bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protein aggregation and therapeutic strategies in SOD1- and TDP-43- linked ALS
Authors: Tsekrekou Maria , Giannakou Maria , Papanikolopoulou Katerina , Skretas Georgios
Published: May 2024

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease with severe socio-economic impact. A hallmark of ALS pathology is the presence of aberrant cytoplasmic inclusions composed of misfolded and aggregated proteins, including both wild-type and mutant forms. This review highlights the critical role of misfolded protein species in ALS pathogenesis, particularly focusing on Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43), and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these misfolded proteins directly. Despite significant advancements in understanding ALS mechanisms, the disease remains incurable, with current treatments offering limited clinical benefits. Through a comprehensive analysis, the review focuses on the direct modulation of the misfolded proteins and presents recent discoveries in small molecules and peptides that inhibit SOD1 and TDP-43 aggregation, underscoring their potential as effective treatments to modify disease progression and improve clinical outcomes.
Characteristics of optic disc hemorrhage and optic nerve changes following acute primary angle closure
Authors: Zhang Hengli , Li Yawen , Tang Yizhen , Yan Xiaowei , Geng Yulei , Li Weijia , Shi Kuitang , Tang Guangxian , Guo Hongtao
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Acute primary angle closure (APAC) is an emergency ophthalmic presentation and a major cause of irreversible blindness in China. However, only a few studies have focused on the characteristics of optic disc hemorrhage (ODH) during an APAC attack, including its shape, depth, location, scope, and duration after intraocular pressure (IOP) control, along with changes in the optic nerve. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of ODH and optic nerve changes in patients during their first APAC episode.

Methods

This retrospective study involved 32 eyes from 32 patients with APAC who received sequential treatment and analyzed the following parameters: the highest IOP and its duration, ODH, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and mean deviation (MD). We compared parameters obtained from the affected eye (ODH group) and contralateral unaffected eye (control group), as well as intragroup comparisons.

Results

The mean IOP in the ODH group was 64.28 ± 10.36 mmHg, with a duration of 4.44 ± 2.35 days. Flame and splinter shapes accounted for 84.38% of the ODH. The mean ODH duration was 4.81 ± 3.25 weeks. ODH during APAC was isolated to one sector in 59.38% of cases, mostly occurring in the temporal superior and temporal inferior (each accounting for 21.88% of the cases). There was a positive correlation between the extent of hemorrhage and the highest IOP duration (p < 0.001). RNFLT was significantly thickened within 72 h post-IOP control but was thinned by 2 weeks. By 6 months, the thinning stabilized, and there was no difference noted between the ODH and control groups at 12 months. MD partly improved at 6 months post-IOP control, and ODH scope significantly affected the MD (p < 0.001). The duration of high IOP was positively correlated to the ODH scope and MD damage.

Discussion

Timely and effective IOP management is essential for recovering visual function following an APAC attack.
Multimodal imaging and electrophysiological study in the differential diagnosis of rest tremor
Authors: Aracri Federica , Quattrone Andrea , Bianco Maria Giovanna , Sarica Alessia , De Maria Marida , Calomino Camilla , Crasà Marianna , Nisticò Rita , Buonocore Jolanda , Vescio Basilio , Vaccaro Maria Grazia , Quattrone Aldo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Distinguishing tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (tPD) from essential tremor with rest tremor (rET) can be challenging and often requires dopamine imaging. This study aimed to differentiate between these two diseases through a machine learning (ML) approach based on rest tremor (RT) electrophysiological features and structural MRI data.

Methods

We enrolled 72 patients including 40 tPD patients and 32 rET patients, and 45 control subjects (HC). RT electrophysiological features (frequency, amplitude, and phase) were calculated using surface electromyography (sEMG). Several MRI morphometric variables (cortical thickness, surface area, cortical/subcortical volumes, roughness, and mean curvature) were extracted using Freesurfer. ML models based on a tree-based classification algorithm termed XGBoost using MRI and/or electrophysiological data were tested in distinguishing tPD from rET patients.

Results

Both structural MRI and sEMG data showed acceptable performance in distinguishing the two patient groups. Models based on electrophysiological data performed slightly better than those based on MRI data only (mean AUC: 0.92 and 0.87, respectively; p = 0.0071). The top-performing model used a combination of sEMG features (amplitude and phase) and MRI data (cortical volumes, surface area, and mean curvature), reaching AUC: 0.97 ± 0.03 and outperforming models using separately either MRI (p = 0.0001) or EMG data (p = 0.0231). In the best model, the most important feature was the RT phase.

