bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patients' Views With Regard to Personal Recovery in Forensic Psychiatry in German-Speaking Switzerland—An Explorative Study
Authors: Schoppmann Susanne , Balensiefen Joachim , Lau Steffen , Graf Marc , Hachtel Henning
Published: July 2021

Recovery orientation (RO) is a modality of supporting patients to improve self-determination, leading a meaningful life and well-being in general. This approach is widely studied in general psychiatry, but evidence is lacking for forensic inpatient settings in Switzerland. While secure forensic clinics tend to be regarded as total institutions, which are an anathema to RO, a project to implement RO interventions in this setting was financed by the Swiss Federal Office of Justice. This explorative study investigates baseline expectations and views of patients in forensic wards in German-speaking Switzerland in the context of a recovery-oriented intervention. As such wards are non-existent in Latin-speaking Switzerland, the investigation could only be carried out in this language region. Six focus groups with 37 forensic inpatients were conducted. Thematic analysis revealed two major and several subthemes. The major theme “heteronomy” includes the subthemes “stigmatization and shame,” “coercion,” “lack of support,” “mistrust,” “waiting,” and “structural impediments.” The subthemes “learning to live with the disorder and working on oneself,” “participation,” “connectedness,” “confidence,” and “joie de vivre” belong to the major theme “regaining self-determination.” In this way, results of prior research are extended to forensic peculiarities. Furthermore, the personal views of patients are discussed in detail regarding their possible influence on therapeutic outcomes and personal recovery. These findings should be of help to therapeutic staff in the respective setting to be better informed about, and to counter the effects of, heteronomy and long-term hospitalization. Important in this regard is the concept of procedural justice and the subjective client's perception thereof.
A Web-Based Tool for Quantification of Potential Gains in Life Expectancy by Preventing Cause-Specific Mortality
Authors: Chandran Aruna , Xu Churong , Gross Jonathan , Leifheit Kathryn M. , Phelan-Emrick Darcy , Helleringer Stephane , Althoff Keri N.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Local health departments are currently limited in their ability to use life expectancy (LE) as a benchmark for improving community health. In collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, our aim was to develop a web-based tool to estimate the potential lives saved and gains in LE in specific neighborhoods following interventions targeting achievable reductions in preventable deaths.

Methods: The PROLONGER (ImPROved LONGEvity through Reductions in Cause-Specific Deaths) tool utilizes a novel Lives Saved Simulation model to estimate neighborhood-level potential change in LE after specified reduction in cause-specific mortality. This analysis uses 2012–2016 deaths in Baltimore City residents; a 20% reduction in heart disease mortality is shown as a case study.

Results: According to PROLONGER, if heart disease deaths could be reduced by 20% in a given neighborhood in Baltimore City, there could be up to a 2.3-year increase in neighborhood LE. The neighborhoods with highest expected LE increase are not the same as those with highest heart disease mortality burden or lowest overall life expectancies.

Discussion: PROLONGER is a practical resource for local health officials in prioritizing scarce resources to improve health outcomes. Focusing programs based on potential LE impact at the neighborhood level could lend new information for targeting of place-based public health interventions.
RETRACTED: CT-Based Risk Factors for Mortality of Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia in Wuhan, China: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Nannan , Chen Zhen , Ye Ling , Zhang Ling , Jin Dakai , Gao Liangxin , Liu Xinhui , Lai Bolin , Yao Jiawen , Guo Dazhou , Zhang Hua , Lu Le , Xiao Jing , Huang Lingyun , Ai Fen , Wang Xiang
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Computed tomography (CT) characteristics associated with critical outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been reported. However, CT risk factors for mortality have not been directly reported. We aim to determine the CT-based quantitative predictors for COVID-19 mortality.

Methods: In this retrospective study, laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients at Wuhan Central Hospital between December 9, 2019, and March 19, 2020, were included. A novel prognostic biomarker, V-HU score, depicting the volume (V) of total pneumonia infection and the average Hounsfield unit (HU) of consolidation areas was automatically quantified from CT by an artificial intelligence (AI) system. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate risk factors for mortality.

Results: The study included 238 patients (women 136/238, 57%; median age, 65 years, IQR 51–74 years), 126 of whom were survivors. The V-HU score was an independent predictor (hazard ratio [HR] 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50–5.17; p = 0.001) after adjusting for several COVID-19 prognostic indicators significant in univariable analysis. The prognostic performance of the model containing clinical and outpatient laboratory factors was improved by integrating the V-HU score (c-index: 0.695 vs. 0.728; p < 0.001). Older patients (age ≥ 65 years; HR 3.56, 95% CI 1.64–7.71; p < 0.001) and younger patients (age < 65 years; HR 4.60, 95% CI 1.92–10.99; p < 0.001) could be further risk-stratified by the V-HU score.

