bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in physical diagnosis and treatment of male erectile dysfunction
Authors: Pang Kun , Pan Deng , Xu Hao , Ma Yuyang , Wang Jingkai , Xu Peng , Wang Hailuo , Zang Guanghui
Published: January 2023

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual dysfunction by far and the prevalence is increasing year after year. As technology advances, a wide range of physical diagnosis tools and therapeutic approaches have been developed for ED. At present, typical diagnostic devices include erection basic parameter measuring instrument, erection hardness quantitative analysis system, hemodynamic testing equipment, nocturnal erection measuring instrument, nerve conduction testing equipment, etc. At present, the most commonly used treatment for ED is pharmacological therapy represented by phosphodiesterase five inhibitors (PDE5i). As a first-line drug in clinical, PDE5i has outstanding clinical effects, but there are still some problems that deserve the attention of researchers, such as cost issues and some side effects, like visual disturbances, indigestion, myalgia, and back pain, as well as some non-response rates. Some patients have to consider alternative treatments. Moreover, the efficacy in some angiogenic EDs (diabetes and cardiovascular disease) has not met expectations, so there is still a need to continuously develop new methods that can improve hemodynamics. While drug have now been shown to be effective in treating ED, they only control symptoms and do not restore function in most cases. The increasing prevalence of ED also makes us more motivated to find safer, more effective, and simpler treatments. The exploration of relevant mechanisms can also serve as a springboard for the development of more clinically meaningful physiotherapy approaches. Therefore, people are currently devoted to studying the effects of physical therapy and physical therapy combined with drug therapy on ED. We reviewed the diagnosis of ED and related physical therapy methods, and explored the pathogenesis of ED. In our opinion, these treatment methods could help many ED patients recover fully or partially from ED within the next few decades.
Insights into insecticide-resistance mechanisms in invasive species: Challenges and control strategies
Authors: Siddiqui Junaid Ali , Fan Ruidong , Naz Hira , Bamisile Bamisope Steve , Hafeez Muhammad , Ghani Muhammad Imran , Wei Yiming , Xu Yijuan , Chen Xiaoyulong
Published: January 2023

Threatening the global community is a wide variety of potential threats, most notably invasive pest species. Invasive pest species are non-native organisms that humans have either accidentally or intentionally spread to new regions. One of the most effective and first lines of control strategies for controlling pests is the application of insecticides. These toxic chemicals are employed to get rid of pests, but they pose great risks to people, animals, and plants. Pesticides are heavily used in managing invasive pests in the current era. Due to the overuse of synthetic chemicals, numerous invasive species have already developed resistance. The resistance development is the main reason for the failure to manage the invasive species. Developing pesticide resistance management techniques necessitates a thorough understanding of the mechanisms through which insects acquire insecticide resistance. Insects use a variety of behavioral, biochemical, physiological, genetic, and metabolic methods to deal with toxic chemicals, which can lead to resistance through continuous overexpression of detoxifying enzymes. An overabundance of enzymes causes metabolic resistance, detoxifying pesticides and rendering them ineffective against pests. A key factor in the development of metabolic resistance is the amplification of certain metabolic enzymes, specifically esterases, Glutathione S-transferase, Cytochromes p450 monooxygenase, and hydrolyses. Additionally, insect guts offer unique habitats for microbial colonization, and gut bacteria may serve their hosts a variety of useful services. Most importantly, the detoxification of insecticides leads to resistance development. The complete knowledge of invasive pest species and their mechanisms of resistance development could be very helpful in coping with the challenges and effectively developing effective strategies for the control of invasive species. Integrated Pest Management is particularly effective at lowering the risk of chemical and environmental contaminants and the resulting health issues, and it may also offer the most effective ways to control insect pests.
Olive leaf spot caused by Venturia oleaginea: An updated review
Authors: Buonaurio Roberto , Almadi Leen , Famiani Franco , Moretti Chiaraluce , Agosteo Giovanni Enrico , Schena Leonardo
Published: January 2023

