bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting Effective Transitions From University to Post-graduation for Autistic Students
Authors: Lucas Rebecca , Cage Eilidh , James Alana I.
Published: February 2022

Background

The number of autistic students graduating is increasing; however, little is known regarding their transition out of university. Understanding this transition is particularly pertinent with regard to the employment of autistic graduates. It is vital that we understand autistic people’s experiences of the transition and identify what support would be beneficial during this time.

Method

Thirty-four autistic graduates from the United Kingdom took part in a mixed-methods study exploring their transition experience. Both quantitative and qualitative questions were used to obtain in-depth information concerning participants’ experiences. Participants completed questions regarding their experiences and emotions in relation to the transition, the support they received for the transition, and their career and post-graduation plans.

Results

Participants reported high levels of fear and low preparedness for the transition. They did not feel well supported in preparing for the transition or for their future career. In the 6 months pre-graduation, 59% of participants had accessed emotion-related transition support and 70% accessed career-related support. Post-graduation, one-third accessed emotion-related or career-related support. Perspectives on this accessed support were mixed, as were transition experiences. Additional support desired included preparation for life changes, career planning, employment accessibility, and autism-specific support. Advice for future students centered on forward planning.

Conclusion

These results highlight the importance of supporting autistic students with the transition out of university. Service provision should be tailored to autistic students’ needs and support early planning for the transition.
Do Dolls Resemble Their Makers?
Authors: Uetsuki Miki , Kimura Misako
Published: February 2022

Many often say that people resemble their pets or that the faces of manga characters and Buddha statues resemble those of their artists. Previous studies demonstrated that participants could match dogs with their owners, suggesting that pets resemble their owners. Other studies also demonstrated that people can match personal belongings, including inanimate objects, to their owners. However, it is unknown whether people tend to make objects that resemble themselves. In this study, we examined whether people tend to make objects that resemble themselves with dolls made of cloth as stimuli. The results demonstrated that people tend to project themselves into dolls, even in the case of amateur college students. The mere exposure effect or the algorithm “self seeks like” may be at play in not only people’s selection of pets but also their making of objects.
“My Goal Is to Lose 2.923 kg!”—Efficacy of Precise Versus Round Goals for Body Weight Reduction
Authors: Frech Marie-Lena , Friese Malte , Loschelder David D.
Published: February 2022

Overweight individuals often struggle to lose weight. While previous studies established goal setting as an effective strategy for weight loss, little is known about the effects of numeric goal precision. The present research investigated whether and how the precision of weight loss goals—the number of trailing zeros—impacts a goal’s effectiveness. In two preregistered, longitudinal experiments, we contrasted competing predictions as to whether precise (e.g., 2.923 kg) or round (e.g., 3.000 kg) goals are more effective compared to a waiting control condition. In Experiment 1 (N = 121), participants in the two goal conditions lost more weight compared to the control condition—an effect that was mainly driven by precise (rather than round) goals. In Experiment 2 (N = 150), we sought to replicate this effect but found no significant weight loss differences. An individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis across both experiments revealed that (a) the goal groups jointly lost more weight than the waiting control group and (b) the precise and round goal groups did not differ in weight loss success. An IPD-based multiple mediation analysis showed that healthier eating, but not physical exercise accounted for goal-setting-induced weight loss. We discuss possible explanations for the null findings in Experiment 2 and highlight directions for future research.
Understanding Compliant Behavior During a Pandemic: Contribution From the Perspective of Schema-Based Psychotherapy
Authors: Offurum Chino José , Leibetseder Max , Jenull Brigitte
Published: February 2022

Objective

The current study examined whether compliance with anti-pandemic measures during the COVID-19 pandemic relates to (a) importance of the fulfillment of core psychological needs, namely, relationship, self-esteem, efficacy, and pleasure; (b) coping behavior styles, namely, surrender, self-soothing, divert attention, and confrontation; and (c) worries or concerns beyond COVID-19 which may impair wellbeing.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design and online survey data from responses to a structured questionnaire developed within the theoretical framework of schema-based psychotherapy on psychological needs and coping behavior styles from 740 participants in Central Europe and West Africa.

Results

Analysis indicated that people with the psychological needs of “pleasure” and “efficacy” and the coping style of “surrender” were more likely to comply with anti-pandemic measures. We also found that people with the coping style of “confrontation” were less likely to comply. There were no statistically significant relationships between compliance and “relationship,” “self-esteem,” “self-soothing,” “divert attention,” and “existential concerns.”

