bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth performance, carcass quality and sensory evaluation of meat produced from broilers fed Lucerne (Medicago sativa) based diets
Authors: Mwale Vimbai , Terera Tariro , Chakanya Chido , Ndavambi Claudios , Madzimure James
Published: November 2023

A 42 day trial was carried out at Chinhoyi University of Technology’s Farm to measure growth performance, carcass quality and sensory attributes of meat produced from broilers fed lucerne (Medicago sativa) based diets (MSD). A total of 240 Cobb 500 broilers were used in a completely randomised design. Sixty (60) birds were randomly assigned to one of 4 treatments (0% control, 5%, 10% and 15% MSD). Each treatment had 3 replicates of 20 chicks per pen. The 10% and 15% MSD resulted in increased (P<0.05) cumulative feed intake (CFI) of 1637.20g and 1683.90g respectively. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the 15% MSD at 2.2. Average daily gain (ADG) was significantly lower at 59.90g in the 15% MSD. The highest (P < 0.05) dressed weight (DW) was found in the 5% MSD at 1936.80g. The 15% MSD produced the lowest (P < 0.05) live weight (LW) at 1795.00g. No significant treatment differences were noted amongst broiler portion cuts. The 15% MSD had the heaviest (P<0.05) gizzards (79.30g) and the 5% MSD had the longest (P<0.05) ileum (1968.00mm). No differences (P>0.05) were noted among treatments on aroma intensity, amount of connective tissue, overall flavour intensity and a-typical flavour intensity. Meat from the 15% MSD scored lower (P<0.05) on initial impression of juiciness but did not differ when scored on sustained juiciness. It was concluded that lucerne could be used to formulate broiler diets up to 10% inclusion levels without adversely affecting growth performance and sensory attributes of broilers.
Analyzing Bifurcation, Stability, and Wave Solutions in Nonlinear Telecommunications Models Using Transmission Lines, Hamiltonian and Jacobian Techniques
Authors: Ali Ahmed Refaie , Roshid Harun Or , Islam Shariful , Khatun Asma
Published: November 2023

This study delves into the analysis of bifurcation in a nonlinear model pertinent to the telecommunications industry. Employing Hamiltonian and Jacobian techniques, we explore numerical solutions and analytic nonlinear wave solutions in alignment with energy orbits depicted in phase portraits. The stability of critical points is addressed through graphical representations and numerical analyses. Moreover, the investigation extends to traveling wave solutions. The paper concludes by presenting graphical insights into how parameters influence wave solutions, emphasizing the efficacy of the planar dynamical approach.
Vaccination schedules, parental concerns and under-five deaths are associated with lower adherence and inadequate coverage in a small city in Peru
Authors: Castro-Fuentes Margarita Norma , Mugruza-Vassallo Carlos Andrés , Anchante-Rojas Gloria Ysabel
Published: November 2023

Background
A descriptive correlational non-experimental cross-sectional study was carried out in the Sunampe district on the Peruvian coast to enhance parental adherence to childhood vaccinations. The study aimed to answer the research question of whether there is a correlation between non-compliance with vaccination and an increased risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks in children under five years old, particularly in the context of low coverage in Sunampe.
Methods
To conduct the study, vaccination status, 123 family interviews, reported illnesses and deaths of children aged 1 to 5 years in the district of SUNAMPE were considered. Preventable diseases were reviewed in the medical history of each child. Deaths in Sunampe were accessed through the SINADEF database.
Results
Out of the 123 families surveyed, the primary discoveries indicated that neighbouring districts have a higher number of health facilities whereas the families interviewed felt that one solitary health facility was insufficient for the entire district's requirements. No children were affected by the reported cases of illness in Sunampe. However, data extracted from SINADEF between 2017 and 2022 revealed that 10 children under the age of five died in Sunampe. These deaths occurred at a rate of one per year during the pandemic and more than one per year during the pre- and post-pandemic periods.
Discussion
The susceptibility of children was examined in this study, considering factors like vaccination coverage, diseases contracted in Sunampe, and deaths in the area. Although there are few deaths per year, the prevalence of illness and incomplete immunisation, as well as increased rates of anemia in Peru, pose potential risks regarding vaccines such as DPT and the use of mercury in policies, especially for the economically active population in the future.
Conclusion
As anticipated, mothers tend not to adhere to their children's vaccination schedule due to insufficient knowledge about vaccines and concerns regarding post-vaccination reactions, which are commonly reported. On the contrary, the surprising outcome was that most parents claimed to not have undergone any severe reactions. We were able to determine that this was due to risks associated with vaccinations, rather than the vaccine itself.
A Spatio-Temporal Assessment of Industrial Water Use in African Countries
Authors: Kipkirui Edwin , Lu Sha , Zhao Jianfu , Wang Tao
Published: November 2023

