bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Like a rolling stone: Psychotherapy without (episodic) memory
Authors: Moore Paul A. , Turnbull Oliver Hugh
Published: November 2022

People with profound amnesia still retain the capacity to learn about the emotional value of experiences, which is crucial in developing and sustaining interpersonal relationships. In a 2017 paper, we demonstrated for the first time (with patient JL) that transferential feelings develop across the therapeutic process, despite profound episodic memory impairment after medial temporal lesions. This paper reports a second case (GA) of a profoundly amnesic patient in psychotherapy, this time after lesions to the anterior fornix. The work with GA opens issues such as the differences and similarities to the previous case, counter-transference phenomena, and the effects of hyperphagia. The findings make it clear that many phenomena are common to both GA and JL, such as forgetfulness, various types of repetition, the importance of the therapeutic alliance, and the ability to make therapeutic gain. However, there were differences between the cases, for example as regards confabulation, which may relate to either pre-morbid personality or lesion site. The paper also discusses the way in which patients of this type bear the very status of psychotherapeutic work with profoundly amnesic patients. Where others have seen barriers and in principle problems in working with such patients, we see many opportunities.
Impact of the eHealth literacy, knowledge and attitudes on COVID-19 prevention behavior among residents in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Yuan Ting , Li Xiang Dong , Zhang Ming , Tao Xiu Bin , Xu Shu Juan , Liu Huan
Published: November 2022

Objective

The pandemic of COVID-19 continues to challenge people's health worldwide. In the second year of the pandemic, adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavior is key to continuing efforts to overcome the epidemic. This study aims to assess the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude, and prevention behavior (KAP) and electronic health literacy (eHealth literacy) among Anhui residents in China.

Methods

From January 30 to March 27, 2021, the cross-sectional study was performed among Anhui residents in China, including 16 cities. An online survey was adopted to assess KAP regarding COVID-19, and eHealth, involving a total of 2,122 citizens. Following informed consent, residents were recruited by convenience sampling. Frequencies and proportions were calculated. Additionally, Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyze the variables. Independent predictors of preventive behavior of COVID-19 were ascertained using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Result

Residents demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, acceptable practices, and good eHealth literacy. Online news and WeChat are the main health information resources. Citizens who had good knowledge, a positive attitude, good eHealth, and did not participate in the online lectures or training COVID-19 were more likely to take preventive measures. Those with poor health, who were male, did not have family members working in health care facilities, and did not work in a face-to-face environment were less likely to take precautions. Compared with a master's degree and above, participants with middle school education level and below took preventive behavior sometimes. Residents who browse the COVID-19 webpage <15 min weekly seldom took preventive actions.

Conclusion

The study showed that in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese residents had adequate knowledge of COVID-19, positive attitudes, appropriate preventive practices, and basic eHealth literacy. To prevent the rebound of the COVID-19 epidemic, the government and health agencies should inform citizens concerning which information channels or websites to use and assist the underprivileged population who lacks basic infrastructure. In addition, increasing the level of knowledge and attitude, enhancing eHealth literacy and the Health Belief Model (HBM), and implementing the Health Code were seen as ways to reinforce adherence to preventive behavior. Targeting men, implementing public awareness campaigns, community engagement strategies, and health education programs are recommended.
Ultra-widefield color fundus photography combined with high-speed ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography for non-invasive detection of lesions in diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Li Jie , Wei Dingyang , Mao Mingzhu , Li Mengyu , Liu Sanmei , Li Fang , Chen Li , Liu Miao , Leng Hongmei , Wang Yiya , Ning Xinru , Liu Yi , Dong Wentao , Zhong Jie
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To compare the detection rate of diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions and the agreement of DR severity grading using the ultra-widefield color fundus photography (UWF CFP) combined with high-speed ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (UWF SS-OCTA) or fluorescein angiography (FFA).

Methods

This prospective, observational study recruited diabetic patients who had already taken the FFA examination from November 2021 to June 2022. These patients had either no DR or any stage of DR. All participants were imaged with a 200° UWF CFP and UWF SS-OCTA using a 24 × 20 mm scan model. Images were independently evaluated for the presence or absence of DR lesions including microaneurysms (MAs), intraretinal hemorrhage (IRH), non-perfusion areas (NPAs), intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMAs), venous beading (VB), neovascularization elsewhere (NVE), neovascularization of the optic disc (NVD), and vitreous or preretinal hemorrhage (VH/PRH). Agreement of DR severity grading based on UWF CFP plus UWF SS-OCTA and UWF CFP plus FFA was compared. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS V.26.0.

