bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lameness in cattle
Authors: Allenstein Leland C.
Published: March 2023

Trimming of feet is an art that is fast disappearing~ It is the number one factor in the prevention of lamenesses and should be done in problem cows at a 6 month to a yearly interval. Confinement, housing on hard surfaces, large herds, and acidotic rations have made foot trimming a necessity.
Rhinitis syndrome in IBR-vaccinated feedlot cattle
Authors: Carlson J. H. , Lauerman L. H. , Horton D. P. , Pierson R. E. , Jensen R. , Braddy P. M.
Published: March 2023

Fourteen feeder cattle that had been vaccinated against IBR with modified live virus at least 21 days previously developed clinical signs of acute rhinitis. IBR virus was isolated from 11 of the 14. Seroconversion to IBR virus occurred in 9 of these 11 cattle and one died acutely. Several of these 11 cattle also seroconverted to bovine diarrhoea virus or bovine parainfluenza-3 virus, but neither of these viruses was isolated from any animal. IBR virus was not isolated from nor did seroconversion to IBR virus occur in the remaining 3 cattle. Another virus, not IBR, was isolated from one of these three. The potential for vaccine failure to protect is discussed.
Observations on the use of a long-acting oxytetracycline for in-contact prophylaxis of undifferentiated bovine respiratory disease in feedlot steers under Canadian conditions
Authors: Janzen E. D. , McManus R. F.
Published: March 2023

Respiratory diseases are the most common causes of mortality in the feedlot. Often, mortality alone is not the most important component of health costs but added to this must be the cost of morbidity (treatments, prophylaxis and reduced feed efficiency). Traditionally, the cattle marketing system in Canada mixes cattle with different levels of stress, different micro-organisms in number and amount and different nutritional backgrounds. Unless significant changes in patterns of cattle marketing occur, the incidence of respiratory disease will still remain the feedlot industry's most costly health problem. The purpose of this project was to study an outbreak of naturally occurring undifferentiated respiratory disease in feedlot steers under feedlot management conditions which was curtailed by using the principle of mass individual treatment.
Bovine immunizations
Authors: Spire Mark F.
Published: March 2023

Immunization procedures provide the practicing veterinarian with a flexible dependable tool to aid in preventing or controlling disease conditions in a herd. The decision to use any vaccine in a herd is usually based on the personal preference of the owner or veterinarian. The basis, however, for an immunization program should be derived from a knowledge of disease conditions within a herd, management conditions present on the farm or ranch, and an understanding of population variances within the herd.
Sedation and general anesthesia in ruminants
Authors: Trim Cynthia M.
Published: March 2023

This article is concerned with the most frequently encountered problems associated with sedation and/or anesthesia in ruminants and gives recommendations to reduce or eliminate the risk of these problems during subsequent surgery or surgical procedures. Further, types and effects of sedatives and general anesthetics which are used routinely are also considered.
Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea and parainfluenza-3 viral antibodies in Louisiana cattle
Authors: Fulton R. W. , Seger C. L.
Published: March 2023

In 1976 serum samples from five herds in Louisiana were tested for antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), and parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) viruses. These cattle were free of obvious signs of illness and had not received IBR, BVD, or PI-3 viral vaccines. Of the 444 serum samples, 155 (34.9%) had antibodies to IBR virus; 302 (68.0%) to BVD virus; and 404 (91.9%) to PI-3 virus.
Current aspects of the primary insufficiency of the motor functions of the reticulum and rumen
Authors: Dirksen G.
Published: March 2023

Until the middle of this century the diagnosis “hypotony” or “atony” of the rumen was one of the most frequent diagnoses in veterinary practice. Rumen atony was considered as a primary disease and its removal was considered as the definitive therapeutic task. Subsequently it has been demonstrated that a great number of digestive disorders as well as other organic or general diseases can inhibit reticulo-ruminal motility. On the basis of our present knowledge the following disorders of the rumen and reticulum can be coordinated to the definition (term) Indigestion. At first primary and secondary indigestions have to be distinguished. The primary indigestions can be subgrouped into motor dysfunctions and disorders of the microbial-biochemical digestion. The primary disorders of the motor functions of the rumen and reticulum can be differentiated presently. Today the question arises whether a primary, a genuine ruminal stasis, really exists or at least whether conditions exist in which the inhibition of the motility of the forestomachs can be considered as the definitive finding.
Prognosis in the downer cow syndrome
Authors: Andrews A. H.
Published: March 2023

The recumbent cow presents many problems to the veterinary surgeon, not least of these is the one of prognosis. Prognosis can never be completely accurate, but it can be determined on average statistics, the signs presented, the continued reassessment of the animal, biochemical enzyme and level changes and the attitude of the stockman.

