bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curcumin and berberine co-loaded liposomes for anti-hepatocellular carcinoma therapy by blocking the cross-talk between hepatic stellate cells and tumor cells
Authors: Wu Jingliang , Qi Cuiping , Wang Hao , Wang Qing , Sun Jingui , Dong Jinping , Yu Guohua , Gao Zhiqin , Zhang Bo , Tian Guixiang
Published: September 2022

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) could be activated to become CAFs, which play a critical role in tumor progression and drug resistance. Therefore, recent efforts have been focused on combining anti-HSC and pro-apoptotic activities to improve anti-tumor efficacy of drugs. In this study, glycyrrhetinic acid and hyaluronic acid–modified liposomes (GA-HA-Lip) were prepared for co-delivery of curcumin (CUR) and berberine (BBR) for the treatment of HCC. Furthermore, we established the LX-2+BEL-7402 co-cultured cell model and implanted the m-HSCs+H22 cells into a mouse to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of CUR&BBR/GA-HA-Lip both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that CUR&BBR/GA-HA-Lip could accumulate in tumor tissues and be taken up by HSCs and BEL-7402 cells simultaneously. Compared with free CUR, the combination therapy based on GA-HA-Lip exhibits stronger pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferation effect both in vitro and in vivo. The anti-tumor mechanistic study revealed that CUR&BBR/GA-HA-Lip could inhibit the activation of HSCs and restrain drug resistance of tumor cells. In summary, CUR&BBR/GA-HA-Lip could be a promising nano-sized formulation for anti-tumor therapy.
Using proton pump inhibitors increases the risk of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Wence , Chen Xinlong , Fan Qigang , Yu Haichuan , Jiang Wenkai
Published: September 2022

Background: More and more studies are focusing on the adverse effects and damage caused by PPI abuse, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis for assessing whether the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) leads to hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer.

Methods: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched until 1 July 2022, 25 studies (17 case-control and 8 cohort studies; 2741853 individuals) included in this study. Pooled Odd Ratios (ORs) were used for random effect models. Sensitivity analysis and dose-response analysis, subgroup analysis were all conducted.

Results: The aggregate OR of the meta-analysis was 1.69 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.42–2.01, p = 0.01) and heterogeneity (I2 = 98.9%, p < 0.001) was substantial. According to stratified subgroup analyses, the incidence of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer was associated, expect for study design, study quality and region. Risk of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer is highest when people is treated with normal doses of PPI. The risks decrease and become insignificant when the cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) increases.

Conclusion: The use of PPI may be associated with an increased risk of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer. Hence, caution is needed when using PPIs among patients with a high risk of hepato-biliary-pancreatic cancer.
Deficiency of a peroxisomal NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase leads to dwarf plant and defect seed in upland cotton
Authors: Cao Yuefen , Wang Wanru , Chen Jinhong , Zhu Shuijin , Zhao Tianlun
Published: September 2022

The NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase-encoded gene GH_D13G1452 with a C-terminus tripeptide Proline-Lysine-Leucine was localized in the peroxisome. It was highly expressed in stems and ovules of 15 days post-anthesis and responded to multiple external stimuli in upland cotton. An upland cotton mutant (Ghpericdh) was identified by flanking sequence amplification and genome variation detection that exogenous sequence was inserted in the middle of the 12th intron of GH_D13G1452, resulting in the deficiency of gene expression. The Ghpericdh mutant displayed a dwarf plant phenotype when grown under field or greenhouse conditions, and GH_D13G1452 functioned as an incomplete dominance on plant height. The germination rate of mutant seed from greenhouse-grown plants was dramatically lower than that from field-grown plants, which indicated that GhperICDH plays a critical role in seed maturation and germination. Therefore, GH_D13G1452 is indispensable in the development of stems and seeds and functions in the adaptability of cotton to the environment. The Ghpericdh mutant provides insight into the function of peroxisomal ICDH and may contribute to the genetic improvement in cotton.
Resilience among Children Born of War in northern Uganda
Authors: Apio Eunice Otuko
Published: September 2022

The literature on children born of conflict-related sexual violence, or Children Born of War (CBOW) is dominated by accounts and perceptions of suffering and risks that they experience both during and after armed conflict. In contrast, this article focusses on nuanced experiences of CBOW after suffering adversities. The study applies the culturally sensitive revised 17-item Children and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-R) to 35 CBOW conveniently sampled from a population of those born to former forced wives of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and another population born between 1993 and 2006 as a result of sexual violence perpetrated by cattle raiders in northern Uganda. Following the analysis of the CYRM-R scores, eight participants representing different quartiles, different scores on the relational/caretaker and personal resilience sub scales were identified to take part in a subsequent semi-structured interview process. The aim was to examine how CBOW in northern Uganda demonstrate resilience, the factors that influence their resilience experiences, and what it means for the broader concept of integration. Overall, CBOW are not merely stuck in their problems; past and present. Rather, findings indicate CBOW are confronting the realities of their birth statuses, and making the best use of their resources and those within the wider environment to adapt and overcome difficulties.
Psychometric properties of the Jonsson-Abbott Scale: Rasch and confirmatory factor analyses
Authors: Forsström David , Kottorp Anders , Rozental Alexander , Lindner Philip , Jansson-Fröjmark Markus , Carlbring Per
Published: September 2022