Results

One hundred and fifty-three eyes of 86 participants were enrolled in the study. The combination of UWF CFP with UWF SS-OCTA showed a similar detection rate compared with UWF CFP plus FFA for all the characteristic DR lesions (p>0.05), except NPAs (p = 0.039). Good agreement was shown for the identification of VB (κ = 0.635), and very good agreement for rest of the DR lesions between the two combination methods (κ-value ranged from 0.858 to 0.974). When comparing the grading of DR severity, very good agreement was achieved between UWF CFP plus UWF SS-OCTA and UWF CFP plusr FFA (κ = 0.869).

Conclusion

UWF CFP plus UWF SS-OCTA had a very good agreement in detecting DR lesions and determining the severity of DR compared with UWF CFP plus FFA. This modality has the potential to be used as a fast, reliable, and non-invasive method for DR screening and monitoring in the future.
Low aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (DeRitis) ratio assists in predicting diabetes in Chinese population
Authors: Xie Wangcheng , Yu Weidi , Chen Shanshan , Ma Zhilong , Yang Tingsong , Song Zhenshun
Published: November 2022

Background

Few studies discussed the predictive ability of aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT, DeRitis) ratio for diabetes risk. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of AST/ALT ratio in the prediction of Chinese diabetes.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed a Chinese population comprising 87,883 participants without diabetes at baseline between 2010 and 2016. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify independent risk factors. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was performed to investigate the non-linear correlation between AST/ALT ratio and diabetes risk.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 3.01 years, 1,877 participants developed diabetes. Comparing the baseline characteristics, diabetes group exhibited lower AST/ALT ratio. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that participants with low AST/ALT ratio had higher cumulative incidence, and Cox regression also demonstrated that the lower AST/ALT ratio, the higher diabetes risk (HR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.85, P = 0.006). The RCS model revealed a non-linear correlation between AST/ALT ratio and diabetes risk. In the condition of AST/ALT ratio ≤1.18, diabetes risk increased as it decreased (HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19–0.91, P = 0.028). In contrast, AST/ALT ratio did not independently affect diabetes when beyond 1.18.

Conclusion

AST/ALT ratio is a valuable predictor of diabetes. Diabetes risk increases rapidly in the condition of AST/ALT ratio ≤1.18.
Role of patient safety attitudes between career identity and turnover intentions of new nurses in China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Man , Zheng Xutong , Chen Changchang , Fang Jiaxin , Liu Huan , Zhang Xiancui , Lang Hongjuan
Published: November 2022

Background

Patient safety is a key priority for healthcare systems, which is not only about the safety and quality development of health care but also about the safety of patients' lives. However, there has been little research exploring the relationship between new nurses' willingness to leave, patient safety culture, and professional identity. This study was to explore patient safety for new nurses, examine the relationship between professional identity, patient safety culture, and turnover intentions of newly recruited nurses in China, and validate the mediating role of patient safety culture.

Methods

From August 2019 to September 2021, we collected data from newly recruited nurses in 5 large tertiary public hospitals in Anhui Province, China using a questionnaire survey. Descriptive analysis, a univariate analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and mediated regression analysis were used to estimate the current status of patient safety attitudes and the effect of safety culture on career identity and turnover intentions among newly recruited nurses.

Results

The turnover intention of 816 newly recruited nurses was 14.16 ± 3.14%. Patient safety culture was positively associated with career identity (r = 0.516, P < 0.01) and negatively associated with turnover intentions (r = −0.437, P < 0.01), while patient safety was also a partial mediator between career identity and turnover intentions.

Conclusions

The results showed that the low patient safety attitudes of new nurses in China should not be ignored. The impact of professional identity on patient safety has important practical implications for promoting a culture of safety among new nurses and reducing turnover rates.
Benchmarking the utility of maps of dynamics for human-aware motion planning
Authors: Swaminathan Chittaranjan Srinivas , Kucner Tomasz Piotr , Magnusson Martin , Palmieri Luigi , Molina Sergi , Mannucci Anna , Pecora Federico , Lilienthal Achim J.
Published: November 2022

Robots operating with humans in highly dynamic environments need not onlyreactto moving persons and objects but also toanticipate and adhere topatterns of motion of dynamic agents in their environment. Currently, robotic systems use information about dynamics locally, through tracking and predicting motion within their direct perceptual range. This limits robots to reactive response to observed motion and to short-term predictions in their immediate vicinity. In this paper, we explore howmaps of dynamics(MoDs) that provide information about motion patterns outside of the direct perceptual range of the robot can be used in motion planning to improve the behaviour of a robot in a dynamic environment. We formulate cost functions for four MoD representations to be used in any optimizing motion planning framework. Further, to evaluate the performance gain through using MoDs in motion planning, we design objective metrics, and we introduce a simulation framework for rapid benchmarking. We find that planners that utilize MoDs waste less time waiting for pedestrians, compared to planners that use geometric information alone. In particular, planners utilizing both intensity (proportion of observations at a grid cell where a dynamic entity was detected) and direction information have better task execution efficiency.
Coacervation of biopolymers on muscovite surface
Authors: Chen Jiaxin , Liu Zhijun , Li Yanzhang , Bai Qingwen , Li Yan , Liang Dehai
Published: November 2022

