bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive type 2 diabetes risk scores do not identify diabetes when the cause is β-cell failure: The Africans in America study
Authors: Wentzel Annemarie , Patterson Arielle C. , Duhuze Karera M. Grace , Waldman Zoe C. , Schenk Blayne R. , DuBose Christopher W. , Sumner Anne E. , Horlyck-Romanovsky Margrethe F.
Published: September 2022

Background

Emerging data suggests that in sub-Saharan Africa β-cell-failure in the absence of obesity is a frequent cause of type 2 diabetes (diabetes). Traditional diabetes risk scores assume that obesity-linked insulin resistance is the primary cause of diabetes. Hence, it is unknown whether diabetes risk scores detect undiagnosed diabetes when the cause is β-cell-failure.

Aims

In 528 African-born Blacks living in the United States [age 38 ± 10 (Mean ± SE); 64% male; BMI 28 ± 5 kg/m2] we determined the: (1) prevalence of previously undiagnosed diabetes, (2) prevalence of diabetes due to β-cell-failure vs. insulin resistance; and (3) the ability of six diabetes risk scores [Cambridge, Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC), Kuwaiti, Omani, Rotterdam, and SUNSET] to detect previously undiagnosed diabetes due to either β-cell-failure or insulin resistance.

Methods

Diabetes was diagnosed by glucose criteria of the OGTT and/or HbA1c ≥ 6.5%. Insulin resistance was defined by the lowest quartile of the Matsuda index (≤ 2.04). Diabetes due to β-cell-failure required diagnosis of diabetes in the absence of insulin resistance. Demographics, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), family medical history, smoking status, blood pressure, antihypertensive medication, and blood lipid profiles were obtained. Area under the Receiver Operator Characteristics Curve (AROC) estimated sensitivity and specificity of each continuous score. AROC criteria were: Outstanding: >0.90; Excellent: 0.80–0.89; Acceptable: 0.70–0.79; Poor: 0.50–0.69; and No Discrimination: 0.50.

Results

Prevalence of diabetes was 9% (46/528). Of the diabetes cases, β-cell-failure occurred in 43% (20/46) and insulin resistance in 57% (26/46). The β-cell-failure group had lower BMI (27 ± 4 vs. 31 ± 5 kg/m2P < 0.001), lower waist circumference (91 ± 10 vs. 101 ± 10cm P < 0.001) and lower VAT (119 ± 65 vs. 183 ± 63 cm3, P < 0.001). Scores had indiscriminate or poor detection of diabetes due to β-cell-failure (FINDRISC AROC = 0.49 to Cambridge AROC = 0.62). Scores showed poor to excellent detection of diabetes due to insulin resistance, (Cambridge AROC = 0.69, to Kuwaiti AROC = 0.81).

Conclusions

At a prevalence of 43%, β-cell-failure accounted for nearly half of the cases of diabetes. All six diabetes risk scores failed to detect previously undiagnosed diabetes due to β-cell-failure while effectively identifying diabetes when the etiology was insulin resistance. Diabetes risk scores which correctly classify diabetes due to β-cell-failure are urgently needed.
Conditions required to ensure successful detection and management of mild cognitive impairment in primary care: A Delphi consultation study in China
Authors: Lu Yuan , Liu Chaojie , Yu Dehua , Wells Yvonne
Published: September 2022

Objective

Detection and management of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in primary care has been recognized internationally as one of the strategies that can be employed to delay the development of dementia. However, little is known about what role primary care should play. This study aimed to develop a checklist of conditions necessary for successfully detecting and managing mild cognitive impairment in primary care in China.

Methods

This study employed the Delphi method to establish expert consensus on the conditions required for successfully detecting and managing MCI in primary care in China. Twenty-four experts who specialized in general practice, public health, neuropsychology, or community health service management rated the importance of pre-defined conditions (44 items measuring providers' preparedness, patient engagement, and system support in line with the Chronic Care Model). The degree of consensus among the experts was measured using four indicators: median ≥ 4, mean ≥3.5, Co-efficient of Variance < 0.25, and retention in the checklist required ≥ 80% agreement with a rating of important or essential. The checklist and descriptions of the conditions were revised according to the experts' feedback and then sent out for repeated consultations along with a summary of the results of the previous round of consultations. Consensus was achieved after the second round of consultations, which was completed by 22 of the experts.

Results

The experts endorsed a checklist of 47 conditions required for successful detection and management of MCI in primary care in China. These conditions were categorized into four domains: prepared general practitioners (17 items), engaged patients (15 items), organizational efforts (11 items), and environmental support (4 items).

