bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women's perspectives on human milk banking in Ghana: results from a cross-sectional study
Authors: Obeng Cecilia , Jackson Frederica , Amissah-Essel Salome , Nsiah-Asamoah Christiana , Perry Cydne A. , Gonzalez Casanova Ines , Obeng-Gyasi Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Background

Although political and academic interest exists in Ghana to include human milk banks (HMB) into current maternal and child health programs, efforts to establish a HMB have not yet been subjected to any real empirical inspection with the view toward implementation. Furthermore, views toward the establishment of a HMB in Ghana have not been assessed among Ghanaian women. The aims of the current study were to examine Ghanaian women's views about HMB, and to investigate women's willingness to donate to a HMB.

Methods

Quantitative and qualitative responses were received from Ghanaian females (n = 1,270) aged 18+ years. Excluding outliers and missing data (n = 321), a final sample of 949 was retained for final analysis. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis were computed on quantitative data; Thematic analysis was performed on the qualitative responses.

Results

In our sample, 64.7% of respondents indicated that Ghana is ready for a HMB. The majority (77.2%) were willing to donate milk, and 69.4% believed that donating to the HMB would favor their child. The main concerns for the unwillingness to donate excess milk included: (i) the idea of HMBs as strange/bizarre (n = 47), (ii) fear of infections (n = 15), (iii) religious beliefs (n = 9), and (iv) insufficient information (n = 24). This study serves as the first step toward the development of a HMB in Ghana.

Conclusions

Overall, Ghanaian women support the building of a HMB to enhance infant nutrition and reduce childhood morbidity and mortality.
Universal coverage and utilization of free long-lasting insecticidal nets for malaria prevention in Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Afagbedzi Seth Kwaku , Alhassan Yakubu , Kenu Ernest , Malm Keziah , Bandoh Delia Akosua Benewaah , Peprah Nana Yaw , Ansah Otubea Owusu , Guure Chris
Published: May 2023

Background

Malaria continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, especially among children and pregnant women. The use of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) has been recognized and prioritized as a major intervention for malaria prevention in Ghana. This study aims to establish the factors influencing the universal coverage and utilization of LLINs in Ghana.

Methods

The data used for this study was from a cross-sectional survey carried out to assess LLINs ownership and use in 9 out of the 10 old regions of Ghana from October 2018 to February 2019 where free LLIN distribution interventions were implemented. The EPI “30 × 7” cluster sampling method (three-stage sampling design) was modified to “15 × 14” and used for the study. A total of 9,977 households were interviewed from 42 districts. Descriptive statistics using percentages as well as tests of associations such as Pearson Chi-square and the magnitude of the associations using simple and multivariable logistic regression were implemented.

Results

Of the 9,977 households in the study, 88.0% of them owned at least one LLIN, universal coverage was 75.6%, while utilization was 65.6% among households with at least one LLIN. In the rural and urban areas, 90.8% and 83.2% of households, respectively, owned at least one LLIN. The was a 44% increase in universal coverage of LLINs in rural areas compared to urban areas (AOR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.02–2.02). There were 29 higher odds of households being universally covered if they received LLIN from the PMD (AOR: 29.43, 95% CI: 24.21–35.79). Households with under-five children were 40% more likely to utilize LLIN (AOR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.26–1.56). Respondents with universal coverage of LLIN had 25% increased odds of using nets (AOR: 1.25 95% CI: 1.06–1.48). Rural dwelling influences LLIN utilization, thus there was about 4-fold increase in household utilization of LLINs in rural areas compared to urban areas (AOR: 3.78, 95% CI: 2.73–5.24). Household size of more than 2 has high odds of LLINs utilization and awareness of the benefit of LLINs (AOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.18–1.71).

Conclusion

About nine in 10 households in Ghana have access at least to one LLIN, three-quarters had universal coverage, and over two-thirds of households with access used LLIN. The predictors of universal coverage included region of residence, rural dwellers, and PMD campaign, while households with child under-five, in rural areas, and with universal coverage were positively associated with utilization.
Nationwide projections of ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation by 2050: Dijon Stroke Registry
Authors: Duloquin Gauthier , Béjot Yannick
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Data on the epidemiology of ischemic stroke (IS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) are scarce although there is a need to better assess future demands for dedicated facilities in an aging population. This study aimed to estimate the number of expected cases of IS with LVO of the anterior circulation in the French population by 2050.

Methods

IS were retrieved from the population-based registry of Dijon, France (2013–2017). Patients with LVO were identified and age-and sex-standardized incidence rates were calculated to estimate the number of expected cases in the whole French population by 2050 according three scenarios: stable incidence; a decrease in incidence rates of 0.5%/year in people >65 years old; a decrease in incidence rates of 0.5%/year in overall population.

Results

1,067 cases of IS with LVO were recorded in Dijon over the study period, corresponding to crude incidence rate of 22/100,000/year (95% CI: 18–25). By 2050, the number of cases is expected to increase by 51 to 81% according to the various scenarios, to reach between 22,457 cases (95% CI: 10,839 – 43,639) and 26,763 cases (95% CI: 12,918 – 52,008) annually. This increase will be mainly driven by patients >80  years old, with a rise of cases between +103% and +42% in this age group. The proportion of patients >80 years old among overall IS with LVO will increase from 43 to 57% approximately.

