bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online-Offline Teaching for Bio-Pharmaceutical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case Study of Advanced Mathematics in Application-Oriented Universities of China
Authors: Peng Weicai , Wang Shuchao
Published: July 2022

Background

With the development of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of online teaching is becoming more and more prominent, especially for the basic advanced mathematics majoring in bio-pharmaceutical in colleges. However, the only online teaching model loses efficiency when facing the undergraduates in application-oriented universities.

Purpose

How to improve the teaching quality of advanced mathematics has always been a concern because the mathematical abilities of students in application-oriented universities are not ideal. In this article, we develop a blending online-offline teaching model that combined online teaching and offline outcome-based education (OBE), as an alternative to traditional offline education.

Methodology

The comparative analysis experiment is carried out to the two classes of undergraduates. The control group and the experimental group are, respectively, the 2020 class students and the 2021 class students majoring in bio-pharmaceutical. The experimental group students receive the combined teaching method, while the control group students receive the traditional offline education.

Results

(1) From the comparative analysis, we can find that the students under the online-offline teaching model are more differentiated than those under the traditional offline education model. (2) The online-offline teaching model equipped with “case study + knowledge point + applications” process has achieved a good teaching effect in the author's university.

Conclusion

The proposed teaching model can well stimulate students' interest in advanced mathematics learning and resonate with students through actual cases, thereby arousing students' autonomous learning drive and allowing them to apply what they have learned to professional fields.
Simulating Potential Associated Socio-Economic Determinants With Sustainable Food Security (A Macro-Micro Spatial Quantitative Model)
Authors: Pakravan-Charvadeh Mohammad Reza , Flora Cornelia , Khan Haider A.
Published: July 2022

Improving sustainable food security status, nowadays, is an important challenge globally, especially in developing countries. The policy goal should be equity—everyone has the same opportunity to be food secure—rather than equality—everyone gets the same subsidy. Since the culture and socioeconomic status within a country vary from region to region, collapsing all areas into a unique region may introduce errors and inaccurate results, as most studies carried out. This study assesses the geographical pattern of association between food security and socioeconomic factors in urban areas in Iran using a nationally and regionally representative household consumption-expenditure survey from 2010 to 2018. The logistic regression model and big data are used to achieve this goal. The results show that a substantial number of households face food insecurity in urban areas in Iran. Also, different geographic regions have various salient factors that affect food insecurity. Aggregation tests confirmed that researchers should estimate separate models for different provinces, states, and districts to assess and monitor the food security status of a country instead of estimating a unique model for the whole of the country. Geographical disparities should be considered as an important issue before suggesting any catch-all policies for a country. The geo-locational factor of households is a key determinant of the association between socioeconomic factors and food security in urban areas in Iran. In sum, the practical suggestions for improving Iranian households' food security in urban areas are as follows: (1) Developing job opportunities for the head of household. (2) Enhancing the potential for self-employment. (3) Facilitating the study of children within households including providing inexpensive uniforms, books, and materials, especially for poor households. (4) Supporting young couples in terms of accessing to financial resources and providing inexpensive essential equipment of home for them; and (5) Introduction of the importance of dietary diversity and different foods which can be cooked by using these food ingredients within a household. Comparative case studies using similar methodologies can test if our results are generalizable.
Altruism and the Link to Pro-social Pandemic Behavior
Authors: Neumann-Böhme Sebastian , Sabat Iryna , Attema Arthur E.
Published: July 2022

In the Corona pandemic, especially in the phase before vaccines were available, people's risk of infection with COVID-19 was dependent on the adherence to pandemic behaviors (e. g., wearing masks) of others around them. To explore whether altruistic individuals are more likely to engage in pro-social behaviors to protect others during the pandemic, we use data from the European COVID Survey (ECOS). The data was collected in September 2020 and consisted of a representative sample from seven European countries (N = 7,025). Altruism was measured as a deviation from purely self-interested behavior by asking respondents how much they would be willing to donate from an unexpected gain to the equivalent of 1000€. Respondents who were willing to donate more than 0 Euros (68.7%) were treated as altruistic; on average, respondents were willing to donate 11.7% (SD 17.9) of the gain. Controlling for country, sociodemographics, general risk aversion and COVID-specific risk aversion, we find that individuals classified as altruistic were more likely to behave pro-socially. More specifically, we find that altruistic respondents were more likely to wait at home for test results and wear a mask where it is recommended. They would also stay about 1 day longer under quarantine without symptoms after visiting a high-risk country and were less likely to go to a supermarket with COVID symptoms. We find no significant effect for wearing a mask in places where it is mandatory and for inviting more than six people into the house. Furthermore, we find that the subjective risk assessment of COVID-19 also plays a role in these behaviors. Our results support evidence from the literature that suggests that adherence to pro-social pandemic behaviors may be increased if public health officials emphasize the altruistic nature of these behaviors.
Interplanetary Ion Flux Dropouts Across Multiple 3He-Rich Events
Authors: Ho G. C. , Mason G. M. , Allen R. C. , Wimmer-Schweingruber R. F. , Rodríguez-Pacheco J. , Gómez-Herrero R.
Published: July 2022