Conclusions

Successful detection and management of MCI in primary care in China requires a dedicated and competent workforce of general practitioners, as well as the engagement of patients and family caregivers. Adequate support from healthcare organizations, health system arrangements, and the broader society is needed to enable effective interactions between general practitioners and patients and efficient delivery of the services required to detect and manage MCI.
Immunogenicity and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in hemodialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peiyao Ren , Mengjie Yu , Xiaogang Shen , Wenfang He , Danna Zheng , Yuqun Zeng , Juan Jin , Qiang He
Published: September 2022

Rationale and objective

COVID-19 vaccination is the most effective way to prevent COVID-19. For chronic kidney disease patients on long-term dialysis, there is a lack of evidence on the pros and cons of COVID-19 vaccination. This study was conducted to investigate the immunogenicity and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in patients on dialysis.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systemically searched for cohort, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and cross-sectional studies. Data on immunogenicity rate, antibody titer, survival rate, new infection rate, adverse events, type of vaccine, and patient characteristics such as age, sex, dialysis vintage, immunosuppression rate, and prevalence of diabetes were extracted and analyzed using REVMAN 5.4 and Stata software. A random effects meta-analysis was used to perform the study.

Results

We screened 191 records and included 38 studies regarding 5,628 participants. The overall immunogenicity of dialysis patients was 87% (95% CI, 84-89%). The vaccine response rate was 85.1 in hemodialysis patients (HDPs) (1,201 of 1,412) and 97.4% in healthy controls (862 of 885). The serological positivity rate was 82.9% (777 of 937) in infection-naive individuals and 98.4% (570 of 579) in patients with previous infection. The Standard Mean Difference (SMD) of antibody titers in dialysis patients with or without previous COVID-19 infection was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.68–1.61). Subgroup analysis showed that the immunosuppression rate was an influential factor affecting the immunogenicity rate (P < 0.0001). Nine studies reported safety indices, among which four local adverse events and seven system adverse events were documented.

Conclusions

Vaccination helped dialysis patients achieve effective humoral immunity, with an overall immune efficiency of 87.5%. Dialysis patients may experience various adverse events after vaccination; however, the incidence of malignant events is very low, and no reports of death or acute renal failure after vaccination are available, indicating that vaccine regimens may be necessary.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42022342565, identifier: CRD42022342565.
An Albino Deer in the Jungle: A Magical Creature and Where to Find Them
Authors: Ribeiro Raquel , Siqueira-Silva Diogenes H.
Published: September 2022

Albinism is a condition in which an animal’s skin, feathers, or fur is lighter in color than that of other animals of that species. We report a unique case of complete albinism in a red-brocket deer in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The individual, which we called a “magical creature,” lives inside a conservation area in one of the most deforested regions of the Brazilian Amazon. The survival of the albino red-brocket deer in the wild might be related to the fact that it is so rare! Possibly, its main predators, pumas and jaguars, are only familiar with colored red-brocket deer, so they might not be interested in eating a white one. Our article shows how important it is to monitor species diversity and to conserve habitats that support species diversity in endangered regions such as the Brazilian Amazon.
A Mosquito’s Sense of Smell: What Is the Buzz All About?
Authors: Kiernan-Linn Kaledora , Pimenta Karina , Grimaud Julien
Published: September 2022

If it feels like you attract mosquitoes, you are on to something. Females of most mosquito species need to consume blood to produce eggs, and they use specialized senses to scope out their next snack. The saliva they leave behind after “taking a bite” can cause anything from a little itching to painful bumps and a fever. These thirsty insects use their ability to detect carbon dioxide, odor molecules, and heat to find food. In this article, we discuss the basics of smell in mosquitoes: how they smell, what their “nose” looks like, and how they specifically detect humans like you. There is more to mosquitoes than buzzing and bites! A better understanding of how mosquitoes detect odors and find prey may be the key to protecting against the diseases they cause.
Deep learning and multiwavelength fluorescence imaging for cleanliness assessment and disinfection in Food Services
Authors: Gorji Hamed Taheri , Van Kessel Jo Ann S. , Haley Bradd J. , Husarik Kaylee , Sonnier Jakeitha , Shahabi Seyed Mojtaba , Zadeh Hossein Kashani , Chan Diane E. , Qin Jianwei , Baek Insuck , Kim Moon S. , Akhbardeh Alireza , Sohrabi Mona , Kerge Brick , MacKinnon Nicholas , Vasefi Fartash , Tavakolian Kouhyar
Published: September 2022

Precise, reliable, and speedy contamination detection and disinfection is an ongoing challenge for the food-service industry. Contamination in food-related services can cause foodborne illness, endangering customers and jeopardizing provider reputations. Fluorescence imaging has been shown to be capable of identifying organic residues and biofilms that can host pathogens. We use new fluorescence imaging technology, applying Xception and DeepLabv3+ deep learning algorithms to identify and segment contaminated areas in images of equipment and surfaces. Deep learning models demonstrated a 98.78% accuracy for differentiation between clean and contaminated frames on various surfaces and resulted in an intersection over union (IoU) score of 95.13% for the segmentation of contamination. The portable imaging system’s intrinsic disinfection capability was evaluated on S. enterica, E. coli, and L. monocytogenes, resulting in up to 8-log reductions in under 5 s. Results showed that fluorescence imaging with deep learning algorithms could help assure safety and cleanliness in the food-service industry.
Disability and physical activity in people with chronic disease receiving physiotherapy. A prospective cohort study
Authors: Tønning Lisa U. , Mechlenburg Inger , Christiansen David H. , Andersen Nils-Bo V. , Stabel Henriette H. , Pedersen Asger R. , Nielsen Jørgen F. , Grimm Bernd , Næss-Schmidt Erhard
Published: September 2022

