bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Energy-Based Nonlinear Dynamic Model of Dielectric Elastomer Minimum Energy Structures with Stiffeners: Equilibrium Configuration and the Electromechanical Response
Authors: Khurana Aman , Patra Asesh , Joglekar M M
Published: October 2021

The Dielectric Elastomer-based Minimum Energy Structures (DEMES) pertain to an equilibrium configuration attained by the assembly of a pre-stretched electroactive polymer film and a compliant boundary frame. Because of their unique characteristics, such as fast response and a large reversible stroke; DEMES have been used widely in the development of soft robotic transducers. However, their utility is typically restricted because of the warping resulting from anticlastic curvature. The present investigation examines the effectiveness of stiffeners in controlling this warping, as well as their effect on the resulting electromechanical response when the DEMES is driven electrically. To this end, we devise an energy-based analytical model that predicts the initial equilibrium configuration of an elementary rectangular DEMES with a finite number of stiffeners adhered to the boundary frame. The proposed framework uses the neo-Hookean hyperelasticity model for the polymer film and the linear elastic constitutive model for both the frame and the stiffeners. Predictive capability of the proposed analytical model is established through comparisons with 3D finite element simulations and experimental observations. The analytical model is then extended in the setting of the least-action principle to investigate the complex nonlinear dynamic behavior of the DEMES emanating from the interplay between material and geometric nonlinearities. The proposed dynamic model provides crucial insights into the role of varying levels of geometric and material parameters on the attainment of the initial equilibrium configuration of DEMES and its DC dynamic response when driven by a Heaviside electric load. In particular, we highlight the favorable impact of adding stiffeners in enhancing the stroke of the DEMES and an amplification in the attained equilibrium angle with an increasing spacing between the stiffeners. The analytical model and the results reported in this investigation can be of potential use in pre-designing the geometrical and material properties of DEMES for enhancing its electromechanical performance.
A Comparative Study of Different Granular Structures Induced from the Information Systems
Authors: Kong Qingzhao , Xu Weihua , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: October 2021

Binary information table, multi-valued information table and set-valued information table are three kinds of information systems often encountered in information processing. For any information system, we can often induce different information granular structures, and then construct the corresponding rough set models. Generally speaking, for the same information system, three models of Pawlak rough set, covering rough set and multi-granulation rough set can be induced according to different rules. These three kinds of rough set models are effective tools for data mining and information processing. This paper studies the relationship among Pawlak rough set, covering rough set and multi granularity rough set induced in binary information table, multi-valued information table and set-valued information table, and obtains many important conclusions. The research content of this paper effectively connects the theories, methods and applications of Pawlak rough set, covering rough set and multi granularity rough set, which not only enriches the rough set theory, but also expands the application prospect of rough set.
Global Finite-Time Set Stabilization of Spacecraft Attitude with Disturbances using Second-Order Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Guo Zeyu , Wang Zuo , Li Shihua
Published: October 2021

The performance of attitude stabilization control algorithms for rigid spacecraft can be limited by disturbances. In this paper, the global finite-time attitude stabilization problem with disturbances is investigated and handled by constructing a second-order sliding mode controller. Firstly, a virtual controller based on set stabilization idea is constructed to globally finite-time stabilize the system. Then, a relay polynomial second-order sliding mode controller is constructed to guarantee that the tracking error towards the virtual controller will converge to zero in finite-time. Finite-time Lyapunov theory is applied to support the proof and stability analysis. The global finite-time stability holds even with bounded disturbances. The effectiveness and feasibility of the controller are illustrated by the numerical simulations.
Responses of soil water consumption of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties to nitrogen application levels
Authors: NOOR HAFEEZ , Min Sun , Lin Wen , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: October 2021

Background: SPAD value of flag leaf increased highest N rate was 280 kg ha–1. 200-300 cm at maturity stage, indicating the importance of deep soil water storage for grain filling. Variety YH-20410 increased the soluble sugar content in grains protein, and dry gluten.Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on different wheat cultivars. We investigated the influence of topsoil N availability on different varieties, and uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).Methods: The experiment included two varieties (YH-618, and YH-20410) and three nitrogen levels, (N0, N210, and N280 kg ha–1). The higher nitrogen uptake and soil water consumption, grain protein content, and yield at higher planting densities and will benefit farmers by forming stronger overall crops.Results: Indicated that wheat variety YH-20410 had the higher nitrogen uptake and soil water consumption, grain protein content, and yield at higher planting densities and will benefit farmers by forming stronger overall crops. The results indicated that suitable nitrogen fertilizer could reduce soil water to jointing stage, provide more water use for wheat in later growth stage, and promote better soil water consumption from flowering to maturity stage. It also indicated that soil water storage decreased from 80-200 cm at flowering stage to 200-300 cm at maturity stage, indicating the importance of deep soil water storage for grain filling.Conclusions: Nitrogen application amount 210 kg ha–1 combined to variety YH-20410 increased the soluble sugar content in grains at the filling stage, which was conducive to the accumulation of sucrose, and starch in grains; 210 kg ha–1 was beneficial to increase the content of wheat gluten in grains, obtain higher protein content and yield in grains, and increase the content of dry gluten in grains. The indicated that wheat variety YH-20410 had the higher nitrogen uptake and soil water consumption, grain protein content, and yield at higher planting densities and will benefit farmers by forming.
Dynamic versus Concurrent Lighting with Red and Blue Light-emitting Diodes as the Sole Light Source Can Potentially Improve Campanula Stock Plant Morphology for Cutting Production
Authors: Kamath Devdutt , Kong Yun , Dayboll Chevonne , Zheng Youbin
Published: October 2021