Olive leaf spot (OLS) caused byVenturia oleagineais widespread in all olive-growing areas and continents, where can cause severe yield losses. The disease is often underestimated for the difficulty to reveal early leaf symptoms and for the pathogen-induced phylloptosis, which creates the illusion of healthy and restored plants. The present review provide updated information on taxonomy, pathogen life style and cycle, epidemiology, diagnosis, and control. Application of copper-based fungicides is the main method to control OLS. However, the regulation 2009/1107 of the European Commission include these fungicides in the list of substances candidates for substitution. It is therefore urgent to find alternative control strategies especially for organic agriculture. Among new approaches/strategies for controlling OLS, promising results have been obtained using nanotechnology, endophytic microbes, and biostimulants.
Sugarcane mosaic virus orchestrates the lactate fermentation pathway to support its successful infection
Authors: Jiang Tong , Du Kaitong , Wang Pei , Wang Xinhai , Zang Lianyi , Peng Dezhi , Chen Xi , Sun Geng , Zhang Hao , Fan Zaifeng , Cao Zhiyan , Zhou Tao
Published: January 2023

Viruses often establish their own infection by altering host metabolism. How viruses co-opt plant metabolism to support their successful infection remains an open question. Here, we used untargeted metabolomics to reveal that lactate accumulates immediately before and after robust sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) infection. Induction of lactate-involved anaerobic glycolysis is beneficial to SCMV infection. The enzyme activity and transcriptional levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were up-regulated by SCMV infection, and LDH is essential for robust SCMV infection. Moreover, LDH relocates in viral replicase complexes (VRCs) by interacting with SCMV-encoded 6K2 protein, a key protein responsible for inducing VRCs. Additionally, lactate could promote SCMV infection by suppressing plant defense responses. Taken together, we have revealed a viral strategy to manipulate host metabolism to support replication compartment but also depress the defense response during the process of infection.
Integrating GWAS and transcriptomics to identify candidate genes conferring heat tolerance in rice
Authors: Li Pingping , Jiang Jing , Zhang Guogen , Miao Siyu , Lu Jingbing , Qian Yukang , Zhao Xiuqin , Wang Wensheng , Qiu Xianjin , Zhang Fan , Xu Jianlong
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production is being challenged by global warming. Identifying new loci and favorable alleles associated with heat tolerance is crucial to developing rice heat-tolerant varieties.

Methods

We evaluated the heat tolerance at the seedling stage using 620 diverse rice accessions. A total of six loci associated with heat tolerance were identified by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with ~2.8 million single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Results

Among the six detected loci, qHT7 harbored the strongest association signal and the most associated SNPs. By comparing the transcriptomes of two representative accessions with contrasting heat tolerance, LOC_Os07g48710 (OsVQ30) was selected as a promising candidate gene in qHT7 due to the significant difference in its expression level between the two accessions. Haplotype 4 (Hap4) of LOC_Os07g48710 was determined as the favorable haplotype for heat tolerance via the gene-based haplotype analysis. The heat-tolerant haplotype LOC_Os07g48710Hap4 is highly enriched in the tropical Geng/Japonica accessions, and its frequency has decreased significantly during the improvement process of rice varieties.

Discussion

Based on the GWAS and transcriptomics integrated results, a hypothetical model modulated by qHT7 in response to heat stress was proposed. Our results provide valuable candidate genes for improving rice heat tolerance through molecular breeding.
The democratic backsliding paradigm in enlarged European Union countries: In-depth analysis of V-Dem indicators
Authors: Nakai Ryo
Published: January 2023

The phenomena of democratic backsliding in enlarged European Union countries of central, eastern, and southeastern Europe tend to be lumped together. These paradigms fail to capture differences across countries and time, and the differences in backsliding among the subcomponents of liberal democracy. This study analyzes this issue from several indicators provided by V-Dem for 18 countries. The results indicate that democratic backsliding has been occurring in Poland, Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey, while not as much in other countries. What has been observed in these four countries is that the violation of the liberal component of democracy, the weakening of judicial control and restrictions on freedom of expression, comesbeforethe violation of the cleanliness of democracy and the full breakdown of democracy. Through a comparative weighing of multiple indicators, this study clarifies the nuanced reality of democratic regression in the region.
The intermediary mechanism of social fairness perceptions between social capital and farmers’ political participation: Empirical research based on masking and mediating effects
Authors: Hou Bo , Liu Qiang , Wang Zhiwei , Hou Jing , Chen Suyun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Political scientists have conducted extensive research on the factors influencing political participation, but empirical analyses examining them from the perspective of social fairness perceptions are not common.