Chronic disease affects patients' disability and participation in activities of daily living. Longitudinal information on disability and physical activity is generally scarce in patients with chronic disease. The current study aimed to investigate if self-reported disability and physical activity changed in patients with chronic disease receiving physiotherapy. Furthermore, the aim was to assess if an improvement in self-reported disability was related to an increase in objectively measured physical activity and if an aggravation in self-reported disability was related to a decrease in physical activity. Seventy patients with either multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, rheumatoid arthritis or stroke receiving free of charge physiotherapy were tested at baseline and 1 year later. Disability was measured with the self-reported modified Ranking Scale-9 Questionnaire and physical activity was objectively measured using tri-axial accelerometry. Neither self-reported disability nor physical activity changed among patients receiving 1 year of free of charge physiotherapy at group level. Furthermore, self-reported change of disability was not expressed with changes in objectively measured physical activity, indicating that the two measures represent two different constructs.
Feasibility and validity of a single camera CNN driven musculoskeletal model for muscle force estimation during upper extremity strength exercises: Proof-of-concept
Authors: Noteboom Lisa , Hoozemans Marco J. M. , Veeger H. E. J. , Van Der Helm Frans C. T.
Published: September 2022

Muscle force analysis can be essential for injury risk estimation and performance enhancement in sports like strength training. However, current methods to record muscle forces including electromyography or marker-based measurements combined with a musculoskeletal model are time-consuming and restrict the athlete's natural movement due to equipment attachment. Therefore, the feasibility and validity of a more applicable method, requiring only a single standard camera for the recordings, combined with a deep-learning model and musculoskeletal model is evaluated in the present study during upper-body strength exercises performed by five athletes. Comparison of muscle forces obtained by the single camera driven model against those obtained from a state-of-the art marker-based driven musculoskeletal model revealed strong to excellent correlations and reasonable RMSD's of 0.4–2.1% of the maximum force (Fmax) for prime movers, and weak to strong correlations with RMSD's of 0.4–0.7% Fmax for stabilizing and secondary muscles. In conclusion, a single camera deep-learning driven model is a feasible method for muscle force analysis in a strength training environment, and first validity results show reasonable accuracies, especially for prime mover muscle forces. However, it is evident that future research should investigate this method for a larger sample size and for multiple exercises.
Recent developments in physical invigoration techniques to develop sprouts of edible seeds as functional foods
Authors: Hassan Sadia , Zeng Xin-An , Khan Muhammad Kamran , Farooq Muhammad Adil , Ali Amjad , Kumari Ankita , Mahwish  , Rahaman Abdul , Tufail Tabussam , Liaqat Atif
Published: September 2022

For nutritional security, the availability of nutrients from food sources is a crucial factor. Global consumption of edible seeds including cereals, pulses, and legumes makes it a valuable source of nutrients particularly vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The presence of anti-nutritional factors forms complexes with nutrients, this complexity of the nutritional profile and the presence of anti-nutritional factors in edible seeds lead to reduced bioavailability of nutrients. By overcoming these issues, the germination process may help improve the nutrient profile and make them more bioavailable. Physical, physiological, and biological methods of seed invigoration can be used to reduce germination restraints, promote germination, enhance early crop development, to increase yields and nutrient levels through sprouting. During sprouting early start of metabolic activities through hydrolytic enzymes and resource mobilization causes a reduction in emergence time which leads to a better nutritional profile. The use of physical stimulating methods to increase the sprouting rate gives several advantages compared to conventional chemical-based methods. The advantages of physical seed treatments include environment-friendly, high germination rate, early seedling emergence, uniform seedling vigor, protection from chemical hazards, and improved yield. Different physical methods are available for seed invigoration viz. gamma irradiation, laser irradiation, microwaves, magnetic field, plasma, sound waves, and ultrasonic waves. Still, further research is needed to apply each technique to different seeds to identify the best physical method and factors for seed species along with different environmental parameters. The present review will describe the use and effects of physical processing techniques for seed invigoration.
Unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion assisted by intraoperative O-arm total navigation for lumbar degenerative disease: A retrospective study
Authors: Huang Xinle , Gong Junfeng , Liu Huan , Shi Zegang , Wang Wenkai , Chen Shuai , Shi Xiaobing , Li Changqing , Tang Yu , Zhou Yue
Published: September 2022

Background

Recently, unilateral biportal endoscopic lumbar interbody fusion (BE-LIF) has been successfully applied for degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine, with good clinical results reported. However, the drawbacks include radiation exposure, limited field of view, and steep learning curves.

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to compare the results between navigation and non-navigation groups and explore the benefits of BE-LIF assisted by intraoperative O-arm total navigation.

Methods

A total of 44 patients were retrospectively analyzed from August 2020 to June 2021. Perioperative data were collected, including operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospital stay, radiation dose, and duration of radiation exposure. In addition, clinical outcomes were evaluated using postoperative data, such as the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analog scale (VAS), modified MacNab criteria, Postoperative complications and fusion rate.