Short campanula (Campanula portenschlagiana ‘PGM Get MEE’®) stock plants present a difficulty in machine-harvesting of cuttings. Light adjustment may be an effective approach to mediate plant elongation. Two experiments were performed to 1) investigate whether short-term (five weeks) daily 24-h dynamic lighting (DL) with red and blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can promote elongation without inducing flowering, and 2) explore whether DL can be used to modify stock plant morphology to improve the cutting quality and rooting success in a controlled environment. Two lighting treatments were used: concurrent lighting (CL) with red (85%) and blue (15%) LEDs (RB) at 100 µmol·m−2·s−1 and DL with red (170 µmol·m−2·s−1), blue (30 µmol·m−2·s−1), and RB (100 µmol·m−2·s−1) LEDs sequentially at three different lighting stages, respectively, in both experiments. In Expt. 1, at final harvest of stock plants, the side branches were longer under DL compared with CL, but the five (= 2 + 2 + 1) weeks of 24-h daily lighting resulted in visible flower buds under both treatments. Based on the results of Expt. 1, a second experiment (Expt. 2) was conducted with the same cultivar and experimental conditions, but with a shorter photoperiod (10 h·d−1) for 11 (= 8 + 2 + 1) weeks. In Expt. 2, at final harvest, DL compared with CL caused more upright side branches, and reduced the dry biomass of side branches with one branching order and leaf chlorophyll content. However, the harvested cutting quality and rooting success were similar between both treatments. In both experiments, side branch number under DL was greater compared with CL at the end of the first lighting stage. Stock plants under DL were taller from the second lighting stage on to final harvest compared with CL, and the final heights of stock plants under DL met the target for machine-harvest in both experiments. Therefore, if the lighting strategy is further optimized, DL can potentially benefit controlled-environment production of campanula cuttings.
Bibliometric Analysis of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Research Publications from Horticulture Category Based on the Web of Science
Authors: Yuan Bao-Zhong , Bie Zhi-Long , Sun Jie
Published: October 2021

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an economically important vegetable crop that is cultivated worldwide. The current study aimed to identify and analyze the 2030 articles and review article about cucumber research from the horticulture category of the VOS viewer Web of Science. Bibliometric data were analyzed by bibliometric science mapping and visualization tools. Articles mainly written in English (1884; 92.81%) were from 5630 authors, 80 countries or territories, and 1094 organizations; they were published in 46 journals and book series. The top five core journals are Scientia Horticulturae (337; 16.60%), HortScience (265; 13.05%), Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science (239; 11.77%), European Journal of Plant Pathology (195; 9.61%), and Horticulture Journal (Journal of the Japanese Society for Horticultural Science) (157; 7.73%). These journals each published more than 157 articles. The top five countries and regions were the United States, People’s Republic of China, Japan, South Korea, and India. The top five organizations were the University of Wisconsin, North Carolina State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service, Michigan State University, and Nanjing Agricultural University. The top five authors are Todd C. Wehner (Wehner, TC), Jack E. Staub (Staub, JE), Yiqun Weng, R.L. Lower, and S. Tachibana; each published more than 24 articles. All keywords used for cucumber research in the horticulture category were separated into eight clusters for different research topics. Visualizations offer exploratory information regarding the current state in a scientific field or discipline as well as indicate possible developments in the future. This review could be a valuable guide for designing future studies.
Nondestructive Detection of Internal Flavor in ‘Shatian’ Pomelo Fruit Based on Visible/Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Xu Sai , Lu Huazhong , Wang Xu , Ference Christopher M. , Liang Xin , Qiu Guangjun
Published: October 2021