Africa's industries have been developing at a pace more rapid than other continents including Asia over the past two to three decades. This research investigated the industrial water use in 1987–2017 in twenty major African countries, representing some 77% of population and 81% of GDP in Africa. A decoupling analysis of industrial water use from economic growth was also made, and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) conducted. Key findings include: (i) HCA could divide the patterns of the countries water use into four groups. The group of Algeria, Tunisia, Angola, and Morocco exhibited the highest average industrial water use per capita in 2017. (ii) An expansive negative decoupling became more significant during the 10-year period from 2008 to 2017. (iii) Population growth, economic development, and industrial structure played a prominent role in driving IWW over the past two decades. (iv) Technological advancements in water conservation varied across countries and periods. Some countries including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, and Tunisia, witnessed more rapid increase in water withdrawal from 2008 to 2017, but less significant progress in water saving technologies. This research might be informative for those decision-makers to formulate sustainable water usage policies in line with Africa's sustainable agenda by the year 2063.
Structure of dense plumes from a finite-height cylinder in laminar crossflow
Authors: Pauls Anna K. , Larson Lars T. , True Aaron C. , Crimaldi John P.
Published: November 2023

The Training Aid Delivery Device (TADD) is a cylindrical vessel designed to securely store hazardous substances while permitting their odors, which may be active or passive scalar quantities, to permeate the surrounding air; the device is commonly used for canine odor detection training. However, the structures of scalar plumes emanating from the cylinder are unknown, particularly with variations in ambient flow speed and odor properties. In this study, we performed numerical simulations of flow and scalar fields around the cylinder, for three laminar crossflow velocities and three odor densities. The flow field around the cylinder is characterized by a near-bed horseshoe vortex and a downwash-driven arch vortex formed in the wake. These vortices confine most of the odor downstream of the cylinder resulting in a persistent bimodal plume structure with symmetrical concentration peaks off of the centerline. Experimental concentration profiles measured with a photoionization detector (PID) in a low-speed wind tunnel confirmed the steadiness and main structural features of the simulated plumes. Increasing crossflow velocity decreases the transverse width of the plume, while increasing odorant density yields local body forces that enhance the horseshoe vortex and modify the plume structure. These modifications include increased transverse spread and strengthened bimodal peaks of the plume. This study advances understanding of dense plume dispersal patterns in the wake of finite-height cylinders in laminar crossflow.
The Evolving Understanding of Saturn's Internal Magnetic Field: Insights from Pioneer 11 to Cassini
Authors: Lianlunthang TD Peter , Baruah Monmoyuri
Published: November 2023

Pioneer 11 spacecraft in 1979 revealed that Saturn's internal magnetic field in 1979, it revealed that the magnetic field was three to five times weaker than anticipated. The magnetic field had a high degree of symmetry around its rotation axis, polarity opposite to that of the Earth's, and a slight northward dipole displacement of approximately 0.04 Rs. Subsequent observations by Voyagers 1 and 2, at more diverse latitudes in both hemispheres, corroborated and refined these findings. Voyager 2 indicated a steady, smooth field with no signs of azimuthal asymmetry or magnetic anomalies. The nearzero tilt of Saturn's dipole axis poses a challenge to dynamo theory, contradicting Cowling's Theorem. Additionally, the no detection of non-symmetric components in Saturn's magnetic field is puzzling, despite hints of potential longitudinal asymmetries near the planet. Cassini's arrival in 2004 offered a comprehensive three-dimensional sampling of magnetic field measurements. Observations during Cassini’s Grand Finale in 2017 suggested that Saturn's surface magnetic field could be accurately represented by a predominantly axisymmetric field, up to spherical harmonic degree 14, with only a negligible non-axisymmetric field contribution of 0.1%. Moreover, the magnetic field has not varied over the past three decades. Current dynamo models have not comprehensively explained the field's generation process or its unique characteristics. Despite significant progress in understanding Saturn's magnetic field, numerous questions persist. A holistic understanding demands precise information on Saturn's deep rotation period, atmospheric helium mass fraction, flow-induced gravity signals, and the impact of other physical processes, such as a shallower dynamo above the stable layer, varying electrical conductivity, and double-diffusive convection in the helium 'rain-out' layer, on magneto-hydrodynamic processes.
Vergessen dürfen? Erinnern müssen?
Authors: Haux Dario
Published: November 2023

Das «Recht auf Vergessenwerden» umfasst dem Grunde nach den persönlichkeitsrechtlich geprägten Anspruch eines Individuums, öffentlich einsehbare Informationen unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen löschen, berichtigen oder anonymisieren zu lassen. Ausgehend von Art. 8 EMRK haben die Konzeption als solche ebenso wie die notwendigen Voraussetzungen in den vergangenen Jahren jedoch zahlreiche Konkretisierungen erfahren. Anlässlich des Urteils der Grossen Kammer des EGMR (57292/16, Hurbain gegen Belgien) vom 4. Juli 2023, in dem der Gerichtshof die Voraussetzungen für die Bejahung des Anspruchs festigt und weiter ausbaut, fasst der Beitrag die bisherige Entwicklung des Rechts auf Vergessenwerden zusammen, analysiert das aktuelle Urteil und setzt sich u.a. mit möglichen Auswirkungen auf die Pressefreiheit auseinander. Er schliesst mit einem Fazit und Ausblick.