Conclusion

Machine learning models combining electrophysiological and MRI data showed great potential in distinguishing between tPD and rET patients and may serve as biomarkers to support clinicians in the differential diagnosis of rest tremor syndromes in the absence of expensive and invasive diagnostic procedures such as dopamine imaging.
Healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with slower biological aging in older men: WASEDA’S health study
Authors: Kawamura Takuji , Higuchi Mitsuru , Ito Tomoko , Kawakami Ryoko , Usui Chiyoko , McGreevy Kristen M. , Horvath Steve , Zsolt Radak , Torii Suguru , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Ishii Kaori , Sakamoto Shizuo , Oka Koichiro , Muraoka Isao , Tanisawa Kumpei
Published: May 2024

Aging is the greatest risk factor for numerous diseases and mortality, and establishing geroprotective interventions targeting aging is required. Previous studies have suggested that healthy dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with delayed biological aging; however, these associations depend on nationality and sex. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns identified through principal component analysis and biological aging in older men of Japan, one of the countries with the longest life expectancies. Principal component analysis identified two dietary patterns: a healthy Japanese dietary pattern and a Western-style dietary pattern. Eight epigenetic clocks, some of the most accurate aging biomarkers, were identified using DNA methylation data from whole-blood samples. Correlation analyses revealed that healthy Japanese dietary patterns were significantly negatively or positively correlated with multiple epigenetic age accelerations (AgeAccel), including AgeAccelGrim, FitAgeAccel, and age-adjusted DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTLAdjAge). Conversely, the Western-style dietary pattern was observed not to correlate significantly with any of the examined AgeAccels or age-adjusted values. After adjusting for covariates, the healthy Japanese dietary pattern remained significantly positively correlated with DNAmTLAdjAge. Regression analysis showed that healthy Japanese dietary pattern contributed less to epigenetic age acceleration than smoking status. These findings suggest that a Western-style dietary pattern may not be associated with biological aging, whereas a healthy Japanese dietary pattern is associated with delayed biological aging in older Japanese men. Our findings provide evidence that healthy dietary patterns may have mild beneficial effects on delayed biological aging in older Japanese men.
The use and potential abuse of psychoactive plants in southern Africa: an overview of evidence and future potential
Authors: Nyazema Norman Zimunda , Chanyandura Jonathan Tinotenda , Egan Bronwyn
Published: May 2024

Background

Most Bantu ethnic groups in southern Africa utilize indigenous herbal medicines, some of which have psychoactive properties. Traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) commonly use them not only for divinatory purposes but to treat and manage mental and other illnesses. Unfortunately, the research on their results, risks, and benefits do not align. Little is known about their potential abuse among TMPs and community members in southern Africa. Herbal medicines are complex because whole plants are sometimes used, unlike in other treatments which use only one active ingredient. However, if the key mechanisms of action of these ethnomedicinal plants can be identified through socio-pharmacological research, useful botanical agents can be developed. A review of socio-pharmacological studies to evaluate the consequences of exposure to ethnomedicinal plants with psychoactive properties was conducted with the aim of identifying harm reduction strategies and investigating how the plants could be developed into useful botanicals.

Method

The search methods involved retrieval of records from PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Dissertations and Theses Global, and OpenGrey. The English language and human subjects were used as filters. In addition, some information was obtained from TMPs and community members.

Results

The following psychoactive plants were found to be commonly used or abused: Boophone disticha, Cannabis sativa, Datura stramonium, Leonotis leonurus, Psilocybe cubensis, and Sceletium tortuosum. The commercialization of Cannabis, L. leonurus, S. tortuosum, and Aspalathus is growing fast. The abuse liability of B. disticha, D. stramonium, and P. cubensis appears not to be appreciated. Five countries were found to have TMP policies and three with TMP Councils.

Conclusion

TMPs in the region are aware of the CNS effects of the identified psychoactive plants which can be explored further to develop therapeutic agents. There is a need to work closely with TMPs to reduce harm from the abuse of these plants.
Soil chemical fumigation alters soil phosphorus cycling: effects and potential mechanisms
Authors: Wang Yan , Tang Darrell W. S.
Published: May 2024

Soil chemical fumigation is an effective and popular method to increase agricultural productivity. However, the broad-spectrum bioactivity of fumigants causes harm to soil beneficial microorganisms involved in the soil phosphorous cycle, such as soil phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs). We review the effects of soil chemical fumigation on soil phosphorus cycling, and the potential underlying mechanisms that ultimately lead to altered phosphorus availability for crops. These complex processes involve the highly diverse PSM community and a plethora of soil phosphorus forms. We discuss phosphatizing amendments aimed at counteracting the possible negative effects of fumigation on phosphorus availability, phosphorus use efficiency, and crop yields. We also emphasize distinguishing between the effects on soil phosphorus cycling caused by the chemical fumigants, and those caused by the fumigation process (e.g. plastic mulching). These are typically conflated in the literature; distinguishing them is critical for identifying appropriate amendments to remediate possible post-fumigation soil phosphorus deficiencies.
Optimized sand tube irrigation combined with nitrogen application improves jujube yield as well as water and nitrogen use efficiencies in an arid desert region of Northwest China
Authors: Bai Youshuai , Zhang Hengjia , Jia Shenghai , Sun Dongyuan , Zhang Jinxia , Zhao Xia , Fang Xiangyi , Wang Xiaofeng , Xu Chunjuan , Cao Rui
Published: May 2024

