bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ion chamber magnetic field correction factors measured via microDiamond cross-calibration from a conventional linac to MRI-linac
Authors: Begg Jarrad , Jelen Urszula , Keall Paul , Liney Gary , Holloway Lois
Published: October 2022

Magnetic field correction factors are required for performing reference dosimetry on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Linear accelerators (MRI-linacs). Methods for measuring magnetic field correction factors usually require specialized equipment and expertise. Our work investigated the use of a microDiamond detector to cross-calibrate an ion chamber between a conventional linac and MRI-linac as a method to measure ion chamber magnetic field correction factors for the MRI-linac. Ratios of the microDiamond and ion chamber were measured on a conventional linac, parallel MRI-linac at 0 T, parallel MRI-linac at 1 T and perpendicular MRI-linac at 1.5 T. The beam quality dependence of the microDiamond was investigated by comparing the measurements on the conventional linac and parallel MRI-linac at 0 T. The magnetic field dependence of the microDiamond was investigated comparing the measurements on a parallel MRI-linac at 0 and 1 T. The ion chamber magnetic field correction factors were calculated by comparing the conventional linac and parallel MRI-linac at 1 T and the conventional linac and perpendicular MRI-linac at 1.5 T for the parallel and perpendicular factors respectively. The FC65-G and PTW30013 ion chambers were investigated. For a parallel MRI-linac, with a beam quality of TPR20,10 = 0.632, we measured magnetic field correction factors of 0.988 ± 0.016 (k = 2) and 0.987 ± 0.016 (k = 2) for a FC65-G and PTW30013 respectively, where k is the coverage factor. For a perpendicular MRI-linac, with a beam quality of TPR20,10 = 0.701, we measured magnetic field correction factors of 0.995 ± 0.020 (k = 2) and 0.983 ± 0.020 (k = 2) for a FC65-G and PTW30013 respectively. The results showed agreement with previously published work which used different approaches. Our work demonstrates the use of a microDiamond to calculate the ion chamber magnetic field correction factor using measurements on a conventional linac and MRI-linac. The high level of uncertainty in our results means the method at present can only be used for validation of magnetic field correction factors.
Dark matter and dark energy denote the gravitation of the expanding universe
Authors: Annila Arto , Wikström Mårten
Published: October 2022

We reason that it is the gravitation of all ordinary matter, extending from the dense distant past to the sparse present, rather than dark matter, that shows up in galaxy rotation and velocity dispersion. Likewise, we argue that it is this gradient in the gravitational energy due to the expansion, rather than dark energy, that explains Type 1a supernovae brightness vs. redshift data. Our conclusions follow from statistical mechanics, the thermodynamic theory based on the atomistic axiom that everything comprises quanta. In line with the Einstein field equations, the vacuum quanta embodying gravitation, geometrized as spacetime, equate in dynamic balance to the quanta embodying the substance of the stress–energy tensor. In accordance with quantum field theory, the proposed ground-state field of paired light quanta complies with Bose–Einstein statistics and assumes an excited state around a particle.
Training at moderate altitude improves submaximal but not maximal performance-related parameters in elite rowers
Authors: Cerda-Kohler Hugo , Haichelis Danni , Reuquén Patricia , Miarka Bianca , Homer Mark , Zapata-Gómez Daniel , Aedo-Muñoz Esteban
Published: October 2022

Maximal oxygen consumption (V̇O2max), physiological thresholds, and hemoglobin mass are strong predictors of endurance performance. High values of V̇O2max, maximal aerobic power (MAP), and power output at anaerobic thresholds are key variables in elite rowers. Endurance athletes often use altitude training as a strategy to improve performance. However, no clear evidence exists that training at natural altitude enhances sea-level performance in elite rowers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of altitude training on rowing-performance parameters at sea level. The study was conducted on eleven rowers (Six females, five males) from the Chilean National Team during a 3-week moderate altitude training (∼2,900 m. a.s.l.) under the live high-train high (LHTH) model. It included a rowing ergometer maximal incremental test and blood analysis (pre and post-altitude). Gas exchange analysis was performed to measure V̇O2max, ventilatory thresholds (VTs) and rowing economy/efficiency (ECR/GE%). LHTL training improves performance-related variables at sea level (V̇Emax: 3.3% (95% CI, 1.2–5.5); hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]): 4.3% (95% CI, 1.7–6.9); hematocrit (%): 4.5% (95% CI, 0.9–8.2); RBC (red blood cells) count: 5.3% (95% CI, 2.3–8.2); power at VT2: 6.9% (95% CI, 1.7–12.1), V̇EVT2: 6.4% (95% CI, 0.4–12.4); power at VT1: 7.3% (95% CI, 1.3–13.3), V̇EVT1: 8.7% (95% CI, 1.6–15.8)) and economy/efficiency-related variables (ECRVT2: 5.3% (95% CI, −0.6 to −10.0); GE(%): 5.8% (95% CI, 0.8–10.7)). The LHTH training decreased breathing economy at MAP (−2.8% (95% CI, 0.1–5.6)), pVT2 (−9.3% (95% CI, −5.9 to −12.7)), and pVT1 (−9.3% (95% CI, −4.1 to −14.4)). Non-significant changes were found for V̇O2max and MAP. This study describes the effects of a 3-week moderate altitude (LHTH training) on performance and economy/efficiency-related variables in elite rowers, suggesting that it is an excellent option to induce positive adaptations related to endurance performance.
Guvermectin, a novel plant growth regulator, can promote the growth and high temperature tolerance of maize
Authors: Zhang Borui , Gao Huige , Wang Guozhen , Zhang Sicong , Shi Mengru , Li Yun , Huang Zhongqiao , Xiang Wensheng , Gao Wenna , Zhang Can , Liu Xili
Published: October 2022