Solar Orbiter, a joint ESA/NASA mission, is studying the Sun and inner heliosphere in greater detail than ever before. Launched in February 2020, Solar Orbiter has already completed its first three orbits, reaching perihelia of 0.5 au from the Sun in June 2020, February and August 2021. During the first 2 years in orbit, Solar Orbiter observed multiple 3He-rich Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) events inside 1 au. Even though these events were small, their spectral forms, 3He content, and association with energetic electrons and type III bursts convincingly identifies them as 3He-rich SEP events with properties similar to those previously observed at 1 au, and promising new insights as Solar Orbiter moves much closer to the Sun in 2022. In May 2021, we observed six 3He-rich SEP events in close succession within 48 h when Solar Orbiter was at 0.95 au. These events were likely released from the same active region at the Sun, and the particles arrived at Solar Orbiter in two batches with various abundances and intensities, showing strong anisotropies throughout. Multiple ion flux dropouts were also observed with these six 3He-rich SEP events. The fact that we observed so many ion injections in such a short period of time indicates the 3He enrichment and acceleration mechanism can produce SEP from the same region very efficiently and with varying enrichment levels and intensities. In addition, we report for the first-time dropout features that spanned multiple ion events simultaneously. This implies the field line random walk that we observe at 1 au still maintains magnetic connections to a small region back at the Sun up to the entire duration of these events (∼48 h).
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for orphan legume production: Focus on yield and disease resistance in Bambara groundnut
Authors: Olanrewaju Oluwaseyi Samuel , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: July 2022

Orphan legumes are now experiencing growing demand due to the constraints on available major food crops. However, due to focus on major food crops, little research has been conducted on orphan legumes compared to major food crops, especially in microbiome application to improve growth and yield. Recent developments have demonstrated the enormous potential of beneficial microbes in growth promotion and resistance to stress and diseases. Hence, the focus of this perspective is to examine the potential of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to improve Bambara groundnut yield and quality. Further insights into the potential use of PGPR as a biological control agent in the crop are discussed. Finally, three PGPR genera commonly associated with plant growth and disease resistance (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces) were highlighted as case studies for the growth promotion and disease control in BGN production.
Comparison of perioperative outcomes between robotic-assisted and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for mediastinal masses in patients with different body mass index ranges: A population-based study
Authors: Li Rongyang , Ma Zheng , Qu Chenghao , Qiu Jianhao , Wang Kun , Yue Weiming , Tian Hui
Published: July 2022

Background

The effectiveness of robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for mediastinal masses has not been fully evaluated. This study aimed to compare the perioperative outcomes between RATS and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for mediastinal masses, and then explore which group of people would benefit more from RATS.

Methods

This retrospective study compared the perioperative outcomes of patients with mediastinal masses who underwent RATS and VATS from September 2018 to December 2021. Subgroup analysis were performed according to body mass index (BMI) ranges.

Results

A total of 212 patients with mediastinal masses (106 RATS cases and 106 VATS cases) were included. Compared with the VATS group, the RATS group had a significantly reduced incidence of overall postoperative complications (5.7% vs. 14.2%, p = 0.039), complications of grade II or less (3.8% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.023), and pneumonia (2.8% vs. 9.4%, p = 0.045). Hospitalization costs were significantly higher in the RATS group (¥ 49350.0 vs. ¥ 32551.9, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in operation duration, intraoperative estimated blood loss, postoperative chest tube drainage volume, NRS pain score, day of chest tube removal, complications of grade III or more, or in-hospital mortality rate (p > 0.05). Subgroup analysis indicated that the incidence of overall postoperative complications (3.1% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.017), complications of grade II or less (1.5% vs. 12.1%, p = 0.033) and postoperative length of stay (4 days vs. 4.5 days, p = 0.046) were significantly reduced in the RATS group for overweight and obese patients (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2), while these differences became insignificant in the BMI < 24 kg/m2 subgroup.

Conclusion

RATS could reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, shorten the postoperative length of stay and might be a more cost-effective surgical treatment for overweight and obese patients with mediastinal masses.
Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid EAB-277® Supplementation Improved Heart Rate Variability and Clinical Signs in Tracheal Collapse Dogs
Authors: Mektrirat Raktham , Rueangsri Thareerat , Keeratichandacha Waraporn , Soonsawat Sasiwimon , Boonyapakorn Chavalit , Pongkan Wanpitak
Published: July 2022

