bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Support- and meaning-focused coping as key factors for maintaining adult quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Cohrdes Caroline , Pryss Rüdiger , Baumeister Harald , Eicher Sophie , Knoll Nina , Hölling Heike
Published: June 2023

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, questions about both consequences and helpful strategies to maintain quality of life (QoL) have become increasingly important. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of coping factors during the COVID-19 pandemic, their associations with QoL and the moderating role of certain sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Analyses were based on cross-sectional self-reports from German adult participants (N = 2,137, 18–84 years, 52.1% female) of the CORONA HEALTH APP Study from July 2020 to July 2021. Multivariate regression analyses were used to predict (a) coping factors assessed with the Brief COPE and (b) QoL assessed with the WHOQOL-BREF while taking measurement time, central sociodemographic, and health characteristics into account.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, German adults mostly pursued problem- and meaning-focused coping factors and showed a relatively good QoL [Mean values (M) from 57.2 to 73.6, standard deviations (SD) = 16.3−22.6], except for the social domain (M = 57.2, SD = 22.6), and with a decreasing trend over time (β from −0.06 to −0.11, ps < 0.01). Whereas, escape-avoidance coping was negatively related to all QoL domains (β = −0.35, p < 0.001 for psychological, β = −0.22, p < 0.001 for physical, β = −0.13, p = 0.045 for social, β = −0.49, p < 0.001 for environmental QoL), support- and meaning-focused coping showed positive associations with various QoL domains (β from 0.19 to 0.45, ps < 0.01). The results also suggested differences in the pursuit of coping factors as well as in the strength of associations with QoL by sociodemographic characteristics. Escape-avoidance-focused coping was negatively associated with QoL levels in older and less educated adults (simple slopes differed at ps < 0.001), in particular.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated what types of coping may be helpful to avoid QoL deterioration (i.e., support- and meaning-focused coping) and provide implications for future universal or targeted health promotion (i.e., older or less educated adults who lack social or instrumental support) and preparedness in the face of unknown challenging societal situations similar to that of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional trends of enhanced use of escape-avoidance-focused coping and QoL deterioration point toward a need for increased attention from public health and policy.
Comparing outcomes of ultra-low-cost hearing aids to programmable, refurbished hearing aids for adults with high frequency hearing loss in Malawi: a feasibility study
Authors: Parmar Bhavisha , Phiri Mwanaisha , Jailos Louis , Kachapila Regina , Saleb Benjamin , Mulwafu Wakisa , Manchaiah Vinay , Bhamla M. Saad
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Access to ear and hearing health services are limited or non-existent in low-income countries, with less than 10% of the global production of hearing aids distributed to this population. The aim of this feasibility study was to compare the outcomes of an ultra-low-cost hearing aid (LoCHAid) to programmable, refurbished hearing aids for adults with high-frequency hearing loss, in Blantyre, Malawi.

Methods

Sixteen adults with high frequency hearing loss, and no prior experience of hearing aids, took part in this study, nine were fitted with the LoCHAid and seven were fitted with refurbished, programmable hearing aids, for a one-month trial. Five standardized hearing qualities questionnaires were used to compare outcomes pre and post device fitting and between devices. Questionnaire scales were analysed using general linear models and inductive thematic analysis was used to evaluate qualitative data.

Results

Overall, there was no significant difference found between LoCHAid and refurbished hearing aids, and the two device types each showed a similar degree of improvement after fitting. Qualitative data analysis identified two key themes: Sound Quality and User experience.

Conclusion

The results from this feasibility study are encouraging, but a comprehensive, larger clinical study is needed to draw firm conclusions about the LoCHAid's performance. This study has identified key improvement indicators required to enhance sound quality and user experience of the LoCHAid.
Emergence of functionally aberrant and subsequent reduction of neuromuscular connectivity and improved motor performance after cervical spinal cord injury in Rhesus
Authors: Wai Gregory , Zdunowski Sharon , Zhong Hui , Nielson Jessica L. , Ferguson Adam R. , Strand Sarah C. , Moseanko Rod , Hawbecker Stephanie , Nout-Lomas Yvette S. , Rosenzweig Ephron S. , Beattie Michael S. , Bresnahan Jacqueline C. , Tuszynski Mark H. , Roy Roland R. , Edgerton V. Reggie
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The paralysis that occurs after a spinal cord injury, particularly during the early stages of post-lesion recovery (∼6 weeks), appears to be attributable to the inability to activate motor pools well beyond their motor threshold. In the later stages of recovery, however, the inability to perform a motor task effectively can be attributed to abnormal activation patterns among motor pools, resulting in poor coordination.

Method

We have tested this hypothesis on four adult male Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), ages 6-10 years, by recording the EMG activity levels and patterns of multiple proximal and distal muscles controlling the upper limb of the Rhesus when performing three tasks requiring different levels of skill before and up to 24 weeks after a lateral hemisection at C7. During the recovery period the animals were provided routine daily care, including access to a large exercise cage (5' × 7' × 10') and tested every 3-4 weeks for each of the three motor tasks.

