bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guinea-Bissau: 30 years of militarized democratization (1991–2021)
Authors: Jaló Sumaila
Published: May 2023

In Guinea-Bissau, democracy replaced a one-party dictatorship regime exercised by the African Party of Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde for 18 years. However, the governing powers have still not abandoned all authoritarian practices of the replaced regime, even three decades after the beginning of democratization process, as attested by the results of the present study. The power of the armed forces to determine the course of governance, more than democratically elected political representatives, is one example. The study qualitatively analyzes this complex sociopolitical context marked by coups d'état and military violence during the thirty years of democratization (1991–2021) using press sources, international organizations documents, and bibliographies. The discussion demonstrates how the armed forces held the real power in Guinea-Bissau and how dangerous is this reality to the democratization, in a country where political organizations, actors, and the military do not distance themselves from one another in the subversion of the democratic order.
The Sussex Oxford Compassion for the Self Scale validity in a working sample using classical test theory, item response theory and network analysis
Authors: Meng Hongxing , Wang Xiaozhuang , Liu Hongpei
Published: May 2023

Self-compassion is a relatively new construct in the scientific literature, and there is currently a lack of robust psychometric measures of self-compassion in the workplace. Therefore, validating the Sussex Oxford Compassion for the Self Scale (SOCS-S) in various cultural settings is essential to add to the existing research on the psychometric properties of the scale. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of the SOCS-S in a Chinese working sample of 1,132 participants (39.4% males) using classical test theory (CTT), item response theory (IRT), and Network Analysis. The results supported the validity of the SOCS-S’s five-factor structure, with high internal consistency and measurement invariance across genders. IRT was applied using a graded response model (GRM) to assess the overall SOCS-S scale items, indicating that all 20 items had sufficient discrimination indices and acceptable difficulty indices. Moreover, it is worth noting that the results of the network analysis are consistent with those of the IRT analysis. In summary, the study confirms the validity of the SOCS-S as a scale for assessing self-compassion among Chinese occupational groups.
Differential sensitivity to speech rhythms in young and older adults
Authors: Pearson Dylan V. , Shen Yi , McAuley J. Devin , Kidd Gary R.
Published: May 2023

Sensitivity to the temporal properties of auditory patterns tends to be poorer in older listeners, and this has been hypothesized to be one factor contributing to their poorer speech understanding. This study examined sensitivity to speech rhythms in young and older normal-hearing subjects, using a task designed to measure the effect of speech rhythmic context on the detection of changes in the timing of word onsets in spoken sentences. A temporal-shift detection paradigm was used in which listeners were presented with an intact sentence followed by two versions of the sentence in which a portion of speech was replaced with a silent gap: one with correct gap timing (the same duration as the missing speech) and one with altered gap timing (shorter or longer than the duration of the missing speech), resulting in an early or late resumption of the sentence after the gap. The sentences were presented with either an intact rhythm or an altered rhythm preceding the silent gap. Listeners judged which sentence had the altered gap timing, and thresholds for the detection of deviations from the correct timing were calculated separately for shortened and lengthened gaps. Both young and older listeners demonstrated lower thresholds in the intact rhythm condition than in the altered rhythm conditions. However, shortened gaps led to lower thresholds than lengthened gaps for the young listeners, while older listeners were not sensitive to the direction of the change in timing. These results show that both young and older listeners rely on speech rhythms to generate temporal expectancies for upcoming speech events. However, the absence of lower thresholds for shortened gaps among the older listeners indicates a change in speech-timing expectancies with age. A further examination of individual differences within the older group revealed that those with better rhythm-discrimination abilities (from a separate study) tended to show the same heightened sensitivity to early events observed with the young listeners.
A model of teacher enthusiasm, teacher self-efficacy, grit, and teacher well-being among English as a foreign language teachers
Authors: Shao Guohua
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate the relationship among teacher enthusiasm and teacher self-efficacy, grit, and teacher psychological well-being among Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers.

Methods

A sample of 553 Chinese EFL teachers completed self-report measures of teacher enthusiasm, teacher self-efficacy, grit, and teacher psychological well-being. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the validity of the scales, and structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model.

Results

The results indicated that teacher self-efficacy and grit were positively associated with teacher psychological well-being, providing support for the importance of these teacher characteristics in promoting teacher well-being. Furthermore, teacher enthusiasm was found to have an indirect effect on teacher psychological well-being through the mediation of teacher grit, providing evidence for the importance of teacher motivation and engagement in promoting teacher well-being. The partial mediation model was found to be the best fitting model.

Discussion

These findings have important implications for the development of interventions and programs aimed at promoting teacher well-being in the context of EFL teaching.
Students with learning disabilities/attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in higher education dealing with remote learning: lessons learned from COVID-19 era
Authors: Sarid Miriam , Lipka Orly
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The current study aimed to examine how students with learning disabilities (LD) and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) adjusted to higher education during the transition to remote learning (RL) in Israel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The study involved 621 undergraduate students, 330 of whom participated during the COVID-19 pandemic and 291 before the pandemic. Among these students, 198 had been diagnosed with LD and/or ADHD, while 423 had no reported disabilities (control group).