The first life was believed to emerge in the early Earth via a process involving synthesis of organic compounds and formation of protocells. However, it is still a puzzle how the protocell with hierarchal structure and desirable functions was spontaneously generated in the non-living environment composed of mainly water and minerals. In this work, using muscovite as an example of minerals, we systemically studied the coacervation of poly (l-lysine) (PLL), quaternized dextran (Q-dextran), and single-stranded oligonucleotide (ss-oligo) on muscovite surface at varying mixing orders. Only when Q-dextran firstly interacts with muscovite surface to form a coating layer, followed by the addition of ss-oligo and PLL, the formed coacervates exhibit distinct and versatile morphologies, including spherical PLL/ss-oligo droplets on the surface, floating PLL/ss-oligo droplets above the Q-dextran/ss-oligo blanket, and PLL/ss-oligo islands surrounded by the Q-dextran/ss-oligo sea. The kinetic pathways to the resulting morphologies are specific in each case. There results suggest that polysaccharide was probably the first biopolymer accumulated on the mineral surface in early Earth. The sugar coating provided a “nest” for protein/peptide and DNA/RNA to from sub-compartments and to further develop advanced functions.
Monitoring The Migrators: Tracking The Animals Passing Through Our Parks
Authors: Rodhouse Thomas J. , Daw Sonya
Published: November 2022

Migrating animals are good at making long trips between seasons. These trips can be dangerous, and scientists monitor migrators in United States National Parks to help detect dangers and find solutions. However, migrators are challenging to monitor. Sometimes they only stay in a park for a few days. This might require a scramble to find them during the proper season, using specialized techniques. It is worth the effort! Birds are some of the best-known migrators, and birdwatchers come to parks every spring to help count them. Migrating butterflies and bats are less well-known and require more effort to monitor. Monarch butterflies are tagged with special numbered stickers, and bat calls are recorded at night with special computers. These monitoring activities reveal where, when, and how many migrators occur in parks. If we discover through monitoring that they are in decline, we can sound the alarm and get help for these special animals.
Response of the American equatorial ionization anomaly to 2016 Arctic sudden stratospheric warming events
Authors: Idolor O. R. , Akala A. O. , Bolaji O. S. , Oyeyemi E. O. , Agbele A. T.
Published: November 2022

Apart from the rapid ionospheric response to geomagnetic forcing originating from the Sun during extreme space weather events, forcing from the lower atmosphere below still exerts a significant influence on the ionosphere during quiet-time conditions. This study examines the ionospheric response of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) in the American sector to the combined influence of the cascades of sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events and the geomagnetic storms that coexisted with them during the period of January–March 2016. We adopted a multi-instrument and multi-modeling approach with the study locations spanning ±40° geomagnetic latitudes. Our results showed a hemispheric asymmetry in the total electron content and change in total electron content (ΔTEC) distribution with higher enhancement clearly visible in the Northern Hemisphere in comparison to the Southern Hemisphere (NH). Semidiurnal signatures were observed in both ΔTEC and equatorial electrojet parameters for some days. The double-peak zonal mean zonal wind amplitude days supported the formation of the reverse fountain effects. The different SSW peak temperature days also showed either positive or negative ionospheric response. Generally, orientation of the prompt penetration electric field (PPEF) and their strengths at either daytime or nighttime played a weak role in the ionosphere response during some of the geomagnetic storms. The negative and positive ionospheric responses under geomagnetic storm conditions were ascribed to changes in the composition of the thermosphere, prompt penetration electric field (PPEF), and traveling atmospheric disturbances (TADs).
The biological effect of orange (Citrus sinensis L.) by-products on metabolic biomarkers: A systematic review
Authors: Pineda-Lozano Jessica Elizabeth , Fonseca-Bustos Verónica , Martinez-Moreno Alma Gabriela , Virgen-Carrillo Carmen Alejandrina
Published: November 2022

Industrial processing of citrus fruits generates an important amount of wastes that evoke environmental damage. Orange is the main citrus fruit consumed worldwide, and after its use, approximately more than a half of the fruit remains as by-products, which comprise important bioactive compounds useful for the development of promising nutraceuticals for the treatment of non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to gather scientific evidence about the biological effects of orange by-products using a systematic review. A total of 14 studies that were carried out in rodent models in the last 10 years were retrieved from PubMed and ScienceDirect databases. Studies that used another animal species, another type of citrus, or a combination of orange with other citrus were excluded. The risk of bias was assessed by using the SYRCLE RoB tool, and the results obtained are shown in an informative table, which showed that most of the studies used a pathological model of chronic diseases. We found that the peel is the most used agri-food by-product, and that it has the potential of reducing the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and systolic blood pressure. However, to clinically assess these effects, these results need to be tested in future in humans. The included studies on the use of orange by-products strengthen the global sustainable food agenda. It is important to consider new research directions about the use of citrus fruit residues since it not only impacts the problem of its disposal but also provides solutions to eliminate the resulting contamination.
Evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of modified sacrospinous ligament fixation via the anterior vaginal wall path for pelvic organ prolapse: A feasibility report based on 50 patients
Authors: Lyu Yuanyuan , Ding Huafeng , Zhang Ying , Shi Suhua , Ding Jin , Zhu Chengcheng , Guan Xiaoming , Ni Guantai , Luo Yonghong
Published: November 2022