Efficient water-saving irrigation techniques and appropriate nitrogen (N) application are keys to solving the problems of water scarcity and irrational fertilization in jujube cultivation. In this study, first, the effects of sand tube irrigation (STI) on surface and subsurface wetted characteristics were investigated using in-situ infiltration tests in a jujube garden. Compared with surface drip irrigation (SD), STI reduced surface wetted area by 57.4% and wetted perimeter of the surface wetted circle by 37.1% and increased subsurface maximum infiltration distance of wetting front by 64.9%. At the optimal sand tube depth of 20 cm, surface wetted area of the surface wetted circle decreased by 65.4% and maximum infiltration distance of the wetting front increased by 70.9%, compared with SD. Two-year field experiments then investigated the effects of STI and SD on soil water storage, jujube leaf chlorophyll, net photosynthetic rate, actual water consumption, fruit yield, and water (WUE) and N (NUE) use efficiencies at four levels of N (pure nitrogen: N1, 0; N2, 286 kg ha–1; N3, 381 kg ha–1; N4, 476 kg ha–1) at the same irrigation amount (45 mm irrigation–1, total of 8). Compared with SD, STI increased soil water storage 18.0% (2021) and 15.6% (2022) during the entire growth period and also chlorophyll content, nitrogen balance index, and net photosynthetic rate, with both increasing and then decreasing with increasing N. Compared with SD, STI increased yields by 39.1% and 36.5% and WUE by 44.3% and 39.7% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiency was 2.5 (2021) and 1.6 (2022) times higher with STI than with SD. STI combined with N3 had the highest yield, WUE, NUE, and net income and is thus recommended as the optimal water–N combination. In conclusion, STI combined with appropriate N application can be an effective water-saving irrigation technology alternative to SD in jujube cultivation in arid areas.
Relating microtensiometer-based trunk water potential with sap flow, canopy temperature, and trunk and fruit diameter variations for irrigated ‘Honeycrisp’ apple
Authors: Blanco Victor , Kalcsits Lee
Published: May 2024

Instrumentation plays a key role in modern horticulture. Thus, the microtensiomenter, a new plant-based sensor that continuously monitors trunk water potential (Ψtrunk) can help in irrigation management decisions. To compare the response of the Ψtrunk with other continuous tree water status indicators such as the sap flow rate, the difference between canopy and air temperatures, or the variations of the trunk and fruit diameter, all the sensors were installed in 2022 in a commercial orchard of ‘Honeycrisp’ apple trees with M.9 rootstocks in Washinton State (USA). From the daily evolution of the Ψtrunk, five indicators were considered: predawn, midday, minimum, daily mean, and daily range (the difference between the daily maximum and minimum values). The daily range of Ψtrunk was the most linked to the maximum daily shrinkage (MDS; R2 = 0.42), the canopy-to-air temperature (Tc-Ta; R2 = 0.32), and the sap flow rate (SF; R2 = 0.30). On the other hand, the relative fruit growth rate (FRGR) was more related to the minimum Ψtrunk (R2 = 0.33) and the daily mean Ψtrunk (R2 = 0.32) than to the daily range of Ψtrunk. All indicators derived from Ψtrunk identified changes in tree water status after each irrigation event and had low coefficients of variation and high sensitivity. These results encourage Ψtrunk as a promising candidate for continuous monitoring of tree water status, however, more research is needed to better relate these measures with other widely studied plant-based indicators and identify good combinations of sensors and threshold values.
Valence-specific EEG microstate modulations during self-generated affective states
Authors: Nazare Karina , Tomescu Miralena I.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This study aims to explore the temporal dynamics of brain networks involved in self-generated affective states, specifically focusing on modulating these states in both positive and negative valences. The overarching goal is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the neurodynamic patterns associated with affective regulation, potentially informing the development of biomarkers for therapeutic interventions in mood and anxiety disorders.

Methods

Utilizing EEG microstate analysis during self-generated affective states, we investigated the temporal dynamics of five distinct microstates across different conditions, including baseline resting state and self-generated states of positive valence (e.g., awe, contentment) and negative valence (e.g., anger, fear).

Results

The study revealed noteworthy modulations in microstate dynamics during affective states. Additionally, valence-specific mechanisms of spontaneous affective regulation were identified. Negative valence affective states were characterized by the heightened presence of attention-associated microstates and reduced occurrence of salience-related microstates during negative valence states. In contrast, positive valence affective states manifested a prevalence of microstates related to visual/autobiographical memory and a reduced presence of auditory/language-associated microstates compared to both baseline and negative valence states.

