bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learn a prior question-aware feature for machine reading comprehension
Authors: Zhang Yu , Shen Bo , Cao Xing
Published: December 2022

Machine reading comprehension aims to train machines to comprehend a given context and then answer a series of questions according to their understanding of the context. It is the cornerstone of conversational reading comprehension and question answering tasks. Recently, researches of Machine reading comprehension have experienced considerable development with more and more semantic features being incorporated into end-to-end neural network models, such as pre-trained word embedding features, syntactic features, context and question interaction features, and so on. However, these methods neglect the understanding of the question itself and the information sought by the question. In this paper, we design an auxiliary question-and-answer matching task to learn the features of different types of questions and then integrate these learned features into a classical Machine reading comprehension model architecture to improve its ability to comprehend the questions. Our auxiliary task relies on a simple Question-Answer Pairs dataset generated by ourselves. And we incorporate the learned question-type information into the Machine reading comprehension model by prior attention mechanism. The model we proposed is named PrA-MRC (Prior Attention on Machine reading comprehension). Empirical results show that our approach is effective and interpretable. Our Question-Answer Pairs model achieves an accuracy of 84% and our PrA-MRC model outperforms the baseline model by +0.7 EM and +1.1 F1 on the SQuAD dataset.
Plant-growth-promoting bacteria from rhizosphere of Chilean common bean ecotype (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) supporting seed germination and growth against salinity stress
Authors: Meza Cynthia , Valenzuela Francisca , Echeverría-Vega Alex , Gomez Aleydis , Sarkar Shrabana , Cabeza Ricardo A. , Arencibia Ariel D. , Quiroz Karla , Carrasco Basilio , Banerjee Aparna
Published: December 2022

Salinity abiotic stress is increasing day by day due to continuous global warming and climate change. This is also becoming one of the major causes behind the reduction in crop production. Plant–bacteria interaction plays an essential role in improving crop yield without using any chemical fertilizers. The present study aims to characterize the interaction between plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and their role in mitigating salinity stress for local variety crops. Therefore, in this work, two PGPB, namely,Bacillus proteolyticusCyn1 andBacillus safensisCyn2, were isolated from rhizospheric soil of the Chilean common bean ecotype “Sapito” (Phaseolus vulgarisL.), and their PGPB traits were analyzed. Cyn1 can produce NH3and HCN and also secrete siderophores, whereas Cyn2 produced NH3and siderophores but responded negatively to HCN production. Both the isolated bacteria have shown a positive result for ACC deaminase production, phosphate solubilization, and catalase enzyme secretion. Under all three tested abiotic stresses, i.e., temperature, water, and salinity, both the bacteria and their consortium have demonstrated positive responses. Cyn1 under temperature stress and water stress can produce a biofilm network to combat the stress. While under salinity stress, both the PGPB isolates indicated the production of stress components and cytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Based on the response, among all other abiotic stresses, salinity stress was chosen for further plant–bacteria interaction study and growth. Visible root colonization of the bacteria has been observed in comparison to the control. The germination index was 100% for all experimental setups of seed bacterization, both under control conditions and salinity stress. Both bacteria responded with good PGP traits that helped in the growth of healthy plants after the bacterial treatment in final pot experiments. Additionally, the consortium and the plants treated with Cyn1 have demonstrated high production of photosynthetic pigments in both experimental setups. BothB.proteolyticusCyn1 andB.safensisCyn2 have shown promising PGP characters and efficient response against toxicity related to salinity. Hence, both of these bacteria and consortium can be used for improved agricultural production of Chilean native common beans in the near future.
Sparse attention double-channel FCN network for numerical analysis tracheid features in larch
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Lixin , Wang Saipeng , Chen Xun , Jing Weipeng
Published: December 2022

Understanding the macro-mechanical behavior of wood at the micro-scale is of great significance for the design of cell-wall-like composite materials and pulp papermaking. In order to predict tracheid mechanical properties and analyze its relationship with tracheid features, based on the FCN network model, a double-channel FCN network with sparse attention (D-SA-FCN) was designed by introducing the double-channel mechanism and the sparse attention mechanism. The features of tracheid of larch were extracted numerically and the data set was established by using the compression strength data, the gray level co-occurrence matrix, cell segmentation and geometric analysis. A feature analysis algorithm based on PCA and random forest was established to optimize the feature values. The training set accuracy of the D-SA-FCN network model reached 85.75% with the five-level mechanical property level according to the classification standard. The accuracy of the training model is 71.48% and 79.52% when the morphological and texture features are input respectively. The results show that texture features had a more significant impact on mechanics to a certain extent and the D-SA-FCN could reduce the computational complexity and improve the prediction accuracy.
Transcriptomics‐based analysis of the causes of sugar receding in Feizixiao litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pulp
Authors: Peng Junjie , Du Jingjia , Wuqiang Ma , Chen Tiantian , Shui Xian , Liao Haizhi , Lin Xiaokai , Zhou Kaibing
Published: December 2022