Guvermectin is a recently discovered microbial N9-glucoside cytokinin compound extracted from Streptomyces sanjiangensis NEAU6. Although some research has reported that N9-glucoside cytokinin compounds do not have the activity of cytokinin, it has been noted that guvermectin can promote growth and antifungal activity in Arabidopsis. Maize is an important food crop in the world and exploring the effect of guvermectin on this crop could help its cultivation in regions with adverse environmental conditions such as a high temperature. Here, we investigated the effects of guvermectin seed soaking treatment on the growth of maize at the seedlings stage and its yield attributes with different temperature stresses. The maize (cv. Zhengdan 958) with guvermectin seed soaking treatment were in two systems: paper roll culture and field conditions. Guvermectin seed soaking treated plants had increased plant height, root length, and mesocotyl length at the seedlings stage, and spike weight at maturity in the field. But only root length was increased at the paper roll culture by guvermectin seed soaking treatment. Guvermectin seed soaking treatment reduced the adverse effects on maize seedling when grow at a high temperature. Further experiments showed that, in high temperature conditions, guvermectin treatment promoted the accumulation of heat shock protein (HSP) 17.0, HSP 17.4 and HSP 17.9 in maize roots. Comparative transcriptomic profiling showed there were 33 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in guvermectin treated plants under high temperature and room temperature conditions. The DEGs suggested that guvermectin treatment led to the differential modulation of several transcripts mainly related with plant defense, stress response, and terpenoid biosynthesis. Taken together, these results suggested that the guvermectin treatment promoted the growth and tolerance of high temperature stresses, possibly by activation of related pathways. These results show that guvermectin is a novel plant growth regulator and could be developed as an application to maize seeds to promote growth in high temperature environments.
Media representations of crimes in close relationships: Qualitative analysis of narratives in a television broadcast
Authors: De Gregorio Eugenio , Mongai Camilla , Tiberio Lorenza
Published: October 2022

Recent years have seen increased media attention paid to crimes committed against women by partners or former partners has grown. Crime, especially violent crime, dominates the news and the mass media. In this sense, criminology” impacts publicly the collective representation of crime. The study was motivated by the interest to understand what representations are conveyed by television broadcasts and how closely related they are to criminological theories and literature on the subject. The objective of the proposed qualitative research is to examine the media representations proposed in thematic television broadcasts, as well as the narrative profiles relating to the victims, perpetrators of the crimes and their relationships, as described in the news and by a multiplicity of roles associated with them based on kinship, friendship or professional role.
Crab barrel syndrome: Looking through the lens of type A and type B personality theory and social comparison process
Authors: Uzum Burcu , Ozdemir Yasemin , Kose Semra , Ozkan Osman Seray , Seneldir Okan
Published: October 2022

Introduction

There are epistemological studies about the main concept, Crab Syndrome. In this context, the study aims to reveal the antecedents of the Crab Syndrome by evaluating the theoretical background of the Crab Barrel Syndrome within the framework of Social Comparison Theory. The main purpose of this study is to identify the precursors of crab barrel syndrome. In line with this main purpose, the study also aims to reveal the relationship between crab barrel syndrome behaviors and type A versus type B personalities, along with the effect of social comparison behaviors. Type A personality represents the personalities of individuals who are stressed, ambitious, competitive, and quickly take action for their aims. Type B, on the other hand, presents the personality types of individuals who are calm, away from competition, and perform their actions slowly.

Method

It is designed quantitatively, employing scales to quantify type A and type B personalities, social comparison, and crab barrel syndrome. Hypotheses are tested using structural equation modeling.