Visible/near-infrared (VIS/NIR) spectroscopy is a powerful tool for rapid, nondestructive fruit quality detection. This technology has been widely applied for quality detection of small thin-peel fruit, although less so for large thick-peel fruit because of the low signal-to-noise ratio of the spectral signal, resulting in a reduction of accuracy. More modeling work should be focused on solving this problem. This research explored a method of spectroscopy for the total soluble solid (TSS) content and acidity detection of ‘Shatian’ pomelo, which are two major parameters of fruit internal flavor. VIS/NIR spectral signal detection of 100 pomelo samples during storage was performed. Detection based on raw data, signal jitter, and scattered light noise removal, feature extraction, and deep learning were performed and combined with modeling detection to achieve an accurate step-by-step detection. Our results showed that 600 W is the optimal light intensity for detecting the internal flavor of pomelo. The TSS content of pomelo is optimally detected using Savitzky-Golay (SG) + multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) + genetic algorithm (GA) + principal component analysis (PCA) + convolutional neural network (CNN) + partial least squares regression (PLSR); however, acidity of pomelo is optimally detected using SG + MSC + GA + PLSR. With the optimal detection method, the coefficient of determination and root mean squared error (RMSE) of the validation set for TSS detection are 0.72 and 0.49, respectively; and for acidity detection are 0.55 and 0.10, respectively. Even though the accuracy is not high, the data are still acceptable and helpful in nondestructive quality grading of large quantities postharvest fruit. Therefore, our results demonstrated that VIS/NIR was feasible for detecting the TSS content and acidity of postharvest pomelo, and for providing a possible method for the nondestructive internal quality detection of other large thick-peel fruit.
Analysis of Phenolic Compounds and Some Important Analytical Properties in Selected Apricot Genotypes
Authors: Göttingerová Martina , Kumšta Michal , Rampáčková Eliška , Kiss Tomáš , Nečas Tomáš
Published: October 2021

The apricot is attractive for several reasons, with the most important being the harvest period and the significant amount of contained substances that positively affect human health. This report discusses the identification and quantification of phenolic substances in 15 selected apricots. The following 14 phenolic compounds were identified: 4aminobenzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, flavonols quercetin and quercitrin, isoquercetin (quercetin-3-β-D-glucoside), rutin, resveratrol, vanillin, phloridzin, phloretin, epicatechin, catechin, and transpiceid. Significant amounts of phytochemicals found in apricot fruits are chlorogenic acid [0.69–21.94 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW)], catechin (0.55–10.75 mg/100 g FW), epicatechin (0.04–13.52 mg/100 g FW), and rutin (1.49–20.44 mg/100 g FW). Rutin and chlorogenic acid were the dominant compounds found in the studied set of cultivars. Furthermore, other important analytical properties of fruits (total acids, vitamin C, total content of phenolic substances, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and carotenoids) were also determined.
Morphological and Physiological Responses of Cucumber Seedlings to Different Combinations of Light Intensity and Photoperiod with the Same Daily Light Integral
Authors: Yan Zhengnan , Wang Long , Dai Jiaxi , Liu Yufeng , Lin Duo , Yang Yanjie
Published: October 2021

Lighting strategies for morphological and physiological characteristics of horticultural crops often focus on the proper daily light integral (DLI); however, a suitable combination of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and photoperiod at the same DLI is conducive to optimize the light environment management in vegetable seedling production. In the present study, cucumber seedlings (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Tianjiao No. 5) were grown for 21 days under six different combinations of PPFD and photoperiod at a constant DLI of 11.5 mol⋅m−2⋅d−1, corresponding to a photoperiod of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, and 22 h⋅d−1 provided by white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) under a controlled environment. Results showed that plant height, hypocotyl length, and specific leaf area of cucumber seedlings decreased quadratically with increasing photoperiod, and the opposite trend was observed in seedling quality index of cucumber seedlings. In general, pigment content and fresh and dry weight of cucumber seedlings increased as photoperiod increased from 7 to 16 h⋅d−1, and no significant differences were found in fresh and dry weight of shoot and root as photoperiod increased from 16 to 22 h⋅d−1. Sucrose and starch content of cucumber leaves increased by 50.6% and 32.3%, respectively, as photoperiod extended from 7 to 16 h⋅d−1. A longer photoperiod also led to higher cellulose content of cucumber seedlings, thus improving the mechanical strength of cucumber seedlings for transplanting. CsCesA1 relative expression level showed a trend similar to cellulose content. We propose that CsCesA1 is the key gene in the response to cellulose biosynthesis in cucumber seedlings grown under different combinations of PPFD and photoperiod. In summary, prolonging the photoperiod and lowering PPFD at the same DLI increased the quality of cucumber seedlings. An adaptive lighting strategy could be applied to increase seedling quality associated with the reduction of capital cost in cucumber seedling production.
Economic and technogical considerations on the 3D printing components with SLA printing process
Authors: Mircea Dorin Vasilescu
Published: October 2021

