bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic transcranial transdiaphragmatic approach in a single-stage surgery for giant pituitary adenomas
Authors: Wu Xuechao , Bao Zhongyuan , Tian Wei , Wang Jing , Miao Zengli , Wang Qing , Lu Xiaojie
Published: February 2023

Background

The treatment for giant pituitary adenomas (GPAs, maximal diameter >4 cm) remains challenging, with remarkable mortality and morbidity, and there is no consensus on the optimal surgical approach. Gross total resection (GTR) for GPAs is difficult to achieve through a single transsphenoidal or transcranial approach. Any residual tumor is at risk for postoperative apoplexy. In this study, we propose a new surgical technique for resecting the GPAs in a sing-stage transcranial surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of 4 patients with complicated GPAs, who had been treated via an endoscopic transcranial transdiaphragmatic approach in a single-stage surgery after routine transcranial resection, was performed. The following data was analyzed: clinical characteristics, preoperative imaging studies, resection rate, perioperative morbidity and mortality, as well as postoperative outcomes.

Results

All patients had nonfunctioning GPAs and preoperative visual disturbances. In three patients, GTR was achieved, and in one patient, near-total resection (90%-100% of the tumor) was achieved. Three patients attained improved postoperative visual function, while one patient’s vision remained unchanged. One patient suffered a deficiency in adrenocorticotropic hormone along with thyroid-stimulating hormone, and one patient developed diabetes insipidus. Notably, none of the patients suffered cerebrospinal fluid leakage. However, one patient developed an epidural hematoma and underwent decompressive craniectomy.

Conclusions

The endoscopic transcranial transdiaphragmatic approach in a single-stage surgery can be efficiently and safely performed for maximal excision of GPAs with extensive suprasellar extension. Furthermore, relative to the conventional combined or staged approaches, this innovative surgical strategy provides neurosurgeons with a clear operative field with reduced invasiveness.
A nationwide survey on producer and veterinarian perceptions of the painfulness of procedures and disease states in dairy and beef cattle
Authors: Edwards-Callaway Lily N. , Keller Kayleigh P. , Oselinsky Katrina , Johnstone Elizabeth , Cramer Catie , Román-Muñiz Noa , Stallones Lorann , Coetzee Johann F.
Published: February 2023

Failure to adequately manage pain in cattle causes suffering and is thus a welfare concern for the livestock industry. The objectives of this study were to summarize caregiver perceptions of the painfulness of various procedures and disease conditions in cattle. This survey also assessed factors that impact the perception of painfulness and determined relationships between pain perception and mitigation in producers and veterinarians in the United States beef and dairy cattle industries. An online survey was distributed via organization listservs and social media groups representing beef and dairy veterinarians and producers. The survey included questions about respondent demographics and pain perception and frequency of pain mitigation use for a variety of common husbandry procedures and disease conditions in cattle less than 2 months, 2–12 months, and greater than 12 months of age. Descriptive statistics were generated, and ordinal logistic regressions were used to assess the relationship between perceived pain level, frequency of pain mitigation use, and respondent demographic factors (e.g., gender, age, and role). There was a relatively low percentage of respondents that identified there was “no pain” associated with the listed procedures and conditions. Across the majority of procedures and conditions and cattle age categories, men perceived procedures to be less painful than women (P < 0.05). Veterinarians and producer-veterinarians perceived procedures to be more painful than producers (P < 0.05) for the majority of procedures and conditions. There were some differences identified between respondent age groups in pain perception but the trends were not consistent across procedures and conditions. There was a significant positive linear trend, with greater perceived pain associated with greater likelihood of providing local and systemic analgesia for all procedures and conditions across all cattle age categories (P ≤ 0.02). Perception of pain is complex and multifactorial, and it influences the likelihood to treat pain in cattle. This research highlighted the importance of understanding how these factors may play a role in increasing the use of pain mitigation within the beef and dairy industries.
Inotropic score and vasoactive inotropic score as predictors of outcomes in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: A single center retrospective study
Authors: Hari Gopal Srirupa , Toy Cynthia L. , Hanna Morcos , Furtun Betul Yilmaz , Hagan Joseph L. , Nassr Ahmed A. , Fernandes Caraciolo J. , Keswani Sundeep , Gowda Sharada H.
Published: February 2023

Background

Neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) have varying degrees of pulmonary hypoplasia, pulmonary hypertension (PH) and cardiac dysfunction. These neonates frequently require vasoactive support and are at high risk for mortality and morbidity, including prolonged ventilator support, need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), prolonged length of stay, and need for tracheostomy. However, identifying which infants are at increased risk can be challenging. In this study, we sought to investigate the utility of the inotropic score (IS) and vasoactive inotropic score (VIS) as tools to predict significant clinical outcomes and overall survival in patients with CDH. Additionally, we evaluated the correlation between IS/VIS and postnatal echocardiographic variables.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of 57 patients with CDH whose postnatal care was based on a standardized institutional protocol. We calculated the IS/VIS at 6-, 12-, 24-, 48 hours of life (HOL), on the day of CDH repair and 24- and 48 hours after surgical repair. The association of these scores with postnatal echocardiographic markers was analyzed using Pearson's correlation and linear regression, while logistic regression was used for binary outcomes, and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess associations with survival.

