bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Artificial Intelligence in Dairy Farm Management - Biometric Facial Recognition for Cows
Authors: Mahato Shubhangi , Neethirajan Suresh
Published: January 2024

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dairy farm management through biometric facial recognition for cows is a significant stride in livestock management. This review critically evaluates the evolution, applications, and challenges of AI-driven biometric facial recognition in dairy farming. It emphasizes the role of this technology in enhancing individual monitoring of dairy cows, providing accurate health, behavior, and productivity tracking. Originally derived from human facial recognition systems, this approach utilizes distinctive bovine facial features for essential, non-invasive, real-time monitoring in large-scale operations. The progression of AI from elementary pattern recognition to advanced Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and deep learning models marks a shift toward data-driven farming. This study addresses key challenges such as environmental variability, data collection hurdles, ethical concerns, and technological limitations. It also contrasts various AI models, spotlighting their unique strengths and practical utility in dairy farming scenarios. Despite these challenges, facial recognition technology holds promise for improving farm efficiency, animal welfare, and sustainable practices, highlighting the need for continuous research and development. The review concludes by advocating for future research focused on environmental adaptability, ethical AI application, cross-breed compatibility, and integration with other farming technologies. Ultimately, it underscores AI's transformative potential in modernizing dairy farming towards a more data-oriented, responsible agricultural future.
Systematic Selective Limits Application Using Decision Making Engines to Enhance Safety in Highly Automated Vehicles
Authors: Garikapati Divya , Liu Yiting , Huo Zhaoyuan
Published: January 2024

Safety limits application has always been a traditional approach to ensure the safe operation of electro-mechanical systems within many industries including automated vehicles, robotics, aerospace, traditional automotive, railways, manufacturing, etc. In all of these applications, control and safety limits are usually hard-coded into the production firmware and are fixed throughout the entire product life cycle. Currently, due to the evolving needs of automated systems like automated vehicles and robots, this traditional approach does not address all the use cases and scenarios to ensure safe operation. Especially for data-driven machine learning applications that constantly evolve and learn over time, it is important to be able to adjust the safety limits application strategy to be more flexible and adaptable based on different Operational Design Domains (ODDs) and scenarios. Our ITSC conference paper ~\cite{4} introduced the concept of a new safety limits application strategy called the Dynamic Control Limits Application (DCLA) strategy that supports the flexible application of diverse limits profiles based on the parameters involved within the dynamic scenario at different layers of the Autonomy software stack.This paper extends the DCLA strategy to derive the complete methodology for safety limits application based on ODD elements, scenario identification and scenario classification using Decision Making Engines. It leverages the layered architecture introduced in the ITSC conference paper to implement the Decision Making (DM) algorithms. Another important extension is the use of cloud infrastructure that is based on the Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) technology to store the scenarios and the limits mapping to serve as a ground truth and/or a backup mechanism in case of errors or failures associated with the main Decision Making (DM) Engine. There is also a focus on providing a more comprehensive list of scenarios and a custom built experimental dataset to cover the maximum ODD elements, and multiple tables of safety limits to be chosen from, which eventually helps in creating different safety limits application profiles. These distinct safety limits application profiles are based on the scenario parameters that are perceived by the system upon which the Decision Making algorithms are applied or trained. This systematic approach can be used within the industry for any of the future automated vehicles and systems until Level 5 Autonomy.
Fractal Dimension of the Generalized Z-Entropy of The Rényian Formalism of Stable Queue with Some Potential Applications of Fractal Dimension to Big Data Analytics
Authors: A Mageed Dr Ismail
Published: January 2024

In the current work, the stable queueuing system's Generalised Z-Entropy (GZE) of Rényian formalism is examined in its fractal dimension. Notably, fractal dimension’s resulting behaviour that corresponds to the GZE parameters is examined through numerical tests. This research makes a substantial generalization in the literature by fusing fractal geometry and information theory to shed light on how entropy and complexity interact. More fundamentally, the significant role of fractal dimension to advance Big Data Analytics(BDAs) is highlighted. Closing remarks combined with open problems and the next phase of research are provided.
Characterizing Water Composition with an Autonomous Robotic Team Employing Comprehensive In-Situ Sensing, Hyperspectral Imaging, Machine Learning, and Conformal Prediction
Authors: Waczak John , Aker Adam , Wijeratne Lakitha O. H. , Talebi Shawhin , Fernando Bharana , Hathurusinghe Prabuddha , Iqbal Mazhar , Schaefer David , Lary David J.
Published: January 2024