Methods

Using large-scale data from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS), this study explores the intermediate mechanisms of social fairness perceptions in the influential relationship between social capital and farmers’ diversified political participation based on the structural equation modeling (SEM).

Results

The results show that the positive relationship between social capital and farmers’ political behavior is indirectly influenced by different dimensions of the sense of social fairness. Among them, social trust and social network variables affect political participation mainly through the mediating role of outcome fairness perceptions, while opportunity fairness perceptions significantly widen the gap in political participation between low and high social trust.

Discussion

Therefore, the government should nurture the social capital of rural geo-relational networks and formulate policies based on a social justice perspective inorder to enhance rural residents’ outcome fairness perceptions and increase the political participation of farmers.
Insight into the role of the gut-brain axis in alcohol-related responses: Emphasis on GLP-1, amylin, and ghrelin
Authors: Tufvesson-Alm Maximilian , Shevchouk Olesya T. , Jerlhag Elisabet
Published: January 2023

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) contributes substantially to global morbidity and mortality. Given the heterogenicity of this brain disease, available pharmacological treatments only display efficacy in sub-set of individuals. The need for additional treatment options is thus substantial and is the goal of preclinical studies unraveling neurobiological mechanisms underlying AUD. Although these neurobiological processes are complex and numerous, one system gaining recent attention is the gut-brain axis. Peptides of the gut-brain axis include anorexigenic peptide like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and amylin as well as the orexigenic peptide ghrelin. In animal models, agonists of the GLP-1 or amylin receptor and ghrelin receptor (GHSR) antagonists reduce alcohol drinking, relapse drinking, and alcohol-seeking. Moreover, these three gut-brain peptides modulate alcohol-related responses (behavioral and neurochemical) in rodents, suggesting that the alcohol reduction may involve a suppression of alcohol’s rewarding properties. Brain areas participating in the ability of these gut-brain peptides to reduce alcohol-mediated behaviors/neurochemistry involve those important for reward. Human studies support these preclinical studies as polymorphisms of the genes encoding for GLP-1 receptor or the ghrelin pathway are associated with AUD. Moreover, a GLP-1 receptor agonist decreases alcohol drinking in overweight patients with AUD and an inverse GHSR agonist reduces alcohol craving. Although preclinical and clinical studies reveal an interaction between the gut-brain axis and AUD, additional studies should explore this in more detail.
Prognosis of ischemic stroke predicted by machine learning based on multi-modal MRI radiomics
Authors: Yu Huan , Wang Zhenwei , Sun Yiqing , Bo Wenwei , Duan Kai , Song Chunhua , Hu Yi , Zhou Jie , Mu Zizhang , Wu Ning
Published: January 2023

Objective

Increased risk of stroke is highly associated with psychiatric disorders. We aimed to conduct the machine learning model based on multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics predicting the prognosis of ischemic stroke.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 148 patients with acute ischemic stroke due to anterior circulation artery occlusion. Based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score, patients were divided into good (mRS ≤ 2) and poor (mRS > 2) outcome groups. Segmentation of the infarct region was performed by manually outlining a mask of the lesion on diffusion-weighted images (DWI) using MRIcron software. The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fluid decay inversion recoverage (FLAIR), susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) and T1-weighted (T1w) images were aligned to the DWI images and the radiomic features within the lesion area were extracted for each image modality. The calculations were done using pyradiomics software and a total of 4,744 stroke-related imaging features were automatically calculated. Next, feature selection based on recursive feature elimination was used for each modality and three radiomic features were extracted from each modality plus one feature from the lesion mask, for a total of 16 radiomic features. At last, five machine learning (ML) models were trained and tested to predict stroke prognosis, calculate the received operating characteristic (ROC) curves and other parameters, evaluate the performance of the models and validate their predictive efficacy by five-fold cross-validation.

