bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive function and its determinants in elderly Indonesians residing in long-term care: Insights from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rekawati Etty , Eriska Winda , Rachmawati Utami , Wati Dwi Nurviyandari Kusuma , Sahar Junaiti , Andriyanto Arief , Wang Jing-Jy , Susanty Sri , Hasan Faizul
Published: November 2024

Background Multiple medical conditions arising from reduced physical and physiological functioning, including cognitive decline, manifest in older persons. This study aims to examine the relationship between cognitive function and associated risk factors in older persons living in long-term care facilities in Indonesia. Methods This study involved 350 elderly individuals residing in long-term care institutions. A cross-sectional design utilizing an analytical survey methodology was implemented. Data were gathered via interviews employing a demographic questionnaire and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS (version 23). Results Univariate analysis demonstrated significant correlations between cognitive performance and gender, ethnicity, level of education, medical history, subjective memory issues, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, and employment history (p < 0.05). Higher education (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56–0.84) and reduced subjective memory complaints (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.20–0.44) correlated positively with enhanced cognitive function, but alcohol intake (OR = 6.79, 95% CI: 2.42–19.1) correlated with impaired cognitive function. Conclusions the level of education, subjective memory complaints, and alcohol intake are substantially correlated with cognitive performance in older persons residing in long-term care facilities. Evaluating demographic characteristics in elderly individuals can assist healthcare professionals in the early detection of cognitive impairment, facilitating prompt interventions in long-term care environments.
When, where and how should we assess professionalism in undergraduate medical education? Practical tips from an international conference roundtable discussion
Authors: Patterson Caitlin , Goodwin Alexandra , Collins Kathleen , Oliver Scott , Paton Catherine
Published: November 2024

The assessment of professionalism in healthcare disciplines is a challenging and nuanced topic in medical education. The literature, although continually emerging, remains in its infancy in regards to the role of the assessment of professionalism, appropriate timing for assessment, methods to assess professionalism and the benefits and implications of assessment of professionalism. With emergence of healthcare professionalism in both undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and increasing awareness of professionalism’s pertinent role in developing as a healthcare practitioner, the concept of assessing this topic is being discussed regularly in international fora, but as yet there is no consensus decision in how best to proceed. The authors have over a decade of experience researching, promoting and delivering healthcare professionalism education. They presented a roundtable discussion to an international panel of medical educators at an international conference. The attendees represented multiple healthcare disciplines. Breakout rooms and pre-determined introductory questions were used to explore the international consensus on current thinking about assessment in healthcare professionalism. This paper presents these findings as practical tips for educators who are considering introducing or extending their assessment of undergraduate professionalism, all of which were taken from the main themes of the discussion. The aim of the paper is to support educators to think about their stance on this often divisive issue, consider their approaches and focus future research to clarify the remaining unknowns.
Impact of Cross - Cultural Exchanges on Dual - Cultural Identity: Taking “The Mutual Learning between Chinese Culture and Chinese - Greek Civilizations” as an Example
Authors: Li Guan Chong , Su Yuqin , Jiang Sijia , Zhang Guodong
Published: November 2024

Background: In the context of globalization, cross - cultural communication has become a prominent feature, and , as a symbol of Chinese culture, play an increasingly important role in cross - cultural communication. This study explores the impact of cross - cultural wushu communication on dual cultural identity through the case of Greek students participating in Chinese wushu communication.
Methods: The study adopts a qualitative research method, with semi - structured interviews as the main data collection tool. The sample includes 12 Greek students and 2 wushu teachers. The interview data is analyzed using the thematic analysis method.
Results: The results show four main themes and eight sub - themes. The strong interest of Greek students in Chinese culture is the main motivation for them to learn wushu. They showed a hard-working spirit during the learning process and overcame numerous difficulties. Wushu cultivation has cultivated students' self - discipline, perseverance, and respect for etiquette. The contact with wushu cultural elements has enhanced the understanding and comparison of Chinese and Greek cultures and strengthened dual cultural identity.
Conclusion: Cross - cultural wushu communication has a positive impact on dual cultural identity and is an important way for skill transmission and cultural understanding and comparison. However, this study also has a small sample size as a limitation. Future studies can expand the sample and further explore this topic.
HYDROGEN VALLEY AS A HUB FOR TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION BETWEEN SCIENCE, BUSINESS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND NGOS. AN OVERVIEW OF APPROACHES IN EUROPE
Authors: Majka Andrzej , Klimczyk Michał , Kucharski Kamil , Muszyńska-Pałys Jagoda
Published: November 2024