Objective

To describe the surgical techniques and short-term outcomes for 50 cases of modified sacrospinous ligament fixation via the anterior vaginal wall path for pelvic organ prolapse

Methods

100 patients with pelvic organ prolapse (stage III or stage IV based on POP-Q staging) from January 2018 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 50 patients received modified sacrospinous ligament fixation via the anterior vaginal wall path for pelvic organ prolapse (mSSLF group), while the other 50 patients received pelvic reconstruction using T4 mesh (T4 group). Operative time, blood loss, postoperative POP-Q score, length of the hospital stay, complications, and postoperative pain were compared between the two groups.

Results

The duration of the operation in mSSLF group was (50 ± 15.2 min), which was shorter than that of the T4 group (60 ± 14.8 min) (p = 0.02). No intraoperative complications were reported from the mSSLF group, whereas one vascular injury occurred in the T4 group. In both groups, postoperative pain and painful intercourse was significantly lower in the mSSLF group than in the SSLF group (p < 0.001). The exposed mesh rate was lower than T4 group.

Conclusions

The rates of intraoperative complications, postoperative pain and mesh erosion were significantly lower than those of the T4 group, but there was no significant difference in the efficacy and safety of the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. So mSSLF may be a feasible technique to manage severe prolapse, with promising short-term efficacy and safety.
Biochemical profile of paediatric adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Jokonya Luxwell , Mduluza-Jokonya Tariro Lavender , Esene Ignatius , Mwale Garikai , Thango Nqobile Sindiswa , Mduluza Takafira , Naicker Thajasvarie
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Craniopharyngioma is a rare brain tumour. Despite being histologically benign, it behaves aggressively and is often difficult to manage. Descriptive epidemiological data on the tumour is lacking in sub-Saharan Africa, and there is none for Zimbabwe. The tumour usually has a cystic component that has been raising interest in the past decade. Few studies have looked at the biochemical composition thereof. This study aims to give a landscape view of craniopharyngiomas (CPs) in Zimbabwe and then profile the biochemical properties of the cystic component of paediatric adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma.

Methodology

A prospective cohort study was done in Zimbabwe over a 2-year period to study the epidemiological distribution of craniopharyngioma and examine the biochemical composition of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cystic fluid in the paediatric population. Fifteen patients were recruited who had craniopharyngiomas, and of those, nine paediatric adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas had fluid analysed for biochemical components. SPSS statistical package was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics were used for epidemiological data.

Results

The incidence of CP was calculated to be 0.53 per million person-years. Incidence among the paediatric population 0–14 years was 1.2 per 100,000 person-years. Several biological components were found to be elevated significantly compared to serum and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). These are sodium, potassium, urea, alkaline phosphatase, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, calcium, low-density lipids, and glucose.

Conclusion

The incidence of CP in Zimbabwe is similar to the rest of the world. Some biochemical components have been noted to be markedly elevated in the cystic fluid and were mirroring serum rather than CSF in concentration.
Risk factors and new inflammatory indicators of deep vein thrombosis after adult patella fractures
Authors: Diao Shuo , Li Jingqiao , Zhao Jianyong , Wang Dong , Wang Hanzhou , Xu Xiaopei , Zhou Junlin
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the association between new inflammatory indicators at admission and the occurrence of preoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with patella fractures.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients aged 18 years or older who underwent surgical treatment for unilateral closed patella fractures at our hospital between August 2016 and August 2020. The incidence of preoperative DVT was detected by Duplex ultrasound (DUS). Partial blood routine and biochemical indexes were collected at admission, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) of inflammatory indexes were also calculated. ROC was used to analyze the cut-off value NLR, MLR, and PLR for predicting preoperative DVT, and univariate and multivariate analyses of the risk factors for preoperative DVT of patella fractures, and to verify whether other risk factors affecting the relationship between validation indexes and preoperative DVT.

Results

A total of 500 patients were included, of which 39 patients (7.8%) developed preoperative DVT. After univariate and multivariate analysis, preoperative time (in each day delay), male (vs. female), D-dimer > 0.6 mg/L, total cholesterol (TC) > 5.6 mmol/L, and PLR > 189.8 were the risk factors for preoperative DVT in patients with patella fracture. Inflammation index PLR combined with the other four risk factors significantly improved the predictive efficacy of preoperative DVT compared with PLR (P = 0.009).