Conclusion

The expected massive increase in IS with LVO highlights the need for a rapid action to cover stroke care requirements.
Factors influencing the participation of groups identified as underserved in cervical cancer screening in Europe: a scoping review of the literature
Authors: Greenley Rachel , Bell Sadie , Rigby Samuel , Legood Rosa , Kirkby Victoria , McKee Martin ,   the CBIG-SCREEN Consortium
Published: May 2023

Background

Cervical cancer is a preventable and inequitably distributed disease. Screening plays a vital role in prevention, but many women face barriers to participation. The aims of this scoping review, undertaken to inform the co-design of interventions to equitably increase screening uptake, were to: (1) identify barriers and facilitators to cervical cancer screening for underserved populations, and (2) identify and describe the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving participation in cervical cancer screening among underserved groups in Europe.

Methods

Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies focusing on barriers and facilitators to cervical screening participation and interventions to improve uptake undertaken in Europe and published after 2000 were included. Four electronic databases were searched to identify relevant papers. Titles and abstracts were screened, full text reviewed, and key findings extracted. Data were extracted and analyzed according to different health system strata: system-wide (macro), service specific (meso) and individual/community specific (micro). Within these categories, themes were identified, and the population groups impacted were recorded. All findings are presented in accordance with (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

33 studies on barriers and facilitators and eight intervention studies met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, the findings of these studies presented a wide array of screening uptake barriers, facilitators, and interventions, predominantly related to screening service and individual/community factors. However, although diverse, certain core themes around information provision, prompts for participation and the need for inclusive spaces were apparent. Implementation of screening programs should focus on: (1) reducing identifiable barriers, (2) increasing public awareness, and (3) providing patient reminders and measures to promote engagement by healthcare providers.

Conclusion

There are many barriers to uptake of cervical cancer screening and this review, nested within a larger study, will inform work to devise a solution alongside groups identified in three European countries.
Association between upper limb movements during drumming and cognition in older adults with cognitive impairment and dementia at a nursing home: a pilot study
Authors: Miyazaki Atsuko , Ito Yuichi , Okuyama Takashi , Mori Hayato , Sato Kazuhisa , Ichiki Masahiko , Hiyama Atsushi , Dinet Jerome , Nouchi Rui
Published: May 2023

Background

Despite the association between motor dysfunction and dementia, quantitative assessment of dementia-related specific motor dysfunction in patients with severe dementia is difficult. Thus, this study aimed to develop a new method to measure upper limb motor function in people with dementia.

Methods

We examined the relationship between dementia severity and dementia-related specific motor dysfunction using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a dementia screening test. Participants comprised 16 nursing home residents with a mean age of 86 years and MMSE score of 14.56 (range, 1–23) Points. Participants were seated in a circle and instructed to play a drum that was placed in their lap using mallets (drumsticks) in their dominant hand. Acceleration and gyroscopic sensors were attached to their wrists to collect data on arm movements while drumming. Upper limb motor characteristics were confirmed by recording acceleration and arm movement during drumming and analyzing the correlation with handgrip strength.

Results

Handgrip strength was correlated with arm elevation angle during drumming. The arm elevation angle displayed a significant regression equation with the MMSE score and showed the best regression equation along with handgrip strength (adjusted R2 = 0.6035, p = 0.0009).

Conclusion

We developed a new method using drums to measure upper limb motor function in people with dementia. We also verified that the average arm elevation angle during drumming could predict cognitive dysfunction. This system may be used to monitor people with dementia in a simple and safe way.
The effects of sleep and targeted memory reactivation on the consolidation of relevant and irrelevant information
Authors: Barner Christine , Werner Ann-Sophie , Schörk Sandra , Born Jan , Diekelmann Susanne
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Sleep is assumed to facilitate the consolidation of new memories in an active process of covert reactivation of the underlying memory representations. Recent evidence suggests that this process is selective by favoring memories that are of future relevance, and can be externally triggered by learning-associated sensory cues presented during sleep [i.e., targeted memory reactivation (TMR)]. In the present study, we (1) set out to confirm the preferential sleep effect for relevant information, and then asked whether (2) simultaneous TMR of relevant and irrelevant information facilitates the advantage for relevant information, and (3) whether the preferential benefit of sleep and TMR for relevant information persists over time.

Methods

To test these questions, participants explicitly learned two sets of picture-location associations, of which one set was instructed (after encoding) to be relevant and the other to be irrelevant for later testing. In Experiment 1, memory was tested after ~12 h of night sleep (n = 28) or daytime wakefulness (n = 28) as well as again after ~1 week.