To investigate the causes of the “sugar receding” in ‘Feizixiao’ litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) pulp, the main sugar contents and sucrose metabolism enzyme activities were measured in pulp obtained in 2020 and 2021. Pulp RNA obtained in 2020 was extracted at 35, 63, and 69 days after anthesis (DAA) for transcriptome sequencing analysis. The differential expression of genes was verified by real-time PCR for both years. The results showed that after 63 DAA, the contents of soluble sugars and sucrose decreased, and the contents of fructose and glucose increased in both years. The dynamic changes in sucrose metabolism enzyme activities were similar in both years. After 63 DAA, except for acid invertase (AI) in 2021, the activities of other enzymes decreased significantly, and the net activity of sucrose metabolism enzymes showed a strong sucrose cleavage activity. There were 18061, 19575, and 985 differentially expressed genes in 35 d vs. 63 d, 35 d vs. 69 d, and 63 d vs. 69 d, respectively. Ninety-one sugar metabolism genes were screened out, including sucrose synthase (SS), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), AI, neutral invertase (NI), hexokinase (HK), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6PGD), phosphofructokinase (PFK), and pyruvate kinase (PK) genes. In 63 d vs. 69 d, seventy-five percent of sucrose metabolism genes were downregulated, seventy-seven percent of genes in glycolysis (EMP) were upregulated and the PFK genes were significantly upregulated. There was a significant linear correlation between the expression of 15 genes detected by real-time PCR and the transcriptome sequencing results (r2020 = 0.9139, r2021 = 0.8912). These results suggest that the upregulated expression of PFK genes at maturity may enhance PFK activity and promote the degradation of soluble sugar in pulp through the EMP pathway, resulting in decreased soluble sugar and sucrose contents and “sugar receding” in pulp. Moreover, the downregulated expression of sucrose metabolism genes in pulp decreased the activities of these enzymes, but the net activity of these enzymes resulted in cleaved sucrose and replenished levels of reducing sugars, resulting in a stable reducing sugar content.
The African citrus psyllid Trioza erytreae: An efficient vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus
Authors: Reynaud Bernard , Turpin Patrick , Molinari Florencia M. , Grondin Martial , Roque Solène , Chiroleu Frédéric , Fereres Alberto , Delatte Hélène
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Huanglonbing (HLB) is the most serious disease of citrus in the world, associated with three non-cultivable phloem-restricted bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), Ca L. africanus (CLaf) and Ca L. americanus (CLam). CLas is transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri, and has spread to several countries. The African psyllid Trioza erytreae, the vector of CLaf occurs in Africa and neighbouring islands. Only two major citrus-growing regions - Australia/New Zealand and the Mediterranean Basin - are still HLB-free in the world. However, T. erytreae has recently been introduced into continental Europe (Portugal and Spain) and has become a potential threat to citrus production. The transmission of CLas by T. erytreae had been postulated but never tested. To evaluate the risk of T. erytreae transmitting CLas, comparative transmissions of CLas by T. erytreae and D. citri were assessed.

Methods

Transmission tests were performed on excised leaves and seedlings of Citrus volkameriana with different inoculation access periods (in series) for both insect species. Quantifications of bacterial titers were made in excised leaves, seedlings three and six months after inoculation and on individual insects.

Results

Our results showed that T. erytreae was able to efficiently acquire CLas. Furthermore, T. erytreae carried significantly higher bacterial titers than D. citri, and was able to efficiently transmit the bacteria to seedlings at a similar rate that D. citri highlighting the high risk of spread of the most aggressive variant of HLB (CLas) by T. erytreae in Europe.

Discussion

Thus, extreme precautions to prevent any entry of CLas into Europe should be adopted.
Can smartphone use affect chronic disease self-management among Chinese middle-aged and older adults? A moderated mediation model
Authors: Gong Fangmin , Lei Zhaowen , Min Hewei , Yu Yebo , Huang Zhen , Liu Jingyao , Wu Wenyu , Tang Jingqi , Sun Xinying , Wu Yibo
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Chronic disease self-management is influenced by many factors. Previous studies have linked patients’ media use with chronic disease self-management, but the underlying mechanisms of this relationship are less understood.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to explore the mediating role of family health (FH) between frequency of smartphone use (FOSU) and self-management behaviors among middle-aged and older patients with chronic diseases (SBAMAOPWCD) through a moderated mediation model, and whether this indirect relationship is modified by the solitary status of middle-aged and older Chinese patients with chronic disease.