Measuring and assessing the different aspects of gambling behavior and its consequences is crucial for planning prevention, treatment, and understanding the development of at-risk and problem gambling. Studies indicate that instruments measuring problem gambling produce different results based on the characteristics of the population assessed. To accurately measure at-risk and problem gambling behavior, especially in a low-risk population, measures must cover a wider set of dimensions than the negative consequences already manifest. The Jonsson-Abbott Scale (JAS) includes items that cover overconsumption, actions that reinforce gambling behavior, and belief in gambling fallacies, based on a three-factor structure and has previously demonstrated good psychometric properties. However, there is a need to investigate how the instrument also functions in low-risk populations. This study aims to do so using both confirmatory factor and Rasch analysis; this research included 1,413 Swedish participants who endorsed at least one JAS item. The results replicated the previous three-factor solution and indicated that the instrument had good reliability. In addition, the results demonstrated that the three factors are independent, and the overall score per factor needs to be analyzed. In summary, the JAS appears suitable for use in low-risk populations to measure various aspects of gambling behavior.
Effect of familiarity and recollection during constrained retrieval on incidental encoding for new “foil” information
Authors: Yu Mingyang , Cui Can , Jiang Yingjie
Published: September 2022

Behavioral studies have demonstrated differences in the effect of constrained retrieval of semantic vs. non-semantic information on the encoding of foils. However, the impact of recognition on foils between semantic and non-semantic trials remains unclear. This study thus examines the roles of recognition—familiarity and recollection—in constrained retrieval for foils. We applied the event-related brain potentials (ERPs) data of new/old effects to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the “foil effect.” Participants encoded semantic and non-semantic tasks (Phase 1), were tested in a blocked memory task with new words presented as foils (Phase 2), and performed a surprise recognition task involving foils and completely new words (Phase 3). Behavioral results showed better recognition performance regarding reaction times and accuracy by hit and correct reject for semantic vs. non-semantic trials in Phase 2. Conversely, inferior recognition performance in reaction times and accuracy by hit and correct reject was noted for semantic vs. non-semantic foils in Phase 3. ERP results showed more positive Frontal N400 (FN400) for hit in non-semantic trials, more positive late positive component (LPC) for correct rejects in semantic trials in Phase 2, and more positive LPC for hits in both semantic and non-semantic trials only in Phase 3. Through dual-processing theory, we prove that different task types in constrained retrieval depend on different retrieval processes. Particularly, familiarity may be applied more often in non-semantic trials, and recollection in semantic trials. The difference in processes between semantic and non-semantic trials during constrained retrieval affects incidental encoding of foils.
Factors associated with anti-retroviral therapy adherence among patients living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Suryana Ketut , Suharsono Hamong , Indrayani Agung Wiwiek , Wisma Ariani Luh Nyoman Arya , Putra Wayan Wahyu Semara , Yaniswari Ni Made Dwita
Published: September 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic causes fear and anxiety symptoms on some vulnerable populations such as patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH). Physical distancing (during consultation in the clinic) and isolation restrictions will likely have a negative impact on/disruption to all care continuum services of HIV diseases although healthcare services and access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) have continued to operate.

Objective

To investigate the factors associated with ART adherence among PLWH during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 324 PLWH who had been on ART for at least 6 months between June 2020 and January 2021. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview participants to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and other factors.

Results

Of 324 PLWH taking ART, 264 (81.48%) had high adherence (≥95%) and 60 (18.52%) had low adherence (< 95%). Factors independently associated with high ART adherence were employment status (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 0.030, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.010–0.088; p < 0.001), type of antiretroviral (ARV) (AOR: 3.101, 95% CI: 1.137–8.456; p = 0.027), family support (AOR: 0.157, 95% CI: 0.052–0.475; p = 0.001), the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to attend clinics (AOR: 7.339, 95% CI: 1.46–36.79; p = 0.015), and the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to take ART (AOR: 10.611, 95% CI: 2.98–37.72; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, factors associated with high ART adherence among PLWH attending the Hospital of Wangaya in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia were employment status, ART type [non-fixed dose combination (FDC)], family support, and the perception that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacts the ability to attend clinics and to take ART.
Common mental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong: Age-related differences and implications for dementia risk
Authors: Kwok Jessie O. T. , Yan Rachel W. K. , Kwok Charlotte P. C. , Cheng Gabriel W. H. , Lin Cuichan , Wong Brian H. C. , Cheng Sheung Tak , Lee Allen T. C. , Lam Linda C. W.
Published: September 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has imposed a profound negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of societies and individuals worldwide. Older adults may be more vulnerable to the mental health effects of the pandemic, either directly from the infection itself or indirectly through the preventive measures. However, the existing literature on mental health in the older age groups has not been consistent so far. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD; including depression and anxiety disorders) given their association with dementia risk, and to further examine age-related differences between older (≥60 years old) and younger (18–59 years old) adult's psychological status during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