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En principe, le «droit à l'oubli» comprend le droit d'un individu, fondé sur le droit de la personnalité, à ce que certaines informations rendues accessibles au public soient - sous certaines conditions - effacées, rectifiées ou anonymisées. La notion de «droit à l'oubli», basé sur l'art. 8 CEDH, et ses conditions d'application ont fait l'objet de nombreuses concrétisations jurisprudentielles ces dernières années. La présente contribution retrace l'histoire du «droit à l'oubli» et, à l'occasion de l'arrêt de la Grande Chambre de la CEDH (57292/16, Hurbain c. Belgique) du 4 juillet 2023 - dans lequel la Cour renforce et élargit les conditions d'exercice de ce droit-, examine, entre autres, les potentielles répercussions sur la liberté de la presse. L'auteur conclut en esquissant de nouvelles pistes de réflexion.
Quantum simulation of colour in perturbative quantum chromodynamics
Authors: Chawdhry Herschel , Pellen Mathieu
Published: November 2023

Quantum computers are expected to give major speed-ups for the simulation of quantum systems. In this work, we present quantum gates that simulate the colour part of the interactions of quarks and gluons in perturbative quantum chromodynamics (QCD). As a first application, we implement these circuits on a simulated noiseless quantum computer and use them to calculate colour factors for various examples of Feynman diagrams. This work constitutes a first key step towards a quantum simulation of generic scattering processes in perturbative QCD.
Thermal pure matrix product state in two dimensions: Tracking thermal equilibrium from paramagnet down to the Kitaev honeycomb spin liquid state
Authors: Gohlke Matthias , Iwaki Atsushi , Hotta Chisa
Published: November 2023

We present the first successful application of the matrix product state (MPS) representing a thermal quantum pure state (TPQ) in equilibrium in two spatial dimensions over almost the entire temperature range. We use the Kitaev honeycomb model as a prominent example hosting a quantum spin liquid (QSL) ground state to target the two specific-heat peaks previously solved nearly exactly using the free Majorana fermionic description. Starting from the high-temperature random state, our TPQ-MPS framework on a cylinder precisely reproduces these peaks, showing that the quantum many-body description based on spins can still capture the emergent itinerant Majorana fermions in a {\mathbb Z}_2ℤ2 gauge field. The truncation process efficiently discards the high-energy states, eventually reaching the long-range entangled topological state approaching the exact ground state for a given finite size cluster. An advantage of TPQ-MPS over exact diagonalization or purification-based methods is its lowered numerical cost coming from a reduced effective Hilbert space even at finite temperature.
Horizon strings as 3D black hole microstates
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Grumiller Daniel , Sheikh-Jabbari Mohammad Mehdi
Published: November 2023

We propose that 3d black holes are an ensemble of tensionless null string states. These microstates typically have non-zero winding. We evaluate their partition function in the limit of large excitation numbers and show that their combinatorics reproduces the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy and its semiclassical logarithmic corrections.
An algebraic approach to intertwined quantum phase transitions in the Zr isotopes
Authors: Gavrielov Noam
Published: November 2023

The algebraic framework of the interacting boson model with configuration mixing is employed to demonstrate the occurrence of intertwined quantum phase transitions (IQPTs) in the _{40}40Zr isotopes with neutron number 52-70. The detailed quantum and classical analyses reveal a QPT of crossing normal and intruder configurations superimposed on a QPT of the intruder configuration from U(5) to SU(3) and a crossover from SU(3) to SO(6) dynamical symmetries.
Unitary Howe dualities in fermionic and bosonic algebras and related Dirac operators
Authors: Muarem Guner
Published: November 2023

In this paper we use the canonical complex structure \mathbb{J}𝕁 on \mathbb{R}^{2n}ℝ2n to introduce a twist of the symplectic Dirac operator. This can be interpreted as the bosonic analogue of the Dirac operators on a Hermitian manifold. Moreover, we prove that the algebra of these Dirac operators is isomorphic to the Lie algebra \mathfrak{su}(1,2)𝔰𝔲(1,2) which leads to the Howe dual pair (U(n),\mathfrak{su}(1,2))(U(n),𝔰𝔲(1,2)).
Wigner function analysis of finite matter-radiation systems
Authors: Nahmad-Achar Eduardo , López-Peña Ramón , Cordero Sergio , Castaños Garza Octavio
Published: November 2023

We show that the behaviour in phase space of the Wigner function associated to the electromagnetic modes carries the information of both, the entanglement properties between matter and field, and the regions in parameter space where quantum phase transitions take place. A finer classification for the continuous phase transitions is obtained through the computation of the surface of minimum fidelity.
The parastatistics of braided Majorana fermions
Authors: Toppan Francesco
Published: November 2023