Inland waters pose a unique challenge for water quality monitoring by remote sensing techniques due to their complicated spectral features and small-scale variability. At the same time, collecting the high-quality reference data needed to calibrate remote sensing data products is both time consuming and expensive. In this study, we present the further development of a robotic team composed of an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) providing in situ reference measurements and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a hyperspectral imager. Together, this team is able to address the limitations of existing approaches by enabling the simultaneous collection of comprehensive in situ data together with high-resolution hyperspectral imagery. We showcase the capabilities of this team using data collected in a north Texas pond during three collections in the fall of 2020. Machine learning models for 13 variables are trained using the data set of paired in situ measurements and coincident reflectance spectra. These models can successfully estimate physical variables, including temperature, conductivity, pH, and turbidity, as well as the concentrations of blue-green algae, colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM), chlorophyll-a, crude oil, optical brighteners and the ions Ca2+, Cl−, and Na+. We extend the training procedure to utilize conformal prediction to estimate 90% confidence intervals for the output of each trained model. The maps generated by applying each trained model to the collected images reveal the small-scale spatial variability within the pond. Additionally, the permutation importance computed for each feature of the trained models highlights the spectral features relevant to each water quality variable.
Field Report of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake―Current Status and Challenges of Evacuation Centers in Wajima City
Authors: Itatani Tomoya , Kojima Michio , Tanaka Junichi , Horike Ryo
Published: January 2024

On January 1, 2024, a huge earthquake occurred in Noto region, Japan. Many buildings collapsed by the violent shaking. Electricity and water supplies were cut off, and communication was disrupted. Immediately after the earthquake, we visited Noto, and conducted disaster relief activities. This report integrates and discusses the results of site visits, information broadcasts by public institutions, and previous research. Evacuation centers lacked water and proper sanitation, leading to health issues, including infectious diseases. Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) were delayed in implementing infection control measures. Isolated evacuation centers faced communication and supply challenges. Infrastructure restoration, power supply, and toilet facilities at evacuation centers were delayed due to geographical challenges. lack of intervention by medical professionals in evacuation centers were because DMAT was forced to invest manpower in rescue operations. It is important to have a team that can determine and carry out the necessary activities on site, even without instructions from the DMAT. Under these circumstances, it is important for evacuees to operate the evacuation centers autonomously. There are concerns that evacuation centers could pose health risks if people stay in these centers for long periods. We hope that medical professionals intervene as soon as possible.
Distinct Changes of Metabolic Profile and Sensory Quality With Different Varieties of Chrysanthemum (Juhua) Tea by LC-MS Based Metabolomics and Electronic Tongue
Authors: Tian Xing , Wang Haodong , Chen Liang , Yuan Hanwen , Ouyang Yaoli , Peng Caiyun , Wang Wei
Published: January 2024

Chrysanthemum tea, a typical health tea with the same origin as medicine and food, is famous for its unique health benefits and flavor. To clarify the influence of metabolites of different varieties of chrysanthemum tea on the formation of taste and quality differences, nontargeted metabolomics combined with electronic tongue analysis were used to characterize the correlation between metabolites profiles and taste characteristics of different quality chrysanthemum tea. Thirteen metabolites were identified as the key metabolites of the sensory quality difference between Huangju and Jinsi Huangju tea. Kaempferol, luteolin, genistein, and some quinic acid derivatives were correlated with the ‘astringent’ and taste attributes. In contrast, l-(-)-3 phenyllactic acid and L-malic acid were found to be the ‘bitterness’ and ‘umami’ in chrysanthemum tea. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis pathway had important effects on the sensory quality of chrysanthemum tea.
Pemodelan Data Panel dengan Pendekatan Least Square Dummy Variable terhadap Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi Kasus Kriminalitas di Sulawesi Selatan
Authors: Nurdin Afifah Mutiah , Arfan Muh. Indirwan , Siswanto Siswanto , Kalondeng Anisa
Published: January 2024

Crime is one of the challenges that often arises in the community environment. In the years 2020-2022, South Sulawesi ranked fourth with the highest reported crime cases in Indonesia. To avoid an increase in the crime rate, an understanding of the factors impacting these cases is necessary. This research aims to determine the fixed effect model with the Least Square Dummy Variable approach to examine the percentage of the poor population, income inequality, population density, and the total population's influence on crime cases in South Sulawesi during the years 2020-2022. The most suitable model is the Least Square Dummy Variable using an individual effect with an analysis result of  of 99.9%. The variables of the percentage of the poor population, population density, and the total population are proven to significantly influence crime cases in South Sulawesi.
Pengembangan e-Modul Panel Surya dengan Solar Tracker Single Axis pada Mata Kuliah Energi Baru dan Terbarukan Universitas Sebelas Maret
Authors: Rohim Ficky Febrian Nur , Wijayanto Danar Susilo , Saputra Taufik Wisnu
Published: January 2024