Conclusions: A combination of an increased volume of total pneumonia infection and high HU value of consolidation areas showed a strong correlation to COVID-19 mortality, as determined by AI quantified CT.
Representing a Heterogeneous Pharmaceutical Knowledge-Graph with Textual Information
Authors: Asada Masaki , Gunasekaran Nallappan , Miwa Makoto , Sasaki Yutaka
Published: July 2021

We deal with a heterogeneous pharmaceutical knowledge-graph containing textual information built from several databases. The knowledge graph is a heterogeneous graph that includes a wide variety of concepts and attributes, some of which are provided in the form of textual pieces of information which have not been targeted in the conventional graph completion tasks. To investigate the utility of textual information for knowledge graph completion, we generate embeddings from textual descriptions given to heterogeneous items, such as drugs and proteins, while learning knowledge graph embeddings. We evaluate the obtained graph embeddings on the link prediction task for knowledge graph completion, which can be used for drug discovery and repurposing. We also compare the results with existing methods and discuss the utility of the textual information.
Understanding the Societal Impact of the Social Sciences and Humanities: Remarks on Roles, Challenges, and Expectations
Authors: Fecher Benedikt , Kuper Freia , Sokolovska Nataliia , Fenton Alex , Hornbostel Stefan , Wagner Gert G.
Published: July 2021

Science is increasingly expected to help in solving complex societal problems in collaboration with societal stakeholders. However, it is often unclear under what conditions this can happen, i.e., what kind of challenges occur when science interacts with society and what kind of quality expectations prevail. This is particularly pertinent for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH), which are part of the object they study and whose knowledge is always subject to provisionality. Here we discuss how SSH researchers can contribute to societal problems, what challenges might occur when they interact with societal stakeholders, and what quality expectations arise in these arrangements. We base our argumentation on the results of an online consultation among 125 experts in Germany (representatives from SSH, learned societies, stakeholders from different societal groups, and relevant intermediaries).
Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Oral Cancer: A Current Perspective on Function and Potential for Therapeutic Targeting
Authors: Bienkowska Kamila J. , Hanley Christopher J. , Thomas Gareth J.
Published: July 2021

The role of the tumour microenvironement (TME) in cancer progression and resistance to therapies is now widely recognized. The most prominent non-immune cell type in the microenvironment of oral cancer (OSCC) is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). Although CAF are a poorly characterised and heterogenous cell population, those with an “activated” myofibroblastic phenotype have been shown to support OSCC progression, promoting growth, invasion and numerous other “hallmarks of malignancy.” CAF also confer broad resistance to different types of therapy, including chemo/radiotherapy and EGFR inhibitors; consistent with this, CAF-rich OSCC are associated with poor prognosis. In recent years, much CAF research has focused on their immunological role in the tumour microenvironment, showing that CAF shield tumours from immune attack through multiple mechanisms, and particularly on their role in promoting resistance to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors, an exciting development for the treatment of recurrent/metastatic oral cancer, but which fails in most patients. This review summarises our current understanding of CAF subtypes and function in OSCC and discusses the potential for targeting these cells therapeutically.
A Novel Regulation of K-antigen Capsule Synthesis in Porphyromonas gingivalis Is Driven by the Response Regulator PG0720-Directed Antisense RNA
Authors: Kim Hey-Min , Ranjit Dev K. , Walker Alejandro R. , Getachew Heran , Progulske-Fox Ann , Davey Mary E.
Published: July 2021

The periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis strain W83 displays at least three different surface glycans, specifically two types of lipopolysaccharides (O-LPS and A-LPS) and K-antigen capsule. Despite the importance of K-antigen capsule to the virulence of P. gingivalis, little is known as to how expression of genes involved in the synthesis of this surface glycan is regulated. The genes required for K-antigen capsule synthesis are located in a locus that encodes a number of transcripts, including an operon (PG0104 to PG0121, generating ~19.4-kb transcript) which contains a non-coding 77-bp inverted repeat (77 bpIR) region near the 5'-end. Previously, we identified a 550-nucleotide antisense RNA molecule (designated asSuGR for antisense Surface Glycan Regulator) encoded within the 77-bpIR element that influences the synthesis of surface glycans. In this study, we demonstrate that the DNA-binding response regulator PG0720 can bind the promoter region of asSuGR and activate expression of asSuGR, indicating that PG0720 may indirectly influence transcript levels of the K-antigen capsule operon expressed from the sense strand. The data show that deletion of the PG0720 gene confers a defect in the presentation of surface polysaccharides compared with the parent strain and quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) analysis determined that the overall expression of genes involved in K-antigen capsule synthesis were down-regulated in the PG0720 mutant. Furthermore, the defects of the PG0720 deletion mutant were restored by complementation. Importantly, the PG0720 deletion mutant showed reduced virulence. Altogether, our data show that the response regulator PG0720 regulates expression of asSuGR, a trans-acting antisense RNA molecule involved in modulating the production of surface polysaccharides in P. gingivalis strain W83. The data provide further evidence that surface glycans are key virulence determinants and significantly advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling the synthesis of P. gingivalis K-antigen capsule, a key virulence determinant.
Flooding Hazard and Vulnerability. An Interdisciplinary Experimental Approach for the Study of the 2016 West Virginia Floods
Authors: Caretta Martina Angela , Fernandez Rodrigo , Zegre Nicolas , Shinn Jamie
Published: July 2021

