bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influencing factor analysis of family doctor contract service among older adults: evidence from China
Authors: Xie Shiyu , Ni Zihan , Yang Xiya , Xu Ningze , Zhu Chengfang , Huo Liting , Zhu Xiuyuan , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: November 2024

Background

Family doctor contract services are essential to primary healthcare and play a significant role in improving the health of older adults. However, contract rates among older adults vary widely. Investigating the factors influencing contract rates is crucial for optimizing policies and increasing participation in family doctor services.

Methods

This study used data from Wangying Community Health Service Center, encompassing 5,684 older adults in 2018. To address the endogeneity issue arising from sample selection bias, the study utilized a 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching method for counterfactual testing, balancing potential confounding factors between the contract and non-contract groups. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed on the matched data to explore the impact of gender, age, number of medical visits, and the number of chronic conditions on family doctor contract behavior.

Results

Gender did not significantly impact contracting behavior. However, age, the number of medical visits, and the number of chronic diseases significantly influenced family doctor contract (β = 0.457, p < 0.01; β = 0.286, p < 0.05; β = −0.229, p < 0.1). An inverted U-shaped relationship was found between age and contracting behavior (β = −0.003, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The factors influencing older residents’ decisions to sign up for family doctor services are complex and diverse. The conclusion of the study provides valuable reference and guidance for policymakers to further improve the family doctor contracting system and optimize contracting strategies by considering the characteristics of different older adults.
Active learning with human heuristics: an algorithm robust to labeling bias
Authors: Ravichandran Sriram , Sudarsanam Nandan , Ravindran Balaraman , Katsikopoulos Konstantinos V.
Published: November 2024

Active learning enables prediction models to achieve better performance faster by adaptively querying an oracle for the labels of data points. Sometimes the oracle is a human, for example when a medical diagnosis is provided by a doctor. According to the behavioral sciences, people, because they employ heuristics, might sometimes exhibit biases in labeling. How does modeling the oracle as a human heuristic affect the performance of active learning algorithms? If there is a drop in performance, can one design active learning algorithms robust to labeling bias? The present article provides answers. We investigate two established human heuristics (fast-and-frugal tree, tallying model) combined with four active learning algorithms (entropy sampling, multi-view learning, conventional information density, and, our proposal, inverse information density) and three standard classifiers (logistic regression, random forests, support vector machines), and apply their combinations to 15 datasets where people routinely provide labels, such as health and other domains like marketing and transportation. There are two main results. First, we show that if a heuristic provides labels, the performance of active learning algorithms significantly drops, sometimes below random. Hence, it is key to design active learning algorithms that are robust to labeling bias. Our second contribution is to provide such a robust algorithm. The proposed inverse information density algorithm, which is inspired by human psychology, achieves an overall improvement of 87% over the best of the other algorithms. In conclusion, designing and benchmarking active learning algorithms can benefit from incorporating the modeling of human heuristics.
Where do we go from here? Reconciling implementation failure of PrEP for Black women in the South. Leveraging critical realism to identify unaddressed barriers as we move forward
Authors: Irie Whitney C. , Mahone Anais , Heffron Renee , Elopre Latesha
Published: November 2024

Introduction

PrEP, a highly effective HIV prevention measure, provides autonomy to individuals in managing their HIV acquisition vulnerability. Despite its availability in tenofovir-based oral pills and injectable cabotegravir formulations, PrEP uptake among Black cisgender women in the U.S. South, a region with a high HIV burden, remains critically low. This demographic faces a disproportionately high rate of new HIV diagnoses, yet fewer than 10% of women in the US who could benefit from PrEP are currently receiving it.

Methods

Utilizing a critical realism interpretative framework, this narrative review employed a tri-level analysis strategy to examine the empirical, actual, and real domains influencing PrEP implementation among Black women in the Southern U.S. The empirical level refers to observable events and data (e.g., PrEP uptake rates), the actual level encompasses experiences and actions that may not always be directly observed (e.g., healthcare interactions and community engagement), and the real level involves the deeper structures and mechanisms (e.g., systemic racism and cultural narratives) that shape these outcomes. A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature from PubMed and other sources was conducted to identify barriers and facilitators to PrEP uptake in this population.

Results

The analysis revealed significant barriers, including structural violence, socioeconomic disparities, medical mistrust, stigma, and inadequate healthcare policies. Empirical data showed variability in PrEP awareness and interest among Black women, while actual experiences highlighted misaligned marketing strategies, financial constraints, and interpersonal dynamics. At the real level, underlying mechanisms such as systemic racism and cultural narratives were identified as critical impediments to PrEP uptake.