Results

The non-navigation and navigation groups included 23 and 21 patients, respectively. All the patients were followed up for at least 12 months. No significant differences were noted in the estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospital stay, fusion rate, or perioperative complications between the two groups. The radiation dose was significantly lower in the navigation group than in the non-navigation group. The average total operation time in the navigation group was lower than that in the non-navigation group (P < 0.01). All clinical outcomes showed improvement at different time points postoperatively, with no significant difference noted between the two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Compared with the non-navigation approach, O-arm total navigation assistive BE-LIF technology not only has similar clinical results, but also can provide accurate intraoperative guidance and help spinal surgeons achieve accurate decompression. Furthermore, it can reduce radiation exposure to surgeons and operation time, which improve the efficiency and safety of surgery.
Histological regression of peritoneal metastases of recurrent tubo-ovarian cancer after systemic chemotherapy
Authors: Pache Basile , Teixeira Farinha Hugo , Toussaint Laura , Demartines Nicolas , Hastir Delfyne , Mathevet Patrice , Sempoux Christine , Hübner Martin
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Post-treatment histological regression of peritoneal metastases (PM) is a new and potentially important predictor of oncological outcomes. Histology of PM from adnexal origin is usually evaluated by the Chemotherapy Response Score (CRS). The aim of this preliminary study was to quantify the response of PM of recurrent tubo-ovarian cancer (TOVC) after systemic chemotherapy by using the recently validated Peritoneal Regression Grading System (PRGS) and compare it with CRS. Correlation with per operative evaluation through Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) was performed.

Material and methods

Retrospective cohort study of all consecutive patients with recurrent PM from TOVC undergoing surgery after prior systemic chemotherapy from January 2015 to March 2019. Biopsies were assessed with the four-scale PRGS.

Results

Thirty-eight patients were included. Patients had a median of 2 (range 1–2) lines and 12 (range 3–18) cycles of prior systemic chemotherapy. Overall mean (SD) PRGS was 2.3 (±1.1). Of the patients, 26% (10) had complete response (PRGS 1), 40% (15) had major response (PRGS 2), 26% (10) minor response (PRGS 3), and 8% (3) had no response (PRGS 4). Mean PRGS was positively correlated with the Peritoneal Cancer Index (ρ = 0.5302, p = 0.0003) and inversely correlated with CRS (ρ = −0.8403, p < 0.0001). No correlation was highlighted between mean PRGS and overall survival (ρ = −0.0195, p = 0.9073).

Conclusion

CRS and mean PRGS correlated with each other. Histological response of PM after systemic chemotherapy was quantifiable and variable. The role of PRGS for the evaluation of treatment response and as potential surrogate marker for oncological outcomes is part of ongoing and planned research.
SARS-CoV-2 vertical transmission supports innate fetal protection: A narrative review
Authors: Barnea Eytan R. , Di Simone Nicoletta , Hayrabedyan Soren , Todorova Krassimira , Inversetti Annalisa , Vento Giovanni , Costa Simonetta
Published: September 2022

Prenatal infections that have been exhaustively studied help frame the current Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, with the caveat that asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected patients are not tested, while those symptomatic are delivered and/or treated with drug(s) available on-site. Thus, management and therapy are still heterogeneous. SARS-CoV-2 induced respiratory infection remains mostly local, unless severe, which lessens transplacental vertical transmission (VT). Vaccination prior to or during pregnancy significantly changes the prognosis for both the mother and newborn. The virus spread to the fetus can be binding to ACE2 and TMPRSS2 protein receptors. A recent study demonstrated ACE2 and TMPRSS2 fetal expression in the intestine from the second trimester. Most placental infections are subclinical unless severe villitis and apoptosis are observed. The placenta is rarely tested, and it is highly probable that most are positive for the virus, requiring sophisticated diagnostics to document. Other VT modalities, such as vaginal, rectal or through amniotic fluid contamination, are very rare. Therefore, vaginal delivery is preferable when clinically feasible. It has not yet been determined whether the placenta is a shield or if it transmits infection, while, on the other hand, recent data support fetal resilience, which is plausible due to the major difference between the placental and fetal rates of infection: only 3%–5% of documentable VT compared with up to 100% expected placental exposure to viremia. Newborn Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) from nasal swab is more practical as an option for VT diagnosis compared to ocular or anal swab, with low yield. The maternal infection leads to antiviral IgG production of 100% in severe cases, which is transferred to the fetus and breast milk. Postpartum-documenting VT is difficult since horizontal viral transmission may be common and minimized by mother/staff/family-preventive measures. Breastfeeding is safe and encouraged because, beyond nutrition, it promotes protective antibody transfer and maternal bonding. Lessons learned from other Betacorona viruses (SARS-CoV and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome related coronavirus [MERS-CoV]) virulence are relevant since mutations can increase or decrease vulnerability. Overall, data support fetal/newborn resilience against SARS-CoV-2 VT. However, viremia monitoring by sensitive tests and assessment for delayed sequelae shown in adults is necessary.
Talent Management in the Hospitality Sector: Predicting Discretionary Work Behaviour
Authors: Edeh Friday Ogbu , Zayed Nurul Mohammad , Perevozova Iryna , Kryshtal Halyna , Nitsenko Vitalii
Published: September 2022