Conclusion

Inflammatory index PLR is a risk factor for preoperative DVT in patients with patella fracture, and the efficacy of PLR in predicting DVT can be significantly improved when other risk factors (male, D-dimer > 0.6 mg/L, TC > 5.6 mmol/L, and PLR > 189.8 of preoperative time in each day delay) are combined. These data are useful for the clinical identification of patients at high risk of preoperative DVT in patella fractures.
A neglected cervicovesical fistula diagnosed and repaired by combined hysteroscopy and laparoscopy: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Sun Dongjing , Xu Wenzhi , Chen Yicheng , Chen Xueyuan , Lin Xiaona
Published: November 2022

Objective

To analyze a case of neglected cervicovesical fistula with intrauterine adhesions caused by cesarean section.

Methods

A 36-year-old female patient with a history of two previous cesarean sections complained of the absence of menstruation for the last 18 months. The diagnosis of the cervicovesical fistula was made through hysteroscopy and cystoscopy. The reconstruction of the uterus and bladder was achieved by a laparoscopic repair technique.

Results

The patient resumed normal menstruation postoperatively without complaining of any complications. Uterine continuity and cavity had been restored to normal at the second look of hysteroscopy.

Conclusions

Cervicovesical fistula with intrauterine adhesions is very rare in our clinical work. Hysteroscopy might play an essential role in diagnosing cervicovesical fistula and IUA. In our literature review, a surgical approach was the mainstay and definitive management of the cervicovesical fistula following a cesarean section.
Comparison of perioperative outcomes in frail patients following multilevel lumbar fusion surgery with and without the implementation of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol
Authors: Cui Peng , Wang Shuaikang , Wang Peng , Yang Lijuan , Kong Chao , Lu Shibao
Published: November 2022

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based multimodal perioperative management designed to reduce the length of stay (LOS) and complications. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the recovery of physiological function, LOS, complications, pain score, and clinical efficacy in frail elderly patients undergoing multisegment fusion surgery after the implementation of the ERAS protocol.

Methods

Frail patients older than 75 years undergoing multilevel lumbar fusion surgery for degenerative discogenic conditions, lumbar spinal stenosis, and lumbar spondylolisthesis from January 2017 to December 2018 (non-ERAS frail group) and from January 2020 to December 2021 (ERAS frail group) were enrolled in the present study. Propensity score matching for age, sex, body mass index, and smoking status was performed to keep comparable characteristics between the two groups. Further recovery of physiological function, LOS, complications, pain score, and clinical efficacy were compared between the groups.

Results

There were 64 pairs of well-balanced patients, and the clinical baseline data were comparable between the two groups. There was significant improvement in terms of recovery of physiological function (10.65 ± 3.51 days vs. 8.31 ± 3.98 days, p = 0.011) and LOS (12.18 ± 4.69 days vs. 10.44 ± 4.60 days, p = 0.035), while no statistical discrepancy was observed with regard to complications between the groups, which indicated favorable outcomes after the implementation of the ERAS protocol. Further analysis indicated that more patients were meeting a minimally clinical important difference for the visual analog score for the legs and the Oswestry Disability Index in the ERAS frail group. With regard to postoperative pain, the score was higher in the ERAS frail group than in the non-ERAS frail group on postoperative day (POD) 1 (4.88 ± 1.90 in the ERAS frail group vs. 4.27 ± 1.42 in the non-ERAS frail group, p = 0.042), while there was no significant discrepancy on POD 2 (3.77 ± 0.88 in the ERAS frail group vs. 3.64 ± 1.07 in the non-ERAS frail group, p = 0.470) and POD 3 (3.83 ± 1.89 in the ERAS frail group vs. 3.47 ± 1.75 in the non-ERAS frail group, p = 0.266).

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort study, we found a significant improvement in terms of LOS, recovery of physiological function, and clinical efficacy after the implementation of the ERAS protocol in elderly and frail patients undergoing multilevel lumbar fusion surgery, while there was no significant discrepancy with regard to complications, 90-day readmission, and postoperative pain.
A mini-review on co-supplementation of probiotics and medicinal herbs: Application in aquaculture
Authors: Wei Lee Seong , Goh Khang Wen , Abdul Hamid Noor Khalidah , Abdul Kari Zulhisyam , Wee Wendy , Van Doan Hien
Published: November 2022