Discussion

This study contributes to the field by employing EEG microstate analysis to discern the temporal dynamics of brain networks involved in self-generated affective states. Insights from this research carry significant implications for understanding neurodynamic patterns in affective regulation. The identification of valence-specific modulations and mechanisms has potential applications in developing biomarkers for mood and anxiety disorders, offering novel avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Implementation of guidelines on Family Involvement for persons with Psychotic disorders: a pragmatic cluster randomized trial. Effect on relatives’ outcomes and family interventions received
Authors: Norheim Irene , Pedersen Reidar , Selle Maria Lie , Røssberg Jan Ivar , Hestmark Lars , Heiervang Kristin Sverdvik , Ruud Torleif , Åsholt Vilde Maria , Hansson Kristiane Myckland , Møller Paul , Fosse Roar , Romøren Maria
Published: May 2024

Background

Family interventions (FI) are recommended as part of the treatment for psychotic disorders, but the implementation in mental health services is generally poor. Recently, The Implementation of guidelines on Family Involvement for persons with Psychotic disorders (IFIP) trial, demonstrated significant improvements in implementation outcomes at cluster-level. This sub-study aims to examine the effectiveness of the IFIP intervention on relatives’ outcomes and received FI.

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial, was conducted in 15 Norwegian Community Mental Health Center (CMHC) units that were randomized to either the IFIP intervention, including implementation interventions and clinical interventions, or treatment as usual (TAU). The clinical interventions consisted of FI: basic family involvement and support (BFIS) to all patients and family psychoeducation (FPE) to as many as possible. Patients with psychotic disorders and their closest relative were invited to fill in questionnaires at inclusion and 6 months and 12 months follow-up. Received FI was reported by both relatives and clinicians. The relatives’ primary outcome was satisfaction with health service support, measured by the Carer well-being and support questionnaire part B (CWS-B). The relatives’ secondary outcomes were caregiver experiences, expressed emotions and quality of life. Patients’ outcomes will be reported elsewhere.

Results

In total 231 patient/relative pairs from the CMHC units were included (135 intervention; 96 control).The relatives in the intervention arm received an increased level of BFIS (p=.007) and FPE (p < 0.05) compared to the relatives in the control arm, including involvement in crisis planning. The primary outcome for relatives’ satisfaction with health service support, showed a non-significant improvement (Cohen’s d = 0.22, p = 0.08). Relatives experienced a significant reduced level of patient dependency (Cohen’s d = -0.23, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

The increased support from clinicians throughout FI reduced the relatives’ perceived level of patient dependency, and may have relieved the experience of responsibility and caregiver burden. The COVID-19 pandemic and the complex and pioneering study design have weakened the effectiveness of the IFIP intervention, underscoring possible potentials for further improvement in relatives’ outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03869177.
Attitudes of European psychiatrists on psychedelics: a qualitative study
Authors: Žuljević Marija Franka , Breški Nando , Kaliterna Mariano , Hren Darko
Published: May 2024

Introduction and aim

It is important to understand how mental health practitioners view recent findings on psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (PAP) as there is potential this treatment may be incorporated into clinical practice. The aim of our study was to explore how psychiatrists who are not involved in psychedelic research and who are located in the European region perceive psychedelics and PAP.

Methods

We conducted online semi-structured interviews with 12 psychiatry specialists and psychiatry trainees from 8 European countries. Data were analyzed using a general inductive approach informed by codebook thematic analysis.

Results

Based on the interviews, we developed four main themes and 14 sub-themes, including (1) Psychedelics hold potential, (2) Psychedelics are dangerous, (3) Future of psychedelics is uncertain, and (4) Psychiatry is ambivalent toward psychedelics.

Discussion

Our respondents-psychiatrists acknowledged the potential of PAP but remained cautious and did not yet perceive its evidence base as robust enough. Education on psychedelics is lacking in medical and psychiatric training and should be improved to facilitate the involvement of mental health experts in decision-making on PAP.
Level of antiretroviral therapy adherence and associated factors during COVID-19 pandemic era in public hospitals of Jigjiga City eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tesfay Samson , Ayele Firayad , Fissahaye Birhane , Asmerom Haftu , Gebremichael Berhe
Published: May 2024

Background

Coronavirus-19 disease is more severe in patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Low-income countries, such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa, are particularly vulnerable to the virus’ spread. However, there is little information on antiretroviral therapy (ART) use in Ethiopia during the pandemic, particularly in the study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the level of antiretroviral treatment adherence and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic era in public hospitals in Jigjiga City, Somalia, and Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 382 randomly selected HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) follow-up in public hospitals in Jigjiga City from March 1–30, 2022. The data was collected through face-to-face interviews and a review of the patient’s record. To explore the relationship between variables, both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) was utilized, along with a 95% confidence interval, to assess the strength and direction of the association. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05.