The purpose scope of this paper is to analyse the economic aspects of making 3D printing components for the development of machine for experimental devices or stands used in laboratory or industrial activity. The author of this paper intends to make a clarification related to the approach of the productive economic aspects through the production of components through the additive technology of SLA type. The work is structured in 5 chapters. For the generation of the constructive elements, a laser printer will be used, where the components will be generated on the bottom-up principle. The analysis will be carried out both from a constructive and functional point of view, taking into account possibilities of component design and their realization. The next chapter is allocated to analysing how to perform the printer's command program and to check the part structure. Part of this chapter is devoted to the way and role of the elements of orientation and support of the component that is being made. The fourth chapter presents the economic calculation program made with practical applications related to the parts generated in the previous chapter. The last chapter is allocated to the conclusions and comparisons from the technological-economic point of view compared with other specific technologies for generating the analysed parts.
Parametric analysis of gravity Vortex turbines as a low cost renewable energy alternative from low head hydraulic resources
Authors: Ünsalan Deniz
Published: October 2021

The long existent worldwide trend for large scale hydroelectric power plants, relying on dams are now under severe criticism for the large areas their reservoirs occupy, which are often fertile agricultural areas and sometimes flood cultural heritage sites. However, there are also environment-friendly alternatives for hydroelectric power production, which are capable to obtain energy from small scale streams with relatively low heads. Such smaller scale sources with low cost facilities can be used for electric production by alternative schemes that use small streams, irrigation canals and divertions from rivers, tidal pools, overtopping wave energy converters and urban wastewater. One of the recent types of such plants are the gravity vortex turbines that use the naturally occurring “sink vortex” draining such water. They are highly efficient and able to obtain energy from sources with flow rates as low as 1 m3/s and heads as low as 0.80 m. Such water sources are abundant in most of the rural areas and it is possible to obtain either an important part or the total need of the energy requirement of the nearby communities with such systems. Gravity vortex turbines have low costs due to their simple structure and are easy to maintain. They can also be implemented for overtopping wave energy and tidal energy systems, as well as recovery units of pumped energy storage schemes. The purpose of this paper is to propose relations for the design and parametric analysis to size the relevant parts of the plant- the pool and the turbine. Potential flow is assumed throughout the analysis. Attempts to obtain optimized relations between the relative sizes and rotational speeds for the pool, water source, turbine are made and inputs for preliminary design are obtained.
Classroom study of GNSS position accuracy using smartphones
Authors: Ünsalan K. Izet
Published: October 2021

The data used in this paper were collected by the participants of the first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) “GPS: An Introduction to Satellite Navigation, with an interactive Worldwide Laboratory using Smartphones”, offered by Stanford University through Coursera, taught by professors Per Enge and Frank van Diggelen. More than 1000 users worldwide determined their position in open and urban areas and submitted their results, which were compared with the claimed accuracy. Additionally, the authors of the MOOC have proposed the “Law of Urban Multipath” that predicts GNSS position accuracy based on heights of buildings in the proximity. In this study, the aforementioned data was analyzed to obtain practical results that can be used to improve the accuracy of simple smartphone and tablet based GNSS measurements. In the undergraduate course taught by the first author, this methodology was used as a laboratory tool for the improvement of navigation and positioning skills of the students.
Application of Soil Quality to Monitoring and Management
Authors: Herrick Jeffrey E. , Brown Joel R. , Tugel Arlene J. , Shaver Patrick L. , Havstad Kris M.
Published: October 2021

Recent interest in soil quality and rangeland health, and the large areas set aside under the USDA Conservation Reserve Program, have contributed to a gradual convergence of assessment, monitoring, and management approaches in croplands and rangelands. The objective of this paper is to describe a basis for integrating soils and soil quality into rangeland monitoring, and through monitoring, into management. Previous attempts to integrate soil indicators into rangeland monitoring programs have often failed due to a lack of understanding of how to apply those indicators to ecosystem function and management. We discuss four guidelines that we have used to select and interpret soil and soil quality indicators in rangelands and illustrate them using a recently developed rangeland monitoring system. The guidelines include (i) identifying a suite of indicators that are consistently correlated with the functional status of one or more critical ecosystem processes, including those related to soil stability, soil water infiltration, and the capacity of the ecosystem to recover following disturbance; (ii) basing indicator selection on inherent soil and site characteristics and on site‐ or project‐specific resource concerns, such as erosion or species invasion; (iii) using spatial variability in developing and interpreting indicators to make them more representative of ecological processes; and (iv) interpreting indicators in the context of an understanding of dynamic, nonlinear ecological processes defined by thresholds. The approach defined by these guidelines may serve as a paradigm for applying the soil quality concept in other ecosystems, including forests and ecosystems managed for annual and perennial crop production.
Measuring the Cost of Restricting Access to Cropland for Manure Nutrient Management
Authors: Fleming Ronald A. , Long James D.
Published: October 2021