Considering the deepening geopolitical and climate crisis, more attention is systematically being paid to the development of alternative energy technologies. It is important to note that economically important energy sovereignty can be achieved through methods that simultaneously meet climate neutrality objectives. Therefore, the current period is a historic opportunity to enable the development of green, renewable energy, as this has comprehensive justification. In the ongoing circumstances, one of the fastest growing branches of science and economy is hydrogen technology. Numerous hydrogen projects of varying territorial scope are being developed in Europe. They are characterised by different organisational approaches. Therefore, the authors have undertaken to review and evaluate different hydrogen valley concepts using the SWOT method. The conducted work reviews leading Euopean hydrogen projects and identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of different types of hydrogen valley organisational concepts. The results of the work carried out will support the construction and development of new hydrogen valleys, which, in line with the objectives of the European Union, will be systematically created in the coming years.
LEGAL BASIS FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND THE SOCIOECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT - OPPORTUNITIES OR BARRIERS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONS BETWEEN UNIVERSITIES AND EXTERNAL PARTNERS
Authors: Syryt Aleksandra
Published: November 2024

Higher education institutions (HEIs) operate in a specific legal, economic, and social context. Therefore, both areas of their activity, i.e., education and research, must consider the current needs of the socioeconomic environment. In this way, higher education institutions can fulfil their mission: providing top-quality education and scientific activity, shaping civic attitudes, participating in social development, and creating an innovation-based economy.
Cooperation between universities and the socioeconomic environment is not a new phenomenon. The formation of the concept of the university confirms that certain political, economic, and social conditions influenced what universities were like. It has not changed, and issues concerning cooperation with external stakeholders are increasingly included in normative acts constituting the higher education system. The article will present basic legal solutions within the sources of generally applicable law concerning the cooperation of higher education institutions with the external partners in Poland and selected countries.
At the same time, an attempt will be made to answer the significance of the presented legal solutions for shaping the relations of higher education institutions, especially universities, with external stakeholders. 
The article is based on a literature review. It focuses on cooperation models as well as opportunities and barriers to developing relations between universities and external partners. The methodology used in the study includes searching relevant databases, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracting and synthesizing data, and analyzing and interpreting the synthesized information. The review includes foreign and Polish literature to ensure a fuller understanding of the national context. The proposed approach has not yet been the subject of detailed analysis in the literature, especially in higher education law.
THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AS AN INTERNATIONAL ACTOR IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Bharti Mukesh Shankar , Bharti Sushant Shankar
Published: November 2024

This research aims to discuss the role of the European Union (EU) in developing countries in establishing democracy, rule of law and development. The EU has been considered an international actor since its establishment. Various literatures argue that the EU plays a significant role in developing countries. In this context, this study highlights the various roles of the EU and their multi-dimensional engagement in developing countries. Furthermore, the article also traces the EU’s actorness through its cooperation in several areas of engagement such as international cooperation in global peace and conflict settlement, military, sustainable development, economic cooperation, humanitarian background, cultural engagement and other activities. The qualitative study is applied here to generate an argument through the primary and secondary sources of data, where the research traces vis-à-vis the review of books and articles of the scholars in international relations. The empirical analysis aims to highlight the main problems of developing countries and evaluate the role of the EU as a problem-solving actor for better social development. As a result, the EU itself and its various associate institutions have been working in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceanian countries in many sectors for a stable government with democratic norms and ethos. The initial findings of this article are that the EU is the largest aid provider in many countries of Asia and Africa and supports institutional development in war zone regions in the world.
How can Four-Dimensional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Improve the Diagnosis of Heart Disease?
Authors: Grafton-Clarke Ciaran , Ramachenderam Liandra , Matthews Gareth , Broncano Jordi , Garg Pankaj
Published: November 2024

This review describes the evolution and enhanced diagnostic capabilities introduced by four-dimensional (4D) flow cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in cardiovascular imaging. It charts the historical advancements from echocardiography through to two-dimensional phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (2D-PC MRI), culminating in the adoption of 4D flow MRI. This technique affords exhaustive, time-resolved, three-dimensional visualisations of intracardiac and vascular blood flow, refining the accuracy of cardiovascular assessments over traditional methods, especially in complex anatomical settings. The review elaborates on the capacity of 4D flow MRI to offer unparalleled insights into flow dynamics, vessel wall interactions, and cardiac function, thereby enhancing disease detection, risk stratification, and therapeutic evaluations. It accentuates the impact of 4D flow MRI on modern cardiological practices, highlighting its pivotal role in advancing diagnostics and patient management in the context of diverse cardiovascular pathologies.
Effect of Intensive Nursing Management on Quality of Life and Mental Health in Elderly Gastric Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Yu Huan , Zhang Jingjing
Published: November 2024

Aims/Background Implementing effective nursing management is particularly critical in the case of elderly gastric cancer (GC) patients receiving chemotherapy, who are more vulnerable to risk events. Therefore, this study explored the effect of intensive nursing management on quality of life (QoL) and mental health in elderly GC patients receiving chemotherapy.