Results

The antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence rate of HIV patients was 76.9% (95% CI, 71.9–82). Disclosing HIV status to sexual partners [AOR = 2.3, (95% CI (1.22–4.19)], having communication with health care providers’ [AOR = 3.2, (95% CI (1.57–6.53)], having no history of current substance use [AOR = 2.6, (95% CI (1.45–4.63)], and patients who did not fear COVID-19 infection [AOR = 5.8 (95% CI (11–10.98)] were significantly associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence.

Conclusion

In this study, the level of antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence was poor in comparison to the expected level. Patients’ adherence status was favorably related to disclosing their status to families and having contact with their healthcare providers, whereas worrying about COVID-19 pandemic infection and current substance use was adversely associated.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the general community population toward heatstroke
Authors: Xu Yangfeng , Chen Jianping , Du Jinkang , Jin YunYing
Published: May 2024

Background and objective

Heatstroke (HS) is a life-threatening condition resulting from thermal injury within the body, and it is associated with a significantly high mortality rate. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among the general community population toward heatstroke.

Methods

The web-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2023 and October 2023 at the Emergency Department of Dongyang People's Hospital. A self-designed questionnaire was developed to collect demographic information of the general community population and to assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward heatstroke.

Results

A total of 1,356 valid questionnaires were collected. Among the participants, 875 (64.53%) were female, and 496 (36.58%) had regular exercise. The mean knowledge, attitudes and practices scores were 12.73 ± 1.42 (possible range: 0–14), 33.74 ± 2.91 (possible range: 8–40) and 34.65 ± 5.30 (possible range: 8–40), respectively. The structural equation model demonstrated that education had direct effects on knowledge (β = 0.017, p < 0.001), attitudes (β = 0.123, p < 0.001), and practices (β = −0.094, p < 0.001). Moreover, knowledge had direct effects on attitudes (β = 1.920, p < 0.001), and attitudes had direct effects on practices (β = 0.642, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The findings revealed that the general community population have sufficient knowledge, active attitudes and proactive practices toward the heatstroke. However, there is still room for improvement and it is necessary to develop and implement educational initiatives and interventions designed to further enhance their KAP toward heatstroke.
Does volunteering decrease burnout? Healthcare professional and student perspectives on burnout and volunteering
Authors: Metzger Tai , Nguyen Nathan , Le Hillary , Havo Daisy , Ngo Katherine , Lee Sebastian , Nguyen Timmy , Nguyen Quynhanh , Tran Leyna , Tong Nathan , Le Collin , Dudovitz Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Background

Burnout among healthcare providers is a significant crisis in our healthcare system, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to understand what motivates healthcare workers and students to volunteer in their community as well as examine how volunteering relates to burnout. These findings can help health organizations better meet the needs of healthcare workers, as well as provide insights for non-profits that rely on volunteer professionals.

Methods

Healthcare providers (N = 8), graduate healthcare students (N = 10), and undergraduate students (N = 14) who volunteered at community health fairs completed the OLBI burnout assessment and an individual semi-structured interview to characterize their attitudes toward volunteering and its relationship with burnout. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using a phenomenological approach, comparing themes across levels of burnout among providers and students.

Results

Participants described that feeling burnt out decreased one’s likelihood to volunteer, but also that volunteering prevented burnout. The OLBI scores showed that 79.2 and 20.8% of students were low and moderately burnt out respectively, and 87.5 and 12.5% of health professionals were low and moderately burnt out, respectively. Students volunteered for professional development while healthcare professionals cited a desire for a change in their day-to-day work as a reason to volunteer. Both students and health professionals often volunteered because they wanted to make a difference, it made them feel good, and/or they felt a responsibility to volunteer. COVID-19 had a wide range of effects on burnout and motivations to volunteer.

Conclusion

Volunteering may be useful for preventing burnout among healthcare workers and students, but may not be helpful for those already experiencing burnout. Interview responses and the fact that none of the volunteers had high burnout levels according to their OLBI scores suggest those who choose to volunteer may be less burnt out. Healthcare organizations and schools can encourage volunteering by emphasizing the difference healthcare students and professionals can make through volunteering in the community. Increasing convenience and emphasizing professional development can help recruit and retain healthcare student volunteers. Highlighting the chance to diversify their scope of practice may help recruit and retain healthcare professional volunteers.
The Three-Points Sponge Policy approach; toward an enhanced multi-level resilience strategy
Authors: van de Ven Frans H. M. , Zevenbergen Chris , Avellar Montezuma Mila , Ding Zihang , Veerbeek William , Chen Shiyang
Published: May 2024