The Mechanical Engineering Education Study Program FKIP Universitas Sebelas Maret, there is one of the new courses in the 2021 curriculum (independent curriculum, independent campus learning), namely New and Renewable Energy. The learning tools in the course are not yet fully available. Learning tools continue to progress with the times, and e-modules are one of them.  In this research developed a new and renewable energy learning e-module with a focus on utilizing solar energy using solar panels. Solar panels used are static solar panels and solar panels with a single axis solar tracker. The purpose of this study is to develop learning e-modules and find out the feasibility to be used in New and Renewable Energy courses. This study uses the Research and Development research method, with a 4-D model research model (Four D model), namely Define, Design, Development, and Disseminate. The Define stage results that the New and Renewable Energy course requires supporting learning tools, in the form of e-modules, e-module users are students of Mechanical Engineering Education class of 2021, with theoretical and practical learning concepts. The Design stage selects the format, drafts, and makes the initial draft. The Development stage tested the design results to two material expert lecturers, and the validation test of two media expert lecturers, then tested to 11 students. In the Disseminate stage, the e-module is submitted to the Mechanical Engineering Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta. For the results of this development research, in the expert test this e-module material obtained a score of 90.52% with a very decent category, in the media expert test a score of 88.88% was obtained with a very decent category. The results of the trial to students obtained a score of 84% with a very decent category.
High Research Productivity During Orthopaedic Surgery Residency May Be Predicted by Number of Publications as a Medical Student
Authors: Donley Connor , McCrosson Matthew , Prahad Sri , Campbell Collier , Zhao Fei , Amireddy Narcy , Johnson Michael
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Orthopaedic applicants have increased the average number of publications on their residency application to compete with the growing competitiveness of the field. The purpose of this study was to assess whether research productivity before orthopaedic residency and caliber of one's institution is correlated with academic productivity during residency.

Methods:

Scopus was used to extract publication metrics. Quantity and quality (how often the publications were cited) were analyzed at 2 different time periods: before and during residency. All subjects in the study had graduated an ACGME-accredited orthopaedic surgery residency in 2021. Military residents, international medical graduates, and residents not listed on their department's website were excluded. Residents were categorized as both high (≥2 publications) or low (<2 publications) publishers according to their pre-residency publications. They were also categorized based on their program's Jones et al. research productivity ranking.

Results:

For the 758 residents, the median number of publications was 0 (Interquartile Range [IQR]: 0-2) and 3 (IQR: 1-6) before and during residency, respectively. High publishing medical students had more publications during training than low publishers (6 [IQR: 3-14] and 2 [IQR: 1-4], p < 0.001). Residents at higher ranked programs also had more publications (4 [IQR: 2-9] and 2 [IQR: 0-4], p < 0.001). High publishing students now training at lower ranked institutions had more publications during residency than low publishers who trained at more productive institutions (4 [IQR: 1-9] and 3 [IQR: 1-6], p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Having 2 or more publications before residency is correlated with an increased number of publications during residency. While attending a higher academically productive program is associated with increased resident publications, a high publishing medical student would be expected to have more publications during residency than a low publishing student, regardless of program rank. Notably, most matched applicants continue to have zero publications before matriculation.
Inteligencia emocional y dependencia a los videojuegos en estudiantes de secundaria de una institución privada de Lima en contexto de pandemia
Authors:   , Rios Perez Kiara Mayte , Casquina Chavez Nancy Margoth
Published: January 2024

El desarrollo de la presente investigación estuvo orientado principalmente por la finalidad de determinar la relación entre inteligencia emocional y dependencia a los videojuegos en una muestra de 133 estudiantes de secundaria de una institución educativa privada de Villa el Salvador, la cual fue seleccionada aleatoriamente de una población de 201 sujetos. Se trabajó con el enfoque cuantitativo, tipo correlacional con diseño no experimental, así como técnica la encuesta y como instrumento de investigación el cuestionario. Los principales resultados demuestran la existencia de una relación significativa e inversa entre las variables estudiadas, así como entre la dependencia a los videojuegos y las categorías de inteligencia emocional.
Evaluación de humus con harina de rocas compuestas, para la producción de albahaca (Ocimum basilicum) en el huerto del Centro ecológico la lombriz feliz - SJL
Authors:   , Lino Molina Carmen Sevastiana
Published: January 2024

El humus de lombriz cumple un papel importante en dentro de la dinámica del suelo, puesto que mejora de las propiedades físicas, químicas y aporta diversos microorganismos, mejorando así la propiedad biológica y con ello ayuda al buen crecimiento de los cultivos. El objetivo de la investigación consistió en evaluar la incorporación de tres dosis de Harina de Rocas Compuestas (Hrc) en la elaboración de humus de lombriz para luego evaluar su efecto en el desarrollo y crecimiento del cultivo de albahaca (Ocimum basilicum L.) var. Genovesa. El desarrollo de este experimento se realizó en dos fases; la primera fase consistió en la elaboración de humus de lombriz a base de pre-compost incorporando dosis de 100gr, 150gr y 200gr de Hrc como tratamiento, para luego analizar los macro y micronutrientes en el laboratorio. La segunda fase del experimento se trabajó con el humus final obtenido y se aplicó en, la producción del cultivo de albahaca, evaluando las diferentes características agronómicas, durante un periodo de dos meses. Una vez cosechadas las plantas, se evaluaron los datos de crecimiento mediante el programa Rstudio, para determinar qué tratamiento tuvo un mejor efecto en la albahaca. En donde el tratamiento que tuvo mejor resultado en cuanto al contenido de nutrientes fue en donde se aplicó 150gr Hrc, además de tener un mejor resultado en la variable de peso foliar, importante debido que el valor comercial de este cultivo son las hojas.
Impact of Well Orientation on Well Productivity
Authors: Morsy S. , Fowler G. , McClure M. , Ratcliff D.
Published: January 2024