The hydrosocial (HS) and social-hydro (SH) frameworks each attempt to understand the complexity of water and society, but they have emerged from historically disparate fields with distinctly different goals as well as methodological and epistemological standpoints. This paper encapsulates the shared experiences of two human geographers and two hydrologists studying hazard and vulnerability in two communities impacted by extreme flooding in West Virginia in 2016. We add to the limited examples of scientists working across epistemologies to improve the understanding of water-societal relations. In so doing, we also contribute to broader discussions of water justice. We outline an experimental approach connecting hydrosocial and social-hydro frameworks to study flood hazard and vulnerability. Within our conceptualization, we set forth that while social and hydrological factors can be presented as purely anthropogenic or geophysical, respectively, their intersection is the crux to investigate. The relationships between variables of both major categories can help us understand how the social and biophysical systems are interrelated. We depart from 21 semi structured interviews and a secondary analysis of local biophysical factors to develop a model that could show the relations between social and biophysical factors. Linking these factors is crucial step toward integration of SH and HS approaches to create a more comprehensive understanding of water-human relations. These studies can inform policymakers by highlighting where negative connections can be remedied and positive connections can be fostered to emphasize water justice.
Acetabular Edge Loading During Gait Is Elevated by the Anatomical Deformities of Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Song Ke , Pascual-Garrido Cecilia , Clohisy John C. , Harris Michael D.
Published: July 2021

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a known risk factor for articular tissue damage and secondary hip osteoarthritis. Acetabular labral tears are prevalent in hips with DDH and may result from excessive loading at the edge of the shallow acetabulum. Location-specific risks for labral tears may also depend on neuromuscular factors such as movement patterns and muscle-induced hip joint reaction forces (JRFs). To evaluate such mechanically-induced risks, we used subject-specific musculoskeletal models to compare acetabular edge loading (AEL) during gait between individuals with DDH (N = 15) and healthy controls (N = 15), and determined the associations between AEL and radiographic measures of DDH acetabular anatomy. The three-dimensional pelvis and femur anatomy of each DDH and control subject were reconstructed from magnetic resonance images and used to personalize hip joint center locations and muscle paths in each model. Model-estimated hip JRFs were projected onto the three-dimensional acetabular rim to predict instantaneous AEL forces and their accumulative impulses throughout a gait cycle. Compared to controls, subjects with DDH demonstrated significantly higher AEL in the antero-superior acetabulum during early stance (3.6 vs. 2.8 × BW, p ≤ 0.01), late stance (4.3 vs. 3.3 × BW, p ≤ 0.05), and throughout the gait cycle (1.8 vs. 1.4 × BW*s, p ≤ 0.02), despite having similar hip movement patterns. Elevated AEL primarily occurred in regions where the shallow acetabular edge was in close proximity to the hip JRF direction, and was strongly correlated with the radiographic severity of acetabular deformities. The results suggest AEL is highly dependent on movement and muscle-induced joint loading, and significantly elevated by the DDH acetabular deformities.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Antimicrobial Resistance in Bacteria Related to Bovine Respiratory Disease—A Broad Cross-Sectional Study of Beef Cattle at Entry Into Canadian Feedlots
Authors: Andrés-Lasheras Sara , Ha Reuben , Zaheer Rahat , Lee Catrione , Booker Calvin W. , Dorin Craig , Van Donkersgoed Joyce , Deardon Rob , Gow Sheryl , Hannon Sherry J. , Hendrick Steve , Anholt Michele , McAllister Tim A.
Published: July 2021

A broad, cross-sectional study of beef cattle at entry into Canadian feedlots investigated the prevalence and epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) inMannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, andMycoplasma bovis, bacterial members of the bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex. Upon feedlot arrival and before antimicrobials were administered at the feedlot, deep nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 2,824 feedlot cattle in southern and central Alberta, Canada. Data on the date of feedlot arrival, cattle type (beef, dairy), sex (heifer, bull, steer), weight (kg), age class (calf, yearling), source (ranch direct, auction barn, backgrounding operations), risk of developing BRD (high, low), and weather conditions at arrival (temperature, precipitation, and estimated wind speed) were obtained.Mannheimia haemolytica, P. multocida, andH. somniisolates with multidrug-resistant (MDR) profiles associated with the presence of integrative and conjugative elements were isolated more often from dairy-type than from beef-type cattle. Our results showed that beef-type cattle from backgrounding operations presented higher odds of AMR bacteria as compared to auction-derived calves. Oxytetracycline resistance was the most frequently observed resistance across allPasteurellaceaespecies and cattle types.Mycoplasma bovisexhibited high macrolide minimum inhibitory concentrations in both cattle types. Whether these MDR isolates establish and persist within the feedlot environment, requires further evaluation.
Terapia Narrativa
Authors: Campillo Marta
Published: July 2021