Urban water management is confronted with more frequent, more extreme weather events. This paper introduces the Three-Points Approach (3PA) into Sponge City concept, to create a novel framework aimed at guiding water management interventions across local, urban, regional, and river basin scales. The 3PA integrates three domains—Day-to-day, Design, and Extreme —offering a nuanced strategy for flood and drought risk mitigation, also for extreme events. Notably, the 3PA emphasizes the fusion of blue-green infrastructure (BGI) with conventional gray approaches to enhance both multifunctionality and resilience in extreme weather conditions. The study identifies critical issues of implementing this Three-Points Sponge Policy (3PSP) approach, including spatial and temporal scales, transitioning from gray to blue-green infrastructure, asset management, data handling, and effective communication. Interventions spanning various spatial scales and addressing flood protection, drought resilience, and water quality are explored in a first and indicative application in Zhengzhou. The case study distills key design principles, highlighting the imperative of never shifting problems, embracing ecosystem-based adaptation, seeking synergy between interventions, and incorporating adaptability into designs. The 3PSP approach emerges as a holistic framework that considers both risks and benefits, contributing valuable insights to the discourse on integrating urban and river basin water management, improving our ways of dealing with extreme weather events while maximizing the day-to-day benefits of our interventions.
“Dressed like boys, hair trimmed, a nalla kutti otherwise”: construction of queer suicide in Indian online news media
Authors: Jetubhai Khuman Bhagirath
Published: May 2024

Suicide is a significant newsworthy event, and the media often cover cases involving queer individuals. However, there is a notable lack of research on the quality of reporting of queer suicide cases within the Indian context. This article aims to address the existing gap in Indian online news media by investigating the portrayal of queer suicide via content analysis. Content analysis involves qualitatively condensing and interpreting data to extract key consistencies and meanings from a plethora of qualitative material. The newspapers considered span from 2005 to 2022, with data collection conducted in 2023. The author alone identified news articles on queer suicide and conducted the subsequent content analysis. The study reveals that reporting on queer suicide tends to divide queer couples into the gender binary and describes what it deems to be careless sexual conduct driven by obsessive queer love, which, in turn, is blamed for the suicide. Moreover, these reports often do the following: feature families who refuse to accept their children’s identities, adopt dread-filled tones, and cite experts who provide incorrect information while engaging in victim blaming. As a result, the quality of queer suicide reporting in Indian newspapers is deemed substandard and offensive. To address this issue, the study proposes the need for training and curriculum updates in journalistic courses. This way, reporters can develop the skills necessary to sensitively and respectfully report on queer individuals in general and on queer suicide in particular.
Livestock feed resources used as alternatives during feed shortages and their impact on the environment and ruminant performance in West Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Alimi Nouroudine , Assani Alassan S. , Sanni Worogo Hilaire , Baco Nasser Mohamed , Traoré Ibrahim Alkoiret
Published: May 2024

Ruminant feed is a major problem for the livestock sector in West African developing countries causing animal nutritional diseases, reducing ruminant production, and creating a massive ecological crisis through greenhouse gas emissions. Alternative feeds, which include agro-industrial by-products, fodder trees, crop residues, insects, fodder legumes, algae, and pulses, constitute enormous feed resources for livestock in Africa. This study was conducted in accordance with the methodological recommendations of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We conducted a literature search using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify documents related to alternative ruminant feeds using the following keywords: alternative feeds, ruminant products, environmental impacts, and West Africa. Those that met the inclusion criteria were included, resulting in 44 articles published between 2013 and 2023. These studies included 45 alternative feeds divided into six groups, including agro-industrial by-products (48.89%), followed by fodder trees (17.78%), crop residues (13.33%), insects (8.89%), fodder legumes (6.67%) and seaweeds (4.44%). Our results revealed that alternative feed resources and their effects on ruminant’s performances and environment are poorly known in West Africa, which limits their inclusion in rations and sometimes leads to their misuse. Future research should focus on these aspects in order to make efficient use of these resources to improve ruminant milk and meat production.
Evaluation of activation characteristics of a canine platelet concentrate produced by a commercial double centrifugation system
Authors: Tey Nicole , Koenig Amie , Hodges Katie , Brainard Benjamin M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

In veterinary medicine there are few readily available products for platelet transfusion to patients with thrombocytopenia. Commercial tabletop platelet concentrating systems have recently become available to veterinarians, primarily directed towards uses associated with regenerative medicine. These systems could potentially be used to produce fresh concentrated platelets for use in transfusion medicine. This study evaluated the concentration, activation, and sterility of a double centrifugation platelet concentrate (PC) produced by a commercial benchtop system.

Methods

Ten healthy dogs were studied. Whole blood was collected and mixed with ACD-A in a 1:7.6 ratio of ACD-A to whole blood. 12 mL of this mixture was processed into PC via single centrifugation, while 60 mL of the anticoagulated whole blood was processed via a commercial double centrifugation system. Both types of PC were evaluated for platelet concentration, CD62P expression with and without thrombin stimulation, and for sterility.

Results

Mean platelet count in the double centrifuged PC was 863 ± 352 × 103/μL, with very low white blood cell contamination (median of 0.47 × 103 leukocyte/μL (range 0.15–2.18 × 103/μL)). The double-centrifuged PC had similar baseline activation characteristics (as determined by P-selectin expression) as the single centrifuge PC (0.76% vs. 0.72% unstimulated, 30.5% vs. 34.9% stimulated, p = 0.432).