Results

We found that every one-unit increase in IS/VIS at 6 HOL was associated with 13% increase in the odds of ECMO (p = 0.034) and 10.1% increase in risk of death (p = 0.021). An increase in IS/VIS at 12-, 24- and 48-HOL was associated with posterior septal bowing in the first postnatal echocardiogram (p < 0.05 for all). Additionally, we noted an inverse relationship between IS (r = −0.281, p = 0.036) and VIS (r = −0.288, p = 0.031) on the day of repair and left ventricle (LV) systolic function in first postnatal echocardiogram. Increase in IS (r = −0.307, p = 0.024) and VIS (r = −0.285, p = 0.037) on the day of repair was associated with decreased LV function on the post-repair echocardiogram.

Conclusion

This retrospective study showed a significant association between IS/VIS obtained at various time points with clinical outcomes and echocardiographic findings in CDH, which could be used to guide prognosis and management in this patient population.
Three-dimensional measurement method based on the singular operator and the shortest path search technique
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Sun Xiaoming , Duan Yan , Chen Yan
Published: February 2023

Coded structured light plays a crucial role in the field of non-contact three-dimensional measurement. To improve the accuracy, we propose a novel method based on shortest path search and edge and central singular operator, which is able to detect the edge of Gray code and locate its line shift fringes more accurately. Starting from the patterns of the Gray code edge and the center of the line shift strip, we develop the corresponding singular operators and hence the cost function. The Euler distance is used as the distance condition for the adjacent key points, which are located by the fast-marching algorithm. We propose a method to compute the graph with minimum energy by finding the shortest path. The shortest path was automatically calculated and found both the edge of the Gray code and the center of the bar stripe accurately.
Hyperspectral reflectance imaging for nondestructive evaluation of root rot in Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer)
Authors: Park Eunsoo , Kim Yun-Soo , Faqeerzada Mohammad Akbar , Kim Moon S. , Baek Insuck , Cho Byoung-Kwan
Published: February 2023

Root rot of Panax ginseng caused by Cylindrocarpon destructans, a soil-borne fungus is typically diagnosed by frequently checking the ginseng plants or by evaluating soil pathogens in a farm, which is a time- and cost-intensive process. Because this disease causes huge economic losses to ginseng farmers, it is important to develop reliable and non-destructive techniques for early disease detection. In this study, we developed a non-destructive method for the early detection of root rot. For this, we used crop phenotyping and analyzed biochemical information collected using the HSI technique. Soil infected with root rot was divided into sterilized and infected groups and seeded with 1-year-old ginseng plants. HSI data were collected four times during weeks 7–10 after sowing. The spectral data were analyzed and the main wavelengths were extracted using partial least squares discriminant analysis. The average model accuracy was 84% in the visible/near-infrared region (29 main wavelengths) and 95% in the short-wave infrared (19 main wavelengths). These results indicated that root rot caused a decrease in nutrient absorption, leading to a decline in photosynthetic activity and the levels of carotenoids, starch, and sucrose. Wavelengths related to phenolic compounds can also be utilized for the early prediction of root rot. The technique presented in this study can be used for the early and timely detection of root rot in ginseng in a non-destructive manner.
Case Report: Dental treatment for an oboist: Post-trauma prosthetic rehabilitation and evaluation of musical performance
Authors: Hattori Mariko , Patzelt Sebastian B. M. , Itoh Michiichiro , Sumita Yuka I. , Wakabayashi Noriyuki
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The condition of teeth and function of the oral organs are important when playing wind or brass instruments. Although there are some reports on dental treatment for musicians, few studies have investigated their acoustic performance following treatment. This report describes the prosthodontic rehabilitation provided for an oboist who had lost a tooth as a result of trauma and includes an evaluation of her subsequent musical performance using acoustic analyzes.

Case description

The patient was a 63-year-old professional oboe player who fractured the upper and lower alveolar bone and avulsed the upper right central incisor during a fall due to epileptic seizure. While the alveolar fracture was healing, she sought maxillofacial rehabilitation for the missing tooth to maintain her ability to play the oboe. Her rehabilitation consisted of a provisional removable prosthesis with an acrylic base and clasps followed by a fixed implant prosthesis. A recording of her musical performance was objectively analyzed at each stage of treatment. Rhythm analysis confirmed the stability of notes played rapidly. Her performance dynamics were analyzed by psychoacoustic measurements. Her satisfaction with the prosthesis was assessed by a self-reported questionnaire. The results of the acoustic evaluation helped to adjust the provisional prosthesis so that it was suitable for playing the oboe and the final prosthesis was designed accordingly.