Result/discussion

It is found that there is a positive relation between the type A personality and the crab barrel syndrome, and a negative one between the syndrome and high self-esteem. The findings suggest that by social comparison, type A and type B personality are precursors of crab barrel syndrome. In the study, the theoretical background of the Crab Syndrome was evaluated within the scope of Social Comparison Theory. In this context, examining the relationship between different organizational behavior theories and crab syndrome is important for other studies.
The role of learner character strengths and classroom emotions in L2 resilience
Authors: Alrabai Fakieh , Alamer Abdullah
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to examine a theory-driven model to explain how language learner's trait emotional intelligence (TEI) and effort as two learner character strengths predict learner enjoyment as a positive emotion and anxiety and boredom as two negative classroom emotions, and how these variables, collectively, predict resilience in language learning. The underlying relationship between these variables was testedviaa comprehensive model within a positive psychology perspective using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach. The paths in the final structural model indicated that L2 learner TEI did not significantly explain their resilience directly but rather completely indirectly through the mediation of learner negative and positive emotions. Learner effort, directly and indirectly, predicted L2 resilience and its predictive power in it was much larger than that of TEI. In addition, enjoyment and boredom directly influenced L2 resilience and also mediated the relationship between learner character strengths and resilience. Anxiety did not significantly predict learner L2 resilience directly since its influence was rather dependent on the role of enjoyment and boredom in L2 resilience. These findings widely support the claims within positive psychology domain that recognize the vital role of character strengths and learner emotions in enhancing L2 learner resilience.
The role of farmers’ green values in creation of green innovative intention and green technology adoption behavior: Evidence from farmers grain green production
Authors: Gao Risheng , Zhang Haitao , Gong Chunming , Wu Zhihua
Published: October 2022

Grain for Green Project (GGP) is one of China’s important ecological restoration projects. The key rationale of this Program is to decrease soil erosion and develop ecological conditions. The agricultural sector is putting efforts to promote green innovation and production among farmers to achieve the targets of ecological restoration projects. However, farmers’ green values could play a constructive role in building green innovative intention and green technology adoption behaviors. Based on the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), the present study investigates the association between farmers’ green values and green technology adoption behavior. For empirical investigation, the current study assumes that farmers’ green values positively correlate with green innovative intention and green technology adoption behavior, respectively. Further, this study proposes that green innovative intention positively impacts green technology adoption behavior. The present study also aims to determine the mediating role of green innovative intention in the relationship between farmer green values and green technology adoption behavior. This study also attempts to check the moderating role of health consciousness in the relationship between farmer green values and green innovative intention and the relationship between farmer green values and green technology adoption behavior, respectively. For empirical analyses, the present study gathered data from303 farmers in China through a structured questionnaire method using a convenient sampling technique. The present study applied partial least square structural equation modeling for empirically examining hypotheses using Smart PLS software. The findings confirmed that farmers’ green values have a positive association with green innovative intention and green technology adoption behavior, respectively. The results further verified that green innovative intention positively correlates with green technology adoption behavior. The finding also authenticated that green innovative intention positively mediates the relationship between farmers’ green values and green technology adoption behavior. The moderating role of health consciousness in the relationship between farmers’ green values and green innovative intention is also confirmed by the results of this study. However, the findings revealed that health consciousness does not moderate the relationship between farmers’ green values and green technology adoption behavior. This study’s findings serve the literature by providing empirical insight on the importance of farmers’ green values for green innovative intention and green technology adoption behavior. Moreover, the findings also have important theoretical and practical implications.
Central adiposity increases the odds for plasma folate deficiency among Chinese women of reproductive age
Authors: Zhang Jinjuan , Du Yushan , Che Xiaoyu , Xia Shuangbo , Zhang Le , Liu Jufen
Published: October 2022

Objective

To explore the association between adiposity and plasma folate deficiency odds among women of reproductive age in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey on nutritional status among women of reproductive aged 18–30 years in 2005–2006 in China was conducted. General adiposity was defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥24 kg/m2, and central adiposity was defined as waist circumference >80 cm. A plasma folate concentration <10.5 nmol/L (measured through microbiological assay) was defined as plasma folate deficiency. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for plasma folate deficiency were calculated using a logistic regression model, with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 3,076 women of reproductive age were included in the final analysis. Compared to women with normal BMI and WC, women with both general and central adiposity had the highest odds for plasma folate deficiency (OR = 3.107, 95% CI: 1.819–5.307). Women with exclusively central adiposity had excess odds for plasma folate deficiency (WC > 80 cm, BMI <24 kg/m2; OR = 2.448, 95% CI: 1.144–5.241), which was higher than women with exclusively general adiposity (BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, WC ≤ 80 cm; OR = 1.709, 95% CI: 1.259–2.319). The combined use of BMI and WC can detect more women (11.7%) at higher plasma folate deficiency odds than either used alone.

Conclusions

Women with central adiposity in normal weight have higher odds for plasma folate deficiency than those with general obesity only. Early screening for central adiposity among women of reproductive age would be meaningful to prevent folate deficiency and improve life-cycle health.
Protein intake from different sources and cognitive decline over 9 years in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Gao Rongtao , Yang Zhan , Yan Wenju , Du Weiping , Zhou Yuan , Zhu Feng
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To examine the association of protein intake from different sources with cognitive decline.