Results

Students with LD/ADHD generally had lower adjustment scores during face-to-face learning and RL than the control group. In-depth analyses of four subgroups revealed that students with LD + ADHD reported lower academic, emotional, and institutional adjustments as well as reported lower satisfaction with life during RL than the control group members. ADHD was found to directly predict low satisfaction with life through the mediation of adjustment scores.

Discussion

In conclusion, it is recommended that support be provided to high-risk LD/ADHD populations during a crisis. Furthermore, the implication of this study can inform intervention during emergency times.
A comparison of the effects of remote coaching HIIT training and combined exercise training on the physical and mental health of university students
Authors: Wang Yu , Jia Ningxin , Zhou Yanan , Fu Linlin , Fan Lixia , Li Bin
Published: May 2023

Aim

To compare the differences in the effects of based on remote coached high intensity interval training and combined exercise training on the physical and mental health of university students.

Method

Sixty university students were recruited from Shandong Normal University and randomly divided into HIIT group (n = 30) and AR group (n = 30), with the HIIT group using high-intensity interval training intervention and the AR group using combined exercise (aerobic combined with resistance) training intervention for 8 weeks. Mental health indicators, fitness indicators and body composition indicators were measured at the beginning and end of the intervention.

Results

After 8 weeks, among the mental health indicators, the results of the Symptom Self-Rating Scale (SCL-90) test showed a significant improvement in the HIIT group in terms of total score, somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, hostility, and psychoticism (p < 0.05); the AR group showed significant improvements in psychoticism (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups. The results of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scale (PSQI) showed a significant difference in sleep efficiency in the HIIT group with an inverse improvement in scores; the AR group showed no significant improvement in each test item. The results of the between-group covariance showed significant differences in sleep efficiency and hypnotic drugs in the HIIT group (p < 0.05). Among the fitness indicators, the HIIT group showed significant improvements in maximum oxygen uptake, grip strength and flexibility (P < 0.05); the AR group showed significant improvements in back muscle strength and flexibility (P < 0.05). The results of the between-group covariance showed significant improvements in maximum oxygen uptake in the HIIT group (P < 0.01). Regarding body composition indicators, there was a significant improvement in Body weight, BMI, Body fat percentage and Waist-to-hip ratio in both the HIIT and AR groups (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

HIIT and combined exercise training based on remote coaching had some improvement on fitness level and body composition of university students, HIIT was more advantageous in improving aerobic endurance, and HIIT based on remote coaching may have better effect than combined exercise in mental health.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiECRCT20220149. Registered on 16 May 2022.
Implementation of guidelines on prevention of coercion and violence: baseline data of the randomized controlled PreVCo study
Authors: Hirsch Sophie , Baumgardt Johanna , Bechdolf Andreas , Bühling-Schindowski Felix , Cole Celline , Flammer Erich , Mahler Lieselotte , Muche Rainer , Sauter Dorothea , Vandamme Angelika ,   PreVCo Study Group, Steinert Tilman
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The PreVCo study examines whether a structured, operationalized implementation of guidelines to prevent coercion actually leads to fewer coercive measures on psychiatric wards. It is known from the literature that rates of coercive measures differ greatly between hospitals within a country. Studies on that topic also showed large Hawthorne effects. Therefore, it is important to collect valid baseline data for the comparison of similar wards and controlling for observer effects.

Methods

Fifty five psychiatric wards in Germany treating voluntary and involuntary patients were randomly allocated to an intervention or a waiting list condition in matched pairs. As part of the randomized controlled trial, they completed a baseline survey. We collected data on admissions, occupied beds, involuntarily admitted cases, main diagnoses, the number and duration of coercive measures, assaults and staffing levels. We applied the PreVCo Rating Tool for each ward. The PreVCo Rating Tool is a fidelity rating, measuring the degree of implementation of 12 guideline-linked recommendations on Likert scales with a range of 0–135 points covering the main elements of the guidelines. Aggregated data on the ward level is provided, with no patient data provided. We performed a Wilcoxon signed-rank-test to compare intervention group and waiting list control group at baseline and to assess the success of randomization.

Results

The participating wards had an average of 19.9% involuntarily admitted cases and a median 19 coercive measures per month (1 coercive measure per occupied bed, 0.5 per admission). The intervention group and waiting list group were not significantly different in these measurements. There were 6.0 assaults per month on average (0.3 assaults per occupied bed and 0.1 per admission). The PreVCo Rating Tool for guideline fidelity varied between 28 and 106 points. The percentage of involuntarily admitted cases showed a correlation with coercive measures per month and bed (Spearman’s Rho = 0.56, p < 0.01).