Conclusion

Prosthetic dental treatment for this patient included both subjective and objective evaluations that helped to ensure that she could continue playing the oboe at her previous performance level.
Cyberbully victimization and its association with residual depressive symptoms among clinically stable adolescents with psychiatric disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic: A perspective from network analysis
Authors: Xie Xiao-Meng , Cai Hong , Li Shu-Ying , Li Zong-Lei , Zhang Wu-Yang , Zhao Yan-Jie , Zhang Yao , Ungvari Gabor S. , Tang Yi-Lang , He Fan , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study examined the prevalence of cyberbullying and its relationship with residual depressive symptoms in this patient population during the COVID-19 outbreak using network analysis.

Methods

This was a multicenter, cross-sectional study. Adolescent patients attending maintenance treatment at outpatient departments of three major psychiatric hospitals were included. Experience of cyberbullying was measured with a standard question, while the severity of Internet addiction and depressive symptoms were measured using the Internet Addiction Test and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, respectively. The network structure of depression and cyberbully were characterized and indices of “Expected Influence” was used to identify symptoms central to the network. To identify particular symptoms that were directly associated with cyberbully, the flow function was used.

Results

Altogether 1,265 patients completed the assessments. The overall prevalence of cyberbullying was 92.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 90.8–93.7%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that male gender (p = 0.04, OR = 1.72, 95%CI: 1.04–2.85) was significantly associated with higher risk of cyberbullying, while a relapse of illness during the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with a lower risk of cyberbullying (p = 0.03, OR = 0.50, 95%CI: 0.27–0.93). In the network of depression and cyberbully, “Sad mood,” “Anhedonia” and “Energy” were the most central (influential) symptoms. Furthermore, “Suicidal ideation” had the strongest negative association with cyberbully followed by “Guilt”.

Conclusion

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the experience of cyberbullying was highly prevalent among clinically stable adolescent psychiatric patients, particularly male patients. This finding should raise awareness of this issue emphasizing the need for regular screening and interventions for adolescent patients. Central symptoms (e.g., “Sad mood,” “Anhedonia” and “Energy”) identified in this study should be targeted in interventions and preventive measures.
Temporal dynamics of justice climate and team innovation
Authors: Tripathi Neha , Sangar Sukanya
Published: February 2023

Team innovation—exploration and exploitation of useful and novel ideas by a team has been a topic of great importance for organizations in today’s dynamic, complex, and competitive environment. Grounded in the social contagion theory of justice, we theorize a justice-to-innovation processual model based on within-team justice climate occurrences that change over time. We posit that collective and shared justice perceptions of team members construct dynamically based on justice-related work events. Within teams, state justice climate level and strength (represented by the Mean and the low-SD scores of individual team members in the moment or an episode) are important precursors of team innovation. The proposed theoretical model explicates an emotional contagion process arguing that positive and negative team affect states mediate the relationship between state justice climate and team innovation. Positive/negative team affect states result in collective actions and team interactions that foster/hinder team innovation. The present article significantly contributes to the development of the dynamical models of justice and innovation for teams where most research is confined to static models of justice climate.
A cross-lagged panel analysis of second language achievement and enjoyment
Authors: Gao Minjuan
Published: February 2023

Although self-perceived language proficiency has recently been found to influence foreign language enjoyment (FLE), rigorous assessment of the causal relationship between actual second language (L2) achievement and FLE has received relatively little attention. Based on control-value theory, this longitudinal study examined the causal antecedents of the relationship between the L2 achievement of 206 FL learners and their FLE from the perspective of dynamic systems theory and conducted a cross-lagged panel (CLP) analysis using Mplus 8.3 software. Both variables were measured two times over one academic year (10 months) in an English as a foreign language (EFL) course. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant changes in both variables over time. According to the CLP path model, L2 achievement at Time 1 (T1) appeared to affect subsequent FLE, while FLE at T1 failed to predict L2 achievement at Time 2 (T2). This study provides empirical evidence of the directional effect of L2 achievement on FLE regarding the hypothesized reciprocal effect of the two. Implications for stakeholders in the field of education are discussed.
Composition of yoga-philosophy based mental traits (Gunas) in major psychiatric disorders: A trans-diagnostic approach
Authors: Bhargav Hemant , Eiman Najla , Jasti Nishitha , More Pooja , Kumar Vinod , Holla Bharath , Arasappa Rashmi , Rao Naren P. , Varambally Shivarama , Gangadhar B.N. , Keshavan Matcheri S.
Published: February 2023