Methods

Our analysis included 3,083 participants aged 55–93 years from the China Health and Nutrition Survey. Cognition was assessed in 1997, 2000, 2004, 2006, and 2015. Diet intake was assessed using weighing methods in combination with 24-h dietary recalls for three consecutive days at each survey.

Results

Participants consumed 13.94% of energy intake from total protein, with 11.47 and 2.47% from plant and animal sources, respectively. During a follow-up of 9 years, participants in quintile 5 of plant protein intake (% energy) had a higher risk [odds ratio (95% CI): 3.03 (1.22–7.53)] of cognitive decline compared with those in quintile 1. Higher animal protein intake (% total protein) was associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline [odds ratio (95% CI) for quintile 5 vs. quintile 1: 0.22 (0.07–0.71)]. Grains (plant source) protein intake was inversely but fish/shrimp and poultry (animal source) protein intake were positively associated with change in cognitive Z-score.

Conclusion

Increasing animal protein consumption in a population with plant dominant diets may help to prevent cognitive decline.
Comparison of compliance among patients with pediatric amblyopia undergoing virtual reality-based and traditional patching method training
Authors: Li Li , Xue Hailan , Lai Taichen , Xue Ying , Luo Gang
Published: October 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to compare compliance between pediatric patients with amblyopia undergoing a smartphone virtual reality-based training method (EYEBIT) and those receiving traditional patching method training.

Methods

A crossover design was adopted in this study. The enrolled children (n = 76) were randomized into the traditional patching and EYEBIT training method groups. The patients received training methods once a day for 2 h and 1 h in the patching and EYEBIT groups, respectively. Follow-up assessments involved interviews with parents regarding children's compliance and questionnaire-based interviews with children; compliance rating was compared between the methods.

Results

All children completed the training and follow-up assessments. There were significant differences in parent and children compliance-related behavior and attitudes between the two training methods (p < 0.05). The EYEBIT method was associated with better compliance than the traditional patching method. Significant correlations were observed among compliance components in both methods. In the correlation analysis between the two groups, the research results showed that in the EYEBIT group, the correlation between children's compliance behaviors and children's compliance attitudes, the correlation between children's compliance behaviors and parents' compliance behaviors, and the correlations between children's compliance attitudes and parents' compliance attitudes were all negatively correlated, and in the traditional patching group, the above three correlation analysis results were all positive.

Conclusion

The use of the EYEBIT method may improve compliance in children with amblyopia; this method appears acceptable to the parents of children with amblyopia.
Piloting web-based structural competency modules among internal medicine residents and graduate students in public health
Authors: Nguemeni Tiako Max Jordan , Rahman Farah , Sabin Janice , Black Aba , Boatright Dowin , Genao Inginia
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Fewer than half of internal medicine program directors report any health disparities curriculum. We piloted a web-based healthcare disparities module among internal medicine (IM) residents to test effectiveness and feasibility, compared to a convenient sample of graduate students enrolled in a public health equity course.

Methods

IM residents participated in an in-person session (module 1: introduction to racial and ethnic health disparities), but first, they completed a pre-module knowledge quiz. Two weeks later, they completed module 2: “unconscious associations” and a post-module knowledge quiz. For the control arm Yale School of Public Health (YSPH) students enrolled in a course on health disparities completed the pre-module knowledge quiz, module 1, and 2 as required by their course instructor.

Results

Forty-nine IM residents and 22 YSPH students completed the pre-module quiz and Module 1. The mean (SD) score out of 25 possible points for the IM residents on the pre-module quiz was 16.1/25 (2.8), and 16.6/25 (3.2) for YSPH students, with no statistically significant difference. Nineteen residents (38.8%) completed the post-module quiz with a mean score of 16.7/25 (2.2), Hedge's g =0.23, compared to 18 (81.8%) YSPH students, whose mean (SD) score was 19.5/25 (2.1), Hedge's g=1.05. YSPH students' post-module quiz average was statistically significantly higher than their pre-module test score, as well as the residents' post-module test (P < 0.001). In examining participants' responses to specific questions, we found that 51% (n = 25) of residents wrongly defined discrimination with an emphasis on attitudes and intent as opposed to actions and impact, compared to 22.7% (n = 5) YSPH students before the module, vs. 63.2% (n = 12) and 88.9% (n = 16) respectively after.