Hospitality organisations have suffered a lot of setbacks, such as low performance caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, during which most management took drastic decisions to retrench talent, and these decisions have engendered low discretionary work behaviour and low emotional labour display amongst its talent. These maladies would have been averted if talent management practices were implemented effectively by hospitality organisations. It is based on this premise that this study investigates the effect of talent management on discretionary work behaviour in hospitality organisations in Nigeria using a survey research design. A sample frame of 820 was drawn from 60 registered hospitality organisations in the south-eastern part of Nigeria. A sample size of 263 was drawn from the sample frame. Linear regression was employed to analyse the formulated hypotheses with the aid of IBM statistical package for the social sciences version 20.0. The findings of the study show that talent management dimensions have significant effects on discretionary work behaviour in hospitality organisations in Nigeria. The study concludes that talent management measured in terms of talent attraction, talent development and talent retention have significant effects on the indicators of discretionary work behaviour. The study recommends that human resource professionals and organisational leaders should utilize talent management as a strategy to enhance discretionary work behaviour in their respective organisations.
Effect of Deficit Irrigation on Yield Components and Chemical Composition of Albariño Grapes Grown in Galicia, NW Spain
Authors: Fandiño María , Vilanova Mar , Rodríguez-Febereiro Marta , Teijeiro M. Teresa , Rey Benjamín J. , Cancela Javier J.
Published: September 2022

In the context of climate change, water management is crucial for controlling the reproductive growth and quality of grapes. In this study, we aim to determine the effects of different water regimes on the yield components and chemical composition of grape Vitis vinifera Albariño grown in Galicia. Four treatments were tested in the trial: rainfed (T0), irrigated at 30% of ETo from veraison to harvest (T1), from pea-size to harvest (T2), and throughout the whole vegetative cycle (T6). To analyse the effects of irrigation, measures of stem water potential (Ψstem) were obtained fortnightly, from flowering to harvest. During the harvest, the average weight per bunch and the number of bunch and yield per vine were determined. In addition, the Ravaz index was also calculated. The grapes from each experimental treatment were subjected to chemical (OIV methods) and volatile composition (GC-MS) analyses. The results indicated a greater yield in the T0 group. The lowest yield was observed for T2 over the three years of the study. The results also showed a stronger influence of year than treatment on Albariño must include chemical composition parameters. Treatment affected malic acid, total acidity, free amino acids (FAN), and assimilable yeast nitrogen (YAN); meanwhile, of the volatile chemical groups analysed, esters, acetates, and volatile acids were affected by the treatment, while the season affected all chemical families of volatile compounds, with the exception of C6 compounds. The interaction effect of Tr × Y was observed on esters, acetates, and total volatile concentration. In the contrast analysis (p < 0.05), we observed increases in alcohols and terpenes in T6 vs. T2; however, esters and acetates were increased under rainfed treatment (T0) vs. T6.
Effects of Symbiotic Fungi on Sugars and Soil Fertility and Structure-Mediated Changes in Plant Growth of Vicia villosa
Authors: He Wan-Xia , Wu Qiang-Sheng , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Muthuramalingam Pandiyan , Al-Arjani Al-Bandari Fahad , Zou Ying-Ning
Published: September 2022

Many terrestrial plants form reciprocal symbioses with beneficial fungi in roots; however, it is not clear whether Vicia villosa, an important forage and green manure crop, can co-exist with these fungi and how such symbiosis affects plant growth and soil properties. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of inoculation with three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) such as Diversisporaspurca, Funneliformismosseae, and Rhizophagusintraradices and an endophytic fungus Serendipitaindica on plant growth, root morphology, chlorophyll and sugar levels, soil nutrients, and aggregate size distribution and stability in V. villosa plants. After 63 days of inoculation, the beneficial fungi colonized the roots with colonization rates of 12% to 92%, and also improved plant growth performance and root morphology to varying degrees, accompanied by the most significant promoted effects after R.intraradices inoculation. All AMF significantly raised chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids and total chlorophyll concentrations, along with a significant increase in leaf sucrose, which consequently formed a significantly higher accumulation of glucose and fructose in roots providing carbon sources for the symbionts. Root fungal colonization was significantly (p < 0.01) positively correlated with chlorophyll compositions, leaf sucrose, and root glucose. In addition, inoculation with symbiotic fungi appeared to trigger a significant decrease in soil Olsen-P and available K and a significant increase in NH4-N, NO3-N, and glomalin-related soil protein levels, plus a significant increase in the proportion of water-stable aggregates at the size of 0.5–4 mm as well as aggregate stability. This improvement in soil aggregates was significantly (p < 0.01) positively correlated with root fungal colonization rate and glomalin-related soil protein concentrations. The study concludes that symbiotic fungi, especially R. intraradices, improve the growth of V. villosa, which is associated with fungal modulation of sugars, soil fertility and root structural improvement.
Autonomous Vineyard Tracking Using a Four-Wheel-Steering Mobile Robot and a 2D LiDAR
Authors: Iberraken Dimia , Gaurier Florian , Roux Jean-Christophe , Chaballier Colin , Lenain Roland
Published: September 2022