Yoga philosophy includes the theory of Tri-guna (three mental traits): sattva (signifies a tendency to ‘goodness’), rajas (tendency towards ‘activity’), and tamas (tendency towards “inertia”). This cross-sectional study aimed to understand the differences in the expression of gunas in patients suffering from major psychiatric disorders (n = 113, 40 females) and age-gender-education-matched healthy controls (HCs; n = 113, 40 females). Patients were diagnosed by a psychiatrist using DSM 5 criteria and suffered from the following disorders: depression (n = 30), schizophrenia (SCZ; n = 28), obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD; n = 23), anxiety (n = 16), and bipolar affective disorder (BPAD; n = 16). Tri-gunas were assessed using a validated tool (Vedic Personality Inventory) and symptoms were assessed using standard scales as per the diagnosis. Multi-variate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to assess the differences in guna scores between HCs and patients, and between patients with different diagnoses. A two-tailed Pearson correlation was performed between the gunas and psychometric scales. Results revealed that HCs had significantly higher sattva traits as compared to patients (except those with OCD). Each psychiatric diagnosis also showed a specific guna configuration: (1) Anxiety disorders and OCD: High sattva-rajas, low tamas; (2) Depression: High sattva-tamas, low rajas; (3) Psychotic disorders (SCZ/BPAD): High tamo-rajas, low sattva. Significant positive correlations were observed between rajas traits and anxiety/OC/positive psychotic symptoms, negative psychotic symptoms and tamas traits, and sattva traits and OC symptoms. This finding has clinical implications, both to develop ways of predicting outcomes of psychiatric disorders, as well as to develop psycho-therapeutic and lifestyle interventions targeting the gunas.
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of parents toward sexuality education for primary school children in China
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Yuan Yuzhi
Published: February 2023

This cross-sectional study provides insight into the perceptions of Chinese parents of primary school children with respect to sexuality education. A sample of 19,745 parents was surveyed using an online questionnaire in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, China. SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis. In this study, nearly 90% of parents had positive attitudes toward the sexuality education of children in primary schools. However, Chinese parents had limited knowledge of sexuality education. More than 60% of parents were unaware of the sexuality questions that children may encounter at different ages and did not have any accurate information on child sexual abuse prevention education. Although ~ 70% of parents (both fathers and mothers) reported that they had used television and Internet resources to talk with their children about sexuality and 63% reported that they had read books with their children about sexuality, < 30% reported using appropriate terminology with their children on sexuality education and only 40% reported talking to their children about sexuality comfortably. The multivariate linear regression equation showed some factors associated with the practices of parents in sexuality education, including parental knowledge, attitudes, their experience in receiving sex education in childhood, and their educational level. The findings from this study suggest that it is important to develop culturally relevant training programs for parents of primary schools in Chinese society. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Frailty is associated with worse cognitive functioning in older adults
Authors: Li Chunmei , Ge Song , Yin Yueheng , Tian Chong , Mei Yongxia , Han Peijin
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Frailty and impaired cognitive functioning often co-occur in older adults and are associated with adverse health outcomes. However, their relationship is unclear. This study sought to examine the association of frailty status with cognitive functioning in older adults.

Method

The study population consisted of 2,296 older adults aged ≥60 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014. Frailty status was measured based on the Fried Phenotype and the participants were categorized into three groups- robust, pre-frailty, and frailty. Cognitive functioning was measured using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Word Learning subtest (CERAD-WL) immediate and delayed recall tests, the Animal Fluency test (AFT), and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Test-specific and global cognition z-scores were calculated. Multinomial linear regression models were constructed to examine the association between frailty status (reference: robust) and test-specific and global cognition z-scores. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between the number of frailty dimensions and test-specific and global cognition z-scores. All models controlled for age, race/ethnicity, education, total cholesterol level, and systolic blood pressure.

Results

About half of the participants (median age 68 years) were female (49.9%) and non-Hispanic White (48.7%). A quarter (23.3%) of the participants completed some college and above. Multinominal linear regression showed that compared with participants who were robust, those with frailty had worse DSST [β = –0.234, 95% confidence interval (CI): –0.391, –0.078, P = 0.003] and global cognition z scores (β = –0.129, 95% CI –0.233, –0.025, P = 0.02). Multiple linear regression model showed that the number of frailty dimensions was significantly associated with decreased the DSST (β = –0.065, 95% CI –0.103, –0.026, P = 0.001) and global cognition z-scores (β= –0.034, 95% CI –0.06, –0.009, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Frailty is associated with worse processing speed, sustained attention, working memory, and global cognition in older adults. Prevention and treatment of frailty in older adults may help protect their cognitive functioning. Further, clinicians should consider assessing cognitive functioning, especially processing speed, sustained attention, and working memory, among frail older patients, which may allow early identification and interventions of cognitive impairment.
Association of metabolic syndrome with depression in US adults: A nationwide cross-sectional study using propensity score-based analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhou Quan , Shao Li Hua , Hu Xue Qin , Wen Jun , Xia Jun
Published: February 2023

Background

The association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with depression has been previously reported; however, the results are ambiguous due to imbalanced confounding factors. Propensity score-based analysis is of great significance to minimize the impact of confounders in observational studies. Thus, the current study aimed to clarify the influence of MetS on depression incidence in the U.S. adult population by using propensity score (PS)-based analysis.