Discussion

Addressing these multifaceted barriers requires a comprehensive, multi-level approach that integrates personalized, community-centric strategies. Emphasizing the need for healthcare providers, community leaders, researchers, and policymakers to collaborate, the review proposes actionable strategies to enhance PrEP implementation, focusing on education, structural reforms, and policy changes to improve access and acceptability among Black women in the South.
Exploring the multispectral acoustic response of reef habitats
Authors: Menandro Pedro S. , Vieira Fernanda V. , Bastos Alex C. , Brown Craig J.
Published: November 2024

In recent decades, the value and utility of multibeam bathymetry and backscatter data has been increasingly recognized within the field of seascape ecology (the ocean-centric equivalent of landscape ecology) to map the bio- and geodiversity of the ocean floor. More recently, multispectral multibeam backscatter has emerged as a promising endeavor in seabed classification, and its acoustic response across multiple frequencies has been studied in a range of substrates. Coral reef systems are an under-represented seabed type within this research, as these shallow water ecosystems are more commonly mapped with optical remote sensing techniques. Further investigation is necessary to determine the extent to which backscatter data can contribute to the characterization of these habitats–especially for reef systems that are beyond the reach of optical remote sensing approaches. This study investigates the multifrequency acoustic response of coral reefs in two study areas on the Abrolhos Shelf, Brazil. Backscatter mosaics and angular response curves (ARC) are investigated to explore the potential applications of these data for enhanced reef seascape characterization. In both survey areas, the acoustic mapping revealed extensive reef features, and the assessment of acoustic response was influenced by reef surface roughness and biological attributes (algal cover). Results contribute significantly to the understanding of multi-frequency signatures in reef seascapes and highlight the potential of backscatter for mapping and monitoring the health of these ecosystems. Herein, the higher frequencies were found to be fundamental for detection of subtle variations in texture in the inter-reef region of both study areas; this underscores the value of employing these frequencies in a multispectral framework for discerning heterogeneities in coarse substrate types. Furthermore, the lower frequencies were indispensable for more precise delineation of reef characteristics in the Abrolhos Channel area, whereas the higher frequencies were the most effective in identifying reefs with epibiotic cover (those characterized by flatter ARC associated with lower backscatter values) in the Forgotten Reefs region.
Being in two minds: accommodating emotional victim narratives in Dutch courtrooms
Authors: Bosma Alice Kirsten
Published: November 2024

When Victim Impact Statements (VISs) were introduced in Dutch criminal law in 2005, victims were required to limit their statement to the impact of the harm done by the crime. In 2016, a major amendment lifted this restriction. Even though the statement may (still) not be used as legal evidence, critics worried that the change in scope would invite heightened levels of emotion into the courtroom, which would in turn undermine magistrates’ objectivity. A comprehensive evaluation of the old/restricted legislation and a follow-up analysis of courtroom observations showed that the Dutch system was rather well-equipped to accommodate the expressive function of the VIS before 2016. These studies pay some attention to emotional labor to show how emotional narratives were being dealt with in the courtroom. Recently, a new evaluation of the VIS (post-2016) has been carried out. Observation data of this recent study is qualitatively analyzed and compared to previous findings. The paper also gives insight in the way magistrates manage emotionality in the courtroom in relation to perceptions of objective decision making. Results show that, despite the fact that balancing emotion work with safeguarding objectivity introduces feelings of uncertainty, magistrates accommodate empathy between themselves and the victim, but also open up a space for empathy between the defendant and the victim.
Are females in classical hematology getting a fair share? Uncovering gender disparities in NIH R01 grants
Authors: Khan Sara , Eshaghi Faraz , Rehman Mohammed Z. , Kotwal Serena , Syed Mariya , Khan Kainat , Kumar Kapisthalam S.
Published: November 2024

Gender Disparity remains a pressing issue in academic medicine, notably in classical hematology where females continue to be underrepresented by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for funded R01 grants. In this research, we analyzed ten years of NIH R01 grants funded in classical hematology, covering the period from 2012 to 2022. Of the 250,031 R01 grants funded during this period, females received only 32.9%. Further breakdown of the data by different NIH institutes highlights varying degrees of gender gaps, with specific institutes showing pronounced disparities. While some NIH Institutes have made progress in bridging the gap, others lag, indicating a need for a closer examination of institutional practices. We found that despite modest advancements, less than 50% of R01 grants were funded to females. These findings underscore persistent gender inequity and require concerted efforts to create a more inclusive atmosphere supportive of women’s progress in academic medicine.
Reassessing green exercise research: unveiling methodological gaps and pathways for progress
Authors: Laezza Luca , De Dominicis Stefano , Brondino Margherita
Published: November 2024

The present review critically assesses the nexus between physical activity, nature exposure and health benefits by analysing environmental measures in green exercise research. A Cochrane-inspired review of systematic studies exposes methodological gaps, emphasising the scarcity of long-term research and the lack of rigorous designed studies. It calls for more robust, varied research designs and improved environmental metrics. The findings advocate for longitudinal research to better comprehend the mental and physical health benefits of exposure to nature. Embracing an ecological-dynamic perspective is recommended to advance our understanding of the intricate connections between activity, environment, and well-being.
Neural activation patterns in open-skilled and closed-skilled athletes during motor response tasks: insights from ERP analysis
Authors: Veliks Viktors , Talents Dinass , Fernate Andra , Evelis Klavs , Kolesovs Aleksandrs
Published: November 2024