Discussion

Our findings that coercion varies widely within a country and mainly is associated with involuntarily admitted and aggressive patients are in line with the international literature. We believe that we included a sample that covers the scope of mental health care practice in Germany well.

Clinical trial registration: www.isrctn.com, identifier ISRCTN71467851.
Chronic stress, neuroinflammation, and depression: an overview of pathophysiological mechanisms and emerging anti-inflammatories
Authors: Hassamal Sameer
Published: May 2023

In a subset of patients, chronic exposure to stress is an etiological risk factor for neuroinflammation and depression. Neuroinflammation affects up to 27% of patients with MDD and is associated with a more severe, chronic, and treatment-resistant trajectory. Inflammation is not unique to depression and has transdiagnostic effects suggesting a shared etiological risk factor underlying psychopathologies and metabolic disorders. Research supports an association but not necessarily a causation with depression. Putative mechanisms link chronic stress to dysregulation of the HPA axis and immune cell glucocorticoid resistance resulting in hyperactivation of the peripheral immune system. The chronic extracellular release of DAMPs and immune cell DAMP-PRR signaling creates a feed forward loop that accelerates peripheral and central inflammation. Higher plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines, most consistently interleukin IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, are correlated with greater depressive symptomatology. Cytokines sensitize the HPA axis, disrupt the negative feedback loop, and further propagate inflammatory reactions. Peripheral inflammation exacerbates central inflammation (neuroinflammation) through several mechanisms including disruption of the blood–brain barrier, immune cellular trafficking, and activation of glial cells. Activated glial cells release cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species into the extra-synaptic space dysregulating neurotransmitter systems, imbalancing the excitatory to inhibitory ratio, and disrupting neural circuitry plasticity and adaptation. In particular, microglial activation and toxicity plays a central role in the pathophysiology of neuroinflammation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies most consistently show reduced hippocampal volumes. Neural circuitry dysfunction such as hypoactivation between the ventral striatum and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex underlies the melancholic phenotype of depression. Chronic administration of monoamine-based antidepressants counters the inflammatory response, but with a delayed therapeutic onset. Therapeutics targeting cell mediated immunity, generalized and specific inflammatory signaling pathways, and nitro-oxidative stress have enormous potential to advance the treatment landscape. Future clinical trials will need to include immune system perturbations as biomarker outcome measures to facilitate novel antidepressant development. In this overview, we explore the inflammatory correlates of depression and elucidate pathomechanisms to facilitate the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutics.
Textiles impregnated with antimicrobial substances in healthcare services: systematic review
Authors: Schneider Guilherme , Vieira Leticia Genova , Carvalho Herica Emilia Félix de , Sousa Álvaro Francisco Lopes de , Watanabe Evandro , Andrade Denise de , Silveira Renata Cristina de Campos Pereira
Published: May 2023

Background

Antimicrobial textiles have proved to be a promising biosafety strategy. Thus, the current study was focused on identifying which antimicrobial substances impregnated in textiles used in healthcare services confer efficacy in reducing the microbial load present in these textiles and/or the Healthcare-Associated Infection (HAI) rates, when compared to conventional textiles.

Methods

A systematic review of intervention studies using MEDLINE via the PubMed portal, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar and medRxiv. The studies identified were selected according to eligibility criteria and submitted to data extraction and methodological quality evaluation through Joanna Briggs Institute specific tools. The outcomes were synthesized qualitatively.

Results

23 studies were selected to comprise the final sample, in which antimicrobial textiles were used by hospitalized patients, by health professionals during work shifts and in inanimate healthcare environments.

Conclusions

Copper, silver, zinc oxide, titanium and silver-doped titanium impregnated in textiles used by patients confer efficacy in reducing the microbial load of these textiles and/or the HAI rates. Quaternary ammonium, chlorhexidine, silver and copper together, quaternary ammonium, alcohols and isothiazolone derivatives together, chitosan and dimethylol dimethyl hydantoin together, all impregnated in textiles used by health professionals confer efficacy in reducing the microbial load of these textiles. Quaternary ammonium impregnated in textiles used in inanimate healthcare environments confers efficacy in reducing the microbial load of these textiles.
The Death Literacy Index: translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Chinese version
Authors: Che Sok Leng , Li Xiang , Zhu Mingxia , Ng Wai I
Published: May 2023

Objective

Applying public health approaches to address palliative care allows for a broader perspective. The Death Literacy Index (DLI) is a novel instrument designed to assess the knowledge and skills required to access, comprehend, and make informed decisions regarding end-of-life care. Translation of the DLI could strengthen the capacity to build desirable services and policies regarding dying and death. It could also help to identify the barriers to services and future advocacy efforts.