Methods

Surveys were collected from 1,424 (N = 1,424; age > 45) middle-aged and older with one or more chronic conditions in China on self-reports of FOSU, FH and Chronic disease self-management behaviors were used to examine the moderated mediation model.

Results

The results showed that the FOSU was significantly and positively associated with SBAMAOPWCD (β = 0.220, p < 0.001; β = 0.170, p < 0.001; β = 0.167, p < 0.001; β = 0.158, p < 0.001); The Family health resources (FHR) dimension of FH and the Family external social supports (FESS) dimension mediated the relationship between the FOSU and SBAMAOPWCD (β = −0.0758, CI: −0.1402, −0.0236; β = 0.0721, CI: 0.0141, 0.1458), Among them, the FHR dimension mediated mainly among FOSU, exercise and cognitive symptom management practices (CSMP; β = −0.0344, CI: −0.0652, −0.0102; β = −0.0401, CI: −0.0725, −0.0138), the FESS dimension of the FH mediated the relationship between the FOSU and communication with physicians (CWP; β = 0.0376, CI: 0.0116, 0.0705); Solitary state played a moderating role in the relationship between FHR dimension and SBAMAOPWCD (live alone β = −0.2395, CI: −0.4574, −0.0661; not live-alone β = −0.0599, CI: −0.1164, −0.0172). In addition, solitary state played a moderating role in the relationship among FHR dimension and CSMP for middle-aged and older patients (live alone β = −0.1095, CI: −0.1961, −0.0378; not live-alone β = −0.0334, CI: −0.0633, −0.0102). Interestingly, the relationship between FESS dimension and SBAMAOPWCD was moderated only by the non-live alone population (β = 0.0676, CI: 0.0008, 0.1478), and not by the live-alone population (β = 0.1026, CI: −0.1061, 0.3278).Unexpectedly, we found that when their FHR were lower, they reported higher levels of chronic disease self-management, middle-aged and older patients with chronic diseases who live alone are more significant in this impact relationship.

Conclusions

The study further deepens our understanding of the mechanisms linking frequency of smartphone use with chronic disease self-management behaviors, and it helps to develop interventions to improve chronic disease self-management behaviors in middle-aged and older adults.
The fellow effect on college students’ academic performance
Authors: Zeng Guohua , Zhong Minglong , Wu Wenwen
Published: December 2022

This paper uses data from the 2018 College Graduates Employment Survey in a province in central China to investigate whether there is a fellow effect (a special kind of peer effect) among groups of college students in colleges and universities. It was found that a group of fellows with higher academic achievement would have a significant positive effect on individual students’ achievement; conversely, it would have a significant negative effect on individual student’s achievement. To avoid endogeneity problems, this paper conducted a two-stage regression analysis using the average education level of the parents of the fellow as an instrumental variable; to ensure the robustness of the findings, this paper used the fellow sample at the municipal level for the regression. The analysis of heterogeneity found that the effect of good grades in the fellow had a greater impact on the individual academic performance of girls compared to boys; in terms of geography, the effect of fellow showed a decreasing trend from eastern to central and western China; in terms of major categories, the effect of fellow also showed a greater difference between humanities majors and social science majors.
Dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activities of herbal medicines through the comprehensive review of the recent literatures
Authors: Sun Yilu , Zhao Jia , Rong Jianhui
Published: December 2022

Depression is clinically defined as a mood disorder with persistent feeling of sadness, despair, fatigue, and loss of interest. The pathophysiology of depression is tightly regulated by the biosynthesis, transport and signaling of neurotransmitters [e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)] in the central nervous system. The existing antidepressant drugs mainly target the dysfunctions of various neurotransmitters, while the efficacy of antidepressant therapeutics is undermined by different adverse side-effects. The present review aimed to dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant activities of herbal medicines toward the development of effective and safe antidepressant drugs. Our strategy involved comprehensive review and network pharmacology analysis for the active compounds and associated target proteins. As results, 45 different antidepressant herbal medicines were identified from various in vivo and in vitro studies. The antidepressant mechanisms might involve multiple signaling pathways that regulate neurotransmitters, neurogenesis, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, endocrine, and microbiota. Importantly, herbal medicines could modulate broader spectrum of the cellular pathways and processes to attenuate depression and avoid the side-effects of synthetic antidepressant drugs. The present review not only recognized the antidepressant potential of herbal medicines but also provided molecular insights for the development of novel antidepressant drugs.
Diagnostic paths and service needs of children with autism spectrum disorder and with other neurodevelopmental disorders in Bulgaria
Authors: Barokova Mihaela D. , Andreeva-Sapundzhieva Ana , Andonova Elena , Markova-Derelieva Galina , Karpur Arun
Published: December 2022

Background

Currently, there are no official statistics about the number of children with developmental disorders in Bulgaria. This is the first systematic investigation of the needs, access to services, and priorities of families of children with developmental disorders in the country.