The present study explored behavioral outcomes and neural correlates of cognitive control abilities in open-skill sports athletes compared with closed-skill sports athletes. The participants of the study were 16 right-handed male athletes. Nine basketball players formed a group of athletes from open-skill sports, and seven outdoor track and field runners formed a comparison group for closed-skill sports. During the two-color Choice Response Time task with simultaneous EEG registration, psychophysiological observation was performed to assess athletes’ functioning. A significant interaction between a sports type and the hand reveals more symmetrical functioning of the hands in basketball players, which is also confirmed by the neural activity of brain regions responsible for motor action (C3 and C4). Although there was no main effect of the sport type, the study revealed closer patterns of motor action and neural regulation of the left and right hand in open-skilled athletes than in closed-skilled athletes.
Allium covered metal stent for treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction
Authors: Qing Jing , Hu Ke , Zhang Xuan , Luo Huaming , Chen Jiangchuan , Li Changlong , Zhang Jiamo
Published: November 2024

Background

Malignant ureteral obstruction (MUO) has the potential to result in a range of outcomes, including varying degrees of hydronephrosis and renal impairment. Allium covered metal stents have provided a new, highly effective treatment option for MUO. Our objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Allium covered metallic stent for the treatment of malignant ureteral obstruction.

Methods

Clinical data of 29 patients who underwent endoscopic insertion of an Allium ureteral stent between October 2019 and August 2021 at Yongchuan Hospital, affiliated with Chongqing Medical University, were analyzed retrospectively. At one, three, six and 12 months after insertion, serum creatinine was measured, the width of the renal pelvis was rechecked under ultrasound guidance, and the position and shape of the stent were checked by abdominal x-ray. Data on long-term stent patency, incidence of complications, changes in renal function and hydronephrosis grade were collected and analyzed. Ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) was administered preoperatively and after six months in 22 patients with previous stent history.

Results

Allium covered metal stents (n = 33) were implanted successfully in 29 patients who were followed for three to 22 months, with 32/33 stents remaining patent. Serum creatinine levels decreased in 17 patients (p < 0.001), and hydronephrosis decreased in 24 patients. Clavien-Dindo grade I complications were observed in seven patients, Clavien-Dindo II in one patient, whereas stent displacement and stent encrustation occurred in one patient each (Clavien-Dindo III–IV). USSQ scores had significantly improved six months after stent insertion (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Allium ureteral stents are a safe and effective treatment option for malignant ureteral obstruction, with good long-term patency, helping to preserve renal function and improve quality of life.
Single-lung ventilation technique in neonates undergoing thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhou Zhijian , Liu Yingbei , Wang Xuan
Published: November 2024

Background

Thoracoscopic repair is a common surgical procedure to treat esophageal atresia (EA). During thoracoscopic surgery, the single-lung ventilation (SLV) technique is used to collapse one of the lungs to obtain a better surgical view. However, SLV is associated with risks in neonates. This study aimed to assess the perioperative benefits and risks of SLV in neonates who underwent thoracoscopic EA repair.

Methods

This single-center retrospective cohort study included all neonates who underwent thoracoscopic repair of EA at the Children's Hospital of Fudan University between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2021. Neonates were assigned to SLV (Group S) or dual-lung ventilation (DLV, Group D) groups depending on the technique used intraoperatively. The intraoperative and postoperative information of the two groups were compared.

Results

A total of 70 neonates were included in this study. Twenty-nine neonates were assigned to Group S and forty-one to Group D. No intraoperative adverse events were observed in either group. The surgery time of Group S was significantly shorter than that of Group D (81 ± 23 and 99 ± 29 min, respectively, P = 0.004). In contrast, the anesthetic preparation time of Group S was significantly longer than that of Group D (54 ± 22 and 44 ± 16 min, respectively, P = 0.030). The frequency of postoperative adverse events in Group S was similar to that of Group D (31.03% and 40.54%, respectively, P = 0.453).

Conclusion

SLV was associated with a reduced surgery time for thoracoscopic repair of EA and longer anesthetic preparation time compared to DLV. The SLV was as safe as the DLV with potential advantages in thoracoscopic EA repair.
Adversarial Validation in Image Classification Datasets by Means of Cumulative Spectral Gradient
Authors: Renza Diego , Moya-Albor Ernesto , Chavarro Adrian
Published: November 2024