Results

Results showed overall better memory retention after sleep compared to wakefulness after 12 h as well as after 1 week. The relevant memories were overall retained better than the irrelevant memories. Interestingly, a trend toward a stronger sleep benefit for the relevant memories emerged after 1 week, although this effect failed to reach significance. In Experiment 2, learning of the relevant and irrelevant picture-location associations took place in the presence of an odor. During subsequent sleep, in the first phase of slow wave sleep (SWS), participants were either presented with the odor again (n = 23) or received an odorless vehicle (n = 20). Memory retention was assessed after the first SWS period (following awakening) as well as after ~one week. As in Experiment 1, relevant memories were overall retained better than irrelevant memories. However, TMR did not differentially affect the retention of relevant and irrelevant memories.

Discussion

These findings provide tentative evidence that the selective benefit of sleep for relevant memories evolves over time but is not further facilitated by TMR.
Policies for optimal nutrition-sensitive options: a study of food and nutrition security policies, strategies and programs in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa
Authors: Sibanda Simbarashe , Munjoma-Muchinguri Pamela , Ohene-Agyei Phyllis , Murage Alice Warukira
Published: May 2023

Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing the coexistence of overnutrition, undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. Comprehensive programs and coherent public policies are required to address this problem. A study of food and nutrition security policies, strategies and programs in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa was conducted between February and July 2022 through desk reviews and key informant interviews. The aim was to generate evidence on the extent to which the policies, strategies and programs were nutrition-sensitive and add value to the scaling up of nutrition and food security. The assessment of the documents was based on the four dimensions of food security, and the Food and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations guidelines on nutrition-sensitive agriculture. A total of 48 policies, strategies and programs were reviewed. To ensure food availability, most reviewed documents tend to focus on food production and income generation, with limited attention on production and supply of diverse and nutrient-dense foods. Access to inputs, credit and land is targeted at smallholder farmers, without little sensitivity to women and youth engagement. Food access is promoted through improved market access by upgrading infrastructure and promoting social safety nets for vulnerable populations. However, information systems for agricultural marketing as well as labor- and time-saving technologies are lacking. Although nutrition education is widely promoted, especially for mothers and children, there is a gap in addressing the nutrition needs of adolescent girls. Regarding food stability, inadequate funding, poor leadership and governance and inadequate monitoring and evaluation systems are the main barriers to successful implementation of policies, strategies and programs. While efforts have been made to promote nutrition-sensitive options in the agriculture and food system value chains, the study identified several gaps that need to be addressed to ensure adequate food and nutrition security.
Building bushfire resilience in horticultural production systems: important insights from Australia
Authors: Idowu Oluyoye , Pitt Tim , Dodds Kevin , Golding John , Fearnley Jessica , Petrie Paul , Holzapfel Bruno
Published: May 2023

Extreme bushfire is having considerable negative effects on the sustainability of agricultural landscapes in various parts of the world. Fire-induced damages to tree crops have led to significant effects on perennial horticultural production systems with associated lower returns and decline in economic sustainability. Australia is one of the most fire-prone countries in the world and contributes to global horticultural production with production forecast level estimated at $18.2 billion in 2023–24, according to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Bushfire-related damages to horticultural production may however threaten this promising potential. This review provides a commentary on the history, scale and impacts of extreme bushfires in Australia. The effects of bushfire on horticulture, including soil nutrient availability, fruit tree physiology and carbohydrate sink-source dynamics are discussed. Given the increasing frequency and severity of bushfires as a result of climate change, the negative effects of heat and fire damage on fruit tree production are expected to increase. Based on the Australian experience with bushfires in horticultural landscapes, this review outlines proactive responses for minimising bushfire impacts on horticultural production in temperate regions, with particular reference to the Rosaceae family. Adaptation strategies must be planned and set up before orchard establishment and should include defensible space or safety zones around the orchard, as well as internal and external fuel reduction strategies for the orchard lifespan.
Physiology and proteomics analyses reveal the regulatory mechanism of mepiquat chloride in soybean
Authors: Song Shuang , Li Xiaomei , Tian Yumei , Zhou Xinyu , Qu Zhipeng , Liu Jun , Dong Shoukun
Published: May 2023

Soybean is an important grain and oil crop cultivated worldwide. Mepiquat chloride (DPC), a plant growth regulator, is widely used in cotton planting; however, its application in soybean remains rarely studied. Herein, we explored DPC regulation in soybeans using morphology, physiology, and proteomics analyses. Morphological and physiological analyses showed that DPC significantly reduced the plant height and shoot dry weight, promoted the growth of lateral roots in a specific concentration range, increased the activities of the leaf protective enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase), and decreased and increased malondialdehyde and total flavonoid contents, respectively. Proteomic analysis of leaves treated with 100 mg/L DPC revealed that multiple proteins related to plant growth and stress resistance were regulated after treatment. The key proteins involved in photosynthesis and cell wall elongation in the two varieties of soybean were significantly downregulated and those related to promoting lateral root growth and stress resistance were significantly upregulated. Overall, DPC inhibited shoot growth and photosynthesis in soybean but promoted lateral root growth, enhanced protective enzyme activity, and improved the ability of plants to resist abiotic stress. This study preliminarily determined the suitable DPC concentration for soybean spraying and provided a theoretical basis for its rational application.
Faster recovery and bowel movement after early oral feeding compared to late oral feeding after upper GI tumor resections: a meta-analysis
Authors: Sindler Dóra Lili , Mátrai Péter , Szakó Lajos , Berki Dávid , Berke Gergő , Csontos Armand , Papp Csenge , Hegyi Péter , Papp András
Published: May 2023