This paper presents the parastatistics of braided Majorana fermions obtained in the framework of a graded Hopf algebra endowed with a braided tensor product. The braiding property is encoded in a t-dependent 4×4 braiding matrix B_tBt related to the Alexander-Conway polynomial. The nonvanishing complex parameter t defines the braided parastatistics. At t=1 ordinary fermions are recovered. The values of t at roots of unity are organized into levels which specify the maximal number of braided Majorana fermions in a multiparticle sector. Generic values of t and the t=-1 root of unity mimick the behaviour of ordinary bosons.
Financial flexibility and investment efficiency: The moderating role of board financial expertise
Authors: Rezk Omara Mohamed , Rashed Ahmed
Published: November 2023

The environment for enterprise external financing has deteriorated recently, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, which has severely restricted enterprise external financing options. Therefore, it is essential to implement efficient financial methods to encourage business growth. This paper intends to investigate the moderating effect of board financial expertise on the relationship between flexibility and investment efficiency of listed companies in Egypt. This study includes moderator and control variables to produce an empirical model and findings that are more reliable based on 592 sample observations collected as annual secondary data from 2014 to 2021. Generalized least squares, logistic regression, and panel-corrected standard error were employed in the analysis. Results indicate that a higher board financial expert’s ratio decreases investment efficiency and has a moderating effect on financial flexibility and investment efficiency. High proportions of flexibility affect investment efficiency. Robustness checks confirm the negative effect of board financial expertise on the relationship between flexibility and investment efficiency. In unpredictable times, financial flexibility can help firms meet capital needs and boost the effectiveness of their investment decisions. Therefore, to increase investment efficiency and support firm growth, firms should maintain their financial flexibility while tightening internal controls.
Stress-related emotional disturbances in patients with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Shishkova V. N.
Published: November 2023

Acute and chronic stress, as well as emotional disturbances as a consequence of stressful situations, are significant risk factors for the development and progression of some of acute and chronic non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD), among which the most common are arterial hypertension, chronic heart failure and atherosclerotic CVD. Specific emotional disturbances that arise after exposure to significant traumatic or stressful situations include acute and post-traumatic stress disorder. When a stress factor does not reach high intensity or significance, adjustment disorder may develop. Stress-related emotional disturbances significantly affect other CVD risk factors, reduce patients’ adherence to healthy lifestyle changes and drug therapy, deteriorate quality of life and increase the risk of disability. The urgency of identifying and managing post-stress emotional disturbances in the practice of internists is caused by high frequency of these disturbances in outpatient patients. It is especially important to manage and prevent these disturbances in patients with CVD due to increased number of adverse outcomes resulting from this combination. Treatment of emotional disturbances resulting from stressful situations includes both drug and non-drug methods. Antidepressants and benzo-diazepine anxiolytics are the main classes among the drugs used to treat post-stress emotional disorders. However, the prescription of these drugs requires taking into account a wide range of possible side effects, especially in patients with CVD. The choice of drugs with a favourable safety profile and a rapid onset of sedative and anti-anxiety effects is a key element in the modern effective patient management strategy. Tofisopam and buspirone are the most advanced of this group of drugs in therapeutic and cardiological practice.
Possible prospects for the combined administration of antidepressants and antioxidants in neurological patients
Authors: Putilina M. V. , Teplova N. V.
Published: November 2023

Antidepressants (ADs) are a group of drugs whose action primarily consists of stimulating neurotransmitter systems (dopaminergic, serotonergic and noradrenergic systems). Neurologists prescribe them for the treatment of post-stroke and other depression, chronic pain syndromes, neuropathic pain, panic attacks, correction of post-Covid syndrome, for the prevention of migraines, Parkinson’s disease and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. However, even with appropriate therapy, many people with depressive disorder may experience subsyndromal symptoms and complete remission is short-lived, so there is a need to use other therapeutic approaches. Combining two or more antidepressants may target different neurochemical pathways while increasing the risk of side effects and the development of resistance. Therefore, the search for alternative treatments is urgent, and oxidative stress appears to be an interesting therapeutic target. The combined use of AD and antioxidants may provide an effective and safe approach to enhancing antidepressant effects by synergistically enhancing certain antidepressant activities (eg, enhancing monoamine reuptake inhibition) or by additive pharmacological effects, such as adjusting neurotransmitters and reducing the damaging effects of active agents. forms of oxygen. There are a number of clinical studies to prove the effectiveness of the combined use of antioxidants and antioxidants. In the group of patients receiving a combination of antioxidants and antidepressants/anti-anxiety drugs, there was a better regression of symptoms and severity of depression, which probably indicates the usefulness of adjuvant antioxidant therapy with regular psychotropic treatment. The use of combination drugs in complex therapy with blood pressure seems to be a promising direction and requires further study.
Osteoarthritis of the hip joints: possibilities of local therapy
Authors: Filatova Yu. S. , Solovyov I. N. , Gruzdev A. M.
Published: November 2023