En la Terapia Narrativa se ha empleado la intervención del árbol de la vida originalmente fue planteado por David Denborough, Michael White y Kcaselo Knube (2008) en REPPSI en África para el trabajo grupal con niños que habían sufrido atrocidades de guerra. La propuesta actual consiste en realizar la metodología del árbol de la vida, en la Re-membresía, esto es, en el trabajo con familias que han perdido a un ser querido, durante un proceso terapéutico. La metodología se diseñó para la recuperación de la historia de la relación con el ser querido ausente y de la vida familiar, con una conversación con preguntas externalizantes circulares, a través de las cuales se va logrando, el hacer visible la relación que cada miembro de la familia tenía con la persona amada fallecida, priorizando la relación con la persona ausente, a través de las experiencias de vida, los conocimientos y habilidades que la persona ausente aportó a los miembros de la familia, recuperando el amor y el apoyo que ha sido parte de la vida de la familia. El objetivo es mantener viva a relación más allá de la muerte (Hedtke Lorraine, 1999). Además, para poder dilucidar el efecto positivo se requiere de algunas categorías centrales de la terapia narrativa,las conversaciones de re-membresía, por la propuesta de manejo del duelo de White (1994) de “Decir de nuevo hola” y con la creación ce las conversaciones para el árbol de la vida de la re-membresía.
Evaluación en Psicoterapia: Propiedades Psicométricas de la versión Argentina de la Escala de Calificación de Resultados y la Escala de Calificación de Sesiones
Authors: Santangelo Pablo Rafael , Conde Karina , Schupp Helga , Paoloni Natalia
Published: July 2021

Introducción: Los instrumentos que ponderen alianza terapéutica y resultados en psicoterapia son esenciales, ya que los profesionales tienden a presentar sesgos de juicio en sus evaluaciones. Sin embargo, en muchos países de habla hispana son escasos. En este estudio, se evaluó la Escala de calificación de resultados (ORS por sus siglas en inglés) y la Escala de calificación de sesiones (SRS por sus siglas en inglés) en el contexto argentino. Las dos escalas son analógicas y breves, la ORS evalúa el progreso del paciente y la SRS la alianza terapéutica. Método: Se contó con una muestra clínica de n=167 pacientes. Las escalas fueron aplicadas en cuatro momentos del proceso psicoterapéutico. Se analizó las puntuaciones de la ORS según sexo y edad, y se evalúo el Índice de Cambio Confiable (ICC). Se estimo la fiabilidad y validez concurrente en ambas escalas y la validez predictiva en SRS. Resultados: No se encontraron diferencias de sexo ni de edad en la ORS, con un ICC = 5,61. La consistencia interna fue mayor a α = .80 en las dos escalas, la correlación test-retest fue moderada-alta y se encontró evidencia de validez concurrente. Discusión: Las características que la ORS y la SRS presentan para el contexto argentino parecen ser similares a las escalas originales, incluida el ICC, presentando potencial para aplicarse a nivel práctico.
La torre del castillo: Génesis de una anorexia restrictiva
Authors: Martín Santacreu María
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se plantea la comprensión de las condiciones evolutivas, subyacentes a la aparición de la anorexia de tipo restrictivo durante la adolescencia, en base a la Teoría del Desarrollo Moral (Villegas 2011), a propósito del caso de una paciente que acude a terapia ya en la edad adulta. La consulta terapéutica viene motivada por la propuesta de fecundación asistida para facilitar un embarazo, lo que suscita dilemas específicos de su problemática anoréxica.
Non-Traditional Layout Design for Robotic Mobile Fulfillment System with Multiple Workstations
Authors: Yang Xiuqing , Liu Xinglu , Feng Lijuan , Zhang Jianquan , Qi Mingyao
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the layout design of a robotic mobile fulfillment system with multiple workstations. This is a parts-to-picker storage system where robots hoist pods and bring them directly to the workstations for stationary pickers to retrieve required items. As few research efforts have focused on determining the optimal locations of workstations in such systems, we develop an integer programming model to determine the location of workstations to minimize the total traveling distance of robots. In addition, we investigate the near-optimal workstation location patterns (i.e., some general workstation configuration rules) in the context of both traditional and flying-V layouts. A series of experiments led to the following findings: (1) the flying-V layout can save 8∼26% of travel distance compared with the traditional layout, and the sacrifice of space use is only 2∼3% for medium or large warehouses; (2) instead of solving the optimization model, the proposed 2n rule and n+1 rule are simple and easily implemented ways to locate workstations, with travel distance gaps of less than 1.5% and 5% for traditional and flying-V layouts, respectively; and (3) the “optimal” cross-aisle angle (i.e., θ) in flying-V layout can be set as large as possible as long as the cross-aisle intersects the left or right edge of the warehouse.
Comparison of the Grain Quality and Starch Physicochemical Properties between Japonica Rice Cultivars with Different Contents of Amylose, as Affected by Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Hu Yajie , Cong Shumin , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: July 2021