The intensive advances in robotics have deeply facilitated the accomplishment of tedious and repetitive tasks in our daily lives. If robots are now well established in the manufacturing industry, thanks to the knowledge of the environment, this is still not fully the case for outdoor applications such as in agriculture, as many parameters are varying (kind of vegetation, perception conditions, wheel–soil interaction, etc.) The use of robots in such a context is nevertheless important since the reduction of environmental impacts requires the use of alternative practices (such as agroecological production or organic production), which require highly accurate work and frequent operations. As a result, the design of robots for agroecology implies notably the availability of highly accurate autonomous navigation processes related to crop and adapting to their variability. This paper proposes several contributions to the problem of crop row tracking using a four-wheel-steering mobile robot, which straddles the crops. It uses a 2D LiDAR allowing the detection of crop rows in 3D thanks to the robot motion. This permits the definition of a reference trajectory that is followed using two different control approaches. The main targeted application is navigation in vineyard fields, to achieve several kinds of operation, such as monitoring, cropping, or accurate spraying. In the first part, a row detection strategy based on a 2D LiDAR inclined in front of the robot to match a predefined shape of the vineyard row in the robot framework is described. The successive detected regions of interest are aggregated along the local robot motion, through the system odometry. This permits the computation of a local trajectory to be followed by a robot. In a second part, a control architecture that allows the control of a four-wheel-steering mobile robot is proposed. Two different strategies are investigated, one is based on a backstepping approach, while the second considers independently the regulation of front and rear steering axle position. The results of these control laws are then compared in an extended simulation framework, using a 3D reconstruction of actual vineyards in different seasons.
Salt-Stressed Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) Responses to Potassium Silicate, Humic Acid and Gamma Irradiation Pretreatments
Authors: Hassanein Raifa A. , Hussein Omaima S. , Farag Iman A. , Hassan Yousra E. , Abdelkader Amal F. , Ibrahim Mohamed
Published: September 2022

The application of biostimulants has great potential in preserving plants against abiotic or biotic stresses and is integrated into promoting tolerance and acclimating of coriander against salinity stress. Deciphering the morphological, physiological and molecular responses underpinning the ameliorative aspects of ecofriendly biostimulants is indispensable to link and overlap the ameliorative responses of seed priming. Hereby, the ameliorative responses of seed priming against salinity stress using potassium silicate, humic acid, and gamma irradiation were evaluated. Salinity stress generally diminishes vegetation, productivity, and metabolic activities. However, abscisic acid (ABA) levels and soluble sugars were elevated. Pretreatments with potassium silicate or humic acid, followed by gamma rays, alleviated and promoted growth parameters, yield components, and vital metabolic processes in salinity-stressed coriander. This promotion was concurrent with an increase in growth promotors, chlorophyll a/b, carbohydrates, antioxidants (compounds and enzymes), and upregulation of RuBisCO large subunit protein expression. Collectively, potassium silicate and humic acid were the best at alleviating the adverse effects of saline conditions. Triggered pretreatments might be engaged in maintaining metabolic activities toward deleterious salinity impacts. Thus, it was suggested that seed priming by potassium silicate and humic acid is an effective regime benefitting salinized along with nonsalinized plants that sustain coriander productivity.
Essential Oil and Polyphenolic Compounds of Flourensia cernua Leaves: Chemical Profiling and Functional Properties
Authors: Aranda-Ledesma Nestor E. , González-Hernández María D. , Rojas Romeo , Paz-González Alma D. , Rivera Gildardo , Luna-Sosa Brenda , Martínez-Ávila Guillermo C. G.
Published: September 2022

Flourensia cernua is a bush that grows in the semi-desert regions of Mexico. It has been used in traditional medicine due to its healing properties and currently represents an alternative source of bioactive molecules for different areas of the agri-food and health industries. The objective of this study was to extract and characterize the purified polyphenolic compounds (PPCs) and essential oils (EOs) of F. cernua leaves, determine the total flavonoid content, evaluate the antioxidant activity by three different assays, and determine, for the first time, its inhibitory effect against enzymes involved in the degradation of carbohydrates (α-amylase and α-glucosidase). In addition, the analysis of functional groups (by FTIR-ATR assay) and the identification of the chemical constituents present in both essential oils and phenolic compounds were carried out by GC/MS and UPLC-QToF/MS2, respectively. The results indicate that PPCs and EOs are rich in flavonoid-type compounds. In addition, they showed potential for free-radical scavenging and the inhibition of the lipid oxidation process. The analyzed EOs and PPCs had potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, which are related to high blood sugar levels. FTIR-ATR analysis allowed for the identification of functional groups characteristic of polyphenolic compounds and the chemical constituents of EOs. Finally, compounds such as caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and germacrene-D were identified by GC/MS assay and luteolin 7-O-rutinoside and apigenin-6-C-glucosyl-8-C-arabinoside by UPLC/QToF-MS2. The results indicate that the PPCs and EOs of F. cernua have the potential to be used as antioxidant and enzyme inhibitor agents.
Intra-Plot Variable N Fertilization in Winter Wheat through Machine Learning and Farmer Knowledge
Authors: Uribeetxebarria Asier , Castellón Ander , Elorza Ibai , Aizpurua Ana
Published: September 2022