Hydraulic fractures tend to propagate in a plane that is perpendicular to the least principal stress. As a result, unconventional oil and gas wells are typically drilled in the direction of minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) to maximize drainage area. However, in some regions, due to acreage constraints, wells are drilled to maximize the number of wells instead of the ideal orientation with respect to subsurface stresses. We studied the impact of changing well orientation on well productivity in the Bakken Play by simulating a wide range of operational scenarios including proppant loading, well spacing, cluster spacing, and depletion. Our simulation results were compared to historical Bakken well performance data filtered based on the same well orientations and completion designs. The simulation results show that drilling wells parallel to Shmin maximizes well productivity, consistent with the reported actual data. However, the degree of production uplift in actual data cannot be fully attributed to well orientation. We demonstrate that job size, depletion, cluster spacing, and well spacing all affect the impact of well orientation on performance. It is challenging to rigorously quantify the effect of well orientation versus completion design on well productivity in historical data. Simulation studies help to determine the impact of each parameter, helping operators optimize their development strategy. Simulation sensitivity analyses show that depletion, wider cluster spacing, and wider well spacing can lessen the effect of well orientation on well productivity.
Are weight control and food waste a trade-off?: A clustering of appropriate amount of food choice and plate-clearing behaviors among Japanese adult consumers
Authors: Kawasaki Yui , Nagao-Sato Sayaka , Shimpo Misa , Akamatsu Rie , Fujiwara Yoko
Published: January 2024

Background/Objectives Plate-clearing behavior (PCB), in which individuals eat more food than is appropriate for them regarding excessive portion size choices, is considered to cause weight gain. However, the appropriate amount of food choice behavior (ACB) to avoid the trade-off between weight gain and food waste has been overlooked in previous studies. This study aimed to identify patterns of ACB and PCB in various meal situations and describe the demographic, anthropometric, psychological, and lifestyle-related characteristics of those who follow each pattern.Subjects/Methods In total, 1,707 Japanese participants responded to a web-based anonymous questionnaire in February 2023 and were included in this study. Cluster analysis was performed to identify patterns in the ACB and PCB. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used on clusters of participant characteristic variables.Results The median age of the participants was 40 (25th and 75th percentile: 30, 50) years (female = 865, 50.7%). Four clusters with independent predictors were identified: low ACB and high PCB, moderate ACB and high PCB, moderate ACB and low PCB, and high ACB and low PCB. The independent predictors of high ACB and low PCB were being female [1.550 (1.177–2.041), p = 0.002]; having low BMI (< 18.5) [1.735 (1.273–2.365), p < 0.001]; much interest in health [1.042 (1.018–1.066), p < 0.001], attitude toward avoiding food waste [1.133 (1.077–1.191), p < 0.001], gratitude for food [1.106 (1.060–1.154), p < 0.001], and the need for an appropriate amount of food choice [1.046 (1.014–1.080), p = 0.005].Conclusion This study identifies appropriate consumer behaviors to maintain health and develop a strategy for food-choice and PCBs.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and M. gypseum Dermatophyte Biofilms in Response to Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Borui , Zhang Jinyan , Li Juanjuan , Qian Yuwen , Huang Binbin , Wu Xiaomo
Published: January 2024

Dermatophyte biofilms frequently count for inadequate responses and resistance to standard antifungal treatment, resulting in refractory chronic onychomycosis infection. Although antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been clinically found capable of exerting significant antifungal effects or even eradicating dermatophyte biofilms, considerably less is known about the molecular mechanism underlying aPDT and the signaling network dysregulation potentially antagonizing photodynamic action. The aim of this study is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlining aPDT combating dermatophyte biofilm implicated in recalcitrant onychomycosis and decipher the potential aPDT-elicited detoxification process to facilitate the development of more effective photodynamic intervention. We applied genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis to investigate how aPDT disrupting onychomycosis biofilm formed by three distinct dermatophytes, including T.rubrum, T.mentagrophytes and M.gypseum, the most frequently occurring pathogenic species. In total, 352.13Gb of clean data was obtained for the transcriptomes of dermatophyte biofilms with or without aPDT treatment, resulting in 2422.42 million reads with GC content of 51.84%, covering 99.9%, 98.5% and 99.4% of annotated genes of T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes and M. gypseum, respectively. The genome-wide orthologous analysis identified 6624 transcribed single-copy orthologous genes in all three species, and 36.5%, 6.8% and 17.9% of which were differentially expressed following the aPDT application. Integrative orthology analysis demonstrated up-regulating oxidoreductase activities are highly conserved detoxification signaling alteration in response to aPDT across all investigated dermatophyte biofilms. This study provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underneath anti-dermatophyte biofilm effects of aPDT and successfully identified conserved detoxification regulation upon the aPDT application.
MIG Welded Dissimilar AISI 430/304L Butt Joint: Microstructure and Joint Performance
Authors: SERİNDAĞ Hüseyin Tarık , Cam Gurel
Published: January 2024