Methods

Data from 11,956 adults aged 20–85 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database between 2005 and 2018 were utilized. Using 1:1 PS matching (PSM), the present cross-sectional study included 4,194 participants with and without MetS. A multivariate logistic regression model and three PS-based methods were applied to assess the actual association between MetS and depression incidence. Stratified analyses and interactions were performed based on age, sex, race, and components of MetS.

Results

After PSM, the risk of developing depression in patients with MetS increased by 40% in the PS-adjusted model (OR = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.202–1.619, P < 0.001), and we could still observe a positive association in the fully adjusted model (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.172–1.596, P < 0.001). Regarding the count of MetS components, having four and five conditions significantly elevated the risk of depression both in the PS-adjusted model (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.341–2.016, P < 0.001 vs. OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.626–2.699, P < 0.001) and in the fully adjusted model (OR = 1.56, 95 CI%: 1.264–1.933, P < 0.001 vs. OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.458–2.486, P < 0.001). In addition, an elevation in MetS component count was associated with a significant linear elevation in the mean score of PHQ-9 (F =2.8356, P < 0.001). In the sensitivity analysis, similar conclusions were reached for both the original and weighted cohorts. Further interaction analysis revealed a clear gender-based difference in the association between MetS and depression incidence.

Conclusion

MetS exhibited the greatest influence on depression incidence in US adults, supporting the necessity of early detection and treatment of depressive symptoms in patients with MetS (or its components), particularly in female cases.
Characterization of metagenome-assembled genomes of two endo-archaea of Candida tropicalis
Authors: Jagadeeshwari Uppada , Sasikala Chintalapati , Rai Anusha , Indu B. , Ipsita Sahu , Ramana Chintalapati Venkata
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Host-microbe interactions are pivotal in host biology, ecology, and evolution. Recent developments in sequencing technologies have provided newer insights into the same through the hologenome concept.

Methods

We report here the study on metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) associated with Candida tropicalis (studied through shotgun metagenome sequencing), adding to the knowledge about endomicrobiomes of yeast. De novo assembly and binning recovered two partial archaeal genomes, taxonomically belonging to the phylum Asgardarchaeota.

Results and Discussion

The phylogenomic analysis based on the core genes revealed that both the binned genomes cladded separately with the less studied and uncultivated ‘Candidatus’ superphylum, designated as Asgard archaea (the nearest known relative of eukaryotes). Between the two binned genomes, the average nucleotide index (ANI) was 71.2%. The average nucleotide identities (ANI) of the two binned genomes with ‘Candidatus Heimdallarchaeota’ were 60.4-61.2%. The metabolic pathways of both the binned genomes predicted genes belonging to sulfur reduction, Kreb’s pathway, glycolysis, and C1 carbon metabolism. Further, both the binned genomes were predicted to support autotrophic as well as the heterotrophic mode of growth, which might probably help the host in its nutritional requirements also. Further, the genomes showed few eukaryotic signature proteins (ESPs) and SNARE proteins indicating that members of Asgardarchaeota are the closest relatives of eukaryotes. The gaps present in the metabolic potential of the MAGs obtained and the absence of a few essential pathways shows that they are probably in a symbiotic relationship with the host. The present study, reports for the first-time endosymbiosis of Asgard archaea with yeast. It also provides insights into the metabolic potential, ecology, evolutionary history, and endosymbiotic nature of the important but 160 poorly studied Asgard archaea.
“What are you doing here?”: Narratives of border crossings among diverse Afghans going to the UK at different times
Authors: López María , Ryan Louise
Published: February 2023

Through the “hostile environment” migration policy, the UK government has expressed its commitment to do whatever possible to deter and expel unwanted migrants. Faced with the loss of power in the context of globalization, the Conservative administration, elected in 2010, presented itself as a guarantor of citizens' security. The political discourse of “taking back control” of the nation's borders has resulted in increasingly restrictive immigration and asylum policies. In this paper, we present narratives of Afghans who arrived in the UK at different times and through different routes. As well as those evacuated from Kabul airport in 2021, we also interviewed participants who traveled via insecure routes over land and sea often taking months, or even years, and involving expensive people smugglers. While the evacuation from Kabul was a very public and highly reported event, often with celebratory tones in the international media as Western governments sought to “rescue” Afghan allies, those Afghans who travel to the UK via illegal routes are often stigmatized; demonized in press and political discourses. Building on the emerging body of literature that uses “journey as a narrative device” and drawing upon our novel dataset, we analyze how diverse migrants tell their stories and present agency, within contexts of extreme hazards, to achieve their imagined future. Moreover, applying a spatio-temporal lens we advance understanding of the intersection of place and time in how Afghans traveling to the UK, including recent evacuees, are framed differently with resultant consequences for how border crossings are negotiated and narrated. In so doing, we complicate simplistic categories of deserving vs. undeserving, genuine vs. fraudulent, evacuees vs. irregularised migrants.
The Effect of Business Operating Systems on Nursing Home Termination
Authors: Jin Xueying , Uda Kazuaki , Ishimaru Miho , Kihara Tomomi , Sugiyama Takehiro , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Iso Hiroyasu , Tamiya Nanako
Published: February 2023

Objectives: Nursing home terminations have increased worldwide due to rising costs, staffing shortages, and the coronavirus disease pandemic. However, little is known about the impact that business operating systems have on nursing home termination.