Osteoarthritis of the hip joints is one of the most common pathology of the musculoskeletal system. The issues of its therapy are discussed in all clinical recommendations and recently more and more attention has been paid to the introduction of hyaluronic acid preparations. In the Russian recommendations for the treatment of coxarthrosis, this recommendation has a high level of credibility and evidence and is based on a significant number of studies confirming the safety and effectiveness of this therapy in the long term. The article provides data from some studies, as well as the conclusions of the European Consensus Group on intra-articular administration of hyaluronic acid, which prescribes indications and contraindications for the introduction of drugs into the hip joints. The issue of choosing a specific drug among a variety of forms is also discussed and a clinical example of the administration of hyaluronic acid to a patient with osteoarthritis of the hip joints under ultrasound control is considered. A detailed technique of drug administration is described. When considering this clinical example, the good tolerability of the drug, the accuracy of the administration of the drug, as well as the long-term results of the safety and effectiveness of therapy in the form of pain reduction and the absence of the need for NSAIDs are demonstrated.
Medical support of rehabilitation of stroke patients: the role of GABA-ergic drugs
Authors: Kostenko E. V. , Kashezhev A. G. , Petrova L. M. , Eneeva M. A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction. The relevance of neuroprotective therapy in patients with cerebral stroke (CS) is due to its high prevalence, as well as the need  for the maximum possible  restoration of damaged  structures and functions  of the central  nervous system (CNS).

Аim. Тo evaluate the  clinical  efficacy  and  nicotinoyl  gamma-aminobutyric  acid  tolerance in  the  complex  rehabilitation of patients in the late recovery and chronic periods  of ischemic stroke (IS) in outpatient stage.

Materials and methods.  110 patients in the  late  recovery period  (LRP) and the  residual  period  of IS, 57 women  and 43 men, average  age 58.0 ± 9.74 years, were observed. The duration  of the stroke was on average  214 ± 28 days in PVP-patients  and 428 ± 47 days for the residual  period. All patients included  in the study received  a standard medical  rehabilitation program. Two main groups included  30 patients in LRP and the residual  period of IS, who treated with nicotinoyl gammaaminobutyric. Two control  groups included  30 patients in LRP and 20 patients in the  residual  period  of IS, who recievedonly  the  standard medical rehabilitation program.

Results. The complex  of rehabilitation with  the  inclusion  of nicotinoyl  gamma-aminobutyric acid  (picamilon)  significantly improved  the  indicators  of neurodynamic  (p < 0.05) and regulatory  functions  (p < 0.05) in the  main subgroups  on the  MoCA scale, emotional status  (p > 0.05 on the Beck scale), general  well-being, activity, mood (WAM scale) and basic functional  activity (the average  Bartel index  at the  end  of the  study was 82.6 ± 3.5 in the  main  groups, p < 0.05). The clinical  effect  was observed  after a month of the therapy and persisted until the end of the study.

Conclusion. The inclusion  of neuroprotective therapy  in the  complex  rehabilitation leads  to earlier  neuropsychological and social adaptation of the patient, regression of fatigue, which is probably associated with an increase  in neuroplastic and regulatory brain processes.
Modern strategies for the treatment of migraine attacks and the possibility of a differentiated approach
Authors: Tabeeva G. R. , Kosivtsova O. V.
Published: November 2023

Treatment strategies for migraine  attacks  include the use of nonspecific drugs (simple and combined  analgesics, antiemetics) and specific drugs (triptans, ergotamine derivatives, gepants, ditans), as well as neuromodulation methods. Despite the expansion of the  range  of specific drugs, the  effectiveness of relieving  headache attacks  during migraine  remains  unsatisfactory. The choice of drug for the treatment of migraine attacks is based on their stratification according to the degree  of impairment of the  functional  activity of patients and involves  the  prescription  of specific anti-migraine drugs for moderate and severe disability. The stratified  approach  has a number  of advantages in terms  of the  main parameters of analgesic  effectiveness, is associated with lower treatment costs and carries a lower risk of analgesic  abuse. Migraine attacks are characterized by high polymorphism  and the presence of many clinical manifestations, which largely determine the severity of the patient’s disability and sometimes require  independent treatment. Specific drugs for the treatment of migraine  attacks  (triptans) can relieve not only headaches, but also symptoms of nausea, vomiting, photo- and phonophobia. The choice of drug is based on the individual characteristics of the  patient,  the  profile  of migraine  attacks  and  involves  taking  into  account  the  pharmacological properties of the drug. Features  of migraine  such as a high rate  of increase  in pain during an attack, the presence of rapidly developing nausea, and the need to provide long-term pain relief require the use of fast-acting forms of medications. The benefits of choosing  these  forms are supported by patient  preference studies. Clinical trial data and research  results  from actual clinical practice  allow us to formulate  some approaches to differentiated drug selection.
DETECÇÃO DE BEAUVERICINA EM FRUTOS DE ABACAXI INFECTADOS POR Fusarium guttiforme POR HPLC-DAD E MALDI-FT-ICR MS
Authors: Fávero Carolinne , dos Santos Nayara , Romão Wanderson , Moura Raissa , Porto Christiane , Ventura José
Published: November 2023