In order to determine the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on the grain quality and starch physicochemical properties of japonica rice cultivars with different contents of amylose, normal amylose content (NAC) and low amylose content (LAC) cultivars were grown in a field, with or without nitrogen fertilizer (WN). The relationships between the amylose content, starch physicochemical properties and eating quality were also examined. Compared with WN, nitrogen fertilizer (NF) significantly increased the grain yield but markedly decreased the grain weight. In addition, the processing quality tended to improve, but the appearance quality and eating quality deteriorated under NF application. The grain yield was similar between NAC and LAC cultivars. However, the grain quality and starch physicochemical properties were significantly different between NAC and LAC cultivars. The palatability of the cooked rice was significantly higher in the LAC than in NAC cultivar, which was due to its lower amylose content, protein content, hardness, and retrogradation enthalpy and degree, and its higher stickiness, peak viscosity, breakdown, relative crystallinity and peak intensity. The amylose content and protein content were significantly negatively correlated with the palatability. The amylose content was significantly positively correlated with the final viscosity and setback, and was significantly negatively correlated with the relative crystallinity, peak intensity, gelatinization enthalpy and breakdown. Palatability was significantly positively correlated with peak viscosity, breakdown and peak intensity, and was significantly negatively correlated with the final viscosity, setback, and retrogradation enthalpy and degree. Therefore, the selection of a low amylose content japonica rice cultivar grown without nitrogen fertilizer can reduce the amylose and protein contents, as well as improving the pasting properties, starch retrogradation properties and eating quality of the cooked rice.
A Versatile, Low-Power and Low-Cost IoT Device for Field Data Gathering in Precision Agriculture Practices
Authors: Morais Raul , Mendes Jorge , Silva Renato , Silva Nuno , Sousa Joaquim J. , Peres Emanuel
Published: July 2021

Spatial and temporal variability characterization in Precision Agriculture (PA) practices is often accomplished by proximity data gathering devices, which acquire data from a wide variety of sensors installed within the vicinity of crops. Proximity data acquisition usually depends on a hardware solution to which some sensors can be coupled, managed by a software that may (or may not) store, process and send acquired data to a back-end using some communication protocol. The sheer number of both proprietary and open hardware solutions, together with the diversity and characteristics of available sensors, is enough to deem the task of designing a data acquisition device complex. Factoring in the harsh operational context, the multiple DIY solutions presented by an active online community, available in-field power approaches and the different communication protocols, each proximity monitoring solution can be regarded as singular. Data acquisition devices should be increasingly flexible, not only by supporting a large number of heterogeneous sensors, but also by being able to resort to different communication protocols, depending on both the operational and functional contexts in which they are deployed. Furthermore, these small and unattended devices need to be sufficiently robust and cost-effective to allow greater in-field measurement granularity 365 days/year. This paper presents a low-cost, flexible and robust data acquisition device that can be deployed in different operational contexts, as it also supports three different communication technologies: IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee, LoRa/LoRaWAN and GRPS. Software and hardware features, suitable for using heat pulse methods to measure sap flow, leaf wetness sensors and others are embedded. Its power consumption is of only 83 μA during sleep mode and the cost of the basic unit was kept below the EUR 100 limit. In-field continuous evaluation over the past three years prove that the proposed solution—SPWAS’21—is not only reliable but also represents a robust and low-cost data acquisition device capable of gathering different parameters of interest in PA practices.
Biochar Improves Sustainability of Green Roofs via Regulate of Soil Microbial Communities
Authors: Chen Haoming , Du Xianfeng , Lai Mengqi , Nazhafati Muhanmaitijiang , Li Chen , Qi Weicong
Published: July 2021

Green roofs are an important part of urban green spaces. A good roof soil system contributes to the stability of the green roof ecosystem in harsh environments. Biochar as a soil additive can improve soil nutrients, although the mechanism of improvement on the roof substrate is still unclear. This research studied the effects on the physical and chemical properties of green roof soil and analyzed the biological characteristics of green roofs at five gradient ratios of biochar addition (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% biochar; v/v). The results indicated that biochar could improve the soil porosity (5.3–9.3%) and reduce the bulk density (3.9–10.8%); increase the soil moisture (14.0–37.2%); adjust the temperature, available nutrients and cation exchange capacity (38.1–75.9%) and regulate the soil pH values of the green roof. The biomass of soil microbes, eukaryotes and plants were increased by 75.3%, 199.2% and 57.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, the correlation between microbial diversity and soil nutrients was more significant due to the addition of biochar, and the increase of the phosphorus (P) and carbon (C) contents was the main factor affecting the microbial community. The structural equation model showed that biochar has a direct impact on the microbial diversity by improving the soil moisture, temperature and available nutrients, and the increase of the microbial diversity is conducive to plant growth. Summarily, biochar can be considered as a potential additive for roof soil amendment and promoting the growth of plants and microbes, which is beneficial to the development of a roof ecosystem.
Monitoring of Khorasan (Triticum turgidum ssp. Turanicum) and Modern Kabot Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum) Varieties by UAV and Sensor Technologies under Different Soil Tillage
Authors: Balážová Kristýna , Chyba Jan , Kumhálová Jitka , Mašek Jiří , Petrásek Stanislav
Published: July 2021