Aims

The study aims to: (1) characterize the needs of children with developmental disorders in Bulgaria; (2) to compare the needs and access to services of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (oNDD); (3) and to examine the daily burden of their caregivers and how it varies based on their demographic characteristics, such as income and education.

Methods

We used an online family needs assessment survey to collect data from caregivers of children with developmental disorders in Bulgaria between April and July 2020. 195 parents of children with ASD and 73 parents of children with oNDD completed the questionnaire.

Results

Children with ASD waited longer than children with oNDD to receive a diagnosis. Caregivers in the ASD group also expressed first concerns about their child’s development when their children were older and for different reasons than caregivers in the oNDD group. There were no significant differences between groups in service encounters, including access to and delay of medical, counseling, and educational services, with approximately 50% of all caregivers experiencing some delay and/or difficulties in access to services. There were no associations between access to services and caregiver education and family income, with the exception of higher education being linked to receiving a diagnosis earlier for the oNDD group.

Discussion

This study has three main findings: (1) children with ASD and children with oNDD in Bulgaria have different needs and paths to diagnosis; (2) nevertheless, children in both groups experience similar challenges in accessing medical, counseling, and educational services, regardless of their demographic characteristics; and (3) parents’ priorities focus on education, counseling, and medical support, protecting children’s basic rights, and raising awareness. A comparison of our findings to past research in the region shows a relative improvement in diagnostic services with families not having to travel outside their city to receive a diagnosis. Based on our findings, we provide specific recommendations for changes in services and policy.
Leishmania spp. in indigenous populations: A mini-review
Authors: Kmetiuk Louise Bach , Tirado Thais Cristina , Biondo Leandro Meneguelli , Biondo Alexander Welker , Figueiredo Fabiano Borges
Published: December 2022

Leishmaniasis, considered a neglected vector-borne disease complex of global concern, has a significant impact on indigenous communities due to daily human and animal exposure in periurban, rural, and naturally preserved areas. This mini-review aims to assess and discuss studies of leishmaniasis in these communities of the New World and Old World, particularly those in the Americas and Asia. Such indigenous communities have been mostly built in poor traditional households with no mosquito-net protection, mostly located in environmentally protected areas, favoring vectors and reservoirs. The presence of leishmaniasis cases surrounding such indigenous areas indicated a high risk of infection, which may have been historically underestimated due to a lack of surveillance, even at present. The absence of studies of indigenous populations in recognized endemic areas may reflect insufficient health services. In conclusion, the persistence of this neglectful scenario may impact tragic outcomes and potential outbreaks in indigenous peoples and surroundings populations worldwide.
Prediction model of all-cause death based on balance ability among middle-aged and older Chinese adults of overweight and obesity
Authors: Xie Kaihong , Han Xiao , Lu Jia , Xu Xiao , Hu Xuanhan
Published: December 2022

Background

Advances in studies using body indicators to predict death risk. Estimating the balance ability of death risk in middle-aged and older Chinese adults with overweight and obesity is still challenging.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the data from the China Health and Retirement Study from January 2011 to December 2018. A total of 8,632 participants were randomly divided into 7:3 a training group and a verification group, respectively. Univariable Cox analysis was used to prescreen 17 potential predictors for incorporation in the subsequent multivariable Cox analysis. Nine variables were included in the nomogram finally and validated with concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, and internal validation population.

Results

287 participants were death in the training group. One hundred and thirteen participants were death in the verification group. A total of nine indicators were included in the modeling group, including gender, age, marriage, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, ADL, IADL, and balance ability to establish a prediction model. The nomogram predicted death with a validated concordance index of (C-index = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.74–0.80). The inclusion of balance ability variables in the nomogram maintained predictive accuracy (C-index = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.73–0.82). The calibration curve graph and Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P > 0.05 for both the modeling group and the verification group) showed the model has a good model consistency.

Conclusion

In the present study, we provide a basis for developing a prediction model for middle-aged and older people with overweight and obesity. In most cases, balance ability is more reversible than other predictors.
Exploring factors influencing the compliance of patients and family carers with infection prevention and control recommendations across Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Korea
Authors: Park Ji Yeon , Pardosi Jerico Franciscus , Respati Titik , Nurhayati Eka , Islam Md. Saiful , Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Amin , Seale Holly
Published: December 2022

Background

Poor compliance with infection prevention and control (IPC) measures has been a longstanding issue globally. To date, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been the primary target for policy and strategy revisions. Recent studies exploring the contributing factors to the spread of COVID-19 across countries in Asia have suggested that the scope of focus should be extended to family carers who provide patient care activities. This study aimed to explore factors affecting patients' and their family carers' IPC compliance in hospitals in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and South Korea.