The variable fertilization rate (VFR) technique has demonstrated its ability to reduce nutrient losses by adapting the fertilizer dose to crop needs. However, transferring this technology to farms is not easy. This study aimed to make a variable fertilization map in a commercial plot where there is no data from a yield monitor, combining machine learning techniques and farmer’s knowledge. In addition to the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) obtained from Sentinel-2 and a digital elevation model (DEM), information captured by a yield monitor in 2019 was used to train and validate models. Among the 15 algorithms trained, the best result was obtained by the random forest (RF), with an RMSE of 496 and R2 of 0.90. Using the “leave one out” technique, the capacity to predict an entire plot was tested. Finally, the RF algorithm was tested on a 12-hectare wheat plot where no yield data were available. The novelty of this work lies in the collaborative work developed between farmers and researchers to implement the VRF technique in plots where precise yield data do not exist and in the “leave one out” validation. The collaboration between scientists and farmers resulted in a very positive exchange of information that allowed the farmer to change the fertilization strategy of the whole farm and the scientists to better understand how soil properties and plot history affect yield.
AI and We in the Future in the Light of the Ouroboros Model: A Plea for Plurality
Authors: Thomsen Knud
Published: September 2022

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to play an ever more important role in our lives and societies. Here, some boundary conditions and possibilities for shaping and using AI as well as advantageously embedding it in daily life are sketched. On the basis of a recently proposed cognitive architecture that claims to deliver a general layout for both natural intelligence and general AI, a coarse but broad perspective is developed and an emphasis is put on AI ethics. A number of findings, requirements, and recommendations are derived that can transparently be traced to the hypothesized structure and the procedural operation of efficient cognitive agents according to the Ouroboros Model. Including all of the available and possibly relevant information for any action and respecting a “negative imperative” are the most important resulting recommendations. Self-consistency, continual monitoring, equitable considerations, accountability, flexibility, and pragmatic adaptations are highlighted as foundations and, at the same time, mandatory consequences for timely answers to the most relevant questions concerning the embedding of AI in society and ethical rules for this.
Novel Proteoliposome-Based Vaccine against E. coli: A Potential New Tool for the Control of Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Quiroga John , Vidal Sonia , Siel Daniela , Caruffo Mario , Valdés Andrea , Cabrera Gonzalo , Lapierre Lissette , Sáenz Leonardo
Published: September 2022

Escherichia coli is an important causative agent of clinical mastitis in cattle. Current available vaccines have shown limited protection. We evaluated the efficacy of a novel vaccine based on bacterial proteoliposomes derived from an E. coli field strain. Female BALB/c mice were immunized subcutaneously with two doses of the vaccine, 3 weeks apart. Between days 5 and 8 after the first inoculation, the females were mated. At 5–8 days postpartum, the mice were intramammary challenged with the same E. coli strain. Two days after bacterial infection, mice were euthanized, and the mammary glands were examined and removed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the vaccine as well as the immune response generated by the new formulation. The vaccinated mice showed mild clinical symptoms and a lower mammary bacterial load as compared to non-vaccinated animals. The vaccination induced an increase in levels of IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a against E. coli in blood and mammary glands that showed less inflammatory infiltration and tissue damage, as compared to the control group. In summary, the vaccine based on bacterial proteoliposomes is safe, immunogenic, and effective against E. coli, constituting a new potential tool for mastitis control.
Genome-Wide Association Study for Udder Conformation Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle
Authors: Nazar Mudasir , Abdalla Ismail Mohamed , Chen Zhi , Ullah Numan , Liang Yan , Chu Shuangfeng , Xu Tianle , Mao Yongjiang , Yang Zhangping , Lu Xubin
Published: September 2022

Udder conformation traits are one of the most economic traits in dairy cows, greatly affecting animal health, milk production, and producer profitability in the dairy industry. Genetic analysis of udder structure and scores have been developed in Holstein cattle. In our research, we conducted a genome-wide association study for five udder traits, including anterior udder attachment (AUA), central suspensory ligament (CSL), posterior udder attachment height (PUAH), posterior udder attachment width (PUAW), and udder depth (UD), in which the fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) model was applied for the association analysis. The heritability and the standard errors of these five udder traits ranged from 0.04 ± 0.00 to 0.49 ± 0.03. Phenotype data were measured from 1000 Holstein cows, and the GeneSeek Genomic Profiler (GGP) Bovine 100 K SNP chip was used to analyze genotypic data in Holstein cattle. For GWAS analysis, 984 individual cows and 84,407 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remained after quality control; a total of 18 SNPs were found at the GW significant threshold (p < 5.90 × 10−7). Many candidate genes were identified within 200kb upstream or downstream of the significant SNPs, which include MGST1, MGST2, MTUS1, PRKN, STXBP6, GRID2, E2F8, CDH11, FOXP1, SLF1, TMEM117, SBF2, GC, ADGRB3, and GCLC. Pathway analysis revealed that 58 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and 18 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were enriched with adjusted p values, and these GO terms and the KEGG pathway analysis were associated with biological information, metabolism, hormonal growth, and development processes. These results could give valuable biological information for the genetic architecture of udder conformation traits in dairy Holstein cattle.
Optimization of French Hospital Department Activities Using an Efficient Discrete Event Simulation Model
Authors: Chouba Ibtissem , Amodeo Lionel , Arbaoui Taha , Yalaoui Farouk , Laplanche David , Sanchez Stéphane
Published: September 2022