This was a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey-study conducted during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. The survey was disseminated through different social media platforms to the general population and included sociodemographic questions, self-reported physical health, and previous encounter with SARS or COVID-19. CMD was the primary outcome and was assessed using the 6-item Kessler Scale. A total of 1030 adults fulfilled inclusion criteria.

Results

The prevalence of CMD during the pandemic was 16.1%. Compared to younger adults, older adults were significantly less likely to have a CMD (unadjusted OR = 0.07, 95% CI = 0.02–0.30, p < 0.001), with 18.1% of younger adults having CMD compared to 1.6% in the older cohort. Age differences remained significant after controlling for sociodemographic factors, physical health, and previous encounter with SARS or COVID-19 (adjusted OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.02–0.57, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Common mental disorders are highly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong, though older adults appeared to be less affected mentally. Present findings highlight the urgent need to implement measures and strategies to mitigate the mental health problems, with particular attention to the younger cohort. Given their association with higher dementia risk, early detection and treatment of depression and anxiety disorders will be of critical importance in providing some relief to the already pressurized dementia burden in the longer term.
Dual process model of farmers’ mindfulness and sustainable economic behavior: Mediating role of mental health and emotional labor
Authors: Qiu Yue , Zhang Yumeng , Liu Meihang
Published: September 2022

Mindful awareness of our interconnection with the natural environment could help to redeem our lost environmentally entrenched identity and help us to act more sustainably, concluding the predictable gaps between mindfulness and sustainable behavior. We propose more precisely that mindful attentiveness may be essential to establishing sustainable economic behavior through understanding emotional labor and enhanced mental health. Likewise, with an ever-rising concern related to mental health and emotional labor, recent industrialization and commoditization of agricultural products have stressed the need for mindfulness, and causing sustainable economic behavior of farmers that is imminent. Hence, the study will not only explore the connection between mindfulness and sustainable economic behavior, but there is a need to examine the mediating role of emotional labor and the mental health of farmers in China. The study selected the farmers because mindful awareness, emotional labor, and mental health of a farmer can significantly contribute to sustainable economic behavior and bring a connection with the natural environment. The data of 358 responses were analyzed using SPSS-AMOS. The results revealed that mindfulness, mental health, and emotional labor have a significant connection with the sustainable economic behavior of farmers in China. The results also indicated that mental health and emotional labor mediate between mindfulness and sustainable economic behavior. The results set the tone for the policy-makers to create awareness among all the stakeholders about the importance of mindfulness to help farmers manage their emotional labor and mental health for better, sustainable performance outcomes.
Targeting COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among nurses in Shanghai: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Zhang Enming , Dai Zhengyue , Wang Caifeng , Hu Jiale , Wang Suxing , Zhang Lin , Fang Qiong
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study aims to clarify the profiles of the psychological antecedents of vaccine hesitancy among Shanghai nurses with a person-centered approach.

Methods

A population-based cross-sectional online survey was conducted on Shanghai nurses from July to August 2021 (N = 1,928). In the online survey, participants were asked to report their sociodemographic, the 5C vaccine hesitancy components, their knowledge level of COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination, and the COVID-19 vaccination uptake intention and attention to vaccine news. Latent profile analysis was used to reveal distinct profiles of vaccine hesitancy.

Results

The results revealed four profiles, including “believers” (68.9%; high confidence and collective responsibility), “free riders” (12.7%; similar characteristics to believers, except for a low collective responsibility), “middlemen” (14.6%; middle in all 5C constructs), and “contradictors” (3.7%; high in all 5C constructs). Compared to believers, middlemen were younger, more likely to be female, childless, less educated, held lower professional titles, had fewer years of nursing service, sometimes or never complied with recommended vaccinations, had satisfactory or poor self-assessed health status, had no work experience during the COVID-19 epidemic, and possessed greater levels of knowledge. Free riders were more likely to work in community health centers and have a lower degree than believers. Contradictors were more likely to work in community health centers, had junior college degrees or lower, and had no work experience during the COVID-19 epidemic than believers. From the highest to the lowest on vaccination intention and attention to vaccine news were believers, then free riders, contradictors, and finally middlemen.