Method

A qualitative study incorporating 57 semi-structured interviews was conducted in five tertiary-level hospitals across the three focus countries between July 2019 and February 2020. Interviews were undertaken with: (1) patients, family carers and private carers; and (2) healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, and hospital managers. Drawing upon the principles of grounded theory, data were inductively analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of three main themes and eight subthemes are identified. Key themes focused on the assumptions made by healthcare workers regarding the family/private carers' level of understanding about IPC and training received; uncertainty and miscommunication regarding the roles of family/private carers; variations in carer knowledge toward IPC and healthcare-associated infections, and the impact of cultural values and social norms.

Conclusion

This exploratory study offers novel findings regarding the factors influencing IPC compliance among patients and their family/private carers across various cultural settings, irrespective of resource availability. The role of cultural values and social norms and their impact on IPC compliance must be acknowledged when updating or revising IPC policies and guidelines.
An exploration on COVID-19 vaccination motivation patterns from the perspective of the Chaxu culture in metropolis of China: A multi-center study
Authors: Huang Jiaoling , Jiang Zhiyun , Gu Jie , Yang Yuqi , Yan Yuge , Gu Xiaoqing , Bai Yundan , Liang Yan
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Chaxugeju is a very special Chinese culture following a self-centered and outward expanding social network, which might be a significant culture factor for vaccination behavior. This study aimed to identify the motivation pattern in China, and paid special focus on socio-economic status (SES), region, and migration.

Methods

We used a latent class analysis, with a sample of 12,432 participants collected in China from April to June, to identify the COVID-19 vaccination motivation patterns. Multinomial logistic regression models were utilized to separately explore associations between SES, migration, region, and COVID-19 vaccination motivation patterns.

Results

Three COVID-19 vaccination motivation patterns were identified: Self-protection (41.9%), Trust and Self-protection (38.5%), and Trust and Differential Protection (19.6%). Participants with higher income were more likely to be Trust and Self-protection, and when income is more than 50,000 CNY per month, they are more likely to be self-protection. Professional/white collar were more likely to be Self-protection. Participants from Shenzhen were more likely to be Trust and Differential protection. The moderating effects of gender were found for income and region. Gender does not moderate the associations of occupation or migration and COVID-19 vaccination motivation patterns.

Conclusion

Three motivational patterns were identified in which the Trust & Differential Pattern followed the traditional self-family-community Chaxu circle. However, the Chaxu motivation pattern was not the dominant one which might be weakened by SES. Migration and Shenzhen preserved the traditional social network, keeping in the trust and differential pattern. All of these factors in various cultural contexts should be considered when promoting vaccines.
Is Chinese Spring Festival a key point for glycemic control of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in China?
Authors: Xu Huilin , Cao Li , Li Jun , Zhang Fen , Wang Weijie , Liang Tongtong , Liu Xiaohua , Fu Chaowei
Published: December 2022

Objectives

This study aims to explore the long-term trend of fasting blood glucose (FBG) among urban patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the impacts of the Chinese Spring Festival on their glycemic control in urban China.

Methods

The general information and longitudinal monitoring data of patients with T2DM in Minhang District, Shanghai China from 15 December 2006 to 31 December 2015 were collected. The FBG records were grouped into three periods, namely, the preholiday period (2 months right before the Chinese Spring Festival), the holiday period (from 28 December to 7 January of the lunar calendar year), and the postholiday period (2 months after the Chinese Spring Festival). The Mann-Kendall trend test and Cochran-Armitage trend test were occupied to explore the long-term trend, and paired t-test and chi-square (χ2) test were used to determine the differences in glycemic level and control rate between the preholiday and postholiday periods, respectively.

Results

From 2007 to 2015, the glycemic control rate in patients with T2DM showed an upward trend (P < 0.001), and the FBG level showed a decreasing trend (P = 0.048). After the Chinese Spring Festival, the glycemic control rate decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and the FBG level increased significantly (P < 0.001) compared to those during the preholiday period. The incidence of hypoglycemia increased during holidays. Patients who were aged 60–69 years, overweight or obese, with hypertension, with a disease duration of <3 years, or with poor glycemic control in one previous year were more likely to be affected by the holiday.