Results

Sixteen radiomic features were selected to construct the ML models for prognostic classification. By five-fold cross-validation, light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) model-based muti-modal MRI radiomic features performed best in binary prognostic classification with accuracy of 0.831, sensitivity of 0.739, specificity of 0.902, F1-score of 0.788 and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.902.

Conclusion

The ML models based on muti-modal MRI radiomics are of high value for predicting clinical outcomes in acute stroke patients.
Association between maternal polycystic ovary syndrome and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring aged 3–6 years: A Chinese population-based study
Authors: Zhang Yuying , Lu Dali , Guo Vivian Yawei , Wang Yuqing , Qiu Shuangyan , Zhang Jingyu , Zhang Yan , Chen Weiqing , Wang Baoping , Yang Weikang
Published: January 2023

Background

Maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may increase the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring; however, their association remains unexplored in Asian populations. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the association between maternal PCOS and ADHD in offspring aged 3–6 years and whether it differed by offspring sex.

Methods

This was a district-wide population-based study of 87,081 preschoolers from 234 kindergartens in Longhua District, Shenzhen, China. The parents were invited to complete a self-administrated questionnaire covering information on socio-demographics, maternal disease history, and child behavior. ADHD symptoms were measured with the parent-rating 26-item Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP-IV). Logistic regression was performed to examine the associations between maternal PCOS and ADHD symptoms in offspring.

Results

The response rate was 80% and 63,390 mother-child pairs were included. Of the mothers, 1,667 (2.6%) reported PCOS diagnoses. The mean age of children at ADHD assessment was 4.86 ± 0.84[SD] years, and 53.6% were boys. Children with maternal PCOS had a higher risk of developing ADHD symptoms than other children (12.0 vs. 9.4%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13–1.54). The risk estimate was significant in boys (adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.14–1.66) but not in girls (adjusted OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.94–1.57, P for interaction = 0.391). Treatment of PCOS tended to be associated with a lower risk of ADHD symptoms than untreated PCOS albeit risk confidence intervals were overlapped (treated: adjusted OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06–1.54 vs. untreated: adjusted OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.83).

Conclusion

Maternal PCOS increases the risk of developing ADHD in offspring, especially boys. Further studies are warranted to confirm our findings, and early neurodevelopmental screening may be needed in children born to mothers with PCOS.
Whole-genome sequencing to characterize the genetic structure and transmission risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Yichang city of China
Authors: Ji Lv , Tao Feng-Xi , Yu Yun-Fang , Liu Jian-Hua , Yu Feng-Hua , Bai Chun-Lin , Wan Zheng-Yang , Yang Xiao-Bo , Ma Jing , Zhou Pan , Niu Zhao , Zhou Ping , Xiang Hong , Chen Ming , Xiang Zhou , Zhang Fang-Qiong , Jiang Qi , Liu Xiao-Jun
Published: January 2023

Objective

The burden of both general and drug-resistant tuberculosis in rural areas is higher than that in urban areas in China. To characterize the genetic structure and transmission risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in rural China, we used whole genome sequencing to analyze clinical strains collected from patients in two counties of Yichang for three consecutive years.