Canine tracheal collapse is a progressive disease in small breed dogs resulting from chronic inflammation of the tracheal mucosal lining. Polyunsaturated fatty acid EAB-277® is one of the nutraceuticals that can alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a prognostic tool related to sympathovagal balance and oxidative stress level, which is widely used with cardiorespiratory diseases. However, the effect of EAB-277® on HRV in tracheal collapse dogs has rarely been investigated. In this study, 26 tracheal collapse dogs were divided into two groups. In the control group, the dogs received the standard treatment, whereas the dogs in the EAB-277® group received standard treatment combined with EAB-277®. After being treated for 5 weeks, changes in radiographic findings, blood profiles, serum malondialdehyde, inflammatory markers, and HRV were evaluated. This study found that clinical signs were improved in both groups (p < 0.05). However, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were decreased only in the EAB-277® group after treatment for five weeks (p < 0.05) and the mean percent change of MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α at week five compared to baseline in the EAB-277® group was greater than in the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, greater sympathovagal imbalance indicated by decreased standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and standard deviation of the averaged R-R intervals for all 5-minutes segments (SDANN) was found in the control group at week five compared to baseline (P < 0.05), whereas EAB-277® improved SDNN and SDANN and decreased low frequency/high-frequency component (LF/HF ratio) after being treated for five weeks (P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that EAB-277® improves clinical signs and attenuates HRV impairment by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in tracheal collapse dogs.
Platelet Priming and Activation in Naturally Occurring Thermal Burn Injuries and Wildfire Smoke Exposure Is Associated With Intracardiac Thrombosis and Spontaneous Echocardiographic Contrast in Feline Survivors
Authors: Tan Avalene W. K. , Li Ronald H. L. , Ueda Yu , Stern Joshua A. , Hussain Mehrab , Haginoya Satoshi , Sharpe Ashely N. , Gunther-Harrington Catherine T. , Epstein Steven E. , Nguyen Nghi
Published: July 2022

Wildfires pose a major health risk for humans, wildlife, and domestic animals. We previously discovered pathophysiologic parallels between domestic cats with naturally occurring smoke inhalation and thermal burn injuries and human beings with similar injuries; these were characterized by transient myocardial thickening, cardiac troponin I elevation and formation of intracardiac thrombosis. While the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, results from murine models suggest that platelet priming and activation may contribute to a global hypercoagulable state and thrombosis. Herein, we evaluated and compared the degree of platelet activation, platelet response to physiologic agonists and levels of platelet-derived microvesicles (PDMV) in 29 cats with naturally occurring wildfire thermal injuries (WF), 21 clinically healthy cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and 11 healthy cats without HCM (CC). We also quantified and compared circulating PDMVs in WF cats to CC cats. In addition, we examined the association between thrombotic events, severity of burn injuries, myocardial changes, and the degree of platelet activation in cats exposed to wildfires. Flow cytometric detection of platelet surface P-selectin expression showed that WF cats had increased platelet response to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thrombin compared to the two control groups indicating the presence of primed platelets in circulation. In addition, cats in the WF group had increased circulating levels of PDMV, characterized by increased phosphatidylserine on the external leaflet. Cats in the WF group with documented intracardiac thrombosis had elevated platelet activation and platelet priming in the presence of ADP. While high dose arachidonic acid (AA) mostly resulted in platelet inhibition, persistent response to AA was noted among cats in the WF group with intracardiac thrombosis. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated that increased platelet response to AA was independently associated with thrombotic events. This is the first study reporting the significant association between platelet priming and intracardiac thrombosis in domestic cats with naturally occurring wildfire-related injuries and smoke inhalation. Further studies are required to delineate additional mechanisms between inflammation and thrombosis, especially regarding platelet primers and the cyclooxygenase pathway.

One Sentence Summary

Platelet activation and shedding of platelet-derived microvesicles due to platelet priming is present following naturally occurring wildfire smoke exposure and thermal burn injuries in a population of domestic cats.
Self-Reported Clinical Practice of Small Animal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Compliance With RECOVER Guidelines Among Veterinarians in Eight Western European Regions
Authors: Hagley Simon P. , Kruppert Anne , Leal Rodolfo Oliveira , Pizarro del Valle José Carlos , Iannucci Claudia , Hennink Imke , Boiron Ludivine , Hoehne Sabrina N.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

The objective of this study was to assess whether small animal veterinarians across Western Europe are compliant with the 2012 cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines by the Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation (RECOVER).

Methods

A previously published online questionnaire from Switzerland was adapted and translated into 7 languages, corresponding to national languages in Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The survey was distributed via respective national veterinary organizations and social media outlets. A subset of questions was analyzed to evaluate respondent demographics, RECOVER guideline awareness, and to allocate composite compliance scores for CPR preparedness, basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). Percentages of group total (95% confidence interval) were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of region of practice, gender, age, specialty training, and guideline awareness on compliance. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) were generated and significance set at P < 0.05.