Methods A total of 155 elderly patients with GC undergoing chemotherapy in Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University from July 2021 to July 2023 were selected as the study subjects. The sample was divided into two groups according to different nursing methods: 74 patients who received intensive nursing management were classified in the observation group, while 81 patients treated with routine nursing management were classified under the reference group. The QoL, mental health and adverse reactions to chemotherapy were compared between the two groups.

Results Before nursing management was implemented, there was no significant difference in the scores of the quality of life questionnaire-core 30 (QLQ-C30), patient health questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), and the Chinese version of the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-C) (p > 0.05). After management, in comparison with the reference group, the observation group showed significantly higher scores in each dimension of QLQ-C30, as well as significantly lower scores in PHQ-9 and MDASI-C (p < 0.001). The incidences of gastrointestinal reaction, myelosuppression, neurotoxicity, and hepatorenal damage were lower in the observation group than in the reference group (45.95% vs 70.37%, 40.54% vs 65.43%, 35.14% vs 53.09%, and 33.78% vs 51.25%, respectively; p < 0.05).

Conclusion The application of intensive nursing management in treating elderly GC patients during chemotherapy effectively improves their physical and mental states, ameliorates clinical symptoms and enhances the QoL, showing certain clinical application value.
An Analysis of Hearing Outcomes in Children with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome
Authors: Sun Jing , Wang Jingjing , Bi Jing
Published: November 2024

Aims/Background Few hearing loss studies have been conducted in patients with progeria, and only the possibility of low-frequency conductive hearing loss has been mentioned. The primary objective of this study is to perform a comprehensive analysis of the clinical audiological characteristics of children with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), and the secondary objective is to analyse the causes of their hearing loss and what can be done to enable them to hear as well as possible.

Methods Ten children with HGPS underwent impedance audiometry (tympanogram), otoacoustic emissions, and pure-tone audiometry tests. Otoscopic examination and imaging were also performed in the patients with abnormal hearing.

Results Five patients had normal hearing, while the other five had varying degrees of hearing impairment manifesting as mild to moderate low-frequency or full-frequency conductive hearing loss. Otoscopic examination of those patients with abnormal hearing showed a narrowing of the external auditory canal, a thinning of the tympanic membrane, and a distorted cone of light. Further, computed tomography of one patient showed a poorly defined temporal bone morphology with scant pneumatization of the mastoid process.

Conclusion Patients with HGPS differ from normally aging individuals with a predominant conductive pattern of hearing loss as opposed to sensorineural deafness, with more lower-frequency hearing impairment due to poor pneumatization of the mastoid process and the possible formation of osteophytes in the temporal bone.
Efficacy of Pulmicort Respules Combined with Azithromycin in the Treatment of Children with Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infection Caused by Mycoplasmal Pneumonia
Authors: Ke Jie , Tu Xiqing
Published: November 2024

Aims/Background The drug treatment of recurrent respiratory tract infection caused by mycoplasma pneumonia (MP) has a complex background, involving the characteristics of pathogens, drug resistance, and multiple treatment methods. This study aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of pulmicort respules and azithromycin on children with recurrent respiratory tract infection caused by MP.

Methods The clinical data of 106 children with recurrent respiratory tract infection caused by MP diagnosed in Huoqiu First People’s Hospital from July 2021 to July 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Based on different therapeutic methods, 56 children treated with azithromycin were included in the reference group, and 50 children treated with pulmicort respules and azithromycin were included in the observation group. The disappearance time of clinical symptoms, levels of inflammatory factors, immunoglobulin levels, and complications in both groups were observed and compared.

Results After treatment, the disappearance time of fever, cough, pulmonary rales, and expectoration was shorter in the observation group, compared with the reference group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), or interleukin-6 (IL-6) between the two groups on the first day of admission (p > 0.05). After 1 week of treatment, the observation group had significantly higher levels of TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-6 compared with the reference group (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) between the two groups on the first day of admission (p > 0.05). After 1 week of treatment, the observation group had significantly lower levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM than the reference group (p < 0.01). This study revealed that the incidence of complications in the observation group was 16.00%, which was significantly lower than the 37.50% in the reference group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion In the short-term clinical treatment, the combination application of pulmicort respules and azithromycin can effectively improve the immune function of children with recurrent respiratory tract infection caused by MP and relieve their clinical symptoms.
Predictive Value of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Parameters for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients—A Retrospective Study
Authors: Xie Yunxiu , Qiu Xiaonan , Zhang Ying , Liu Ying , Yin Zhongcheng
Published: November 2024

Aims/Background Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a significant contributor to increased overall and cardiovascular mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is an accurate method for measuring cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) during both submaximal and peak exercise. Previous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation among CRF and increased cardiovascular and overall mortality rates. However, no literature currently reports the predictive value of CPET parameters for PAH occurrence in PD patients. This study primarily aims to analyze the risk factors for PAH in PD patients, assess the predictive value of CPET parameters, and provide a reference for the clinical prevention and management of PAH.