Discussion

Our findings indicate that how likely a given individual is to comply with prescribed pandemic countermeasures varies based on their specific psychological needs and behavior styles. Therefore, to control contagion during a pandemic, authorities must recognize the relevance of human need fulfillment and their behavior styles and accordingly highlight and encourage admissible and feasible actions. The findings demonstrate that some individual differences in core psychological needs and coping behavior patterns predict compliance behavior.
Gender Differences in Self-Estimated Intelligence: Exploring the Male Hubris, Female Humility Problem
Authors: Reilly David , Neumann David L. , Andrews Glenda
Published: February 2022

Despite evidence from cognitive psychology that men and women are equal in measured intelligence, gender differences in self-estimated intelligence (SEI) are widely reported with males providing systematically higher estimates than females. This has been termed the male hubris, female humility effect. The present study explored personality factors that might explain this. Participants (N = 228; 103 male, 125 female) provided self-estimates of their general IQ and for Gardner’s multiple intelligences, before completing the Cattell Culture Fair IQ test as an objective measure of intelligence. They also completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) as a measure of sex-role identification, and measures of general and academic self-esteem. Both gender and sex-role differences were observed for SEI, with males and participants of both genders who scored high in masculinity offering higher self-estimates. By comparing estimated and observed IQ, we were able to rule out gender differences in overall accuracy but observed a pattern of systematic underestimation in females. An hierarchical multiple regression showed significant independent effects of gender, masculinity, and self-esteem. Mixed evidence was observed for gender differences in the estimation of multiple intelligences, though moderately sized sex-role differences were observed. The results offer a far more nuanced explanation for the male hubris, female humility effect that includes the contribution of sex role identification to individual and group differences.
Specifics of the Emotional Response of Patients Suffering From Major Depressive Disorder to Imagined Basic Tastes of Food
Authors: Jarutiene Laura , Adomaitiene Virginija , Steibliene Vesta , Juodeikiene Grazina , Cernauskas Darius , Klupsaite Dovile , Lele Vita , Milasauskiene Egle , Bartkiene Elena
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, the major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disease that negatively affects the life quality of many people around the world. As MDD symptoms are closely related with the changes in food and eating, the relation between patients’ emotional responses and food tastes could be used as criteria for diagnostic. Until now, studies on the emotional response to different food tastes for patients affected by MDD have been poorly described in literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the emotional response of patients suffering from MDD to the imagined different food tastes and to compare the results with a control group. Emotional responses in tested participants were induced by using cards with words of basic food tastes such as “sweet,” “salty,” “bitter,” “sour,” and “neutral.” The assessment of emotional response was performed with FaceReader 6 software. The outcome of this study showed that participants with MDD expressed lower “happy” and “contempt” and higher “surprised” emotions, along with a higher negative valence mean, in comparison with controls for all tested basic tastes of food (p ≤ 0.05). When Likert scale was used, significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) in response were only found for “sour” and “salty” imaginary tastes between healthy group and patients with MDD. The findings of this study provide the additional data on food–associated emotion analysis of MDD patients and could be useful for the further development of the contactless method for early diagnosis of MDD.
Food Policy Processes in the City of Rome: A Perspective on Policy Integration and Governance Innovation
Authors: Minotti Bianca , Cimini Angela , D'Amico Gabriella , Marino Davide , Mazzocchi Giampiero , Tarra Simona
Published: February 2022

In the food policy arena, the topic of governance and how to create a governance system that would deal with cross-cutting issues, including new ways of perceiving the public sphere, the policymaking, and the involvement of the population, has become an important field of study. The research presented in this article focuses on the case study of Rome, comparing different paths that various groups of actors have taken toward the definition of urban food policy processes: the Agrifood Plan, Food Policy for Rome, and Community Gardens Movement. The aim of the research is to understand the state of the art about different paths toward food strategies and policies that are currently active in the Roman territory while investigating the relationship between policy integration and governance innovation structures. Indeed, this paper dives into the governance structure of the three food policy processes, the actors and sectors involved, and the goals and instruments selected to achieve a more sustainable food system for the city. In this context, their characteristics are analyzed according to an innovative conceptual framework, which, by crossing two recognized theoretical systems, on policy integration and governance innovation frameworks, allows to identify the capacity of policy integration and governance innovation. The analysis shows that every process performs a different form of governance, implemented according to the actor and backgrounds that compose the process itself. The study demonstrates that governance innovation and policy integration are strongly linked and that the conception and application of policy integration changes according to the governance vision that a process has.
Case Report: Gigantic Arteriovenous Femoral Fistula Following Cardiac Artery Catheterization
Authors: Russu Eliza , Mureşan Adrian Vasile , Kaller Reka , Coşarcă Cătălin Mircea , Arbănaşi Eliza-Mihaela , Arbănaşi Emil-Marian
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To present the case of a patient with a 9-mm iatrogenic fistula between a branch of the right profunda femoris artery, aneurysmally dilated at ~1.851cm, and the right femoral vein, successfully treated with open surgical ligation.

Case Report

A 70-years-old female was referred to the Vascular Surgery Clinic due to worsening cardiac failure symptoms during the previous year. The medical history included a diagnostic cardiac artery catheterism through a Seldinger technique one year and a half ago. A recent ultrasound described velocities characteristic for a high flow arteriovenous communication in the right groin. Two consecutive cardiology exams, performed at nine months from one another, showed a decrease of almost 21% in the ejection fraction of the left ventricle. An angiography was conducted with the hope of achieving effective percutaneous embolization. Unfortunately, that was not the case. An open repair was scheduled, as the option for a stent-graft deployment was overruled as being too risky, potentially closing several branches of the profunda femoris artery and not fully completing the orifice due to a complicated anatomical positioning. Under local anesthesia, an open ligation was performed in very hostile anatomical conditions. The patient had an uncomplicated evolution and was discharged on the third day, symptom-free.