Results

At approximately 6-8 weeks the animals were able to begin to step on a treadmill, perform a spring-loaded task with the upper limb, and reaching, grasping, and eating a grape placed on a vertical stick. The predominant changes that occurred, beginning at ∼6-8 weeks of the recovery of these tasks was an elevated level of activation of most motor pools well beyond the pre-lesion level.

Discussion

As the chronic phase progressed there was a slight reduction in the EMG burst amplitudes of some muscles and less incidence of co-contraction of agonists and antagonists, probably contributing to an improved ability to selectively activate motor pools in a more effective temporal pattern. Relative to pre-lesion, however, the EMG patterns even at the initial stages of recovery of successfully performing the different motor tasks, the level of activity of most muscle remained higher. Perhaps the most important concept that emerges from these data is the large combinations of adaptive strategies in the relative level of recruitment and the timing of the peak levels of activation of different motor pools can progressively provide different stages to regain a motor skill.
A tomographic approach to the sum uncertainty relation and quantum entanglement in continuous variable systems
Authors: Paul Soumyabrata , Lakshmibala S. , Balakrishnan V. , Ramanan S.
Published: June 2023

Entropic uncertainty relations (EURs) have been examined in various contexts, primarily in qubit systems, including their links with entanglement, as they subsume the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. With their genesis in the Shannon entropy, EURs find applications in quantum information and quantum optics. EURs are state-dependent, and the state has to be reconstructed from tomograms (which are histograms readily available from experiments). This is a challenge when the Hilbert space is large, as in continuous variable (CV) systems and certain hybrid quantum (HQ) systems. A viable alternative approach therefore is to extract as much information as possible about the unknown quantum state directly from appropriate tomograms. Many variants of EURs can be extracted from tomograms, even for CV systems. In earlier work we have defined many tomographic entanglement indicators (TEIs) that can be readily calculated from tomograms without knowledge of the density matrix, and have reported on their efficacy as entanglement indicators in various contexts in both CV and HQ systems. The specific objectives of the present work are as follows: (i) To use the tomographic approach to investigate the links between EURs and TEIs in CV and HQ systems as they evolve in time. (ii) To identify the TEI that most closely tracks the temporal evolution of EURs. We consider two generic systems. The first is a multilevel atom modeled as a nonlinear oscillator interacting with a quantized radiation field. The second is the Λ-atom interacting with two radiation fields. The former model accomodates investigations on the role of the initial state of the field and the ratio of the strengths of interaction and nonlinearity in the connection between TEIs and EURs. The second model opens up the possibility of examining the connection between mixed state bipartite entanglement and EURs, when the number of atomic levels is finite. Since the tomogram respects the requirements of classical probability theory, this effort also sheds light on the extent to which TEIs reflect the temporal behaviour of those EURs which are rooted in the Shannon entropy.
Examining the validity, reliability and feasibility of capturing children's physical literacy through games-based assessment in physical education
Authors: Wilkie Brett , Jordan Alastair , Foulkes Jonathan , Woods Carl T. , Davids Keith , Rudd James
Published: June 2023

Background

Observational tools can help refine practice design and guide the creation of effective learning environments. The intention of this study was to design and validate an observational instrument for assessing physical literacy that remains more faithful to the philosophically complex and holistic nature of the concept.

Methods

Framed by concepts of ecological dynamics, the emergent games-based assessment tool enables capture of children's interactions with their environment, providing insight on the manifestation of physical literacy within physical education games. The design and validation of the instrument consisted of a multistage process: (1) design of the observational instrument and establishing face validity; (2) pilot observation study; (3) expert qualitative and quantitative review to establish content validity; (4) observation training; and (5), establishing observer reliability.

Results

Following expert qualitative and quantitative evaluation, Aiken's V coefficient was used to determine content validity. Results achieved demanding levels of validity (V ≥ 0.78) for all retained measurement variables. Cohen's κ values for inter- and intra-observer reliability ranged from 0.331 to 1.00 and 0.552 to 1.00, generally reporting “substantial” agreement during inter-observer analysis and “substantial” to “almost perfect” agreement during intra-observer analysis.

Conclusions

The final model of the emergent games-based assessment tool, with 9 ecological conceptualisations of behaviour, 15 measurement variables, and 44 categorical observational items was found to be valid and reliable, providing both educators and researchers with a useful mechanism to assess physical literacy during gameplay.
Comparison of anterior and posterior approaches in Treating odontoid fractures: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Bao Xianguo , Chen Yingjun , Guo Chen , Xu Shuai
Published: June 2023

Background

Odontoid fractures account for 15%–20% of cervical injuries. Although the operation methods vary in different types, the superiority of overall outcomes of the anterior approach (AA) and posterior approach (PA) in treating odontoid fractures still remains controversial. Thus, a meta-analysis was performed comparing AA and PA for these fractures.