Methods The clinical data of 121 PD patients who underwent CPET were retrospectively collected at Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital. Based on the event of PAH, patients were divided into two groups: a PAH group (n = 39) and a non-PAH group (n = 82). Clinical data, laboratory results, ultrasound findings, and CPET parameters were compared between the groups. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for PAH. The predictive value of CPET parameters was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) using ROC curve analysis.

Results White blood cell count (WBC) was an independent risk factor for PAH in PD patients (p < 0.05). VO2peak (peak oxygen uptake), VO2AT (anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake), METspeak (peak metabolic equivalents), WRpeak (peak power load) were identified as protective factors for PAH in PD patients (p < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC values for predicting PAH in PD patients using VO2peak, VO2AT, METspeak, and WRpeak were 0.675, 0.651, 0.719, and 0.689, respectively, with METspeak demonstrating the highest AUC for prediction.

Conclusion The occurrence of PAH in PD patients is associated with WBC, VO2peak, VO2AT, METspeak, and WRpeak. Additionally, CPET parameters exhibit predictive value for PAH, with METspeak showing the highest AUC for prediction.
Multiplex PCR for simultaneous identification and differentiation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from dogs
Authors:   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam, Thao Nhi Nguyen Pham , Thanh Vy Bui Nguyen ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam, Thuy Y Vi Nguyen ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam, Tho Nguy Ho Hoang ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam, Quyen To My ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam, Tran Dao Huyen ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam, Phuoc Chien Nguyen Tran ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam, Thuan Nguyen Khanh ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam, Lan Anh Nguyen Thi ,   Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Binh Thanh district, Ho Chi Minh city 700000, Vietnam, Nguyen Lam Thanh ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho city 900000, Vietnam
Published: November 2024

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) are opportunistic pathogens that cause significant diseases in both human and veterinary medicine, particularly in pet animals. In recent decades, the emergence of MRSA and MRSP in pet animals has raised substantial public health concerns due to the high multidrug resistance exhibited by these zoonotic bacteria. Therefore, a rapid and accurate diagnosis is crucial as one of the key strategies for controlling infections caused by MRSA and MRSP. In this study, we applied a simple and cost-effective DNA extraction method, establishing a multiplex PCR assay for the identification and differentiation of MRSA and MRSP isolated from dogs in Vietnam. The results of this study indicate that DNA extraction of MRSA and MRSP using the Tris-EDTA-NaCl-Triton X100 (TENT) method yielded comparable efficacy to using a commercial DNA extraction kit, and the TENT method proved to be more cost-effective. Additionally, a multiplex PCR assay with four primer pairs (27F/1492R, mecA_F/mecA_R, au-F3/au-nucR, and pse-F2/pse-R5) successfully identified and discriminated between MRSA and MRSP. The multiplex PCR demonstrated high specificity with the desired amplification of targeted amplicons and no cross-reactions. Furthermore, the applicability of the diagnostic procedure was demonstrated by identifying field MRSA and MRSP isolated from clinical samples of dogs in Vietnam. Our study, therefore, provides an effective identification procedure for MRSA and MRSP, serving as a prompt countermeasure against the rapid emergence of MRSA and MRSP in Vietnam
Effect of By-Product from C-Phycocyanin Extraction as a Prebiotic Properties and Probiotic Microbial Population
Authors:   Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiangmai 50290, Thailand, Hamprakorn Kannikar , Maneewan Buaream ,   Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiangmai 50290, Thailand, Jantasin Wantamas ,   Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiangmai 50290, Thailand, Panatuk Julakorn ,   Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Maejo University, Chiangmai 50290, Thailand
Published: November 2024