Methods

The DLI was forward translated into Chinese and backward translated through two panels. Two rounds of cognitive interviews and a pilot test were conducted before the survey. A sample of 3,221 participants was recruited via an online survey in five cities in southern China (Guangzhou, Zhuhai, Jiangmen, Hong Kong and Macao) to evaluate the factor structure, validity and reliability of the translated DLI. Additionally, multi-group confirmatory factor analyses (MGCFA) were performed to examine measurement invariance across genders and the experiences of parental death.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis showed a six-factor structure for the translated DLI, and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the structure. The overall scale and subscales had high internal consistency and satisfactory validity. The results from MGCFA showed that death literacy was adequately invariant for different genders and experiences of parental death.

Conclusion

The Chinese DLI is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring death literacy among people in southern China, and therefore can be used for both research and community practice.
Heparin increases the antibiotic efficacy of colistin
Authors: Szekeres Gergo Peter , Hanozin Emeline , Diehn Robyn , Horlebein Jan , Polewski Lukasz , Zappe Andreas , Lauster Daniel , Pagel Kevin
Published: May 2023

The increasing antibiotic resistance in bacteria is an alarming phenomenon all around the world. Certain strains have developed resistance against multiple antimicrobial molecules, in which cases, the final option is to use a last-resort drug. These drugs, however, are last-resort for a reason: they can pose serious risk on vital organ functions in the patient. To mitigate the risk of severe side-effects and to reduce the rate of bacterial mutation, co-administration with other molecules that increase their efficacy seems to be the only suitable option. This leads to a reduced dose while maintaining the same level of antibiotic activity within the body. In this study, the effect of heparin derivatives on the antibiotic activity of colistin and their interactions were studied by ion mobility, mass spectrometry, and bacterium growth assays. The results show that during the association of colistin and heparin, they retain their structure while higher-stoichiometry complexes can form. When long-chain heparin is co-administered, multiple colistin molecules can associate with it, which increases the antibiotic activity by ∼40% relative to the sole administration of colistin.
Regulation of externalities: rights, options, and procedure
Authors: Schläpfer Felix , Vatn Arild
Published: May 2023

When governments regulate externalities, they inevitably create, modify or reassign property rights. Although these rights have important distributional implications, they are rarely at the center of economic evaluations of policy instrument choice, where the main focus is on allocative efficiency. This is problematic for two reasons. First, the allocation of rights may not receive the attention it deserves, and decisions about rights and more technical policy advice are easily mixed up. The second reason is a circularity problem: proposed (Pareto) efficient regulations modify the same property rights that determine what economists identify as an efficient environmental target. To avoid these difficulties, we propose a perspective in regulation that brings the allocation of rights to the front. We classify basic regulatory options based on how rights are allocated between polluters and potential victims and across income groups and we outline how these options may be implemented through choice of policy instruments. We then propose a regulatory procedure that takes the interdependence of rights and environmental targets into account. Based on this analysis, we discuss the potential of a rights-centered approach for designing environmental policies with desirable distributional outcomes and assumptions about the rights to environmental resources.
Toward the development of a conceptual framework for the complex interaction between environmental changes and rural-urban migration
Authors: Mianabadi Ameneh , Davary Kamran , Mianabadi Hojjat , Kolahi Mahdi , Mostert Erik
Published: May 2023

Environmental changes can result in dramatic increases in human migration as households become unable to adapt to such changes. Addressing environmental migration is a complex puzzle that can become a wicked problem. Despite the growing literature on the nexus between environmental change and migration, the inextricable link between nature and society has made it difficult to establish causal relations between the two. To examine the relationship between environmental change and migration, it is necessary to develop a conceptual model that includes environmental changes as potential causes of rural-urban migration (RUM). Such a model should be built on an enhanced understanding of the different factors that stimulate environmentally induced RUM. This paper proposes such a model, focusing on loss of agricultural land, loss of agricultural productivity and the economic repercussions of these losses. The model is based on the model of Perch-Nielsen et al. but extends this model by incorporating additional factors. In our model, the three leading causes of RUM are climate change, human maladaptive activities, and hydro-climatic disasters (the push factors). In addition, there may be pull factors in the cities. RUM may be counteracted or reduced by governmental policy and individuals' characteristics. The model was applied to Iran. The results show that the model can help to bridge the knowledge gap regarding environmentally induced RUM and may inform policymaking on RUM and related issues, such as environmental management and adaptation to climate change.
Cervical intervertebral disc disease in 60 Yorkshire terriers
Authors: Palus Viktor , Stehlik Ladislav , Necas Alois , Srnec Robert , Urbanova Lucie , Lu Diane
Published: May 2023

Intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) is a common neurological condition in many dog breeds. This study aimed to describe this condition in Yorkshire terriers (YT) and calculate the prevalence of this condition amongst the YTs with neurological diseases. This is a double-centre retrospective study which was conducted in two arms. The first part of the study, describing the clinical features and prognosis of cervical (C) IVDE in YTs, is based on data from 2005 to 2021. The second part of the study calculated the prevalence of C IVDE amongst the YTs with neurological diseases based on data from 2016 to 2021. A retrospective search through the medical records was conducted. YTs with C IVDE diagnosed with MRI and confirmed surgically were eligible for inclusion in this study. Sixty YTs were included in the first part of the study. There were 48 (80%) dogs with acute onset and 12 (20%) with chronic onset with acute deterioration. Ambulation was preserved in 31 (51.7%) dogs on admission, and the remaining 29 (48.3%) dogs were non-ambulatory. No significant association was found between ambulation on admission and recovery status (p = 0.547). Seventy-three intervertebral spaces were treated during the surgical intervention. Relapses were seen in seven (11.7%) dogs. Forty-nine (81.7%) dogs were ambulatory at discharge. A complete recovery was observed in 46 (76.7%) dogs; the remaining dogs (14, 23.3%) were classified as incomplete recovery. A significant difference was found in time to ambulation (p = 0.0238) and time to discharge (p = 0.0139) between the on-admission ambulatory and non-ambulatory dogs. Three hundred and eight YTs were diagnosed with neurological diseases between 2016 and 2021 in one referral centre. C IVDE was diagnosed in 31 (10.06%) dogs. This is the first study explicitly describing the C IVDE in YTs and establishing the prevalence of this condition amongst YTs with other neurological disorders.
Assessing complexity and dynamics in epidemics: geographical barriers and facilitators of foot-and-mouth disease dissemination
Authors: Hoogesteyn A. L. , Rivas A. L. , Smith S. D. , Fasina F. O. , Fair J. M. , Kosoy M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Physical and non-physical processes that occur in nature may influence biological processes, such as dissemination of infectious diseases. However, such processes may be hard to detect when they are complex systems. Because complexity is a dynamic and non-linear interaction among numerous elements and structural levels in which specific effects are not necessarily linked to any one specific element, cause-effect connections are rarely or poorly observed.

Methods

To test this hypothesis, the complex and dynamic properties of geo-biological data were explored with high-resolution epidemiological data collected in the 2001 Uruguayan foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) epizootic that mainly affected cattle. County-level data on cases, farm density, road density, river density, and the ratio of road (or river) length/county perimeter were analyzed with an open-ended procedure that identified geographical clustering in the first 11 epidemic weeks. Two questions were asked: (i) do geo-referenced epidemiologic data display complex properties? and (ii) can such properties facilitate or prevent disease dissemination?

Results

Emergent patterns were detected when complex data structures were analyzed, which were not observed when variables were assessed individually. Complex properties–including data circularity–were demonstrated. The emergent patterns helped identify 11 counties as ‘disseminators’ or ‘facilitators’ (F) and 264 counties as ‘barriers’ (B) of epidemic spread. In the early epidemic phase, F and B counties differed in terms of road density and FMD case density. Focusing on non-biological, geographical data, a second analysis indicated that complex relationships may identify B-like counties even before epidemics occur.

Discussion

Geographical barriers and/or promoters of disease dispersal may precede the introduction of emerging pathogens. If corroborated, the analysis of geo-referenced complexity may support anticipatory epidemiological policies.
Systemic Exophiala equina infection in an Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina): a case report and literature review
Authors: Barrantes Murillo Daniel Felipe , Anderson Stephanie , Capobianco Christian , Lewbart Gregory A. , Wiederhold Nathan P. , Cañete-Gibas Connie F. , Negrão Watanabe Tatiane Terumi
Published: May 2023

Phaeohyphomycosis is an infection caused by melanized fungi. This disease has been reported in several animal species including invertebrates, cold-blooded vertebrates, mammals, and humans. Melanized fungi have similar phenotypical features and confirmation requires culture and molecular diagnostics. To exemplify this we present a case of a 333 g adult of unknown age, free-ranging, male Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) that was referred to the Turtle Rescue Team at North Carolina State University for evaluation of multilobulated masses occupying the entire left orbit and at the right forelimb on the plantarolateral aspect of the foot. A fine needle aspirate cytologic examination of the mass on the right forelimb revealed large numbers of inflammatory cells and fungal organisms. Histopathology of the skin biopsies from the right forefoot was consistent with phaeohyphomycosis. A course of antifungal medication was started (Fluconazole 21 mg/kg loading dose IV then 5 mg/kg PO SID q 30 days). Due to concern for the patient's quality of life and the lack of a curative treatment plan, humane euthanasia was elected. Gross and histological postmortem examination confirmed the presence of multiple coelomic masses similar in appearance to those observed in the left orbit and right forefoot indicating disseminated phaeohyphomycosis. A swab of the periocular mass was submitted for fungal culture and phenotypic identification. The isolate was later identified as Exophiala equina through a combination of phenotypic characterization and sequencing of the ITS region of the nuclear rDNA. Exophiala is a genus in the family Herpotrichiellaceae, order Chaetothyriales and is considered an opportunistic “black yeast” causing infection in aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals including humans. Exophiala equina is infrequently reported in animals, with only three cases in the literature including the herein report.
Comparative expression analysis of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) to identify genes associated with economically important traits
Authors: Mishra Dwijesh Chandra , Bhati Jyotika , Yadav Sunita , Avashthi Himanshu , Sikka Poonam , Jerome Andonissamy , Balhara Ashok Kumar , Singh Inderjeet , Rai Anil , Chaturvedi Krishna Kumar
Published: May 2023

