bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered dynamic functional connectivity of auditory cortex and medial geniculate nucleus in first-episode, drug-naïve schizophrenia patients with and without auditory verbal hallucinations
Authors: Xue Kangkang , Chen Jingli , Wei Yarui , Chen Yuan , Han Shaoqiang , Wang Caihong , Zhang Yong , Song Xueqin , Cheng Jingliang
Published: September 2022

Background and objective

As a key feature of schizophrenia, auditory verbal hallucination (AVH) is causing concern. Altered dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) patterns involving in auditory related regions were rarely reported in schizophrenia patients with AVH. The goal of this research was to find out the dFC abnormalities of auditory related regions in first-episode, drug-naïve schizophrenia patients with and without AVH using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods

A total of 107 schizophrenia patients with AVH, 85 schizophrenia patients without AVH (NAVH) underwent rs-fMRI examinations, and 104 healthy controls (HC) were matched. Seed-based dFC of the primary auditory cortex (Heschl's gyrus, HES), auditory association cortex (AAC, including Brodmann's areas 22 and 42), and medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) was conducted to build a whole-brain dFC diagram, then inter group comparison and correlation analysis were performed.

Results

In comparison to the NAVH and HC groups, the AVH group showed increased dFC from left ACC to the right middle temporal gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus, decreased dFC from left HES to the left superior occipital gyrus, left cuneus gyrus, left precuneus gyrus, decreased dFC from right HES to the posterior cingulate gyrus, and decreased dFC from left MGN to the bilateral calcarine gyrus, bilateral cuneus gyrus, bilateral lingual gyrus. The Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS) was significantly positively correlated with the dFC values of cluster 1 (bilateral calcarine gyrus, cuneus gyrus, lingual gyrus, superior occipital gyrus, precuneus gyrus, and posterior cingulate gyrus) using left AAC seed, cluster 2 (right middle temporal gyrus and right middle occipital gyrus) using left AAC seed, cluster 1 (bilateral calcarine gyrus, cuneus gyrus, lingual gyrus, superior occipital gyrus, precuneus gyrus and posterior cingulate gyrus) using right AAC seed and cluster 2 (posterior cingulate gyrus) using right HES seed in the AVH group. In both AVH and NAVH groups, a significantly negative correlation is also found between the dFC values of cluster 2 (posterior cingulate gyrus) using the right HES seed and the PANSS negative sub-scores.

Conclusions

The present findings demonstrate that schizophrenia patients with AVH showed multiple abnormal dFC regions using auditory related cortex and nucleus as seeds, particularly involving the occipital lobe, default mode network (DMN), and middle temporal lobe, implying that the different dFC patterns of auditory related areas could provide a neurological mechanism of AVH in schizophrenia.
Association between migration paths and mental health of new-generation migrants in China: The mediating effect of social integration
Authors: Zhou Fenfen , Peng Boli , Chu Muyang , Zhang Hui , Shi Lishuo , Ling Li
Published: September 2022

Background

The new-generation migrants born in 1980 and later are large and vulnerable internal migrants in China. Migration paths and social integration are important factors to explain for their mental health. However, they faced difficulties in social integration varying from migration paths. We aimed to explore the mediating role of social integration between migration paths and the mental health of new-generation migrants.

Methods

The migration paths included urban-to-urban, urban-to-rural, rural-to-urban and rural-to-rural. Mental health was assessed by the Kessler Screening Scale for Psychological Distress (K6) and the Perceived Stress Scales (PSS-4). Social integration was measured by economic integration, life integration, maintenance of the local culture, acceptance of the host culture and psychological integration. Multiple linear regressions with bootstrapping were used to examine the mediating effect.

Results

A total of 9,830 new-generation migrants were included in this study. The mean age was 26.92 (SD= 4.47) years and the proportion of rural-to-urban migrants was 63.7%. Compared with the new generation of rural-to-rural migrants, rural-to-urban migrants had higher psychological distress (β = 0.305, 95% CI: 0.152–0.458) and perceived stress (β = 0.328, 95% CI: 0.199–0.456). The bootstrapping test found that two dimensions (“life integration” and “acceptance of the host culture”) of social integration as a mediator weakened the negative effect of the rural-to-urban migration path on the mental health of new-generation migrants.

Conclusion

Rural-to-urban migrants had poorer mental health, and the association was mediated by their poorer social integration. The migration policies developed to enhance social integration could effectively improve the mental health of new-generation migrants.
The associations between problematic smartphone use and blood pressure among 2,573 aged 9–17 years students in Shanghai, China
Authors: Liu Shaojie , Lan Yukun , He Gengsheng , Chen Bo , Jia Yingnan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to (1) examine the cross-sectional association between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and blood pressure (BP) in children and adolescents and (2) determine whether the association between PSU and BP differs by the grade of students.