In the area of animal manure management, an issue of concern is the slope of cropland to which manure can be applied without fear of surface runoff of nutrients and other environmental contaminants. In Kentucky, regulators and environmentalists favor a 12% slope limit while agriculturalists favor a slope limit set at 18%. The purpose of this research is to assess the impact on manure management cost of an environmental policy that restricts the slope of cropland to which swine (Sus scrofa) manure can be applied from 18 to 12%. Using a geographical information system, U.S. Geological Survey land use and land coverage maps and digital elevation maps are scanned to identify crop production areas suitable for manure management. Economic impacts are measured by translating changes in area suitable for manure applications into distances that manure must be transported. Results indicate that restricting manure application to a slope of <12% is likely to impact a region of significant pork production in Kentucky. This more restrictive slope policy increased the manure management cost of feeder operations producing 5000 head annually by as much as $0.35 head−1 (a 7% reduction in net return) across 85% of the state's agricultural area.
Kenaf Forage Yield and Quality under Varying Water Availability
Authors: Nielsen David C.
Published: October 2021

A broadleaf forage crop grown in rotation with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) would diversify dryland crop rotations in the central Great Plains. Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) provides good quality livestock forage, but yield and quality have not been evaluated under varying water availability conditions. This study determined kenaf soil water extraction, plant height, regrowth following cutting, dry matter (DM) yield, and forage quality responses to varying water availability. Kenaf was planted on a Weld silt loam (fine, smectitic, mesic Aridic Argiustolls) under a line‐source gradient irrigation system. Water conditions ranged from rainfed to full evapotranspiration replacement. Kenaf was harvested in early August and then again in October. Dry matter yield increased linearly with increases in available water and water use, with about 2000 kg ha−1 DM yield produced with 274‐mm water use increasing to 6000 kg ha−1 with 507‐mm water use. Crude protein (163 to 279 g kg−1) decreased with increasing water use. Neutral detergent fiber (229 to 478 g kg−1) and acid detergent fiber (168 to 314 g kg−1) increased with increasing water use. Total digestible nutrients (656 to 840 g kg−1) and relative feed value (range 130 to 308) decreased with increasing water use. For a given amount of water use, kenaf DM yield was lower than corn (Zea mays L.) silage, but kenaf crude protein production was higher than corn silage (73–215%). Kenaf appears to be a high quality livestock forage that has potential as both an irrigated or dryland crop in the central Great Plains.
Comparison of Uniform‐ and Variable‐Rate Phosphorus Fertilization for Corn–Soybean Rotations
Authors: Wittry David J. , Mallarino Antonio P.
Published: October 2021

Variable‐rate (VR) technology can be used to vary fertilization rates within a field. The objective of this study was to compare VR and uniform‐rate (UR) P fertilization for corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations. Grid soil sampling (0.2‐ to 1.7‐ha cells), differential global positioning systems (DGPS), and grain yield monitors were used in strip trials established on six fields (12 site‐years). Three replicated P fertilization treatments were a control (no P) and a single application of the P requirement of the 2‐yr rotation based on soil‐test P (STP) using UR or VR. Measurements were plant dry weight (DW), P concentration (PC), and P uptake (PU) when crops were 15 to 20 cm tall; grain yield; and STP after crop harvest. Phosphorus increased grain yield (P ≤ 0.05) of five crops, and the fields had initial mean STP ≤ 16 mg kg−1 (Bray‐P1 or Mehlich‐3). Phosphorus increased plant DW, PC, and PU of five, six, and seven crops, respectively. Within each field, yield responses were observed only in areas with STP < 20 mg kg−1 and (or) areas with Clarion soil (fine‐loamy, mixed, mesic, Typic Hapludoll). The responses of plant DW, PC, and PU were not related to STP or soil series. The fertilization method did not influence (P ≤ 0.05) crop responses to P. However, VR fertilization resulted in better P fertilizer management because it applied 12 to 41% less fertilizer and reduced STP variability compared with the traditional UR fertilization method.
Impact of Rice Straw Incorporation on Soil Redox Status and Sulfide Toxicity
Authors: Gao Suduan , Tanji Kenneth K. , Scardaci Steven C.
Published: October 2021