The milk, meat, skins, and draft power of domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) provide substantial contributions to the global agricultural economy. The world's water buffalo population is primarily found in Asia, and the buffalo supports more people per capita than any other livestock species. For evaluating the workflow, output rate, and completeness of transcriptome assemblies within and between reference-free (RF) de novo transcriptome and reference-based (RB) datasets, abundant bioinformatics studies have been carried out to date. However, comprehensive documentation of the degree of consistency and variability of the data produced by comparing gene expression levels using these two separate techniques is lacking. In the present study, we assessed the variations in the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) attained with RF and RB approaches. In light of this, we conducted a study to identify, annotate, and analyze the genes associated with four economically important traits of buffalo, viz., milk volume, age at first calving, post-partum cyclicity, and feed conversion efficiency. A total of 14,201 and 279 DEGs were identified in RF and RB assemblies. Gene ontology (GO) terms associated with the identified genes were allocated to traits under study. Identified genes improve the knowledge of the underlying mechanism of trait expression in water buffalo which may support improved breeding plans for higher productivity. The empirical findings of this study using RNA-seq data-based assembly may improve the understanding of genetic diversity in relation to buffalo productivity and provide important contributions to answer biological issues regarding the transcriptome of non-model organisms.
Age modifies the association between pet ownership and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Watson Katharine M. , Kahe Ka , Shier Timothy A. , Li Ming
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Studies examining associations between pet ownership and cardiovascular disease have yielded inconsistent results. These discrepancies may be partially explained by variations in age and sex across study populations. Our study included 6,632 American Gut Project participants who are US residents ≥40 years.

Methods

We first estimated the association of pet ownership with cardiovascular disease risk using multivariable-adjusted logistic regression, and further investigated effect modifications of age and sex.

Results

Cat but not dog ownership was significantly associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk (OR: 0.56 [0.42, 0.73] and OR: 1.17 [0.88, 1.39], respectively). Cat and dog ownership significantly interacted with age but not sex, indicating that cardiovascular risk varies by the age-by-pet ownership combination. Compared to the reference group (40–64 years, no cat or dog), participants 40–64 years with only a cat had the lowest cardiovascular disease risk (OR: 0.40 [0.26, 0.61]). Those ≥65 years with no pets had the highest risk (OR: 3.85 [2.85, 5.24]).

Discussion

This study supports the importance of pets in human cardiovascular health, suggesting optimal pet choice is age-dependent. Having both a cat and dog can be advantageous to people ≥65 years, while having only a cat may benefit those 40–64 years. Further studies are needed to assess causality.
Optimizing COVID-19 Vaccination Strategy in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Recipients: Humoral and Cellular Response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination
Authors: Nel Isabelle , Parmentier Cyrielle , Dehoux Laurène , Minier Marine , Duneton Charlotte , Charbit Marina , Baudouin Véronique , Bidet Philippe , Carol Agnès , Cheyssac Elodie , Delbet Jean-Daniel , Guérin-El Khourouj Valérie , Louillet Férielle , Ulinski Tim , Delaugerre Constance , Carcelain Guislaine , Hogan Julien
Published: May 2023

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyze the early humoral and cellular response in 64 adolescents KTx recipients, after two or three doses of mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 against different variants of COVID-19. After 2 doses, 77.8% % of children with no history of infection had a positive humoral response with a median anti-S IgG level of 1107 (IQR, 593–2,658) BAU/mL. All the patients with a history of infection responded with a higher median IgG level (3,265 (IQR, 1,492–8,178) BAU/mL). In non-responders after 2 doses, 75% responded after a third dose with a median Ab titer at 355 (IQR, 140–3,865 BAU/mL). Neutralizing activity was significantly lower against the delta and the omicron variants compared to the wild-type strain and did not improve after a 3rd dose, while infection did provide higher levels of neutralizations against the variants. T cell specific response correlated with humoral response and no patient displayed a cellular response without a humoral response. Adolescent KTx recipients exhibit a high seroconversion rate after only two doses. A third injection, induces a response in the majority of the non-responders patients but did not counterbalance the strong decrease in neutralizing antibody activities against variants highlighting the need for boosters with specific vaccines.
A Survey of An Intelligent Multi-Agent Formation Control
Authors: Chen Qijie , Wang Yao , Jin Yuqiang , Wang Taoyu , Nie Xinhua , Yan Tinglong
Published: May 2023