Conclusion

Chinese Spring Festival is a key point for glycemic control of patients with T2DM in China. Intensive holiday-specific diabetic healthcare needs to be further improved, and community-based interventions should be developed and implemented to control the possible holiday effects.
A scoping review of the social dimensions in food insecurity and poverty assessments
Authors: Bartelmeß Tina , Jasiok Sarah , Kühnel Elias , Yildiz Juliane
Published: December 2022

Food poverty is a phenomenon that is currently receiving increasing social attention in both the Global South and the Global North. It is often equated with food insecurity, for which numerous assessment tools and reports exist. However, only limited specific data can be found on food poverty. Starting from a theoretical concept of food poverty, this article examines in a scoping review which dimensions of food poverty are captured by indices and indicators of food insecurity and general poverty assessments. The review focuses particularly on the social dimension of food poverty and points out that it is under-reported and that no adequate assessment tools exist so far. Existing indices and indicators of food insecurity and general poverty assessments are critically reviewed and suggestions for the assessment of social food poverty for policy and practice derived.
Benefits of local food system survey experience for participants and stakeholders: A case study of Akita, Japan
Authors: Ota Kazuhiko , Taniguchi Yoshimitsu , McGreevy Steven R.
Published: December 2022

Local food systems are complex, and there is no single direct way to address their sustainability transition successfully. Therefore, a system transformation approach called 'co-evolution' is needed. Co-evolution requires continuous cooperation and participation of people from different community sectors and spaces for recursive mutual learning. This paper focuses on the secondary effects of citizen surveys on food systems on the actors involved and how citizen surveys experience can cultivate the conditions for co-evolution. The authors supported a 6-month “transition seminar”, a series of learning programs for visioning, fieldwork, analysis of findings, and recommendations for sustainability transitions in local food systems, organized by high school students. This seminar was conducted in 2017 at a high school in Noshiro, Akita Prefecture, Japan, at the request of one of the students. The seminar was held for 8 sessions in total for about 30 high school students who requested it, with the theme of transforming the local food system in the Noshiro area. Participants developed a vision of a desirable local food system under the theme of “the community's ideal food system 30 years from now,” conducted fieldwork surveys, planned to realize the vision, and made policy proposals to the mayor of Noshiro. After the seminar, the result of the group interview shows that the fieldwork survey experience, in particular, had a long-term impact on participants' understanding of and ability to reflect on the food system and policies in the Noshiro area. In addition, interviews conducted in 2019 confirmed various secondary effects, including increased interest and networking among participating high school students, teachers, and stakeholders. This result suggests that citizen surveys for sustainable food systems have spillover various positive effects on stakeholders, including providers (researchers). Moreover, citizen surveys experience support collaboration and participation between different community sectors and space for recursive mutual learning and cultivate conditions for co-evolution.
Assessment of inland flood hazard sensitivity to hydrological intensification in coastal watersheds
Authors: Miller Robert L.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Intensification of the hydrologic cycle induced by climate variability and landscape modification is expected to increase the frequency of extreme flood events. Multi-jurisdictional approaches to manage inland flood risks at watershed scales demand the ability to objectively assess not only future flood potentials, but to also set priorities based upon multiple factors such as the stream channels most sensitive to hydrologic stress.

Methods

This study presents a method to estimate flood hazard sensitivities to increasing stormwater runoff due to hydrologic intensification (e.g., urbanization, climate effects) on local and watershed scales. The method is demonstrated in the low-gradient inland watershed regions of southwestern coastal Louisiana, USA. Utilizing highly detailed numerical models from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), absolute and relative flood sensitivities were calculated for 45 flood-prone stream channels in the Lafayette, LA region. Channel sensitivities to flood hazards induced by changes in the 10-yr (10% annual exceedance probability) flood flows were quantified by analysis of 485 scenarios developed using a downward counterfactual scaling strategy.

Results and discussion

Relying entirely upon publicly available numerical models and input datasets, the study revealed key information about the relationship between estimable hydraulic characteristics (e.g., conveyance, resistance, and flow) and absolute and relative flood hazard sensitivity measures on a per-channel basis. Information from the subset of detailed numerical models was efficiently leveraged to provide a regional map of relative flood sensitivities. The methodology is robust and can be applied in very general settings to address the concern of hydrologic intensification in practical flood risk management applications.
School performance in youth after a concussion
Authors: DeMatteo Carol A. , Jakubowski Josephine , Randall Sarah , Stazyk Kathy , Lin Chia-Yu , Yakubov Rebecca
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study aimed to identify school problems and levels of cognitive activity in youths aged 5–18 years with a concussion during the recovery stages of return to school (RTS).

Study Design

In a prospective cohort, participants completed in-person assessments at three time points: First Visit Post-injury, Symptom Resolution Visit, and Follow-Up Visit. These time points varied based on the participants’ recovery progress. The post-concussion symptom scale (PCSS) and a cognitive activity scale were completed every 2 days until symptom resolution was achieved. Participants and their parents completed a school questionnaire detailing how their concussion had impacted their school learning/performance and their level of concern about their injury as well as the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing (ImPACT).