Incorporation of rice (Oryza sativa L.) straw into the soil has become an alternative to straw burning to improve air quality in the Sacramento Valley, California. However, straw addition to paddies could promote reducing conditions that may lead to sulfide accumulation and plant toxicity. Sulfide toxicity has been observed in randomly localized field sites and is characterized by blackened roots, retarded growth, fewer standing plants, and even death in severe cases. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of straw incorporation on soil redox status and sulfide toxicity to rice in a greenhouse pot study. Treatments included straw incorporation (0, 6, and 23 g straw kg−1 soil) and sulfate additions (0, 160, and 800 mg SO4 kg−1 soil). Redox status was evaluated by identifying dominant terminal electron‐accepting processes and geochemical redox classes based on oxidative capacity. Higher straw incorporation rates led to more reducing conditions at earlier times. The most reducing conditions (methanic) were observed within 3 wk for the 23 g straw kg−1 soil treatment and in about 6 wk for the 6 g straw kg−1 soil treatment and were not observed till the end of the experiment when no straw was added. Straw incorporation significantly reduced grain yield (p < 0.0001), number of tillers (p < 0.0001), and plant height at 4 wk (p = 0.01). Sulfate addition only showed significant reduction on the number of tillers (p = 0.0028). Soluble sulfide concentrations were very low, mainly due to precipitation with Fe. The higher straw incorporation rates induced sulfide toxicity symptoms and reduced rice yield significantly. It is not clear, however, if other causes, such as organic acids and salinity, may have contributed to the adverse impact of straw incorporation on rice.
ATTITUDE OF MEDICAL STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR ROLE IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors:   Associate Professor Anatomy, SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar., Ul Hassan Ashfaq , Abdullah Yasser ,   Post MDS Resident(Orthodontics) SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar., Hamid Sajad ,   Assistant Professor Anatomy, SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar., Mursaleen Tazeem Bukhari Sayed ,   Assistant Professor Anatomy, SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar.
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Pandemic leads to all sorts of psychological and financial problems. One substantial group significantly affected includes medical students. The need of the hour is to deliver safety and least exposure of students to the COVID 19 positive individuals. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared in paper based form and distributed to hundred (100) students in the department of Anatomy Sheri kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Bemina Srinagar. Discussion: The questionnaire depicted the experience of medical students with tele-education, including questions related to ability to use electronic devices, nature and speed of internet employed, type of electronic devices the students own, experience of advanced technology in medical education. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic depicted negative psychological effects on medical students. In this study, we observed that most medical students had access to electronic devices and were able to use them.
UNRAVELING (COVID) MUCOR MYCOSIS, DENTISTS AT THE DEEP END - A MINI REVIEW
Authors:   Sr. Lecturer, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Uthandi, Chennai, India., Chandrasekaran Nirmala , Kumar Ramachandran Anil ,   Professor and Head, Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, Uthandi, Chennai, India., Padmanabha Kumar G. ,   Head of the Department, Dept of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, MAHSA University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Dhanraj Siddharth ,   Senior Lecturer, Dept of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Published: October 2021

COVID-19 otherwise called as SARS-Cov-2 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome declared as pandemic by WHO, resulted in increased mortality globally. Post covid recovered patients developed a wide range of opportunistic bacterial and fungal infections including mucormycosis. Even though mucormycosis is known as a life-threatening disease in immunocompromised patients and patients with uncontrolled diabetes with high rates of morbidity and mortality, application of a proper protocol and adhering to the standard guidelines in the management from initial stage to advanced complex stage can reduce the morbidity and mortality. Since the early clinical signs and symptoms arise in the oral and maxillofacial region, the role of general dentist in early detection of the clinical signs and symptoms and in particular the early surgical intervention by the Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons can definitely reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by mucormycosis. Poor prognosis and increased morbidity are often related to delayed diagnosis and delayed management without proper guidelines. This article aims to describe in brief mucormycosis with the current update and the role of an endodontist in diagnosis and management of this fungal infection.
PSYCHO EDUCATION INTERVENTION IN SEIZURE
Authors:   Associate Professor - Indirani College of Nursing, Puducherry., E. Chandraleka , Sivapriya S. ,   Lecturer, Ranimeyyammai College of Nursing, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu.
Published: October 2021

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease, which affects people of all ages. Patients often have deficits regarding their knowledge of epilepsy. Many of them have recurrent seizures, psychosocial, and emotional problems and report restrictions in daily living as a result of their epilepsy. Meanwhile, a variety of psycho educational programs have been developed with the intention to improve knowledge, coping with epilepsy, quality of life, compliance, and health status. These educational programs vary considerably in regard to content, didactic approach, and objectives. Overall, from the small number of evaluated programs it is evident that educational programs can improve epilepsy-related knowledge, improve the management of seizures, and reduce misinformation and misconceptions about epilepsy. They can support adults, adolescents, and children with epilepsy and their families and enable them to cope with the disease they can sometimes also reduce seizure frequency and improve compliance with antiepileptic drugs. The effects on emotional disorders (e.g. depression) and quality of life are less obvious.
Outcomes of a Blended Care Coaching Program for Clients Presenting With Moderate Levels of Anxiety and Depression: Pragmatic Retrospective Study
Authors: Wu Monica S , Chen Shih-Yin , Wickham Robert E , O’Neil-Hart Shane , Chen Connie , Lungu Anita
Published: October 2021

Background

Depression and anxiety are leading causes of disability worldwide, but access to quality mental health care is limited by myriad factors. Cognitive-behavioral coaching is rooted in evidence-based principles and has the potential to address some of these unmet care needs. Harnessing technology to facilitate broader dissemination within a blended care model shows additional promise for overcoming barriers to care.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of a blended care coaching (BCC) program for clients presenting with moderate levels of anxiety and depression in real-world settings.

Methods

This study examined retrospective data from US-based individuals (N=1496) who presented with moderate levels of depression and anxiety symptoms and who received blended care coaching services. Using a short-term framework, clients met with coaches via a secure video conference platform and also received digital video lessons and exercises. To evaluate the effectiveness of the BCC program, mixed effects modeling was used to examine growth trajectories of anxiety and depression scores over the course of care.