Methods

We recruited a total of 2,573 participants from 14 schools in Shanghai by a two-stage sampling method. We derived BP data from the participant's most recent medical examination data, including systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). We measured PSU by a modified PSU Classification Scale. We also assessed demographic characteristics, body mass index, behavioral variables, and physiological characteristics.

Results

High school students had higher BP and PSU scores than primary and middle school students. PSU on the dimension of information collection was associated positively with both SBP and DBP among primary and middle school students, with the β (95% CI) values of 0.282 (0.018, 0.546) and 0.229 (0.031, 0.427). Meanwhile, the dimension of the relationship of social network was associated positively with SBP among primary and middle school students, with a β (95% CI) value of 0.390 (0.062, 0.717). PSU on the dimension of information collection was positively associated with the development of high BP, with a OR (95% CI) value of 1.072 (1.011, 1.137) among primary and middle school students.

Conclusions

PSU might be a potential correlate of high BP among school-age children and adolescents. The associations between PSU and BP differed by the grade of students as well as according to the four dimensions of PSU.
Sexual vulnerability of migrant women in the multicultural context of French Guiana: A societal issue
Authors: Alcouffe Leslie , Huber Florence , Creton Pierre-Marie , Bitan Luana , Gonzalez Adriana , Volpellier Muriel , Panfili Biancaelena , Adenis Antoine , Vignier Nicolas
Published: September 2022

Background

French Guiana is a multicultural French territory in Amazonia with an old migration history and a high prevalence of HIV infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate situations of sexual vulnerability and their associated factors among migrant women in French Guiana.

Methods

A cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in 2021 in the French Red Cross Prevention and Health Centers of the two main cities of French Guiana (Cayenne and Saint Laurent du Maroni). Analysis was performed with multivariate stepwise logistic regression using Stata 15.0 software.

Findings

A total of 382 migrant women were included, with a median age of 31 years, mainly born in Haiti (80%), Suriname (9%), or Dominican Republic (6%), undocumented (71%), and with financial difficulties (77%). Among the 20% having casual partners, 57% reported unprotected sexual intercourse, more often the Haitian and Surinamese women. A history of rape was reported by 20% of women, most often in the country of origin (71%). Lifetime rape was associated with being threatened [aOR = 3.69 (1.96–6.96)] or being physically abused [aOR = 12.95 (6.51–25.75)] in the multivariate analysis. Among the women surveyed, 30% reported having ever exchanged sex for money, food, or shelter in their lifetime. Transactional sex is more common among Dominican women [aOR = 5.59 (1.84–16.95)] and women living in French Guiana for more than 2 years [aOR = 2.32 (1.38–3.92)]. Transactional sex is also associated with alcohol misuse [aOR = 2.57 (1.46–4.53)], history of threats [aOR = 2.03 (1.14–3.63)], history of rape [aOR = 1.92 (1.03–3.60)], and depressive disorders [aOR = 2.08 (1.21–3.60)].

Interpretation

Migrant women in French Guiana are in a situation of sexual vulnerability. An intervention focused on sexual education and the promotion of prevention tools among Haitian women is advisable. Better prevention and support for transactional sex are needed to prevent violence and its mental health and alcohol misuse consequences for all women, especially Dominican women.
Physical activity-related indicators in children and adolescents in Uruguay: A scoping review based on the Global Matrix initiative
Authors: Bizzozero-Peroni Bruno , Fernández-Giménez Sofía , Pintos-Toledo Enrique , Corvos César Augusto , Díaz-Goñi Valentina , Brazo-Sayavera Javier
Published: September 2022

Background

The first Uruguay's Report Card in 2018 based on the Global Matrix initiative showed the lack of information on physical activity in children and adolescents. This study mapped and examined the available evidence on physical activity-related indicators based on Uruguay's 2022 Report Card.

Methods

The scoping review was reported using the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed for the period between 2018 and 2021, including electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, LILACS, Scielo, and Latindex), gray literature (Google Scholar, open access thesis, relevant websites of State-agencies and International Organizations), national and regional relevant journals, and reference lists of key texts. Two researchers independently conducted both the selection and data-charting process. Data items from each paper were charted based on the Population, Concept, and Context elements reflected in the objective of the review. A narrative synthesis and network plots were conducted to summarize the evidence.

Results

A total of 20 papers were included in this review, consisting of four peer-reviewed scientific papers, three bachelor's theses, four official documents of State-agencies, four Government reports, of which three included national surveys, and five laws. Strengths, weaknesses, and knowledge gaps were identified from the available evidence. We synthesized main challenges such as publishing scientific studies, establishing cross-national and cross-sectoral collaborations in research projects, generating high-quality data, reporting information on social inequality indicators that influence equitable distribution, or increasing access to public information. Our results support early emerging and growth research on this topic. However, despite existing papers on physical activity-related indicators in Uruguayan youths, the lack of high-quality evidence remains clear.

Conclusion

The findings of this scoping review provide the best available evidence for identifying and overcoming the challenges of physical activity-related indicators research in Uruguay. The methodological framework used could be useful for countries involved in future editions of the Global Matrix initiative.