Conclusion

This study could aid in the development of personalized vaccination strategies based on nurses' vaccine hesitancy profiles and predictors. In addition to vaccine believers, we identified other three profiles based on their 5C psychological antecedents, emphasizing the significance of establishing tailored vaccination campaigns. Further research into the prevalence of profile structure in other groups of healthcare workers is required.
Detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in relation to isolation time and environmental surface type
Authors: Sun Weijie , Chen Huimin , Tao Shuan , Li Na , Xu Yao , Fang Yewei , Chen Luyan , Liang Wei , Cao Gang
Published: September 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) causes environmental contamination via respiratory droplets and persists on contaminants and environmental surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to 6 days. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the transmission and containment of SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of objects within isolated environments. In this study, 356 environmental surface samples were collected and 79 tested positive, with the highest contamination rate (56.96%) in the wood category (bedside tables, wood floors, and walls). This study revealed differences in the detection rates of environmental surfaces in hospitalized and discharged rooms of patients with confirmed COVID-19 in 2 isolated settings (A: p = 0.001; B: p = 0.505) and suggested that environmental contamination may be an important route of virus transmission, providing a reference to guide the enhancement of ventilation, the use of hotel isolation model, the advocacy of cotton masks, and the effective suppression of virus transmission.
Pooled prevalence and determinants of informed choice of contraceptive methods among reproductive age women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Tsega Nuhamin Tesfa , Haile Tsion Tadesse , Asratie Melaku Hunie , Belay Daniel Gashaneh , Endalew Mastewal , Aragaw Fantu Mamo , Tsega Sintayehu Simie , Gashaw Moges
Published: September 2022

Background

Despite the commitments of the government to minimize unintended pregnancy, abortion, and unmet need for contraceptives, as per our search of the literature, there is no study on the pooled prevalence and determinants of informed choice of contraceptive methods in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence and determinants of informed choice of contraceptive methods among reproductive-aged women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

This study was based on the 32 Sub-Saharan African countries Demographic and Health Survey data. A total weighted sample of 65,487 women aged 15–49 was included in the study. The data were cleaned, weighted, and analyzed using STATA Version 14 software. Multilevel logistic regression modeling was used to identify determinants of an informed choice of contraceptive methods. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p-value < 0.05 were used to declare the significant determinants.

Result

The pooled prevalence of informed choice of contraceptive methods among reproductive age (15–49) women in sub-Saharan Africa was 49.47% (95%CI: 44.33, 54.62%) with I2 =99.5%, and variations in range of 19.42 to 78.42%. Women aged 25–34 years old (AOR = 1.26 95%CI: 1.21, 1.32) and 35–49 years (AOR = 1.33 95%CI: 1.27, 1.40), attending primary education (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.20, 1.32), secondary education (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.43, 1.58) and higher education (AOR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.84, 2.19), having media exposure (AOR = 1.12, 95%CI: 1.07, 1.16), utilizing IUD (AOR = 1.98, 95%CI: 1.79, 2.19), injectable (AOR = 1.29, 95%CI: 1.23, 1.36) and implants (AOR = 1.70, 95%CI: 1.61, 1.79), survey year 2016–2020 (AOR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.31, 1.44), women from lower middle (AOR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.19, 1.31) and upper middle income level countries (AOR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.23, 1.53) were associated with increased odds of informed choice of contraceptive methods. While, women who accessed contraceptives from private clinics (AOR = 0.64, 95%CI: 0.61, 0.67), pharmacies (AOR = 0.37, 95%CI: 0.35, 0.40), and others (AOR = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.43, 0.52), women in East Africa (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.67, 0.73), Central Africa (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.57), and South Africa (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.40) were associated with decreased odds of informed choice of contraceptive methods.

Conclusion

The pooled prevalence of informed choice of contraceptive methods in Sub-Saharan Africa is low with high disparities among the countries. Enhancing maternal education and media exposure, providing greater concern for the source of contraceptive methods, and strengthening the economic status of the country are recommended to enhance informed choice of contraceptive methods.
China's “dynamic clearing” epidemic prevention policy: Achievements, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Wang Quansheng , Huang Lansong
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 outbreak makes up a major public health emergency, and each country has adopted different epidemic prevention policies and measures. Since the control of COVID-19 in 2020, China has gradually developed a “Dynamic Clearing” epidemic prevention policy of “external input prevention and internal rebound prevention”. The policy has been effective in protecting people's lives and health and developing the country's economy as much as possible, but it has also faced some challenges, such as slowing economic development, huge prevention, and control costs, and expanding secondary disasters and risks. Reviewing China's current “dynamic clearing” policy, it is still the overall policy to continuously improve guiding policies, construct scientific prevention measures, and promote digital governance at the grassroots level.
Patient engagement to examine perceptions of perinatal depression screening with the capabilities, opportunities, motivation, and behaviors (COM-B) model
Authors: Tabb Karen M. , Hsieh Wan-Jung , Sung Jung Sun , Hoang Tuyet Mai Ha , Deichen Hansen Megan E. , Lux Emily , Huang Wen-Hao David
Published: September 2022

