bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of hearing loss in elderly vertigo and dizziness patients in the past 10 years
Authors: Wang Qian , Chen Aiting , Hong Mengdi , Liu Xingjian , Du Yi , Wu Ziming , Cheng Wenbo , Ji Fei
Published: September 2023

Background

Vertigo and hearing loss are both prevalent in the elderly. This study retrospectively analyzed hearing test results from elderly patients experiencing vertigo and dizziness at ENT outpatient over a 10-year period, in order to study the patterns of hearing loss in this patient population.

Methods

Nine thousand three hundred eighty four patients over 50 years old underwent retrospective collection and screening of outpatient diagnosis, pure tone audiometry, acoustic immittance measurement (tympanogram) and auditory brainstem response (ABR) test. The patient's audiograms are divided into 7 subtypes according to a set of fixed criteria. Meanwhile, K-Means clustering analysis method was used to classify the audiogram.

Results

The Jerger classification of tympanogram in elderly patients with vertigo and dizziness showed the majority falling under type A. The leading audiogram shapes were flat (27.81% in right ear and 26.89% in left ear), high-frequency gently sloping (25.97% in right ear and 27.34% in left ear), and high-frequency steeply sloping (21.60% in right ear and 22.53% in left ear). Meniere's disease (MD; 30.87%), benign recurrent vertigo (BRV; 19.07%), and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV; 15.66%) were the most common etiologies in elderly vestibular diseases. We observed statistically significant differences in hearing thresholds among these vestibular diseases (P < 0.001). K-Means clustering analysis suggested that the optimal number of clusters was three, with sample sizes for the three clusters being 2,747, 2,413, and 4,139, respectively. The ANOVA statistical results of each characteristic value showed P < 0.001.

Conclusion

The elderly patients often have mild to moderate hearing loss as a concomitant symptom with vertigo. Female patients have better hearing thresholds than males. The dominant audiometric shapes in this patient population were flat, high-frequency gently sloping, and high-frequency steeply sloping according to a set of fixed criteria. This study highlights the need for tailored strategies in managing hearing loss in elderly patients with vertigo and dizziness.
Direct oral anticoagulants for the treatment of cerebral venous thrombosis – a protocol of an international phase IV study
Authors: van de Munckhof Anita , Sánchez van Kammen Mayte , Krzywicka Katarzyna , Aaron Sanjith , Aguiar de Sousa Diana , Antochi Florina , Arauz Antonio , Barboza Miguel A. , Conforto Adriana B. , Dentali Francesco , Galdames Contreras Daniel , Ji Xunming , Jood Katarina , Heldner Mirjam R. , Hernández-Pérez María , Kam Wayneho , Kleinig Timothy J. , Kristoffersen Espen S. , Leker Ronen R. , Lemmens Robin , Poli Sven , Yeşilot Nilüfer , Wasay Mohammad , Wu Teddy Y. , Arnold Marcel , Lucas-Neto Lia , Middeldorp Saskia , Putaala Jukka , Tatlisumak Turgut , Ferro José M. , Coutinho Jonathan M.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Current guidelines recommend that patients with cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) should be treated with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) for 3–12 months. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), however, are increasingly used in clinical practice. An exploratory randomized controlled trial including 120 patients with CVT suggested that the efficacy and safety profile of dabigatran (a DOAC) is similar to VKAs for the treatment of CVT, but large-scale prospective studies from a real-world setting are lacking.

Methods

DOAC-CVT is an international, prospective, observational cohort study comparing DOACs to VKAs for the prevention of recurrent venous thrombotic events after acute CVT. Patients are eligible if they are 18 years or older, have a radiologically confirmed CVT, and have started oral anticoagulant treatment (DOAC or VKA) within 30 days of CVT diagnosis. Patients with an absolute contra-indication for DOACs, such as pregnancy or severe renal insufficiency, are excluded from the study. We aim to recruit at least 500 patients within a three-year recruitment period. The primary endpoint is a composite of recurrent venous thrombosis and major bleeding at 6 months of follow-up. We will calculate an adjusted odds ratio for the primary endpoint using propensity score inverse probability treatment weighting.

Discussion

DOAC-CVT will provide real-world data on the comparative efficacy and safety of DOACs versus VKAs for the treatment of CVT.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04660747.
Active role of amino acid metabolism in early diagnosis and treatment of diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Li Chenming , Gao Lidong , Lv Chunxiao , Li Ziqiang , Fan Shanshan , Liu Xinyue , Rong Xinyi , Huang Yuhong , Liu Jia
Published: September 2023

Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is one of the significant microvascular consequences of type 2 diabetes mellitus with a complex etiology and protracted course. In the early stages of DKD, the majority of patients experience an insidious onset and few overt clinical symptoms and indicators, but they are prone to develop end-stage renal disease in the later stage, which is life-threatening. The abnormal amino acid metabolism is tightly associated with the development of DKD, which involves several pathological processes such as oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and immune response and is also closely related to autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, and iron death. With a focus on taurine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and glutamine, we explored the biological effects of various amino acid mechanisms linked to DKD, the impact of amino acid metabolism in the early diagnosis of DKD, and the role of amino acid metabolism in treating DKD, to offer fresh objectives and guidelines for later early detection and DKD therapy.
Lineage tracing for multiple lung cancer by spatiotemporal heterogeneity using a multi-omics analysis method integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and immune-related features
Authors: Song Yijun , Zhou Jiebai , Zhao Xiaotian , Zhang Yong , Xu Xiaobo , Zhang Donghui , Pang Jiaohui , Bao Hairong , Ji Yuan , Zhan Mengna , Wang Yulin , Ou Qiuxiang , Hu Jie
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The distinction between multiple primary lung cancer (MPLC) and intrapulmonary metastasis (IPM) holds clinical significance in staging, therapeutic intervention, and prognosis assessment for multiple lung cancer. Lineage tracing by clinicopathologic features alone remains a clinical challenge; thus, we aimed to develop a multi-omics analysis method delineating spatiotemporal heterogeneity based on tumor genomic profiling.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2022, 11 specimens were collected from two patients diagnosed with multiple lung cancer (LU1 and LU2) with synchronous/metachronous tumors. A novel multi-omics analysis method based on whole-exome sequencing, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq), and tumor neoantigen prediction was developed to define the lineage. Traditional clinicopathologic reviews and an imaging-based algorithm were performed to verify the results.

Results

Seven tissue biopsies were collected from LU1. The multi-omics analysis method demonstrated that three synchronous tumors observed in 2018 (LU1B/C/D) had strong molecular heterogeneity, various RNA expression and immune microenvironment characteristics, and unique neoantigens. These results suggested that LU1B, LU1C, and LU1D were MPLC, consistent with traditional lineage tracing approaches. The high mutational landscape similarity score (75.1%), similar RNA expression features, and considerable shared neoantigens (n = 241) revealed the IPM relationship between LU1F and LU1G which were two samples detected simultaneously in 2021. Although the multi-omics analysis method aligned with the imaging-based algorithm, pathology and clinicopathologic approaches suggested MPLC owing to different histological types of LU1F/G. Moreover, controversial lineage or misclassification of LU2’s synchronous/metachronous samples (LU2B/D and LU2C/E) traced by traditional approaches might be corrected by the multi-omics analysis method. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity profiled by the multi-omics analysis method suggested that LU2D possibly had the same lineage as LU2B (similarity score, 12.9%; shared neoantigens, n = 71); gefitinib treatment and EGFR, TP53, and RB1 mutations suggested the possibility that LU2E might result from histology transformation of LU2C despite the lack of LU2C biopsy and its histology. By contrast, histological interpretation was indeterminate for LU2D, and LU2E was defined as a primary or progression lesion of LU2C by histological, clinicopathologic, or imaging-based approaches.

Conclusion

This novel multi-omics analysis method improves the accuracy of lineage tracing by tracking the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of serial samples. Further validation is required for its clinical application in accurate diagnosis, disease management, and improving prognosis.
Mapping the intellectual structure and landscape of nano-drug delivery systems in colorectal cancer
Authors: Chang Yonglong , Ou Qinling , Zhou Xuhui , Nie Kechao , Yan Haixia , Liu Jinhui , Li Jing , Zhang Sifang
Published: September 2023

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy affecting the digestive tract, and its incidence has been steadily rising over the years. Surgery remains the primary treatment modality for advanced colorectal cancer, complemented by chemotherapy. The development of drug resistance to chemotherapy is a significant contributor to treatment failure in colorectal cancer. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) can significantly improve the delivery and efficacy of antitumor drugs in multiple ways. However, there is a lack of visualization of NDDS research structures and research hotspots in the field of colorectal cancer, and the elaboration of potential research areas remains to be discovered.

Objective: To comprehensively explore the current research status and development trend of NDDS in CRC research.

Methods: Bibliometric analysis of articles and reviews on NDDS for CRC published between 2002 and 2022 using tools including CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R-bibliometrix, and Microsoft Excel was performed.

Results: A total of 1866 publications authored by 9,870 individuals affiliated with 6,126 institutions across 293 countries/regions were included in the analysis. These publications appeared in 456 journals. Abnous Khalil has the highest number of publications in this field. The most published journals are the International Journal of Nanomedicine, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, and Biomaterials. Notably, the Journal of Controlled Release has the highest citation count and the third-highest H-index. Thematic analysis identified “inflammatory bowel disease”,“ “oral drug delivery," and “ulcerative colitis” as areas requiring further development. Keyword analysis revealed that “ulcerative colitis,” “exosomes,” and “as1411”have emerged as keywords within the last 2 years. These emerging keywords may become the focal points of future research.

Conclusion: Our findings reveal the current research landscape and intellectual structure of NDDS in CRC research which helps researchers understand the research trends and hot spots in this field.
Diversity and taxonomy of the genus Amanita (Amanitaceae, Agaricales) in the Yanshan Mountains, Northern China
Authors: Zhou Hao , Guo MeiJun , Zhuo Lan , Yan HuiFang , Sui XiaoNan , Gao Yue , Hou ChengLin
Published: September 2023