The aquaculture industry is geared toward intensification and successfully meets half of the world's demand for fish protein. The intensive farming system exposes the animal to the risk of disease outbreaks, which has economic consequences. Antibiotics are commonly used for the health management of aquaculture species. However, this has several drawbacks, including the increase in antibiotic resistance in pathogenic bacteria and the entry of antibiotic residues into the human food chain, which is a public health and environmental concern. The potential of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and medicinal herbs as alternatives to antibiotics for the health management of aquaculture species has been investigated in numerous studies. This review discusses the potential use of combinations of probiotics and medicinal herbs as prophylactic agents in aquaculture, along with the definitions, sources, and modes of action. The positive aspects of combining probiotics and medicinal herbs on growth performance, the immune system, and disease resistance of aquaculture species are also highlighted. Overall, this review addresses the potential of combinations of probiotics and medicinal herbs as feed additives for aquaculture species and the key role of these feed additives in improving the welfare of aquaculture species.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with high somatic cell count in Chinese dairy herds
Authors: Deng Zhaoju , Wang Kun , Xu Chuang , Cao Jie , Ma Chong
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to (1) estimate the prevalence of cow-level high somatic cell count (SCC) in Chinese dairy herds and (2) identify potential factors associated with cow- and herd-level SCC variables. The monthly data on dairy herd improvement were collected from a total of 131 dairy herds in 11 provinces in China in 2019. Mixed models were constructed using the cow composite milk SCC and the variance of cow SCC as dependent variables separately and parity, seasons, days in milk (DIM), herd size, and farm types (family-owned vs. company-owned) as fixed effects, accounting for the nested random herd and cow effect. We used negative binomial regression using herd-level SCC-related variables, namely, monthly proportion of high SCC, monthly proportion of new high SCC, monthly proportion of chronic high SCC, and monthly proportion of new chronic high SCC as dependent variables separately against seasons, herd size, and farm types with the random herd effect. The overall average prevalence of high SCCs for each month per farm was 0.26 (2.5–97.5% quantile: 0–0.56). Company-owned farms performed better in herd SCC management. Seasons were significantly associated with all the aforementioned variables, and summer and autumn were the seasons associated with worse outcomes in herd SCCs. This study is the first to assess high SCC in a large number of Chinese dairy herds, which is useful for farms to tailor the on-farm mastitis control programs in China.
Eyebirds: Enabling the Public to Recognize Water Birds at Hand
Authors: Zhou Jiaogen , Wang Yang , Zhang Caiyun , Wu Wenbo , Ji Yanzhu , Zou Yeai
Published: November 2022

Enabling the public to easily recognize water birds has a positive effect on wetland bird conservation. However, classifying water birds requires advanced ornithological knowledge, which makes it very difficult for the public to recognize water bird species in daily life. To break the knowledge barrier of water bird recognition for the public, we construct a water bird recognition system (Eyebirds) by using deep learning, which is implemented as a smartphone app. Eyebirds consists of three main modules: (1) a water bird image dataset; (2) an attention mechanism-based deep convolution neural network for water bird recognition (AM-CNN); (3) an app for smartphone users. The waterbird image dataset currently covers 48 families, 203 genera and 548 species of water birds worldwide, which is used to train our water bird recognition model. The AM-CNN model employs attention mechanism to enhance the shallow features of bird images for boosting image classification performance. Experimental results on the North American bird dataset (CUB200-2011) show that the AM-CNN model achieves an average classification accuracy of 85%. On our self-built water bird image dataset, the AM-CNN model also works well with classification accuracies of 94.0%, 93.6% and 86.4% at three levels: family, genus and species, respectively. The user-side app is a WeChat applet deployed in smartphones. With the app, users can easily recognize water birds in expeditions, camping, sightseeing, or even daily life. In summary, our system can bring not only fun, but also water bird knowledge to the public, thus inspiring their interests and further promoting their participation in bird ecological conservation.
Evaluating Self-Directed Behaviours and Their Association with Emotional Arousal across Two Cognitive Tasks in Bonobos (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Laméris Daan W. , Verspeek Jonas , Salas Marina , Staes Nicky , Torfs Jonas R. R. , Eens Marcel , Stevens Jeroen M. G.
Published: November 2022

Self-directed behaviours (SDBs) are widely used as markers of emotional arousal in primates, and are commonly linked to negative arousal, or are used as indicators of stress or poor welfare. However, recent studies suggest that not all SDBs have the same function. Moreover, lateralisation in the production of these behaviours has been suggested to be associated with emotional processing. Hence, a better understanding of the production and the asymmetry of these displacement behaviours is needed in a wider range of species in order to confirm their reliability as indicators of emotional arousal. In the current study, we experimentally evaluated the production and asymmetry of SDBs in zoo-housed bonobos during two cognitive touchscreen tasks. Overall, nose wipes were most commonly observed, followed by gentle self-scratches, and rough self-scratches. The rates of nose wipes and rough self-scratches increased with incorrect responses, suggesting that these behaviours indicate arousal and possibly frustration. Rough self-scratching was additionally more directed towards the left hemispace after incorrect responses. In contrast, gentle self-scratching increased after correct responses in one study, possibly linking it with positive arousal. We also tested if left-handed bonobos showed greater behavioural reactivity towards incorrect responses, but found no evidence to confirm this hypothesis. Our results shed light on potential different mechanisms behind separate SDBs. We therefore provide nuance to the use of SDBs as indicator of emotional arousal in bonobos.
Next-Generation Sequencing of Four Mitochondrial Genomes of Dolichovespula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) with a Phylogenetic Analysis and Divergence Time Estimation of Vespidae
Authors: Wang Hang , Wen Qian , Wang Tongfei , Ran Fanrong , Wang Meng , Fan Xulei , Wei Shujun , Li Zhonghu , Tan Jiangli
Published: November 2022