Discussion

The benchtop PC system studied here did not cause activation of platelets during production and produced a sterile product that can be further investigated as a source of fresh platelet concentrates for transfusion purposes.
Ramp Start and Speed Control of Self-Driving Commercial Vehicles under Ramp and Vehicle Load Uncertainty
Authors: Zeng Dequan , Fang Huafu , Yu Yinquan , Hu Yiming , Zhang Peizhi , Luo Wei
Published: May 2024

In order to improve the performance of self-driving commercial vehicles for half-hill starting, a ramp control strategy based on the back-slip speed corresponding to the parking moment is proposed. Firstly, the longitudinal dynamics model of the vehicle is established, the force of the vehicle on the ramp is analyzed, and the rear slip speed of the vehicle is matched with the parking moment, and finally the target speed is tracked based on the sliding-mode controller, and in order to validate the validity of the method, two comparative algorithms of the pure PI controller and the proportional gain controller based on the back-sliding speed corresponding to the resting moment are designed for comparative experiments, and the data results show that the control strategy based on the resting moment corresponding to the backsliding speed of the sliding mode ramp start control strategy can stably complete the ramp start under different weights and different slopes, and greatly reduce the backsliding distance of the vehicle.
Flutter Characteristics of a Modified Z-Shaped Folding Wing Using a New Non-Intrusive Model
Authors: Qi Wuchao , Wu Shimiao , Tian Sumei
Published: May 2024

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with folding wings can serve in multiple mission profiles, usually accompanied by sudden changes in flight speed. These bring great challenges to the aeroelastic design of UAVs, especially in the calculation of flutter characteristics. This paper developed a new non-intrusive aeroelastic model to quickly calculate the flutter characteristics of Z-shaped folding wings at different folding angles. First, the original Z-shaped folding wing was designed to be enhanced. Beams and ribs were arranged inside each wing segment to enhance the structural strength performance. Control surfaces were arranged in the middle-wing and outer-wing to enhance the aerodynamic control performance. Second, a parametric aeroelastic model at any folding angle was reconstructed based on the input file of Nastran software for the flutter calculation of the folding wing in the unfolded state. Finally, the effects of parameters such as folding angle, hinge stiffness between different wing segments, and hinge stiffness of the control surfaces on the flutter characteristics of the folding wing were investigated. The results show that the enhancement scheme could significantly increase the flutter speed and flutter frequency of the folding wing. The hinge stiffness between each wing segment had a significant impact on the flutter characteristics of the folding wing, but flutter at the control surface basically did not occur.
Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics in the Long-Term Field Experiments with Contrasting Crop Rotations
Authors: Šimon Tomáš , Madaras Mikuláš , Mayerová Markéta , Kunzová Eva
Published: May 2024

Trends in soil organic carbon (SOC) were analyzed in the soils from the oldest Czech long-term field experiment, the Prague-Ruzyně Long-Term Fertilizer Experiment, conducted on Haplic Luvisol since 1955. The aim of the work was to compare the long-term dynamics of SOC in contrasting crop rotations and different fertilization regimes. The trial design includes two crop rotations (CR): simple CR with two-year rotation of sugar beet and spring wheat, and multi-crop rotation (MCR) with nine crops. Four fertilization treatments were chosen for SOC analysis: unfertilized control, only mineral fertilization (NPK), farmyard manure application (FYM), as well as FYM and NPK application. SOC content was significantly affected by both fertilization and crop rotation practices. In the simple CR, both the unfertilized control and the NPK treatment exhibited a consistent decline in SOC content over the study period, with percentages decreasing from an initial 1.33% in 1955 to 1.15% and 1.14%, respectively. Although the FYM and FYM + NPK treatments showed an increase in SOC content in the 1990s, a gradual decline was recorded in the last two decades. This decrease was not observed in MCR: positive C balances were recorded in all treatments within MCR, with the largest increase in SOC stock occurring when NPK was combined with FYM. In contrast, over the last decade, C balances have decreased in simple CR for all treatments except FYM. This trend coincides with changes in the local climate, particularly rising temperatures. The results indicate that diversified crop rotations and FYM fertilization are effective in mitigating the negative impacts of changing environmental conditions on SOC stocks.
Performance Optimization and Experimental Study of Small-Scale Potato-Grading Device
Authors: Zhao Haohao , Deng Weigang , Xie Shengshi , Zhao Zexin
Published: May 2024