In recent years, dissimilar welds are increasingly demanded in numerous industrial applications due to the economic advantages and superior joint performance. Thus, joining of dissimilar steels is highly demanded in various industries and production of defect-free dissimilar joints by conventional fusion welding processes is rather important. In this study, 5 mm thick AISI 430 ferritic and AISI 304L austenitic plates were joined by the gas metal arc welding in butt configuration. A detailed microstructural investigation was conducted across the weld region of the joint by optical microscopy and SEM. Micro-hardness and mechanical tests were employed to determine the mechanical properties of the joints fabricated. The welded joint exhibited a tensile strength value of about 100% of the lower strength base metal, i.e. AISI 430 BM. In contrast, the confined plasticity in the lower strength AISI 430 base metal side resulted in low ductility performance, i.e. about 57%.
Allocation to sexual and asexual reproduction was uniform in spite of environmental gradients in case of the moss Polytrichum juniperinum in the low arctic
Authors: Koncz Peter , Marino Paul
Published: January 2024

The relative allocation within a plant species of asexual vs. sexual reproduction is predicted to vary according to changing environmental conditions. In bryophytes, sex expression is predicted to be reduced in unfavourable environments because sporophyte maturation is resource‒limited. The allocation between reproductive strategies in the bryophyte, Polytrichum juniperinum was examined in the low‒arctic Torngat Mountains (Labrador, Canada) in 2008/2009 along both an elevation and moisture gradient. Using genetic markers, no pattern was observed in the allocation between sexual and asexual reproductive strategies among the different environmental conditions. Although all populations showed evidence of sexual reproduction, effective sexual reproduction was depressed along both gradients. All populations showed high rates of fertilization among closely related ramets that resulted in inbreeding. This might limit the capacity to maintain high genetic diversity in local populations, which would be favoured in an environment experiencing warming.
Coupling multi-statistic analysis and 3D-EEM recognition for in-depth pollution evaluation and sources apportionment in a eutrophic shallow lake (Lake Gehu, China)
Authors: Chao Bo , Li Chunhui , Xu Xiangen , Zhou Liwan , Li Mingbao
Published: January 2024

A clear understanding of both the characteristics and sources of pollution is essential for the rehabilitation and sustainable exploitation of eutrophic shallow lakes. In this study, Lake Gehu was selected as the research subject. Its water quality index (WQI) and trophic level index (TLI) from 2016 to 2020 were evaluated based on multivariate statistical analysis (MSA). Positive matrix factorization (PMF) and three-dimensional fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) tools were employed to deeply explore the categories and influences of pollution sources. The results indicated improvements to both the comprehensive water quality and eutrophication status with interannual fluctuations over the past five years. However, heavy pollution persisted over summer, with excessive nutrients including organonitrogen, phosphorus and organics. Western and northern Lake Gehu were the most heavily polluted regions, with the significantly higher mean WQI and TLI values compared to those in other regions. Five categories of pollution sources were identified, namely domestic, agricultural non-point, industrial pollution, explosive algal reproduction and the impact of intense rainfall in summer. The priority for control of different pollution sources were presented by PMF, whereas their spatiotemporal influences on Lake Gehu were characterized by 3D-EEM. Thus, coupling PMF and 3D-EEM can enhance the traceability accuracy as well as comprehensively illustrate the characteristics of pollution sources. This study can guide future environmental management of eutrophic shallow lakes.
Self-Isolation and Its Impact on Chronic Pain
Authors: Brown Darryl , Maryansky Aleksey , Nguyen Trong Phu , Breidenbach Kathryn A. , Kim Soo Yeon , Okorozo Aham , Lin Hung-Mo , Kim Jung
Published: January 2024