Globally, the species of Amanita are key components of ectomycorrhizal ecosystems. Some of them are widely known as poisonous or edible fungi. Although many new Amanita species from China have been described, the species diversity of Yanshan Mountains remains unknown. We here describe three new species, namely, A. borealis sp. nov. (Sect. Amanita), A. brunneola sp. nov. (Sect. Caesareae), and A. yanshanensis sp. nov. (Sect. Validae), based on morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses. In addition, nine known species, namely, A. caesareoides (Sect. Caesareae), A. chiui (Sect. Vaginatae), A. muscaria (Sect. Amanita), A. oberwinklerana (Sect. Roanokenses), A. ovalispora (Sect. Vaginatae), A. subglobosa (Sect. Amanita), A. subjunquillea (Sect. phalloideae), A. vaginata var. vaginata (Sect. Vaginatae), and A. virosa (Sect. phalloideae), were reported from Yanshan Mountains for the first time. Our results emphasize that China has a high diversity of Amanita species and that additional studies are required to understand the exact species number. These findings play a crucial role in Amanita toxin research and ecological conservation. This study investigated the areas where Amanita species-related research is lacking. The study also attempted to better understand Amanita distribution and thus contribute to related research. This study enriches the species diversity of Amanita in Yanshan Mountains and offers additional data supporting the macrofungal systematics, toxin research, and diversity and ecological studies of Amanita in future studies.
RNA-seq provides insights into potato deubiquitinase responses to drought stress in seedling stage
Authors: Tang Xun , Sun Fujun , Zhang Ning , Rana Birendra Bahadur , Kharel Raju , Luo Pan , Si Huaijun
Published: September 2023

Ubiquitination is a specific protein degradation and reversible post-translational modification process that can be reversed by deubiquitinase (DUBs). DUBs can hydrolyze and release ubiquitin in the substrate protein so that the substrate can avoid degradation or change its activity, and it has an impact on plant growth and development, cell cycle, abiotic stress response, and other biological processes. Transcript sequences of potato varieties “DM1-3”, “Atlantic” and “Cooperation-88” downloaded from Potato Genome Resources were used for genome-wide identification of the DUB gene family using Hidden Markov Models and verified in the NCBI CD-Search tool. The characteristics of DUB genes from different potato varieties were analyzed including subcellular localization, gene structural motifs, phylogenetic tree, and sequence homology. Polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG6000) induced drought stress transcriptome analysis was performed on the “Atlantic”, and differentially expressed genes were screened, with emphasis on the characterization of deubiquitinase. DUB genes have a complex gene structure, often with a large number of exons and alternative splicing. Their promoters contain abundant abiotic stress-responsive elements, such as 425 MYC, 325 ABRE, and 320 MYB. There are also a large number of orthologous genes in the DUBs of the three potato varieties, and these genes are often clustered in similar regions on the genome. We performed transcriptome sequencing of the potato under PEG-induced drought stress and analyzed it for the first time using the Atlantic as a reference genome. We identified a total of 6067 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 4950 up-regulated DEGs under PEG-induced drought stress. We screened the expression of DUBs and observed that 120 DUBs were up-regulated where most of them functioned in the nucleus, and the interacting proteins of DUBs were also localized in the nucleus. We have comprehensively identified and analyzed potato DUBs, and the accurately aligned transcriptome data which will further deepen the understanding of DUBs involved in the regulation of osmotic stress.
Beyond recovery: toward rights-based mental health care — A cluster randomized wait-list controlled trial of a recovery and rights training for mental health professionals with or without first person accounts
Authors: Eiroa-Orosa Francisco José
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Mental health models grounded in Recovery and Rights are driving the advancement of transformative care systems through multifaceted actions, which encompass Continuing Professional Development. The objective of this work is to evaluate a training activity developed through a participatory process that included people with lived experience of psychosocial distress, their relatives, and mental health professionals.

Methods

The training focused on alternatives to diagnosis, recovery principles, rights-based care, and peer support. The evaluation followed a cluster randomized wait-list controlled design. Four hundred eighty-eight health professionals from eight care centers were randomized to three experimental conditions: a wait list control, which underwent a one-month interval between the baseline assessment and the training activity, and two experimental groups, with or without first-person accounts, which accessed the training immediately after completing the baseline assessment. The dependent variables measured at all follow-ups were beliefs and attitudes toward mental health service users’ rights. One hundred ninety-two professionals completed at least one follow-up and were included in the analyses.

Results

We observed different evolutions of experimental and control groups with statistically significant differences for tolerance to coercion and total beliefs and attitudes scores. No differences were observed between the groups with or who attended training activities with or without first person accounts. Upon receiving the training activity, the control group had an evolution equivalent to the experimental groups.

Discussion

The results of this evaluation project provide compelling evidence for the need to expand recovery and rights training activities to reach a larger audience of mental health professionals These training activities hold the potential to positively influence the beliefs and attitudes of mental health professionals, ultimately contributing toward a better future for individuals with lived experience of psychosocial distress.
Genomic risk scores and oral contraceptive-associated ischemic stroke risk: a call for collaboration
Authors: Lin Forrest , Tomppo Liisa , Gaynor Brady , Ryan Kathleen , Cole John W. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Putaala Jukka , Kittner Steven J.
Published: September 2023

Background

Oral contraceptives (OCs) are generally safe but vascular risk factors increase OC-associated ischemic stroke risk. We performed a case-control study to evaluate whether a genomic risk score for ischemic stroke modifies OC-associated ischemic stroke risk.