A mismatch between patient demand and emergency departments (EDs)’ capacity to deliver care often leads to poor patient flow and overcrowding, and therefore an increase in waiting. This paper presents a mid-term decision support system dealing with scheduling and allocation of resources in the ED of the Hospital Center of Troyes, France. An efficient performance evaluation tool based on discrete event simulation (DES) is developed. Through a what-if scenario strategy, 145 scenarios were simulated that allowed us to create a new benchmark that does not exist in the literature. To rank and select the best alternatives, the VIKOR multicriteria analysis method and the entropy method were used. With the objective of minimizing the waiting time and inpatient stay under an additional resource cost constraint, this work has helped to quantify and analyze the impacts related to the structural and organizational reorganization of the ED.
Inspection of Coated Hydrogen Transportation Pipelines
Authors: Khwaja Shaik Asaaduddin , Paul Shiladitya
Published: September 2022

The growing need for hydrogen indicates that there is likely to be a demand for transporting hydrogen. Hydrogen pipelines are an economical option, but the issue of hydrogen damage to pipeline steels needs to be studied and investigated. So far, limited research has been dedicated to determining how the choice of inspection method for pipeline integrity management changes depending on the presence of a coating. Thus, this review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of inspection methods specifically for detecting the defects formed uniquely in coated hydrogen pipelines. The discussion will begin with a background of hydrogen pipelines and the common defects seen in these pipelines. This will also include topics such as blended hydrogen-natural gas pipelines. After which, the focus will shift to pipeline integrity management methods and the effectiveness of current inspection methods in the context of standards such as ASME B31.12 and BS 7910. The discussion will conclude with a summary of newly available inspection methods and future research directions.
Dwarf Mongoose Optimization with Machine-Learning-Driven Ransomware Detection in Internet of Things Environment
Authors: A. Alissa Khalid , H. Elkamchouchi Dalia , Tarmissi Khaled , Yafoz Ayman , Alsini Raed , Alghushairy Omar , Mohamed Abdullah , Al Duhayyim Mesfer
Published: September 2022

The internet of things (ransomware refers to a type of malware) is the concept of connecting devices and objects of all types on the internet. IoT cybersecurity is the task of protecting ecosystems and IoT gadgets from cyber threats. Currently, ransomware is a serious threat challenging the computing environment, which needs instant attention to avoid moral and financial blackmail. Thus, there comes a real need for a novel technique that can identify and stop this kind of attack. Several earlier detection techniques followed a dynamic analysis method including a complex process. However, this analysis takes a long period of time for processing and analysis, during which the malicious payload is often sent. This study presents a new model of dwarf mongoose optimization with machine-learning-driven ransomware detection (DWOML-RWD). The presented DWOML-RWD model was mainly developed for the recognition and classification of goodware/ransomware. In the presented DWOML-RWD technique, the feature selection process is initially carried out using an enhanced krill herd optimization (EKHO) algorithm by the use of dynamic oppositional-based learning (QOBL). For ransomware detection, DWO with an extreme learning machine (ELM) classifier can be utilized. The design of the DWO algorithm aids in the optimal parameter selection of the ELM model. The experimental validation of the DWOML-RWD method can be examined on a benchmark dataset. The experimental results highlight the superiority of the DWOML-RWD model over other approaches.
Interfacial Microstructure and Properties of Clad Rebar Prepared by Clean-Interface Assembly and Vacuum Hot-Rolling
Authors: Li Zhen , Tan Jianping , Qian Xuehai , Xiang Yong , Zeng Lei , Zhao Yang
Published: September 2022

Stainless steel cladded rebars were successfully prepared by clean-interface assembly and vacuum hot-rolling process. The interfacial microstructure and properties of the clad rebars were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SVM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and electron probe X-ray microanalyser (EPMA). The results demonstrated that owing to the diffusion of carbon, decarburised (roughly 50 μm) and composite zones (roughly 60 μm) formed on each side of the composite interface. The decarburized zone features a single ferrite texture, hence, a relatively low micro-hardness of 138HV while, due to the large amount of martensite formed within it, the composite zone has a relatively high micro-hardness of 218HV. The salt spray test showed that the corrosion rate of the clad rebars is close to that of the round stainless bars, and is approximately one-tenth that of the carbon rebars. In addition, a layered multipass welding process was used to produce a cladding joint, which was determined to have a tensile strength greater than the standard value of the parent material and excellent corrosion resistance.