The main objective of a machine learning (ML) system is to obtain a trained model from input data in such a way that it allows predictions to be made on new i.i.d. (Independently and Identically Distributed) data with the lowest possible error. However, how can we assess whether the training and test data have a similar distribution? To answer this question, this paper presents a proposal to determine the degree of distribution shift of two datasets. To this end, a metric for evaluating complexity in datasets is used, which can be applied in multi-class problems, comparing each pair of classes of the two sets. The proposed methodology has been applied to three well-known datasets: MNIST, CIFAR-10 and CIFAR-100, together with corrupted versions of these. Through this methodology, it is possible to evaluate which types of modification have a greater impact on the generalization of the models without the need to train multiple models multiple times, also allowing us to determine which classes are more affected by corruption.
Exploring the Effects of Entrepreneurial and Digital Orientations on the Competitive Advantage of Saudi Firms: Is Strategic Agility the Missing Link?
Authors: Aloulou Wassim J. , Alsadi Amin K. , Ayadi Faouzi M. , Alaskar Thamir H.
Published: November 2024

This study explores the intricate relationships between entrepreneurial orientation (EO), digital orientation (DO), strategic agility (SA), and competitive advantage (CA) in Saudi firms. We investigate whether strategic agility serves as the missing link in these relationships. We examine direct and indirect effects among these constructs using structural equation modeling on data collected from 307 Saudi firms. The results confirm the direct positive links between EO and SA with CA. However, the findings also reveal a surprising result—there is no direct link between DO and CA. At the same time, both DO and EO exerted significant positive influences on SA. This study emphasizes the mediating role of SA. We find that SA partially mediates the relationship between EO and CA, underlining the importance of EO while pointing out the additional value given to this relationship by SA. Additionally, SA fully mediates the relationship between DO and CA, suggesting that firms must develop SA to translate their digital capabilities into CA. These results contribute to the strategic management literature by explaining the interplay between strategic orientations, agility, and competitive advantage in the Saudi context. They also provide practical implications for managers seeking to enhance the competitiveness of their firms during this digital age by showing that investing in SA in conjunction with entrepreneurial and digital resources is of paramount importance.
Evaluating the Environmental and Economic Benefits of New Technologies in Low-Salt Olive Fermentation
Authors: Mari Alexandra , Kekes Tryfon , Boukouvalas Christos , Drosou Christina , Krokida Magdalini , Tsartsaris Christos
Published: November 2024

The evolving modern lifestyle influences consumer dietary habits, driving the demand for new food products rooted in traditional healthy foods with greater health benefits. The Mediterranean diet, characterized by low animal fat intake and high vegetable consumption, has been shown to protect against heart disease, cancer, and obesity. Fermented olives, integral to this diet, are known for their high phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and beneficial unsaturated fatty acids. This study evaluates the environmental and economic benefits of integrating alternative/effective technologies, such as osmotic dehydration and edible coating, into conventional olive production processes, aiming to develop traditional Greek table olives with reduced salt content, enhanced nutritional characteristics, and extended shelf life. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis was conducted following the ISO 14040 and 14044 guidelines, adopting the ReCiPe 2016 (H) impact assessment methodology. Additionally, a preliminary economic evaluation including detailed planning, cost estimation, and process simulation was conducted. The results indicate significant environmental and economic advantages of the studied methods, despite more resources being required, making it a sustainable and promising approach for the production of high-quality fermented olives.
Sensorless Design and Analysis of a Brushed DC Motor Speed Regulation System for Branches Sawing
Authors: Cheng Shangshang , Zeng Huijun , Li Zhen , Jin Qingting , Lv Shilei , Zeng Jingyuan , Yang Zhou
Published: November 2024

Saw rotational speed critically influences cutting force and surface quality yet is often destabilized by variable cutting resistance. The sensorless detection method for calculating rotational speed based on current ripple can prevent the contact of wood chips and dust with Hall sensors. This paper introduces a speed control system for brushed DC motors that capitalizes on the linear relationship between current ripple frequency and rotational speed. The system achieves speed regulation through indirect speed measurement and PID control. It utilizes an H-bridge circuit controlled by the EG2014S driver chip to regulate the motor direction and braking. Current ripple detection is accomplished through a 0.02 Ω sampling resistor and AMC1200SDUBR signal amplifier, followed by a wavelet transform and Savitzky–Golay filtering for refined signal extraction. Experimental results indicate that the system maintains stable speeds across the 2000–6000 RPM range, with a maximum error of 2.32% at 6000 RPM. The improved ripple detection algorithm effectively preserves critical signals while reducing noise. This enables the motor to quickly regain speed when resistance is encountered, ensuring a smooth cutting surface. Compared to traditional Hall sensor systems, this sensorless design enhances adaptability in agricultural applications.
The Crop Succession Systems Under No-Tillage Alters the Surface Layer Soil Carbon Stock and Stability
Authors: de Souza Paloma Pimentel , Machado Deivid Lopes , de Freitas Micael Silva , Bezerra Aracy Camilla Tardin Pinheiro , Guimarães Tiara Moraes , da Silva Eder Marcos , do Nascimento Natanael Moreira , Borges Rafael da Silva , Costa Vladimir Eliodoro , Costa Claudio Hideo Martins da , Cruz Simério Carlos Silva
Published: November 2024