Results

Out of the total sample of 1496 clients, 75.9% (n=1136) demonstrated reliable improvement, and 88.6% (n=1326) recovered based on either the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale (anxiety) or Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (depression). On average, clients exhibited a significant decline in anxiety and depression symptoms during the initial weeks of coaching, with a continued decline over subsequent weeks at a lower rate. Engaging in a coaching session was associated with lower anxiety (b=–1.04) and depression (b=–0.79) symptoms in the same week, as well as lower anxiety (b=–0.74) and depression (b=–0.91) symptoms the following week (P<.001).

Conclusions

The BCC program demonstrated strong outcomes in decreasing symptomology for clients presenting with moderate levels of anxiety and depression. When clients received coaching sessions, significant decreases in symptoms were observed, reflecting the importance of session attendance. Additionally, the steepest declines in symptoms tended to occur during the initial weeks of coaching, emphasizing the importance of client buy-in and early engagement. Collectively, these findings have implications for addressing unmet mental health care needs in a more accessible, cost-effective manner.
Augmenting Traditional Support Groups for Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Using Instagram: Mixed Methods Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Malik Faisal S , Lind Cara , Duncan Sarah , Mitrovich Connor , Pascual Michael , Yi-Frazier Joyce P
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

In-person support groups have been shown to benefit adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) by helping to decrease perceived diabetes burden and improving knowledge related to chronic disease management. However, barriers exist to participation in traditional support groups, including the timing and location of meetings and resources needed to attend. Adolescents are increasingly utilizing online support groups, which may provide solutions to some of the challenges faced when implementing in-person support groups.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a hybrid support group model where traditional in-person support groups were augmented with Instagram participation between monthly support group sessions for adolescents with T1D.

METHODS

Participants (13-18 years old with T1D for ≥6 months) were asked to post photos each week for 3 months based on predetermined topics related to diabetes management. At the end of each month, participants attended an in-person support group to discuss their photos using the Photovoice method. Feasibility was assessed through enrollment and retention, number of Instagram posts, poststudy questionnaire, and a template analysis of the focus groups.

RESULTS

Of 24 eligible participants, 16 (67%) enrolled in the study, with 3 dropping out prior to support group participation. The number of photos posted over 3 months ranged from 14 to 41. Among the 11 participants who completed a follow-up questionnaire, the majority of participants (6/11, 55%) reported that they very much enjoyed participating in the hybrid support group, and more than three-quarters (9/11, 82%) of participants reported that they “related to the photos posted.” Over half of participants (8/11, 73%) reported “learning something new from the photos posted,” which arose from sharing knowledge and experiences related to navigating the common challenges of diabetes management. Additionally, the use of Instagram posts helped facilitate peer discussions during the in-person support groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel combination of using Instagram to augment traditional in-person support groups was feasible and acceptable to adolescents with T1D. The overall satisfaction with the hybrid support group model, combined with the observed engagement with peers between support group sessions over social media, suggests that a hybrid support group model may have the potential to provide more pronounced benefits to adolescents than in-person meetings alone. Future research should investigate the use of social media as part of the support group model and examine the potential improvement of self-esteem, benefit-finding, and social support using validated tools in adolescents with diabetes.
Quantifying the Severity of Adverse Drug Reactions Using Social Media: Network Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Lavertu Adam , Hamamsy Tymor , Altman Russ B
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) affect the health of hundreds of thousands of individuals annually in the United States, with associated costs of hundreds of billions of dollars. The monitoring and analysis of the severity of ADRs is limited by the current qualitative and categorical systems of severity classification. Previous efforts have generated quantitative estimates for a subset of ADRs but were limited in scope because of the time and costs associated with the efforts.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to increase the number of ADRs for which there are quantitative severity estimates while improving the quality of these severity estimates.

METHODS

We present a semisupervised approach that estimates ADR severity by using social media word embeddings to construct a lexical network of ADRs and perform label propagation. We used this method to estimate the severity of 28,113 ADRs, representing 12,198 unique ADR concepts from the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities.

RESULTS

Our Severity of Adverse Events Derived from Reddit (SAEDR) scores have good correlations with real-world outcomes. The SAEDR scores had Spearman correlations of 0.595, 0.633, and −0.748 for death, serious outcome, and no outcome, respectively, with ADR case outcomes in the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. We investigated different methods for defining initial seed term sets and evaluated their impact on the severity estimates. We analyzed severity distributions for ADRs based on their appearance in boxed warning drug label sections, as well as for ADRs with sex-specific associations. We found that ADRs discovered in the postmarketing period had significantly greater severity than those discovered during the clinical trial (P<.001). We created quantitative drug-risk profile (DRIP) scores for 968 drugs that had a Spearman correlation of 0.377 with drugs ranked by the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System cases resulting in death, where the given drug was the primary suspect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our SAEDR and DRIP scores are well correlated with the real-world outcomes of the entities they represent and have demonstrated utility in pharmacovigilance research. We make the SAEDR scores for 12,198 ADRs and the DRIP scores for 968 drugs publicly available to enable more quantitative analysis of pharmacovigilance data.