Background

Perinatal (during pregnancy and up until one year after birth) depression is one of the most common medical complications of pregnancy and is a major public health issue. The common early detection method to identify depression is to systematically administer depression screens to patients during their usual care clinic encounters. This study investigates how prenatal patients perceive depression screening and how screening informs their treatment to meet the specific needs of different racial and ethnic groups within both community and health care settings.

Methods

Between June 2019 and August 2019, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted to explore participants' experiences of depression screening with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Perinatal women (N = 29) consented to participate in-depth, one-on-one qualitative interviews. Trained patient-researchers (n = 6), women who had previously experienced a perinatal mental health problem, were trained as research team members and facilitated the interviews alongside a research assistant. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed with the use of Nvivo12. Thematic network analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results

Through the in-depth patient engaged qualitative interviews this study uncovered several specific motivators and behaviors related to perinatal depression screening. Using directed content analysis, several themes within a COM-B frame emerged and could be reduced to themes and further divided into two different stages: the depression screening stage and the post-screening stage.

Conclusions

The results of this qualitative study provide information for health care providers to improve, adjust, and assess the process of conducting perinatal depression screening among women. The data also provide information for health care facilities to identify a better screening tool and develop and measure their screening process. These findings are essential to design comprehensive patient-centered screening protocols given the increase in state and federal policies urging universal depression screening.
Integrating business model for sustainability and performance management to promote occupational health and safety—A discussion of value
Authors: Johanson Ulf , Aboagye Emmanuel , Yao Jun
Published: September 2022

The concept of business model has been around in scientific discussions for over half a century, but the adoption of business model for sustainability is much more recent. What constitutes a business model for sustainability is far from clear, and what drives the business model for sustainability to success needs further elaboration. The current paper adopts a conceptual approach to clarify the components of the business model for sustainability, focusing on the discussion of value addressed in its concept, and the interplay between the business model for sustainability and the internal performance management system. Furthermore, we connect our discussion to occupational health and safety because employee health and safety, one of the important elements of human capital, have been regarded as critical to the sustainable development of companies and society. We argue that OHS should be a fundamental cornerstone in doing business and should not be viewed as an afterthought of production and financial concerns. Therefore, OHS and employee relations should be addressed within the business model. The more important issue is the alignment of the value propositions, value creation, and value capture that underpin both the business model for sustainability and the internal performance management system. If the performance management system is decoupled from the business model, the long-term and short-term occupational health and safety advantages and the sustainable value propositions to stakeholders will not be realized.
Magnetic resonance imaging features of canine intradural/extramedullary intervertebral disc extrusion in seven cases
Authors: Casado David , Fernandes Ricardo , Lourinho Filipa , Gonçalves Rita , Clark Robert , Violini Francesca , Carrera Inés
Published: September 2022

Intervertebral disc disease, including intervertebral disc extrusions and protrusions, is the most common spinal cord disorder in dogs. Atypical and uncommon intervertebral disc herniations include intradural/intramedullary disc extrusion, intervertebral foraminal disc extrusion and intervertebral disc herniation (Schmorl's node). Intradural/extramedullary disc extrusion is the least common type of intervertebral disc herniation in veterinary medicine, characterized by extruded disc material within the intradural space. To date, only one study has been published in veterinary medicine reporting intradural/extramedullary disc extrusions. In this study, low field MRI was used, and the authors could not find any MRI features to diagnose with confidence an intradural/extramedullary disc location of the extruded disc material. The aim of this study was to describe the high field (1.5T) MRI characteristics of surgically confirmed intradural/extramedullary disc extrusions. This is a retrospective, multicentric and descriptive study. Inclusion criteria was surgical confirmation of intradural/extramedullary disc extrusion by durotomy and complete MRI study of the spine. Seven cases were included. Images were reviewed by a radiology resident and a certified radiologist, with emphasis on the following signs: “Golf-tee sign” (widening of the subarachnoid space cranial and caudal to the lesion), “Beak sign” (pointed and sharp compressive lesion) and “Y sign” (division of the dura and arachnoid layers). MRI showed a “Y sign” in all the cases (7/7) seen from the T2-weighted sagittal views, while “Golf-tee sign” was not recognized in any of the cases (0/7). Additionally, “beak sign” was present in half of the cases (4/7). “Y sign” maybe a reliable MRI feature for identifying intradural/medullary disc extrusions from the MRI study. As the arachnoid is peeled from the dura by the disc herniation there is a splitting of the arachnoid mater and the ventral dura. The intradural disc material will be surrounded by CSF signal intensity margin, giving the appearance of a Y, which can be identified from the T2-weighted sagittal images.
Special architecture and anti-wear strategies for giant panda tooth enamel: Based on wear simulation findings
Authors: Wu Yuanheng , Liu Jinxing , Yang Yongqiang , Tu Shaotong , Liu Zichen , Wang Yingyun , Peng Chen , Liu Gang , Jin Yipeng
Published: September 2022