Khorasan wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. turanicum (Jakubz.)) is an ancient tetraploid spring wheat variety originating from northeast parts of Central Asia. This variety can serve as a full-fledged alternative to modern wheat but has a lower yield than modern varieties. It is commonly known that wheat growth is influenced by soil tillage technology (among other things). However, it is not known how soil tillage technology affects ancient varieties. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different soil tillage technologies on the growth of the ancient Khorasan wheat variety in comparison to the modern Kabot spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) variety. The trial was arranged in six small plots, one half of which was sown by the Khorasan wheat variety and the other half of which was sown by the Kabot wheat variety. Three soil tillage methods were used for each cultivar: conventional tillage (CT) (20–25 cm), minimum tillage (MTC) with a coulter cultivator (15 cm), and minimization tillage (MTD) with a disc cultivator (12 cm). The soil surface of all of the variants were leveled after tillage (harrows & levelling bars). An unmanned aerial vehicle with multispectral and thermal cameras was used to monitor growth during the vegetation season. The flight missions were supplemented by measurements using the GreenSeeker hand-held sensor and plant and soil analysis. The results showed that the Khorasan ancient wheat was better suited the conditions of conventional tillage, with low values of bulk density and highvalues of total soil porosity, which generally increased the nutritional value of the yield in this experimental plot. At the same time, it was found that this ancient wheat does not deplete the soil. The results also showed that the trend of developmental growing curves derived from different sensors was very similar regardless of measurement method. The sensors used in this study can be good indicators of micronutrient content in the plant as well as in the grains. A low-cost RGB camera can provide relevant results, especially in cases where equipment that is more accurate is not available.
Optimal Nitrogen Fertilization to Reach the Maximum Grain and Stover Yields of Maize (Zea mays L.): Tendency Modeling
Authors: Medina-Cuéllar Sergio E. , Tirado-González Deli N. , Portillo-Vázquez Marcos , Orozco-Cirilo Sergio , López-Santiago Marco A. , Vargas-Canales Juan M. , Medina-Flores Carlos A. , Salem Abdelfattah Z. M.
Published: July 2021

Utilization of maize stover to the production of meat and milk and saving the grains for human consumption would be one strategy for the optimal usage of resources. Variance and tendency analyses were applied to find the optimal nitrogen (N) fertilization dose (0, 100, 145, 190, 240, and 290 kg/ha) for forage (F), stover (S), cob (C), and grain (G) yields, as well as the optimal grain-to-forage, cob-to-forage, and cob-to-stover ratios (G:F, C:F, and C:S, respectively). The study was performed in central Mexico (20.691389° N and −101.259722° W, 1740 m a.m.s.l.; Cwa (Köppen), 699 mm annual precipitation; alluvial soils). N-190 and N-240 improved the individual yields and ratios the most. Linear and quadratic models for CDM, GDM, and G:F ratio had coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.20–0.46 (p < 0.03). Cubic showed R2 = 0.30–0.72 (p < 0.02), and the best models were for CDM, GDM, and the G:F, C:F, and C:S DM ratios (R2 = 0.60–0.72; p < 0.0002). Neither SHB nor SDM negatively correlated with CDM or GDM (r = 0.23–0.48; p < 0.0001). Excess of N had negative effects on forage, stover, cobs, and grains yields, but optimal N fertilization increased the proportion of the G:F, C:F, and C:S ratios, as well as the SHB and SDM yields, without negative effects on grain production.
Antimicrobial Usage in Commercial and Domestic Poultry Farming in Two Communities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Paintsil Ellis Kobina , Ofori Linda Aurelia , Akenten Charity Wiafe , Fosu Dennis , Ofori Seth , Lamshöft Maike , May Jürgen , Danso Kwasi Obiri , Krumkamp Ralf , Dekker Denise
Published: July 2021

Poultry farming is a common practice in Ghana. Antibiotics are used, particularly in commercial poultry farming, as growth promoters and to prevent and cure infections. However, there is little information on antimicrobial usage in domestic poultry farming in Ghana. This study aimed to describe antimicrobial usage in commercial and domestic poultry farming. A cross-sectional survey was conducted within the Ashanti region of Ghana including 33 commercial farms and 130 households with domestic poultry farming. The median poultry population on commercial farms was 1500 (IQR: 300–3000) compared with 18 (IQR: 10–25) on domestic farms. The majority (97%, n = 32) of commercial farms used antimicrobials, compared with 43% (n = 56) of the domestic farms. Commercial farmers were 6.1 (CI: 3.2–11.8) times more likely to read and follow instructions on antimicrobials in comparison with domestic poultry keepers. About 11% of domestic and 34% of commercial farmers had received education on antimicrobial usage. None of the commercial farmers used herbal remedies; however, 40% (n/N = 52/130) of domestic farmers administered herbs. The misuse of antimicrobials in domestic poultry production calls for stricter regulations and training to limit the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria among poultry.
Carriage of Multidrug Resistance Staphylococci in Shelter Dogs in Timisoara, Romania
Authors: János Dégi , Viorel Herman , Ionica Iancu , Corina Pascu , Tiana Florea , Roxana Dascălu
Published: July 2021