BEAUVERICIN DETECTION IN PINEAPPLE FRUITS INFECTED BY Fusarium guttiforme BY HPLC-DAD AND MALDI-FT-ICR MS. Pineapple, important in Brazilian fruit growing and highly consumed worldwide, can be affected by fusariosis, a disease caused by Fusarium guttiforme, which compromises the quality of the fruit and produces a mycotoxin called beauvericin (BEA), which is harmful to the health of consumers. The importance of detecting BEA and establishing maximum permitted limits is urgent, as there are few studies on this mycotoxin and there is still no regulation in world legislation. In this work, methodologies were used to detect BEA using HPLC-DAD and MALDI-FT-ICR MS. The results of HPLC-DAD allowed the detection of BEA in the tissues of the samples with F. guttiforme, evidenced by chromatographic peaks in the retention time, 6.1 min, similar to the standard, however, in the samples of visibly healthy tissue the mycotoxin was not detected. With MALDI-FT-ICR MS, BEA was detected with mass errors of less than 1 ppm in all samples (tissues infected with F. guttiforme and in healthy tissues), showing that, in addition to the greater sensitivity of the method, there is the possibility of mycotoxin diffusion in the healthy tissues of fruits inoculated with F. guttiforme, when these tissues are also contaminated.
Analysis of preload modal characteristics of hydraulic cylinders based on finite element method
Authors: Wang Zhigang
Published: November 2023

In order to study the dynamic response of hydraulic cylinders under complex load conditions, the modal characteristics of hydraulic cylinders were simulated and calculated by comprehensively considering the combined effects of preload and oil fluid dynamics. The contact in the finite element model was specially processed to ensure that the local degrees of freedom of the piston in the structure were maintained during the modal simulation calculation process. After the static characteristics were calculated, the relevant data was imported into the modal simulation module to achieve coupling analysis under preload. By verifying the contact stiffness factor, the boundary conditions of the model were effectively optimized. The natural frequencies of the model were compared and analyzed under different piston strokes, and the mechanism of dynamic response was obtained. Through modal testing, the results indicated that the simulation results had high accuracy and reliability.
Influence of asphalt mixture nonlinearity on pavement mechanical response
Authors: Yang Guobao , Wu Yuzhen
Published: November 2023

In view of the influence of asphalt mixture nonlinearity on the mechanical response of pavement structure, the creep compliance of AC-16 under 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 MPa is studied first. The results show that the asphalt mixture is in the linear viscoelastic region, when the load is in the 0.1-0.5 MPa interval. When the load is greater than 0.5 MPa, the creep compliance increases significantly, and asphalt mixture presents a nonlinear property. The Prony series is used to fit the creep compliance data, and the relaxation modulus is calculated based on the convolution relationship between creep compliance and relaxation modulus in viscoelastic mechanics. The relaxation modulus under different loads is introduced into the mechanical calculation of layered viscoelastic system. The calculation results show that the nonlinearity of asphalt mixture significantly affects the permanent deformation of asphalt layer, but has little effect on the fatigue problem of the asphalt base. In the design of pavement structure, attention should be paid to the nonlinearity of asphalt mixture.
Performance evaluation of China's agricultural water rights markets (2002–2020)
Authors: Dai Xiaoping , Garrick Dustin , Svensson Jesper , Li Jingang , Yue Qiong
Published: November 2023

The water rights market has been promoted in China since 2000. The lack of data and suitable evaluation methods impeded efforts to evaluate the market performance systematically. This research examines the characteristics, performance, and variation of China's agricultural water rights market (AWRM) on the basis of data from the field investigation, China Water Exchange, academic literature, and policy documents. We construct a comprehensive evaluation index system from the aspects of efficiency, fairness, and sustainability and quantitatively evaluate the performance of seven typical agricultural water markets in China. From 2002 to 2020, there were 1,752 cases of agricultural water transactions in China, with a total trading volume of 10.09 million m3. The market scale is increasing and the development of AWRM can be divided into three stages. Most agricultural water rights transactions happened in the west and the north. The average performance of typical AWRMs was poor. Typical water markets had the highest score for fairness and the lowest score for sustainability. Water markets in the humid areas performed the best, whereas the markets in the higher transaction level performed better. Water markets in areas with higher economic development had better performance.
Comparison of clinical results of flattapered and rectangular stems in partial hip replacement based on proximal femur fracture
Authors: Çakmak Mehmet Fevzi , Horoz Levent
Published: November 2023

Aim: Hemiarthroplasty is commonly used in proximal femur fractures to provide early mobilization and weight bearing to the patient. Cemented and cementless femoral stems are commonly used in this procedure. Cementless prostheses have many advantages and disadvantages, and their relevance to stem design is controversial. This study aimed to compare flat-tapered and rectangular femoral stems in hemiarthroplasty.

Methods: The study population consisted of a third-level hospital’s archive orthopedics and traumatology clinic. Our study was retrospective. A total of 176 patients who underwent cementless hemiarthroplasty in proximal femoral fractures between January 2017 and January 2022 were included in the study. Within these protocols, 64 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty using a flat-tapered stem (Group 1), and 58 patients underwent hemiarthroplasty using a rectangular stem (Group 2). At the last follow-up of the patients, the Harris hip score, Visual Analogue Scale, and early and long-term complications were evaluated.