Conclusion

After completing a healthcare disparities course, graduate students in public health saw greater gains in knowledge compared to IM residents. Residents' responses showed knowledge gaps such as understanding discrimination, and highlight growth opportunity in terms of health equity education. Furthermore, embedding health equity education in required curricular activities may be a more effective approach.
SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Prevention Model Application in a Large Retail Company Before the Vaccine Introduction
Authors: Vitale Ermanno , Vella Francesca , Indelicato Giuliano , Canalella Andrea , Briguglio Salvatore , Pittari Veronica , Senia Paola , Vinnikov Denis , Floresta Daniele , Rapisarda Venerando , Filetti Veronica
Published: October 2022

On 11 March 2020, following the spread of SARS-CoV-2, WHO declared a pandemic status. The impact on national health and economic systems has been huge. Therefore, many countries took measures to restrict the spread of the virus. Many work activities have been subjected to lockdown measures. However, some production activities, continued to remain open, i.e., large-scale food distribution, food industry, pharmacies, hospitals, etc. In order to contain the spread of the pandemic, public health measures have been implemented by the States to reduce the contagion of the virus in the workplace. Therefore, it was important to implement measures to contrast and contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 in workplaces. The aim of this study was to adopt and implement a safety protocol useful to restrict the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a large-scale retail trade company located in the south of Italy, before vaccination, during the first and second pandemic phases also exploiting telemedicine services. Antibody serological test cards were also used during the first pandemic wave and rapid antigenic swabs during the second to detect workers positive for SARS-CoV-2. A population of subjects who worked for another company similar for production activity and distribution on the territory was selected as the control group. During work activities, this group followed the minimum activity protocol provided by the Italian legislation (24 April 2020, Ministry Protocol), which provided the daily monitoring of the body temperature and in the case of SARS- CoV-2 positive subjects the extraordinary sanitation of the workplace. The measures implemented identified the positive subject for SARS-CoV-2 at an early stage. The protocol made it possible to significantly reduce the spread of the virus within large-scale retail distribution, and therefore, to avoid the temporary closure of the stores with a consequent reduction of economic losses compared with the control group.
Positive mental health in Slovenia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vinko Matej , Mikolič Petra , Roškar Saška , Jeriček Klanšček Helena
Published: October 2022

Background

Mental health has been heavily affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study we compared the prevalence of flourishing and languishing mental health during the pandemic and examined which factors are associated with either category of positive mental health respectively.

Methods

Data from two cross-sectional surveys with nationally representative samples of adult population in Slovenia conducted in 2019 (n = 9,047) and in 2021 (n = 3,429) are used. Positive mental health was measured with Mental Health Continuum–Short Form instrument. Logistic regression was used to examine the associations between flourishing and languishing mental health and relevant COVID-19 specific and other health-related factors.

Results

There was a substantial decrease in the prevalence of flourishing and an increase in the prevalence of languishing mental health during the pandemic. Distribution of both flourishing and languishing mental health followed the socio-economic gradient. Resilience, COVID-19 literacy and changes in family relations, social interactions, and dietary habits were associated with both flourishing and languishing mental health.

Conclusion

Positive mental health of the population worsened during the pandemic, more so in traditionally disadvantaged populations. Public health efforts need to be focused appropriately with an increased emphasis on strengthening resilience and health literacy.
Determinants of default from full completion of vaccination among children between 12 and 23 months old in Yilmana Densa district, west Gojam zone, Ethiopia, 2019
Authors: Mekuria Desalegn Koyto , Hailu Getachew , Bedimo Melkamu , Tefera Alemu Adela
Published: October 2022

Background

Vaccination is one of the best cost-effective public health interventions to safeguard children from vaccine-preventable diseases. In Ethiopia, the prevalence of default to the full completion of child immunization is high. However, the determinants of default to full completion have not been thoroughly investigated in this study area. Therefore, this study assessed the determinants of default to the full compilation of vaccination among children between 12 and 23 months old in Yilmana Densa District, west Gojam, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based unmatched case-control study design was employed in the Yilmana Densa district among 343 (111 cases and 232 controls) randomly selected 12–23 months old children. Face-to-face interviews were used to collect data using a multistage sampling method. For analysis, data were entered into epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS 23 software. Descriptive analysis followed by binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted. The statistical significance was declared at a p-value of 0.05.

Result

This study identified that mothers who had not attended ANC follow-up [AOR = 5.55, 95% CI: (1.789–17.217)], mothers who had not gotten information about vaccinations [AOR = 8.589, 95% CI: (4.414–16.714)], and mothers whose time taken to reach vaccination site is more than 39 min were at higher risk to default from completion of vaccination [AOR = 3.252, 95% CI: (1.952–5.417)]. Furthermore, maternal waiting time (>45 min) for child vaccination [AOR = 2.674, 95% CI: (1.517–4.714)] and home delivery [AOR 3.19, 95% CI: (1.751–5.814)] were risk factors to default child from full completion of vaccination.