Traditional potato grading in China relies mostly on manual sorting, which is labor-intensive, time-consuming, costly, and inefficient. To enhance the operational performance of potato-grading devices, this paper focuses on optimizing the slide rail structure, which is the key component of a self-developed first-generation potato-grading device. A five-factor, three-level orthogonal experiment was designed, with the experimental factors being the height of the horizontal slide rail, angle of the first-stage inclined slide, angle of the second-stage inclined rail, chain horizontal movement speed, and conveyor belt speed. The indoor experiments were conducted using grading accuracy and grading efficiency as the experimental indicators. On the basis of the analysis of the orthogonal experiment results, two relatively optimal solutions were obtained, and validation experiments were conducted. The validation results show that when the height of the horizontal slide rail was 185 mm, the angle of the first-stage inclined rail was 4°, the angle of the second-stage inclined rail was 2.5°, the horizontal movement speed of the chain was 700 mm/s, and the movement speed of the conveyor belt was 275.60 mm/s, the performance of the movable rotating plate (MRP)-type grading device for potatoes reached its optimum. At this point, the grading accuracy was 94.88%, and the grading efficiency was 13.9477 t/h. Compared with the first-generation grading device, the optimized grading device achieved an improvement of 3.84% in grading accuracy and 12.94% in grading efficiency. The research methodology provided in this paper serves as a reference for the performance optimization of potato-grading devices.
Regression Models for In Vivo Discrimination of the Iberian Pig Feeding Regime after Near Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Faeces
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández Pablo , Rodríguez-Estévez Vicente , Burguillo-Martín Cristina , Núñez-Sánchez Nieves
Published: May 2024

The Iberian pig is a native breed of the Iberian Peninsula, which holds an international reputation due to the superior quality and the added value of its products. Different rearing practices and feeding regimes are regulated, resulting in different labelling schemes. However, there is no official analytical methodology that is standardised for certification purposes in the sector. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology that provides information about the physicochemical composition of a sample, with several advantages that have enabled its implementation in different fields. Although it has already been successfully used for the analysis of Iberian pig’s final products, samples evaluated with NIRS technology are characterised by a postmortem collection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of NIRS analysis of faeces for in vivo discrimination of the Iberian pig feeding regime, using the spectral information per se for the development of modified partial least squares regressions. Faecal samples were used due to their easy collection, especially in extensive systems where pig handling is difficult. A total of 166 individual samples were collected from 12 farms, where the three different feeding regimes available in the sector were ensured. Although slight differences were detected depending on the chemometric approach, the best models obtained a classification success and a prediction accuracy of over 94% for feeding regime discrimination. The results are considered very satisfactory and suggest NIRS analysis of faeces as a promising approach for the in vivo discrimination of the Iberian pigs’ diet, and its implementation during field inspections, a significative achievement for the sector.
Effects of Sex on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Biochemical Parameters, and Meat Quality of XueShan Chickens
Authors: Yuan Chunyou , Jiang Yong , Wang Zhixiu , Chen Guohong , Chang Guobin , Bai Hao
Published: May 2024

The demand for high-quality chilled chicken has continued to increase in China. Chickens are sexually dimorphic, and to better understand the specific differences in chicken production based on sex, we examined how sex affects growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of yellow-feathered chickens. Male and female Xueshan chickens were used as the experimental model. Although males exhibited better growth performance, including body weight (BW), body slope, keel, shank length, and shank girth (p < 0.05), as well as carcass traits, such as dressed weight, leg muscle, and lean meat, females had higher carcass and breast muscle yields (p < 0.05). Males had higher follicle density and yellowness (b*) of the skin and better skin than females (p < 0.05). Among blood biochemical parameters, the serum content of corticosterone (CORT) was higher in males, while those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and catalase (CAT) were lower in males than in females (p < 0.05). The pH levels, shear force, and moisture content quality were better in male breast meat, while the intramuscular fat content (IMF) was lower in males than in females (p < 0.05). The redness (a*) and moisture content were higher in male leg meat, while the pH, water-loss rate (WLR), lightness (L*), and IMF were lower (p < 0.05). The muscle fiber diameter and cross-sectional area were also higher in males (p < 0.05). Consumers felt that soup of male chicken was better than female (p < 0.05), while mouthfeel and tenderness acceptance of breast meat were different between the sexes. These results indicate that female chickens can be marketed as a whole carcass, while males are more suitable for processed carcass products. This study provides significant insights into the production and processing methodologies of yellow-feathered chickens.
Dynamic Personalized Recipe Recommendations Based on Facial Health Recognition
Authors: Lao Yecheng , Su Chang , Chen Bolin , Li Yong , Shi Jia , Fang Haoming
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, the demand for more personalized healthy food recipes is increasing over time, but traditional personalized recipe recommendation systems often tend to overlook the differences that exist in different users’ health conditions. This paper aims to address the issue by proposing an innovative personalized health recipe recommendation framework. This framework is based on different health needs, aiming to address users with different health conditions. More explicitly, the hybrid recommendation algorithm based on facial health recognition is designed to recommend the most suitable recipes for the user by taking into account the user’s health status and preferences. In addition, the fitness factor will adjust the recommendation results to best meet the user’s taste preferences and health goals. Experimental results and user research results show that the recommendation results of this framework are more accurate compared to existing systems, and therefore, users are more satisfied.