We present an overview of formation control for multi-agent systems. Multi-agent formation cooperation is important to accomplish assigned tasks more efficiently and safely compared to a single agent. For the way information flows between agents, we divide the available results into communication-based topologies as well as vision-based formation controls. Then, we summarize the problem formulation, discuss the differences, and review the latest results on formation control schemes. Lastly, we give research recommendations for multi-intelligent agent controls in a certain period in the future.
The Influence of Roost Type and Diet on Energy Expenditure in Bats
Authors: Marroquin Cynthia , Gerth Thomas , Muñoz-Garcia Agustí
Published: May 2023

Bats spend most of their lives resting, socializing, and raising their young in roosts. Roost conditions may affect the lifetime energy expenditure of bats, and this could, in turn, influence fitness of individuals. Different kinds of roosts impose different microclimatic conditions that can affect the thermal balances of bats that use them. Bats thermoregulate by using both physiological mechanisms (such as changes in conductance) and behavioral responses (huddling or active search of certain microclimates). We hypothesized that the contribution of these thermoregulatory strategies would differ depending on the roost type that bats use. To test this idea, we collated data from the literature on metabolic rate (MR), body temperature (Tb), ambient temperature at which MR and Tb were collected, roost type, and diet for 43 species of bats spanning eleven families. From these data, we calculated, for each species, the wet conductance and the area of the thermoregulatory polygon (TRP) as a proxy for the physiological thermoregulatory capabilities of bats. We found that, after controlling for phylogeny, wet conductance and the area of the TRP were higher in bats that use more exposed roosts than in those bats who use roosts that can buffer environmental conditions. Our results suggest that energy expenditure is similar for all species, but in bats that live in more exposed roosts, the contribution of physiological responses was more important than behavior at the entire range of environmental temperatures, whereas bats in more protected roosts seem to rely more on behavioral responses to thermoregulate. Considering that roosts represent valuable resources, the availability of roosts with the proper microclimatic conditions could determine the patterns of distribution of bat populations.
Image Encryption Scheme Based on Orbital Shift Pixels Shuffling with ILM Chaotic System
Authors: Ali Wajid , Zhu Congxu , Latif Rabia , Asim Muhammad , Tariq Muhammad Usman
Published: May 2023

Image encryption techniques protect private images from unauthorized access while they are being transmitted. Previously used confusion and diffusion processes are risky and time-consuming. Therefore, finding a solution to this problem has become necessary. In this paper, we propose a new image encryption scheme that combines the Intertwining Logistic Map (ILM) and Orbital Shift Pixels Shuffling Method (OSPSM). The proposed encryption scheme applies a technique for confusion inspired by the rotation of planets around their orbits. We linked the technique of changing the positions of planets around their orbits with the shuffling technique of pixels and combined it with chaotic sequences to disrupt the pixel positions of the plain image. First, randomly selected pixels from the outermost orbit are rotated to shift the pixels in that orbit, causing all pixels in that orbit to change their original position. This process is repeated for each orbit until all pixels have been shifted. This way, all pixels are randomly scrambled on their orbits. Later on, the scrambled pixels are converted into a 1D long vector. The cyclic shuffling is applied using the key generated by the ILM to a 1D long vector and reshaped into a 2D matrix. Then, the scrambled pixels are converted into a 1D long vector to apply cyclic shuffle using the key generated by the ILM. After that, the 1D long vector is converted into a 2D matrix. For the diffusion process, using ILM generates a mask image, which is then XORed with the transformed 2D matrix. Finally, a highly secure and unrecognizable ciphertext image is obtained. Experimental results, simulation analysis, security evaluation, and comparison with existing image encryption schemes show that it has a strong advantage in defending against common attacks, and the operating speed of this encryption scheme also performs excellently in practical image encryption applications.
Techno-Economic and Carbon Emission Assessment of a Large-Scale Floating Solar PV System for Sustainable Energy Generation in Support of Malaysia’s Renewable Energy Roadmap
Authors: Islam Md. Imamul , Jadin Mohd Shawal , Mansur Ahmed Al , Kamari Nor Azwan Mohamed , Jamal Taskin , Hossain Lipu Molla Shahadat , Azlan Mohd Nurulakla Mohd , Sarker Mahidur R. , Shihavuddin A. S. M.
Published: May 2023

Energy generation from renewable sources is a global trend due to the carbon emissions generated by fossil fuels, which cause serious harm to the ecosystem. As per the long-term goals of the ASEAN countries, the Malaysian government established a target of 31% renewable energy generation by 2025 to facilitate ongoing carbon emission reductions. To reach the goal, a large-scale solar auction is one of the most impactful initiatives among the four potential strategies taken by the government. To assist the Malaysian government’s large-scale solar policy as detailed in the national renewable energy roadmap, this article investigated the techno-economic and feasibility aspects of a 10 MW floating solar PV system at UMP Lake. The PVsyst 7.3 software was used to develop and compute energy production and loss estimation. The plant is anticipated to produce 17,960 MWh of energy annually at a levelized cost of energy of USD 0.052/kWh. The facility requires USD 8.94 million in capital costs that would be recovered within a payback period of 9.5 years from the date of operation. The plant is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 11,135.2 tons annually. The proposed facility would ensure optimal usage of UMP Lake and contribute to the Malaysian government’s efforts toward sustainable growth.
Ignition and Emission Characteristics of Waste Tires Pyrolysis Char Co-Combustion with Peat and Sawdust
Authors: Slyusarsky Konstantin , Tolokolnikov Anton , Gubin Artur , Kaltaev Albert , Gorshkov Alexander , Asilbekov Askar , Larionov Kirill
Published: May 2023