Results

Nine-hundred and thirty respondents were included in analysis. Awareness of and compliance with RECOVER guidelines varied widely across regions. Compliance with all assessed RECOVER guideline recommendations was highest in Germany/Austria [14% (7- 27%)] and lowest in France and Portugal [0% (0–3%)]. CPR preparedness compliance was higher in participants aware of RECOVER guidelines [OR 10.1 (5.2-19.5)], those practicing in Germany/Austria [OR 4.1 (1.9–8.8)] or UK/Ireland [OR 2.2 (1.3–3.7)], and lower in those practicing in Portugal [OR 0.2 (0.1–0.9)]. Specialty training [OR 1.8 (1.1–2.9)], guideline awareness [OR 5.2 (3.2–8.6)], and practice in Germany/Austria [OR 3.1 (1.5–6.5)], UK/Ireland [OR 2.6 (1.7–4.1)], or the Netherlands [OR 5.3 (2.0–14.2)] were associated with increased BLS compliance. ALS compliance was higher in participants with guideline awareness [OR 7.0 (2.9–17.0)], specialty training [OR 6.8 (3.8–12.1)], those practicing in Germany/Austria [OR 3.5 (1.3–9.6)], UK/Ireland [OR 4.0 (1.9–8.3)], or Spain [OR 3.2 (1.2–8.3)] and in younger survey participants [OR 0.9 (0.9–1.0)].

Conclusions

Awareness and compliance with RECOVER guidelines varied widely among countries surveyed, however overall compliance scores in all countries were considered low. Further research may highlight factors surrounding poor guideline awareness and compliance so targeted efforts can be made to improve veterinary CPR in Europe.
Efficient Local Refinement near Parametric Boundaries Using kd-Tree Data Structure and Algebraic Level Sets
Authors: Song Tao , Liao Huanyu , Subbarayan Ganesh
Published: July 2022

In analysis of problems with parametric spline boundaries that are immersed or inserted into an underlying domain, the discretization on the underlying domain usually does not conform to the inserted boundaries. While the fixed underlying discretization is of great convenience as the immersed boundaries evolve, the field approximations near the inserted boundaries require refinement in the underlying domain, as do the quadrature cells. In this paper, a kd-tree data structure together with a sign-based and/or distance-based refinement strategy is proposed for local refinement near the inserted boundaries as well as for adaptive quadrature near the boundaries. The developed algorithms construct and utilize implicit forms of parametric Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline (NURBS) surfaces to algebraically (and non-iteratively) estimate distance as well as sign relative to the inserted boundary. The kd-tree local refinement is demonstrated to produce fewer sub-cells for the same accuracy of solution as compared to the classical quad/oct tree-based subdivision. Consistent with the kd-tree data structure, we describe a new a priori refinement algorithm based on the signed and unsigned distance from the inserted boundary. We first demonstrate the local refinement strategy coupled with the the kd-tree data structure by constructing Truncated Hierarchical B-spline (THB-spline) “meshes”. We next demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the developed local refinement strategy through adaptive quadrature near NURBS boundaries inserted within volumetric three-dimensional NURBS discretizations.
A Two-Stage Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm for a Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem with Lot Streaming
Authors: Rooyani Danial , Defersha Fantahun
Published: July 2022

The work in this paper is motivated by a recently published article in which the authors developed an efficient two-stage genetic algorithm for a comprehensive model of a flexible job-shop scheduling problem (FJSP). In this paper, we extend the application of the algorithm to solve a lot streaming problem in FJSP while at the same time expanding the model to incorporate multiple objectives. The objective function terms included in our current work are the minimization of the (1) makespan, (2) maximum sublot flowtime, (3) total sublot flow time, (4) maximum job flowtime, (5) total job flow time, (6) maximum sublot finish-time separation, (7) total sublot finish-time separation, (8) maximum machine load, (9) total machine load, and (10) maximum machine load difference. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the greater need for multi-objective optimization in larger problems, the interaction of the various objective function terms, and their relevance in providing better solution quality. The ability of the two-stage genetic algorithm to jointly optimize all the objective function terms is also investigated. The results show that the algorithm can generate initial solutions that are highly improved in all of the objective function terms. It also outperforms the regular genetic algorithm in convergence speed and final solution quality in solving the multi-objective FJSP lot streaming. We also demonstrate that high-performance parallel computation can further improve the performance of the two-stage genetic algorithm. Nevertheless, the sequential two-stage genetic algorithm with a single CPU outperforms the parallel regular genetic algorithm that uses many CPUs, asserting the superiority of the two-stage genetic algorithm in solving the proposed multi-objective FJSP lot streaming.
On the Estimation of Vector Wind Profiles Using Aircraft-Derived Data and Gaussian Process Regression
Authors: Marinescu Marius , Olivares Alberto , Staffetti Ernesto , Sun Junzi
Published: July 2022