This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of alternative prebiotic supplements derived from phycocyanin extraction by-product in enhancing the growth of probiotic. These alternative prebiotic supplements included Spirulina platensis, the by-product of phycocyanin extraction, and inulin. The efficacy of alternative prebiotics was assessed using beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus johnsonii ck-3 and ck-8), pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli), and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The alternative prebiotics source was used to analyse the chemical composition, prebiotic activity, and bacteria growth. It was demonstrated that the phycocyanin extraction by-product included a high concentration of crude protein (67.74% DM), carbohydrates (31.29% DM). The phycocyanin extraction by-product has a high content of glucose, fructose, and sucrose (63.55, 68.00, and 0.24 µg/ml, respectively). The phycocyanin extraction by-product has presented hydrolysis ability (in vitro) at 2.51% while S. platensis showed at 1.81 %. The composition of the phycocyanin extraction by-product showed similar activation of probiotic bacteria to inulin. Especially, Lactobacillus strain showed the best growth was achieved with the phycocyanin extraction by-product with decrease the final pH and high microbial colony number at 48 hours in 7.5–9.5 log10 colony-forming unit per milliliter (CFU/ml) when compared with the glucose group. The study results revealed that the phycocyanin extraction by-product with the prebiotic potential are effective at increasing numbers of Lactobacillus strain. Consequently, the study reveals that phycocyanin extraction by-product are effective as alternative prebiotic supplement, significantly enhancing beneficial probiotic bacteria. These findings suggest the potential use of phycocyanin extraction by-products in creating new prebiotic formulations for gut microbiota modulation through dietary
Prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes of Escherichia coli at the pig slaughterhouses in the Mekong Delta
Authors:   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam, Thong Ngo Van ,   Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development, Kien Giang University, Kien Giang 91000, Vietnam, Thuan Nguyen Khanh ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam, Minh Bui Thi Le ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho 900000, Vietnam
Published: November 2024

The study was conducted to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility and antibiotic-resistance genes of Escherichia coli at the pig slaughterhouses in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total of 60 samples were collected at the slaughterhouse in the Mekong Delta, including 24 feces, 24 carcasses, 8 floors, and 4 wastewater samples. The prevalence of E. coli in feces, wastewater, carcasses, and floor samples was 91.67%, 50.00%, 29.17%, and 25.00%, respectively. A total of 79 E. coli isolates were examined for antimicrobial susceptibility to 15 antibiotics using the disc diffusion method according to CLSI 2021 guidelines. E. coli strains were highly resistant to amoxicillin (83.54%), ampicillin (78.48%), streptomycin (63.29%), and florfenicol (63.29%). However, those E. coli strains were sensitive to amoxicillin + acid clavulanic and amikacin (97.47%), cefaclor (95.45%), cefuroxime (93.67%), and enrofloxacin (92.41%). The results showed that 96.2% of examined E. coli strains were resistant from one antibiotic to eight antibiotics, and the most frequent multidrug-resistance phenotype was amoxicillin + ampicillin + florfenicol + streptomycin (13.92%). The prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes (strA, sulII, qnrA, tetA, blaampC, blaTEM, and blaCTX-M) in E. coli was determined by PCR. The prevalence of strA, sulII, qnrA, tetA, blaampC, and blaTEM genes in E. coli strains was 75.67%, 72.97%, 75.67%, 83.78%, 91.89%, and 83.78% respectively; however, blaCTX-M gene was not detected. Therefore, the contamination of E. coli exhibiting antibiotic resistance in pig slaughterhouses should be controlled to prevent public health.
Effect of supplementations in drinking water on growth performance, health status, and carcass quality of local Tre chickens
Authors:   Faculty of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 900000, Vietnam, Thuy Nguyen Thi , Ngoc Linh Nguyen Thi ,   Faculty of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 900000, Vietnam, Ha Nguyen Cong ,   Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho City 900000, Vietnam
Published: November 2024