The main challenge of the no-tillage system (NTS) is to reconcile productivity, the maintenance of surface residues, and the stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM). To address this challenge, particularly in tropical regions, various cover crops have been tested. The objective of this study was to test the effects of agricultural crop succession systems on the stock and stability of soil organic carbon in different surface layers of the soils. The research was carried out in the state of Goiás, Brazil, in an experiment set up in 2016, designed in randomized blocks with a split-plot scheme (treatments and soil layers), comprising four repetitions (blocks). The treatments (plots) consisted of crops grown in succession to soybean, which were as follows: T1—soybean/corn (Zea mays); T2—soybean/pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum); T3—soybean/Urochloa ruziziensis (brachiaria); and T4—corn + Urochloa ruziziensis. The subplots represented the following soil layers: 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–40 cm. We evaluated the biomass dry mass and the soil parameters such as soil density, total porosity, and light organic matter across all layers. The organic carbon, grain size fractionation (mineral-associated organic carbon—MOC; sand-sized carbon—POC), and isotopic composition (δ13C) were determined in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm layers. The highest biomass dry production was observed in the soybean/pearl millet succession, which reduced the soil density and increased the total porosity in the surface layer. The soybean/pearl millet treatment produced high amounts of light organic matter, particularly in the 0–5 cm layer, a result also found for the soybean/brachiaria and soybean/corn + brachiaria systems. The crop successions did not alter the soil carbon stock or stability; however, the surface layer stored the highest amount of carbon, with elevated total organic carbon values and carbon stocks and stability (MOC and POC). Overall, in this study, replacing corn with other crops in succession with soybean did not affect the stock or stability of soil organic carbon. The species grown in succession with soybean contributed to the higher surface carbon stock and stability, promoting the formation of more stable and recalcitrant carbon.
Genome-Wide Analysis of GLK Gene Family in Four Cotton Species Provides Insights into Their Involvement in Cotton Abiotic Stress Response
Authors: Tang Rui , Zhou Xin , Weng Shuangshuang , Wang Fei , Li Rong , Xie Quanliang , Li Zihan , Xie Shuangquan , Cao Aiping , Zhuo Lu , Wang Manhong , Li Hongbin
Published: November 2024

Cotton is a crucial economic crop that supplies natural fibers for the textile industry, with fiber quality being greatly impacted by abiotic stress throughout its growth stages. The Golden2-Like (GLK) gene family plays a key role in plant development and adaptation to abiotic stress. However, the specific functions and regulatory mechanisms of GLK members in cotton remain largely unexplored. In this study, a thorough analysis of GLK in four cotton species (Gossypium arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense) was conducted. A total of 198 GLK genes were identified in cotton. Conserved sequence analysis revealed that most GLK proteins contain two highly conserved domains: a MYB DNA-binding domain and a C-terminal (GCT) box. Promoter element analysis results show that the GLK gene family contains many stress response-related elements. Expression analysis demonstrated that GhGLK2, GhGLK11, GhGLK16, and GhGLK30 responded significantly to drought, salt, and temperature stresses. And GhGLK2, GhGLK13, GhGLK38, GhGLK42, and GhGLK46 responded significantly to cotton development. Yeast one-hybrid, yeast two-hybrid, and dual-luciferase assay results indicate that GhGLK2 interacts with GhGUN5, GhPIL6, GhNAC6, GhTPX2, and GhERF10. These findings suggest that these GhGLKs may play crucial roles in regulating the response to abiotic stress. Overall, this study provides a solid theoretical foundation for understanding the role of the GLK gene family in cotton’s response to abiotic stress.
A Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research on Climate Change and Agriculture from 1985 to 2023
Authors: Li Cheng , Yao Hongda , Li Zhaozhe , Wu Fang , Liu Bo , Wu Yongping , Chun Kwok Pan , Octavianti Thanti , Cui Xuefeng , Xu Yang
Published: November 2024

With increasing concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases, the interaction between climate change and agriculture is receiving widespread attention as part of food security and sustainable human development. However, a comprehensive summary of knowledge in the field of climate change and agriculture from a scientometric perspective is still lacking. Here, we selected 25,872 papers related to climate change and agriculture from the Web of Science Core Collection database for the period 1985 to 2023 and used VOSviewer software to reveal the research status and trends. The main results were as follows: (1) the number of papers in this field showed a rapidly increasing trend after 2007, with a clear interdisciplinary characteristic; (2) The United States was the most influential country in this field with 6819 papers and 363,109 citations. China had the second highest number of papers (3722 papers), but the Chinese Academy of Sciences was the most influential institution with the most papers. On an author level, Pete Smith was the most influential; (3) All keywords were divided into four different research topics, such as the impact of climate change on agriculture, climate change mitigation and adaptation in agriculture, and crop growth in response to climate change. Among them, some keywords related to climate change adaptation were the most recent topics of interest in this field. These findings provide effective scientific references for relevant scientists and practitioners to better conduct future theoretical and practical research on climate change and agriculture.
Investigation of Nitrogen Fixation Efficiency in Diverse Alfalfa Varieties Utilizing Sinorhizobium meliloti LL2
Authors: Han Yilin , Kang Wenjuan , Shi Shangli , Guan Jian , Du Yuanyuan , He Fuqiang , Lu Baofu , Wang Ming
Published: November 2024