Giant pandas are the flagship species in world conservation. Due to bamboo being the primary food source for giant pandas, dental wear is common owing to the extreme toughness of the bamboo fiber. Even though research on tooth enamel wear in humans and domestic animals is well-established, research on tooth enamel wear in giant pandas is scarce. The purpose of this study is to evaluate tooth enamel wear resistance in giant pandas to provide a basis for a better understanding of their evolutionary process. From microscopic and macroscopic perspectives, the abrasion resistance of dental enamel in giant pandas is compared with that of herbivorous cattle and carnivorous dogs in this study. This involves the use of micro-scratch and frictional wear tests. The results show that the boundary between the enamel prism and the enamel prism stroma is well-defined in panda and canine teeth, while bovine tooth enamel appears denser. Under constant load, the tribological properties of giant panda enamel are similar to those of canines and significantly different from those of bovines. Test results show that the depth of micro scratches in giant panda and canine enamel was greater than in cattle, with greater elastic recovery occurring in dogs. Scratch morphology indicates that the enamel substantive damage critical value is greater in pandas than in both dogs and cattle. The analysis suggests that giant panda enamel consists of a neatly arranged special structure that may disperse extrusion stress and absorb impact energy through a series of inelastic deformation mechanisms to cope with the wear caused by eating bamboo. In this study, the excellent wear resistance of giant panda's tooth enamel is verified by wear tests. A possible theoretical explanation of how the special structure of giant panda tooth enamel may improve its wear resistance is provided. This provides a direction for subsequent theoretical and experimental studies on giant panda tooth enamel and its biomaterials.
Long-Term Trend in the Association Between Disaster Damage and Happiness Before and After the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Nagai Masato , Hikichi Hiroyuki , Shiba Koichiro , Kondo Katsunori , Kawachi Ichiro , Aida Jun
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Disasters change survivors’ living circumstances, which can affect their happiness. We examined the trends in the association between disaster damage and happiness before and after a disaster.

Methods: We analyzed 4,044 participants aged ≥65 years who had experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. The baseline survey was conducted 7 months before the disaster. Follow-up surveys have been conducted every 3 years. Using a mixed model for repeated measures, we compared the prevalence ratios (PRs) for unhappiness according to the survivors’ level of housing damage, which is a proxy for disaster damage.

Results: The unhappiness in participants who suffered severe damage appeared to be higher than in those with no damage in 2010 (multivariate-adjusted PR: 1.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.93–1.48). A higher PR was observed after the earthquake in 2013 (1.34, 0.79–2.28), while there was no difference in 2016 (1.02, 0.53–1.97) and 2019 (1.03, 0.50–2.12).

Conclusion: The prevalence of unhappiness in survivors with severe housing damage was higher before the disaster. However, the unhappiness gap between people with and without housing damage converged during the follow-up.
Autonomous Intersection Management by Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Karthikeyan P. , Chen Wei-Lun , Hsiung Pao-Ann
Published: September 2022

Developing a safer and more effective intersection-control system is essential given the trends of rising populations and vehicle numbers. Additionally, as vehicle communication and self-driving technologies evolve, we may create a more intelligent control system to reduce traffic accidents. We recommend deep reinforcement learning-inspired autonomous intersection management (DRLAIM) to improve traffic environment efficiency and safety. The three primary models used in this methodology are the priority assignment model, the intersection-control model learning, and safe brake control. The brake-safe control module is utilized to make sure that each vehicle travels safely, and we train the system to acquire an effective model by using reinforcement learning. We have simulated our proposed method by using a simulation of urban mobility tools. Experimental results show that our approach outperforms the traditional method.
Remotely Sensed Prediction of Rice Yield at Different Growth Durations Using UAV Multispectral Imagery
Authors: Luo Shanjun , Jiang Xueqin , Jiao Weihua , Yang Kaili , Li Yuanjin , Fang Shenghui
Published: September 2022