CLINICALTRIAL
Smartphone-Assisted High-Intensity Interval Training in Inflammatory Rheumatic Disease Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Haglo Håvard , Wang Eivind , Berg Ole Kristian , Hoff Jan , Helgerud Jan
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) experience disease-related barriers to physical training. Compared with the general population, IRD patients are reported to have reduced maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and physical activity levels. Supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is documented to counteract the reduced VO2max and poor cardiovascular health associated with IRDs. However, supervised HIIT is resource demanding.

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to investigate if self-administered 4×4-min HIIT guided by a smartphone app (Myworkout GO) could yield similar HIIT-induced effects as standard 4×4-min HIIT performed under the guidance and supervision of health care professionals. The effects studied were on VO2max and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

METHODS

Forty patients (33 female patients, mean age 48 years, SD 12 years; 7 male patients, mean age 52 years, SD 11 years) diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus were randomized to a supervised group (SG) or an app group (AG). Both groups were instructed to perform 4×4-min intervals with a rate of perceived exertion of 16 to 17, corresponding to 85% to 95% of the maximal heart rate, twice a week for 10 weeks. Treadmill VO2max and HRQoL measured using RAND-36 were assessed before and after the exercise period.

RESULTS

VO2max increased (P<.001) in both groups after 10 weeks of HIIT, with improvements of 3.6 (SD 1.3) mL/kg/min in the SG and 3.7 (SD 1.5) mL/kg/min in the AG. This was accompanied by increases in oxygen pulse in both groups (P<.001), with no between-group differences apparent for either measure. Improvements in the HRQoL dimensions of bodily pain, vitality, and social functioning were observed for both groups (P<.001 to P=.04). Again, no between-group differences were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

High-intensity 4×4-min interval training increased VO2max and HRQoL, contributing to patients’ reduced cardiovascular disease risk, improved health and performance, and enhanced quality of life. Similar improvements were observed following HIIT when IRD patients were guided using perceived exertion by health care professionals or the training was self-administered and guided by the app Myworkout GO. Utilization of the app may help reduce the cost of HIIT as a treatment strategy in this patient population.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04649528; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04649528
Blood Glucose Monitoring and Sharing Amongst People With Diabetes and Their Facilitators: Cross-sectional Study of Methods and Practices (Preprint)
Authors: Jamal Amr , Tharkar Shabana , Babaier Weam Saleh , Alsomali Shrooq Faisal , Alsulayhim Allulu Saad , Alayuni Monera Abdulkareem , Aldakheel Nada Abdulaziz , Al-Osaimi Safa Sultan , Alshehri Norah , Batais Mohammed
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The last two decades have witnessed a burgeoning rise in the prevalence of diabetes globally. It has already reached epidemic proportions in Saudi Arabia, with reported high risk among women. As a result, diabetes monitoring and self-management programs are being highly prioritized for diabetes control and management.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate measuring and sharing practices of the self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) among patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes using insulin.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 203 patients attending primary care clinics at a tertiary care center. The questionnaire assessed the measuring, recording, and sharing of SMBG practices of patients having diabetes with their physicians. The methods used for recording and sharing were categorized into paper-based and electronic-based. In addition, the determinants of the different methods used and frequency of sharing were analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall monitoring prevalence was 95% (193/203), and 57% (117/203) of participants shared the SMBG results. Among the 193 individuals that performed self-monitoring, 138 (72%) performed daily monitoring, and 147 (76%) recorded their blood sugar levels. Almost 55% (81/147) used paper-based materials like notebooks and paper for recording, while the rest (66/147, 45%) used digital devices like laptops and smartphones. A shift towards the use of digital devices and smart applications was observed in patients below 50 years of age. The digitally recorded blood glucose measurements were being shared thrice more often than the recordings made on paper or in notebooks (OR [odds ratio] 2.8; P=.01). Patients >50 years of age (OR 2.3; P=.02), with lesser formal education, married (OR 4.2; P<.001), with smaller family size (OR 2.6; P=.01), having type 2 diabetes (OR 4.1; P<.001) and any comorbid conditions (OR 2.6; P=.01) were associated with higher odds of using paper-based sharing methods. Only the female gender and type 2 diabetes were associated with increased frequency of sharing, while uncontrolled diabetes, the presence of other comorbidities, and duration of diabetes did not show any influence.

CONCLUSIONS

Good monitoring and optimal sharing practices were found. Sharing using electronic devices can be emphasized. Diabetes self-management programs can incorporate the use of digital technology in training sessions. Digital literacy and its applications in health care may enhance SMBG practices resulting in better diabetes control.