To investigate the precise and efficient symbiosis between Sinorhizobium meliloti LL2 and different alfalfa varieties, we conducted experiments using eight alfalfa varieties along with the S. meliloti LL2. Our objective was to identify highly effective symbiotic combinations by analyzing differences in nodulation, nitrogen fixation, and biomass accumulation. The results revealed that Gannong NO.9 had higher values for single effective root nodule weight (1.30 mg) and the number of infected cells in root nodules (2795) compared to other varieties (p < 0.05). Additionally, Gannong NO.9 exhibited the highest nitrogenase activity (0.91 μmol·g−1·h−1), nitrogen fixation percentage (67.16%), and amount of nitrogen fixation (18.80 mg/pot). Moreover, there was a significant 26.50% increase in aboveground tissue nitrogen accumulation compared to the control check (CK) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, underground tissue showed excellent values for nitrogen accumulation (35.68 mg/plant) and crude protein content (17.75%) when compared with other treatments. The growth of plants was demonstrated by the combined impact of nodulation and nitrogen fixation. The distribution of biomass after nitrogen fixation was compared to the control group (p < 0.05) to investigate accumulation. The eight combinations of symbiotic nitrogen fixation (SNF) were classified into six distinct types based on their significantly different biomass growth rates compared to CK. ① Aboveground accumulation type: Gannong NO.9 (there was a 24.31% increase in aboveground dry weight); ② aboveground and underground accumulation type: Qingshui (the aboveground dry weight increased by 135.94%, while the underground dry weight grew by 35.26%); ③ aboveground accumulation, underground depletion type: Gannong NO.5 ( ); ④ zero-growth type (there was no significant difference in dry weights, both above and below ground, compared to CK): WL168HQ, WL319HQ and Longzhong; ⑤ aboveground and underground depletion type: WL298HQ (the aboveground dry weight decreased by 29.29%, while the underground dry weight decreased by 20.23%); ⑥ underground depletion type: Gannong NO.3 (the underground dry weight showed a decrease of 34.49%); no type with aboveground consumption and underground accumulation was found. The study clarified the optimal combination of LL2 and Gannong NO.9, finding that biomass accumulation after symbiotic nitrogen fixation is variety-dependent.
Differences in the Impact of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction on Intraventricular Pressure Gradient in Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hirose Miki , Watanabe Momoko , Takeuchi Aki , Yokoi Aimi , Terai Kazuyuki , Matsuura Katsuhiro , Takahashi Ken , Tanaka Ryou
Published: November 2024

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common form of cardiomyopathy in cats, and heart failure occurs as diastolic dysfunction progresses. HCM in cats is broadly classified as non-obstructive and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, depending on the presence or absence of outflow tract obstruction. Measurement of the intraventricular pressure differences (IVPD) using color M-mode (CMM) has attracted attention as a reliable diastolic index as it correlates with catheterization, the gold standard for the assessment of diastolic performance. Because IVPD is affected by the size of the heart, the intraventricular pressure gradient (IVPG) index, which is unaffected by heart size, is by calculated by dividing IVPD by LV length. In the present study, CMM IVPG was used to non-invasively assess diastolic impairment in cats with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This study was conducted on 10 control cats and 18 cats in the HCM group. Although no severe left atrial enlargement was observed in the HCM group, the basal IVPG was significantly increased in the HOCM group compared to the control group. Although IVPD typically suggests impaired diastolic function and reduced ventricular compliance, the significant increase observed in the HOCM group compared to controls may suggest an indirect elevation in left atrial pressure, likely secondary to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. The increase in IVPG in HOCM, as shown in this study, is a pathological effect of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction that cannot be detected by conventional echocardiographic indices, and evaluating IVPG is useful to evaluate cardiac function from a perspective that differs from conventional methods.
Evaluation of Nutritional and Health Status in Captive Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi) in Response to Formulated Sausage Diet
Authors: Jackson Peyton R. , Bogan James E. , Dierenfeld Ellen S. , Loughman Zachary J.
Published: November 2024

The federally threatened eastern indigo snake (EIS; Drymarchon couperi) is an active ophiophagous snake once found throughout the southeastern US that is now restricted to southeastern Georgia and peninsular Florida. There are concerns regarding the potential impact of overconditioning or nutrient imbalances on the reproductive fitness of breeding programs due to the occurrence of dystocia in nulliparous dams and the differing nutritional profiles of domestic and free-range prey species. We examined the blood cell counts, plasma biochemistry, and circulating plasma levels of nutrients in snakes consuming standard or experimental diets over a one-year period. Treatments included mixed whole laboratory animal prey (rodents, birds), whole prey ground into sausage, or a sausage with similar nutrient profiles measured in prey found in free-ranging EIS stomach contents. Plasma concentrations of vitamin E (maximum = 0.80 mg/mL) and selenium (maximum = 371 ng/mL) were within range of and exceeded values reported in free-ranging EIS (0.0365 mg/mL and 107.45 ng/mL), while plasma vitamin D3 concentrations (maximum = 64.1 ng/mL) were typically below minimum values observed in free-ranging EIS (46 ng/mL). Additional dietary studies initiated on juvenile subjects throughout reproductive maturity would provide an ideal experimental design for studying the linkage between reproductive health and nutrition.
Impact of Growth Rate on the Welfare of Broilers
Authors: Riber Anja B. , Wurtz Kaitlin E.
Published: November 2024