This work addresses the problem of vertical wind profile online estimation at a given location. Specifically, the north and east components of the wind are continuously estimated as functions of time and altitude at two waypoints used for landing on the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas airport. A continuous nowcast of the wind profile is performed in which wind observations are derived from the aircraft states and assimilated into the model. It is well known that wind is one of the utmost contributors to uncertainties in the current and future paradigm of Air Traffic Management. Accurate wind information is key in continuous climb and descent operations, spacing, four dimensional trajectory-based operations, and aircraft performance studies, among others. In this work, wind data are obtained indirectly from the aircraft’s states broadcast by the Mode S and ADS-B aircraft surveillance systems. The Gaussian process regression is adapted to this framework and used to solve the problem. The presented method allows to construct a complete vector wind profile at any specific position that is continuous in time and altitude; namely, there is no need for grid points and time discretisation. The Gaussian process regression is a very flexible estimator which is statistically consistent under general conditions, meaning that it converges to the underground truth when more and more data are dispensed. In addition, the Gaussian process regression approach provides the whole probability distribution of any particular estimation, allowing confidence intervals to be computed naturally. In the case study presented in this paper, in which the wind is constantly estimated, the Gaussian process regression model is iteratively updated every 15 min to capture possible changes in the wind behaviour and give an estimation of the wind profile every half a minute. The method has been validated using a test dataset, achieving a reduction of 50% of the prediction uncertainty in comparison to a baseline model. Moreover, two popular wind profile estimators based on the Kalman filter are also implemented for the sake of comparison. The Kalman filter outperforms the baseline model, but it does not outperform the Gaussian process regression with errors higher by around 35%, in comparison. The obtained results show that the Gaussian process regression of aircraft-derived data reliably nowcast the wind state, which is key in Air Traffic Management.
Characterization of a Wheat-Dasypyrum breviaristatum Chromosome Addition and Its Derived Progenies Carrying Novel Dasypyrum-Specific Gliadin Genes
Authors: Jiang Chengzhi , Jiang Wenxi , Liu Min , Wang Hongjin , Yang Ennian , Yang Zujun , Li Guangrong
Published: July 2022

The construction of the 28-chromosome karyotype of Dasypyrum breviaristatum was undertaken using multicolor non-denaturing fluorescent in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) and Oligo-FISH painting protocols. A novel wheat-D. breviaristatum line D2138 contained 44 chromosomes including a pair of D. breviaristatum 6VbS.2VbL translocation chromosomes. Individual F2 and F3 progenies of a cross between D2138 with wheat lines CM62, MY11 and JM22, respectively, were characterized using ND-FISH and molecular markers. A relatively high chromosome alteration rate within wheat and D. breviaristatum 6VbS and 2VbL was observed in the three progeny populations, suggesting that chromosome 6VbS.2VbL has a gametocidal-like gene. The different types of translocation and deletion lines allowed localization of D. breviaristatum-specific gliadin coding genes on sub-telomeric regions of 6VbS by PCR and acid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The positive effect of the D. breviaristatum 6VbS on agronomic and quality characters was also demonstrated. The new wheat-D. breviaristatum 6VbS and 2VbL translocation lines will be useful as novel germplasm for breeding purposes.
Survey on the Past Decade of Technology in Animal Enrichment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kresnye K. Cassie , Chung Chia-Fang , Martin Christopher Flynn , Shih Patrick C.
Published: July 2022

Environmental enrichment is adding complexity to an environment that has a positive impact on a captive animal as a necessity of care. Computing technology is being rapidly weaved throughout the space in both enrichment devices as well as evaluating enrichment outcomes. In this article, we present a scoping review of 102 captive animal enrichment studies and propose a contextual lens for exploring current practices. We discuss the importance of directed growth in species inclusion, transitioning beyond anthro-centric designs, and utilizing shared methodologies.
Visual Responses to Moving and Flashed Stimuli of Neurons in Domestic Pigeon (Columba livia domestica) Optic Tectum
Authors: Huang Shuman , Niu Xiaoke , Wang Jiangtao , Wang Zhizhong , Xu Huaxing , Shi Li
Published: July 2022

Birds can rapidly and accurately detect moving objects for better survival in complex environments. This visual ability may be attributed to the response properties of neurons in the optic tectum. However, it is unknown how neurons in the optic tectum respond differently to moving objects compared to static ones. To address this question, neuronal activities were recorded from domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) optic tectum, responsible for orienting to moving objects, and the responses to moving and flashed stimuli were compared. An encoding model based on the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) framework was established to explain the difference in neuronal responses. The experimental results showed that the first spike latency to moving stimuli was smaller than that to flashed ones and firing rate was higher. The model further implied the faster and stronger response to a moving target result from spatiotemporal integration process, corresponding to the spatially sequential activation of tectal neurons and the accumulation of information in time. This study provides direct electrophysiological evidence about the different tectal neuron responses to moving objects and flashed ones. The findings of this investigation increase our understanding of the motion detection mechanism of tectal neurons.
Macromolecular Structure Assembly as a Novel Antibiotic Target
Authors: Champney Scott
Published: July 2022