In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, New York City enforced a "shelter-in-place" order from March 20 to June 13, 2020. This study aims to explore the impact of self-isolation resulting from this order on individuals with chronic pain. The primary outcomes, assessed through the Brief Pain Inventory questionnaire, included self-rated pain scores and functional scores. A total of 65 participants completed the questionnaire during the quarantine period and again during the reopening phase from July 1 to August 31, 2020. While most self-rated pain scores showed no significant difference between the two periods, 24-Hour Worst Pain demonstrated improvement in the post-quarantine period (median 0; IQR [-1, 0]; p = 0.034). Notably, various functional scores, such as General Activity, Mood, Normal Work, Relations, Sleep, and Enjoyment of Life, exhibited substantial improvement post-quarantine, resulting in an overall functional score difference of -1.30 on average (p < 0.001). Despite stable self-rated pain scores, the study reveals a significant increase in disability during quarantine, possibly attributed to factors like fear, social isolation, and resource scarcity. The findings underscore the importance of holistic pain management considering psychosocial factors.
A replicating RNA vaccine confers protection in a rhesus macaque model of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Hawman David , Leventhal Shanna , Meade-White Kimberly , Khandhar Amit , Murray Justin , Lovaglio Jamie , Shaia Carl , Saturday Greg , Erasmus Jesse , Feldmann Heinz
Published: January 2024

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne febrile illness with wide geographic distribution. In recent years the geographic range of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and its tick vector have increased, placing an increasing number of people at risk of CCHFV infection. Currently there are no widely available vaccines and although the World Health Organization recommends ribavirin for treatment, its efficacy is unclear. Here we evaluate a promising replicating RNA vaccine in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) model of CCHF. This model provides an alternative to the established cynomolgus macaque model and recapitulates mild-to-moderate human disease. Rhesus macaques infected with CCHFV consistently exhibit viremia, detectable viral RNA in a multitude of tissues and moderate pathology in the liver and spleen. We used this model to evaluate the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a replicating RNA vaccine. Rhesus macaques vaccinated with RNAs expressing the CCHFV nucleoprotein and glycoprotein precursor developed robust non-neutralizing humoral immunity against the CCHFV nucleoprotein and had significant protection against CCHFV challenge. Together our data report a model of CCHF using rhesus macaques and demonstrate that our replicating RNA vaccine is immunogenic and protective in non-human primates after a prime-boost immunization.
Enhanced mGluR5 Availability Marks the Antidepressant Efficacy in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Bangshan , Deng Aoqian , Dong Chuning , Chen Wentao , Zhang Qianqian , Zhou Lianbo , He Feng , Xiang Xin , Ou Wenwen , Ma Mohan , Liu Jin , Wang Xiaoping , Ju Yumeng , Wang Yunhua , Huang Henry , Ma Xiaowei
Published: January 2024

The limited efficacy of antidepressants for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) underscores the need for novel targets. This study explores the role of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in MDD, examining mGluR5 availability changes pre and post-treatment and their link to clinical outcomes. We studied 25 MDD patients and 21 healthy controls, with 13 undergoing eight-week vortioxetine treatment. mGluR5 availability was measured at baseline and follow-up using [18F]FPEB-PET scans, categorizing patients based on response. Results showed a global decrease in mGluR5 availability in MDD patients versus controls at baseline. Post-treatment, remitters exhibited a significant increase in mGluR5 availability in the dorsolateral and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (Cohen’s d = 2.33 and 4.27). These findings underscore mGluR5's key role in MDD pathophysiology and treatment. The post-treatment increase in mGluR5 in key brain areas among remitters suggests its potential as a novel therapeutic target for MDD.
Impact of hypertension on cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality in older patients with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Jianhua Li , GAO Ying-Hui , Xue Xin , GAO Yan , GUO Jing-Jing , ZHAO Li-Bo , ZHAO Zhe , WANG Huan-Huan , SU Xiao-Feng , SHI Min , ZOU Xiao , XU Wei-Hao , WANG Ya-Bin , QIAN Xiao-Shun , CHEN Kai-Bing , LIN Jun-Ling , LIU Lin
Published: January 2024

Background and Aim: Although hypertension and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) frequently coexist, few prospective cohort studies have examined the relationship between hypertension and the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in older patients with OSA. This study sought to determine how hypertension affected cardiovascular incidents and death in older patients with OSA.
Methods: This multicenter, prospective cohort study comprised a sample of 1,113 older individuals (≥60 years) with OSA between January 2015 and October 2017. The following data were gathered: baseline demographics, sleep measures, clinical traits, and follow-up results. The mean follow-up period was 42 months (range: 1–72 months). Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were the primary outcome. All-cause mortality, MACE subcomponents, and a composite of all events served as the secondary end points.
Results: A total of 706 (63.4%) OSA patients had hypertension. The risk of MACE (HR=2.13, 95%CI: 1.28–3.57, p<0.05); hospitalization for unstable angina (HR=2.03, 95%CI: 1.03–4.00, p<0.05); and a composite of all events (HR=1.75, 95%CI: 1.12–2.73, p<0.05) was higher in older OSA patients who had hypertension, according to a multivariable Cox regression analysis. In a subgroup analysis, male patients, those under 75 years, and those with moderate-to-severe OSA had increased the adjusted HRs for MACE by hypertension. However, there were no discernible changes in the incidence of cardiovascular death, all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, or heart failure between patients with and without hypertension (p>0.05).
Conclusions: In older OSA patients, hypertension is independently linked to a higher risk of MACE, hospitalization for unstable angina, and a composite of all events. Male sex, age<75 years, and moderate-to-severe OSA, coupled with hypertension, presented a particularly high MACE risk.
Impact of cobalt and zinc stress on Rehmannia glutinosa growth, bioactive compound production, antioxidant activity, and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Ghimire Bimal Kumar , Alharbi Naiyf S. , Kadaikunnan Shine , Sriniva Prabhu , Thiruvengadam Muthu
Published: January 2024