A precise forecast of rice yields at the plot scale is essential for both food security and precision agriculture. In this work, we developed a novel technique to integrate UAV-based vegetation indices (VIs) with brightness, greenness, and moisture information obtained via tasseled cap transformation (TCT) to improve the precision of rice-yield estimates and eliminate saturation. Eight nitrogen gradients of rice were cultivated to acquire measurements on the ground, as well as six-band UAV images during the booting and heading periods. Several plot-level VIs were then computed based on the canopy reflectance derived from the UAV images. Meanwhile, the TCT-based retrieval of the plot brightness (B), greenness (G), and a third component (T) indicating the state of the rice growing and environmental information, was performed. The findings indicate that ground measurements are solely applicable to estimating rice yields at the booting stage. Furthermore, the VIs in conjunction with the TCT parameters exhibited a greater ability to predict the rice yields than the VIs alone. The final simulation models showed the highest accuracy at the booting stage, but with varying degrees of saturation. The yield-prediction models at the heading stage satisfied the requirement of high precision, without any obvious saturation phenomenon. The product of the VIs and the difference between the T and G (T − G) and the quotient of the T and B (T/B) was the optimum parameter for predicting the rice yield at the heading stage, with an estimation error below 7%. This study offers a guide and reference for rice-yield estimation and precision agriculture.
Mechanism and Experiment of Full-Feeding Tangential-Flow Picking for Peanut Harvesting
Authors: Shi Lili , Wang Bing , Hu Zhichao , Yang Hongguang
Published: September 2022

Peanut is China’s most competitive oil and cash crops internationally. Furthermore, China’s peanut production is the largest in the world. Hence, the peanut industry plays an important role in the national economy. To address the problems of high rates of broken and unharvested pods during peanut harvesting, we researched the dynamic characteristics of harvesting and the mechanisms that influence operation quality. Considering the typical peanut varieties in China’s main peanut-producing areas as the study objects, we studied the mechanical properties of peanut in relation to the harvesting process. By adopting the Box-Behnken design, we set the harvesting net rate Y1, breakage rate Y2, and entrapment loss rate Y3 as the evaluation indices. We performed response surface testing on the peanut-harvesting roller speed, longitudinal size of concave sieve holes, peanut harvesting gap, and feeding volume. Through field verification testing, the parameters for maximum performance were obtained. When the picking roller speed was 260 r/min, the longitudinal dimension of the concave grate sieve pores was 90 mm, the harvesting gap was 40 mm, and the feed rate was 3.3 kg/s. Moreover, the harvesting net rate, breakage rate, and entrapment loss rate were 94.61%, 3.78%, and 0.85%, respectively. Verification testing was carried out based on the optimal parameters, and the results showed that the harvesting net rate, breakage rate, and entrapment loss rate were 95.73%, 3.54%, and 0.84%, respectively. A comprehensive scheme to optimize the peanut harvesting process was proposed to overcome harvesting problems and improve harvest quality. The study conclusions provide theoretical guidance for developing improved tangential-flow peanut-harvesting technology and equipment.
I Think I Can, I Think I Can: Effects of Entrepreneurship Orientation on Entrepreneurship Intention of Saudi Agriculture and Food Sciences Graduates
Authors: Elshaer Ibrahim A. , Sobaih Abu Elnasr E.
Published: September 2022

Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in achieving the national agenda and the development of nations. The leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) pays significant attention to the role of entrepreneurship by supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 and its programs, e.g., the National Transformation Program and the Human Capability Development Program. The current research examines the effects of entrepreneurship orientation on entrepreneurship intentions among agriculture and food sciences graduates in KSA. More exactly, the research examines the interrelationship and effects of risk-taking, innovativeness, and pro-activeness on the entrepreneurship intentions of higher education graduates, especially among agriculture and food sciences graduates. It also examines the mediating effect of innovativeness and pro-activeness between entrepreneurship orientation and entrepreneurship intention. For this purpose, a pre-examined questionnaire was collected randomly from 440 graduates at several KSA universities. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) supported all research hypotheses and confirmed a direct significant effect of risk-taking on the entrepreneurship intention of students and an indirect effect through innovativeness and pro-activeness. The results confirmed complimentary mediation of innovativeness and pro-activeness in the link between entrepreneurship orientation and entrepreneurship intention. The findings of the research offer some implications for scholars and policymakers in the Saudi context, which are discussed.
Analysis and Evaluation of Influencing Factors on Uniform Sowing of Wheat with Wide Seed Belt after Sowing and Soil Throwing Device
Authors: Wang Bokai , Gu Fengwei , Hu Zhichao , Wu Feng , Chen Xulei , Luo Weiwen
Published: September 2022