Background

There were more than 1 million new cases of stomach cancer concerning oesophageal cancer, there were more than 600,000 new cases of oesophageal cancer in 2020. After a successful resection in these cases, the role of early oral feeding (EOF) was questionable, due to the possibility of fatal anastomosis leakage. It is still debated whether EOF is more advantageous compared to late oral feeding. Our study aimed to compare the effect of early postoperative oral feeding and late oral feeding after upper gastrointestinal resections due to malignancy.

Methods

Two authors performed an extensive search and selection of articles independently to identify randomized control trials (RCT) of the question of interest. Statistical analyses were performed including mean difference, odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals, statistical heterogeneity, and statistical publication bias, to identify potential significant differences. The Risk of Bias and the quality of evidence were estimated.

Results

We identified 6 relevant RCTs, which included 703 patients. The appearance of the first gas (MD = −1.16; p = 0.009), first defecation (MD = −0.91; p < 0.001), and the length of hospitalization (MD = −1.92; p = 0.008) favored the EOF group. Numerous binary outcomes were defined, but significant difference was not verified in the case of anastomosis insufficiency (p = 0.98), pneumonia (p = 0.88), wound infection (p = 0.48), bleeding (p = 0.52), rehospitalization (p = 0.23), rehospitalization to the intensive care unit (ICU) (p = 0.46), gastrointestinal paresis (p = 0.66), ascites (p = 0.45).

Conclusion

Early postoperative oral feeding, compared to late oral feeding has no risk of several possible postoperative morbidities after upper GI surgeries, but has several advantageous effects on a patient's recovery.

Systematic Review Registration

identifier, CRD 42022302594.
Dietary replacement of inorganic trace minerals with lower levels of organic trace minerals leads to enhanced antioxidant capacity, nutrient digestibility, and reduced fecal mineral excretion in growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Xiong Yunxia , Cui Bailei , He Zhentao , Liu Shuai , Wu Qiwen , Yi Hongbo , Zhao Fei , Jiang Zongyong , Hu Shenglan , Wang Li
Published: May 2023

Introduction

More effective and environment-friendly organic trace minerals have great potential to replace the inorganic elements in the diets of livestock. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary replacement of 100% inorganic trace minerals (ITMs) with 30–60% organic trace minerals (OTMs) on the performance, meat quality, antioxidant capacity, nutrient digestibility, and fecal mineral excretion and to assess whether low-dose OTMs could replace whole ITMs in growing-finishing pigs' diets.

Methods

A total of 72 growing-finishing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an initial average body weight of 74.25 ± 0.41 kg were selected and divided into four groups with six replicates per group and three pigs per replicate. The pigs were fed either a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing commercial levels of 100% ITMs or a basal diet with 30, 45, or 60% amino acid-chelated trace minerals instead of 100% ITMs, respectively. The trial ended when the pigs' weight reached ~110 kg.

Results

The results showed that replacing 100% ITMs with 30–60% OTMs had no adverse effect on average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed/gain, carcass traits, or meat quality (P > 0.05) but significantly increased serum transferrin and calcium contents (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, replacing 100% ITMs with OTMs tended to increase serum T-SOD activity (0.05 ≤ P < 0.1), and 30% OTMs significantly increased muscle Mn-SOD activity (P < 0.05). Moreover, replacing 100% ITMs with OTMs tended to increase the apparent digestibility of energy, dry matter, and crude protein (0.05 ≤ P < 0.1) while significantly reducing the contents of copper, zinc, and manganese in feces (P < 0.05).