This review discusses the inhibition of macromolecular structure formation as a novel and under-investigated drug target. The disruption of cell wall structures by penicillin-binding protein interactions is one potential target. Inhibition of DNA polymerase III assembly by novel drugs is a second target that should be investigated. RNA polymerase protein structural interactions are a third potential target. Finally, disruption of ribosomal subunit biogenesis represents a fourth important target that can be further investigated. Methods to examine these possibilities are discussed.
Development of 4-[4-(Anilinomethyl)-3-phenyl-pyrazol-1-yl] Benzoic Acid Derivatives as Potent Anti-Staphylococci and Anti-Enterococci Agents
Authors: Raj KC Hansa , Gilmore David F. , Alam Mohammad A.
Published: July 2022

From a library of compounds, 11 hit antibacterial agents have been identified as potent anti-Gram-positive bacterial agents. These pyrazole derivatives are active against two groups of pathogens, staphylococci and enterococci, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values as low as 0.78 μg/mL. These potent compounds showed bactericidal action, and some were effective at inhibiting and eradicating Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. Real-time biofilm inhibition by the potent compounds was studied, by using Bioscreen C. These lead compounds were also very potent against S. aureus persisters as compared to controls, gentamycin and vancomycin. In multiple passage studies, bacteria developed little resistance to these compounds (no more than 2 × MIC). The plausible mode of action of the lead compounds is the permeabilization of the cell membrane determined by flow cytometry and protein leakage assays. With the detailed antimicrobial studies, both in planktonic and biofilm contexts, some of these potent compounds have the potential for further antimicrobial drug development.
Distribution of ESBL/AmpC-Escherichia coli on a Dairy Farm
Authors: Homeier-Bachmann Timo , Kleist Jette F. , Schütz Anne K. , Bachmann Lisa
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of ESBL/AmpC-producing Escherichia (E.) coli and to investigate their on-farm distribution on an exemplary dairy farm. For this purpose, sample sizes were calculated, and fecal samples were collected from cattle of all ages and analyzed for the presence of ESBL/AmpC-E. coli using selective media supplemented with cefotaxime. These antibiotic-resistant bacteria were detected in 22.5% of the samples tested. The prevalence was highest in the calf age group, in which 100% of the collected fecal samples were positive. With increasing age, the prevalence decreased in the other sample groups. While ESBL/AmpC E. coli could still be detected in young stock (15%) and breeding heifers (5%), no resistant pathogens could be detected in adult animals. Whole-genome sequencing of the ESBL/AmpC-E. coli isolates revealed, first, that all isolates were ESBL producers (CTX-M-1 and CTX-M-15) and, second, that ST362, which is known as a biofilm producer, was dominant in the calves (85%, n = 17). Based on these results and the evaluation of a questionnaire, possible causes for the occurrence of ESBL/AmpC-E. coli were discussed and recommendations for the reduction in transmission were formulated. Unlike most German dairy farms, no waste milk feeding was apparent; therefore, factors reducing ESBL/AmpC-E. coli are primarily related to an improvement in hygiene management to prevent biofilms, e.g., in nipple buckets, but also to question the use of antibiotics, e.g., in the treatment of diarrheic calves.
Reviewing the Traditional/Modern Uses, Phytochemistry, Essential Oils/Extracts and Pharmacology of Embelia ribes Burm.
Authors: Sharma Vineet , Gautam Dev Nath Singh , Radu Andrei-Flavius , Behl Tapan , Bungau Simona Gabriela , Vesa Cosmin Mihai
Published: July 2022

Objectives: Embelia ribes Burm. (E. ribes, Myrsinaceae), also known as Vidanga in Ayurveda, has been shown to have significant therapeutic benefits on several disorders, and its main chemical bioactive constituent, embelin, has the therapeutic potential to be converted into innovative drugs, which is why it has recently received considerable interest. In the present work, we provide a higher level of comprehension, awareness, and extensive knowledge of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological characteristics of E. ribes throughout the last several decades (February 1965 to June 2021), emphasizing the importance of the study of essential oils extracted from E. ribes, which show a major potential for exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Materials and Methods: Google Scholar, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scifinder, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were used to conduct a thorough literature search. Results: E. ribes is high in essential oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, and phenolics, all of which have medicinal benefits. The essential oils/extracts and isolated chemical constituents exhibited antioxidant activity, wound healing, antidiabetic, central nervous system (CNS)-related disease, antiviral, antiobesity, cardioprotective, antifungal, antibacterial, and antifertility activity, among other promising pharmacological effects. Conclusion: The translation between traditional applications and modern medicine may make E. ribes a promising target for the implementation of innovative medication. To investigate the efficacy and safety profile of E. ribes, further high-quality preclinical studies using advanced methodologies are required.
CORSIA—A Feasible Second Best Solution?
Authors: Wozny Florian , Grimme Wolfgang , Maertens Sven , Scheelhaase Janina
Published: July 2022