Methods

From 2018 to 2020, sputum samples were collected for cultures from patients with suspected tuberculosis in Yidu and Zigui county, and DNA was extracted from the positive strains for genome sequencing. The online SAM-TB platform was used to identify the genotypes and drug resistance-related mutations of each strain, establish a phylogenetic tree, and calculated the genetic distances between pairwise strains. Twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used as thresholds to identify transmission clusters. The risk of related factors was estimated by univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 161 out of the collected 231 positive strains were enrolled for analysis, excluding non-tuberculous mycobacterium and duplicate strains from the same patient. These strains belonged to Lineage 2 (92, 57.1%) and Lineage 4 (69, 42.9%), respectively. A total of 49 (30.4%) strains were detected with known drug resistance-related mutations, including 6 (3.7%) multidrug-resistant-TB (MDR-TB) strains and 11 (6.8%) RIF-resistant INH-susceptible TB (Rr-TB) strains. Six of the MDR/Rr-TB (35.3%) were also resistant to fluoroquinolones, which made them pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (pre-XDR-TB). There were another seven strains with mono-resistance to fluoroquinolones and one strain with resistance to both INH and fluoroquinolones, making the overall rate of fluoroquinolones resistance 8.7% (14/161). A total of 50 strains (31.1%) were identified as transmission clusters. Patients under 45 years old (adjusted odds ratio 3.46 [95% confidential intervals 1.28–9.35]), treatment-naive patients (6.14 [1.39–27.07]) and patients infected by lineage 4 strains (2.22 [1.00–4.91]) had a higher risk of transmission.

Conclusion

The drug resistance of tuberculosis in rural China, especially to the second-line drug fluoroquinolones, is relatively serious. The standardized treatment for patients and the clinical use of fluoroquinolones warrant attention. At the same time, the recent transmission risk of tuberculosis is high, and rapid diagnosis and treatment management at the primary care needs to be strengthened.
Managing healthcare employees' burnout through micro aspects of corporate social responsibility: A public health perspective
Authors: Chen Rongxin , Liu Wei
Published: January 2023

Background

Globally, an increasing number of healthcare workers (HCW) suffer from the issue of burnout (BO) annually. The critical issue of BO undermines the capacity of HCW to deliver superior healthcare services on the one end, it negatively affects the mental health of HCW on the other hand. Although HCW in developed and developing countries face the risk of BO, however, this issue is more critical in developing countries due to poor infrastructure, resources and social inequalities. The BO syndrome has recently been recognized as a public health concern, and new approaches are required to manage this epic, especially in healthcare management, effectively. In this respect, past research recognizes the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in influencing employee outcomes. Especially the micro aspects of CSR (MCSR) have recently received growing attention from academicians and practitioners. However, most existing MCSR investigations relate to the positive aspects of individual psychology, leaving the terrain unattended on how MCSR can help employees in reducing negative work outcomes for example, BO. To close this critical gap, the basic aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between MCSR and BO. Further, to understand the underlying mechanism of how and why MCSR may reduce employees' BO, this study introduces two mediators, work engagement (WE) and intrinsic motivation (IM) and one moderator, compassion at work (CW).

Method

The data for the current study were gathered randomly from HCW serving in different hospitals of a developing country. Specifically, we collected the data in three separate waves. A self-administered questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument by following a paper-pencil methodology. The response rate in this study remained close to 64%. Both male and female HCW participated in this study. We validated the hypothesized relationships with the help of structural equation modeling in AMOS software.

Results

The results confirmed that MCSR negatively predicts BO, and WE and IM mediated this relationship. Moreover, the moderating effect of CW was also confirmed.

Conclusion

The findings of this study help healthcare administrators to mitigate the epic of BO among HCW by carefully planning and executing MCSR policies.
Patient safety knowledge, attitude and practice among undergraduate health science students in South West Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Tofik , Woldearegay Emebet , Kedir Shemsu , Ahmed Kemal , Getnet Masrie , Gudina Esayas Kebede
Published: January 2023

Background

Patient safety is minimizing the risk of unnecessary damage associated with healthcare to a minimum. It has been linked as a global precedence area where substantial knowledge gaps exist. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of the healthcare providers toward patient safety have a great influence on the delivery of safe patient care. Regardless of this, the issue has not been adequately addressed in Ethiopia.

Objective

The main aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, and factors associated with patient safety practice among undergraduate health science students at Jimma University Institute of Health.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from May to November 2021. Data were collected from 678 undergraduate health science students using a pretested, structured and self-administered questionnaire. EPI data 3.1 was used for data entry, and SPSS version 25 was used for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was utilized to identify factors associated with outcome variables. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and P < 0.05 were computed to determine the level of significance.