Discussion

In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 30–60% OTMs has the potential to replace 100% ITMs for improving antioxidant capacity and nutrient digestibility and for reducing fecal mineral excretion without compromising the performance of growing-finishing pigs.
Compound non-starch polysaccharide enzymes improve growth performance, slaughter performance, immune function, and apparent utilization rate of nutrients in broiler chickens fed a low-metabolizable energy diet
Authors: Chen Xing , Zhang Guang-min , Wang Wei-wei , Liu Guo-hua , Cai Hui-yi , Purba Adanan , Zheng Ai-juan
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to investigate the effects of compound non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzymes on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune function, and apparent utilization of nutrients in broiler chickens fed a low-metabolizable energy diet. A total of 240 healthy 1-day-old AA broilers (Arbor Acres, 47.2 ± 0.31 g) were randomly divided into four treatment groups, each with six replicate groups and 10 broilers per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet; the EL-H group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg compound NSP enzyme, including β-mannanase 5,000 IU/g, β-glucanase 2000 IU/g, xylanase 10,000 IU/g, and cellulase 500 IU/g. The EL-M group was fed the basal diet with 50 kcal/kg metabolizable energy removed, supplemented with 200 mg/kg compound NSP enzyme. Finally, the EL-L group was fed the basal diet with 100 kcal/kg metabolizable energy removed, supplemented with 200 mg/kg compound NSP enzyme. The results showed that feeding with a low-metabolizable energy diet supplemented with compound NSP enzymes did not significantly affect the growth performance of broilers (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the abdominal fat rate of broilers in the EL-L group was significantly reduced, and that of broilers in the EL-M group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). Apparent utilization of dry matter, crude protein, and energy in the diet was lower in the control group than in the EL-L group, but significantly higher in the control group than in the EL-H group (p < 0.05). In addition, apparent utilization of crude fiber was significantly increased in the EL-H, EL-M, and EL-L groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this experiment showed that the addition of 200 mg/kg compound NSP enzyme enabled maintenance of the normal growth and development of broiler chickens fed a low-metabolizable energy diet (replacing 50–100 kcal/kg metabolizable energy). This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of the compound NSP enzyme in broiler chickens.
Berbamine, a bioactive alkaloid, suppresses equine herpesvirus type 1 in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Li Zeyu , He Yuanxiu , Ge Lijuan , Quan Ran , Chen Junzhen , Hu Yue , Sa Ruixue , Liu Jianhua , Ran Duoliang , Fu Qiang , Shi Huijun
Published: May 2023

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) poses a global threat to equines. The anticancer agent berbamine (BBM), a bioactive alkaloid, has been shown to inhibit viral infection. However, whether BBM can inhibit EHV-1 infection remains unclear. This study investigated the effect of BBM treatment on EHV-1 infection. Quantitative PCR (qPCR), immunoblotting, the Reed-Muench method, and pathological examination were employed to study the ability of BBM to inhibit EHV-1 infection, viral DNA replication, viral protein production, virion secretion, and cytopathogenesis in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro studies revealed that 10 μM BBM effectively suppressed EHV-1 viral entry into cells, viral DNA replication, and virion secretion, while the in vivo studies verified the ability of BBM to suppress EHV-1-induced damage of brain and lung tissues and animal mortality. These findings strongly suggest that BBM could be a serious contender in the therapeutic control of EHV-1 infection of equines.
Development of a multiplex qRT-PCR assay for detection of classical swine fever virus, African swine fever virus, and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
Authors: Zhao Liang , Wen Xiao-Hui , Jia Chun-Ling , Zhou Xiu-Rong , Luo Sheng-Jun , Lv Dian-Hong , Zhai Qi
Published: May 2023

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), African swine fever virus (ASFV), and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E. rhusiopathiae) remain endemic in many parts of China. Co-infections make distinguishing their clinical symptoms and pathological changes difficult. This study developed a multiplex real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (multiplex qRT-PCR) that can simultaneously detect CSFV, ASFV, and E. rhusiopathiae. Three sets of primers and probes were designed to target the CSFV 5΄ untranslated region, ASFV p72 gene, and E. rhusiopathiae 16sRNA gene. Multiplex qRT-PCR for simultaneous differential detection of these three pathogens was developed after optimizing reaction parameters such as annealing temperature, primer and probe concentrations, amplification cycles, etc. The multiplex qRT–PCR could detect CSFV, ASFV, and E. rhusiopathiae simultaneously but could not amplify other porcine pathogens. The assay’s limit of detection (LOD) was 2.89 × 102 copies/μL for CSFV, ASFV, and E. rhusiopathiae. All correlation coefficients (R2) at higher than 0.99, and the amplification efficiency was 98, 90, and 84%, respectively. All correlation coefficients (R2) were higher than 0.99, and the efficacy of amplification was 84%. In a repeatability test utilizing standard recombinant plasmids, the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation (CVs) were less than 2.27 and 3.79 percent, respectively. Lastly, 150 clinical samples were used to evaluate the assay’s applicability in the field. The positive rates of CSFV, ASFV, and E. rhusiopathiae were 1.33%, 0, and 3.33%, respectively. And no co-infection among the three pathogens was found. The concordance rate between the multiplex qRT-PCR and single-plex commercial PCR kits reached 100%. This study’s multiplex qRT-PCR could provide a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for the simultaneous and differential detection of CSFV, ASFV, and E. rhusiopathiae.
On the Adaptive Penalty Parameter Selection in ADMM
Authors: Crisci Serena , De Simone Valentina , Viola Marco
Published: May 2023

Many data analysis problems can be modeled as a constrained optimization problem characterized by nonsmooth functionals, often because of the presence of ℓ1-regularization terms. One of the most effective ways to solve such problems is through the Alternate Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM), which has been proved to have good theoretical convergence properties even if the arising subproblems are solved inexactly. Nevertheless, experience shows that the choice of the parameter τ penalizing the constraint violation in the Augmented Lagrangian underlying ADMM affects the method’s performance. To this end, strategies for the adaptive selection of such parameter have been analyzed in the literature and are still of great interest. In this paper, starting from an adaptive spectral strategy recently proposed in the literature, we investigate the use of different strategies based on Barzilai–Borwein-like stepsize rules. We test the effectiveness of the proposed strategies in the solution of real-life consensus logistic regression and portfolio optimization problems.
The Police and Citizens as Co-Producers of Crime Prevention in Johannesburg
Authors: Mangai Mary S. , Pillay Anjewayne Clive , Masiya Tyanai , Lubinga Stellah
Published: May 2023