This paper studies the feasibility of CORSIA’s carbon neutral growth goal based on verified carbon offsetting. It is motivated by an ongoing general debate about the climate and regulatory integrity of carbon offsetting, thus systematically identifying critical carbon offset characteristics. Using registry data from the largest carbon offset verifiers eligible under CORSIA, we show that the majority of carbon offsets have minor climate integrity. This challenges CORSIA’s neutral growth objective. However, unconditional offset price differentials are only weak signals for climate integrity. To increase environmental effectiveness, a narrower scope of eligibility rules is necessary in order to ensure maximum compliance of projects and strengthen the necessary price effect of carbon offsets. However, it is highly questionable whether there is enough potential supply of offsets to ensure such high integrity, indicating that carbon offsetting should be considered as a transitory measure only.
Investigation and Estimation of Groundwater Level Fluctuation Potential: A Case Study in the Pei-Kang River Basin and Chou-Shui River Basin of the Taiwan Mountainous Region
Authors: Chen Nai-Chin , Wen Hui-Yu , Li Feng-Mei , Hsu Shih-Meng , Ke Chien-Chung , Lin Yen-Tsu , Huang Chi-Chao
Published: July 2022

The analysis of the spatiotemporal characteristics of groundwater level variation is a prerequisite for evaluating groundwater potential or underpinning aquifer sustainability development in hydrogeological engineering practices. This study explores the dominant influencing factors that control groundwater dynamics and develops an estimation of groundwater level fluctuation (GWLF) potential in the complex aquifer systems of mountainous areas. Eight natural environmental factors, including slope, drainage density, land use, lithology, hydraulic conductivity, porosity, groundwater depth, and regolith thickness, have been selected as influencing factors, and the feature scores for different factors associated with GWLF potential were given with the expert scoring method. The weighting coefficients of individual influencing factors for wet/dry seasons were determined using the pseudo-inverse method based on the groundwater level data of 18 well stations observed from 1 November 2011 to 31 October 2019 in Taiwan mountainous areas. The results show that the weighting coefficients of these factors in controlling GWLF potential are variable and affected by seasonal and annual rainfall conditions. Based on the determined weighting coefficients, the spatial distribution of GWLF potential can be effectively produced. Finally, the simulated GWLF potential results were verified by comparing the observed data. The verification result demonstrates that the developed model can predict the spatial GWLF distribution based on the groundwater level data from a few wells.
BMI, Body Image, and Quality of Life—Moderating Role of Physical Activity
Authors: Milanović Ljubica , Živković Danijela , Đošić Anđela , Mitić Petar , Cicović Borislav , Purenović-Ivanović Tijana , Nedeljković Jasmina , Cicović Vanja , Pantelić Saša
Published: July 2022

Body mass index (BMI) and body image (BI) are constructs worth examining in the context of physical activity (PA), and they are both related to quality of life (QoL). PA, BMI, and BI should all be considered as associated parameters, and their effect on QoL should be examined and understood. This study aimed to determine the moderating role of PA in the relationship of BMI and BI with QoL. The sample of examinees consisted of 500 respondents (307 women; aged 39 ± 6 years). A physical activity self-evaluation questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) was used to estimate PA; BI was evaluated by using the Body Image Dimensional Assessment (BIDA) questionnaire, while QoL was determined with the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The results showed that vigorous PA moderates the relationship between BMI and social relationships in adults (Sig. = 0.000). Walking and vigorous PA affect the relationship between BMI and environmental health (Sig. = 0.017 and Sig. = 0.049, respectively). Both walking (Sig. = 0.035) and moderate PA (Sig. = 0.032) alternate the relationships between BI and social relationships. Walking (Sig. = 0.000) and vigorous PA (Sig. = 0.016) moderate the relationship between BI and environmental health. The influence of PA on the moderation of the relationship of BMI and BI with physical and psychological health in the working population was not statistically significant.
Orthodontic Loads in Teeth after Regenerative Endodontics: A Finite Element Analysis of the Biomechanical Performance of the Periodontal Ligament
Authors: Bucchi Cristina , Del Fabbro Massimo , Marcé-Nogué Jordi
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study was to analyse the stress distribution in the periodontal ligament and tooth structure of a cementum-reinforced tooth, a dentine-reinforced tooth and an immature tooth during orthodontic loads using a finite element analysis. A finite element model of a maxillary incisor and its supporting tissues was developed. The root was segmented into two parts: a part that represented a root in an immature state and an apical part that represented the tissue formed after regenerative endodontics. The apical part was given the mechanical properties of dentine or cementum. The three models underwent simulation of mesial load, palatal inclination and rotation. The mean stress values and stress distribution patterns of the periodontal ligament of the dentine- and cementum-reinforced teeth were similar in all scenarios. The maturation of the root, with either dentine or cementum, was beneficial for all scenarios, since the periodontal ligament of the immature tooth showed the highest mean stress values. Under the condition of this computational study, orthodontic loads can be applied in teeth previously treated with regenerative endodontics, since the distribution of stress is similar to those of physiologically mature teeth. In vivo studies should be performed to validate these results.
A Feedback System Supporting Students Approaching a High-Level Programming Course
Authors: Kuo Jong-Yih , Lin Hui-Chi , Wang Ping-Feng , Nie Zhen-Gang
Published: July 2022