Conclusion

Mothers delivered at home, mothers not attending ANC follow-up, mothers who did not get health information about the vaccine, mothers taking longer time to reach the vaccination site, and staying longer time for child vaccination are causes of default. Motivated institutional delivery services utilization is recommended. The district office should consider the distribution of vaccination sites by the opening of new outreach site to reduce the waiting time of mothers.
Bayesian optimization with unknown constraints in graphical skill models for compliant manipulation tasks using an industrial robot
Authors: Gabler Volker , Wollherr Dirk
Published: October 2022

This article focuses on learning manipulation skills from episodic reinforcement learning (RL) in unknown environments using industrial robot platforms. These platforms usually do not provide the required compliant control modalities to cope with unknown environments, e.g., force-sensitive contact tooling. This requires designing a suitable controller, while also providing the ability of adapting the controller parameters from collected evidence online. Thus, this work extends existing work on meta-learning for graphical skill-formalisms. First, we outline how a hybrid force–velocity controller can be applied to an industrial robot in order to design a graphical skill-formalism. This skill-formalism incorporates available task knowledge and allows for online episodic RL. In contrast to the existing work, we further propose to extend this skill-formalism by estimating the success probability of the task to be learned by means of factor graphs. This method allows assigning samples to individual factors, i.e., Gaussian processes (GPs) more efficiently and thus allows improving the learning performance, especially at early stages, where successful samples are usually only drawn in a sparse manner. Finally, we propose suitable constraint GP models and acquisition functions to obtain new samples in order to optimize the information gain, while also accounting for the success probability of the task. We outline a specific application example on the task of inserting the tip of a screwdriver into a screwhead with an industrial robot and evaluate our proposed extension against the state-of-the-art methods. The collected data outline that our method allows artificial agents to obtain feasible samples faster than existing approaches, while achieving a smaller regret value. This highlights the potential of our proposed work for future robotic applications.
Radiographic risk factors for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: A comparison with healthy control subjects
Authors: Wang Zheng , Tian Yonghao , Li Chao , Li Donglai , Ibrahim Yakubu , Yuan Suomao , Wang Xia , Tang Juan , Zhang Shijun , Wang Lianlei , Liu Xinyu
Published: October 2022

Objective

To evaluate the radiologic parameters of degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) and determine the radiographic risk factors for DLS by making comparisons with healthy control subjects.

Methods

Seventy-five patients with L4/5 DLS (Meyerding grade I) and 53 healthy control subjects were analyzed. The L1-S1 disc height index (DHI), L4/5 facet joint angle (FJA), and relative cross-sectional area (RCSA) of paravertebral muscles were measured in both groups. The initial L4/5 DHI (iDHI) before the onset of DLS were estimated based on the L3/4 DHI of the DLS group and DHI of the control group. The sagittal parameters of DLS were also included in this study.

Results

The DHI of L4/5 was lower in the DLS group than in the control group (P < 0.05), but the DHI of the L1-L4 segments were much higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). The initial L4/5 DHI and FJA of the DLS group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The RCSA of the paravertebral muscles were smaller in the DLS group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that iDHI, FJA, and RCSA of the total paraspinal muscles were risk factors for DLS. The cutoff values for iDHI, FJA, and RCSA were 0.504, 56.968°, and 1.991 respectively. The iDHI was associated with lumbar lordosis (LL), while L4/5 DHI was associated with the RCSA of the multifidus muscle and psoas major muscle (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

A large initial lumbar disc height, large FJA, and paravertebral muscle atrophy may be risk factors for DLS.
Progress of m6A Methylation in Lipid Metabolism in Humans and Animals
Authors: Xin Zimeng , Zhang Tianying , Lu Qinyue , Yang Zhangping , Chen Zhi
Published: October 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is a type of methylation modification discovered on RNA molecules, mainly on mRNAs, as well as on other RNAs. Similar to DNA methylation, m6A methylation regulates the post-transcriptional expression level of genes without altering their base sequences. It modulates gene expression mainly by affecting the binding of mRNAs to reader proteins, thereby regulating variable splicing, translation efficiency, and stability of mRNAs. Early in the research, the study of m6A-related biological functions was greatly hindered due to the lack of effective detection methods. As second-generation sequencing and bioinformatics develop, several methods have been available to detect and predict m6A methylation sites in recent years. Moreover, m6A methylation is also closely related to the development of lipid metabolism, as shown in current studies. Combined with recent research, this paper reviews the concept, detection, and prediction means of m6A methylation, especially the relationship between m6A and lipid metabolism, providing a new clue to enrich the molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism.
Salicylic Acid Modulates Okra Tolerance to Salt Stress in Hydroponic System
Authors: Torres Mendonça Allysson Jonhnny , Silva André Alisson Rodrigues da , Lima Geovani Soares de , Soares Lauriane Almeida dos Anjos , Nunes Oliveira Valeska Karolini , Gheyi Hans Raj , Lacerda Claudivan Feitosa de , Azevedo Carlos Alberto Vieira de , Lima Vera Lúcia Antunes de , Fernandes Pedro Dantas
Published: October 2022