Methods

The Genetics of Early-Onset Stroke study includes 332 premenopausal women (136 arterial ischemic stroke cases and 196 controls) with data on estrogen-containing OC use within 30 days before the index event (for cases) or interview (for controls). Using a previously validated genetic risk score (metaGRS) for ischemic stroke based on 19 polygenic risk scores for stroke and stroke-associated risk factors, we stratified our combined case-control sample into tertiles of genomic risk. We evaluated the association between OC use and ischemic stroke within each tertile. We tested if the association between OC use and ischemic stroke depended on the genomic risk of stroke using logistic regression with an OC use × metaGRS interaction term. These analyses were performed with and without adjustment for smoking, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and body mass index.

Results

After adjustment for vascular risk factors, the odds ratio of OC use was 3.2 (1.7–6.3) overall and increased from the lower, middle, and upper tertile of genomic risk from 1.6 (0.5–5.4) to 2.5 (0.08–8.2) to 13.7 (3.8–67.3) respectively, and a p-value for interaction of 0.001.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that genomic profile may modify the OC-associated ischemic stroke risk. Larger studies are warranted to determine whether a genomic risk score could be clinically useful in reducing OC-associated ischemic stroke.
Peptidomics approaches to the discovery and ACE inhibitory effect of casein peptides derived from fermented bovine milk by kefir grains
Authors: Wang Bo , Xiao Shan , Cai Yanxue , Chen Xuan , Wang Jihui
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Kefir grains with efficient proteolytic system is an excellent starter culture for the production of bioactive peptides and milk products. This study explores the casein peptides derived from fermented bovine milk by kefir grains using the peptidomics approaches. The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity of these peptides were also investigated.

Methods

After fermentation, peptidomics based on the LC-MS/MS was used to investigate the dynamic profile and the structure specificity of generated peptides. The ACE inhibitory activity of peptides was determined by measuring the amount of hippuric acid (HA) by a spectrophotometer at 228 nm.

Results

The results indicated that the cell envelope proteinases (CEPs) were the PI-/PIII-type. A total of 122 peptides were identified. The β-casein was preferentially hydrolyzed by kefir grains, and the main hydrolysis regions were f57-93, f132-160 and f192-209. The αs1-, and κ-casein were also hydrolyzed by a weaker degree. In the process of fermentation, the accumulated peptides increased with the fermentation time. The fermentation products exhibited ACE inhibitory activity, and this bioactivity remained 63% after simulated gastrointestinal (GI) digestion in vitro. Additionally, 14 Pro-containing peptides with ACE inhibitory activity were also identified.

Conclusion

These results provide new insights and evidence to investigate the bioactive milk peptides generated by kefir grains fermentation, as well as a reference for the development of functional foods.
A klinikai gyakorlatban évek óta használt VITA Classical fogszínkulcsok színének értékelése
Authors: Fehér Dóra , Keskeny György Árpád , Kovács Zsófia Sára , Mohaghegh Ahmad Reza , Pál Adrienn , Borbély Judit , Hermann Péter
Published: September 2023

Fogpótlások készítése során a páciens fogszínét leggyakrabban a vizuális szín-összehasonlítás módszerével,fogszínkulccsal határozzuk meg. A fogorvosi gyakorlatban leggyakrabban használt VITA Classical (VC) fogszínkulcsokakrilátból készülnek, melyek idővel elszíneződhetnek, rontva ezzel a fogszín-meghatározás pontosságát. Kutatásunk célja,hogy a Semmelweis Egyetem Fogpótlástani Klinikáján rendszeresen napi szinten használt VC fogszínkulcsok elszíneződésénekmértékét vizsgáljuk egy még új referencia fogszínkulcshoz viszonyítva. A vizsgált színek az A1, A2, A3, C2,C3, D2, amelyek a természetes fogazat leggyakrabban előforduló színei. Minden színből 9 darabot vizsgáltunk, amelyekszínét referencia fogszínkulcshoz viszonyítottuk. A vizsgálat során a vizuális összehasonlítás mellett a fogszínkulcsokszínét digitálisan, VITA Easyshade V spektrofotométerrel standard körülmények között mértük. A mért L*a*b értékekbőlkiszámításra kerültek a ΔE értékek. A vizsgált fogszínkulcsok 70,4%-ánál mutatkozott észrevehető színeltérés (0,8 ΔE felettiérték). 32,4%-ban a színkülönbség (1,8 ΔE feletti érték) elfogadhatatlan volt. Az elszíneződött akrilát fogszínkulcsoka fogszín meghatározását pontatlanná teszik, ezért a rendelőben napi használatban lévő fogszínkulcsokat időnként ellenőrizniszükséges, és azokat elszíneződés esetén cserélni kell.
Tízéves követéses vizsgálat fogászati kezeléstől kórosan félő beteg összetett ellátása során
Authors: Oszlánszky Judit , Gyulai-Gaál Szabolcs , Kádár László , Schmidt Péter , Hermann Péter
Published: September 2023

A fogászati kezelésekkel kapcsolatos szorongás minden fogorvos számára ismert jelenség. Felismerése és enyhítésea fogorvos feladata. Amikor a fogászati kezeléstől való félelem fóbiává erősödik, és a páciens minden fogászati beavatkozássalkapcsolatos szituációra olyan heves félelemmel reagál, hogy az már teljes viselkedésére és általános állapotárakihat, külső segítségre is szükség lehet. Fontos, hogy a pánik kiváltotta pánikrohamot el tudjuk különíteni egyébéletveszélyes állapotoktól. A fogászati félelem mérésére több kérdőív áll rendelkezésünkre, ezek közül a két legjelentősebb(a Dental Anxiety Scale és a Dental Fear Survey) Fábián TK és mtsai. munkájának köszönhetően magyar nyelvenis rendelkezésünkre áll. Esetbemutatásunkban egy erős fogászati félelemmel küzdő páciens szájüregi rehabilitációjátmutatjuk be. A hölgy ellátása során a fogászati félelme jelentős mértékben csökkenthető volt, együttműködési hajlandóságafolyamatosan javult, így egy igényes, implantációs protetikai megoldást is tartalmazó fogpótlás készülhetett,a gnatológiai szempontokat maximálisan szem előtt tartva. Tízéves követése során látható, hogy hosszú távon is sikerültjelentős eredményt elérnünk, szájüregi életminősége a megtanult szájhigiénés módszereknek és a bizalmas orvosbetegkapcsolatnak köszönhetően jelentősen javult.
Krónikus reumatológiai kórképpel rendelkező páciens protetikai ellátása
Authors: Schmalzl Judit , Hermann Péter , Ambrus Szilvia
Published: September 2023

Bevezetés: A spondylitis ankylopoetica egy krónikus, gyulladásos reumatológia megbetegedés. A temporomandibulárisízület 6–20%-ban érintett lehet ebben a kórképben. Ilyen esetben a páciens protetikai rehabilitációja során kiemelt fontosságúa gnatológiai szempontok figyelembevétele.Esetismertetés: 42 éves nő páciens a Semmelweis Egyetem Fogpótlástani Klinikáján jelentkezett állkapocsízületifájdalommal és hiányzó fogainak esztétikus pótlása céljából. A páciens számára digitális technológia segítségével mosolytervezésután, harapásemeléssel először ideiglenes fogpótlások készültek, hogy a neuromuszkuláris rendszer alkalmazkodnitudjon a megváltozott harapási viszonyokhoz. A végleges fogpótlások elkészítése ez után következhetett.A fogpótlások védelme miatt, illetve az éjszakai parafunkciók elkerülése végett Michigan-sín készült a páciens számára.Fontos volt a páciens gyógyszerelését is figyelembe venni, ugyanis biológiai terápiában is részesült.Összefoglalás: A spondylitis ankylopoeticával rendelkező páciensek esetében nagy körültekintéssel szükségesa kezelési tervet elkészíteni, a gnatológiai szempontokra különös tekintettel. A megfelelő protetikai ellátás funkcióban ésesztétikában hozzájárulhat a páciens életminőségének növeléséhez.
Tensor-Based Approaches for Nonlinear and Multilinear Systems Modeling and Identification
Authors: Favier Gérard , Kibangou Alain
Published: September 2023

Nonlinear (NL) and multilinear (ML) systems play a fundamental role in engineering and science. Over the last two decades, active research has been carried out on exploiting the intrinsically multilinear structure of input–output signals and/or models in order to develop more efficient identification algorithms. This has been achieved using the notion of tensors, which are the central objects in multilinear algebra, giving rise to tensor-based approaches. The aim of this paper is to review such approaches for modeling and identifying NL and ML systems using input–output data, with a reminder of the tensor operations and decompositions needed to render the presentation as self-contained as possible. In the case of NL systems, two families of models are considered: the Volterra models and block-oriented ones. Volterra models, frequently used in numerous fields of application, have the drawback to be characterized by a huge number of coefficients contained in the so-called Volterra kernels, making their identification difficult. In order to reduce this parametric complexity, we show how Volterra systems can be represented by expanding high-order kernels using the parallel factor (PARAFAC) decomposition or generalized orthogonal basis (GOB) functions, which leads to the so-called Volterra–PARAFAC, and Volterra–GOB models, respectively. The extended Kalman filter (EKF) is presented to estimate the parameters of a Volterra–PARAFAC model. Another approach to reduce the parametric complexity consists in using block-oriented models such as those of Wiener, Hammerstein and Wiener–Hammerstein. With the purpose of estimating the parameters of such models, we show how the Volterra kernels associated with these models can be written under the form of structured tensor decompositions. In the last part of the paper, the notion of tensor systems is introduced using the Einstein product of tensors. Discrete-time memoryless tensor-input tensor-output (TITO) systems are defined by means of a relation between an Nth-order tensor of input signals and a Pth-order tensor of output signals via a (P+N)th-order transfer tensor. Such systems generalize the standard memoryless multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system to the case where input and output data define tensors of order higher than two. The case of a TISO system is then considered assuming the system transfer is a rank-one Nth-order tensor viewed as a global multilinear impulse response (IR) whose parameters are estimated using the weighted least-squares (WLS) method. A closed-form solution is proposed for estimating each individual IR associated with each mode-n subsystem.
Modular Self-Configurable Robots—The State of the Art
Authors: Vu Lu Anh Tu , Bi Zhuming , Mueller Donald , Younis Nashwan
Published: September 2023

Modular self-configurable robot (MSR) systems have been investigated for decades, and their applications have been widely explored to meet emerging automation needs in various applications, such as space exploration, manufacturing, defense, medical industry, entertainment, and services. This paper aims to gain a deep understanding of up-to-date research and development on MSR through a thorough survey of market demands and published works on design methodologies, system integration, advanced controls, and new applications. In particular, the limitations of existing mobile MSR are discussed from the reconfigurability perspective of mechanical structures.
Estimation of Air Pollutant Emissions by Tractor Utilization in Korea
Authors: Kim Myoung Ho , Kim Seong Min
Published: September 2023

The utilization of tractors is essential because of both the shortage of agricultural labor forces and the rapid aging of farmers in Korean agriculture. Tractors can be classified into two types: a walking tractor called as a power tiller, and a riding tractor. In this study, diesel emission inventories of tractors were established and variations of air pollutants were analyzed with each other using 2011 and 2019 survey data in Korea. Agricultural tractors including walking and riding types, which were categorized into three levels via the rated output power, were the main sources of diesel emissions. The emission inventory including CO, NOx, SOx, TSP(PM10), PM2.5, VOCs, and NH3 were established using a Tier 3 methodology. The total amount of emissions using agricultural tractors was decreased by about 13% from 2011 to 2019. The number of walking tractors were decreased by about 19% in 8 years; on the other hand, that of riding tractors were increased by about 12%. However, the emission reduction is about 48% for walking tractors, and the emission increment is about 5% for riding tractors. Thus, the total emission from agricultural tractors was decreased by about 16% in those periods. It is due to the decrease of 21% and 15% in the hours of use of walking and riding tractors, respectively, in 2019. Walking tractors mainly emit air pollutants from spraying and transporting. Riding tractors emit about 61% of the total air pollutants mainly from soil preparation and transporting operations. The geographic information system (GIS) was used to visualize the distribution of air pollutants in Korea. High-emission generating regions and the changes of emissions over 8 years were clearly seen in the GIS analysis. High air-pollutant emitting regions are mainly located in the western and southern regions of Korea, which have plenty of arable areas compared to other regions in Korea.
Can the Integration of Rural Industries Help Strengthen China’s Agricultural Economic Resilience?
Authors: Zhou Jie , Chen Haipeng , Bai Qingyun , Liu Linxin , Li Guohong , Shen Qianling
Published: September 2023

Rural industrial integration is the key to promoting the development of rural industrial restructuring and modernization, and plays a vital role in improving agricultural economic resilience. Based on the evaluation index system of agricultural economic resilience and the level of rural industrial integration development, respectively, this paper uses panel data from 30 provincial administrative regions in China from 2000 to 2020 to empirically test the impact of rural industrial integration development on agricultural economic resilience by using an individual fixed-effects model and a mediating-effects model. The results show that rural industrial integration significantly contributes to enhancing agricultural economic resilience, and the conclusion still holds after a series of robustness tests. There is dimensional and regional heterogeneity in the impact of rural industrial integration on agricultural economic resilience, and the strength of the promotion effect by dimension is in the order of adaptive adjustment capacity, transformation and innovation capacity, and resilience to recovery capacity. In the eastern and central regions, the promotion effect of rural industrial integration on agricultural economic resilience is more significant. In the main food-producing areas, the promotion effect of rural industrial integration on resilience to recovery is significantly slighter than that of non-food-producing regions. Mechanism analysis indicates that regional industrial structure optimization is an essential channel for rural industrial integration to enhance the resilience of the agricultural economy. On this basis, in order to strengthen agricultural economic resilience, provinces should actively explore differentiated industrial integration policies to enhance industrial structure optimization and upgrading, stimulate agricultural economic vitality, and foster the development of China’s agricultural modernization.
The Impact of Mining Waste and Biogas Digestate Addition on the Durability of Soil Aggregates
Authors: Pranagal Jacek , Ligęza Sławomir , Gmitrowicz-Iwan Joanna
Published: September 2023

Waste management is one of the greatest contemporary challenges as the world strives for sustainable development. We set out to investigate the impact of mining waste (carboniferous rock) and organic waste (biogas digestate) on the physical properties of soils. The wastes were applied to Podzol, soil characterised by low chemical and physical quality with the particle size distribution (PSD) of loamy sand. The paper sets out to answer the question of whether a one-time application of mine and/or biogas digestate onto soil positively affects the durability of the soil structure and if the changes were permanent. For this purpose, we analysed soil texture, total organic carbon (TOC), water-stable aggregates and the mean weight diameter of water-stable aggregates (MWD). The combined addition of biogas digestate and the two types of waste improved the soil structure. The content of soil water-stable aggregates with dimensions 5–10 mm (A5–10) and 1–5 mm (A1–5) increased the MWD and the content of aggregates of diameters <1 mm (A<1) decreased. The effects of the experiment were permanent, as differences resulting from the soil treatments were still visible four years after the application. This shows that wastes, especially biogas digestate, could be successfully used in agriculture.
A Method for Determining the Nitrogen Content of Wheat Leaves Using Multi-Source Spectral Data and a Convolution Neural Network
Authors: Ju Jinyan , Lv Zhenyang , Weng Wuxiong , Zou Zongfeng , Lin Tenghui , Liu Yingying , Wang Zhentao , Wang Jinfeng
Published: September 2023

Accurate estimation of wheat leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) is critical for characterizing ecosystem and plant physiological processes; it can further guide fertilization and other field management operations, and promote the sustainable development of agriculture. In this study, a wheat LNC test method based on multi-source spectral data and a convolutional neural network is proposed. First, interpolation reconstruction was performed on the wheat spectra data collected by different spectral instruments to ensure that the number of spectral channels and spectral range were consistent, and multi-source spectral data were constructed using interpolated, reconstructed imaging spectral data and non-imaging spectral data. Afterwards, the convolutional neural network DshNet and machine learning methods (PLSR, SVR, and RFR) were compared under various scenarios (non-imaging spectral data, imaging spectral data, and multi-source spectral data). Finally, the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) and successive projections algorithm (SPA) were used to optimize the LNC detection model. The results show that the model based on DshNet has the highest test accuracy. The CARS method is more suitable for DshNet model optimization than SPA. In the modeling scenario with non-imaging spectral, imaging spectral, and multi-source spectral, the optimized R2 is 0.86, 0.82, and 0.82, and the RMSE is 0.29, 0.31, and 0.31, respectively. The LNC visualization results show that DshNet modeling using multi-source spectral data is conducive to the visualization expansion of non-imaging spectral data. Therefore, the method presented in this paper provides new considerations for spectral data from different sources and is helpful for related research on the chemometric task of multi-source spectral data.
An Efficient and Automated Image Preprocessing Using Semantic Segmentation for Improving the 3D Reconstruction of Soybean Plants at the Vegetative Stage
Authors: Sun Yongzhe , Miao Linxiao , Zhao Ziming , Pan Tong , Wang Xueying , Guo Yixin , Xin Dawei , Chen Qingshan , Zhu Rongsheng
Published: September 2023

The investigation of plant phenotypes through 3D modeling has emerged as a significant field in the study of automated plant phenotype acquisition. In 3D model construction, conventional image preprocessing methods exhibit low efficiency and inherent inefficiencies, which increases the difficulty of model construction. In order to ensure the accuracy of the 3D model, while reducing the difficulty of image preprocessing and improving the speed of 3D reconstruction, deep learning semantic segmentation technology was used in the present study to preprocess original images of soybean plants. Additionally, control experiments involving soybean plants of different varieties and different growth periods were conducted. Models based on manual image preprocessing and models based on image segmentation were established. Point cloud matching, distance calculation and model matching degree calculation were carried out. In this study, the DeepLabv3+, Unet, PSPnet and HRnet networks were used to conduct semantic segmentation of the original images of soybean plants in the vegetative stage (V), and Unet network exhibited the optimal test effect. The values of mIoU, mPA, mPrecision and mRecall reached 0.9919, 0.9953, 0.9965 and 0.9953. At the same time, by comparing the distance results and matching accuracy results between the models and the reference models, a conclusion could be drawn that semantic segmentation can effectively improve the challenges of image preprocessing and long reconstruction time, greatly improve the robustness of noise input and ensure the accuracy of the model. Semantic segmentation plays a crucial role as a fundamental component in enabling efficient and automated image preprocessing for 3D reconstruction of soybean plants during the vegetative stage. In the future, semantic segmentation will provide a solution for the pre-processing of 3D reconstruction for other crops.
Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration after 20-Year Afforestation of Mangrove Plantations on Qi’ao Island, Southern China
Authors: Chen Guoyin , Zhang Meixia , Yao Xianyu , Zhu Yiren , Hu Yuanliu , Hui Dafeng , Li Jianling , Chen Jingwen , Deng Qi
Published: September 2023

Mangrove afforestation is considered an important measure in the “natural-based solution” for mitigating climate warming through sequestering massive carbon (C) into vegetation biomass, yet how the planted mangrove species facilitate soil C sequestration remains unclear. Here, we investigated the stock, source, and fraction of soil organic carbon (SOC) over 1 m depth after 20-year afforestation of five mangrove pure plantations (Acrostichum aureum, Acanthus ilicifolius, Aegiceras corniculatum, Kandelia obovate, and Excoecaria agallocha) on Qi’ao Island, South China. The results showed that SOC stocks did not significantly differ among the five plantations, with an average value of 16.7 kg C m−2. Based on the two-end-member mixing model with plant–soil C stable isotope signatures, the autochthonous (mangrove-derived) C source accounted for 20.2–34.1% of SOC but varied significantly among the plantations. The SOC stock in particulate fraction (1.2–2.0 g C kg−1) and mineral-associated fraction (14.3–16.0 g C kg−1) also significantly differed among the plantations. The similar SOC stock but different source contributions and C fractions among the plantations observed here may have important implications for mangrove afforestation to optimize stand structure and maximize C sequestration.
Measures and Penalties for Animal Welfare Violations at German Abattoirs: A Compilation of Current Recommendations and Practices
Authors: Schneidewind Stephanie Janet , Meemken Diana , Langforth Susann
Published: September 2023

Protecting animal welfare during preslaughter handling and slaughter is an important ethical concern with growing importance to consumers. However, animal welfare violations in abattoirs remain a serious problem, and the enforcement of relevant laws and regulations is often inadequate. This study investigated and compiled the measures and penalties which official veterinarians (OVs) consider appropriate for different animal welfare violations at German abattoirs, including ranges for fines. Additionally, information regarding which measures were taken in past cases, including past procedural outcomes (e.g., judicial decisions and regulatory animal welfare orders in Germany), were gathered and summarised. The aim is to provide insights into the status quo, so that flaws in law enforcement (e.g., imposing low penalties or not filing a criminal complaint when necessary) can be identified in a future study. To achieve this, the following five steps were utilised: acquiring relevant judicial decisions; conducting an anonymous online survey among German OVs; conducting semi-structured interviews with OVs; conducting a virtual colloquium with OVs; and consulting lawyers. Measures and penalties for violations of 40 relevant and frequent different provisions of the German Ordinance on the Protection of Animals in connection with Slaughter or Killing (TierSchlV), in conjunction with the Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 and the German Animal Welfare Act, were gathered. The findings were compiled into a list of measures and penalties, which contains a separate table for all 40 violations, entailing an overview of the following information: citation(s) of legal/regulatory requirements to protect animals at the time of killing/slaughter; citation(s) of relevant regulatory and criminal penalties; special measures/penalties considered appropriate for the first and repeated offence by OVs; and information on penalties listed in judicial decisions of past similar cases. This initiative is a step towards achieving a reduction of animal welfare violations at German abattoirs.
Hock Lesions in Dairy Cows in Cubicle Housing Systems in Germany: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Freigang Cindy , Jensen Katharina Charlotte , Campe Amely , Feist Melanie , Öhm Andreas , Klawitter Marcus , Stock Annegret , Hoedemaker Martina
Published: September 2023

Hock lesions in dairy cows are an important indicator of animal welfare, in particular housing conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hock lesions in dairy cows kept in cubicle housing systems in three structurally different regions of Germany and to derive recommendations from risk factor analyses. Lactating and dry cows kept in cubicle housing systems were assessed for hock lesions (north: 206 farms with 20,792 cows; south: 156 farms with 8050 cows; east: 192 farms with 37,839 cows). Risk factor analyses were conducted using multi-factorial logistic regression models. The median prevalence of hock lesions (hairless patches, wounds, and/or swelling) at farm level was 79.8% (SD: 25.0; north), 66.2% (SD: 31.0; south), and 78.5% (SD: 26.3; east). The mean prevalence of severe hock lesions (wounds and/or swelling) at farm level was 12.5% (SD: 11.3; north), 8.0% (SD: 13.5; south), and 14.4% (SD: 17.9; east). Cows kept in pens with rubber mats or mattresses (with or without a small amount of litter) had a particularly higher chance of hock lesions compared with cows kept in pens with deep-bedded cubicles (OR: north: 3.1 [2.3–4.2]; south: 8.7 [5.9–13.0], east: 2.0 [1.7–2.4]). The study showed that hock lesions are a widespread problem on German dairy farms with cubicle housing systems. Deep-bedded cubicles are likely to reduce hock lesions and increase cows’ comfort.
To Flee or Not to Flee: How Age, Reproductive Phase, and Mate Presence Affect White Stork Flight Decisions
Authors: Touati Laïd , Athamnia Mohamed , Boucheker Abdennour , Belabed Bourhane-Edinne , Samraoui Farrah , Alfarhan Ahmed H. , Møller Anders P. , Samraoui Boudjéma
Published: September 2023

Recognizing, assessing, and responding to threats is critical for survival in the wild. Birds, especially in their role as parents, must decide whether to flee or delay flight when threatened. This study examines how age, reproductive stage, and the presence of a mate influence flight initiation distance (FID) and nest recess duration in white storks. Analyzing the data with a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM), we found significant correlations between FID and age, reproductive stage, and presence of a mate. These results suggest that the trade-off between current and future reproduction shifts during critical breeding periods, such as incubation and nestling care. To increase breeding success, White Storks appear willing to take risks and extend their stay in the nest when offspring are most valuable and vulnerable. In the presence of a mate, individuals leave the nest earlier, suggesting possible sexual conflict over parental care. The duration of nest abandonment is consistent with FID, except for age. These results illustrate how parental age, brood value, vulnerability, and sexual dynamics influence white stork flight decisions in complex ways. Understanding these dynamics enriches our knowledge of bird behavior and adaptations to environmental challenges and highlights the complexity of parental decision making.
The Effect of a Bacillus Probiotic and Essential Oils Compared to an Ionophore on the Rumen Microbiome Composition of Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Linde Dina A. , Schokker Dirkjan , du Toit Cornelius J. L. , Ramkilawon Gopika D. , van Marle-Köster Este
Published: September 2023

The rising concern of antibiotic growth promoter use in livestock has necessitated the investigation into alternative feed additives. The effect of a probiotic and essential oils to an ionophore on the rumen microbiome composition of Bonsmara bulls raised under feedlot conditions was compared. Forty-eight Bonsmara weaners were allocated to four groups: a group with basal diet (CON) and three groups supplemented with monensin (MON), probiotic (PRO), and essential oils (EO). During the 120 days feeding period, rumen content was collected from four animals per group within each phase via a stomach tube for 16S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing as well as volatile fatty acid analysis. In the starter phase, MON had a significantly lower acetate to propionate ratio and a higher Succinivibrionaceae abundance. The abundance of Lachnospiraceae was significantly higher in EO compared to MON. In the finisher phase, PRO had a significantly higher bacterial diversity. The alpha diversity did not differ between the fungal populations of the groups. The abundance of Proteobacteria was the lowest in PRO compared to the other groups. Limited variation was observed between the rumen microbiome composition of monensin compared to the other treatment groups, indicating that these alternatives can be considered.