Results

Of the total students, only 293 (43.2%) and 308 (45.4%) had good knowledge and positive attitudes toward patient safety, respectively. Moreover, only 135 (19.9%) of the students had good practices regarding patient safety. Year of study [AOR = 3.75, 95% CI: (2.3, 9.3)], duration on practical attachment [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: (1.2, 5.9)], and knowledge about patient safety [AOR = 2.9, 95% CI: (1.9, 3.4)] were associated with better patient safety practices.

Conclusion

In the current study the practice of patient safety among health science students was low and less than half of the students had good knowledge and favorable attitudes toward patient safety. Patient safety practices were influenced by the length of the clinical attachment, the study year, and the knowledge of patient safety. This calls for patient safety courses to be included in training curricula of undergraduate health sciences students.
Country-specific assessment of mismanaged plastic packaging waste as a main contributor to marine litter in Europe
Authors: Winterstetter Andrea , Veiga Joana Mira , Sholokhova Anastasiia , Šubelj Gašper
Published: January 2023

Land-based litter and leakages from inadequate waste management are among the primary sources of marine litter. Plastic packaging and small non-packaging plastic items (PPSI) represent the most extensive application of virgin plastics produced and the largest fraction of post-consumer plastic waste. Moreover, PPSI are amongst the top recognizable litter items recorded on European beaches. This study aimed to estimate mismanaged PPSI waste generated in 33 countries in Europe, as well as in coastal territories bordering European seas. A material flow analysis was performed for each country for 2012 and 2018. The results indicate that most countries generated higher amounts of PPSI waste in 2018, both in absolute amounts and per capita. We estimate that 26.1 million tons of PPSI waste were generated in 2018 in the whole region, corresponding to 42.9 kg per capita (compared to 38.7 kg in 2012). This was also the case for mismanaged PPSI waste, with 3.01 million tons estimated for 2018, compared to 2.90 million tons in 2012, even if most countries managed to reduce their shares of mismanaged PPSI waste. Furthermore, differences in litter pressure around the regional seas are clear, with 90% of the estimated mismanaged PPSI in European coastal territories being generated in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea regions. Limitations related to data gaps and reporting lead to significant uncertainties in our estimations, even if the study made use of officially reported data from European countries. Our study suggests that reductions in the share of mismanaged PPSI waste seem to be mainly driven by efforts at the end-of-life stages of plastics (i.e., waste collection, recycling, disposal) but that these were not sufficient to offset higher amounts of PPSI waste generated in 2018, compared to 2012. Furthermore, exports of plastic waste, including from EU countries, may result in intensified shares of mismanaged PPSI. Responses on both waste management and waste prevention are needed to transition to a circular economy and to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in the marine environment.
Impacts on alternate bar geometry and dynamics in a trained sand bed river
Authors: Branß Till , Aberle Jochen , Hentschel Bernd
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the occurrence and dynamics of single row alternate bars forming in a particular reach of the sand bed Elbe River in Germany. Although the formation and dynamics of alternate bars have been intensively investigated in the literature, there exists only a limited number of studies focusing on the characteristics of alternate bars forming under complex field conditions. This is particular the case for bars forming in trained sand bed rivers, as most previous field studies have focused on gravel bed rivers. Moreover, little is known on the impact of river training structures on bar characteristics in anthropogenic rivers. To close this gap, we present a comprehensive bed elevation data set that was collected over a period of 10 years within a 30 km long reach of the lower Elbe River in Germany by the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV). The reach is characterized by a sand bed, has curved as well as straight parts, and exhibits a section that is less trained by groins than the neighboring sections. For our analyses, we propose a novel approach to estimate bar characteristics based on statistically derived geometrical parameters. The outcomes of the approach are used to show that bars in Elbe River belong to the free bar type and that their origin of formation and characteristics depend on hydrological and geometrical boundary conditions. The results reveal that the active width of the river bed, defined as the distance between the groin heads, is a crucial parameter for the occurrence of alternate in the reach. We further highlight the impact of river bends on bar characteristics, as bars in the outer bend were longer and higher than their inner bend counterparts. Finally, we show that simple predictors for bar formation can be successfully applied to predict bar formation in sand bed rivers but that care needs to be taken when applying such approaches to more complex boundary conditions.
Solving of the Inverse Boundary Value Problem for the Heat Conduction Equation in Two Intervals of Time
Authors: Al-Nuaimi Bashar Talib , Al-Mahdawi H.K. , Albadran Zainalabideen , Alkattan Hussein , Abotaleb Mostafa , El-kenawy El-Sayed M.
Published: January 2023