Methods: This study used the National Long-term Care database, which comprised 7,842 operating nursing homes in January 2018. Nursing home termination was identified when nursing homes discontinued provision of long-term care services to all residents between January 2018 and December 2020. Business operating systems that were reimbursed by the LTC insurance system were the exposure of interest. The logistic regression model for nursing home termination included a series of organizational, internal, and external factors as covariates.

Results: From 2018 to 2020, 83 (1.1%) nursing homes were terminated. The proportion of reimbursed nursing homes varied greatly depending on the type of business operating systems. Implementing physical function training and improving working conditions were significantly associated with a lower risk of nursing home termination.

Conclusion: Financial incentives to several business operating systems are an effective way to build a sustainable environment for nursing homes to continue to exist.
Food Intake and Food Selection Following Physical Relocation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kouritzin Trevor , Spence John C. , Lee Karen
Published: February 2023

Objectives: To synthesize the current available evidence on the changes in food intake and food selection after physical relocation in non-refugee populations.

Methods: The inclusion criteria were studies with a measurement of food selection and/or food intake in non-refugee populations where physical relocation had occurred with self-reported or objective assessment of the neighbourhood physical environment before and after relocation. Databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and SCOPUS from 1946 to August 2022.

Results: A total of four articles met the inclusion criteria. Overall, these studies gave longitudinal (n = 2) and cross-sectional (n = 2) evidence to suggest that moving to an urban neighbourhood with more convenience stores, cafés and restaurants around the home was associated with an increase in unhealthy food intake in adult populations. Additional factors such as income, vehicle access, cost, availability and perceptions of the local food environment played a role in shaping food selection and food intake.

Conclusion: Four internal migration studies were found. The limited evidence base calls for more research. Future studies should include children and apply appropriate research designs to account for neighbourhood self-selection and concurrent life events. International migration studies should include assessment of neighbourhood physical environments pre- and post-relocation.
Snakeskin-Inspired 3D Printable Soft Robot Composed of Multi-Modular Vacuum-Powered Actuators
Authors: Lee Seonghyeon , Her Insun , Jung Woojun , Hwang Yongha
Published: February 2023

A modular soft actuator with snakeskin-inspired scales that generates an anisotropic friction force is designed and evaluated in this study. The actuator makes it possible to fabricate soft robots that can move on various surfaces in the natural environment. For existing modulus soft robots, additional connectors and several independent pneumatic pumps are required. However, we designed precise connection and snake-scale structures integrated with a single pneumatic modular actuator unit. The precise structure was printed using a DLP 3D printer. The movement characteristics of the soft robot changed according to the angle of the scale structure, and the movement distance increased as the number of modular soft actuator units increased. Soft robots that can move in operating environments such as flat land, tubes, inclined paths, and water have been realized. Furthermore, soft robots with modularization strategies can easily add modular units. We demonstrate the ability to deliver objects 2.5 times heavier than the full weight of the soft robot by adding tong-like structure to the soft robot. The development of a soft robot inspired by snakeskin suggests an easy approach to soft robots that enables various tasks even in environments where existing robots have limited activity.
Gelatin Soft Actuators: Benefits and Opportunities
Authors: Edward Sandra , Golecki Holly M.
Published: February 2023

Soft robots are being developed as implantable devices and surgical tools with increasing frequency. As this happens, new attention needs to be directed at the materials used to engineer these devices that interface with biological tissues. Biocompatibility will increase if traditional materials are replaced with biopolymers or proteins. Gelatin-based actuators are biocompatible, biodegradable, versatile, and tunable, making them ideal for biomedical and biomechanical applications. While building devices from protein-based materials will improve biocompatibility, these new materials also bring unique challenges. The properties of gelatin can be tuned with the addition of several additives, crosslinkers, and plasticizers to improve mechanical properties while altering the characteristic fluid absorption and cell proliferation. Here, we discuss a variety of different gelatin actuators that allow for a range of actuation motions including swelling, bending, folding, and twisting, with various actuation stimulants such as solvent, temperature, pneumatic pressure, electric field, magnetic field, or light. In this review, we examine the fabrication methods and applications of such materials for building soft robots. We also highlight some ways to further extend the use of gelatin for biomedical actuators including using fiber-reinforced gelatin, gelatin cellular solids, and gelatin coatings. The understanding of the current state-of-the-art of gelatin actuators and the methods to expand their usage may expand the scope and opportunities for implantable devices using soft hydrogel robotics.
Influence of the Reynolds Number on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Small Rotor
Authors: Pérez Gordillo Andres M. , Escobar Jaime A. , Lopez Mejia Omar D.
Published: February 2023

