases change into the stable β-phase when heated above 900 °C. Experimentally obtained Raman and ellipsometric spectra of α-phase, ε-phase, and β-phase of Ga2O3 are presented. The theoretical study of the Raman spectra and the dependences of dielectric function on photon energy for all three phases was carried out. The vibrations of Ga2O3 atoms corresponding to the main lines of the Raman spectrum of the α-phase, ε-phase, and β-phase were simulated by density functional methods.
Maximizing the Light Extraction Efficiency for AlGaN-Based DUV-LEDs with Two Optimally Designed Surface Structures under the Guidance of PSO
Authors: Li Zizheng , Lu Huimin , Wang Jianping , Zhu Yifan , Yu Tongjun , Tian Yucheng
Published: November 2022

A novel method of utilizing an intelligent algorithm to guide the light extraction surface structure designing process for deep-ultraviolet light emitting diodes (DUV-LEDs) is proposed and investigated. Two kinds of surface structures based on the truncated pyramid array (TPA) and truncated cone array (TCA) are applied, which are expected to suppress the total internal reflection (TIR) effect and increase the light extraction efficiency (LEE). By addressing particle swarm optimization (PSO), the TPA and TCA microstructures constructed on the sapphire layer of the flip-chip DUV-LEDs are optimized. Compared to the conventional structure design method of parameter sweeping, this algorithm has much higher design efficiency and better optical properties. At the DUV wavelength of 280 nm, as a result, significant increases of 221% and 257% on the LEE are realized over the two forms of optimized surface structures. This approach provides another design path for DUV-LED light extraction structures.
Stratification of Length of Stay Prediction following Surgical Cytoreduction in Advanced High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Patients Using Artificial Intelligence; the Leeds L-AI-OS Score
Authors: Laios Alexandros , De Freitas Daniel Lucas Dantas , Saalmink Gwendolyn , Tan Yong Sheng , Johnson Racheal , Zubayraeva Albina , Munot Sarika , Hutson Richard , Thangavelu Amudha , Broadhead Tim , Nugent David , Kalampokis Evangelos , de Lima Kassio Michell Gomes , Theophilou Georgios , De Jong Diederick
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Length of stay (LOS) has been suggested as a marker of the effectiveness of short-term care. Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies could help monitor hospital stays. We developed an AI-based novel predictive LOS score for advanced-stage high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients following cytoreductive surgery and refined factors significantly affecting LOS. (2) Methods: Machine learning and deep learning methods using artificial neural networks (ANN) were used together with conventional logistic regression to predict continuous and binary LOS outcomes for HGSOC patients. The models were evaluated in a post-hoc internal validation set and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) was developed to demonstrate the clinical feasibility of sophisticated LOS predictions. (3) Results: For binary LOS predictions at differential time points, the accuracy ranged between 70–98%. Feature selection identified surgical complexity, pre-surgery albumin, blood loss, operative time, bowel resection with stoma formation, and severe postoperative complications (CD3–5) as independent LOS predictors. For the GUI numerical LOS score, the ANN model was a good estimator for the standard deviation of the LOS distribution by ± two days. (4) Conclusions: We demonstrated the development and application of both quantitative and qualitative AI models to predict LOS in advanced-stage EOC patients following their cytoreduction. Accurate identification of potentially modifiable factors delaying hospital discharge can further inform services performing root cause analysis of LOS.