Methods

The relevant studies were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China Biological Medicine (CBM), and Wanfang Database from the onset of conception to June 2022. Prospective or retrospective comparative studies on AA and PA for odontoid fractures were screened, referring to fusion rates (primary outcomes), complications, and postoperative mortality rates. A meta-analysis of the primary outcomes and a systematic review of other outcomes were performed; the procedure was conducted with Review Manager 5.3.

Results

Twelve articles comrising 452 patients were included, and all publications were retrospective cohort studies. The average postoperative fusion rate was 77.5 ± 17.9% and 91.4 ± 13.5% in AA and PA, respectively, with statistical significance [OR = 0.42 (0.22, 0.80), P = 0.009]. Subgroup analysis showed a difference in fusion rates between AA and PA in the elderly group [OR = 0.16 (0.05, 0.49), P = 0.001]. Five articles referred to postoperative mortality, and the mortality rates of AA (5.0%) and PA (2.3%) showed no statistical difference (P = 0.148). Nine studies referred to complications, with a rate of 9.7%. The incidence of complications in AA and PA groups was comparable (P = 0.338), and the incidence of nonfusion and complications was irrelevant. The prevalent cause of death was myocardial infarction. The time and segmental movement retention of AA were possibly superior to those of PA.

Conclusion

AA may be superior in regard to operation time and motion retention. There was no difference in complications and mortality rates between the two approaches. The posterior approach would be preferred in consideration of the fusion rate.
Effects of Lacticaseibacillus casei (Lactobacillus casei) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae mixture on growth performance, hematological parameters, immunological responses, and intestinal microbiome in weaned pigs
Authors: Kim Sheena , Kwak Jinok , Song Minho , Cho Jinho , Kim Eun Sol , Keum Gi Beom , Doo Hyunok , Pandey Sriniwas , Cho Jae Hyoung , Ryu Sumin , Kim San , Im Yu-Mi , Kim Hyeun Bum
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects ofLacticaseibacillus casei(Lactobacillus casei) andSaccharomyces cerevisiaemixture on growth performance, hematological parameters, immunological responses, and gut microbiome in weaned pigs.

Methods

A total of 300 crossbred pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc; 8.87 ± 0.34  kg of average initial body weight [BW]; 4  weeks of age) were divided into two dietary treatments (15 pigs/pen, 10 replicates/treatment) using a randomized complete block design (block = BW): control (CON) and the effective microorganism (MEM). The CON was not treated, while the MEM was treated with the mixture ofL. casei(1 × 107 CFU/mL) andS. cerevisiae(1 × 107 CFU/mL) at 3 mL/pig/day for 4  weeksviathe drinking water supply. Two feces and one blood sample from the randomly selected pigs in each pen were collected on D1 and D28 after weaning. Pigs were individually weighed, and pen feed intakes were recorded to evaluate pig growth performance. For the gut microbiome analysis, 16S rRNA gene hypervariable regions (V5 to V6) were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform, and Quantitative Insight into Microbial Ecology (QIIME) and Microbiome Helper pipeline were used for 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis.

Results and Discussion

The daily weight gain and feed efficiency of MEM were significantly higher than those of CON (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in hematological parameters and immune responses between CON and MEM. However, MEM had significantly lowerTreponemagenus, whereas significantly higherLactobacillusandRoseburiagenera compared to CON. Overall, our data showed thatL. caseiandS. cerevisiaemixture could promote growth performance through the modulation of gut microbiota in pigs. This study will help to understand the correlation between the growth performance and the gut microbiome.
Effects of increasing levels of lasalocid supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry, ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and gas production of growing goats
Authors: Basmaeil Saeid M. , Suliman Gamaleldin M. , Al Garadi Maged A. , Al-Badwi Mohammed A. , Abdelrahman Mutassim M. , Al-Harbi Fahad S. , El-Waziry Ahmed M. , Alhidary Ibrahim A. , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Lasalocid is a feed additive widely used in ruminant nutrition and plays a crucial role in improving livestock productivity, digestibility, immunity, and overall wellbeing. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of lasalocid (LAS) supplementation on growth performance, serum biochemistry, ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro nutrient digestibility, and gas production of growing goats.

Methods

A total of 60 growing Aardi male goats with an average body weight of ~17.12 kg (3-month-old) were used for an 84-day trial. Animals were randomly divided into four treatment groups with 5 replicates of 3 goats each. All four groups were provided with a basal diet supplemented with lasalocid (LAS) at 0 (without supplementation; LAS0), 10 (LAS10), 20 (LAS20), or 30 (LAS30) ppm LAS/kg dry matter (DM). Feed intake was measured weekly, and goats were weighed every 2 weeks for an evaluation of the performance parameters. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of biochemical variables. In vitro nutrient digestibility and gas production were evaluated.