Salinity is one of the most devastating abiotic stresses that limit plant growth and yield, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid in mitigating the effects of salt stress on okra cultivation in a hydroponic system. The study was conducted in a greenhouse, consisting of two experiments. A completely randomized design was adopted in a split-plot scheme, with four levels of electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution—EC (2.1; 3.6; 5.1, and 6.6 dS m−1) considered the plots and four salicylic acid concentrations—SA (0, 1.2; 2.4, and 3.6 mM), the subplots, with four replications. The second experiment differed from the first only by the increase in the EC levels (3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0 dS m−1). An increase in the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution negatively affected the physiology and production components of okra. However, foliar application of salicylic acid at concentrations between 1.2 and 2.3 mM reduced the harmful effects of salt stress. The salinity threshold for hydroponic cultivation of okra was 2.54 dS m−1, with a reduction of 7.98% per unit increment in EC above this level.
Arthropod Community Responses Reveal Potential Predators and Prey of Entomopathogenic Nematodes in a Citrus Orchard
Authors: Dritsoulas Alexandros , Wu Sheng-Yen , Regmi Homan , Duncan Larry W.
Published: October 2022

The contributions of soil arthropods to entomopathogenic nematode (EPN) food webs are mainly studied in artificial conditions. We investigated changes in arthropod communities in a citrus orchard following soil inundation with Steinernema feltiae or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. We hypothesized that arthropod taxa, which decline or increase in response to EPN augmentation, represent potential prey or predators of EPN, respectively. Soil was sampled periodically after nematodes were applied, DNA was extracted from organisms recovered by sucrose centrifugation, libraries were prepared, and the ITS2 and CO1 genes were sequenced using Illumina protocol. Species from 107 microarthropod (mites and collembola) families and 121 insect families were identified. Amplicon sequence variant (ASV) reads for H. bacteriophora were less than 10% of those for S. feltiae three days after inundation, whereas microarthropod ASVs were double in plots with H. bacteriophora compared to those with S. feltiae. Significantly fewer microarthropod and insect reads in S. feltiae compared to untreated plots suggest the possibility that S. feltiae preyed on mites and Collembola in addition to insects. The responses over time of the individual microarthropod species (MOTU) suggest that regulation (up or down) of these EPN resulted from a cumulative response by many species, rather than by a few key species.
Genetic Analyses of Response of Local Ghanaian Tanzanian Chicken Ecotypes to a Natural Challenge with Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus
Authors: Walugembe Muhammed , Naazie Augustine , Mushi James R. , Akwoviah George A. , Mollel Esther , Mang’enya Juliana A. , Wang Ying , Chouicha Nadira , Kelly Terra , Msoffe Peter L. M. , Otsyina Hope R. , Gallardo Rodrigo A. , Lamont Susan J. , Muhairwa Amandus P. , Kayang Boniface B. , Zhou Huaijun , Dekkers Jack C. M.
Published: October 2022

Newcastle disease is a devastating poultry disease that often causes significant economic losses in poultry in the developing countries of Africa, Asia, as well as South and Central America. Velogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) outbreaks are associated with high mortalities, which can threaten household livelihoods, especially in the rural areas, and lead to loss of high-quality proteins in the form of meat and eggs, as well as household purchasing power. In this study, we exposed unvaccinated Ghanaian and Tanzanian chickens of six local ecotypes to velogenic NDV strains, measured NDV response traits, sequenced their DNA on a genotyping-by-sequencing platform, and performed variance component analyses. The collected phenotypes included: growth rates (pre- and post-exposure); lesion scores (gross lesion severity) in the trachea, proventriculus, intestine, and cecal tonsils; natural antibody levels; anti-NDV antibody levels at 7 days post exposure (dpe); tear and cloacal viral load at 2, 4, and 6 dpe; and survival time. Heritability estimates were low to moderate, ranging from 0.11 for average lesion scores to 0.36 for pre-exposure growth rate. Heritability estimates for survival time were 0.23 and 0.27 for the Tanzanian and Ghanaian ecotypes, respectively. Similar heritability estimates were observed when data were analyzed either separately or combined for the two countries. Survival time was genetically negatively correlated with lesion scores and with viral load. Results suggested that response to mesogenic or velogenic NDV of these local chicken ecotypes could be improved by selective breeding. Chickens that are more resilient to velogenic NDV can improve household livelihoods in developing countries.
TDO-Spider Taylor ChOA: An Optimized Deep-Learning-Based Sentiment Classification and Review Rating Prediction
Authors: Banbhrani Santosh Kumar , Xu Bo , Soomro Pir Dino , Jain Deepak Kumar , Lin Hongfei
Published: October 2022