The recumbent cow around the time of calving can be affected with one of a large number of different conditions.
Observations on the Epidemiology of Bluetongue Virus Infections in the Caribbean and Florida
Authors: Gibbs E. Paul J. , Greiner Ellis C.
Published: March 2023

Paper presented at the XIIIth World Congress on Cattle Diseases, Durban, S. Africa, Sept. 17-21, 1984.
Akabane Disease of Cattle in Australia
Authors: Hartley W. J.
Published: March 2023

Paper presented at the XIIIth World Congress on Cattle Diseases, Durban, S. Africa, Sept. 17-21, 1984.
Interjecting Economics into the Surface Water Dialogue
Authors: Vaca Maria , Richards Stefni , Davis Alexa , Jackson Kylie , Timur Nanag , Manzoor Fahad , Azam Said , Feltman Robert , Griffin James Milton
Published: March 2023

This paper applies the conceptual lens of economic efficiency as a criterion by which to evaluate surface water in Texas. We identify two major problems. First, Texas has a water allocation problem limiting the ability to substitute groundwater for surface water to move water between river basins and to facilitate transfers within a river basin. Second, surface water is both underpriced and unresponsive to drought conditions preventing it from being used at its highest and best use. We propose a variety of partial solutions, which include facilitating greater reliance on water markets as well as a water tax that would vary across regions and over time to encourage conservation.
Citation: Vaca M, Richards S, Davis A, Jackson K, Timur N, Manzoor F, Azam S, Feltman R, Griffin J. 2019. Interjecting economics into the surface water dialogue. Texas Water Journal. 10(1):112-127. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v10i1.7062.
Commentary: Water Fuels Our Future
Authors: Perry Charles
Published: March 2023

Editor-in-Chief's Note: The opinion expressed in this commentary is the opinion of the individual author and not the opinion of the Texas Water Journal or the Texas Water Resources Institute.
Citation: Perry C. 2019. Commentary: Water Fuels Our Future. Texas Water Journal. 10(1):22-23. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v10i1.7091.
Hydrodynamic Modeling Results Showing the Effects of the Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer on Salinity in Lake Houston, TX
Authors: Shah Sachin , Smith Erik
Published: March 2023

An over-reliance on groundwater resources in the Houston (Texas) metropolitan area led to aquifer drawdowns and land subsidence, so regional water suppliers have been turning to surface water resources to meet water demand. Lake Houston, an important water supply reservoir 25 miles northeast from downtown Houston, requires new water supply sources to continue to meet water supply demands for the next several decades. The upcoming Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project will divert up to 500 million gallons per day of Trinity River water into Lake Houston. Trinity River water has significantly different water quality than the Lake Houston tributaries. To evaluate the project's impact on water quality, the U.S. Geological Survey used an enhanced version of a previously released Lake Houston hydrodynamic model. With a focus on salinity and water-surface elevations, the model combined data from 2009-2017 with simulated flow from the Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer to evaluate potential outcomes from three hypothetical flow scenarios. Overall, these scenarios found that the Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer would cause salinities to rise over most of the modeled time (2009-2017), although salinities were buffered under 2011 drought conditions. Large inflow events equalized salinities under baseline conditions as well as the enhanced flow scenarios.
Citation: Smith EA, Shah S. 2020. Hydrodynamic modeling results showing the effects of the Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer on salinity in Lake Houston, TX. Texas Water Journal. 11(1):64-88. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v11i1.7094.
Internet of Texas Water Data Update: Use Cases for Flood, Drought, and Surface Water–Groundwater Interactions
Authors: Rosen Rudolph , Mace Robert E. , Hermitte Sam Marie , Wade Richard
Published: March 2023

Experts representative of Texas’ water sectors identified critical water data needs and described the design of a comprehensive open access data system that facilitates use of public water data in Texas at the April 2018 Connecting Texas Water Data Workshop as reported in the Texas Water Journal. Participants described potential use cases to initiate work on the most critical data hubs for connecting Texas water data. This update describes progress on a flood dashboard by the Texas Water Development Board and development of use cases by stakeholders with expertise in water data for drought and surface water – groundwater interactions.
Citation: Rosen RA, Mace RE, Hermitte SM, Wade R. 2020. Internet of Texas water: use cases for flood, drought, and surface water–groundwater interactions. Texas Water Journal. 11(1):133-151. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v11i1.7109.
Exploring Groundwater Recoverability in Texas: Maximum Economically Recoverable Storage
Authors: Thompson Justin C. , Kreitler Charles W. , Young Michael H.
Published: March 2023

The 2017 Texas state water plan projects total supply deficits of 4.8 and 8.9 million acre-feet under drought-of-record conditions by the year 2020 and 2070, respectively, driven by a growing population concurrent with declining available water supplies. Reductions in groundwater supply account for 95% of anticipated declines in total water supply. Meanwhile, restrictive groundwater management plans may be creating a regulation-induced shortage of groundwater in Texas, given the significant groundwater storage volumes that are unutilized under many management plans. However, these estimates do not account for many of the physical and none of the economic constraints to groundwater recoverability. We report an analysis of groundwater extraction feasibility and simulate maximum economically recoverable storage for conditions representative of the central section of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer under economic constraints associated with agricultural uses. Two key limitations are applied to simulate recoverability: (1) the value of water pumped relative to pumping costs and (2) the capacity of the aquifer and well to meet demand. Our results indicate that these constraints may limit certain uses to as little as 1% of current groundwater availability estimates. We suggest that Texas groundwater managers, stakeholders, and policymakers assessing groundwater availability need an alternate approach for estimating recoverability.
Citation: Thompson JC, Kreitler CW, Young MH. 2020. Exploring groundwater recoverability in Texas: maximum economically recoverable storage. Texas Water Journal. 11(1):152-171. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v11i1.7113.
Economic Analyses of the Seadrift Wind-Aided Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations
Authors: Abena Mbarga Ange Hilaire , Rainwater Ken , Song Lianfa , Cleveland Theodore , Williams William Ross
Published: March 2023