The uneven sowing of wheat on ground covered with rice straw in the rice–wheat rotation area in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River has become a serious problem. Therefore, a test bed for throwing soil after sowing with a wide wheat seed belt was designed, which could complete the functions of straw crushing, straw lateral concentration and uniform sowing at one time. The discrete element simulation model of throwing soil after sowing with a wide wheat seed belt was established with rotary blade shaft speed, soil guide plate angle and soil retaining plate angle as variables. Taking the variation coefficient of wheat sowing depth and variation coefficient of sowing lateral uniformity as evaluation indexes, the effects of three variables on sowing uniformity were analyzed by single factor test and Box–Behnken test. The results of single factor test observed that when the rotating speed of rotary blade shaft was 260–300 rpm, the angle of soil guide plate was 36°–48°, the angle of soil retaining plate was 58°–74° and the experiment of utilizing a soil throwing and covering device with a wide seed belt after sowing revealed a good consistency of sowing depth and lateral uniformity effect. The Box–Behnken simulation experiment showed that the primary and secondary factors affecting the variation coefficient of wheat sowing lateral uniformity were the angle of soil guide plate, the rotation speed of rotary blade shaft, the angle of soil retaining plate and the angle of soil guide plate. When the rotation speed of rotary blade shaft, the angle of soil guide plate and the angle of soil retaining plate were 282.1 rpm, 42.4° and 65.5°, respectively, the soil throwing and covering device after sowing has the best seed-homogenizing effect. At this time, the variation coefficients of sowing depth and lateral uniformity in simulation test and field verification test were 4.35% and 4.57%, respectively, and 12.46% and 12.73%, respectively. The results of field verification test were basically consistent with those of the simulation test, which proved that the results of applying discrete element methods to optimize the soil-throwing device after sowing with a wide seed belt were credible. This study could provide a theoretical reference for the structure optimization of a soil-throwing device after sowing with a wide seed belt.
Object Detection Algorithm for Lingwu Long Jujubes Based on the Improved SSD
Authors: Wang Yutan , Xing Zhenwei , Ma Liefei , Qu Aili , Xue Junrui
Published: September 2022

The detection of Lingwu long jujubes in a natural environment is of great significance for robotic picking. Therefore, a lightweight network of target detection based on the SSD (single shot multi-box detector) is presented to meet the requirements of a low computational complexity and enhanced precision. Traditional object detection methods need to load pre-trained weights, cannot change the network structure, and are limited by equipment resource conditions. This study proposes a lightweight SSD object detection method that can achieve a high detection accuracy without loading pre-trained weights and replace the Peleenet network with VGG16 as the trunk, which can acquire additional inputs from all of the previous layers and provide itself characteristic maps to all of the following layers. The coordinate attention module and global attention mechanism are added in the dense block, which boost models to more accurately locate and identify objects of interest. The Inceptionv2 module has been replaced in the first three additional layers of the SSD structure, so the multi-scale structure can enhance the capacity of the model to retrieve the characteristic messages. The output of each additional level is appended to the export of the sub-level through convolution and pooling operations in order to realize the integration of the image feature messages between the various levels. A dataset containing images of the Lingwu long jujubes was generated and augmented using pre-processing techniques such as noise reinforcement, light variation, and image spinning. To compare the performance of the modified SSD model to the original model, a number of experiments were conducted. The results indicate that the mAP (mean average precision) of the modified SSD algorithm for object inspection is 97.32%, the speed of detection is 41.15 fps, and the parameters are compressed to 30.37% of the original networks for the same Lingwu long jujubes datasets without loading pre-trained weights. The improved SSD target detection algorithm realizes a reduction in complexity, which is available for the lightweight adoption to a mobile platform and it provides references for the visual detection of robotic picking.
A Deep Learning Model to Predict Evapotranspiration and Relative Humidity for Moisture Control in Tomato Greenhouses
Authors: Jung Dae-Hyun , Lee Taek Sung , Kim KangGeon , Park Soo Hyun
Published: September 2022

The greenhouse industry achieves stable agricultural production worldwide. Various information and communication technology techniques to model and control the environment have been applied as data from environmental sensors and actuators in greenhouses are monitored in real time. The current study designed data-based, deep learning models for evapotranspiration (ET) and humidity in tomato greenhouses. Using time-series data and applying long short-term memory (LSTM) modeling, an ET prediction model was developed and validated in comparison with the Stanghellini model. Training with 20-day and testing with 3-day data resulted in RMSEs of 0.00317 and 0.00356 kgm−2 s−1, respectively. The standard error of prediction indicated errors of 5.76 and 6.45% in training and testing, respectively. Variables were used to produce a feature map using a two-dimensional convolution layer which was transferred to a subsequent layer and finally connected with the LSTM structure for modeling. The RMSE in humidity prediction using the test dataset was 2.87, indicating a performance better than conventional RNN-LSTM models. Irrigation plans and humidity control may be more accurately conducted in greenhouse cultivation using this model.