Results

Sixty-three percent (N = 44/70) of participants returned to school by the First Visit Post-injury (average 7.7 days following injury), and of these, 50% (N = 22) were experiencing school problems. Sixty-five participants (out of 70) returned to school at the Follow-Up Visit, and of these, 18% reported school problems. There was a significant difference in the school problems reported by parents and youth. At the First Visit Post-injury, the youth reported more problems (p = 0.02), and the In-Person Symptom Resolution Visit with parents reported more problems (p = 0.01). The cognitive activity score increased, while the PCSS score decreased from RTS Stage 1 to Stage 5.

Conclusions

This study identified that 50% of youth experienced school problems at the First Visit Post-injury, whereas only 18% reported school problems at the Follow-Up Visit. There is a significant difference in the perception of school problems reported by youth and their parents at different stages of recovery. The amount and complexity of cognitive activity increased with decreasing symptoms and increasing RTS stage. Findings can guide youth with a concussion and their parents in supporting a cautious return to school with accommodations. Healthcare providers and researchers can use this knowledge to better support youth in their return to school and understand the importance of gathering information from youth and their parents to gain the best insight into recovery.
Economic benefit and social impact derived by a food loss prevention strategy in the vegetable sector: A spatial and temporal analysis at the regional level
Authors: Tonini Pietro , Odina Pere Muñoz , Orsini Francesco , Durany Xavier Gabarrell
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Reduction of food loss in the horticultural sector is critical to simultaneously support the transition toward a diet with higher consumption of vegetables and the achievement of policy goals aimed at halving the quantity of wastage by 2030. However, the lack of precise information and the presence of múltiple interconnected factors makes it difficult to assess the potential socioeconòmic benefits and therefore the decision-making process of food loss reduction strategies.

Methods

A case study approach has been used to assess the econòmic loss and nutrional impact of food loss in the horticulture primary production. The selection of the main vegetable products was based on an historical series while econòmic and nutritional impact were estimated starting from national and European indicator.

Results

The food loss correspond to 26% of the total production and 14% of the total agricultural production econòmic value. The social analysis confirm the possibility of redistributing food loss among the population even in the most critical months and areas.

Discussion

The combination of social and econòmic indicator resulted essential to provide key information at the decision-making level to pave the way for the elaboration of short- and long-term food loss reduction strategies. Indeed, no single-bullet strategy can be applied to overcome the problem of food loss as many actor with different needs are involved.
Quantitative risk assessment of salmonellosis in Cambodian consumers through chicken and pork salad consumption
Authors: Rortana Chea , Dang-Xuan Sinh , Nguyen-Viet Hung , Unger Fred , Lindahl Johanna F. , Tum Sothyra , Ty Chhay , Grace Delia , Osbjer Kristina , Boqvist Sofia
Published: December 2022

Salmonella is a globally important foodborne bacterial pathogen that poses a high risk to human health. This study aimed to estimate the risk to Cambodian consumers from acquiring salmonellosis after consuming chicken and pork salad, using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Chicken and pork salads are typical Cambodian dishes containing raw vegetables and boiled chicken meat or pork. As previously described, chicken meat and pork samples (n = 204 of each) were collected from traditional markets in 25 Cambodian provinces to generate data on Salmonella contamination. Salad preparation and consumption practices were surveyed in 93 Cambodian households and this information was used to design an experiment to assess Salmonella cross-contamination from raw meat to ready-to-eat salad. In the part of the study reported here, data on consumption, Salmonella in salad, dose-response, and predicted salmonellosis were modeled using Monte Carlo simulations at 10,000 iterations. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork were set to 42.6 and 45.1%, respectively, with average most probable number (MPN) per gram of Salmonella in chicken meat was 10.6 and in pork 11.1 MPN/g, based on an earlier study. Half of the interviewed households cooked meat for the salad directly after purchase. The QMRA model showed that the modeled annual risk of salmonellosis from consuming chicken salad, pork salad and both chicken and pork salad were 11.1% probability of illness per person per year (90% CI 0.0–35.1), 4.0% (90% CI 0.0–21.3), and 14.5% (90% CI 0.0–33.5), respectively. The factors most influencing the estimate were cross-contamination while preparing the salad, followed by the prevalence of Salmonella in chicken meat and pork at the market. The wide confidence interval for the incidence was mainly due to the variability in reducing bacteria concentration by cooking and salad consumption. The predicted risk of salmonellosis due to chicken and pork salad consumption is high, and the study provides evidence supporting control measures of improving the safety of retailed chicken and pork obtained from markets to households and improving food preparation methods in the household.
Foodborne zoonoses control in low- and middle-income countries: Identifying aspects of interventions relevant to traditional markets which act as hurdles when mitigating disease transmission
Authors: Leahy Eithne , Mutua Florence , Grace Delia , Lambertini Elisabetta , Thomas Lian Francesca
Published: December 2022