Seadrift is located on the Texas Gulf Coast with a population of 1,364 people as of the 2010 U.S. Census. In 2012, the city started operation of a $610,878 wind turbine, dedicated to its wastewater treatment plant. The city hoped to save $25,500 yearly using wind energy to displace some of the plant’s electrical demand. The plant’s average load is 0.05 million gallons per day, requiring 236,000 kWh (8.05*108 BTU) yearly.  The paper details how Seadrift used manufacturer curves to predict turbine energy production, and how preliminary geotechnical, economic, and environmental analyses help design renewable energy projects. From 2012 to 2015, Seadrift saved $15,928 per year, with yearly wind energy production of 155,738 kWh (5.31*108 BTU) and net present value of $211,493. This study shows how government agencies and rural communities can collaborate to find economically viable solutions to water-energy nexus challenges in Texas and beyond.
Citation: Mbarga AHA, Rainwater K, Song L, Theodore C, Williams WR. 2021. Economic Analyses of the Seadrift Wind-Aided Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations. Texas Water Journal. 12(1):42-57. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v12i1.7096.
Pricing Options on Water in Texas
Authors: McColly Quinn , Mace Robert , Tissot Philippe , Yoskowitz David
Published: March 2023

Freshwater scarcity is a growing concern in Texas and the issues that surround it are expected to grow in the coming years. As climate change impacts the variability of precipitation patterns, some of the most useful tools to help allocate this precious, limited resource may be the tools that are most adaptable in the face of growing uncertainty. While market mechanisms are budding in the state, another market-based tool can create opportunities for efficient water allocation among stakeholders: the water option. An option is a financial product that provides a vehicle to interested parties (buyers and sellers) to create a contract that formalizes the terms of the possible future delivery of water. In cash markets for resources, the exchange of cash and the resource happens when the trade is made; in options markets, the flexibility of delivery is amplified considerably, making them useful for mitigating risk. The buyer of the contract is securing the right—not the obligation—to buy a specific amount of a resource, by a specific time, for a defined price and has the ability to decide if and when the contract gets exercised over the term of the contract. This work discusses the utility of these contracts and outlines a method to price them.
The legacy of Charlie Flagg: narratives of drought and overcoming the monster in West Texas water policy debates
Authors: Baake Ken
Published: March 2023

The 40th anniversary of the publication of Elmer Kelton’s 1973 novel The Time it Never Rained coincides with one of the most severe droughts on record in Texas. Meanwhile, as of 2005, local groundwater conservation districts in Texas are required by law to determine how much groundwater they want to conserve for future generations. Such policy decisions have led to debates in West Texas among agricultural producers over whether pumping restrictions amount to erosion of the famous “rule of capture” and private property rights. This article presents Texas water law history, the Ogallala Aquifer, and its users as a continuing story in which producers and government policymakers are actors. This paper first summarizes the ways in which water challenges in the American West and elsewhere have been classified according to different disciplines and then shows how each of those ways of knowing can be understood as a kind of storytelling. The author uses Kelton’s drought novel and scholarly insights into how narrative works as a means of interpreting and contextualizing comments made by producers and others at several West Texas agricultural water policy hearings. The article concludes that policy-makers must consider the human instinct to translate complex and often contradictory knowledge from multiple domains into a less confusing story line.
Citation: Baake K. 2013. The legacy of Charlie Flagg: narratives of drought and overcoming the monster in West Texas water policy debates. Texas Water Journal. 4(1):78-92. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v4i1.6993.
Modeling bacterial load scenarios in a Texas coastal watershed to support decision-making for improving water quality
Authors: Glenn Stephanie Michelle , Bare Ryan , Neish Bradley S.
Published: March 2023

The planning for improved health of a stream can be optimized by assessing the watershed system as a whole; state and federal agencies have embraced this watershed approach for managing water quality (USEPA 2008). Using the watershed approach, bacteria loads in the Double Bayou watershed were modeled to identify critical loading areas and develop appropriate voluntary management measures as part of a watershed protection plan. The Spatially Explicit Load Enrichment Calculation Tool (SELECT) model was developed by the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Spatial Science Laboratory at Texas A&M University to estimate potential pollutant loadings from fecal indicator bacteria. For this study, SELECT modeling was performed to estimate bacterial loadings from the distribution of livestock, wildlife, a wastewater treatment facility, and on-site sewage facilities. Rankings of each contributing source were assessed for the entire watershed. The objective of this study was to analyze the success of using SELECT to evaluate bacteria loads in a rural coastal watershed; results showed SELECT was successful in the Double Bayou watershed in ranking categories of bacteria sources and revealing spatial load aggregations. This analysis guides discussion on the prioritization of management measures to improve water quality in the Double Bayou watershed.
Citation: Glen SM, Bare RM, Neish BS. 2017. Modeling bacterial load scenarios in a Texas coastal watershed to support decision-making for improving water quality. Texas Water Journal. 8(1):57-66. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v8i1.7048.
Non-Hermitian quantum quenches in holography
Authors: Morales-Tejera Sergio , Landsteiner Karl
Published: March 2023