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus species, which pose risks for public health, by evaluating skin samples collected from dogs in an animal shelter in Timisoara. Skin samples were taken from 78 dogs, which were either clinically healthy or suffering from dermatological conditions. Staphylococcus spp. was isolated and recognized based on conventional methods based on colony appearance, microscopic morphology, sugar fermentation, and coagulase activity. Following biochemical analysis, Staphylococcus isolates were subject to PCR tests to detect sa-f and sa-r genes to confirm the isolates to genus level. The typical colonies were identified to species level using biochemical methods, namely the VITEK®2 ID-GP64 identification card (bioMerieux, France). The phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiling was performed using the VITEK®2 AST GP Gram-positive specific bacteria card (bioMerieux, France). Forty-three samples were confirmed as positive for Staphylococcus spp. Staphylococcus isolates were classified into the following categories: S. aureus, S. pseudintermedius, S. intermedius, S. epidermitis, S. haemolyticus, and S. hyicus. Eight (18.60%, 8/43) out of all the samples harbored the mecA gene, highlighting the distribution among isolated staphylococcal species: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (4/43, 9.30%), Staphylococcus intermedius (1/43, 2.32%) and Staphylococcus aureus (3/43, 9.30%), respectively. The phenomenon of resistance was present, to the following antimicrobial agents: erythromycin (38/43, 88.37%), benzylpenicillin, kanamycin, and tetracycline with 37 strains (37/43, 86.04%), gentamycin (30/43, 69.76%), chloramphenicol (29/43, 67.44%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (27/43, 62.79%), ampicillin (26/43, 60,46%), rifampicin (25/43, 58,13%), imipenem (14/43, 32,55%), nitrofurantoin (11/43, 25.58%), oxacillin (8/43, 18.60%), vancomycin (4/43, 9.30%) and clindamycin (3/43, 6.97%), respectively. The presence of multidrug-resistant zoonotic staphylococci in clinically healthy dogs and dogs with skin lesions is an animal health and human health concern.
Parental Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices on Antibiotic Use for Childhood Upper Respiratory Tract Infections during COVID-19 Pandemic in Greece
Authors: Oikonomou Maria-Eirini , Gkentzi Despoina , Karatza Ageliki , Fouzas Sotirios , Vervenioti Aggeliki , Dimitriou Gabriel
Published: July 2021

This cross-sectional study aims to assess parents’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotic use for children with URTIs symptoms in Greece in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic. We distributed a questionnaire to a random sample of parents who visited primary health care centers in Patras, Greece. Out of 412 participants, 86% believed that most infections with common cold or flu symptoms were caused by viruses, although 26.9% believed that antibiotics may prevent complications. Earache was the most common symptom for which antibiotics were needed. Most of them (69%) declare being considerably anxious about their children’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority (85%) knew that COVID-19 was of viral origin, yet half of them declared uncertain whether antibiotics were needed. All demographic characteristics, except for gender, were found to have a significant effect on parents’ knowledge, attitude, and practices on antibiotic use for URTIs and COVID-19. Factor analysis revealed six groups of parents with common characteristics associated with misuse of antibiotics. Our findings highlight the need to decrease misconceptions regarding antibiotic use by providing relevant education for parents targeting particular characteristics, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuous education of healthcare providers in the field is also of paramount importance.
The Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Operated or Non-Operated Varicocele-Associated Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pyrgidis Nikolaos , Sokolakis Ioannis , Palapelas Vasileios , Tishukov Maksim , Mykoniatis Ioannis , Symeonidis Evangelos N. , Zachariou Athanasios , Kaltsas Aris , Sofikitis Nikolaos , Hatzichristodoulou Georgios , Tsiampali Chara , Dimitriadis Fotios
Published: July 2021

In patients with varicocele-associated infertility, the effect of antioxidant supplementation on fertility is unknown. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore their role in patients with operated or non-operated varicocele. We searched major databases and sources of grey literature until May 2021 (PROSPERO: CRD42021248195). We included 14 studies (980 individuals) in the systematic review. Of the 14 studies, 2 explored the effect of antioxidant supplementation in patients with non-operated varicocele, 1 compared antioxidants versus surgical repair of varicocele, while 11 explored antioxidants after surgical repair of varicocele and were also included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pregnancy rates, no significant differences were demonstrated after treatment with antioxidants versus no treatment at three (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 0.7–7.48) and six months (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 0.62–5.72). Accordingly, contradictory findings were reported in sperm concentration, morphology, and motility, as well as DNA fragmentation. Our findings indicate that antioxidant supplementation does not improve pregnancy rates and semen parameters in patients with varicocele-associated infertility, in the absence of previous screening for oxidative stress. Based on the previous notion, most included studies also raised methodological concerns. Therefore, definitive conclusions about the efficacy of antioxidant supplementation in this setting cannot be drawn and further research on the field is mandatory.
Modulation of Intracellular ROS and Senescence-Associated Phenotypes of Xenopus Oocytes and Eggs by Selective Antioxidants
Authors: Tokmakov Alexander A. , Sato Ken-Ichi
Published: July 2021