The city of Johannesburg is the largest metropolitan municipality out of eight in South Africa. It is notorious for its high levels of crime, with a crime index of 80.72 and a safety index of 19.28. This article examines crime prevention co-production in the Johannesburg metropolitan area. The purpose of the study was to analyse how co-production of crime prevention is organised in Johannesburg and to understand the effectiveness of the practice there. Collaborations between the regular producers (police) and citizens were assessed to fully determine the potential of crime prevention co-production. This led to qualitative interviews with 20 police officers from 10 police stations in the Johannesburg metropolitan area. A citizen survey was conducted with a selected sample from the population (n = 400) residing in the neighbourhoods covered by the police stations investigated. The findings indicate that police officers have devised practices and programmes to co-produce crime prevention. These include the sharing of pamphlets and crime prevention education and awareness during school visitations, the use of Zello technology, community police forums, and information sharing at the youth desk and in WhatsApp groups. Nevertheless, these practices do not seem to be popular among the citizens. There is a contradiction in the perception of successful crime prevention co-production between citizens and the police. This is mainly due to citizens’ lack of trust in the police. The study acknowledged the importance of the work carried out by the police in crime prevention co-production but also observed the citizens’ lack of trust in the police as a potential threat to crime prevention co-production. Trust is crucial in managing information sharing on crime prevention. Front line professionals, such as the police, will not be able to meet future crime challenges if there is a trust deficit. Hence, it is important to restore trust in the work carried out by the police. Professionals in public administration could learn about the importance of trust in their crucial role of implementing policies, government programmes, and service delivery.
Research into Heat Stress Behavior Recognition and Evaluation Index for Yellow-Feathered Broilers, Based on Improved Cascade Region-Based Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Bai Yungang , Zhang Jie , Chen Yang , Yao Heyang , Xin Chengrui , Wang Sunyuan , Yu Jiaqi , Chen Cairong , Xiao Maohua , Zou Xiuguo
Published: May 2023

The heat stress response of broilers will adversely affect the large-scale and welfare of the breeding of broilers. In order to detect the heat stress state of broilers in time, make reasonable adjustments, and reduce losses, this paper proposed an improved Cascade R-CNN (Region-based Convolutional Neural Networks) model based on visual technology to identify the behavior of yellow-feathered broilers. The improvement of the model solved the problem of the behavior recognition not being accurate enough when broilers were gathered. The influence of different iterations on the model recognition effect was compared, and the optimal model was selected. The final average accuracy reached 88.4%. The behavioral image data with temperature and humidity data were combined, and the heat stress evaluation model was optimized using the PLSR (partial least squares regression) method. The behavior recognition results and optimization equations were verified, and the test accuracy reached 85.8%. This proves the feasibility of the heat stress evaluation optimization equation, which can be used for reasonably regulating the broiler chamber.
Effect of Salt Stress on Microbiome Structure and Diversity in Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) Rhizosphere Soil
Authors: Xia Fei , Hao Haiping , Qi Ying , Bai Hongtong , Li Hui , Shi Zhenxia , Shi Lei
Published: May 2023

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is an economically valuable plant with certain salt alkali adaptability. Here, we aim to understand how salt stress affects both the structure and diversity of the soil microbial community and how root exudates may mediate this response. The results showed that high salt stress treatment reduced the overall diversity and abundance of both bacteria and fungi but did not alter the presence or abundance of dominant phyla, including Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Ascomycota. Several microbial species belonging to Geminicoccaceae, Rokubacteriaces, and Funneliformis-sp were found to be highly resistant to salt stress, while others were found to be highly sensitive, including Xanthobacteraceae, JG30-KF-AS9-sp, and Asperellum. Redundancy analysis results showed that bacteria tended to be more sensitive to the presence of salt ions in the soil, including SO42−, Ca2+, and Na+, while fungi were more sensitive to the presence of certain root exudates, including methyl 4-methylbenzoate, δ-selinene. It suggested that the presence of a relatively stable set of dominant phyla and the increased abundance of salt-tolerant species and their ecological functions may be related to the tolerance of chamomile to salt stress. The results will underpin future improvement in chamomile to coastal salinity soil tolerance through altering the soil microbial community.
Milk Composition of Creole Goats Raised at Different Altitudes in an Extensive Production System in Northeast Mexico
Authors: Peña-Avelino Luz Y. , Ceballos-Olvera Ivonne , Rosales-Martinez Gerardo N. , Hernández-Melendez Javier , Alva-Pérez Jorge
Published: May 2023