The notion of non-Hermitian \mathcal{PT}𝒫𝒯
symmetric quantum theory has recently been generalized to the
gauge/gravity duality. We study the evolution of such non-Hermitian
holographic field theories when the couplings are varied with time with
particular emphasis on the question non-unitary time vs. unitary time
evolution. We show that a non-unitary time evolution in the dual quantum
theory corresponds to a violation of the Null Energy Condition (NEC) in
the bulk of the asymptotically AdS spacetime. We find that upon varying
the non-Hermitian coupling the horizon of a bulk AdS black hole shrinks.
On the other hand varying the Hermitian coupling in the presence of a
constant non-Hermitian coupling still violates the NEC but results in a
growing horizon. We also show that by introducing a non-Hermitian gauge
field the time evolution can be made unitary, e.g. the NEC in the bulk
is obeyed and an exactly equivalent purely Hermitian description can be
given.
Confined vs. extended Dirac surface states in topological crystalline insulator nanowires
Authors: Majlin Skiff Roni , de Juan Fernando , Queiroz Raquel , Mathimalar Subramanian , Beidenkopf Haim , Ilan Roni
Published: March 2023

Confining two dimensional Dirac fermions on the surface of
topological insulators has remained an outstanding conceptual challenge.
Here we show that Dirac fermion confinement is achievable in topological
crystalline insulators (TCI), which host multiple surface Dirac cones
depending on the surface termination and the symmetries it preserves.
This confinement is most dramatically reflected in the flux dependence
of these Dirac states in the nanowire geometry, where different facets
connect to form a closed surface. Using SnTe as a case study, we show
how wires with all four facets of the \langle 100 \rangle‹100›
type display novel Aharonov-Bohm oscillations, while nanowires with the
four facets of the \langle 110 \rangle‹110›
type such oscillations are absent due to strong confinement of the Dirac
states to each facet separately. Our results place TCI nanowires as a
versatile platform for confining and manipulating Dirac surface
states.
Psicopatía y control inhibitorio
Authors: Ospina Giraldo Jairo Alonso , Mesa Barrera Diana Marcela , Muñoz Franco Diana Patricia , Marín Hoyos Juan David , Tapias Medina Yesid Felipe , Carmona-Cardona César Andrés
Published: March 2023

El artículo busca desarrollar una revisión narrativa de los elementos de la psicopatía que son relevantes a la luz de la función ejecutiva del control inhibitorio y sus características. Se realiza la descripción y la conceptualización breves de las variables (psicopatía y control inhibitorio), resaltando los aspectos más importantes de cada una para luego describir la relación entre ambas variables, enmarcada en los resultados de las investigaciones revisadas. Se hizo una búsqueda en bases de datos sobre estudios experimentales que contenían las variables. La relación entre psicopatía y control inhibitorio no es constante en los artículos incluidos, lo que puede atribuirse a los aspectos y características que se aborden en cada uno.
Factores psicosociales y organizacionales generados por el COVID-19 en los colaboradores del sector de las ópticas en la ciudad de Medellín
Authors: Zuluaga Osorio Nivia Yancelly , Quintero Arango Luis Fernando
Published: March 2023

El presente artículo tuvo como objetivo determinar los efectos psicosociales yorganizacionales generados por el COVID-19 en los colaboradores de una óptica en la ciudad de Medellín. La metodología de la investigación fue con enfoque cuantitativo, con un diseño exploratorio, el instrumento utilizado fue una encuesta aplicada a 16 colaboradores. Dentro de los resultados se encontró alta prevalencia de síntomas físicos y psicológicos, como dolor de cabeza, gastritis, dificultades para dormir, estrés, ansiedad, preocupaciones constantes y miedo a contagiarse; además, los colaboradores de la empresa perdieron parte de sus ingresos, a algunos de ellos se les mantuvo de manera integral y son muy pocos los que tenían otras fuentes de ingresos. Se concluye que los colaboradores de esta empresa se vieron afectados negativamente, no solo en la salud, sino también en la motivación, lo quereduce la calidad de vida laboral y genera dificultades para lograr el mismo grado de productividad que se tenía antes de la pandemia.
The impact of HRM practices and employee behavior on career success
Authors: Saram Mohammed , Jaber Aburumman Omar , Hasan Amani
Published: March 2023