Aging of oocytes and eggs diminishes their reproductive and developmental potential. It has been demonstrated previously that reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to accelerated aging of various cells. In the present study, we measured intracellular levels of ROS and investigated effects of several selective antioxidants (AOXs) on the viability and functional activity of aging oocytes and eggs of the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. The fluorescent cell-permeable dye DCFDA, which is widely employed for ROS detection in cultured mammalian cells, was used to monitor ROS levels in the fresh and bench-aged oocytes and eggs by an optimized protocol. It was found that intracellular ROS contents were increased in frog oocytes and eggs aged for 48 h. It was further demonstrated using selective cell-permeable AOXs targeting different ROS-generating mechanisms, that the major source of ROS in Xenopus oocytes and eggs is the plasma membrane NADPH oxidase, and that mitochondrial generation contributes to the intracellular ROS content to a lesser extent. Targeted inhibition of NADPH oxidase with a natural organic compound apocynin reduced ROS levels significantly in Xenopus oocytes and eggs, maintained their normal phenotype and supported their functional competence. To our knowledge this is the first report concerning beneficial effects of apocynin on the isolated gamete cells, such as oocytes and eggs.
Design, Modeling, and Control of an Autonomous Legged-Wheeled Hybrid Robotic Vehicle with Non-Rigid Joints
Authors: Pinto Vítor H. , Soares Inês N. , Rocha Marco , Lima José , Gonçalves José , Costa Paulo
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a legged-wheeled hybrid robotic vehicle that uses a combination of rigid and non-rigid joints, allowing it to be more impact-tolerant. The robot has four legs, each one with three degrees of freedom. Each leg has two non-rigid rotational joints with completely passive components for damping and accumulation of kinetic energy, one rigid rotational joint, and a driving wheel. Each leg uses three independent DC motors—one for each joint, as well as a fourth one for driving the wheel. The four legs have the same position configuration, except for the upper hip joint. The vehicle was designed to be modular, low-cost, and its parts to be interchangeable. Beyond this, the vehicle has multiple operation modes, including a low-power mode. Across this article, the design, modeling, and control stages are presented, as well as the communication strategy. A prototype platform was built to serve as a test bed, which is described throughout the article. The mechanical design and applied hardware for each leg have been improved, and these changes are described. The mechanical and hardware structure of the complete robot is also presented, as well as the software and communication approaches. Moreover, a realistic simulation is introduced, along with the obtained results.
Seismic Fragility for a Masonry-Infilled RC (MIRC) Building Subjected to Liquefaction
Authors: Forcellini Davide
Published: July 2021

Historical earthquakes have documented that lateral spread and settlements are the most significant damages induced by soil liquefaction. Therefore, assessing its effects on structural performance has become a fundamental issue in seismic engineering. In this regard, the paper proposes to develop analytical fragility curves of a Masonry-Infilled RC (MIRC) structure subjected to liquefaction-induced damages. In order to reproduce the nonlinear cyclic behavior (dilation tendency and the increase in cyclic shear strength) due to liquefaction, nonlinear hysteretic materials and advanced plasticity models were applied. The findings herein obtained in terms of seismic fragility of the MIRC building subjected to liquefaction may be implemented as guidelines or code provisions.
Gaussian Parameters Correlate with the Spread of COVID-19 Pandemic: The Italian Case
Authors: Corsaro Carmelo , Sturniolo Alessandro , Fazio Enza
Published: July 2021

Until today, numerous models have been formulated to predict the spreading of Covid-19. Among them, the actively discussed susceptible-infected-removed (SIR) model is one of the most reliable. Unfortunately, many factors (i.e., social behaviors) can influence the outcomes as well as the occurrence of multiple contributions corresponding to multiple waves. Therefore, for a reliable evaluation of the conversion rates, data need to be continuously updated and analyzed. In this work, we propose a model using Gaussian functions, coming from the solution of an ordinary differential equation representing a logistic model, able to describe the growth rate of infected, deceased and recovered people in Italy. We correlate the Gaussian parameters with the number of people affected by COVID-19 as a function of the large-scale anti-contagion control measures strength, and also of vaccines effects adopted to reach herd immunity. The superposition of gaussian curves allow modeling the growth rate of the total cases, deceased and recovered people and reproducing the corresponding cumulative distribution and probability density functions. Moreover, we try to predict a time interval in which all people will be infected or vaccinated (with at least one dose) and/or the time end of pandemic in Italy when all people have been infected or vaccinated with two doses.
Assessment of Environmental Risks of Particulate Matter Emissions from Road Transport Based on the Emission Inventory
Authors: Bebkiewicz Katarzyna , Chłopek Zdzisław , Sar Hubert , Szczepański Krystian , Zimakowska-Laskowska Magdalena
Published: July 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the environmental hazards posed by solid particles resulting from road transport. To achieve this, a methodology used to inventory pollutant emissions was used in accordance with the recommendations of the EMEP/EEA (European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme/European Economic Area). This paper classifies particulates derived from road transport with reference to their properties and sources of origin. The legal status of environmental protection against particulate matter is presented. The emissions of particulate matter with different properties from different road transport sources is examined based on the results of Poland’s inventory of pollutant emissions in the year 2018. This study was performed using areas with characteristic traffic conditions: inside and outside cities, as well as on highways and expressways. The effects of vehicles were classified according to Euro emissions standards into the categories relating to the emissions of different particulate matter types. The results obtained showed that technological progress in the automobile sector has largely contributed to a reduction in particulate matter emissions associated with engine exhaust gases, and that this has had slight effect on particulate matter emissions associated with the tribological processes of vehicles. The conclusion formed is that it is advisable to undertake work towards the control and reduction of road transport particulate matter emissions associated with the sources other than engine exhaust gases.