Systematic review registration

Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/hstbd/.
Review of the impact of urban parks and green spaces on residence prices in the environmental health context
Authors: Chen Kaida , Lin Huimin , You Shuying , Han Yan
Published: September 2022

Urban parks have consistently played an important role in people's living environment, reflecting house prices and the extent of the people's attention. Although many studies have been conducted in this filed, the consolidated related research has not been discussed often. Therefore, related papers on the impact of urban park green spaces on housing prices in recent years should be sorted out. Different choices of urban parks and green areas will undoubtedly influence research methods, housing preferences and the nature of the effects. Consequently, a logical framework of previous studies must be constructed. This study will review the literature from four aspects: (i) review of research methods on how park green spaces affect home prices (i.e., Research techniques, such as hedonic price analysis methods, geographically weighted regression models and neural network models, are frequently used in studies, and methodological advancements have helped the field advance); (ii) examining the varying effects of the same or similar types of parkland on home values; (iii) review of studies on the subject, analyzing variations in the scope and degree of the effects of various parks on home values in terms of such factors as park size, accessibility and serving size and (iv) review of innovative research perspectives, translating the issue of impact of parklands on housing prices into a study of the capitalization and amenity of parklands.
Long-term trends in the burden of inflammatory bowel disease in China over three decades: A joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort analysis based on GBD 2019
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liu Jiali , Han Xiao , Jiang Hui , Zhang Liming , Hu Juncong , Shi Lei , Li Junxiang
Published: September 2022

Background

To study the corresponding strategies to control inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a comprehensive assessment of the disease burden is required. Herein, we present long-term trends in the burden of IBD in China over the last three decades, as well as its epidemiological features.

Methods

We characterized the burden of IBD in China using the GBD 2019 methods and results, based on prevalence, incidence, mortality, years lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) estimated using the DisMod-MR 2-1. We also used joinpoint and age-period-cohort (apc) analysis methods to interpret IBD epidemiological characteristics and compare them to global prevalence trends.

Results

The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates in both sexes changed from 1.47 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.74) to 3.01 (95% CI: 2.59, 3.50) and from 0.86 (95% CI: 0.59, 1.16) to 0.30 (95% CI: 0.24, 0.35) per 100,000 people in China from 1990 to 2019. The age-standardized DALY rate in China decreased from 24.47 (95% CI: 17.88, 30.19) per 100,000 people in 1990 to 13.10 (95% CI: 10.29, 16.31) per 100,000 people in 2019. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) in age-standardized incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates for IBD in China were 2.51 (95% CI: 2.44, 2.57), 2.53 (95% CI: 2.41, 2.66), and −3.62 (95% CI: −3.85, −3.39). The effects of age, period, and cohort on incidence and mortality rates differed.

Conclusions

The increasing age-standardized prevalence rates are contributed to by the reduction in age-standardized mortality rates and DALYs, compounded by the rise in the age-standardized incidence rates between 1990 and 2019 in China. The burden of IBD in China will be a major public health challenge, given the country's large population base and aging population.
DNA damage, inflammation and aging: Insights from mice
Authors: Arvanitaki Ermioni S. , Stratigi Kalliopi , Garinis George A.
Published: September 2022

Persistent DNA lesions build up with aging triggering inflammation, the body’s first line of immune defense strategy against foreign pathogens and irritants. Once established, DNA damage-driven inflammation takes on a momentum of its own, due to the amplification and feedback loops of the immune system leading to cellular malfunction, tissue degenerative changes and metabolic complications. Here, we discuss the use of murine models with inborn defects in genome maintenance and the DNA damage response for understanding how irreparable DNA lesions are functionally linked to innate immune signaling highlighting their relevance for developing novel therapeutic strategies against the premature onset of aging-associated diseases.
Implementing electronic health records on a medical service trip improves the patient care process
Authors: Maarsingh Harm , Oyler Kayla , Tuhaise Gamukama , Sourial Mariette , Nornoo Adwoa O. , Moses Wambazu , Rhodes Laura A.
Published: September 2022

Background

The efficiency of the patient care process of short-term medical service trips is often not assessed. The Gregory School of Pharmacy has organized annual medical camps in rural Uganda, however, the paper health records used for documentation and communication between stations have shown several limitations that hinder an optimal patient care process. Therefore, our objective was to implement an electronic health record system in these medical camps to improve the workflow and optimize the patient care process.

Methods

An electronic health record system that functioned over a battery-operated local area network was developed and implemented. Patient health information was entered and reviewed at the different stations using mobile devices. The impact of electronic health records (used in 2019) on the patient care process was assessed using the number of patients served per physician per hour and the number of prescriptions filled per hour and comparing these to paper records (used in 2017).

Results

Electronic health records were successfully implemented and communication across stations was fluid, thus improving transitions. Importantly, 45% more patients were served per physician per hour and 38% more prescriptions were dispensed per hour when using electronic (2019) compared to paper records (2017), despite having a smaller team in 2019.