The wasp genus Dolichovespula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespinae) is a eusocial wasp group. Due to the taxonomic and phylogenetic issues with the family Vespidae, more genetic data should be gathered to provide efficient approaches for precise molecular identification. For this work, we used next-generation sequencing (also known as high-throughput sequencing) to sequence the mitochondrial genomes (mtgenomes) of four Dolichovespula species, viz. D. flora, D. lama, D. saxonica, and D. xanthicincta 16,064 bp, 16,011 bp, 15,682 bp, and 15,941 bp in length, respectively. The mitochondrial genes of the four species are rearranged. The A + T content of each mtgenome is more than 80%, with a control region (A + T-rich region), 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes. There are 7 to 11 more genes on the majority strands than on the minority strands. Using Bayesian inference and Maximum-Likelihood methodologies as well as data from other species available on GenBank, phylogenetic trees and relationship assessments in the genus Dolichovespula and the family Vespidae were generated. The two fossil-based calibration dates were used to estimate the origin of eusociality and the divergence time of clades in the family Vespidae. The divergence times indicate that the latest common ancestor of the family Vespidae appeared around 106 million years ago (Ma). The subfamily Stenogastrinae diverged from other Vespidae at about 99 Ma, the subfamily Eumeninae at around 95 Ma, and the subfamily Polistinae and Vespinae diverged at approximately 42 Ma. The genus Dolichovespula is thought to have originated around 25 Ma. The origin and distribution pattern of the genus Dolichovespula are briefly discussed.
Assessment of Cardiotoxicity after a Single Dose of Combretastatin A4-Phosphate in Dogs Using Two-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Mampaey Gitte , Hellemans Arnaut , de Rooster Hilde , Schipper Tom , Abma Eline , Broeckx Bart J. G. , Daminet Sylvie , Smets Pascale
Published: November 2022

Combretastatin A4-phosphate (CA4P) is a vascular disrupting agent that was recently described for the treatment of solid canine tumors. Conventional echocardiography and pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging did not reveal cardiotoxicity in dogs, however, the gold standard for assessing myocardial damage in humans receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapeutics is two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. The current study evaluated the cardiotoxic effect of a single dose of CA4P in dogs using peak systolic strain measurements and the variability of these measurements. Echocardiographic examinations of seven healthy beagles and five canine cancer patients that received CA4P were retrospectively reviewed. Peak systolic regional longitudinal strain (LSt), peak systolic regional circumferential strain (CSt), and peak systolic regional radial strain (RSt) were measured before and 24 h after administration of CA4P. Peak systolic strain measurements were compared to serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI). To quantify intra- and inter-observer measurement variability, seven echocardiographic examinations were selected and each strain parameter was measured by three observers on three consecutive days. After CA4P administration, the median LSt and CSt values decreased by 21.8% (p = 0.0005) and 12.3% (p = 0.002), respectively, whereas the median RSt values were not significantly different (p = 0.70). The decrease in LSt was correlated with increased serum cTnI values (Spearman rho = −0.64, p = 0.02). The intra-observer coefficients of variation (CV) were 9%, 4%, and 13% for LSt, CSt, and RSt, respectively, while the corresponding interobserver CVs were 11%, 12%, and 20%. Our results suggest that regional peak systolic strain measurements may be useful for the early detection of cardiotoxicity that is caused by vascular disrupting agents and that LSt may be promising for the follow-up of canine cancer patients.
Context-Aware Querying, Geolocalization, and Rephotography of Historical Newspaper Images
Authors: Ali Dilawar , Blyau Thibault , Van de Weghe Nico , Verstockt Steven
Published: November 2022