The effects of cobalt (Co) and zinc (Zn) on the growth of Rehmannia glutinosa, as well as its antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC), targeted polyphenolic compounds, and molecular dynamics simulations were studied. The results revealed that exposure to 0.01 to 0.1 ppm Zn in the growth medium increased plant height, average number of leaves, and root length. Higher concentrations of Zn had deleterious effects, and lower concentrations of Co (0.01 and 0.1 ppm) significantly inhibited growth, as indicated by the retardation and reduction in root length, plant height, and leaf numbers. Higher concentrations of Co (1 ppm) cause early defoliation, necrosis, and plant death. The highest concentration of Zn (1 ppm) caused a significant decrease in Chl a concentration compared to the other concentrations and the control plants. Lower concentrations of Zn and Co (0.01 ppm) showed elevated radical-scavenging activity compared with that of the control plants. Maximum TPC and TFC were achieved at 0.01 ppm of Zn, while a higher concentration of TPC and TFC was obtained with 0.1 ppm of Co. Furthermore, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase activity were significantly affected by Zn and Co. The targeted phenolic compounds were analyzed by LC-MS-MS in the Zn- and Co-treated and control plants. Finally, to evaluate the stability of phytochemicals with high binding affinities and docking scores, a 100-ns molecular dynamic simulation was performed. These findings suggest that exposure to high concentrations of Zn- and Co-contaminated soils may affect the growth and metabolism of R. glutinosa.
Assessing the Efficacy of an Educational Video on Stroke Knowledge in Lebanon: A Study with an Interventional Approach
Authors: Safwan Jihan , Iskandar Katia , Haddad Chadia , Sacre Hala , Salameh Pascale , Youssef Serena , Akl Tatiana , Sfeir Yasmina , Hosseini Hassan , Sakr Fouad , Cherfane Michelle
Published: January 2024

Objective
This study aimed to assess the public’s knowledge of stroke before and after viewing an educational video about stroke risk factors, preventive measures, and alarming signs.
Methods
A population-based interventional study was conducted in Lebanon using a 3-minute video-based education about stroke. A pre- and post-structured questionnaire compared the level of knowledge about stroke.
Results
The study included 685 participants. Knowledge of stroke, risk factors, warning signs, treatment, and preventive measures significantly increased post-educational video sessions. A higher baseline knowledge score was associated with a family history of stroke (Beta = 1.76) and being a healthcare professional (Beta = 3.35). Participants between 25 and 34 years (Beta=-1.39) and those with a high risk of stroke (Beta=-1.03) were significantly associated with a lower knowledge score.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated the effectiveness of a video-based educational tool to raise awareness about stroke. Short, targeted audio-visual resources using lay language can convey health education messages and influence behavioral changes. The community can benefit from a large-scale educational campaign that targets different socio-economic statuses to enhance knowledge of stroke and save lives.
A move toward green agriculture: Discovery of novel environmental-friendly insecticidal ‘’ulvan’’ from the renewable bioresource Ulva lactuca; effect of the extraction processes on the chemical-physical, and insecticidal properties
Authors: Guidara Mariem
Published: January 2024

The research of effective insecticidal agents is important challenging to limit the insecticide resistance of many larvae insect populations. This study aimed not only, to discover the insecticidal efficiency of the sulphated polysaccharide ‘ulvan’ from the green seaweed Ulva lactuca, as a novel environmental-friendly insecticidal agent; but also, to investigate an alternative strategy for insecticide productions and to improve the effective control of Spodoptera littoralis larvae. This aim reached by the investigation of the enzymatic chemical extraction and acid extractions effects on physical properties and insecticidal activities of ulvan extract; for further, feasible and optimal application of ulvans, as insecticidal agent. The study demonstrated that ulvans were characterized by anionic stable structure and molecular weight distribution; varied between 1.77 and 7.21 (×102 kDa), as well as, special particle size, which were affected by extraction processes. Ulvan will be a precious candidate due to their bioactivity and environmental safety. The extraction procedure effects were observed in chemical composition, molecular weight, particle size, surface charge and insecticidal activities of ulvans. At high concentrations, the enzymatic-chemical (EE) and acidic (CA1) extraction processes can successfully produce ulvans with the greatest insecticidal activities against S. littoralis larvae. The mortality rate of larvaes after treatments with concentration at 100 (mg/ml), achieved 75% of larvae’s mortality. LC 30, LC50 and LC 90 evidenced the expected outcome of the insecticidal ability of ulvans. The insecticidal efficiency of ulvans with a dose-dependent manner promote their use as novel eco- friendly bio-insecticidal agent suitable for the agriculture systems needs and technology trends. This strategy of (EE) and (CA1) extraction processes can considerably improve the economic and environmental benefits.
Variation of Tap Water Properties Using Cold Plasma
Authors: Mohammadi Mohammad Ali , Naghibzadeh S. T. , Baharlounezhad F. , Zakerhamidi M.S.
Published: January 2024