Conclusion

Implementation of electronic health records in rural Uganda improved the patient care process and the efficiency of the medical camp.
Community adaptation strategies in Nairobi informal settlements: Lessons from Korogocho, Nairobi-Kenya
Authors: Muchiri Christine Njuhi , Opiyo Romanus Otieno
Published: September 2022

Informal settlements are often the hotspots of vulnerability as evidenced by the recurrent environmental and climate-related shocks and stressors. Despite this exposure and susceptibility, their role in spearheading disaster risk preparedness and response is often overlooked. This exploratory research profiles four local community initiatives for climate mitigation and adaptation within Korogocho informal settlement in Kenya. Findings from 10 purposefully sampled key informants and 30 stratified sampled residents across nine villages within the informal settlement demonstrated the impact of locally led initiatives in creating awareness and developing the absorptive, adaptive and transformative capacity of communities for climate resilience. The research findings elaborate on the outstanding performance of community derived initiatives, whilst putting emphasis on the need for active dialogue and collaboration between communities, policy makers and practitioners. Additionally, the climate agenda ought to be able to simultaneously promote environmental benefits and the socio-economic wellbeing of the people. This study accentuates the role of smart approaches to climate literacy based on existing community structures that leverage on local experiential knowledge. These include digital storytelling, comics, art, music, local radio stations, community opinion leaders and chief barazas. A key takeaway is the significant role of children in transformative climate resilience. This is facilitated by the fact that they may comprehend climate change implications better than adults augmenting the possibility of human behavioral change toward pro-environmental deeds1.
A process for identifying challenges and opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism development using participatory workshops and big data
Authors: Zhang Hongchao , Smith Jordan W.
Published: September 2022

The collaborative development of scientific and practical knowledge is fostered through processes which allow scientists and stakeholders to work together toward common interests and goals. The purpose of this community case study is to document a process by which big data characterizing the volume and spatial distribution of outdoor recreation and tourism behavior can be used to initiate collaborative discussions amongst the diverse stakeholders involved in outdoor recreation and tourism management. The process we document involves engaging a diverse group of stakeholders including public land managers, county and city government officials, and local business owners, in participatory workshops centered around visualizations of geotagged social media. We document how three workshops with outdoor recreation and tourism providers in Utah (USA) aided in the development of a shared understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with meeting the growing demand for outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities.
Machine learning for the prediction of acute kidney injury in patients after cardiac surgery
Authors: Xue Xin , Liu Zhiyong , Xue Tao , Chen Wen , Chen Xin
Published: September 2022

Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is the most prevalent major complication of cardiac surgery and exerts a negative effect on a patient's prognosis, thereby leading to mortality. Although several risk assessment models have been developed for patients undergoing cardiac surgery, their performances are unsatisfactory. In this study, a machine learning algorithm was employed to obtain better predictive power for CSA-AKI outcomes relative to statistical analysis. In addition, random forest (RF), logistic regression with LASSO regularization, extreme gradient boosting (Xgboost), and support vector machine (SVM) methods were employed for feature selection and model training. Moreover, the calibration capacity and differentiation ability of the model was assessed using net reclassification improvement (NRI) along with Brier scores and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, respectively. A total of 44 patients suffered AKI after surgery. Fatty acid-binding protein (FABP), hemojuvelin (HJV), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), mechanical ventilation time, and troponin I (TnI) were correlated significantly with the incidence of AKI. RF was the best model for predicting AKI (Brier score: 0.137, NRI: 0.221), evidenced by an AUC value of 0.858 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.792–0.923]. Overall, RF exhibited the best performance as compared to other machine learning algorithms. These results thus provide new insights into the early identification of CSA-AKI.
Long-term outcomes after chest wall resection and repair with titanium bars and sternal plates
Authors: Clermidy Hugo , Fadel Guillaume , De Lemos Alexandra , Pradere Pauline , Mitilian Delphine , Girault Antoine , Menager Jean-Baptiste , Fabre Dominique , Mussot Sacha , Leymarie Nicolas , Fadel Elie , Mercier Olaf
Published: September 2022

Objectives

En-bloc complete resection remains the treatment of choice for localized chest wall (CW) tumors. Titanium bars reconstruction demonstrated encouraging results with satisfactory early outcomes. However, long-term outcomes remain under-reported. The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term outcomes after CW resection and repair with titanium devices.

Methods

From June 2012 to December 2018, we retrospectively reviewed all patients with CW tumors who underwent surgical resection and repair using titanium. Long-term outcomes were assessed.

Results

We identified 87 patients who underwent CW tumor resections and titanium reconstruction. Sixty-eight patients were included in the study (excluding benign tumors, Pancoast tumors, palliative surgeries, or clavicle reconstruction). There were 29 sarcomas, 20 isolated CW metastases, eight lung cancers, four breast cancers, three thymic malignancies, two sarcomatoid mesothelioma, and one desmoid tumor. Complete resection was achieved in 64 patients (94%), while R1 resection in four patients (6%). Resection involved one rib in two patients, two ribs in thirteen, three ribs in eighteen, four ribs in nine, five ribs in two, seven ribs in one, partial sternum in fifteen, and full sternum in sixteen patients. No patient experienced flail chest. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year overall survival rates and disease-free survivals were 82.3%, 61.4%,57.3%, and 67.6%,57.3%,52.6%, respectively. Surgical site infection occurred in 18% (n = 12) of cases. Eleven of twelve patients had an early infection (<1 year), which required material removal in six patients. Asymptomatic connector unsealing occurred in 6% (n = 4), with only one re-intervention. Titanium allergy has never been reported. Chronic chest pain (lasting more than 3 months after surgery, with daily use of pain killer) was reported in 24% of patients.

Conclusion

CW resections with titanium reconstruction are associated with long-term survivors. Titanium devices were safe, reliable, and achieved satisfactory oncological results with low morbidity and implant-related complication rates.
Case report and literature review: Treatment of multiple meningiomas combined with multiple unruptured aneurysms in a single operation
Authors: Wei Ren-jie , Wu Xiao-lin , Xia Feng , Chen Jing-cao
Published: September 2022

Background

Although the incidence of a single meningioma or a single aneurysm is common, cases of multiple meningiomas combined with multiple aneurysms are rarely reported, and surgical treatment of the coexisting situation is also relatively uncommon.

Case presentation

A 38-year-old male patient presented to the neurosurgery department of our center with a headache. Examination revealed only symptoms of headache. Laboratory tests showed only decreased total protein and albumin. Magnetic resonance imaging showed preoccupation with the frontal lobe and the right temple bone. Magnetic resonance angiography and digital subtraction angiography showed two aneurysms in the anterior communicating artery and right anterior cerebral artery. Based on a combination of the patient’s history and imaging, we hypothesized that the patient was simultaneously suffering from meningioma and an aneurysm, and both of them are multiple. The patient underwent tumor resection and clipping procedure based on this hypothesis in one surgery. Intraoperative biopsy proved to be a meningioma. The patient was discharged on the 10th postoperative day, and a postoperative follow-up suggested no complications.

Conclusion

Multiple meningiomas combined with multiple aneurysms are rare to be reported in the same patient. For those unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) located in the visual field of craniotomy prepared for brain tumorlike meningioma, it is possible to do the clipping as well. When the meningiomas are multiple, fitted with the surgical indication, and located in a position that cannot be treated in one surgery, this may lead to a two-stage operation, no matter where the UIAs are located.
The colony forming efficiency assay for toxicity testing of nanomaterials—Modifications for higher-throughput
Authors: Rundén-Pran Elise , Mariussen Espen , El Yamani Naouale , Elje Elisabeth , Longhin Eleonora Marta , Dusinska Maria
Published: September 2022

To cope with the high number of nanomaterials manufactured, it is essential to develop high-throughput methods for in vitro toxicity screening. At the same time, the issue with interference of the nanomaterial (NM) with the read-out or the reagent of the assay needs to be addressed to avoid biased results. Thus, validated label-free methods are urgently needed for hazard identification of NMs to avoid unintended adverse effects on human health. The colony forming efficiency (CFE) assay is a label- and interference-free method for quantification of cytotoxicity by cell survival and colony forming efficiency by CFE formation. The CFE has shown to be compatible with toxicity testing of NMs. Here we present an optimized protocol for a higher-throughput set up.
Joining Constraint Satisfaction Problems and Configurable CAD Product Models: A Step-by-Step Implementation Guide
Authors: Gembarski Paul Christoph
Published: September 2022

In configuration design, the task is to compose a system out of a set of predefined, modu-lar building blocks assembled by defined interfaces. Product configuration systems, both with or without integration of geometric models, implement reasoning techniques to model and explore the resulting solution spaces. Among others, the formulation of constraint satisfaction problems (CSP) is state of the art and the informational background in many proprietary configuration engine software packages. Basically, configuration design tasks can also be implemented in modern computer aided design (CAD) systems as these contain different techniques for knowledge-based product modeling but literature reports only little about detailed application examples, best practices or training materials. This article aims at bridging this gap and presents a step-by-step implementation guide for CSP-based CAD configurators for combinatorial designs with the example of Autodesk Inventor.
Optimizing Nitrogen Fertilization and Variety for Millet Grain Yield and Biomass Accumulation in Dry Regions
Authors: Yang Shuang , Wang Leishan , Akhtar Kashif , Ahmad Ijaz , Khan Aziz
Published: September 2022

Meeting foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) (FM) production targets of high grain yield requires appropriate genotype selection and nitrogen (N) fertilization. However, high input costs and low crop yields are the major concerns for FM production systems, particularly in dry regions. To reduce the production costs without sacrificing yield, we assumed that N fertilization would increase the grain yield of FM varieties by improving reproductive organ biomass accumulation. To test this hypothesis, a two-year (2017 and 2018) field investigation in a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement and three replicates was carried out on FM varieties, namely, V1 (Zhangzagu 8; hybrid) and V2 (Bagu 214; common) to ascertain the effects of five N levels (N1—15; N2—61; N3—108; N4—155; N5—201 kg N ha−1) on biomass accumulation and grain yield at different growth stages. Results showed that the V1 variety had a 34.8% and 28.5% higher grain yield compared to V2 treatment in both years, respectively. The interaction between variety and nitrogen was also significant. The combination of V1 and N4 produced a higher grain yield in both years. This increase in V1 grain yield was supported by the evidence of greater reproductive organ biomass formation, with a 113 and 120 kg ha−1 higher-than-average rate of biomass accumulation in both years, respectively. Among N rates, the N4 level resulted in a higher grain yield (3226 kg ha−1) and (3437 kg ha−1) compared with other N rates in the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. This higher yield under N4 treatment was confirmed by a higher reproductive organ biomass accumulation at various growth phases, with 138 kg ha−1 and 124 kg ha−1 in 2017 and 2018, respectively. We also noticed that further increases in nitrogen levels did not increase FM grain yield. Conclusively, these data display the significance of proper FM production management techniques. Growing the varieties Zhangzagu 8 at 155 kg N ha-1 fertilization and Bagu 214 at 108 kg N ha−1 fertilization could be promising options to achieve higher grain yield.
Nociception-Induced Changes in Electroencephalographic Activity and FOS Protein Expression in Piglets Undergoing Castration under Isoflurane Anaesthesia
Authors: Reiser Judith , Kreuzer Matthias , Werner Julia , Saller Anna M. , Fischer Johannes , Senf Steffanie , Deffner Pauline , Abendschön Nora , Groll Tanja , Grott Andrea , Miller Regina , Bergmann Shana , Erhard Michael H. , Ritzmann Mathias , Zöls Susanne , Schneider Gerhard , Steiger Katja , Baumgartner Christine
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the electroencephalographic reaction pattern and FOS protein expression in male piglets undergoing surgical castration under light isoflurane anaesthesia with or without local anaesthesia. The experiment was conducted under isoflurane anaesthesia to exclude the effect of the affective components of pain on the measurements. Changes in the oscillatory activity of the cerebral cortex over a 90 s period after noxious stimulation or simulated interventions were analysed. FOS expression was determined postmortem by performing immunohistochemistry in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. The analysis of the response to an interdigital pinch revealed a biphasic reaction pattern in the electroencephalogram (EEG) that similarly was observed for the surgical stimuli during the castration procedure in the group without analgesia. This EEG response was attenuated or altered by the application of local anaesthetics. Immunohistochemical staining for FOS indicated a lower expression in the handling and in three local anaesthetic groups than in the animals castrated without pain relief. The findings indicate that EEG and FOS expression may serve as indicators for nociception in piglets under light isoflurane anaesthesia. A lower activation of nociceptive pathways occurs during castration after the application of local anaesthetics. However, EEG and FOS analyses should be combined with additional parameters to assess nociception, e.g., haemodynamic monitoring.
CBD Supplementation Has a Positive Effect on the Activity of the Proteolytic System and Biochemical Markers of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera) in the Apiary
Authors: Skowronek Patrycja , Wójcik Łukasz , Strachecka Aneta
Published: September 2022

We examined how CBD extract influences the activity of the immune system in the hemolymph of honey bees in the hive test. The bees were divided into 3 groups: (CSy) bees fed with CBD in sugar syrup with glycerin; (CSt) cotton strip with CBD placed in hive bees fed pure sugar syrup, (C) control bees fed sugar syrup with glycerin. CBD extract increased the total protein concentrations, proteases and their inhibitor activities in each age (the except for acidic protease activities in the 21st and 28th day and alkaline protease inhibitor activities in the 28th day in CSt group) in comparison with group C. In the groups with the extract there was also an increase in the enzymatic marker activities: ALP, AST (decrease on day 28 for CSt), ALT; and non-enzymatic marker concentrations: glucose; triglycerides; cholesterol and creatinine. The urea acid and albumin concentrations were lower in CSy and CSt groups compared to the C group (higher concentration of albumin was displayed by control bees). Higher activities/concentrations of most of biochemical parameters were obtained in the CSy compared to the CSt and C. CBD supplementation can positively influence workers’ immune system.
In-Vehicle Data for Predicting Road Conditions and Driving Style Using Machine Learning
Authors: Al-refai Ghaith , Elmoaqet Hisham , Ryalat Mutaz
Published: September 2022

Many network protocols such as Controller Area Network (CAN) and Ethernet are used in the automotive industry to allow vehicle modules to communicate efficiently. These networks carry rich data from the different vehicle systems, such as the engine, transmission, brake, etc. This in-vehicle data can be used with machine learning algorithms to predict valuable information about the vehicle and roads. In this work, a low-cost machine learning system that uses in-vehicle data is proposed to solve three categorization problems; road surface conditions, road traffic conditions and driving style. Random forests, decision trees and support vector machine algorithms were evaluated to predict road conditions and driving style from labeled CAN data. These algorithms were used to classify road surface condition as smooth, even or full of holes. They were also used to classify road traffic conditions as low, normal or high, and the driving style was classified as normal or aggressive. Detection results were presented and analyzed. The random forests algorithm showed the highest detection accuracy results with an overall accuracy score between 92% and 95%.
Modeling and Design of a Novel 5-DOF AC–DC Hybrid Magnetic Bearing
Authors: Ye Xiaoting , Yan Yiming , Jia Chunlai , Zhang Tao
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates a novel integrated AC–DC hybrid magnetic bearing (HMB) to reduce the volume, weight, manufacturing, and operation cost of magnetic suspension motors. Two radial MBs and an axial MB are integrated with the proposed HMB. The five-degree-of-freedom (5-DOF) suspension is realized in one unit. Two axially polarized permanent magnets provide the radial and axial bias fluxes. First, the HMB structure and the suspension mechanism are introduced. Second, based on the method of equivalent magnetic circuits, magnetic circuits are calculated. The mathematical models of suspension force are discussed. Third, the main parameters of the 5-DOF AC–DC HMB are given. The 3D finite element method (FEM) is adopted to analyze the proposed system’s electromagnetic characteristics, and the suspension mechanism of the 5-DOF is verified. The radial suspension forces versus the radial control current, the axial suspension forces versus the axial control current, the relationship between the axial suspension force and the axial control current with the X direction offset, and the relationship between the radial suspension force in the X direction and the axial control current with the Z direction offset are calculated. Based on the research results, it is shown that the HMB structure is compact and reasonable, and the mathematical models and suspension mechanism are correct.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Impediment or Opportunity? Considerations Regarding the Physical-Health Impact and Well-Being among Romanian University Students
Authors: Olanescu Mihai Adrian , Suciu Marius Adrian , Scheuer Claude , Peris Miruna
Published: September 2022

The global COVID-19 pandemic that is ongoing because of the Coronavirus II (SARS-CoV-2) has had until now a great impact on physical education and sports, especially due to the closure of training facilities and people’s lack of motivation. In Romania, physical activity (PA) and physical education (PE) have also been highly affected, especially among university students. To our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in Romania regarding the influence of the lockdown on the physical health and well-being of university students. This study aims to determine if and how the pandemic affected the university students’ mental and physical health in Romania, but also to highlight new strategies and approaches suggested by them through a questionnaire to enhance and motivate their participation in physical activities. Based on a cross-sectional design, a survey designed in two languages—Romanian and English—was completed by the students from the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and foreign students that were on a mobility study visit through the Erasmus+ program in Romania. The questionnaire was filled out by 836 university students (age = 18–24 years; males: 57.73%). The findings showed that quarantine in Romania led to a significant increase in sedentarism among students and a reduction in energy for physical activity, which also affected their psychological well-being. The absence of social interactions and onsite classes led to a sedentary lifestyle among students and increased their fear and stress levels. The cancellation of all sports events and PA also led to fewer students remaining physically active. Time off training and leisure time activities caused by the ongoing restrictions might be used for new purposes, such as goal setting, overcoming injury, improving mobility, psychological development, and emphasizing strength sports for health. During the COVID-19 lockdown, sedentarism increased dramatically, especially among young people.
Multi-Granularity Semantic Collaborative Reasoning Network for Visual Dialog
Authors: Zhang Hongwei , Wang Xiaojie , Jiang Si , Li Xuefeng
Published: September 2022

A visual dialog task entails an agent engaging in a multiple round conversation about an image. Notably, one of the main issues is capturing the semantic associations of multiple inputs, such as the questions, dialog history, and image features. Many of the techniques use a token or a sentence granularity semantic representation of the question and dialog history to model semantic associations; however, they do not perform collaborative modeling, which limits their efficacy. To overcome this limitation, we propose a multi-granularity semantic collaborative reasoning network to properly support a visual dialog. It employs different granularity semantic representations of the question and dialog history to collaboratively identify the relevant information from multiple inputs based on attention mechanisms. Specifically, the proposed method collaboratively reasons the question-related information from the dialog history based on its granular semantic representations. Then, it collaboratively locates the question-related visual objects in the image by leveraging refined question representations. The experimental results conducted on the VisDial v.1.0 dataset verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, showing the improvements of the best normalized discounted cumulative gain score from 59.37 to 60.98 with a single model, from 60.92 to 62.25 with ensemble models, and from 63.15 to 64.13 with performing multitask learning.
Analysis of Resonance Transition Periodic Orbits in the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem
Authors: Pan Shanshan , Hou Xiyun
Published: September 2022

Resonance transition periodic orbits exist in the chaotic regions where the 1:1 resonance overlaps with nearby interior or exterior resonances in the circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP). The resonance transition periodic orbits have important applications for tour missions between the interior and the exterior regions of the system. In this work, following the increase of the mass parameter μ in the CRTBP model, we investigate the breakup of the first-order resonant periodic families and their recombination with the resonance transition periodic families. In this process, we can describe in detail how the 1:1 resonance gradually overlaps with nearby first-order resonances with increasing strength of the secondary’s perturbation. Utilizing the continuation method, features of the resonance transition periodic families are discussed and characterized. Finally, an efficient approach to finding these orbits is proposed and some example resonance transition periodic orbits in the Sun–Jupiter system are presented.
A Multi-Component Synthesis Scoring Method of Gridded Fusion Products for Precipitation Quality Control
Authors: Liu Xiaoyan , Zheng Honghui , Chen Zhenli , Jiang Yi
Published: September 2022

A crucial and fundamental type of precipitation monitoring is the automatic observation of precipitation by ground stations. However, the typical quality control methods that are applied to rainfall present restrictions because of their discontinuities in time and space. The multi-component comprehensive consistency approach is a subjective quality control method that uses changes in other weather components associated with the precipitation process. The present study determined the reference weather components for precipitation by calculating the correlation coefficients between weather components and precipitation, and the proportions that passed the significance tests. These components included air pressure, visibility, relative humidity, wind speed, temperature difference, and the sum of cloud covers of 125–875 hPa. This study introduced various gridded fusion products to fill in the empty spaces of weather components, and put forward a scoring method to convert a subjective method into an objective method. The outcomes of the scoring method are assessed using the artificial quality control results. The evaluation’s findings demonstrate that the scoring method’s accuracy in every period of precipitation is greater than 0.75, meeting the need for objective quality control of real-time surface precipitation.
Novel Fluorescence Probe toward Cu2+ Based on Fluorescein Derivatives and Its Bioimaging in Cells
Authors: Leng Xin , Wang Du , Mi Zhaoxiang , Zhang Yuchen , Yang Bingqin , Chen Fulin
Published: September 2022

Copper is an important trace element that plays a crucial role in various physiological and biochemical processes in the body. The level of copper content is significantly related to many diseases, so it is very important to establish effective and sensitive methods for copper detection in vitro and vivo. Copper-selective probes have attracted considerable interest in environmental testing and life-process research, but fewer investigations have focused on the luminescence mechanism and bioimaging for Cu2+ detection. In the current study, a novel fluorescein-based A5 fluorescence probe is synthesized and characterized, and the bioimaging performance of the probe is also tested. We observed that the A5 displayed extraordinary selectivity and sensitivity properties to Cu2+ in contrast to other cations in solution. The reaction between A5 and Cu2+ could accelerate the ring-opening process, resulting in a new band at 525 nm during a larger pH range. A good linearity between the fluorescence intensity and concentrations of Cu2+, ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 equivalent, was observed, and the limit detection of A5 to Cu2+ was 0.11 μM. In addition, the Job’s plot and mass spectrum showed that A5 complexed Cu2+ in a 1:1 manner. The apparent color change in the A5–Cu2+ complex under ultraviolet light at low molar concentrations revealed that A5 is a suitable probe for the detection of Cu2+. The biological test results show that the A5 probe has good biocompatibility and can be used for the cell imaging of Cu2+.
A Bilayer SnO2/MoS2-Coated Evanescent Wave Fiber Optic Sensor for Acetone Detection—An Experimental Study
Authors: Prasanth A. , Getachew Selamawit , Shewa Tseganesh , Velumani M. , Meher S. R. , Alex Z. C.
Published: September 2022

The need for sensors that measure the acetone content of exhaled breath for diabetes severity has recently increased. Clinical researchers have reported less than 0.8 ppm acetone concentration in the exhaled breath of an average individual, while that for a diabetic patient is higher than 1.8 ppm. This work reports the development of two sets of evanescent wave-based fiber optic sensor coated with SnO2 thin film and bilayer of SnO2/MoS2 to detect different acetone concentrations (0–250 ppm). In each set, we have studied the effect of clad thickness (chemical etch time 5min, 10 min, 15 min, 25 min, 40 min, and complete clad removal) to optimize the clad thickness for a better response. In Set 1, SnO2 thin film was used as the sensing layer, while in Set 2 a bilayer of SnO2 thin film/ MoS2 was used. Enhanced sensor response of ~23.5% is observed in the Set 2 probe with a response and recovery time of ~14 s/~17 s. A SnO2/MoS2-coated sensor prototype is developed using LEDs of different wavelength and intensity detector; its potential to detect different concentrations of acetone is tested. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Ultraviolet (UV) Spectroscopy, and Ellipsometry were used to study the structural, morphological and optical properties of the sensing layers. The present study indicates that the SnO2/MoS2-coated sensor has the potential to create a handheld sensor system for monitoring diabetes.