The use of small rotors has increased due their applications in drones and UAVs. In order to improve the global performance of these aerial vehicles, it is necessary to understand the aerodynamics of small rotors, since this is related to the global energy consumption of such vehicles. Most of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies found in the literature that are related to the analysis of small rotors employ fully turbulent models, despite the low-to-moderate Reynolds numbers of these applications. This paper presents CFD simulations for a small rotor at hover at different Reynolds numbers using fully turbulent and transitional SST k−ω turbulence models. Numerical results show that thrust and torque are close to experimental measurements, showing differences of less than 5% for both fully turbulent and transitional models. However, significant differences were observed between the fully turbulent and the transitional models when studying the boundary-layer development and separation. As the Reynolds number was increased, it was observed that at the tip of the blade, these differences were reduced, but at mid-span, the differences were more obvious.
Flush Airdata System on a Flying Wing Based on Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Wang Yibin , Xiao Yijia , Zhang Lili , Zhao Ning , Zhu Chunling
Published: February 2023

By using an array of pressure sensors distributed on the surface of an aircraft to measure the pressure of each port, the flush airdata sensing (FADS) system is widely applied in many modern aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Normally, the pressure transducers of the FADS system should be mounted on the leading edge of the aircraft, where they are sensitive to changes in pressure. For UAVs, however, the leading edge of the nose and wing may not be available for pressure transducers. In addition, the number of transducers is limited to 8–10, making it difficult to maintain accuracy in the normal method for FADS systems. An FADS system model for an unmanned flying wing was developed, and the pressure transducers were all located outside the regions of the leading edge areas. The locations of the transducers were selected by using the mean impact value (MIV), and ensemble neural networks were developed to predict the airdata with a very limited number of transducers. Furthermore, an error detection method was also developed based on artificial neural networks and random forests. The FADS system model can accurately detect the malfunctioning port and use the correct pressure combination to predict the Mach number, angle of attack, and angle of sideslip with high accuracy.
Swirl Flow and Heat Transfer in a Rotor-Stator Cavity with Consideration of the Inlet Seal Thermal Deformation Effect
Authors: Shi Yu , Ding Shuiting , Liu Peng , Qiu Tian , Liu Chuankai , Qiu Changbo , Ye Dahai
Published: February 2023

In the typical structure of a turboshaft aero-engine, the mass flow of the cooling air in the rotor-stator cavity is controlled by the inlet seal labyrinth. This study focused on the swirl flow and heat transfer characteristics in a rotor-stator cavity with considerations of the inlet seal thermal deformation effect. A numerical framework was established by integrating conjugate heat transfer (CHT) analysis and structural finite element method (FEM) analysis to clarify the two-way aero-thermo-elasto coupling interaction among elastic deformation, leakage flow, and heat transfer. Simulation results showed that the actual hot-running clearance was non-uniform along the axial direction due to the temperature gradient and inconsistent structural stiffness. Compared with the cold-built clearance (CC), the minimum tip clearance of the actual non-uniform hot-running clearance (ANHC) was reduced by 37–40%, which caused an increase of swirl ratio at the labyrinth outlet by 5.3–6.9%, a reduction of the Nusselt number by up to 69%. The nominal uniform hot-running clearance (NUHC) was defined as the average labyrinth tip clearance. The Nusselt number of the rotating disk under the ANHC was up to 81% smaller than that under the NUHC. Finally, a clearance compensation method was proposed to increase the coolant flow and decrease the metal temperature.
The Combination of Serum and Oral Fluid Cortisol Levels and Welfare Quality Protocol® for Assessment of Pig Welfare on Intensive Farms
Authors: Plut Jan , Snoj Tomaž , Golinar Oven Irena , Štukelj Marina
Published: February 2023