A study was carried out to determine the effect of probiotic, multivitamin, and organic acid (acid butyric) supplementations in drinking water on growth performances, health status, and carcass quality of local chicken (Tre). A total of 480 Tre chickens at 4 weeks of age were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design experiment, with 4 treatments and 4 replicates (2 male and 2 female pens); each replicate consisted of a pen with 30 chickens/pen, the experimental data was collected during 10 weeks. Treatments used: (1) Control (Cont): Basal diet (B) without any supplementation; (2) PRO: B + 1% probiotic; (3) VIT: B+ 1% multivitamin product; (4) OA: B+1% butyric acid, all supplements were supplied in drinking water. The results showed the use of PRO had a significant highest in final weight (1032 g/ chicken) compared with control group (981.6 g/chicken), lead to better daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (13.31 g/head/day and 3.02 g feed/g gain) to compare with the control group (12.5 g/head/day and 3.28 g feed/g gain) (P<0.05). Daily feed intake (FI) was not affected by all supplementations (P>0.05). VIT and PRO adding in drinking water reduced feather pecking, and there was a reduction of Salmonella spp. and E. coli in the feces of Tre chickens in PRO and OA compared with control chickens. All treatments did not affect the carcass yield of the birds, but little improvement in the yellow meat color (b*=8.48) of chickens in VIT and PRO compared to the others. In general, adding probiotics at the level of 1% in drinking water could be better for improving ADG and FCR compared with multivitamins, acid butyric, and control treatments; adding probiotic and organic acid reduced Salmonella spp. and E. coli in the feces, while multivitamin supplementation reduced feather pecking and improved yellow meat color of Tre chickens.
Effect of diet and MC4R genotype on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in Kacang goats
Authors:   Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Adiwimarta Kustantinah , Riska Arie ,   Graduate School of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, - Panjono ,   Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Kurniawati Asih ,   Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Hartatik Tety ,   Departement of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
Published: November 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of the relationship between feed treatment and Melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) genotypes on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in Kacang goats. Blood samples were collected from 20 Kacang goats, and genomic DNA was extracted by using a Geneaid isolation kit. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to genotype blood samples at the SNP position g.1079C/T cut by the KpnI enzyme. A 2 × 3 factorial design with two diet factors (diets 1 and 2) and three genotypes (homozygotes CC and TT and heterozygote CT) was used. The diet 1 and 2 groups comprised 4 goats with the TT genotype, 4 goats with the CT genotype and 2 goats with the CC genotype. Diet 1 contained an additional 400 g of concentrate with 11.25% crude protein (CP) and 55.88% total digestible nutrient (TDN) and diet 2 contained a total mixed ration containing 12.46% CP and 67.92% TDN. Results demonstrated that diet and MC4R genotype had a nonsignificant interactive effect (P>0.05) on nutrient digestibility, N balance and blood composition. However, feed factor shown a significant result (P<0.05) on EEI, NDFI, DM, CP, EE, NDF, DM, CP, EE and NDF on TT genotype (P0) with the highest level than CC and CT genotype (P1). The P0 goat group absorbs a lot of nitrogen in the body, however the P1 goat group is able to utilize the nutrient efficiently in the body. Kacang goats with the TT genotype can be selected as livestock that excel in utilizing nutrients in feed
Immunohistochemical study of permeability glycoprotein expression in canine perianal tumors
Authors:   Oncology Clinic, Small Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai University Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Pichaiya Nutchanon , Matchimakul Pitchaya ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Arunorat Jirapat ,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, Thongtharb Atigan ,   Oncology Clinic, Small Animal Hospital, Chiang Mai University Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,   Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Published: November 2024

Perianal gland tumors are androgenic hormone-dependent and commonly found in dogs. Permeability glycoprotein (PGP) is a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter family, playing an essential role in reducing intracellular drug concentration and limiting drug cytotoxicity in cancer cells, leading to multi-drug resistance. This study aims to investigate PGP expression patterns in perianal gland tumors. Sixty-four specimens from 64 dogs were histologically classified as perianal gland adenoma (59.38%), perianal gland epithelioma (12.50%), and perianal carcinoma (28.13%). All samples are analyzed for PGP expression using immunohistochemistry, scoring for percentage positivity and intensity. Four cases (6.25%) have a positive expression of PGP with intense cytoplasmic staining. There was a significant difference in the PGP expression pattern among the groups (p=0.01). The expression of PGP may provide valuable insights into disease prognosis and prediction of clinical outcomes of chemotherapy treatment in dogs with perianal gland tumors
The impact of knowledge brokering on nurses’ empathy with patients receiving cardiac care: an experimental study
Authors: Galehdarifard Atefeh , Radfar Moloud , Gholami Mohammad , Khademi Mojgan , Ebrahimzadeh Farzad , Imani-Nasab Mohammad-Hasan
Published: November 2024

Background:

Patients with cardiovascular diseases often experience fear of death, depression and anxiety, all of which are linked to a heightened risk of future cardiac events. Research indicates that improved empathy is associated with a reduced risk of such events, making the enhancement of empathy among cardiac nurses crucial. Knowledge brokering, a strategy that utilises various interventions to strengthen practice, is key to achieving this.

Purpose:

This study aims to examine the impact of knowledge brokering on nurses’ empathy towards patients receiving cardiac care.

Methods:

This experimental study involved 100 cardiac nurses who were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. The intervention group received knowledge brokering using Dobbin’s seven-stage method. Empathy levels were measured using the Empathy Construct Rating Scale (ECRS), with scores ranging from +252 to -252, and analysed using SPSS version 21.

Results:

Findings showed a significant mean empathy change score (MECS) of 22.90 ± 50.93 in the intervention group (p=0.003) compared to 7.10 ± 60.20 in the control group (p=0.408). Notably, nurses with a baseline empathy score of ≥100 in the intervention group exhibited a significantly higher adjusted MECS than the control group (11.44 units versus -15.42 units).

Conclusion:

Knowledge brokering can enhance empathy in moderately empathic cardiac nurses, with its effectiveness influenced by the nurses’ initial empathy levels. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the knowledge brokering strategy in healthcare settings.
Optical properties and phase matching conditions of KTiOPO4 crystals at terahertz frequencies in the temperature range of 5.8 to 300  K
Authors: Li Gaofang , Liu Rongyang , Ye Hanjing , Huang Jingguo , Cui Haoyang , Gao Yanqing , Huang Zhiming , Chu Junhao
Published: November 2024

In this paper, the optical properties and phase matching (PM) conditions of KTiOPO4 (KTP) crystals in the temperature range of 5.8–300 K are studied by terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy. It is found that the absorption coefficient of KTP decreases with the decrease of temperature, and that of the Z axis at 1.2 THz decreases from 19.56cm−1 at 300 K to 7.83cm−1 at 5.8 K. Along the Z axis, the refractive index decreases with the decrease of temperature and changes the most, while along the X and Y axes the refractive index is relatively stable with temperature. The optical properties along the Z axis are sensitive to temperature, mainly because the movement of K+ is located in the Z axis and slows down with the decrease of temperature. KTP crystals are found to have obvious birefringence characteristics in the frequency range of 0.3–1.6 THz, with the birefringence of approximately 0.67 at 300 K and 0.58 at 5.8 K. The PM angle is calculated using the refractive index dispersion equation to satisfy the PM condition of frequency transformation. When the temperature is lowered from 300 K to 5.8 K, the maximum change in PM angle is 1.08°, while the minimum change is 0.10° at the same output wavelength. Due to the small absorption coefficient and the birefringence characteristics at low temperatures, and the relatively stable change of PM angle with temperature, the potential of KTP crystals to efficiently generate THz radiation at low temperatures can be fully realized.
Characterizing linearity of a large area InGaAs photodiode in direct
detection mode, at room temperature, from 100  pA to 10  µA
Authors: Tejedor N. , Ferrero A. , Campos J.
Published: November 2024

Nonlinearity characterization of detectors is necessary for performing
measurements at different radiant flux levels, as it is the case in
bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) measurements.
The differential spectral responsivity (DSR) method is
one of the typical procedures for this characterization. In this work,
we use attenuation devices to decrease the response of the detector
while adding a neutral density filter to record its transmittance,
which should be constant at the different signal levels. In this work,
we intend to use this method to characterize the linearity of a large
area InGaAs photodiode in the near-infrared spectral range, in direct
detection mode at room temperature and within a signal range from
100 pA to 10 µA.
Miniaturized dual-photodiode sensor for simultaneous wavelength and irradiance measurement across the 500–1000  nm range
Authors: Lee Deok-Young , Yun Gabin , Choi Minseok , Cho KyuHyeon , Lee Jayden Dongwoo , Lee Dong-Hoon
Published: November 2024

We introduce what we believe to be a novel chip-scale dual-photodiode sensor capable of simultaneously measuring centroid wavelength and irradiance within the 500–1000 nm range. The sensor employs a dual-photodiode design, where one photodiode is equipped with a coated filter layer to create differential responsivity, allowing for accurate spectral and intensity detection. Our sensor demonstrates high accuracy, with centroid wavelength and intensity measurements within a 5% margin of error for light sources with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 50 nm. This design supports the use of optional optical filters tailored to specific wavelength ranges, enhancing adaptability across diverse applications. Experimental validation confirms its practical potential in a variety of fields, including precision agriculture, horticulture, and environmental monitoring, especially for studies involving far-red and near-infrared light sources. The chip-scale fabrication of the sensor ensures cost-effective, portable, and scalable deployment, positioning it as a versatile solution for advancing optical sensing technologies in various scientific and industrial fields.
Using 3D printing technology to replace the manufacturing process of a headlight lens
Authors: Yeh Chia-Hung , Lin Heng-Yi
Published: November 2024

The injection molding technology remains the predominant method for
manufacturing plastic optical components; the market is currently
trending towards features such as small-batch and diversified
production, a streamlined development process, reduced costs, and
swift delivery. The conventional production model faces challenges
related to production flow, mold cost assessments, expenses associated
with hiring skilled professionals, and even a scarcity of talent.
Against this backdrop, it is imperative to explore potential solutions
that can swiftly replace traditional manufacturing processes in order
to address these issues. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility
of a headlight lens manufactured using a 3D printing process. The
results indicate that the lens products manufactured through 3D
printing exhibit remarkable precision, with only a 0.558% margin of
error regarding the radius of curvature of the profile, a surface
roughness (Ra value) of 0.020175 µm, and a transmittance of
92.54%. One of the key advantages of the 3D printing process is its
ability to efficiently realize complex structural designs at high
speed and low cost. In cases where customization is required, 3D
printing unquestionably outperforms conventional manufacturing
methods.
Multi-particle size measurement using Mie scattering via an elliptically arranged mirror array
Authors: Sakurai Akitada , Sakakibara Jun
Published: November 2024

Laser sources have been used to measure micro-scale particle sizes, and various measurement approaches, such as laser diffraction analysis (LDA) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), have been proposed. This paper introduces, to our knowledge, a novel method that overcomes problems in both of those approaches while successfully combining their advantages. Our approach can estimate the three-dimensional positions of particles floating in water along with their sizes. To measure position and size simultaneously, we used an elliptically arranged array of square mirrors to measure the scattering and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV), a method for determining the velocity and position of individual particles in three-dimensional space. We validate the effectiveness of this method by measuring the size distributions of four different standard particles ranging in diameter from 1.3 to 4 µm.
Dual-liquid zoom lens with a free liquid surface controlled by a sidewall slope
Authors: Liu Huibin , Shen Yangbo , Chen Tao , Zheng Peitao , Chen Jing , Xu Ronqing
Published: November 2024

In this paper, a dual-liquid zoom lens with an adjustable focal length by controlling the slope of the sidewall is proposed. Different from the straight barrel or cube-cone type of the traditional liquid lens, the slope of the sidewall of the proposed liquid lens changes continuously in the direction of light transmission. The height of the three-phase contact line is controlled only by applying an external force to change the direction of the solid–liquid interfacial tensions due to changes in the slope of the sidewall. We selected four different structures to discuss diopter variation. The optimum diopter variation is [−24.57D, 14.23D]. In addition, our device provides a novel idea for the structural design of the liquid lens, to the best of our knowledge.
Image motion compensation control method for the dynamic scan and stare imaging system
Authors: Gao Peng , Su Xiuqin , Pan Zhibin , Liu Ruoyu , Zhang Wenbo , Cao Yu , Wang Lin
Published: November 2024

The main function of the dynamic scan and stare imaging system is to quickly and continuously search a large area and perform high-resolution imaging. To eliminate image motion during the scanning process, this paper proposes an image motion compensation control method with dual-channel control. First, an improved model-assisted active disturbance rejection control is proposed, in which an auxiliary model is integrated into the algorithm to improve the control accuracy and response speed of the rotation rate of the platform. Second, a fast steering mirror (FSM) is introduced into the control system to compensate for the scanning speed and multiple disturbances. By adopting the amplitude frequency characteristics of the tracking differentiator, a parallel tracking differentiator filter is designed to suppress the interference of gyroscope noise on the FSM. When the system is disturbed by multiple frequency disturbances, the residual error of the image motion compensation is less than the spatial angular resolution of one pixel through the dual-channel stable control of the platform and the FSM. In the scan imaging experiment results, the average value of the grayscale variance function for the compensated images is close to 90% that of the static reference images.
Low-noise soliton molecule generation with an in-phase controllable pulse number by third- and second-order dispersion compensation in an all-fiber erbium-doped oscillator: publisher’s note
Authors: Ismaeel Almikdad , Orekhov Ilya O. , Sazonkin Stanislav G. , Dvoretskiy Dmitriy A. , Krylov Aleksandr A. , Karasik Valeriy E. , Denisov Lev K.
Published: November 2024

This publisher’s note reports corrections to Appl. Opt. 63, 8503 (2024).APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.539960
Programmable packet-optical network security and monitoring using DPUs with embedded GPUs [Invited]
Authors: Castoldi Piero , Abu Bakar Rana , Sgambelluri Andrea , Olmos Juan Jose Vegas , Paolucci Francesco , Cugini Filippo
Published: November 2024

Data processing units (DPUs) with embedded graphics processing units (GPUs) have the potential to revolutionize optical network functionalities at the edge. These advanced units can significantly enhance the performance and capabilities of optical networks by integrating powerful processing capabilities directly at the network edge, where data is generated and consumed. We explore the use cases for DPUs in optical data monitoring with local artificial intelligence (AI) processing and embedded security. This paradigm shift aims to enable more efficient data handling, reduced latency, and improved overall network performance by leveraging local AI processing capabilities embedded within DPUs. In this paper, we show how DPUs can analyze vast amounts of optical data in real-time, implementing advanced data analysis algorithms and security protocols directly on the DPUs to provide robust monitoring and protection for the optical networks. Results indicate that DPUs with embedded GPUs can significantly improve the detection and response times to network anomalies, performance issues, and security threats.