The boundary value problem, BVP, for the PDE heat equation is studied and explained in this article. The problem declaration comprises two intervals; the (0, T) is the first interval and labels the heating of the inside burning chamber, and the second (T, ∞) interval defines the normal cooling of the chamber wall when the chamber temperature concurs with the ambient temperature. It is necessary to prove the boundary function of this problem has its place in the space H10,∞ in order to successfully apply the Fourier transform method. The applicability of the Fourier transform for time to this problem is verified. The method of projection regularization is used to solve the inverse boundary value problem for the heat equation and to obtain an evaluation for the error between the approximate and the real solution. These results are new and of practical interest as shown in the numerical case study.
Structure Design and Optimization of the Radial Magnetic Bearing
Authors: Li Qiang , Hu Yefa , Wu Huachun
Published: January 2023

According to different working environments and functional requirements, radial magnetic bearings (RMBs) have various design methods. Some methods’ lack of effectiveness or accuracy is likely to cause significant differences in the structural performance of magnetic bearings, which will cause serious problems such as limited bearing capacity and complex control. This paper analyzes the structure topology of a magnetic bearing according to the application scenario of RMBs, then proposes a general design example of an 8-pole magnetic bearing based on magnetic circuit analysis and reveals the linearity between electromagnetic force and current as well as air gap through finite element analysis and the influence of magnetic saturation on the load capacity of the magnetic bearing structure. After completing the preliminary design, we further optimize the structure, take the genetic algorithm as an example to iterate the influence coefficient, and summarize and prospect. The design scheme and optimization method proposed in this paper only provide a valuable reference for researchers and factories when devising RMB devices.
Sliding-Mode Control for PMLSM Position Control—A Review
Authors: Yu Lijuan , Huang Jie , Luo Wei , Chang Shuyuan , Sun Huilu , Tian Hailong
Published: January 2023

Owing to the competitive advantages of fast response speed, large pushing force, high reliability, and high precision, the permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) has played an increasingly vital role in various high-speed and high-precision control systems. However, PMLSM exhibits nonlinear behavior in actual operation, and position tracking precision is negatively affected by friction, load changes, and other external disturbances. To meet the growing demand and solve the position tracking control problem for the PMLSM, the control system is critical. Sliding-mode control (SMC) has been used extensively in nonlinear control systems due to its superior performance characterized by simplicity, good dynamic response and insensitivity to parameter perturbation and external disturbances, and has been implemented in PMLSMs to track practical position. The objective of this article is to classify, scrutinize and review the major sliding-mode control approaches for position control of PMLSM. The three different conventional SMC methods, namely the boundary layer approach, the reaching law approach and the disturbance observer-based SMC, are discussed in detail. The four advanced forms of SMC, namely terminal SMC, super-twisting SMC, adaptive SMC and intelligent SMC, are also presented. A comparison of these approaches is given, in which the advantages and disadvantages of each approach are presented; additionally, they are presented in table form in order to facilitate reading. It is anticipated that this work will serve as a reference and provide important insight into position control of PMLSM systems.
The Influence of Thrust Chamber Structure Parameters on Regenerative Cooling Effect with Hydrogen Peroxide as Coolant in Liquid Rocket Engines
Authors: Zhou Chuang , Yu Nanjia , Wang Shuwen , Han Shutao , Gong Haojie , