bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Technology to support aging in place: key messages for policymakers and funders
Authors: Genge Courtney , McNeil Heather , Debergue Patricia , Freeman Shannon
Published: November 2023

AgeTech, a subset of the health technology industry, uses technology to support healthy aging, and support care partners and health professionals to improve quality of life for aging adults. By enhancing and adapting alternative care approaches through emerging technologies, it is possible to enable and extend the ability for older adults to safely age in place within their own homes, improve care experiences, and/or decrease long-term care costs/needs. With the rapid development and proliferation of AgeTech into the consumer market, it is paramount for policymakers and funders to ensure that AgeTech solutions can be leveraged to support older adults to age well in place. This paper highlights five key messages for policymakers and funders drawing on experiences from Canada. First, it is essential to embrace a life course perspective on aging, recognizing the heterogeneity of older adults who experience diverse and evolving needs. AgeTech should adapt as needs and capacities evolve. Second, AgeTech should solve a real problem. Technology must be well aligned to the needs and preferences of older adults to be impactful. Third, health related AgeTech should empower, enhance, or support existing health care services, while recognizing the value of human interactions. In-person interactions can provide meaningful connection and important health data which should be enhanced not replaced. Fourth, the establishment and ongoing fostering of authentic partnerships to inform, co-create and co-design AgeTech solutions is key to developing successful products. Finally, policymakers and funders have an important role to play in enabling accelerated design, development and testing to meet current and future needs.
Pinpointing change in virtual reality assisted treatment for violent offenders: a pilot study of Virtual Reality Aggression Prevention Training (VRAPT)
Authors: Ivarsson David , Delfin Carl , Enebrink Pia , Wallinius Märta
Published: November 2023

Preventing relapse into violence and its destructive consequences among persistent re-offenders is a primary concern in forensic settings. The Risk-Need-Responsivity framework models the best current practice for offender treatment, focused on building skills and changing pro-criminal cognitions. However, treatment effects are often modest, and the forensic context can obstruct the delivery of interventions. Developing treatments for offenders should focus on the best method of delivery to make “what works work.” Virtual reality (VR)-assisted treatments such as Virtual Reality Aggression Prevention Training (VRAPT) are a new and innovative approach to offender treatment. This pilot study followed 14 male violent offenders who participated in VRAPT in a Swedish prison context and measured changes from pre-treatment to post-treatment and 3-month follow-up in targeted aggression, emotion regulation, and anger. It also investigated potential impact factors (pro-criminal cognitions, externalizing behaviors, psychosocial background, and childhood adverse experiences). In Bayesian linear mixed effects models, participants showed a high probability of change from pre-treatment to post-treatment and to follow-up on all outcome measures. All outcome measures demonstrated a low probability of change from post-treatment to follow-up. Analysis of reliable change showed that participants’ results ranged from recovery to deterioration. We discuss the implications of the study for VRAPT’s impact on the target group, those who might benefit from the approach, and suggested foci for future studies in the field of VR-assisted offender treatment. The study was preregistered at the International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number registry (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN14916410).
Strengthening breast cancer screening program through health education of women and capacity building of primary healthcare providers
Authors: Sangwan Ramesh Kumar , Huda Ramesh Kumar , Panigrahi Ansuman , Toteja G. S. , Sharma Arun Kumar , Thakor Mahendra , Kumar Pankaj
Published: November 2023

Background

Globally and in India, breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy. India saw 178,361 new cases and 90,000 deaths in 2020. Timely detection is vital, highlighting the importance of Breast Self-Examination (BSE), especially in low-income settings. Strengthening BSE in awareness and screening efforts is urgent. Despite awareness, practical application lags due to women’s reluctance. Effective execution demands partnerships, a multi-sectoral strategy, and training grassroots workers.

Objective

To address these challenges, the present study aims to strengthen the breast cancer screening program using BSE strategy and adopting a referral mechanism for the diagnosis and treatment of suspect cases.

Methods

A community-based study occurred in specific districts of Rajasthan (2017–2022), enhancing breast cancer screening for women aged 30–65. It involved healthcare providers and local women, utilizing tools like the MT-DM-GP6620 Breast Inspection Model, educational booklets, and semi-structured schedules. The strategy encompassed knowledge assessment, capacity building for healthcare providers, BSE training, increasing women’s breast cancer awareness, suspect case referrals, and phone-based follow-up.

Results

Our study encompassed 157,225 women aged 30–65 in Jodhpur, Jalore, and Pali districts. Initial breast self-examination (BSE) awareness was below 1%. BSE training reached 218,978 women using booklets and demonstrations, with 72% aged 30–65 and the rest 15–30. Follow-ups reinforced BSE, leading to 745 identified suspect breast cancer cases, mostly due to painless lumps (332 cases). Capacity-building workshops involving 824 medical and paramedical staff strengthened early breast cancer detection in Jodhpur and Jalore, in collaboration with the district health department.

Conclusion

The study model’s success suggests its applicability in other Rajasthan districts, Indian states, and global breast cancer prevention programs. While positive outcomes were evident, challenges related to culture, cost, and benefits warrant consideration. The approach prioritized early detection through community engagement, reducing patient and government burdens. Community involvement and healthcare engagement were pivotal, with breast self-examination proving effective for enhancing awareness and early detection. Promoting BSE education can significantly enhance breast cancer awareness and early detection.
Global hotspots of climate change adaptation and mitigation in agriculture
Authors: Costa Jr Ciniro , Thornton Philip , Wollenberg Eva
Published: November 2023

As countries prioritize climate action under the Paris Agreement, determining the overlap in agricultural areas requiring both adaptation and mitigation (A&M) interventions could lead to more efficient use of resources and support for farmers. Here, we identify global priorities for A&M by evaluating global datasets on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate hazards related to agriculture. We show that joint A&M hotspots cover <23% of global agricultural emissions and include 52% of the areas with significant climate hazards. The major portion of the joint area is croplands (ranging from 213 to 364 Mha), followed by pastures (3–74 Mha), and is concentrated in countries with limited ability to investment in adaptation actions. The most substantial A&M hotspots are situated across South Asia, with smaller areas in South East Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We highlight three findings from this analysis. First, most emissions and climate hazards do not occur in the same agricultural areas, suggesting the need for different strategies to address adaptation and mitigation separately in these areas. Second, in the areas where emissions and climate hazards do overlap, coordinated climate interventions that address emission reductions and adaptation at the same time would be a more effective use of scarce climate action investments. Third, A&M hotspots span national borders, emphasizing the importance of setting priorities and implementing action at regional and international scales. While our analysis highlights that focusing on adaptation and mitigation actions in the agricultural landscapes where they are most needed could help make the best use of climate finance, we recognize the pragmatic and justice-related implications may limit the extent of such prioritization. Balancing these considerations is essential for effective climate finance allocation and equitable climate action outcomes.
The effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival in node negative colorectal cancer with or without perineural invasion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ying Hongan , Shao Jinfan , Liao Nansheng , Xu Xijuan , Yu Wenfeng , Hong Weiwen
Published: November 2023

Purpose

It was aimed at assessing the benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) for patients with node-negative colorectal cancer (CRC) either with or without perineural invasion (PNI).

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science from database inception through October 1, 2023. Survival outcomes were analyzed using hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Heterogeneity for the descriptive meta-analyses was quantified using the I2 statistic.

Results

Ten studies included in this review. ACT improved overall survival (OS) (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.40–0.69) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.35–0.82) in PNI + patients but did not affect DFS (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.72–1.77) in PNI- patients. A disease-specific survival (DSS) benefit with chemotherapy was observed in PNI + (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.58–0.99) and PNI- patients (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.57–1.00). And PNI decreased DFS (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.52–2.47) and OS (HR 1.75, 95% CI 0.96–3.17) in node-negative CRC.

Conclusions

In conclusion, chemotherapy appears most beneficial for survival outcomes in node-negative patients with PNI, but may also confer some advantage in those without PNI.

Systematic Review Registration

Identifier INPLASY2021120103.
Evaluation of ciliary cleft changes after phacoemulsification using ultrasound biomicroscopy in dogs with cataracts
Authors: Kim Donghee , Goh Yeong-Seok , Kim Hyemin , Park Sang-Eun , Hwang Jiyi , Kang Nanyoung , Jung Ji Seung , Park Kyung-Mee
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Glaucoma is one of the most serious complications that causes irreversible blindness after phacoemulsification in dogs; however, a clear mechanism has not been elucidated. This study aimed to analyse the possible anatomical factors associated with glaucoma after phacoemulsification using parameters that reflect the anatomical characteristics of dogs.

Materials and methods

A total of 69 eyes of 48 dogs were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups: normal eye (n= 18), cataract (n= 39), and post-phacoemulsification for at least 2 months after surgery (post-phaco,n= 12). For further analysis, the dogs were subdivided into two groups according to cataract stage: phacoemulsification non-candidate and candidate groups. Non-cataracts and incipient cataracts were categorized into the non-candidate group, whereas immature and mature cataracts were categorized into the candidate group. Measurements of the ciliary cleft parameters, including the area of the ciliary cleft (CCA), length of the ciliary cleft (CCL), width of the ciliary cleft (CCW), iridocorneal angle, and angle opening distance, were obtained using ultrasound biomicroscopy.

Results

CCA, CCL, and CCW were significantly higher in the candidate group than in the non-candidate group. CCA, CCL, and CCW were significantly reduced in the post-phaco group compared to those in the cataract group. Based on these results, we found that the ciliary cleft expanded in cataract-affected eyes and narrowed after phacoemulsification. This may indicate that the space between the trabecular meshworks became narrower, potentially leading to an increase in the resistance of the aqueous humor.

Conclusion

A narrowed ciliary cleft after phacoemulsification may be an anatomical factor associated with glaucoma.
Well-being of veterinarians in rural and urban areas
Authors: Gonschor Cecile , Pohl Robert , Woitha Ulrike , Thielmann Beatrice , Böckelmann Irina
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The field of veterinary medicine is characterized by a variety of challenging working conditions. The alarmingly low mental well-being of veterinarians has been examined from various perspectives. However, the influence of work location on the well-being of veterinary professionals has scarcely been investigated. The aim of the study was therefore to analyze the well-being of German veterinarians and to determine whether there is a correlation between well-being and work location.

Methods

As part of a cross-sectional study, 999 veterinary professionals answered questions regarding their work location (self-designed questions) and well-being (WHO-Five Well-being Index, WHO-5). A differentiation was made according to work location: urban cities (population > 100,000), medium/small cities (population < 100,000 inhabitants), and rural areas.

Results

Overall, the surveyed veterinarians had low well-being (ranging from 56.8% in rural areas to 61.3% in medium/small towns). The results of the general linear model indicated a significant difference in the WHO total score among veterinarians from different work locations (p < 0.001). However, when sex, age, type of employment, and field of specialization were included in the analysis, no significant between-subject effects were found.

Conclusion

According to the results, work location does not seem to have a significant influence on the well-being of veterinarians and therefore may be of lower priority in the development and implementation of interventions. However, further investigation of work-related predictors of the mental health of veterinarians is recommended, as the results indicate a low well-being among these professionals.
Stem cell factor’s role in enhancing the quality of fertilized and cloned porcine embryos for improved embryonic stem cell derivation
Authors: Cai Lian , Hyun Sang-Hwan , Kim Eunhye
Published: November 2023

Stem cell factor (SCF), a cytokine growth factor, is expressed in various tissues of the male and female reproductive organs, including the testis, ovary, and endometrium. Its primary function involves cell survival, differentiation, and proliferation, achieved through its binding to the c-kit receptor. This study aimed to scrutinize the effects of SCF treatment during in vitro culture (IVC) on both the developmental potential and the efficiency of establishing embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from fertilized and cloned porcine embryos. The rates of cleavage and blastocyst formation exhibited no significant differences between fertilized and cloned embryos, even with the addition of SCF. However, it’s worth noting that embryos cloned with Cloud eGFP as donor cells demonstrated notably increased rates of hatched blastocysts when treated with SCF, and this increase was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Furthermore, following the complete dissection of the blastocysts, although there was no significant difference in the SCF-treated group, the area of expansion was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) in the group treated with the antagonistic blocker (ACK2) compared to both the control and SCF-treated groups. These outcomes suggest that the SCF/c-kit signaling pathway might play a pivotal role in embryo implantation. As anticipated, the efficiency of deriving ESCs was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the group subjected to SCF treatment (12.82 ± 1.02%) compared to the control group (5.41 ± 2.25%). In conclusion, this study highlights the crucial role of SCF in enhancing the quality of porcine embryos, a vital step in obtaining high-quality ESCs.
Evolution driven by a varying host environment selects for distinct HIV-1 entry phenotypes and other informative variants
Authors: Zhou Shuntai , Long Nathan , Swanstrom Ronald
Published: November 2023

HIV-1 generates remarkable intra- and inter-host viral diversity during infection. In the response to the dynamic selective pressures of the host’s environment, HIV-1 evolves distinct phenotypes—biological features that provide fitness advantages. The transmitted form of HIV-1 has been shown to require a high density of CD4 on the target cell surface (as found on CD4+ T cells) and typically uses C–C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) as a coreceptor during entry. This phenotype is referred to as R5T cell-tropic (or R5 T-tropic); however, HIV-1 can switch to a secondary coreceptor, C–X–C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), resulting in a X4T cell-tropic phenotype. Macrophage-tropic (or M-tropic) HIV-1 can evolve to efficiently enter cells expressing low densities of CD4 on their surface (such as macrophages/microglia). So far only CCR5-using M-tropic viruses have been found. M-tropic HIV-1 is most frequently found within the central nervous system (CNS), and infection of the CNS has been associated with neurologic impairment. It has been shown that interferon-resistant phenotypes have a selective advantage during transmission, but the underlying mechanism of this is still unclear. During untreated infection, HIV-1 evolves under selective pressure from both the humoral/antibody response and CD8+ T-cell killing. Sufficiently potent antiviral therapy can suppress viral replication, but if the antiviral drugs are not powerful enough to stop replication, then the replicating virus will evolve drug resistance. HIV-1 phenotypes are highly relevant to treatment efforts, clinical outcomes, vaccine studies, and cure strategies. Therefore, it is critical to understand the dynamics of the host environment that drive these phenotypes and how they affect HIV-1 pathogenesis. This review will provide a comprehensive discussion of HIV-1 entry and transmission, and drug-resistant phenotypes. Finally, we will assess the methods used in previous and current research to characterize these phenotypes.
Relational Fisher Analysis: Dimensionality Reduction in Relational Data with Global Convergence
Authors: Wang Li-Na , Zhong Guoqiang , Shi Yaxin , Cheriet Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Most of the dimensionality reduction algorithms assume that data are independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.). In real-world applications, however, sometimes there exist relationships between data. Some relational learning methods have been proposed, but those with discriminative relationship analysis are lacking yet, as important supervisory information is usually ignored. In this paper, we propose a novel and general framework, called relational Fisher analysis (RFA), which successfully integrates relational information into the dimensionality reduction model. For nonlinear data representation learning, we adopt the kernel trick to RFA and propose the kernelized RFA (KRFA). In addition, the convergence of the RFA optimization algorithm is proved theoretically. By leveraging suitable strategies to construct the relational matrix, we conduct extensive experiments to demonstrate the superiority of our RFA and KRFA methods over related approaches.
White Blood Cell Classification: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Vision Transformer (ViT) under Medical Microscope
Authors: Abou Ali Mohamad , Dornaika Fadi , Arganda-Carreras Ignacio
Published: November 2023

Deep learning (DL) has made significant advances in computer vision with the advent of vision transformers (ViTs). Unlike convolutional neural networks (CNNs), ViTs use self-attention to extract both local and global features from image data, and then apply residual connections to feed these features directly into a fully networked multilayer perceptron head. In hospitals, hematologists prepare peripheral blood smears (PBSs) and read them under a medical microscope to detect abnormalities in blood counts such as leukemia. However, this task is time-consuming and prone to human error. This study investigated the transfer learning process of the Google ViT and ImageNet CNNs to automate the reading of PBSs. The study used two online PBS datasets, PBC and BCCD, and transferred them into balanced datasets to investigate the influence of data amount and noise immunity on both neural networks. The PBC results showed that the Google ViT is an excellent DL neural solution for data scarcity. The BCCD results showed that the Google ViT is superior to ImageNet CNNs in dealing with unclean, noisy image data because it is able to extract both global and local features and use residual connections, despite the additional time and computational overhead.
A General Model for Side Information in Neural Networks
Authors: Adel Tameem , Levene Mark
Published: November 2023

We investigate the utility of side information in the context of machine learning and, in particular, in supervised neural networks. Side information can be viewed as expert knowledge, additional to the input, that may come from a knowledge base. Unlike other approaches, our formalism can be used by a machine learning algorithm not only during training but also during testing. Moreover, the proposed approach is flexible as it caters for different formats of side information, and we do not constrain the side information to be fed into the input layer of the network. A formalism is presented based on the difference between the neural network loss without and with side information, stating that it is useful when adding side information reduces the loss during the test phase. As a proof of concept we provide experimental results for two datasets, the MNIST dataset of handwritten digits and the House Price prediction dataset. For the experiments we used feedforward neural networks containing two hidden layers, as well as a softmax output layer. For both datasets, side information is shown to be useful in that it improves the classification accuracy significantly.
Search on an NK Landscape with Swarm Intelligence: Limitations and Future Research Opportunities
Authors: Chen Ren-Raw , Miller Cameron D. , Toh Puay Khoon
Published: November 2023

Swarm intelligence has promising applications for firm search and decision-choice problems and is particularly well suited for examining how other firms influence the focal firm’s search. To evaluate search performance, researchers examining firm search through simulation models typically build a performance landscape. The NK model is the leading tool used for this purpose in the management science literature. We assess the usefulness of the NK landscape for simulated swarm search. We find that the strength of the swarm model for examining firm search and decision-choice problems—the ability to model the influence of other firms on the focal firm—is limited to the NK landscape. Researchers will need alternative ways to create a performance landscape in order to use our full swarm model in simulations. We also identify multiple opportunities—endogenous landscapes, agent-specific landscapes, incomplete information, and costly movements—that future researchers can include in landscape development to gain the maximum insights from swarm-based firm search simulations.
High-Speed Virtual Flight Testing Platform for Performance Evaluation of Pitch Maneuvers
Authors: Li Hao , Li Yuping , Zhao Zhongliang , Wang Xiaobing , Yang Haiyong , Ma Shang
Published: November 2023

To research serious nonlinear coupling problems among aerodynamics, flight mechanics, and flight control during high maneuvers, a virtual flight testing platform has been developed for a large-scale, high-speed wind tunnel, based on the real physical environment, and it can significantly mitigate risks and reduce the costs of subsequent flight tests. The platform of virtual flight testing is composed of three-degrees-of-freedom model support, measuring devices for aerodynamic and motion parameters, a virtual flight control system, and a test model. It provides the ability to realistically simulate real maneuvers, investigate the coupling characteristics of unsteady aerodynamics and nonlinear flight dynamics, evaluate flight performance, and verify the flight control law. The typical test results of a pitch maneuver with open-loop and closed-loop control are presented, including a one-degree-of-freedom pitch motion and a two-degrees-of-freedom pitch and roll motion. The serious pitch and roll-coupled motion during a pitch maneuver at a high angle of attack is revealed, and the flight control law for decoupled control is successfully verified. The comparison of the test results and the flight data of a real pitch maneuver proves the reliability and capability of virtual flight testing.
The Optimization of a Model for Predicting the Remaining Useful Life and Fault Diagnosis of Landing Gear
Authors: Chang Yuan-Jen , Hsu He-Kai , Hsu Tzu-Hsuan , Chen Tsung-Ti , Hwang Po-Wen
Published: November 2023

With the development of next-generation airplanes, the complexity of equipment has increased rapidly, and traditional maintenance solutions have become cost-intensive and time-consuming. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to adopt predictive maintenance techniques in daily maintenance in order to reduce manpower, time, and the cost of maintenance, as well as increase aircraft availability. The landing gear system is an important component of an aircraft. Wear and tear on the parts of the landing gear may result in oscillations during take-off and landing rolling and even affect the safety of the fuselage in severe cases. This study acquires vibration signals from the flight data recorder and uses prognostic and health management technology to evaluate the health indicators (HI) of the landing gear. The HI is used to monitor the health status and predict the remaining useful life (RUL). The RUL prediction model is optimized through hyperparameter optimization and using the random search algorithm. Using the RUL prediction model, the health status of the landing gear can be monitored, and adaptive maintenance can be carried out. After the optimization of the RUL prediction model, the root-mean-square errors of the three RUL prediction models, that is, the autoregressive model, Gaussian process regression, and the autoregressive integrated moving average, decreased by 45.69%, 55.18%, and 1.34%, respectively. In addition, the XGBoost algorithm is applied to simultaneously output multiple fault types. This model provides a more realistic representation of the actual conditions under which an aircraft might exhibit multiple faults. With an optimal fault diagnosis model, when an anomaly is detected in the landing gear, the faulty part can be quickly diagnosed, thus enabling faster and more adaptive maintenance. The optimized multi-fault diagnosis model proposed in this study achieves average accuracy, a precision rate, a recall rate, and an F1 score of more than 96.8% for twenty types of faults.
Fixed-Time Convergent Guidance Law with Angle Constraint and Autopilot Lag Compensation Using Partial-State Feedback
Authors: Xu Chen , Wang Yang , Niu Zhiqi , Luo Sheng , Du Fenghuai
Published: November 2023

In this paper, by accounting for the angle constraint (AC) and autopilot lag compensation (ALC), a novel fixed-time convergent guidance law is developed based on a fixed-time state observer and bi-limit homogeneous technique. The newly proposed guidance law exhibits three attractive features: (1) unlike existing guidance laws with AC and ALC which can only guarantee asymptotic stability or finite-time stability, the newly proposed guidance scheme can achieve fixed-time stability. Thus, the newly proposed scheme can drive the guidance error to zero within bounded time which is independent of the initial system conditions. (2) To compensate for autopilot lag, existing guidance schemes need the unmeasurable second derivative of the range along line-of-sight (LOS) and second derivative of LOS angle or the derivative of missile’s acceleration. Without using these unmeasurable states, the newly proposed guidance law still can guarantee the fixed-time stability. (3) By using the bi-limit homogeneous technique to construct an integral sliding-mode surface, the proposed scheme eliminates the singular problem without using the commonly-used approximate method in recent fixed-time convergent guidance schemes. Finally, the simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Research on a Method for Online Damage Evaluation of Turbine Blades in a Gas Turbine Based on Operating Conditions
Authors: Zhu Hongxin , Zhu Yimin , Zhang Xiaoyi , Chen Jian , Luo Mingyu , Huang Weiguang
Published: November 2023

Performing online damage evaluation of blades subjected to complex cyclic loads based on the operating state of a gas turbine enables real-time reflection of a blade’s damage condition. This, in turn, facilitates the achievement of predictive maintenance objectives, enhancing the economic and operational stability of gas turbine operations. This study establishes a hybrid model for online damage evaluation of gas turbine blades based on their operational state. The model comprises a gas turbine performance model based on thermodynamic simulation, a component load calculation model based on a surrogate model, an updated cycle counting method based on four-point rainflow, and an improved damage mechanism evaluation model. In the new model, the use of a surrogate model for the estimation of blade loading information based on gas turbine operating parameters replaces the conventional physical modeling methods. This substitution enhances the accuracy of blade loading calculations while ensuring real-time performance. Additionally, the new model introduces an updated cycle counting method based on four-point rainflow and an improved damage mechanism evaluation model. In the temperature counting part, a characteristic stress that represents the stress information during the cyclic process is proposed. This inclusion allows for the consideration of the impact of stress fluctuations on creep damage, thereby enhancing the accuracy of the fatigue damage assessment. In the stress counting part, the model incorporates time information associated with each cycle. This concept is subsequently applied in determining the identified cyclic strain information, thereby improving the accuracy of the fatigue damage evaluation. Finally, this study applies the new model to an online damage evaluation of a turbine stationary blade using actual operating data from a micro gas turbine. The results obtained from the new model are compared with the EOH recommended by the OEM, validating the accuracy and applicability of the new model.
Agri-Food Supply and Retail Food Prices during the Russia–Ukraine Conflict’s Early Stage: Implications for Food Security
Authors: Hamulczuk Mariusz , Pawlak Karolina , Stefańczyk Joanna , Gołębiewski Jarosław
Published: November 2023

The Russian–Ukrainian conflict has led to the disruption of global supply chains, thus posing a threat to food security. The study aimed to assess the short-term impact of the conflict on food supply and global retail food prices resulting from the disruption of agri-food exports from Ukraine after the war outbreak. To assess the impact of the conflict on retail prices worldwide, the actual food price level during the conflict period was compared with the counterfactual values obtained from the forecasting models. The research points to a significant decline in Ukraine’s commodity exports at the beginning of the conflict leading to a supply gap for cereals in particular, affecting global access to staple foods. As a result, global food commodity prices rose sharply, however, the upsurge was short-lived, and as early as July 2022 price indices returned to their pre-war levels. On the other hand, in most regions worldwide the gradual and persistent increase in retail food prices was observed after the war outbreak. The study also found strong regional differentiation in the response of retail food prices to the conflict due to various specific factors that exacerbated or mitigated the impact of the war.
Design and Testing of an Elastic Comb Reciprocating a Soybean Plant-to-Plant Seedling Avoidance and Weeding Device
Authors: Ye Shenghao , Xue Xinyu , Si Shuning , Xu Yang , Le Feixiang , Cui Longfei , Jin Yongkui
Published: November 2023

Although there are existing interplant weed control devices for soybeans, they mostly rely on image recognition and intelligent navigation platforms. Simultaneously, automated weed control devices are not yet fully mature, resulting in issues such as high seedling injury rates and low weeding rates. This paper proposed a reciprocating interplant weed control device for soybeans based on the idea of intermittent reciprocating opening and closing of weeding execution components. The device consists of a laser ranging sensor, servo motor, Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and weeding mechanism. Firstly, this paper explained the overall structure and working principle of the weed control device, and discussed the theoretical analysis and structural design of the critical component, elastic comb teeth. This paper also analyzed the working principle of the elastic comb teeth movement trajectory and seedling avoidance action according to soybean agronomic planting requirements. Then, field experiments were conducted, and the experiment was designed by the quadratic regression general rotation combination experimental method. The number of combs, the speed of the field management robot, and the stabbing depth were taken as the test factors to investigate their effects on the test indexes of weeding rate and seedling injury rate. The experiment utilized a response surface analysis method and designed a three-factor, three-level quadratic regression general rotation combination experimental method. The results demonstrate that the number of comb teeth has the most significant impact on the weeding rate, while the forward speed has the most significant impact on the seedling injury rate. The optimal combination of 29.06 mm stabbing depth, five comb teeth, and a forward speed of 0.31 m/s achieves an optimal operational weeding rate of 98.2% and a seedling injury rate of 1.69%. Under the optimal parameter combination conditions, the machine’s performance can meet the requirements of intra-row weeding operations in soybean fields, and the research results can provide a reference for the design and optimization of mechanical weed control devices for soybean fields.
Fixed Spraying Systems Application in Citrus Orchards: Nozzle Type and Nozzle Position Effects on Droplet Deposition and Pest Control
Authors: Chen Chen , Xue Xinyu , Zhou Qingqing , Gu Wei , Zhang Songchao , Wu Chundu
Published: November 2023

Pesticide application is an essential means of controlling plant diseases and pests in citrus orchards. In recent years, fixed spraying systems have gradually been used as alternatives to traditional sprayers and manual sprayers in some hilly citrus orchards. In this paper, influences of fixed system spraying parameters, such as droplet size and spraying height, on spraying quality were elucidated and analyzed. The performances of two nozzle types, pressure-swirl nozzles and fixed spray plate sprinklers, were assessed and compared by effective droplet coverage ratio (DCR), droplet distribution uniformity coefficient of variation (CV), and droplet penetration ratio (DPR). The results showed that appropriately increasing droplet size and spraying height could improve the DCR and distribution uniformity of pressure-swirl nozzles. The DCR and distribution uniformity of fixed spray plate sprinklers had a positive correlation with droplet size, while spraying height had no significant effect on these variables. Additionally, with the increase in droplet size, DPR initially increased and then gradually decreased. The optimized results showed that the optimal parameters for pressure-swirl nozzles were a droplet size of 240 μm and spraying height of 100 cm, while for fixed spray plate sprinklers, the results were a droplet size of 240 μm and spraying height of 50 cm. Comparison results showed that the spraying quality of fixed spray plate sprinklers was better overall, with values of DCR, CV, and DPR being 37.15%, 24.20%, and 71.67%, respectively, while the corresponding values for pressure-swirl nozzles were 39.65%, 35.41%, and 56.02%. Based on the above results and the occurrence rule of citrus pests and disease, the optimal spraying parameters of fixed spraying systems were selected to control the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri. Furthermore, the effect of fixed spraying systems on controlling Diaphorina citri reached the maximum at 3 days after spraying, which was 97.83%, and the effect declined at 14 days after spraying, which was 85.47%. This study provides valuable scientific references for guiding the application of fixed spraying systems in hilly citrus orchards.
Learning Analytics in the Era of Large Language Models
Authors: Mazzullo Elisabetta , Bulut Okan , Wongvorachan Tarid , Tan Bin
Published: November 2023

Learning analytics (LA) has the potential to significantly improve teaching and learning, but there are still many areas for improvement in LA research and practice. The literature highlights limitations in every stage of the LA life cycle, including scarce pedagogical grounding and poor design choices in the development of LA, challenges in the implementation of LA with respect to the interpretability of insights, prediction, and actionability of feedback, and lack of generalizability and strong practices in LA evaluation. In this position paper, we advocate for empowering teachers in developing LA solutions. We argue that this would enhance the theoretical basis of LA tools and make them more understandable and practical. We present some instances where process data can be utilized to comprehend learning processes and generate more interpretable LA insights. Additionally, we investigate the potential implementation of large language models (LLMs) in LA to produce comprehensible insights, provide timely and actionable feedback, enhance personalization, and support teachers’ tasks more extensively.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of Split-Suckling in Pigs According to Birth Weight
Authors: Romero María , Calvo Luis , Morales José Ignacio , Magro Antonio , Rodríguez Ana Isabel , Segura José , Escudero Rosa , López-Bote Clemente , Olivares Álvaro
Published: November 2023

Forty-eight litters were used, with a total number of 645 piglets involved in the study. The split-suckling technique was applied to half of the litters at the end of farrowing by removing the heaviest piglets over three periods of 1 h. The piglets were individually weighed at 0, 1 d, and at weaning. Piglet losses were recorded daily. Traceability was maintained until the carcass splitting and meat analysis took place. Carcasses were eviscerated and weighed individually. Total mortality at weaning was affected by body weight, where the low-body-weight piglets showed a mortality rate almost four times higher than that of the normal-weight piglets. Mortality was highest in the first days of life, especially in the low-body-weight piglets. At weaning, split-suckling treatment caused a slight increase in mortality compared to the control group piglets (25% vs. 17.1%). Split-suckling had a positive effect on weight gain during the first 24 h of life (p = 0.014), and there was an interaction between treatment and parity (p = 0.007), with split-suckling being more effective in the primiparous sows compared to the multiparous sows. The piglets from litters receiving the split-suckling treatment had a lower average daily gain during the lactation period (p < 0.001) than the piglets from the control group. Weight gain during the first 24 h of life of the piglets subjected to split-suckling was higher than those of the control group. A lower IgG and α-tocopherol in plasma in the heavier piglets subjected to split-suckling treatment was observed in comparison to their respective control. The piglets from litters receiving the treatment showed a lower average daily gain during the lactation period (p < 0.001) than the piglets from the control group. No difference in slaughter weight was observed according to treatment. The pigs which received split-suckling treatment showed lower subcutaneous fat thickness (p < 0.0013) and higher lean meat yield (p < 0.0027), this effect being more marked in pigs from primiparous sows. Intramuscular fat concentration was higher in the Longissimus Dorsi muscle of the low-body-weight piglets. In the pigs that received split-suckling treatment, a higher concentration of C18:3n-3 (p = 0.036) and a tendency towards a higher concentration of C18:2n-6 (p = 0.107) and unsaturation index (p = 0.113) was observed in intramuscular fatty acids at slaughter, together with a lower concentration of C16:0 (p = 0.053) and SFA (p = 0.064). In conclusion, long-term response to split-suckling, particularly in low-birth-weight piglets, suggests an alteration in adiposity and metabolic regulation in these piglets that receive high levels of colostrum.
Effects of Essential Oil and/or Encapsulated Butyrate on Fecal Microflora in Neonatal Holstein Calves
Authors: Luo Zhihao , Liu Ting , Li Peng , Cheng Shuru , Casper David P.
Published: November 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding oregano essential oil, butyrate, and its mixture on the intestinal microbial diversity of calves. A completely randomized experimental design was used. Sixty-four healthy neonatal Holstein female calves with birth weight ≥ 35 kg were randomly divided into one control and three treatments (16 calves per group). The control group was fed normally, and the treatment group was fed oregano essential oil, butyrate, and their mixture, respectively. The experiment lasted for 70 days, and the lactation period lasted for 56 days. On days 55 and 70, rectal fecal samples from five calves were collected from each group for 16S rRNA amplification and sequencing. The results showed as follows: (1) the three treatments had no significant effects on the intestinal microbial community diversity, community uniformity, and community pedigree diversity of calves (p > 0.05). (2) At the phylum level, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Spriochatetota, Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota gates of the main bacteria were detected in feces. (3) At the genus level, the top ten species with relative abundance detected are: norank_ F_Muribaaculaceae, Ruminococcus, unclassified_ F_ Lachnospiraceae, UCG-005, Prevotelaceae_NK3B31_Group, Prevotella, Bacteroides, Rikenellaceae_RC9_Gut_Group, and Faecalibacterium, Alloprevotella. (4) LEfSe analysis results show that the species with significant differences in the control group were f__Lachnospiraceae, o__Lachnospirales, o__Coriobacteriales, and c__Coriobacteriia, g__Megasphaera; in the essential oil group were g__Lachnospiraceae_AC2044_group, o__Izemoplasmatales, g__norank_f__norank_o__Izemoplasmatales, and f__norank_o__Izemoplasmatales; in the sodium butyrate group were g__Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and g__Sharpea, g__Fournierella; in the mixed group were g__Flavonifractor, and g__UBA1819. (5) The functional prediction analysis of calf gut microbes, found on the KEGG pathway2, shows that essential oil significantly improved membrane transport, Sodium butyrate inhibits lipid metabolism and improves the body’s resistance to disease. (p < 0.05). (6) The effects of each treatment on the intestinal microbial structure of calves did not last for 14 days after the treatment was stopped. In conclusion, the addition of oregano essential oil, butyrate, and its mixtures to milk fed to calves can modulate the microbial structure, and it is recommended that oregano essential oil and butyrate be used separately, as a mixture of the two can increase the rate of diarrhea in calves.
Age-Specific Demographic Response of a Long-Lived Scavenger Species to Reduction of Organic Matter in a Landfill
Authors: Arévalo-Ayala Diego J. , Real Joan , Mañosa Santi , Aymerich Joan , Durà Carles , Hernández-Matías Antonio
Published: November 2023

Food availability shapes demographic parameters and population dynamics. Certain species have adapted to predictable anthropogenic food resources like landfills. However, abrupt shifts in food availability can negatively impact such populations. While changes in survival are expected, the age-related effects remain poorly understood, particularly in long-lived scavenger species. We investigated the age-specific demographic response of a Griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) population to a reduction in organic matter in a landfill and analyzed apparent survival and the probability of transience after initial capture using a Bayesian Cormack-Jolly-Seber model on data from 2012–2022. The proportion of transients among newly captured immatures and adults increased after the reduction in food. Juvenile apparent survival declined, increased in immature residents, and decreased in adult residents. These results suggest that there was a greater likelihood of permanent emigration due to intensified intraspecific competition following the reduction in food. Interestingly, resident immatures showed the opposite trend, suggesting the persistence of high-quality individuals despite the food scarcity. Although the reasons behind the reduced apparent survival of resident adults in the final four years of the study remain unclear, non-natural mortality potentially plays a part. In Europe landfill closure regulations are being implemented and pose a threat to avian scavenger populations, which underlines the need for research on food scarcity scenarios and proper conservation measures.
Post-Mortem Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Perfusion Rat Model: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Deininger Matthias Manfred , Benner Carl-Friedrich , Strudthoff Lasse Johannes , Leonhardt Steffen , Bruells Christian Simon , Marx Gernot , Bleilevens Christian , Breuer Thomas
Published: November 2023

The development of biomedical soft- or hardware frequently includes testing in animals. However, large efforts have been made to reduce the number of animal experiments, according to the 3Rs principle. Simultaneously, a significant number of surplus animals are euthanized without scientific necessity. The primary aim of this study was to establish a post-mortem rat perfusion model using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in surplus rat cadavers and generate first post vivo results concerning the oxygenation performance of a recently developed ECMO membrane oxygenator. Four rats were euthanized and connected post-mortem to a venous–arterial ECMO circulation for up to eight hours. Angiographic perfusion proofs, blood gas analyses and blood oxygenation calculations were performed. The mean preparation time for the ECMO system was 791 ± 29 s and sufficient organ perfusion could be maintained for 463 ± 26 min, proofed via angiographic imaging and a mean femoral arterial pressure of 43 ± 17 mmHg. A stable partial oxygen pressure, a 73% rise in arterial oxygen concentration and an exponentially increasing oxygen extraction ratio up to 4.75 times were shown. Considering the 3Rs, the established post-mortal ECMO perfusion rat model using surplus animals represents a promising alternative to models using live animals. Given the preserved organ perfusion, its use could be conceivable for various biomedical device testing.