Results: No significant differences among the patients were observed regarding Harris hip scores and Visual Analogue Scale values. The study groups were analyzed in terms of developing complications. Similar results were found in both groups regarding periprosthetic femur fractures.

Conclusion: Our study found no significant difference between flat-tapered and rectangular stems in terms of clinical outcomes and periprosthetic femur fracture in cases of cementless hemiarthroplasty. As a result, rectangular stems can be safely preferred in hemiarthroplasty.
Implementation of a Web Camera System in an Australian Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Pre- and Postevaluation of the Parent and Staff Experience
Authors: Legge Alexandra A , Middleton Jennifer L , Reid Shelley , Gordon Adrienne
Published: November 2023

Background

Admission to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for prematurity or illness is necessary for approximately 20% of newborns in Australia, resulting in parent-infant separation. Web cameras in the NICU provide a virtual link for parents to remain remotely connected to their infant during admission. Web camera use is increasing; however, there is limited evidence on the impact of web cameras on parents, infants, and neonatal staff.

Objective

There were two objectives: (1) to determine the attitudes of parents and staff toward web cameras in the NICU and (2) to compare parental depression, anxiety, and stress levels using validated scales before and after web camera implementation in the NICU.

Methods

A pre- and postevaluation survey was administered before and after implementation of the NICVIEW camera system in a tertiary NICU in Sydney, Australia. The NICVIEW camera system provides secure real-time viewing of infants and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection. Surveys were administered to parents of inpatients and staff, and included open- and closed-ended questions and Likert scales. Survey questions aimed to determine parent and staff attitudes and use of web cameras before and after implementation. In addition, pre- and postimplementation parental levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, as measured by the 21-item version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, were recorded.

Results

In total, 94 parents and 109 staff members completed the pre- and postimplementation surveys. Post implementation, 43 of 44 (98%) parents supported web cameras, and 40 of 42 (95%) parents stated that they used web cameras. The most common reasons for support from parents included web cameras making parents feel more at ease, facilitating parent-infant bonding, increasing parental confidence in staff, and allowing others to see infants. There was no significant difference between the parental groups for the depression, anxiety, or stress scales measured by DASS-21. Staff support for web cameras increased significantly from 34 of 42 (81%) participants before to 64 of 67 (96%) participants after implementation (P=.01). Following implementation, there was a resolution in staff concerns about web cameras having an adverse impact on staff roles and privacy and security concerns.

Conclusions

Web camera use in a tertiary Australian NICU was strongly supported by parents and staff and may reduce parental stress, facilitate parent-infant bonding, and encourage positive parent-staff engagement. Web cameras are a feasible method of providing continuity of care for families and should be considered as a standard of care in similarly resourced settings.
Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation of Older Adults Through Voice Assistants: Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Marziali Rachele Alessandra , Franceschetti Claudia , Dinculescu Adrian , Nistorescu Alexandru , Kristály Dominic Mircea , Moșoi Adrian Alexandru , Broekx Ronny , Marin Mihaela , Vizitiu Cristian , Moraru Sorin-Aurel , Rossi Lorena , Di Rosa Mirko
Published: November 2023

Background

Loneliness and social isolation are major public health concerns for older adults, with severe mental and physical health consequences. New technologies may have a great impact in providing support to the daily lives of older adults and addressing the many challenges they face. In this scenario, technologies based on voice assistants (VAs) are of great interest and potential benefit in reducing loneliness and social isolation in this population, because they could overcome existing barriers with other digital technologies through easier and more natural human-computer interaction.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the use of VAs to reduce loneliness and social isolation of older adults by performing a systematic literature review and a bibliometric cluster mapping analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases for articles that were published in the last 6 years, related to the following main topics: voice interface, VA, older adults, isolation, and loneliness. A total of 40 articles were found, of which 16 (40%) were included in this review. The included articles were then assessed through a qualitative scoring method and summarized. Finally, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer software (Leiden University’s Centre for Science and Technology Studies).

Results

Of the 16 articles included in the review, only 2 (13%) were considered of poor methodological quality, whereas 9 (56%) were of medium quality and 5 (31%) were of high quality. Finally, through bibliometric analysis, 221 keywords were extracted, of which 36 (16%) were selected. The most important keywords, by number of occurrences and by total link strength; results of the analysis with the Association Strength normalization method; and default values were then presented. The final bibliometric network consisted of 36 selected keywords, which were grouped into 3 clusters related to 3 main topics (ie, VA use for social isolation among older adults, the significance of age in the context of loneliness, and the impact of sex factors on well-being). For most of the selected articles, the effect of VA on social isolation and loneliness of older adults was a minor theme. However, more investigations were done on user experience, obtaining preliminary positive results.