Results and discussion

The supplementation of LAS at level 30 ppm/kg DM increased (P < 0.05) the body weight gain and average daily gain without linear or quadratic effect. The serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the LAS20 group than in other groups with linear and quadratic effects, while low-density lipoprotein concentration was significantly lower in the LAS20 group than in LAS0 and LAS30 with a linear effect. Different levels of lasalocid supplementation had no effect on the ruminal fermentation profile, in vitro gas production, and nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, the addition of LAS (20–30 ppm/kg DM) to the goat's diet can improve the growth performance and lipoprotein profile.
Effect of Air Jet Vortex Generators on the Shock Wave Boundary Layer Interaction of Transonic Wing
Authors: Dai Tingkai , Zhang Bo
Published: June 2023

The interaction between shock waves and turbulent boundary layers (SBLI) is a common phenomenon in transonic and supersonic aircraft wings. In this study, we simulated the SBLI of a classical NACA0012 wing at an angle of attack (AOA) of 1.4° and Mach number (Ma) of 0.78 using the open-source software OpenFOAM. Our results show that an air-jet vortex generator can effectively reduce the length of the separation zone and improve the lift coefficient of the airfoil. The vortex structure generated by the jet vortex generator significantly reduces the separation caused by SBLI. We conducted simulations with jet angles of 30°, 45°, and 60° and found that the larger the jet angle, the stronger the vortex and the greater the improvement in the lift coefficient. When the jet angle was 60°, the vortex structure generated by the jet vortex generator transformed the normal shock wave into a λ shock wave, resulting in a maximum increase in the lift coefficient of 2.35%. The simulations focused on exploring the effect of the jet angle and determined that that optimal jet parameters that effectively reduce SBLI damage and improve the lift coefficient of the airfoil.
Persistence of Growth Enhancement Induced by Oxygen Plasma Irradiation Seed and Leaf
Authors: Ahmed Shameem , Khanom Sayma , Hayashi Nobuya
Published: June 2023

The variation of gene expression of seeds or leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana was investigated by irradiation with oxygen and air plasmas. The irradiation with oxygen plasma reported on the growth promotion and induced the consequence of gene expression in plant cells by neutral active oxygen species. The increase in leaf area ratio by oxygen plasma to seeds was due to epigenetics such as activation of DNA demethylation transcription factors and the growth enhancement effect induced by the plasma irradiation of seeds was inherited by next-generation cells through cell division even after germination. In oxygen irradiation for 10 s, expression of each de-DNA methylation-related gene increased, and DNA methylation-related genes decreased in expression. DNA acetylation that induces gene expressions was suppressed. However, irradiated for 20 s by oxygen, both demethylation suppression and promotion and methylation/acetylation suppression and promotion were obtained. On the other hand, methylation and demethylation may occur at the same time but were not significant and the acetylation was suppressed by air plasma irradiation. In both cases, active oxygen species was the key factor for the variation of gene expression.
Biotic and Abiotic Stress Management in Grapevine: Recent Advances and Major Breakthroughs
Authors: Santos Rita B. , Figueiredo Andreia
Published: June 2023

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L [...]
The Self-Stranding Behavior of a Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) in Inner Danish Waters and Considerations concerning Human Interference in Live Strandings
Authors: Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Thøstesen Charlotte Bie , Hansen Kirstin Anderson , Sonne Christian , Kinze Carl Christian , Mikkelsen Lars , Thomsen Annika , Povlsen Peter , Larsen Hanne Lyngholm , Linder Anne Cathrine , Pagh Sussie
Published: June 2023

The rescue attempts of stranded whales and euthanasia considerations must include condition assessments of the individual involved, but this is challenged by our insufficient knowledge about the health statuses of these whales. Here, we describe three separate strandings of a young male killer whale (Orcinus orca) in shallow Danish waters during 2021–2022. During the first two stranding events, the whale exhibited remarkable behavior and, after refloating attempts and several kilometers of swimming, it returned to shallow water. This suggests that it actively chose to be in this shallow water, perhaps to ensure free airways and respiration. During the last stranding, it stayed in shallow water for 30 days, during which, euthanasia was considered due to its seemingly worsened condition, including a collapsed dorsal fin. However, suddenly, the whale swam away and, a year later, he was seen alive, confirming that euthanasia would have been the wrong decision. This case raises an important question as to when and under what circumstances active human interventions, such as refloating attempts, should be launched and when euthanasia should be carried out. Every stranding is unique and decisions should be based on thorough considerations of the animal’s health and the chance of a successful rescue.
Elements in Soft Tissues of the Young Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lam. 1819 Collected in Sevastopol Bay (Crimea, Black Sea): Effects of Age, Sex, Location, and Principal Morphometric Parameters
Authors: Kapranov Sergey V. , Kozintsev Alexander F. , Bobko Nikolay I. , Ryabushko Vitaliy I.
Published: June 2023