Globally, foodborne zoonoses are responsible for approximately one third of all foodborne disease burden and this picture is likely to worsen if consumption of animal source foods continues to rise with insufficient attention to risk mitigation. Traditional markets represent highly important nodes that can be targeted for risk mitigation; in this series of case studies, we discuss food safety interventions relevant to this nexus. We illustrate that to improve food safety within traditional markets it is essential to consider some of the motivations and incentives of the stakeholders involved and the cultural, social, and economic context in which interventions are undertaken, highlighting barriers, enablers future interventions should aim to avoid, embrace. We also conclude that a holistic approach to foodborne zoonoses control will require the institutionalization of One Health across food systems of which traditional markets are part.
Current treatment strategies for primary upper extremity deep venous thrombosis; a retrospective observational multicenter case series
Authors: de Kleijn R. J. C. M. F. , Schropp L. , Westerink J. , Nijkeuter M. , van Laanen J. , Teijink J. , Ünlu C. , Vos A. W. F. , van Hattum E. S. , Petri B. J. , de Borst G. J.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Current treatment strategies for primary upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (pUEDVT) range from conservative treatment with anticoagulation therapy to invasive treatment with thoracic outlet decompression surgery (TOD), frequently combined with catheter directed thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, or stenting. Due to a lack of large prospective series with uniform data collection or a randomized trial, the optimal treatment strategy is still under debate. We conducted a multicenter observational study to assess the efficacy and safety of both the conservative and invasive treatment strategies for patients with pUEDVT.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from patients treated in five vascular referral and teaching hospitals in the Netherlands between 2008 and 2019. Patients were divided into a conservative (Group 1), an invasive treatment group (Group 2) and a cross-over group (Group 3) of patients who received surgical treatment after initial conservative therapy. Follow-up consisted of outpatient clinic visits and an electronic survey. Primary outcome was symptom free survival defined as absence of any symptom of the affected arm reported at last follow-up regardless of severity, or extent of functional disability. Secondary outcomes were incidence of bleeding complications, recurrent venous thromboembolism, surgical complications, and reinterventions.

Results

A total of 115 patients were included (group 1 (N = 45), group 2 (N = 53) or group 3 (N = 27). The symptom free survival was 35.6%, 54.7% and 48.1% after a median follow-up of 36, 26 and 22 months in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Incidence of bleeding complications was 8.6%, 3.8% and 18.5% and recurrent thrombosis occurred in 15.6%, 13.2% and 14.8% in groups 1–3 respectively.

Conclusion

In this multicenter retrospective observational cohort analysis the conservative and direct invasive treatments for pUEDVT were deemed safe with low percentages of bleeding complications. Symptom free survival was highest in the direct surgical treatment group but still modest in all subgroups. Perioperative complications were infrequent with no related long term morbidity. Of relevance, pUEDVT patients with confirmed VTOS and recurrent symptoms after conservative treatment may still benefit from TOD surgery. However, symptom free survival of this delayed TOD seems lower than direct surgical treatment and bleeding complications seem to occur more frequently.
Center of pressure and ground reaction forces in Labrador and Golden Retrievers with and without hip dysplasia at 4, 8, and 12 months of age
Authors: Virag Yvonne , Gumpenberger Michaela , Tichy Alexander , Lutonsky Christiane , Peham Christian , Bockstahler Barbara
Published: December 2022

Canine hip dysplasia (CHD) is a common orthopedic disease. Owing to the importance of CHD in affected dogs, both clinically and for their use in breeding or work, increasing attention is being given to early diagnosis. Therefore, early clinical and radiological examination of young animals is increasingly in demand, whereas common CHD screening according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is usually performed at the age of 12 months or even older in Europe. One way to objectively evaluate gait pattern is to measure the ground reaction forces (GRFs) and center of pressure (COP). In this study, we used a pressure plate to evaluate the GRF and COP parameters for 32 Labrador Retrievers and 17 Golden Retrievers at 4, 8, and 12 months of age. The dogs also underwent radiological examination of the hip joints following the FCI rules at the age of at least 12 months, which were grouped as sound (FCI grade A or B) and diseased (FCI grade C or worse). The results revealed significantly higher COP values in both breeds in the diseased limb groups at any measurement point during walking, with the most pronounced results obtained at 8 months of age. Furthermore, COP values during walking were significantly higher at 4 months than at 8 and 12 months in both the sound and diseased limb groups, indicating an increased stability of the gait pattern. Except for COP-Speed, the values of all COP parameters were higher during walking than during trotting at 4 months of age (i.e., COP-Speed was higher when trotting), indicating that the 4-beat gait in walk is more difficult to control for puppies than the 2-beat gait in trot. Overall, our results support the early evaluation of CHD in growing animals using non-invasive methods.