Conclusions

Most articles on the use of VAs by older adults to reduce social isolation and loneliness focus on usability, acceptability, or user experience. Nevertheless, studies directly addressing the impact that using a VA has on the social isolation and loneliness of older adults find positive and promising results and provide important information for future research, interventions, and policy development in the field of geriatric care and technology.
A Machine Learning Web App to Predict Diabetic Blood Glucose Based on a Basic Noninvasive Health Checkup, Sociodemographic Characteristics, and Dietary Information: Case Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sampa Masuda Begum , Biswas Topu , Rahman Md Siddikur , Aziz Nor Hidayati Binti Abdul , Hossain Md Nazmul , Aziz Nor Azlina Ab
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Over the past few decades, diabetes has become a serious public health concern worldwide, particularly in Bangladesh. The advancement of artificial intelligence can be reaped in the prediction of blood glucose levels for better health management. However, the practical validity of machine learning (ML) techniques for predicting health parameters using data from low- and middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh, is very low. Specifically, Bangladesh lacks research using ML techniques to predict blood glucose levels based on basic noninvasive clinical measurements and dietary and sociodemographic information.

OBJECTIVE

To formulate strategies for public health planning and the control of diabetes, this study aimed to develop a personalized ML model that predicts the blood glucose level of urban corporate workers in Bangladesh.

METHODS

Based on the basic noninvasive health checkup test results, dietary information, and sociodemographic characteristics of 271 employees of the Bangladeshi Grameen Bank complex, 5 well-known ML models, namely, linear regression, boosted decision tree regression, neural network, decision forest regression, and Bayesian linear regression, were used to predict blood glucose levels. Continuous blood glucose data were used in this study to train the model, which then used the trained data to predict new blood glucose values.

RESULTS

Boosted decision tree regression demonstrated the greatest predictive performance of all evaluated models (root mean squared error=2.30). This means that, on average, our model’s predicted blood glucose level deviated from the actual blood glucose level by around 2.30 mg/dL. The mean blood glucose value of the population studied was 128.02 mg/dL (SD 56.92), indicating a borderline result for the majority of the samples (normal value: 140 mg/dL). This suggests that the individuals should be monitoring their blood glucose levels regularly.

CONCLUSIONS

This ML-enabled web application for blood glucose prediction helps individuals to self-monitor their health condition. The application was developed with communities in remote areas of low- and middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh, in mind. These areas typically lack health facilities and have an insufficient number of qualified doctors and nurses. The web-based application is a simple, practical, and effective solution that can be adopted by the community. Use of the web application can save money on medical expenses, time, and health management expenses. The created system also aids in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in ensuring that everyone in the community enjoys good health and well-being and lowering total morbidity and mortality.
Temporal trends in the incidence and mortality of gallbladder and biliary diseases in mainland China: past trends and future prediction (Preprint)
Authors: Zhu Wenxuan , Liu Shixuan , Zhang Zhuomiao , Wang Xu , Du Baofeng , Bai Ruhai
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

China is the country with the most gallbladder and biliary diseases (GBDs) deaths.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze long-term trends in the incidence and mortality of GBDs in mainland China from 1990 to 2019 and to make projections until 2030.

METHODS

Data on GBDs were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. Population data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 and World Population Prospects 2019. An age-period-cohort framework was used in this study.

RESULTS

The net drift of GBDs incidence was 0.94% (95% CI: 0.88%, 1.00%) for men and 1.29% (95% CI: 1.22%, 1.35%) for women. The net drift for mortality was -1.57% (95% CI: -1.81%, -1.34%) -5.12% (95% CI: -5.38%, -4.86%) for men and -3.32% (95% CI: -3.55%, -3.10%) -6.90% (95% CI: -7.28%, -6.52%) for women. The risk of GBDs increased in the last 20 years in males but decreased in the last 5 years in females, and the risk of GBDs increased with birth cohort progression in females and in males after 2005. For mortality, both period and cohort effects showed a favorable trend (the mortality risk decreased). It is expected that the past trend in terms of increased incidence in males and decreased mortality for both sexes will continue, but the incidence of GBDs in females is expected to decrease in the future. An increasing proportion of elderly individuals are expected to develop GBDs and die.

CONCLUSIONS

In the past three decades, the incidence of GBDs has increased in both sexes, and the mortality rate has decreased. Except for the decreased incidence in females, the past trends will continue in the next decades. A higher proportion of elderly individuals are projected to suffer GBDs and die, thus GBDs in elderly individuals should receive more attention.

CLINICALTRIAL

Trial registration is not applicable in this study.
Review of the effects of Task-based Language Teaching on EFL learners’ speaking performance: What remains to be researched?
Authors: Huynh Truong Sang , Nguyen Van Loi
Published: November 2023

Given the research trend on task-based language teaching (TBLT), several reviews have been conducted on its effects. However, no review has explored specific skills. This study aims to review previous studies with a focus on the improvement of EFL learners’ speaking performance. The main purpose is to reveal a gap for future study. Using the systematic review approach, we selected 25 qualified studies from different databases. Results showed that TBLT implementation promoted both general speaking and speaking components (i.e., complexity, accuracy, and fluency). Most of the studies either employed or adapted Willis’ model. The present study suggests that future research could explore the comparative effects of various task-based methodological options. Moreover, the text-driven approach to task design and implementation can be further researched to enhance EFL learners’ engagement and speaking performance.