Selection for the more efficient production of broilers has resulted in rapid growth rates. The aim was to review the existing knowledge on the effect of growth rate on broiler welfare. Genotypes with faster growth rates consistently demonstrate poorer gait scores and increased prevalence of disorders affecting their legs than slower-growing genotypes. Reduced mobility places faster-growing broilers at an increased risk of developing contact dermatitis, as they spend increased durations sitting in contact with litter. Poor walking ability, heavy body weights, and conformational differences such as proportionally larger breast muscle in genotypes with faster growth can impact a bird’s ability to walk and navigate the environment, making it difficult to access resources and express natural behaviors. Faster growth has also been associated with poor cardiovascular health, increased susceptibility to heat stress, increased prevalence of mortality, ascites, as well as multiple breast muscle myopathies. Feed restriction, a practice associated with hunger and frustration, may be used to control the growth of broiler breeders, with birds having higher growth potential typically experiencing higher restriction levels. Overall, there is strong evidence that fast growth rates negatively impact welfare, and that slower-growing genotypes show significantly improved welfare. Furthermore, some evidence suggests that even minor reductions in growth rate can lead to welfare improvements.
Effects of a Gastroscopic Procedure on Salivary Cortisol Release and Fecal Cortisol Metabolites in Young Racehorses
Authors: Ostermeier Sabina , Palme Rupert , Vervuert Ingrid , Glomm Barbara , Feige Karsten , Macho-Maschler Sabine , König von Borstel Uta , Venner Monica
Published: November 2024

In this study, gastroscopy was performed twice in 31 two-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses in training. Salivary cortisol (SC) and fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) concentrations were determined to measure the stress impact. One gastroscopy was performed at the beginning and one six months later at the end of the horses’ first training season. According to the Wilcoxon signed rank test, a mild but significant increase of SC (1st gastroscopy: p = 0.0045, 2nd gastroscopy: p < 0.0001) and FCM (1st gastroscopy: p < 0.0001, 2nd gastroscopy: p = 0.0006) values after gastroscopy compared to basal values was detected.
Barriers to the Implementation of Max-Profit and Stochastic Feed Formulation Strategies: A Survey of the Australian Poultry Industry
Authors: Moss Amy , Chung Anh , Dao Hiep , Parkinson Greg , Crowley Tamsyn
Published: November 2024

A survey of industry groups including nutritionists, producers, feed manufacturers, and technical personnel in broiler and layer operations within the Australian poultry industry was completed to determine the industry’s present views of max-profit and stochastic feed formulation and the barriers they see to implementing these techniques. A total of 32 responses were collected, made up of 17 nutritionists, 4 feed manufacturers, 5 producers, and 6 technical personnel. The survey revealed interest and need to implement stochastic and max-profit feed formulation techniques and identified the key barriers to the implementation of these feed formulation techniques. Barriers identified included limited software to assist nutritionists in using these feed formulation techniques, less data collection than in other animal industries, insufficient training, and possible restrictions on nutritionists via KPIs to minimise diet cost. It was identified that layer farms did not routinely use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate the nutrient content of feed ingredients and so mostly relied on book values and historical data. Thus, stochastic feed formulation may be particularly useful to buffer the uncertainty and ensure the minimum nutrient requirements of flocks are met. Recommendations were drawn to improve the adoption of max-profit and stochastic feed formulations of Australian layer diets.
Retrospective Dosimetric Comparison of HDR Interventional Radiotherapy (Brachytherapy) Versus Planning with VMAT and Electron Beam Therapy for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment
Authors: Placidi Elisa , Fionda Bruno , Rosa Enrico , Lancellotta Valentina , Napolitano Antonio , De Angeli Martina , Ciasca Gabriele , Pastore Francesco , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Tagliaferri Luca , De Spirito Marco
Published: November 2024

This study compares dosimetric outcomes of high-dose-rate (HDR) interventional radiotherapy (IRT) using Iridium-192, Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), and electron beam therapy for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). A retrospective analysis of 25 patients showed that IRT provided a significantly higher mean dose to the clinical target volume (CTV) compared to VMAT and electron beam therapy. IRT and VMAT had comparable V95%CTV coverage, whilst electron therapy was less feasible for large CTVs. IRT delivered higher surface doses while minimizing deep tissue exposure compared to partial arc VMAT. Our findings support IRT for personalized and effective NMSC treatment.
Investigating a Toolchain from Trajectory Recording to Resimulation
Authors: Lüttner Florian , Kracht Malte , Köpke Corinna , Schmitt Annette , Fehling-Kaschek Mirjam , Stolz Alexander , Reiterer Alexander
Published: November 2024