Although the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis has been known for decades as an excellent bioindicator of trace element pollution in the marine environment, there is still no information on the effects of a suite of its principal morphometric parameters and age on trace element levels in soft tissues. In this work, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, we studied the contents of 72 elements in soft tissues of M. galloprovincialis aged 0.5–4, which were sampled at three stations within a relatively small water body, Sevastopol Bay. Significant effects of age and sampling location on the element contents and soft tissue dry-to-wet weight ratio were discovered. The effects of sex were not significant. It was presumed for the first time that the decrease in element content in the soft tissues of young mussels can be associated with the decrease in physiological needs for elevated contents of essential elements and intracellular water with age. Combinations of six principal morphometric parameters showed that a function of as few as three parameters (soft tissue dry weight, whole mollusk weight, and shell height, with by far the greatest contribution of the dry-to-total weight ratio) formed significant correlations with the contents of the largest possible number of elements (69–88% of the total number). For the first time, it was shown that linear discriminant analysis and canonical analysis of principal coordinates can be successfully used for tracing the exact origin of mussel samples within such a small water area. Canonical analysis of principal coordinates proved superior in the correct classification of the samples.
Identification of Risk Areas for Gloydius Snakebites in South Korea
Authors: Moon Youngjoo , Kim Chaewan , Yoon Sungsoo , Kang Wanmo
Published: June 2023

Snakebites can pose a significant threat to human health as the destruction of natural habitats and increased human intrusion into ecosystems result in more frequent encounters with snakes. Mitigation measures for snakebites are particularly crucial for hiking trails where transportation of snakebite victims to medical facilities is challenging due to limited emergency resources and difficult access. This study employed a random forest-based species distribution model approach to investigate the potential habitats of Gloydius spp., specifically Gloydius saxatilis, Gloydius brevicaudus, and Gloydius ussuriensis, in South Korea and to assess the snakebite risk in national parks. Potential habitats of Gloydius spp. were identified and visualized by overlaying binary maps derived from species distribution models (SDMs) of each Gloydius spp. that corresponded to high-risk snakebite areas. In addition, hiking trails with high snakebite risk in the national parks were identified after demonstrating the statistical correlation between the potential habitat distribution of Gloydius spp. and the actual snakebite incidents in major regions of South Korea. The primary environmental variables determining Gloydius spp. habitat were the topographic position index, slope, and the annual average of the maximum and minimum temperatures. The potential habitat of G. saxatilis generally appeared in high-altitude mountainous areas, mostly in the eastern part of the study area. Favorable habitats for G. brevicaudus and G. ussuriensis were predominantly located in mountainous areas throughout the study area, with the exception of some high-altitude mountainous terrain in the east. The number of snakebite incidents per 10,000 people was significantly correlated with the area ratio of Gloydius spp. potential habitat (Spearman’s rho = 0.638, p < 0.01). The proportion of snakebite risk areas among national parks in South Korea ranged from 18% to 57%. This study can support practical solutions to prevent injuries and fatalities among hikers due to snakebites by identifying areas with a high risk of snakebite accidents at the hiking-trail level.
Influence of Multiplex PCR in the Management of Antibiotic Treatment in Patients with Bacteremia
Authors: Andrei Alina-Ioana , Tălăpan Daniela , Rafila Alexandru , Popescu Gabriel Adrian
Published: June 2023

The multiplex PCR assay can be a helpful diagnostic tool for patients with bacteremia. Herein, we assessed the impact of a Blood Culture Identification Panel (BCID) on both the diagnosis and treatment of patients with bacteremia. We performed a retrospective study using laboratory and clinical data to evaluate the impact of syndromic testing using a multiplex PCR testing system (BioFire® FilmArray) for the management of patients with bloodstream infections. BCID detected the pathogen in 102 (87.9%) samples out of the 116 positive blood cultures tested. The average time from the blood culture collection to the communication of the molecular test result was 23.93 h (range: 10.67–69.27 h). The main pathogen detected was Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.6%). The antimicrobial therapy was changed in accordance with the BCID results in 28 (40.6%) out of the 69 cases, wherein the treatment could have been theoretically adjusted. This allowed the adjustment of the therapy to be performed 1305.1 h faster than it would have been possible if conventional diagnostic methods had been used; this was the case for only 35.1% of the time gained if treatment was adjusted for all patients with positive BCID. Thus, although molecular tests can make a difference in the management of bloodstream infections, there is room for improvement in the clinical application of BCID results.
Impact of Processing Method and Storage Time on Phytochemical Concentrations in an Antioxidant-Rich Food Mixture
Authors: DeBenedictis Julia N. , de Kok Theo M. , van Breda Simone G.
Published: June 2023