Goat milk composition is affected by feeding, and in semiarid rangeland, information on Creole goat milk physicochemical composition is lacking. For the fulfillment of this objective, three agroecological regions (AR) considering altitude (lowland 87, highland 779, and mountain 1309 m above sea level) with different botanical compositions were chosen. Every AR analyzed accounted for 30 goat herds, with a total of 90 herds. The results demonstrated that altitude had an influence mainly on density and protein. Milk density increases as altitude increases; conversely, milk protein increases as altitude decreases. On the other hand, in the mountain and lowland ARs, the salts and solids not fat (SNF) percentages were higher compared to that of the highland AR (p < 0.05). The freezing point (FP) was higher at highland altitudes compared to that of mountain and lowland ARs (p < 0.01). In the milk fatty acids (FA) profile, only the C14:1 value was affected by altitude, whereas goat milk at lowland and mountain altitudes had higher values compared to that at highland altitudes (p < 0.05). Additionally, late lactation stage fat, FP, and pH values were higher compared to early lactation values. The opposite effect was observed for salts and SNF. In the FA profile, late lactation values were higher for C10:0 and C8:0 compared to early lactation values. The opposite trend was observed for C18:2n6t. The thrombogenic index was significantly higher at lowland altitudes compared to highland altitudes, and similar to the mountain AR. These goat milk characteristics could be explained as a consequence of animal nutrition, as well as the goat’s meat-type phenotype.
Serological Response to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Hemodialyzed Patients and the Association with Later COVID-19 Positivity
Authors: Premuzic Vedran , Stevanovic Ranko , Vilibic-Cavlek Tatjana , Sirovica Maja , Stalman Sara , Bogdanic Maja , Zilic Denis , Nakic Dario , Santini Dusevic Danijela , Vojkovic Marina , Barbic Jerko , Durlen Ivan , Grdan Zeljka , Pavlovic Drasko , Kudumija Boris , Sefer Sinisa , Griparic Davor , Rogic Dunja , Bubas Marija , Capak Krunoslav , Jelakovic Bojan
Published: May 2023

Background: The effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine may differ in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to determine the degree of serological response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in the population of dialysis patients and its association with later SARS-CoV-2 infections. Methods: A blood sample was taken for the determination of COVID-19 serological status (IgG antibodies) in 706 dialysis patients 16 weeks after vaccination with the second dose (Pfizer-BioNTech). Results: Only 314 (44.5%) hemodialyzed patients had a satisfactory response to the COVID-19 vaccine. Eighty-two patients (11.6%) had a borderline response, while 310 patients (43.9%) had an unsatisfactory (negative) post-vaccinal antibody titer. A longer dialysis vintage had an increased odds ratio (OR) of 1.01 for the occurrence of COVID-19 positivity after vaccination. In the group of subsequently positive patients, 28 patients (13.6%) died from complications of COVID-19. We have found differences in mean survival time between patients with and without appropriate responses to vaccination in favor of patients with a satisfactory serological response. Conclusions: The results showed that the dialysis population will not have the same serological response to the vaccine as the general population. The majority of dialysis patients did not develop a severe clinical picture or die at the time of positivity for COVID-19.
Prevention of Chronic Morbidities in Extremely Premature Newborns with LISA-nCPAP Respiratory Therapy and Adjuvant Perinatal Strategies
Authors: Balázs Gergely , Balajthy András , Seri István , Hegyi Thomas , Ertl Tibor , Szabó Tamás , Röszer Tamás , Papp Ágnes , Balla József , Gáll Tamás , Balla György
Published: May 2023

Less invasive surfactant administration techniques, together with nasal continuous airway pressure (LISA-nCPAP) ventilation, an emerging noninvasive ventilation (NIV) technique in neonatology, are gaining more significance, even in extremely premature newborns (ELBW), under 27 weeks of gestational age. In this review, studies on LISA-nCPAP are compiled with an emphasis on short- and long-term morbidities associated with prematurity. Several perinatal preventative and therapeutic investigations are also discussed in order to start integrated therapies as numerous organ-saving techniques in addition to lung-protective ventilations. Two thirds of immature newborns can start their lives on NIV, and one third of them never need mechanical ventilation. With adjuvant intervention, these ratios are expected to be increased, resulting in better outcomes. Optimized cardiopulmonary transition, especially physiologic cord clamping, could have an additively beneficial effect on patient outcomes gained from NIV. Organ development and angiogenesis are strictly linked not only in the immature lung and retina, but also possibly in the kidney, and optimized interventions using angiogenic growth factors could lead to better morbidity-free survival. Corticosteroids, caffeine, insulin, thyroid hormones, antioxidants, N-acetylcysteine, and, moreover, the immunomodulatory components of mother’s milk are also discussed as adjuvant treatments, since immature newborns deserve more complex neonatal interventions.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties and Acoustic Emission Characteristics of Deep Soft Rocks under Low-Frequency Dynamic Disturbance
Authors: Dong Ling , Wang Dong , Sun Xiaoming , Jiang Yujing , Luan Hengjie , Zhang Guangchao , Zhou Guanglei , Liang Bin
Published: May 2023