The pyrolysis processing of waste tires is a promising technology for obtaining products with high marginality. One of the possible methods of solid pyrolysis product utilization is its combustion for energy production, but this is complicated by poor reactivity and sulfur emissions. The combustion of char together with more reactive fuels could solve this problem. The current study is devoted to the combustion characteristics of waste tires pyrolysis carbon residue mixed with biomass: pine sawdust and peat. The oxidation characteristics in thermal analyzer conditions were found to change insignificantly. In contrast, 15 wt% of peat and sawdust additives was found to decrease ignition delay times in realistic conditions of combustion at 800 °C by 42 and 78%, respectively, while the SO2 emissions also dropped by 73 and 52%, respectively. The extra sulfur was found to be contained in ash residue in the form of CaS and CaSO4. While increasing peat concentration from 5 to 15 wt% was found to have almost no effect, the same increase for sawdust resulted into an almost proportional decrease in ignition delay times. The results obtained could be used for the integration of waste tires pyrolysis char mixtures with peat or sawdust into the energy sector.
Biochar and Its Potential Application for the Improvement of the Anaerobic Digestion Process: A Critical Review
Authors: Manga Musa , Aragón-Briceño Christian , Boutikos Panagiotis , Semiyaga Swaib , Olabinjo Omotunde , Muoghalu Chimdi C.
Published: May 2023

Poor management of organic waste is a key environmental and public health issue as it contributes to environmental contamination and the spread of diseases. Anaerobic digestion (AD) presents an efficient method for organic waste management while generating energy and nutrient-rich digestate. However, the AD process is limited by key factors, which include process inefficiencies from substrate-induced instability, poor quality digestate, and poor management of effluent and emissions. Lately, there has been more interest in the use of biochar for improving anaerobic digestion. Biochar can improve methane production by speeding up the methanogenesis stage, protecting microorganisms from toxic shocks, and reducing inhibition from ammonia and volatile fatty acids. It can be applied for in situ cleanup of biogas to remove carbon dioxide. Applying biochar in AD is undergoing intensive research and development; however, there are still unresolved factors and challenges, such as the influence of feedstock source and pyrolysis on the performance of biochar when it is added to the AD process. In light of these considerations, this review sheds more light on various potential uses of biochar to complement or improve the AD process. This review also considers the mechanisms through which biochar enhances methane production rate, biochar’s influence on the resulting digestate, and areas for future research.
Correction: Kim, D.I. A Study on the Metabolic Rate Change Pattern in F2 Hybrid Sturgeon, the Bester (Huso huso × Acipenser ruthenus), during the Early Developmental Stage. Fishes 2023, 8, 113
Authors: Kim Dong In
Published: May 2023

In the original publication [...]
In Which Way Do the Flower Properties of the Specialist Orchid Goodyera repens Meet the Requirements of Its Generalist Pollinators?
Authors: Brzosko Emilia , Bajguz Andrzej , Burzyńska Justyna , Chmur Magdalena
Published: May 2023

This article is the next part of a series of studies documenting the influence of flower traits on the reproductive success (RS) of orchids. Knowledge of factors influencing RS helps to understand the mechanisms and processes crucial for shaping plant–pollinator interactions. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of flower structure and nectar composition in shaping the RS of the specialist orchid Goodyea repens, which is pollinated by generalist bumblebees. We found a high level of pollinaria removal (PR) and female reproductive success (fruiting, FRS) as well as a high level of variation between populations, although in certain populations pollination efficiency was low. Floral display traits, mainly inflorescence length, influenced FRS in certain populations. Among the flower traits, only the height of flowers was correlated with FRS in one population, suggesting that the flower structure of this orchid is well adapted to pollination by bumblebees. The nectar of G. repens is diluted and dominated by hexoses. Sugars were less important in shaping RS than amino acids. At the species level, twenty proteogenic and six non-proteogenic AAs were noted, along with their differentiated amounts and participation in particular populations. We found that distinct AAs or their groups mainly shaped PR, especially when correlations were considered at the species level. Our results suggest that both the individual nectar components and the ratios between them have an impact on G. repens RS. Because different nectar components influence the RS parameters in different ways (i.e., negatively or positively), we suggest that different Bombus species play the role of main pollinators in distinct populations.