Foods high in phytochemicals are known for their role in the prevention of chronic disease development, but after processing and storage, such food products may lose part of their functionality as these compounds are sensitive to the impact of processing temperature and the type of methods applied. Therefore, we measured the levels of vitamin C, anthocyanins, carotenoids, catechins, chlorogenic acid, and sulforaphane in a complex blend of fruits and vegetables, and when applied to a dry food product, after exposure to different processing methods. These levels were compared between pasteurized, pascalized (high-pressure processing), and untreated conditions. Furthermore, we established the effect of freezing and storage time on the stability of these compounds. The results showed that pascalization better preserved vitamin C and sulforaphane, whereas pasteurization resulted in higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid, carotenoids, and catechins. For samples which were frozen and thawed immediately after processing, pascalization was the optimal treatment for higher contents of lutein, cyanidin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and epicatechin gallate. Ultimately, the optimal processing method to preserve phytochemicals in fruit and vegetable products is as complex as the blend of compounds, and this decision-making would best be led by the prioritized nutrient aim of an antioxidant food product.
N-Acetylcysteine Treatment May Compensate Motor Impairments through Dopaminergic Transmission Modulation in a Striatal 6-Hydroxydopamine Parkinson’s Disease Rat Model
Authors: Caridade-Silva Rita , Araújo Bruna , Martins-Macedo Joana , Teixeira Fábio G.
Published: June 2023

Preventing degeneration and the loss of dopaminergic neurons (DAn) in the brain while mitigating motor symptoms remains a challenge in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) treatment development. In light of this, developing or repositioning potential disease-modifying approaches is imperative to achieve meaningful translational gains in PD research. Under this concept, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has revealed promising perspectives in preserving the dopaminergic system capability and modulating PD mechanisms. Although NAC has been shown to act as an antioxidant and (neuro)protector of the brain, it has yet to be acknowledged how this repurposed drug can improve motor symptomatology and provide disease-modifying properties in PD. Therefore, in the present work, we assessed the impact of NAC on motor and histological deficits in a striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD. The results revealed that NAC enhanced DAn viability, as we found that it could restore dopamine transporter (DAT) levels compared to the untreated 6-OHDA group. Such findings were positively correlated with a significant amelioration in the motor outcomes of the 6-OHDA-treated animals, demonstrating that NAC may, somehow, be a modulator of PD degenerative mechanisms. Overall, we postulated a proof-of-concept milestone concerning the therapeutic application of NAC. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to understand the complexity of this drug and how its therapeutical properties interact with the cellular and molecular PD mechanisms.
A Systematic Literature Review on Penetration Testing in Networks: Future Research Directions
Authors: Alhamed Mariam , Rahman M. M. Hafizur
Published: June 2023

Given the widespread use of the internet at the individual, governmental, and nongovernmental levels, and the opportunities it offers, such as online shopping, security concerns may arise. Cyber criminals are responsible for stopping organizations’ access to internet, for stealing valuable and confidential data, and causing other damage. Therefore, the network must be protected and meet security requirements. Network penetration testing is a type of security assessment used to find risk areas and vulnerabilities that threaten the security of a network. Thus, network penetration testing is designed to provide prevention and detection controls against attacks in the network. A tester looks for security issues in the network operation, design, or implementation of the particular company or organization. Thus, it is important to identify the vulnerabilities and identify the threats that may exploit them in order to find ways to reduce their dangers.The ports at risk are named and discussed in this study. Furthermore, we discuss the most common tools used for network penetration testing. Moreover, we look at potential attacks and typical remediation strategies that can be used to protect the vulnerable ports by reviewing the related publications. In conclusion, it is recommended that researchers in this field focus on automated network penetration testing. In the future, we will use machine learning in WLAN penetration testing, which provides new insight and high efficiency in performance. Moreover, we will train machine learning models to detect a wide range of vulnerabilities in order to find solutions to mitigate the risks in a short amount of time rather that through manual WLAN penetration testing, which consumes a lot of time. This will lead to improving security and reducing loss prevention.
The Impact of Process Parameters on 1,3-Propanediol Production and 3-Hydroxypropionaldehyde Accumulation in Fed-Batch Fermentation of Glycerol with Citrobacter freundii AD119
Authors: Drożdżyńska Agnieszka , Kubiak Piotr , Wawrzyniak Jolanta , Czaczyk Katarzyna
Published: June 2023