Newspapers contain a wealth of historical information in the form of articles and illustrations. Libraries and cultural heritage institutions have been digitizing their collections for decades to enable web-based access to and retrieval of information. A number of challenges arise when dealing with digitized collections, such as those of KBR, the Royal Library of Brussels (used in this study), which contain only page-level metadata, making it difficult to extract information from specific contexts. A context-aware search relies heavily on metadata enhancement. Therefore, when using metadata at the page level, it is even more challenging to geolocalize less-known landmarks. To overcome this challenge, we have developed a pipeline for geolocalization and visualization of historical photographs. The first step of this pipeline consists of converting page-level metadata to article-level metadata. In the next step, all articles with building images were classified based on image classification algorithms. Moreover, to correctly geolocalize historical photographs, we propose a hybrid approach that uses both textual metadata and image features. We conclude this research paper by addressing the challenge of visualizing historical content in a way that adds value to humanities research. It is noteworthy that a number of historical urban scenes are visualized using rephotography, which is notoriously challenging to get right. This study serves as an important step towards enriching historical metadata and facilitating cross-collection linkages, geolocalization, and the visualization of historical newspaper images. Furthermore, the proposed methodology is generic and can be used to process untagged photographs from social media, including Flickr and Instagram.
Simulation of Radio Signal Propagation for UHF RFID Technology in an Indoor Environment Using Ray Tracing (Graphics) Method
Authors: Straka Tomas , Vojtech Lukas , Neruda Marek
Published: November 2022

RFID systems are often used in industry to reduce costs, increase process efficiency and minimize human intervention. The challenge is to design an RFID system before it is implemented in a specific environment in the shortest possible time and at minimum cost while maintaining the accuracy of the results. In this paper, a new approach to predicting indoor UHF RFID signal coverage is presented. It is based on a graphical ray tracing method. Simulations are performed based on spatial analysis of the illumination of a 3D indoor environment created from a 2D floor plan. The results show a heat map representing the predicted RSSI radio signal levels using a color range. The approach is validated by comparison with the results of the empirical Multi-Wall model. The time complexity of the approach is presented. The proposed approach is able to generate a heat map with the accuracy of the empirical Multi-Wall model. The interior room equipment required to refine the results ought to be investigated in the future.
A Mathematical Model for Bioremediation of Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Martins Gilberto , Campos Sara , Ferreira Ana , Castro Rita , Duarte Maria Salomé , Cavaleiro Ana J.
Published: November 2022

Bioremediation of hydrocarbons in soil is a highly complex process, involving a multiplicity of physical, chemical and biological phenomena. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to control and boost the bioremediation of these systems after an oil spill. A mathematical model was developed to assist in the prediction and decision-making regarding the in situ bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. The model considered the most relevant processes involved in the mass transfer and biodegradation of alkanes over time and along the depth of a flooded soil column. Aliphatic hydrocarbons were chosen since they are less water soluble than aromatics and account for 50–90% of the hydrocarbon fraction in several petroleum products. The effect of adding oxygen, nitrate, iron (III) or sulfate as electron acceptors was then simulated (bioremediation scenarios). Additionally, and to feed the model, batch assays were performed to obtain experimental data on hydrocarbon adsorption to soil particles (more than 60% of hydrocarbons tends to be adsorbed to soil particles), as well as hydrocarbon biodegradation rates in the presence of nitrate (0.114 d−1) and oxygen (0.587 d−1). The model indicates that saturated hydrocarbon removal occurs mainly with adsorption/desorption and transport processes in the upper layers of soil due to methanogenic biodegradation in deeper layers, since the other microbial processes are soon limited by the lack of electron acceptors. Simulation results show that higher initial electron acceptor concentrations led to higher hydrocarbon removal, confirming that the model is performing in accordance with the expected. Close to the surface (at 0.1 m depth), all scenarios predicted more than 83% hydrocarbon removal after two years of simulation. Soil re-aeration results in faster hydrocarbon removal (more than 20% after one year) and surfactants addition (around 15% after one year) may also accelerate soil bioremediation. With this model, the simultaneous contributions of the various physicochemical and biological processes are integrated, facilitating the simulation and comparison of different bioremediation scenarios. Therefore, it represents a useful support tool for the management of contaminated sites.
Design of 2–16 GHz Non-Uniform Distributed GaN HEMT MMIC Power Amplifier with Harmonic Suppression Network
Authors: Luan Tongyao , Leng Yongqing , Qiu Xin , Cui Xingli , Hu Aizhen , Xu Bo , Peng Yatao
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an ultra-wideband (UWB) power amplifier (PA) on a 0.25 μm gallium-nitride (GaN) on silicon carbide (SiC) high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT) process, operating in Ku-band, is presented. The broadband PA design is based on the four-stage non-uniform distributed amplifier structure. In order to improve the efficiency of the PA, a harmonic suppression network is added at the output of the drain artificial transmission line. At the same time, a capacitor is connected in series at the input of the gate, which is used to compensate for the phase offset of the gate and increase the cut-off frequency of the PA. The final gate width of the first stage is 0.56 μm, and the other three-stage gate widths are all 0.32 μm. Over the frequency range of 2–16 GHz, the simulated results of this NDPA exhibit a power-added efficiency (PAE) of 16.6–27%, a saturated continuous wave (CW) output power of 35–37 dBm, a small signal gain of 9.1–11.6 dB, and output return losses of 5–15 dB.