This study analyzes the mistakes students are prone to make in programming and uses the GDB and Valgrind tools to implement dynamic analysis techniques for their eventual application to programs created by students. In the analysis process, spectral error localization technology is used to strengthen the dynamic analysis to find errors more accurately. The analyzed results are sorted and corresponding feedback is given to students in order for them to better understand the content of errors when revising the program and classifying and counting the types of errors made. This study sorts mistakes frequently made by students and topics in which students are likely to make certain mistakes. The developed system was implemented in experiments including students from a programming course who were divided into two groups, namely the experimental group and the control group. A system for both groups of students to upload and submit assignments and a code analysis and feedback improvement system were used. Students in the control group only used the assignment uploading and submitting system for basic assignment uploading, verification, and the comparison of test data. After the program was entered, declarative sentence disassembly and dynamic slicing were suggested. Data were sent to GNU Debugger (GDB) and Valgrind for spectral error location; the classification and recording of error types; and the interpretation of the number of error lines, error types, and related variables. Feedback and a generated report were sent back to the student interface to provide effective and useful feedback to the students in the experimental group for them to revise their homework and record the types and number of errors they made in that week’s homework in the database. The answers provided by the students to the questions were recorded. The analysis of the pass rates of the students in the experimental and control groups for each homework test aided the understanding of the differences in the learning success of the two groups of students each week. The weekly pass rates and the numbers of measured errors in the experimental group compared with in the control group were input into a distribution map to allow us to better understand whether there was any positive correlation between the detected information, feedback to the students, pass rates of the tests, and other related data. The system statistically obtained feedback and the degree of improvement of homework programs; then, it distributed specially designed questionnaires to all students to directly obtain and quantify their feedback and perceived benefits of this system, thereby verifying the effectiveness of the system and its practicality.
FarmDay: A Gamified Virtual Reality Neurorehabilitation Application for Upper Limb Based on Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Rojo Ana , Santos-Paz Jose Ángel , Sánchez-Picot Álvaro , Raya Rafael , García-Carmona Rodrigo
Published: July 2022

Patients with upper limb disorders are limited in their activities of daily living and impose an important healthcare burden due to the repetitive rehabilitation they require. A way to reduce this burden is through home-based therapy using virtual reality solutions, since they are readily available, provide immersion, and enable accurate motion tracking, and custom applications can be developed for them. However, there is lack of guidelines for the design of effective VR rehabilitation applications in the literature, particularly for bimanual training. This work introduces a VR telerehabilitation system that uses off-the-shelf hardware, a real-time remote setup, and a bimanual training application that aims to improve upper extremity motor function. It is made of six activities and was evaluated by five physiotherapists specialised in (2) neuromotor disorders and (3) functional rehabilitation and occupational therapy. A descriptive analysis of the results obtained from the System Usability Scale test of the application and a collection of qualitative assessments of each game have been carried out. The application obtained a mean score of 86.25 (±8.96 SD) in the System Usability Scale, and the experts concluded that it accurately reproduces activities of daily living movements except for wrist and finger movements. They also offer a set of design guidelines.
Cold Storage Media versus Optisol-GS in the Preservation of Corneal Quality for Keratoplasty: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gimenes Izabela , Pintor Andréa V. Braga , da Silva Sardinha Mariana , Marañón-Vásquez Guido A. , Gonzalez Marcelo Salabert , Presgrave Octavio Augusto França , Maia Lucianne Cople , Alves Gutemberg Gomes
Published: July 2022

Optisol-GS is the most widely used pharmaceutical composition to preserve corneas for transplantation. This systematic review investigated the effects of different cold corneal storage media (CCSM) compared with Optisol-GS on the quality of stored corneas. The literature was searched throughout May 2022 on six databases and grey literature. Studies including corneas (population) exposed to distinct cold storage media (exposure) and Optisol-GS (comparison) that reported qualitative and/or quantitative parameters of cornea quality (outcome) were included. Methodological quality was assessed using ToxRTool. From 4520 identified studies, fourteen were included according to the eligibility criteria, comprising 769 evaluated cornea samples comparing Optisol-GS with commercial and noncommercial media. All studies showed good methodological quality. Experimental times ranged from 1–28 days, mainly using 4 °C as the preservation temperature. Viable endothelial cell density (ECD) and endothelial cell morphology (EC) were the most assessed parameters. ECD results for Cornisol were higher than Optisol-GS in 10 days (p = 0.049) and favored Cornea ColdTM up to 4 weeks (p < 0.05), which also showed better qualitative results. While the standardization of test protocols could improve comparisons, evidence indicates that most CCSM present similar performances on cornea preservation for transplantation at seven days, while some formulations may increase preservation at extended times.
Publisher’s Note: A New Chapter for Advances in Respiratory Medicine—Continued Publication by MDPI
Authors: Aunós Clàudia
Published: July 2022

Advances in Respiratory Medicine is a journal with a rich history dating back to 1909, when the journal was previously named Gruźlica (Tuberculosis) and published in Polish [...]