Conclusions

Iatrogenic arteriovenous fistulas are rare. Clinical presentation diagnoses the case efficiently, vascular imaging being essential for surgical preparation. Though open repair is not the gold standard, there are cases not suitable for the endovascular approach. These patients are eligible for a surgical solution, not without technical challenges.
Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Breast Cancer Stage and Surgical Volume?
Authors: Kara Halil , Arikan Akif Enes , Dulgeroglu Onur , Tutar Burcin , Tokat Fatma , Uras Cihan
Published: February 2022

Background

This study investigates the effects of COVID-19 on the breast cancer stage and the volume of breast cancer surgery in a specialized breast institute.

Methods

Data of 332 patients who were diagnosed and treated for breast cancer between December 2019 and November 2020 were evaluated retrospectively according to periods of pandemic.

Results

A significant decrease in the number of operations, especially upfront surgeries rather than surgeries after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, was detected in the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found that patients with complaints were mostly admitted during this period (p = 0.024). No statistical significance was found for age, sex, side of the tumor, type of tumor, surgery to breast, and axilla. Following the early period of the pandemic, it was observed that patients with mostly luminal, early-stage, and less axillary nodal involvement (p < 0.05) were admitted, and as a result, it was founded that upfront surgeries increased, although no change in TNM staging was observed. However, it did affect the decision of initial treatment. Thus, the number of upfront surgeries was significantly higher than the NCT group (p = 0.027) following the early period.

Conclusion

Surgical volume is significantly affected in the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome overload due to delayed surgeries related to pandemics, some hospitals should be spared for oncological treatments. Following the early period, mostly luminal type, early-stage patients were admitted, probably because of increased self-awareness and short wave duration, but the breast cancer stage was not affected.
Proteomic Exploration of Porcine Oocytes During Meiotic Maturation in vitro Using an Accurate TMT-Based Quantitative Approach
Authors: Jia Baoyu , Xiang Decai , Shao Qingyong , Hong Qionghua , Quan Guobo , Wu Guoquan
Published: February 2022

The dynamic changes in protein expression are well known to be required for oocyte meiotic maturation. Although proteomic analysis has been performed in porcine oocytes during in vitro maturation, there is still no full data because of the technical limitations at that time. Here, a novel tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative approach was used to compare the proteomic profiles of porcine immature and in vitro mature oocytes. The results of our study showed that there were 763 proteins considered with significant difference−450 over-expressed and 313 under-expressed proteins. The GO and KEGG analyses revealed multiple regulatory mechanisms of oocyte nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation such as spindle and chromosome configurations, cytoskeletal reconstruction, epigenetic modifications, energy metabolism, signal transduction and others. In addition, 12 proteins identified with high-confidence peptide and related to oocyte maturation were quantified by a parallel reaction monitoring technique to validate the reliability of TMT results. In conclusion, we provided a detailed proteomics dataset to enrich the understanding of molecular characteristics underlying porcine oocyte maturation in vitro.
Interactions Between Donor Age and 12-Month Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate on Allograft and Patient Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Lim Wai H. , Ooi Esther , Pilmore Helen L. , Johnson David W. , McDonald Stephen P. , Clayton Philip , Hawley Carmel , Mulley William R. , Francis Ross , Collins Michael G. , Jaques Bryon , Larkins Nicholas G. , Davies Christopher E. , Wyburn Kate , Chadban Steve J. , Wong Germaine
Published: February 2022

Reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 12-months after kidney transplantation is associated with increased risk of allograft loss, but it is uncertain whether donor age and types modify this relationship. Using Australia and New Zealand registry data, multivariable Cox proportional modelling was used to examine the interactive effects between donor age, types and 12-month eGFR on overall allograft loss. We included 11,095 recipients (4,423 received live-donors). Recipients with lowest 12-month eGFR (<30 ml/min/1.73 m2) experienced the greatest risk of allograft loss, with adjusted HR [95% CI) of 2.65 [2.38–2.95] compared to eGFR of 30–60 ml/min/1.73 m2; whereas the adjusted HR for highest eGFR (>60 ml/min/1.73 m2) was 0.67 [0.62–0.74]. The association of 12-month eGFR and allograft loss was modified by donor age (but not donor types) where a higher risk of allograft loss in recipients with lower compared with higher 12-month eGFR being most pronounced in the younger donor age groups (p < 0.01). Recipients with eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 12-months after transplantation experienced ≥2.5-fold increased risk of overall allograft loss compared to those with eGFR of >60 ml/min/1.73 m2, and the magnitude of the increased risk is most marked among recipients with younger donors. Careful deliberation of other factors including donor age when considering eGFR as a surrogate for clinical endpoints is warranted.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Administrative Sciences in 2021
Authors:   Administrative Sciences Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Global Optimization of UAV Area Coverage Path Planning Based on Good Point Set and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yuan Jinbiao , Liu Zhenbao , Lian Yeda , Chen Lulu , An Qiang , Wang Lina , Ma Bodi
Published: February 2022