Objective and subjective criteria are essential measures of organizational success. However, prior studies ignored these criteria when assessing employees’ career success. This study aims to examine the impact of HRM practices and employee behavior on career success for employees in the Greater Amman Municipality. This study adopted a survey for data collection, as 375 questionnaires were distributed to employees working at Greater Amman Municipality in Jordan. Four weeks were given to respondents to complete the survey. After the allotted time had passed, 246 questionnaires had been gathered, with a response rate of 65.6%. Of these, 246 questionnaires were deemed suitable for further analysis. Convenience sampling has been used as a key technique for collecting data. For data analysis, SPSS (version 25) and SmartPLS (version 3.3.9) statistical software were used. The findings indicated that objective and subjective criteria significantly affect career success. The results also showed that HRM practices and employee behavior significantly and positively influenced career success. Furthermore, employee behavior mediated the relationship between HRM practices and career success. Since each facet reflects a significant and distinctive component of career success, academics and researchers should focus on both the objective and subjective dimensions of career success.
Development of Learning Tools GOAL (Graphic Organizer-Based Argumentation Learning) Model to Improve Students' Argumentation Skills
Authors: Lestari Devi , Erika Farah , Hartati Yuli
Published: March 2023

This study aims to develop a learning tools GOAL model (Graphic Organizer-Based Argumentation Learning). The set of GOAL model is expected to be a chemistry learning tool that can improve students' argumentation skills. This study uses a Research and Development methodology with a 4-D design consisting of Define, Design, Develop and Disseminate. The results showed that: 1) the developed GOAL model tools consisting of lesson plans, LKPD, teaching materials, and assessment instruments with good validity. 2) GOAL model tools are easy to use by teachers and students during the learning process in class, and 3) GOAL model learning tools have high effectiveness in improving students' argumentation skills. These results indicate that the GOAL model can be applied in chemistry learning to improve students' argumentation skills.
Misconceptions About Buffer Solutions
Authors: Kusumaningrum Idha Ayu , Kristyasari Marantika Lia
Published: March 2023

There are many misconceptions in the chemistry discussion that can influence students to acquire new knowledge, one of which is regarding buffer solutions. It is one of the chemical concepts consisting of abstract ideas which likely trigger students' misconceptions. However, research on this topic was still limited. Thus, in the present study, researchers attempted to diagnose students' misconceptions about buffer solutions by administering a two-tier multiple-choice test. Research data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Respondents in this study were 98 second-semester eleventh-grade students majoring in Science in 3 senior high schools, with high (A), moderate (B), and poor (C) categories based on the 2015 National Examination's scores. The misconceptions detected were about what buffers do, what buffers are, and how buffers can do what they do. These findings were discovered in schools with a moderate category.
Strategic Sources of Financing Company Operations
Authors: Novitskaya Anastasia , Alimuradov Murad
Published: March 2023

The modern economy is constantly looking for optimal financial sources that provide sustainability and efficiency in the strategic perspective. Their effectiveness affects the financial performance and competitiveness of companies. An effective financing strategy gives the company a serious strategic advantage. Potential sources should be tested for feasibility. To implement strategic priorities in strategizing, companies should carry out a constant financial assessment of attracted financial resources and combine various mechanisms for financing their operations. The article offers a tool for assessing potential sources as part of the company’s strategic priorities and describes the impact of the correct choice of financial sources on the overall corporate strategy.
Investigation of a Lock-In Thermography method using embedded piezoelectric transducers into composite plates
Authors: Gavérina L , Roche J.-M , Beauchêne P
Published: March 2023

The integration of piezoelectric transducers in composite structures for SHM purposes is a solution that is more and more considered by the aeronautic and aerospace industrials. During maintenance operations, such transducers can be activated to generate guided waves in the structure and interact with possible defects such as impact damage, generating a thermal signature that be spotted by an infrared camera. The aim of the present work is to investigate the relevance of this vibrothermography NDT approach when the transducer is embedded inside laminate composite material
Infrared Thermal Imaging: A dataset definition towards decision making and intelligence
Authors: Vardasca R , Bento F , Tereso M , Martinho D
Published: March 2023

Infrared imaging is being used every dayfor monitoring and diagnostic purposes, although it is poorly documented, which can be a major barrier for intelligence creation from the data collected.This research looked deeper into reference recent literature to find the different sources of data related to an IR examination. It was found that exam, image, object of interest, environmental and equipment data are required for a comprehensive dataset. This dataset will enforce quality assurance and drive decision-making through being the basis for intelligence generation
Reducing the pollution load of tannery wastewater and the atmospheric emission of hydrogen sulfide using modified tannin
Authors: Uez Débora Eloísa , Hansen Everton , Osório Daniela Migliavacca , de Aquim Patrice Monteiro
Published: March 2023

Industrial wastewater causes several environmental and health issues due to its composition, and hydrogen sulfide is one of the main contaminants from various industrial activities, including tannery wastewater treatment plants. This study aimed to evaluate the application of a modified tannin to remove hydrogen sulfide, chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, color, and turbidity from tannery wastewater and to reduce the atmospheric emission of sulfides. The wastewater was treated using modified tannin, aluminum sulfate, and a combination of both. Gaseous sulfide emissions were analyzed qualitatively using paper soaked in lead acetate. The qualitative methodology of hydrogen sulfide in the atmosphere was efficient to identify the most critical areas in the tannery. The wastewater treatment tests showed that the best option was the combination of both coagulants, in a 50:50 ratio, resulting in a total coagulant dosage of 3,000 mg/L. The removal efficiencies achieved were 13.8% sulfides, 23.3% chemical oxygen demand, 9.1% total nitrogen, 97.3% turbidity, and 96.4% color. This treatment technique promotes the replacement of 50% of the aluminum sulfate currently used in the tannery by a non-toxic coagulant and does not require chemicals to adjust the pH of the wastewater.
Structural Analysis of the Interaction between Bcl-xL and the Noncanonical
BH3 Domain of Non-Bcl-2 Family Proteins
Authors: Ku Bonsu
Published: March 2023

Anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic Bcl-2 homologues commonly contain a hydrophobic
groove in which the BH3 domain is accommodated. The BH3 domain is usually considered a feature
of Bcl-2 family members; however, it has also been found in various non-Bcl-2 family proteins. Although
interactions among Bcl-2 family members have been extensively investigated and highlighted,
those mediated by the BH3 domain of non-Bcl-2 family proteins have not been the focus of substantial
research. In this review, the author conducted a structural analysis of Bcl-xL complexed with the
BH3 domain of four non-Bcl-2 family proteins, Beclin 1, SOUL, TCTP, and Pxt1, at an atomic level.
Although the overall Bcl-xL-binding modes are similar among these proteins, they are characterized
by limited sequence conservation of the BH3 consensus motif and differences in residues involved in
complex formation. Based on the structural analysis, the author suggests that more “undiscovered”
BH3 domain-containing proteins might exist, which have been unidentified due to their limited sequence
conservation but can bind to Bcl-2 family proteins and control apoptosis, autophagy, or other
biological processes.
Potential Phytochemicals for Prevention of Familial Breast Cancer with
BRCA Mutations
Authors: Shahiwala Aliasgar Fakruddin , Khan Gazala Afreen
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer has remained a global challenge and the second leading cause of cancer
mortality in women and family history. Hereditary factors are some of the major risk factors associated
with breast cancer. Out of total breast cancer cases, 5-10% account only for familial breast cancer,
and nearly 50% of all hereditary breast cancer are due to BRCA1/BRCA2 germline mutations.
BRCA1/2 mutations play an important role not only in determining the clinical prognosis of breast
cancer but also in the survival curves. Since this risk factor is known, a significant amount of the
healthcare burden can be reduced by taking preventive measures among people with a known history
of familial breast cancer. There is increasing evidence that phytochemicals of nutrients and supplements
help in the prevention and cure of BRCA-related cancers by different mechanisms such
as limiting DNA damage, altering estrogen metabolism, or upregulating expression of the normal
BRCA allele, and ultimately enhancing DNA repair. This manuscript reviews different approaches
used to identify potential phytochemicals to mitigate the risk of familial breast cancer with BRCA
mutations. The findings of this review can be extended for the prevention and cure of any BRCAmutated
cancer after proper experimental and clinical validation of the data.
Physical Exercise to Redynamize Interoception in Substance use Disorders
Authors: Brevers Damien , Billieux Joël , de Timary Philippe , Desmedt Olivier , Maurage Pierre , Perales José Cesar , Suárez-Suárez Samuel , Bechara Antoine
Published: March 2023

Physical exercise is considered a promising medication-free and cost-effective adjunct
treatment for substance use disorders (SUD). Nevertheless, evidence regarding the effectiveness of
these interventions is currently limited, thereby signaling the need to better understand the mechanisms
underlying their impact on SUD, in order to reframe and optimize them. Here we advance that
physical exercise could be re-conceptualized as an “interoception booster”, namely as a way to help
people with SUD to better decode and interpret bodily-related signals associated with transient states
of homeostatic imbalances that usually trigger consumption. We first discuss how mismatches between
current and desired bodily states influence the formation of reward-seeking states in SUD, in
light of the insular cortex brain networks. Next, we detail effort perception during physical exercise
and discuss how it can be used as a relevant framework for re-dynamizing interoception in SUD. We
conclude by providing perspectives and methodological considerations for applying the proposed approach
to mixed-design neurocognitive research on SUD.
The Anti-psoriatic Effect of Gallic Acid is Associated with the Suppression
of Keratin 6 and Nrf2
Authors: Zhang Jinwei , Qiu Hong , Cao Xiaojing , Han Ling
Published: March 2023

Background:

Psoriasis is recognized as an autoimmune dermatosis, and keratin 6 (KRT 6) is a
hallmark of psoriasis. Gallic acid (GA) is a natural and small molecule with a series of biological activities.
However, the effect of GA on psoriasis has not been clarified.

Aims:

This study aimed to investigate the anti-psoriatic activity of GA in psoriasis-like mice and in vitro.

Methods:

The transcriptions of the Homo sapiens KRT6 gene, and Mus musculus KRT6 gene, were identified
using a quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) assay. Expressions of KRT 6,
STAT3, pSTAT3, Nrf2, and pNrf2 in HaCaT cells and skin biopsies were determined with a western
blotting assay. The immunofluorescence (IF) assay was used to examine the expression of KRT6,
pSTAT3, and pNrf2 in HaCaT cells. The expression of KRT 6, PCNA, Ki67, and CD3 was evaluated on
the skin of psoriasis-like mice and quantified with histochemical scores (H scores).

Results:

GA significantly inhibited KRT 6 gene transcription and expression in psoriasis-like disease both
in vitro and in vivo. It significantly inhibited the expression of keratinocyte proliferation markers (PCNA
and Ki67), suppressed the expression of CD3 (a marker of T cells), and decreased the thickness of the
folded skin, as well as improved the splenomegaly in imiquimod-induced mice similar to psoriasis. Furthermore,
the suppressing effect of GA on KRT 6 was abolished by the continuous activation of Nrf2
rather than STAT3, although GA significantly inhibited Nrf2 and STAT3 activation in IL-17A-induced
HaCaT cells.

Conclusions:

KRT 6 acts as a potential target for GA against psoriasis, and the anti-psoriatic effect of GA
could be related to Nrf2 signaling.
The e-S.F.E.R.A. Questionnaire: A New Tool For Sport Psychologists Working In Mental Training
Authors: Caputo Andrea , Drivet Stefano , Sandretto Riccardo , Vercelli Giuseppe , Cortese Claudio G.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Esports are gaining worldwide recognition. Given the characteristics of this discipline, esporters need proper mental preparation. The S.F.E.R.A. model is widely used in sport psychology practice in Italy, aiming to maximize athletes’ performance and improve five mental factors: Synchrony, Strength, Energy, Rhythm, and Activation.

Objectives:

The present study aims at 1) developing a questionnaire to detect those factors and 2) investigating their similarity with more classical psychological dimensions.

Methods:

A sample of 211 players of competitive online games filled out the “e-S.F.E.R.A. Questionnaire”. Confirmatory Factor Analysis for each factor and regressions on Engagement, Flow and Addiction were performed.

Results:

Results 1) confirm the monofactorial structures of mental factors and 2) show the positive relations of Energy with Vigor and Dedication of Engagement and Activation with all dimensions considered, including Addiction.

Conclusion:

This study provides sports psychologists with a new framework and tools for esporters’ mental optimization.
Part One: Stability Analysis of Hydrogen-CNG Powered Vehicle
Authors: Kale Amar , Kadri Usman , Kamble Jayesh , Badgujar Kushal , Kharade Prakash
Published: March 2023

Background:

When conventional petroleum-based liquid fuels are combusted, several
hazardous pollutants are produced. These pollutants are noxious for both human beings and the
environment.

Objective:

This study aims to analyze the stability of Hydrogen-CNG powered vehicles. Hydrogen
has the potential to be one of the most sustainable fuels of the future, decrease the global
dependence on fossil fuel resources, and lower the pollutant emissions from the transportation
industry. Though we have alternative non-conventional sources of energy, the perfect one to use as
the energy source for vehicles is hydrogen. The mixture of Hydrogen and CNG provides excellent
properties as fuel for transportation. A fast and accurate control system is designed that allows the
combustion of pure Hydrogen.

Methods:

Combination of Hydrogen with CNG can increase the power and efficiency of the
vehicle. The vehicle powered by Hydrogen-CNG needs an electronic control system assuring the
operation of its discrete components. MIMO system models having brakes and acceleration inputs
are considered.

Results:

Results are presented for the vehicle transfer function in the form of Bode plots, Root
locus, and Routh Hurwitz judging the stability of the vehicle.

Conclusion:

The main goals of the paper that is to analyze the stability of the vehicle and design an
efficient control system are achieved. Obtaining the transfer function for governing equations for
understanding the stability of the plant and generating a visual representation showing the relation
between the variable quantities have been achieved in this paper.
Electronic Health Record–Based Absolute Risk Prediction Model for Esophageal Cancer in the Chinese Population: Model Development and External Validation (Preprint)
Authors: Han Yuting , Zhu Xia , Hu Yizhen , Yu Canqing , Guo Yu , Hang Dong , Pang Yuanjie , Pei Pei , Ma Hongxia , Sun Dianjianyi , Yang Ling , Chen Yiping , Du Huaidong , Yu Min , Chen Junshi , Chen Zhengming , Huo Dezheng , Jin Guangfu , Lv Jun , Hu Zhibin , Shen Hongbing , Li Liming
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

China has the largest burden of esophageal cancer (EC). Prediction models can be used to identify high-risk individuals for intensive lifestyle interventions and endoscopy screening. However, the current prediction models are limited by small sample size and a lack of external validation, and none of them can be embedded into the booming electronic health records (EHRs) in China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop and validate absolute risk prediction models for EC in the Chinese population. In particular, we assessed whether models that contain only EHR-available predictors performed well.

METHODS

A prospective cohort recruiting 510,145 participants free of cancer from both high EC-risk and low EC-risk areas in China was used to develop EC models. Another prospective cohort of 18,441 participants was used for validation. A flexible parametric model was used to develop a 10-year absolute risk model by considering the competing risks (full model). The full model was then abbreviated by keeping only EHR-available predictors. We internally and externally validated the models by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and calibration plots and compared them based on classification measures.

RESULTS

During a median of 11.1 years of follow-up, we observed 2550 EC incident cases. The models consisted of age, sex, regional EC-risk level (high-risk areas: 2 study regions; low-risk areas: 8 regions), education, family history of cancer (simple model), smoking, alcohol use, BMI (intermediate model), physical activity, hot tea consumption, and fresh fruit consumption (full model). The performance was only slightly compromised after the abbreviation. The simple and intermediate models showed good calibration and excellent discriminating ability with AUCs (95% CIs) of 0.822 (0.783-0.861) and 0.830 (0.792-0.867) in the external validation and 0.871 (0.858-0.884) and 0.879 (0.867-0.892) in the internal validation, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Three nested 10-year EC absolute risk prediction models for Chinese adults aged 30-79 years were developed and validated, which may be particularly useful for populations in low EC-risk areas. Even the simple model with only 5 predictors available from EHRs had excellent discrimination and good calibration, indicating its potential for broader use in tailored EC prevention. The simple and intermediate models have the potential to be widely used for both primary and secondary prevention of EC.
Psoriasis in a Brazilian population: knowledge assessment instrument and implementation of patient care information protocol (Preprint)
Authors: Silva Dimitri L F , Trinh Nhat Q , Cirilo Fabiane Lima , Franca Andrea Fernandes Eloy da Costa , Magalhaes Renata Ferreira
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin and joints disease. Due to the complicated nature of this disease process, the layperson may have difficulty retaining the information in a short consultation visit with the physician.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a specialized outpatient clinic population knowledge about their psoriatic disease and promote better approaches.

METHODS

Participants in our study were randomized to two groups: pamphlet and video. Both educational media contained the same overall information. A questionnaire on basic concepts was given before and after the educational intervention to assess baseline disease knowledge and knowledge acquisition, respectively

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients (mean age 50.5 years) were enrolled and the educational material was considered useful by 66% of the participants. As to the knowledge acquisition, a good understanding of the noninfectious nature of the disease (97%) was demonstrated but understanding about the basic pathophysiology of the disease was poor (39%), 78% showed knowledge about the early signs of arthritis. After one year, patients retained knowledge and achieved similar score on same questions

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in our investigation are in line with those found in the literature and show that knowledge retention can be enhanced by written and video patient education, which can lead to better patient compliance and treatment adherence.

CLINICALTRIAL

Número do Parecer: 2.014.058
Pesquisador: DIMITRI LUZ FELIPE DA SILVA
Área Temática:
Versão: 3
CAAE: 62767416.5.0000.5404
Instituição Proponente: Hospital de Clínicas da UNICAMP
Patrocinador Principal: Financiamento Próprio
Quality and Reliability of Liver Cancer–Related Short Chinese Videos on TikTok and Bilibili: Cross-Sectional Content Analysis Study (Preprint)
Authors: Zheng Shusen , Tong Xinyu , Wan Dalong , Hu Chen , Hu Qing , Ke Qinghong
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer incidence has been increasing in China in the recent years, leading to increased public concern regarding the burden of this disease. Short videos on liver cancer are disseminated through TikTok and Bilibili apps, which have gained popularity in recent years as an easily accessible source of health information. However, the credibility, quality, and usefulness of the information in these short videos and the professional knowledge of the individuals uploading health information–based videos in these platforms have not yet been evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aims to assess the quality of the information in Chinese short videos on liver cancer shared on the TikTok and Bilibili short video–sharing platforms.

METHODS

In March 2023, we assessed the top 100 Chinese short videos on liver cancer in TikTok and Bilibili (200 videos in total) for their information quality and reliability by using 2 rating tools, namely, global quality score (GQS) and the DISCERN instrument. Correlation and Poisson regression analyses were applied to discuss the factors that could impact video quality.

RESULTS

Compared to Bilibili, TikTok is more popular, although the length of the videos on TikTok is shorter than that of the videos on Bilibili (P<.001). The quality of the short videos on liver cancer in TikTok and Bilibili was not satisfactory, with median GQS of 3 (IQR 2-4) and 2 (IQR 1-5) and median DISCERN scores of 5 (IQR 4-6) and 4 (IQR 2-7), respectively. In general, the quality of videos sourced from professional institutions and individuals was better than that of those sourced from nonprofessionals, and videos involving disease-related knowledge were of better quality than those covering news and reports. No significant differences were found in the quality of videos uploaded by individuals from different professions, with the exception of those uploaded by traditional Chinese medicine professionals, which demonstrated poorer quality. Only video shares were positively correlated with the GQS (r=0.17, P=.01), and no video variables could predict the video quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the quality of short videos on health information related to liver cancer is poor on Bilibili and TikTok, but videos uploaded by health care professionals can be considered reliable in terms of comprehensiveness and content quality. Thus, short videos providing medical information on TikTok and Bilibili must be carefully considered for scientific soundness by active information seekers before they make decisions on their health care management.