It is crucial to analyze the aqueous system's electrical conductivity, pH, and temperature to evaluate its quality for the intended use. This study examined the impact of exerting several cold plasmas (argon, nitrogen, air, and oxygen) on the alteration of tap water properties used for a variety of applications under atmospheric pressure. The findings indicated that electrical conductivity and temperature were ascending-descending for non-homogenized water and ascending for homogenized water after plasma exerting. The effects of argon, nitrogen, air, and oxygen plasmas on homogenized water resulted in acidification water. According to the agreement of the results with the previous reports, oxygen gas with the most decrease in pH was chosen to change the acidic result. Oxygen plasma exerting caused basic properties in water after filtering water via argon gas. It was shown that is possible to obtain different results through a change in plasma exerting process from the same reactor. So, this attribute of the designed reactor made it capable of being used in many applications.
Assessing the waterbodies through water quality index and zooplankton diversity for environmental sustainability of Bankura, West Bengal, India
Authors: Mahanty Subhajit , Saha Dipankar , Karmakar Ajay , Mandal Saptarshi , Mandal Rakesh Kumar , Bhutia Dechen Doma , Majumder Surajit
Published: January 2024

Waterbodies play a fundamental role within the society, impacting various aspects of our lives. In an aquatic ecosystem, plankton diversity regulates the productivity of these waterbodies. The distribution patterns of plankton are closely associated with the distinct physicochemical attributes exhibited by each waterbody. This research aims to investigate the intricate relationships between physicochemical parameters and plankton distribution across diverse waterbodies encircling the Bankura district. The focal point of this study is to discern the correlations between physicochemical parameters and plankton distribution within the specified waterbodies. The comprehensive approach here involves the collection of both water and plankton samples, followed by a meticulous measurement of physicochemical parameters and plankton diversity, adhering to well-established methodologies. The sampling was done between August 2022 to May 2023. The study sites have been classified into two categories. Normal waterbodies and bloom forming waterbodies. Statistical methodologies are harnessed to find correlations and interdependencies. One way ANOVA of all physicochemical parameters and zooplankton showed highly significant difference (p < 0.05) between two categories of waterbodies. The results unveiled significant insights, particularly the notable Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05) between different physicochemical parameters and zooplankton group. Occasionally, waterbodies became enriched with nutrients (PO4 − 3-P, NO2−-N), which subsequently trigger excessive plant growth, a phenomenon recognized as eutrophication, culminating in the formation of toxic red algal blooms. One potential causative agent behind these red blooms is Euglena sp. Several diversity indices are used to evaluate the abundance and species richness in the waterbodies. Water quality index of different study sites has been developed to find the status of the waterbodies. The current investigation strongly underscores the significant correlations that exist between the plankton diversity of the studied waterbodies and their underlying physicochemical attributes. This insight not only enhances our comprehension of the intricate dynamics within these ecosystems but also emphasizes the imperative role of physicochemical parameters influencing plankton distributions.
Effect of ensiled mixture of apple pomace and wheat straw based complete feed on growth performance of calves
Authors: Chauhan Sunidhi , Wadhwa Daisy , Sharma A. , Katoch S. , Upadhyay S.
Published: January 2024

The study was conducted with the aim to find out the effect of ensiled apple pomace based complete feed on growth response of calves. Ten male cross-bred calves were used for determination of dry matter intake (DMI), gain in weight (GIW) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of ensiled apple pomace based complete feed. Ensiled mixture of apple pomace (AP) and wheat straw (WS) i.e. (EMAPWS) was mixed with concentrate feed and fed to Group 1 calves. The Group 2 calves were fed with ensiled AP in which fresh WS i.e. (EMAPFWS) and concentrate was mixed just before feeding. Growth parameters such as (GIW (Kg/week/calf and Kg/day/calf), DMI (% body weight/calf) and feed efficiency ratio were worked out up to 8 weeks. The overall average DMI in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively, was 2.791 and 2.507 per cent of body weight. The overall average GIW was 2.019 and 1.825 kg, respectively, in Group 1 and Group 2. The overall average daily gain in weight was 288 and 260 g/calf/day in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. There was non-significant variation in FER between both the groups. The overall feed efficiency ratio was 0.1475 and 0.1876 in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively. The overall feed efficiency ratio of Group 2 was 27.19 percent higher than Group 1. It meant that higher DMI, GIW and FER could be achieved by ensiling WS and AP together and was more palatable than adding fresh WS in ensiled AP.