The strong dynamic disturbance in deep mines seriously affects the safe and efficient mining of deep resources. In this study, we used the creep disturbance impact loading system and acoustic emission system to conduct experiments on soft siltstone specimens under a combination of dynamic and static loads. Based on the failure characteristics and waveform signals, the mechanical properties and acoustic emission characteristics of soft rocks under different dynamic disturbances were quantitatively revealed. The experimental results show that: (1) Under the dynamic disturbance, the deformation of the siltstone specimens increases as the initial average stress increases. When the axial stress exceeds the upper stress threshold, cracks continue to propagate, resulting in the destabilization of the specimen. (2) The magnitude of the initial average stress is closely related to the degree of damage and failure mode of the siltstone. With the increase in the initial average stress, the failure mode of the siltstone specimens gradually changes. As the initial average stress increases, the maximum load first decreases, then increases, and finally decreases, and the fitted curve is polynomial. We used the RFPA2D cyclic loading module to analyze the effect of the elastic modulus of each loading step on the damage evolution of the specimen under dynamic disturbance. The waveform characteristics during the evolution of the damage of the specimens were analyzed by extracting signals at the key points.
High-Precision Isogeometric Static Bending Analysis of Functionally Graded Plates Using a New Quasi-3D Spectral Displacement Formulation
Authors: Yang Shaowei , Sun Xianbo , Cai Zhiqin , Peng Haijun , Zhang Yahui
Published: May 2023

A new quasi-three-dimensional (3D) shear deformation theory, called the spectral displacement formulation (SDF), is proposed for high-precision static bending analyses of functionally graded plates. The main idea is to expand unknown displacement fields into Chebyshev series of a unique form in the thickness direction; the truncation numbers are set to be adjustable to meet various application requirements. Specifically, 3D elasticity solutions and traction-free boundary conditions can be approached by increasing the number of Chebyshev bases. The SDF is also an extension of the classical plate theory and naturally avoids the shear locking problem, making it versatile for functionally graded material (FGM) plates of arbitrary thicknesses. The C1 continuity requirement for the discretization of the generalized displacements is conveniently fulfilled by the nonuniform rational B-splines (NURBS)-based isogeometric method. Numerical examples demonstrate the excellent performance of the proposed method for the displacement and stress analyses of functionally graded plates. The high precision and versatility of the present method have manifested its great potential applications in strain-based or stress-based reliability analysis, optimization design, fatigue analysis, and fracture analysis of FGM plates, and other related fields.
Application of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Monitoring and/or Control of Composting Processes
Authors: Sokač Cvetnić Tea , Krog Korina , Benković Maja , Jurina Tamara , Valinger Davor , Radojčić Redovniković Ivana , Gajdoš Kljusurić Jasenka , Jurinjak Tušek Ana
Published: May 2023

The implementation of a suitable and ecologically friendly solid waste management plan is accepted as an essential need. Given that organic matter constitutes the majority of solid waste, composting has gained popularity as an alternative way of organic refuse recycling. Compost quality is defined by its stability and maturity, both of which must be assessed by measuring a large number of physical–chemical parameters, microbiological variables, and enzymatic activities. These procedures are complex and time-consuming, making it difficult to assess compost quality correctly. Spectroscopy methods could be used as an efficient alternative. In this work, general information about composting processes and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is given. A discussion and comparison of the different approaches of coupling NIRS and chemometric tools for the monitoring and/or control of composting processes are presented in this work.
Evaluation of ERA5-Simulated Temperature and Its Extremes for Australia
Authors: Choudhury Dipayan , Ji Fei , Nishant Nidhi , Di Virgilio Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Atmospheric reanalysis products offer high-resolution and long-term gridded datasets that can often be used as an alternative or a supplement to observational data. Although more accessible than typical observational data and deemed fit for climate change studies, reanalysis data can show biases resulting from data assimilation approaches. Thus, a thorough evaluation of the reanalysis product over the region and metric of study is critical. Here, we evaluate the performance of the latest generation of ECMWF reanalysis, ERA5, in simulating mean and extreme temperatures over Australia for 1979–2020 versus high-quality gridded observations. We find ERA5 generally simulates maximum and minimum temperatures reasonably well (mean bias ~1.5 °C), even though it underestimates/overestimates the daily maximum/minimum temperatures, leading to a cold bias for Tmax and a warm bias for Tmin. ERA5 also underestimates the decadal warming trend in both Tmax and Tmin compared to the observations. Furthermore, ERA5 struggles to simulate the temporal variability of Tmin, leading to a markedly worse skill in Tmin than Tmax. In terms of extreme indices, ERA5 is skilled at capturing the spatial and temporal patterns and trends of extremes, albeit with the presence of biases in each index. This can partially be attributed to the warm bias in the minimum temperature. Overall, ERA5 captures the mean and extreme temperature indices over the Australian continent reasonably well, warranting its potential to supplement observations in aiding climate change-related studies, downscaling for boundary conditions, and climate model evaluation.