Microbial production of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) has attracted the interest of scientists for decades. Its product offers an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to fossil-based raw materials for chemical synthesis. Citrobacter freundii is one of the natural producers of 1,3-PD known for its ability to yield it in significant titers. An efficient bioprocess requires an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence the performance of its biocatalyst. The effects of pH, temperature, stirring rate, and substrate concentration on glycerol fermentation in fed-batch cultures of C. freundii AD119 were investigated in this study. In addition to monitoring the kinetics of substrate utilization and the formation of the final products, the concentration of 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA), an inhibitory intermediate of glycerol bioconversion, was analyzed. When the optimal working conditions were used (pH 7.0, temperature 30 °C, stirring rate of 80 rpm, and glycerol concentration below 15 g/L during the fed-batch phase), 53.44 g/L of 1,3-PD were obtained. When the process was performed at temperatures of 33 °C or higher or in acidic pH (6.5), an elevated concentration of 3-HPA was observed and the process halted prematurely.
Quadrotor UAV Dynamic Visual Servoing Based on Differential Flatness Theory
Authors: Alshahir Ahmed , Albekairi Mohammed , Berriri Kamel , Mekki Hassen , Kaaniche Khaled , Alshahr Shahr , Alshammari Bassam A. , Sahbani Anis
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we propose 2D dynamic visual servoing (Dynamic IBVS), where a quadrotor UAV tries to track a moving target using a single facing-down perspective camera. As an application, we propose the tracking of a car-type vehicle. In this case, data related to the altitude and the lateral angles have no importance for the visual system. Indeed, to perform the tracking, we only need to know the longitudinal displacements (along the x and y axes) and the orientation along the z-axis. However, those data are necessary for the quadrotor’s guidance problem. Thanks to the concept of differential flatness, we demonstrate that if we manage to extract the displacements according to the three axes and the orientation according to the yaw angle (the vertical axis) of the quadrotor, we can control all the other variables of the system. For this, we consider a camera equipped with a vertical stabilizer that keeps it in a vertical position during its movement (a gimbaled camera). Other specialized sensors measure information regarding altitude and lateral angles. In the case of classic 2D visual servoing, the elaboration of the kinematic torsor of the quadrotor in no way guarantees the physical realization of instructions, given that the quadrotor is an under-actuated system. Indeed, the setpoint has a dimension equal to six, while the quadrotor is controlled only by four inputs. In addition, the dynamics of a quadrotor are generally very fast, which requires a high-frequency control law. Furthermore, the complexity of the image processing stage can cause delays in motion control, which can lead to target loss. A new dynamic 2D visual servoing method (Dynamic IBVS) is proposed. This method makes it possible to generate in real time the necessary movements for the quadrotor in order to carry out the tracking of the target (vehicle) using a single point of this target as visual information. This point can represent the center of gravity of the target or any other part of it. A control by flatness has been proposed, which guarantees the controllability of the system and ensures the asymptotic convergence of the generated trajectory in the image plane. Numerical simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy.
Study on the Damage Mechanism of Bank Slope-Bridge Pile Foundation Interaction under Reservoir Water Level Cycle
Authors: Li Shiya , Yao Guowen , Zhang Gaofeng , Wang Wei , Song Anxiang , Liu Wenpeng , Qin Tao , Zhou Ganping , Zhang Leihan
Published: June 2023

The physical and mechanical properties of the reservoir bank slope deteriorate under the fluctuation of water level, causing bank debonding and slippage, which can produce different degrees of damage to the bridge foundation, piers, and superstructure, a condition that is difficult to treat. In this paper, for a Yangtze River Bridge bank slope instability problem in the Three Gorges reservoir area, a numerical model of the bank slope and bridge was established using the finite element-SPH conversion coupling algorithm, and the pile pier damage development law and damage mode (deformation and stress–strain curves of the bank slope and pile foundation) were obtained according to the geological conditions of the bridge location. Additionally, combined with the characteristics of bank destabilization in the reservoir area of the Three Gorges Yangtze River Bridge, landslide management is proposed by using soil drainage and anti-slip pile reinforcement measures. In addition, for the characteristics of bridge pier deflection, a comprehensive deflection correction reinforcement method of pushing deflection correction, adding pile foundation, expanding pile bearing, and increasing pier cross-sectional area is proposed, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of reservoir bank landslides, the service life of pile structure, and the disposal of diseases.
Chinese Document-Level Emergency Event Extraction Dataset and Corresponding Methods
Authors: Chu Kongbin , Yang Wenzhong , Wei Fuyuan , Shi Jiangtao
Published: June 2023

Structured extraction of emergency event information can effectively enhance the ability to respond to emergency events. This article focuses on extracting Chinese document-level emergency events, which entails addressing two key issues in this field: related datasets and the problem of role overlapping between candidate entities, which has been overlooked in existing DEE (document-level event extraction) studies that predominantly employed sequence annotation for candidate entity extraction. To tackle these challenges, we constructed a Chinese document-level emergency extraction dataset (CDEEE) and provides annotations for argument scattering, multiple events, and role overlapping. Additionally, a model named RODEE is proposed to address the role overlapping problem in DEE tasks. RODEE employs two independent modules to represent the head and tail positions of candidate entities, and utilizes a multiplication attention mechanism to interact between the two, generating a scoring matrix. Subsequently, role-overlapping candidate entities are predicted to facilitate the completion of DEE tasks. Experiments were conducted on our manually annotated dataset, CDEEE, and the results show that RODEE effectively solves the problem of role overlapping among candidate entities, resulting in improved performance of the DEE model, with an F1 value of 77.7%.
Chatbot-Based Natural Language Interfaces for Data Visualisation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kavaz Ecem , Puig Anna , Rodríguez Inmaculada
Published: June 2023