The growing variety of transportation options and increasing traffic congestion pose new challenges for road safety. As a result, there is an intensified focus on developing automated driving features and assistance systems aimed at minimizing accidents caused by human errors. The creation of these systems requires a substantial amount of testing kilometers, with estimates suggesting that around 2.1 billion kilometers would be necessary to ensure that each situation pertinent to the driving function is encountered at least once with a probability of 50%. This paper advances the microscopic simulation of traffic scenarios beyond linear patterns, utilizing the open-source environment openPASS. It addresses the research question of whether existing microscopic simulations are able to realistically represent non-linear traffic scenarios. A comprehensive toolchain integrates simulation with video recordings and laser scans. The study compares recorded traffic flow data with simulations at a T-junction, assessing the realism of vehicle models and trajectory representation. Three scenarios are analyzed, considering vehicles and pedestrians. The 3D geometry of the scene was captured with a laser scanner, enabling the mapping of recorded video data onto a geo-referenced environment. Object trajectories were extracted using an ’Regions with Convolutional Neural Networks features’ object detector. While openPASS simulated vehicle and pedestrian behaviors effectively, limitations in trajectory variability and reaction times were observed. These findings highlight the need for more realistic behavior models. This research emphasizes the necessity for improvements to accommodate complex driving behaviors and pedestrian dynamics.
Study on the Effect of Temperature on the Alignment of a Long-Span Steel–Concrete Composite Beam Track Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Huang Xiangsheng , Ding Peng , Chen Xiaohu , Wang Qiansong , Cen Sihan
Published: November 2024

In order to study the effect of temperature on the alignment of a long-span special track bridge, this paper provides a theoretical basis and technical support for bridge design, construction and later operation. This research established the section model of the steel-hybrid beam by COMSOL, and the internal temperature field, transverse temperature, and vertical temperature gradient were analyzed. The Midas Civil bridge model analysis system was established to investigate the influence of temperature difference and temperature gradient on the vertical deformation of the whole bridge. Based on the temperature and displacement monitoring system of the Chongqing Nanjimen track bridge, the temperature and displacement data in 2023 were obtained for comparative analysis. The results show that the temperature field inside the composite beam presents a nonlinear distribution, the daily temperature difference can reach 26.0 °C, and there is a significant temperature gradient between the steel beam and the concrete. The highest temperature is 60.3 °C at 15:00 when the temperature difference between the upper and lower edges of the concrete slab is 11.1 °C, and the daily transverse temperature gradient is 3.2 °C, 5.3 °C and 7.4 °C, respectively. Under the temperature difference in the system, the maximum displacement of the main beam is 92.3 mm, and the mid-span displacement is 132.1 mm under the positive temperature difference. Based on the measured data for the whole year, it is found that the displacement of the main beam under the combined action of ambient temperature and solar radiation significantly exceeds the influence of a single temperature. The research shows that temperature change has an important impact on the stability and durability of the bridge, and temperature monitoring and management should be strengthened in the design and operation stage to ensure the bridge’s safety and smooth operation of the train.
Corn Plant In-Row Distance Analysis Based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Imagery and Row-Unit Dynamics
Authors: Kostić Marko M. , Grbović Željana , Waqar Rana , Ivošević Bojana , Panić Marko , Scarfone Antonio , Tagarakis Aristotelis C.
Published: November 2024

Uniform spatial distribution of plants is crucial in arable crops. Seeding quality is affected by numerous parameters, including the working speed and vibrations of the seeder. Therefore, investigating effective and rapid methods to evaluate seeding quality and the parameters affecting the seeders’ performance is of high importance. With the latest advancements in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, the potential for acquiring accurate agricultural data has significantly increased, making UAVs an ideal tool for scouting applications in agricultural systems. This study investigates the effectiveness of utilizing different plant recognition algorithms applied to UAV-derived images for evaluating seeder performance based on detected plant spacings. Additionally, it examines the impact of seeding unit vibrations on seeding quality by analyzing accelerometer data installed on the seeder. For the image analysis, three plant recognition approaches were tested: an unsupervised segmentation method based on the Visible Atmospherically Resistant Index (VARI), template matching (TM), and a deep learning model called Mask R-CNN. The Mask R-CNN model demonstrated the highest recognition reliability at 96.7%, excelling in detecting seeding errors such as misses and doubles, as well as in evaluating the quality of feed index and precision when compared to ground-truth data. Although the VARI-based unsupervised method and TM outperformed Mask R-CNN in recognizing double spacings, overall, the Mask R-CNN was the most promising. Vibration analysis indicated that the seeder’s working speed significantly affected seeding quality. These findings suggest areas for potential improvements in machine technology to improve sowing operations.