When performing area coverage tasks in some special scenarios, fixed-wing aircraft conventionally adopt the scan-type of path planning, where the distance between two adjacent tracks is usually less than the minimum turning radius of the aircraft. This results in increased energy consumption during turning between adjacent tracks, which means a reduced task execution efficiency. To address this problem, the current paper proposes an area coverage path planning method for a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on an improved genetic algorithm. The algorithm improves the primary population generation of the traditional genetic algorithm, with the help of better crossover operator and mutation operator for the genetic operation. More specifically, the good point set algorithm (GPSA) is first used to generate a primary population that has a more uniform distribution than that of the random algorithm. Then, the heuristic crossover operator and the random interval inverse mutation operator are employed to reduce the risk of local optimization. The proposed algorithm is verified in tasks with different numbers of paths. A comparison with the conventional genetic algorithm (GA) shows that our algorithm can converge to a better solution.
Emergence of Fungicide Sensitivity in Leptosphaeria maculans Isolates Collected from the Czech Republic to DMI Fungicides
Authors: Fajemisin Olufadekemi , Mazáková Jana , Ryšánek Pavel
Published: February 2022

In the Czech Republic, demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) are used both as fungicides in controlling phoma stem canker and as growth regulators. This heavy use can result in the development of resistant isolates. A total of 45 and 286 Leptosphaeria maculans isolates were tested in vitro, using the mycelial growth and microtiter plate assays, respectively. The objective was to determine the sensitivity of L. maculans isolates collected in the Czech Republic to the fungicides tetraconazole, metconazole, and prochloraz. The mean EC50 values with the mycelial growth plate method were 1.33, 0.78, and 0.40 µg mL−1 for tetraconazole, metconazole, and prochloraz, respectively. The mean EC50 values for the microtiter plate assay were 3.01, 0.44, and 0.19 µg mL−1 for tetraconazole, metconazole, and prochloraz, respectively. All three fungicides also had high variation factors that may be due to inserts in the ERG11 promoter region. In addition, cross sensitivity among the three fungicides was observed. Overall, the high variation factors and the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) results observed in this study could signify the presence of resistant isolates in L. maculans Czech populations, especially in isolates tested for sensitivity to tetraconazole.
Stability on Maize Hybrids Based on GGE Biplot Graphical Technique
Authors: Shojaei Seyed Habib , Mostafavi Khodadad , Bihamta Mohammad Reza , Omrani Ali , Mousavi Seyed Mohammad Nasir , Illés Árpád , Bojtor Csaba , Nagy Janos
Published: February 2022

In this study, 12 maize hybrids were planted and evaluated to determine the effect of genotype and genotype-environment interaction (GEI) base GGE (genotype plus genotype-by-environment) using a Graphical biplot technique in four research stations (Arak, Birjand, Shiraz and Karaj) within two years using a Randomized Complete Blocks Design (RCBD). The combined analysis of variance showed that the effects of the environment, genotype and genotype-environment interaction (GEI) were significant in the one percent probability level. GGE biplot results indicated that the first and second principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained more than 83% of the grain performance variation. Simultaneous study of grain performance and hybrid stability using the biplot of average environment coordinates showed that the KSC705 genotype had the highest yield and stability. Polygon view divided the studied areas into two mega-environments (MEs) and identified the best genotypes in each mega-environment (ME). In the first mega-environment (ME1), the Karaj and Shiraz with KSC706 and KSC400 genotypes were detected, and were the best; and in the second mega-environment (ME2), Arak and Birjand with KSC704 and KSC707 genotypes performed better. The biplot graph for the correlation between the genotypes categorized the studied hybrids into four groups positively related to each other based on the angles between vectors. The KSC704 and KSC707 genotypes were desirable in the yield in Shiraz and Karaj and KSC706 were in Arak and Birjand. Additionally, Arak-Birjand, Karaj-Shiraz showed a positive and significant correlation. Birjand and Karaj had most genotype interaction with each other.
The Individual and Combined Effect of Nanoparticles and Biofertilizers on Growth, Yield, and Biochemical Attributes of Peanuts (Arachis hypogea L.)
Authors: Abdelghany Ahmed M. , El-Banna Aly A. A. , Salama Ehab A. A. , Ali Muhammad Moaaz , Al-Huqail Asma A. , Ali Hayssam M. , Paszt Lidia Sas , El-Sorady Gawhara A. , Lamlom Sobhi F.
Published: February 2022

A two-year (2020–2021) field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of particular nanoparticles and biofertilizers on the growth, yield, and biochemical attributes of peanuts (Cv. Giza 6). Before planting, the seeds were inoculated with two biofertilizers, mycorrhiza and phosphorine, and were considered the main plot. The subplot contained foliar sprays of nanoparticles, i.e., 200 ppm boron (B), 200 ppm calcium (Ca), their combination (Ca+B), and the control (no spray). The results revealed that mycorrhiza significantly increased 100-seed weight (70.45 g), seed yield (1.9 ton/ha), biological yield (7.5 ton/ha), crop growth rate (CGR) (2.9 g day−1 m−2), branching number (12.5), and protein content (22.96) compared with the control or phosphorine. Among the nanoparticles, Ca+B maximally improved plant height, CGR, 100-seed weight, shelling percentage, seed yield, oil content, and seed protein, while plants treated with B exhibited maximum seed nitrogen, pods per plant, and biological yield compared to other treatments. Overall, plants treated with Ca and B nanoparticles and mycorrhiza exhibited remarkable improvement in their growth, yield, and biochemical attributes, suggesting that nanotechnology and biofertilization are steps toward environmentally friendly, progressive farming. This study laid the basis for further elucidation of the molecular mechanism of plants in response to these nanoparticles and biofertilizers.
Biochar Application Alleviated Rice Salt Stress via Modifying Soil Properties and Regulating Soil Bacterial Abundance and Community Structure
Authors: Huang Jing , Zhu Chunquan , Kong Yali , Cao Xiaochuang , Zhu Lianfeng , Zhang Yongchun , Ning Yunwang , Tian Wenhao , Zhang Hui , Yu Yijun , Zhang Junhua
Published: February 2022

Increased soil salinity significantly inhibits crop production worldwide, and biochar may alleviate salt stress. In the present study, the application of biochar significantly increased the biomass of rice under salt stress treatment. The analysis of soil properties demonstrated that biochar application significantly decreased electrical conductivity and soluble Na+ and Cl− contents in the soil under salt stress. In addition, biochar application increased the soil cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter, humic acid, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus contents in the soil, suggesting that biochar improved the soil nutrient conditions. The application of biochar further increased the abundance of soil bacteria and changed the bacterial community structure under salt stress. Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Acidobacteria were the top three phyla in bacterial abundance. Biochar increased Proteobacteria abundance and decreased Chloroflexi abundance, which were considered to be eutrophic bacteria and oligotrophic bacteria, respectively. Redundancy analysis showed that soil bacterial communities were mainly affected by soil pH and EC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the application of biochar alleviated salt stress in rice via modifying soil properties and regulating the bacterial abundance and community structure.
Population Structure and Genetic Diversity Analysis in Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) and Six Related Saccharum Species
Authors: Xiong Haizheng , Chen Yilin , Gao San-Ji , Pan Yong-Bao , Shi Ainong
Published: February 2022

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) is one of the most important commercial crops for sugar, ethanol, and other byproducts production; therefore, it is of great significance to carry out genetic research. Assessing the genetic population structure and diversity plays a vital role in managing genetic resources and gene mapping. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity and population structure among 196 Saccharum accessions, including 34 S. officinarum, 69 S. spontaneum, 17 S. robustum, 25 S. barberi, 13 S. sinense, 2 S. edule, and 36 Saccharum spp. hybrids. A total of 624 polymorphic SSR alleles were amplified by PCR with 22 pairs of fluorescence-labeled highly polymorphic SSR primers and identified on a capillary electrophoresis (CE) detection system including 109 new alleles. Three approaches (model-based clustering, principal component analysis, and phylogenetic analysis) were conducted for population structure and genetic diversity analyses. The results showed that the 196 accessions could be grouped into either three (Q) or eight (q) sub-populations. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that most accessions from each species merged. The species S. barberi and S. sinense formed one group. The species S. robustum, S. barberi, S. spontaneum, S. edule, and sugarcane hybrids merged into the second group. The S. officinarum accessions formed the third group located between the other two groups. Two-way chi-square tests derived a total of 24 species-specific or species-associated SSR alleles, including four alleles each for S. officinarum, S. spontaneum, S. barberi, and S. sinense, five alleles for S. robustum. and three alleles for Saccharum spp. hybrids. These species-specific or species-associated SSR alleles will have a wide application value in sugarcane breeding and species identification. The overall results provide useful information for future genetic study of the Saccharum genus and efficient utilization of sugarcane germplasm resources in sugarcane breeding.
Advances in the Diagnosis of Equine Respiratory Diseases: A Review of Novel Imaging and Functional Techniques
Authors: Kozłowska Natalia , Wierzbicka Małgorzata , Jasiński Tomasz , Domino Małgorzata
Published: February 2022

The horse, as a flight animal with a survival strategy involving rapid escape from predators, is a natural-born athlete with enormous functional plasticity of the respiratory system. Any respiratory dysfunction can cause a decline in ventilation and gas exchange. Therefore, respiratory diseases often lead to exercise intolerance and poor performance. This is one of the most frequent problems encountered by equine internists. Routine techniques used to evaluate respiratory tract diseases include clinical examination, endoscopic examination, radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging, cytological evaluation, and bacterial culture of respiratory secretions. New diagnostic challenges and the growing development of equine medicine has led to the implementation of advanced diagnostic techniques successfully used in human medicine. Among them, the use of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging significantly broadened the possibilities of anatomical imaging, especially in the diagnosis of upper respiratory tract diseases. Moreover, the implementation of spirometry, electrical impedance tomography (EIT), and impulse oscillation system (IOS) sheds new light on functional diagnostics of respiratory tract diseases, especially those affecting the lower part. Therefore, this review aimed to familiarize the clinicians with the advantages and disadvantages of the advanced diagnostic techniques of the equine respiratory tract and introduce their recent clinical applications in equine medicine.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Staphylococcus hyicus Strains Isolated from Brazilian Swine Herds
Authors: Moreno Andrea Micke , Moreno Luisa Zanolli , Poor André Pegoraro , Matajira Carlos Emilio Cabrera , Moreno Marina , Gomes Vasco Túlio de Moura , da Silva Givago Faria Ribeiro , Takeuti Karine Ludwig , Barcellos David Emilio
Published: February 2022

Staphylococcus hyicus is the causative agent of porcine exudative epidermitis. This disorder affects animals in all producing countries and presents a widespread occurrence in Brazil. This study evaluated strains from a historical collection in order to detect the presence of exfoliative-toxin-encoding genes (SHETB, ExhA, ExhB, ExhC, ExhD), characterize the strains using PFGE, and determine their respective antimicrobial resistance profiles. The results obtained from the evaluation of 77 strains from 1982 to 1987 and 103 strains from 2012 reveal a significant change in resistance profiles between the two periods, especially regarding the antimicrobial classes of fluoroquinolones, amphenicols, lincosamides, and pleuromutilins. The levels of multidrug resistance observed in 2012 were significantly higher than those detected in the 1980s. It was not possible to correlate the resistance profiles and presence of genes encoding toxins with the groups obtained via PFGE. Only 10.5% of the strains were negative for exfoliative toxins, and different combinations of toxins genes were identified. The changes observed in the resistance pattern of this bacterial species over the 30-year period analyzed indicate that S. hyicus could be a useful indicator in resistance monitoring programs in swine production. In a country with animal protein production such as Brazil, the results of this study reinforce the need to establish consistent monitoring programs of antimicrobial resistance in animals, as already implemented in various countries of the world.
High Cefuroxime Concentrations and Long Elimination in an Orthopaedic Surgical Deadspace—A Microdialysis Porcine Study
Authors: Tøstesen Sara Kousgaard , Stilling Maiken , Hanberg Pelle , Thillemann Theis Muncholm , Falstie-Jensen Thomas , Tøttrup Mikkel , Knudsen Martin , Petersen Emil Toft , Bue Mats
Published: February 2022

Deadspace is the tissue and bony defect in a surgical wound after closure. This space is presumably poorly perfused favouring bacterial proliferation and biofilm formation. In arthroplasty surgery, an obligate deadspace surrounding the prosthesis is introduced and deadspace management, in combination with obtaining therapeutic prophylactic antibiotic concentrations, is important for limiting the risk of acquiring a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). This study aimed to investigate cefuroxime distribution to an orthopaedic surgical deadspace in comparison with plasma and bone concentrations during two dosing intervals (8 h × 2). In a setup imitating shoulder arthroplasty surgery, but without insertion of a prosthesis, microdialysis catheters were placed for cefuroxime sampling in a deadspace in the glenohumeral joint and in cancellous bone of the scapular neck in eighteen pigs. Blood samples were collected as a reference. Cefuroxime was administered according to weight (20 mg/kg). The primary endpoint was time above the cefuroxime minimal inhibitory concentration of the free fraction of cefuroxime for Staphylococcus aureus (fT > MIC (4 μg/mL)). During the two dosing intervals, mean fT > MIC (4 μg/mL) was significantly longer in deadspace (605 min) compared with plasma (284 min) and bone (334 min). For deadspace, the mean time to reach 4 μg/mL was prolonged from the first dosing interval (8 min) to the second dosing interval (21 min), while the peak drug concentration was lower and half-life was longer in the second dosing interval. In conclusion, weight-adjusted cefuroxime fT > MIC (4 μg/mL) and elimination from the deadspace was longer in comparison to plasma and bone. Our results suggest a deadspace consolidation and a longer diffusions distance, resulting in a low cefuroxime turn-over. Based on theoretical targets, cefuroxime appears to be an appropriate prophylactic drug for the prevention of PJI.
Anti-Collision System for Small Civil Aircraft
Authors: Džunda Milan , Dzurovčin Peter , Melníková Lucia
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the results of the research in the field of anti-collision systems for small civil aircraft, which are not dependent on secondary radars and satellite navigation systems. The aviation communication network was used to design the anti-collision system. The simulation results manifested that the anti-collision system precision depended on the errors of synchronization of the aviation communication network. The precision of the anti-collision system is also influenced by the errors of the coordinates of individual aviation communication network users, based on which the system identifies its own position. The results of the simulation show that the dispersion of the positioning error σ2∆P by the ACS system varied in the range of 1.94 m2 to 503.23 m2. The simulation results confirm that the designed anti-collision system is operational in establishing its position against other FOs, with the distance from the given FOs being 50.0 km maximum. The main contribution of this paper are derived algorithms for the operation of an anti-collision system for small civil aircraft, in addition to the design of movement trajectory models of five flying objects which operate within the aviation communication network. The advantage of the anti-collision system is that it is independent of satnav systems and secondary radars. A significant advantage is the low cost of this system.
Energy-Efficient CuO/TiO2@GCN Cellulose Acetate-Based Membrane for Concurrent Filtration and Photodegradation of Ketoprofen in Drinking and Groundwater
Authors: Mofokeng Lethula E. , Hlekelele Lerato , Moma John , Tetana Zikhona N. , Chauke Vongani P.
Published: February 2022

Photocatalytic membranes possessing both photocatalytic and solid-liquid separation capabilities were developed. These materials are based on ternary 1% CuO/TiO2@GCN (1:9) embedded on cellulose acetate (CA) via the phase inversion method. The CA membranes containing 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 wt% of 1% CuO/TiO2@GCN (1:9) (CTG–100, CTG–300 and CTG–500) were fabricated. The deposition of 1% CuO/TiO2@GCN (1:9) onto the CA membranes and the consequential changes in the materials’ properties were investigated with various characterization techniques. For instance, PXRD, FTIR, and XPS analysis provided evidence that photocatalytic membranes were formed. Electron microscopy and EDX were then used to visualize the photocatalytic membranes and show that the photocatalyst (1% CuO/TiO2@GCN (1:9)) was well dispersed onto the CA membrane. On the other hand, the properties of the photocatalytic membranes were scrutinized, where it was found that the membranes had a sponge-like morphology and that was significantly less hydrophilic compared to neat CA. The removal of KP in water using CTG–500 exhibited over 94% efficiency, while 38% for neat CA was achieved. Water permeability flux improved with increasing 1% CuO/TiO2@GCN (1:9) and hydrophilicity of the membranes. The electrical energy consumption was calculated and determined to be significantly lower than that of the CA membrane. The CTG–500 membrane after every cycle showed self-cleaning ability after operation in drinking and groundwater.
Effect of Dextranase and Dextranase-and-Nisin-Containing Mouthwashes on Oral Microbial Community of Healthy Adults—A Pilot Study
Authors: Chaiyasut Chaiyavat , Sirilun Sasithorn , Juntarachot Nucharee , Tongpong Piyachat , Ouparee Worada , Sivamaruthi Bhagavathi Sundaram , Peerajan Sartjin , Waditee-Sirisattha Rungaroon , Prombutara Pinidphon , Klankeo Piriya , Bharathi Muruganantham , Sittiprapaporn Phakkharawat
Published: February 2022

This study analyzed the alteration of oral microbial composition in healthy subjects after using dextranase-containing mouthwash (DMW; Mouthwash formulation I) and dextranase-and-nisin-containing mouthwash (DNMW; Mouthwash formulation II). Eighteen participants were recruited and were randomly allocated to two groups: G1 (DMW user; n = 8) and G2 (DNMW user; n = 10). The subjects were instructed to use the provided mouthwash regularly twice a day for 30 days. The bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PBD), and gingival index (GI) were analyzed, and saliva samples were collected before (day 0) and after (day 30) the use of mouthwashes. The saliva metagenomic DNA was extracted and sequenced (next-generation sequencing, Miseq paired-end Illumina 2 × 250 bp platform). The oral microbial community in the pre-and post-treated samples were annotated using QIIME 2™. The results showed the PI and PBD values were significantly reduced in G2 samples. The BOP and GI values of both groups were not significantly altered. The post-treated samples of both groups yielded a reduced amount of microbial DNA. The computed phylogenetic diversity, species richness, and evenness were reduced significantly in the post-treated samples of G2 compared to the post-treated G1 samples. The mouthwash formulations also supported some pathogens’ growth, which indicated that formulations required further improvement. The study needs further experiments to conclude the results. The study suggested that the improved DNMW could be an adjuvant product to improve oral hygiene.
Navigation Scenario Permutation Model for Training of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship Remote Operators
Authors: Hwang Taemin , Youn Ik-Hyun
Published: February 2022

The development of autonomous ships has begun. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to be partially responsible for navigation; nevertheless, the importance of human intervention is higher than ever. Human intervention in the control of an autonomous ship via the remote operator requires navigation proficiency. The education method for the remote operators that is presently considered is simulation training. However, the simulation training does not take long enough time for enabling trainees to develop their navigation proficiency equivalent to that of conventional ships navigators. In addition, the simulation training should contain various navigation scenarios to train the trainee properly. Therefore, this paper suggests the methods to generate the massive and practical navigation scenarios by extracting navigation elements’ distribution from actual ship trajectory data and applying them to the permutation of navigation elements. The results demonstrated the advantages of the proposed methods by comparing the sample navigation scenario and an example of an impractical navigation scenario. In conclusion, it is expected that the massive generation of practical navigation scenarios using the proposed permutation model will positively affect the simulation training of the maritime autonomous surface ship remote operators.
Application of a Musical Robot for Adjusting Guitar String Re-Excitation Parameters in Sound Synthesis
Authors: Pluta Marek Janusz , Tokarczyk Daniel , Wiciak Jerzy
Published: February 2022

Sound synthesis methods based on physical modelling of acoustic instruments depend on data that require measurements and recordings. If a musical instrument is operated by a human, a difficulty in filtering out variability is introduced due to a lack of repeatability in excitation parameters, or in varying physical contact between a musician and an instrument, resulting in the damping of vibrating elements. Musical robots can solve this problem. Their repeatability and controllability allows studying even subtle phenomena. This paper presents an application of a robot in studying the re-excitation of a string in an acoustic guitar. The obtained results are used to improve a simple synthesis model of a vibrating string, based on the finite difference method. The improved model reproduced the observed phenomena, such as the alteration of the signal spectrum, damping, and ringing, all of which can be perceived by a human, and add up to the final sound of an instrument. Moreover, as it was demonstrated by using two different string plucking mechanisms, musical robots can be redesigned to study other sound production phenomena and, thus, to further improve the behaviours of and sounds produced by models applied in sound synthesis.
Deep Learning Networks for Automatic Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Segmentation in Computerized Tomography
Authors: Salvaggio Giuseppe , Cutaia Giuseppe , Greco Antonio , Pace Mario , Salvaggio Leonardo , Vernuccio Federica , Cannella Roberto , Algeri Laura , Incorvaia Lorena , Stefano Alessandro , Galia Massimo , Badalamenti Giuseppe , Comelli Albert
Published: February 2022

The volume estimation of retroperitoneal sarcoma (RPS) is often difficult due to its huge dimensions and irregular shape; thus, it often requires manual segmentation, which is time-consuming and operator-dependent. This study aimed to evaluate two fully automated deep learning networks (ENet and ERFNet) for RPS segmentation. This retrospective study included 20 patients with RPS who received an abdominal computed tomography (CT) examination. Forty-nine CT examinations, with a total of 72 lesions, were included. Manual segmentation was performed by two radiologists in consensus, and automatic segmentation was performed using ENet and ERFNet. Significant differences between manual and automatic segmentation were tested using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). A set of performance indicators for the shape comparison (namely sensitivity), positive predictive value (PPV), dice similarity coefficient (DSC), volume overlap error (VOE), and volumetric differences (VD) were calculated. There were no significant differences found between the RPS volumes obtained using manual segmentation and ENet (p-value = 0.935), manual segmentation and ERFNet (p-value = 0.544), or ENet and ERFNet (p-value = 0.119). The sensitivity, PPV, DSC, VOE, and VD for ENet and ERFNet were 91.54% and 72.21%, 89.85% and 87.00%, 90.52% and 74.85%, 16.87% and 36.85%, and 2.11% and −14.80%, respectively. By using a dedicated GPU, ENet took around 15 s for segmentation versus 13 s for ERFNet. In the case of CPU, ENet took around 2 min versus 1 min for ERFNet. The manual approach required approximately one hour per segmentation. In conclusion, fully automatic deep learning networks are reliable methods for RPS volume assessment. ENet performs better than ERFNet for automatic segmentation, though it requires more time.
Modeling Warp in Corrugated Cardboard Based on Homogenization Techniques for In-Process Measurement Applications
Authors: Beck Markus , Fischerauer Gerhard
Published: February 2022

A model for describing warp—characterized as a systematic, large-scale deviation from the intended flat shape—in corrugated board based on Kirchhoff plate theory is proposed. It is based on established homogenization techniques and only a minimum of model assumptions. This yields general results applicable to any kind of corrugated cardboard. Since the model is intended to be used with industrial data, basic material properties which are usually not measured in practice are summarized to a few parameters. Those parameters can easily be fitted to the measurement data, allowing the user to systematically identify ways to reduce warp in a given situation in practice. In particular, the model can be used both as a filter to separate the warp from other surface effects such as washboarding, and to interpolate between discrete sample points scattered across the surface of a corrugated board sheet. Applying the model only requires height measurements of the corrugated board at several known (not necessarily exactly predetermined) locations across the corrugated board and acts as an interpolation or regression method between those points. These data can be acquired during production in a cost-efficient way and do not require any destructive testing of the board. The principle of an algorithm for fitting measured data to the model is presented and illustrated with examples taken from ongoing measurements. Additionally, the case of warp-free board is analyzed in more detail to deduce additional theoretical conditions necessary to reach this state.