Rapid growth in the generation of data from various sources has made data visualisation a valuable tool for analysing data. However, visual analysis can be a challenging task, not only due to intricate dashboards but also when dealing with complex and multidimensional data. In this context, advances in Natural Language Processing technologies have led to the development of Visualisation-oriented Natural Language Interfaces (V-NLIs). In this paper, we carry out a scoping review that analyses synergies between the fields of Data Visualisation and Natural Language Interaction. Specifically, we focus on chatbot-based V-NLI approaches and explore and discuss three research questions. The first two research questions focus on studying how chatbot-based V-NLIs contribute to interactions with the Data and Visual Spaces of the visualisation pipeline, while the third seeks to know how chatbot-based V-NLIs enhance users’ interaction with visualisations. Our findings show that the works in the literature put a strong focus on exploring tabular data with basic visualisations, with visual mapping primarily reliant on fixed layouts. Moreover, V-NLIs provide users with restricted guidance strategies, and few of them support high-level and follow-up queries. We identify challenges and possible research opportunities for the V-NLI community such as supporting high-level queries with complex data, integrating V-NLIs with more advanced systems such as Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), particularly for advanced visualisations, expanding guidance strategies beyond current limitations, adopting intelligent visual mapping techniques, and incorporating more sophisticated interaction methods.
Feature Point Tracking Method for Visual SLAM Based on Multi-Condition Constraints in Light Changing Environment
Authors: Wu Zibin , Li Deping , Li Chuangding , Chen Yanyu , Li Shaobin
Published: June 2023

In scenes where there are lighting changes, localization may fail for visual SLAM due to feature point tracking failure. Thus, a feature point tracking method based on multi-condition constraints is proposed for visual SLAM. The proposed method tracks the feature points of optical flow from aspects such as the overall motion position of feature points, descriptor grayscale information, and spatial geometric constraints. First, to solve the problem of feature point mismatch in complex environments, we propose a feature point mismatch removal method that combines optical flow, descriptor, and RANSAC. We eliminate incorrect feature point matches layer by layer through these constraints. The uniformity of feature point distribution in the image can then affect the accuracy of camera pose estimation, and different scenes can also affect the difficulty of feature point extraction. In order to balance the quality and uniformity of the extracted feature points, we propose an adaptive mask homogenization method that adaptively adjusts the mask radius according to the quality of feature points. Experiments conducted on the EuRoC dataset show that the proposed method which integrates the improved feature point mismatch removal method and mask homogenization method into feature point tracking, exhibits robustness and accuracy under various interferences such as lighting changes, image blurring, and unclear textures. Compared to the RANSAC method, we reduce the location error by about 85% using the EuRoC dataset.
Influence of the Construction of the Urdinbide Road Tunnel on the Autzagane Aquifer in Biscay (Spain)
Authors: Baraibar José-Manuel , Gil Miguel , Escobal Iñigo
Published: June 2023

The Urdinbide road tunnel goes through the Autzagane aquifer. This important aquifer is located within the hydrogeological area of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, one of the most important biosphere reserves in the Iberian Peninsula, and it is also used as a source of drinking water for some urban areas in the municipality of Amorebieta-Etxano. The construction of the tunnel could pose a potential risk to the normal functioning of the aquifer, so its design included a special procedure for injecting cement and microcement to waterproof the surrounding area of the drilling, preventing the tunnel from functioning as a drain for the aquifer. The project initially included an intensive hydrogeological characterization of the rock massif, as well as a monitoring phase during the construction works, which allowed a real-time verification of the influence of the tunnel construction on the functioning of the aquifer and the restoration of its normal functioning once the works were completed. The work carried out has shown that the construction of the tunnel has not caused a significant impact on the Autzagane aquifer.
Influence of Alternating Temperature on the Effectiveness of EICP in Consolidating Aeolian Sand
Authors: Zhang Qiong , Zhang Zhongjian , Lin Daming , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2023

The utilization of enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP) to consolidate aeolian sand has received significant attention in recent years. However, urease activity is directly affected by temperature, which varies greatly from day to night, especially in desert areas. To investigate the effect of alternating temperature on aeolian sand cementation by EICP, three experimental groups were designed to simulate the sunrise-to-sunset cycle in a natural desert environment: T1 (a process from heating to constant temperature to cooling), T2 (a process from cooling to constant temperature to heating), and T3 (a process of constant temperature throughout) as a control group. The differences in calcium carbonate content, precipitation rate of calcium carbonate, permeability coefficients, and shear wave velocity were compared and analyzed. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to observe the external cementation states by mineralization. The results showed that T2 had the highest calcium carbonate content, followed by T3 and, finally, T1, which were also confirmed by permeability coefficient and shear wave velocity tests. In addition, different alternating temperature processes would affect the survival time of the urease, and T2 showed the longest reaction time as the urease stayed active for the longest time in this process. The results provide a scientific reference for the selection of construction periods in which EICP can be optimally applied for the on-site aeolian sand cementation.