Modern review websites, namely Yelp and Amazon, permit the users to post online reviews for numerous businesses, services and products. Currently, online reviewing is an imperative task in the manipulation of shopping decisions produced by customers. These reviews afford consumers experience and information regarding the superiority of the product. The prevalent method of strengthening online review evolution is the performance of Sentiment Classification, which is an attractive domain in industrial and academic research. The review helps various domains, and it is problematic to collect interpreted training data. In this paper, an effectual Review Rating Prediction and Sentiment Classification was developed. Here, a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) was employed for the Sentiment Classification process, whereas a Hierarchical Attention Network (HAN) was applied for Review Rating Prediction. The significant features, such as statistical, SentiWordNet and classification features, were extracted for the Sentiment Classification and Review Rating Prediction process. Moreover, the GRU was trained by the designed TD-Spider Taylor ChOA approach, and the HAN was trained by the designed Jaya-TDO approach. The experimental results show that the proposed Jaya-TDO technique attained a better performance of 0.9425, 0.9654 and 0.9538, and that TD-Spider Taylor ChOA achieved 0.9524, 0.9698 and 0.9588 in terms of the precision, recall and F-measure.
Effect of Shelf Aperture Ratio on the Temperature Distribution of an Open Refrigerated Display Cabinet
Authors: Xia Jingjing , Guo Jiaming , Wei Xinyu , Zeng Zhixiong , Lü Enli
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: With the development of cold chain logistics in recent years, the demand for refrigerated display cases has greatly increased in the home and commercial markets. However, the difference of temperature and humidity between each layer of refrigerated display cabinet is great, which affects the health of consumers. In order to reduce the temperature difference for each layer in a cabinet and to improve the temperature uniformity inside the cabinet, an open-hole shelf is designed according to the principle of aerodynamics. (2) Methods: The influence of different shelf aperture ratios on the periodic temperature fluctuation, average temperature, temperature non-uniformity coefficient, and temperature maintenance coefficient inside the cabinet is studied by means of experiments with pork. (3) Results: The results show that when the aperture ratio increases from 0% to 90%, the average maximum temperature in a single cycle in the cabinet shows a trend of first decreasing and then increasing. The minimum temperature difference in the cabinet is 4.3 °C, and the corresponding aperture ratio is 25%. (4) Conclusions: The results show that 25% is the optimal aperture ratio for a shelf in the refrigerated display cabinet. The results provide a better reference for optimization of the structure and temperature in an open refrigerated display cabinet.
Microhabitat and Landscape Drivers of Richness and Abundance of Freshwater Mussels (Unionida: Unionidae) in a Coastal Plain River
Authors: Bird Corinne T. , Kaller Michael D. , Pasco Tiffany E. , Kelso William E.
Published: October 2022

Although rivers support significant unionid mussel (Unionida: Unionidae) diversity, Gulf of Mexico tributary rivers have been subject to changes in water quality and habitat due to altered watershed land use. We quantified mussel species richness and relative abundance and environmental factors in small tributary streams of the Pearl River, Mississippi-Louisiana. Freshwater mussel and habitat surveys were conducted at 27 stream sampling sites over two summers (9 sites revisited), and coverage of seven land use categories and seven geological categories above each reach were calculated. Mussels were patchily distributed (53% of sites sampled yielded mussels) and typically not abundant (only 26% of sites yielded >10 mussels). Surveys revealed nine species, with total abundance ranging from 0–66 mussels and richness ranging from 0–5 species per site. Assemblages were driven by an upper to lower watershed gradient of decreasing CPUE and richness, with microhabitat and water quality, land cover, and geology locally modifying this gradient. Environmental variables did not seem of sufficient magnitude to account for the patchy distributions and low abundances of mussels at most study sites, and we hypothesize that high discharge events related to tropical storm passage may have exerted an overriding influence on mussel assemblages in these streams through direct mortality and/or altered availability of suitable glochidial hosts.
Experimental Study on Fractal Characteristics of Particle Size Distribution by Repeated Compaction of Road Recycling Crushed Stone
Authors: Liang Pengfei , Yang Yu , Huang Houxu , Liu Jiashun , Guo Ning
Published: October 2022

In order to investigate the compaction characteristics of graded crushed stone under repeated utilization, it is necessary to improve the utilization rate of road recycling crushed stone and maintain its strength and stability during recycling. In the present study, repeated compaction characteristic curves of graded crushed stone were developed using repeated compaction and screening of the graded crushed stone. The correlations between the fractal dimension of particle size distribution and repeated compaction times, water content, and dry density were analyzed. The experimental results indicate that both the maximum dry density and the optimal water content increase as the repeated compaction times increase. The fractal dimension of the particle size distribution of the graded crushed stone used in this test is 2.33 to 2.57. The obtained results show that as the fractal dimension increases, the maximum dry density of the graded crushed stone increases. At a constant repeated compaction time, the fractal dimension of the particle size distribution of graded crushed stone increased and then decreased as the water content increased. In summary, the compaction performance of the structural layer of graded crushed stone can be tuned by adjusting the fractal dimension of the particle size distribution of the recycled pavement structural layer in practical applications. Moreover, the optimal graded materials can be prepared under the guidance of the fractal dimension, thereby achieving an optimized working performance of the recycled pavement structural layer.