Animal welfare is important; therefore, veterinarians and other animal welfare experts try to use different tools for pig welfare assessment. Several welfare protocols are available for pig welfare assessment, and one of the most used is Welfare Quality (WQ) protocol®. Elevated values of cortisol can be indicative of stress and, therefore, poor welfare. Our aim was to assess the correlation between serum cortisol levels from individual samples and oral fluid cortisol levels in group samples with the grades received for pig welfare using the WQ protocol®. Samples were taken at six different commercial pig farms. Animals were divided into age-dependent categories: 5 weeks old (w/o); 7 w/o; 9 w/o; 11 w/o weaners; fatteners; and breeding sows (10 pigs/category). Cortisol was determined in individual sera and group samples of oral fluid (OF), and was compared to values considered to be physiological. Based on WQ protocol® answers, five farms’ welfare level was deemed acceptable, and one was enhanced. Four out of 29 sera and 5 out of 30 OF samples were considered physiological, while in most other samples it was elevated. The correlation between cortisol levels in sera, OF, and WQ protocol® scores was not statistically significant. The cortisol level in OF should be just one of the welfare indicators, i.e., alongside the WQ protocol® filled out by a welfare expert.
Adaptive Path Planning for Fusing Rapidly Exploring Random Trees and Deep Reinforcement Learning in an Agriculture Dynamic Environment UAVs
Authors: Castro Gabriel G. R. de , Berger Guido S. , Cantieri Alvaro , Teixeira Marco , Lima José , Pereira Ana I. , Pinto Milena F.
Published: February 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are a suitable solution for monitoring growing cultures due to the possibility of covering a large area and the necessity of periodic monitoring. In inspection and monitoring tasks, the UAV must find an optimal or near-optimal collision-free route given initial and target positions. In this sense, path-planning strategies are crucial, especially online path planning that can represent the robot’s operational environment or for control purposes. Therefore, this paper proposes an online adaptive path-planning solution based on the fusion of rapidly exploring random trees (RRT) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms applied to the generation and control of the UAV autonomous trajectory during an olive-growing fly traps inspection task. The main objective of this proposal is to provide a reliable route for the UAV to reach the inspection points in the tree space to capture an image of the trap autonomously, avoiding possible obstacles present in the environment. The proposed framework was tested in a simulated environment using Gazebo and ROS. The results showed that the proposed solution accomplished the trial for environments up to 300 m3 and with 10 dynamic objects.
The Endophytic Plant Growth Promoting Methylobacterium oryzae CBMB20 Integrates and Persists into the Seed-Borne Endophytic Bacterial Community of Rice
Authors: Walitang Denver I. , Roy Choudhury Aritra , Lee Yi , Choi Geon , Jeong Bowon , Jamal Aysha Rizwana , Sa Tongmin
Published: February 2023

Endophytic persistence of inoculated plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) involves interaction with the host plant and the host’s indigenous endophytic bacterial communities. This study investigated the persistence of Methylobacterium oryzae CBMB20 into the rice endosphere together with the impact of inoculation on the diversity and community structure of the root and shoot bacterial endophytes in Oryza sativa L. spp. indica cv. IR29. Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis of the root and shoot showed that M. oryzae CBMB20 was able to integrate and persist in the rice endosphere without causing drastic shifts in bacterial endophytic diversity and community composition. The bacterial communities in the root and shoot are very similar to the seeds of IR29, suggesting that most of them are seed-borne. The root endosphere bacterial communities of inoculated and uninoculated IR29 plants are more diverse compared to the shoots in terms of richness and diversity indices. The dominant bacterial T-RFs of the root endosphere of IR29 belong to Microbacterium, Delftia, Pseudomonas, Xanthomonas and Stenotrophomonas, Herbaspirillum, Enterobacter, and Sphingomonas, as observed in the three restriction enzyme T-RFLP profiles. Bacterial clades identified as Curtobacterium, Enterobacter, Stenotrophomonas, and Xanthomonas were distinctly observed in both the root and shoot communities, and these bacterial groups are also the dominant endophytes of the shoot endosphere. This study showed that Methylobacterium oryzae CBMB20 could persist and incorporate into the endophytic bacterial community of the endosphere without causing long-term antagonistic interactions with its host plant and with the native microbiota.
Allelopathic Potential of Sweet Sorghum Root Exudates and Identification of the Relevant Allelochemicals
Authors: Kakar Kifayatullah , Xuan Tran Dang , Khanh Tran Dang
Published: February 2023

This study determined the influence of cattle manure compost, chemical fertilizers, and mulch on the growth of weeds, sugar content, and growth of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). The inhibitory potential of root exudates from two sweet sorghum cultivars (A; K1151 and B; K3351) was also evaluated. Chemical fertilizers increased the plant height, stem weight, biomass production, and sugar content of sweet sorghum. The total phenolic contents in the root exudates were 22.93 mg gallic acid equivalent per g dry weight (GAE/g DW) for cultivar A and 15.66 mg GAE/g DW for cultivar B. The total flavonoid contents in the root exudates were 14.77 mg rutin equivalent per g dry weight (RE/g DW) for cultivar A and 12.44 mg RE/g DW for cultivar B. The leaf extracts contained a higher amount of total phenolics and flavonoids than that of the stem and root. The inhibitory level of the root exudates from cultivar A on the seed germination and shoot growth of lettuce was greater than for cultivar B. Six phenolic acids, including protocatechuic, p-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, sinapic, p-coumaric, and benzoic acids, were detected from root exudates, root, stem, and leaf of both cultivars. The amount of p-coumaric acid in root exudates was greater than the other plant parts; however, protocatechuic acid was only found in the root exudates. p-Coumaric and protocatechuic acids may play an important role in the allelopathy of sweet sorghum to help reduce the dependence on synthetic herbicides in agricultural practice. This study indicates that cultivation methods and fertilization are important to increase both agronomic and economic values of sweet sorghum in agricultural production.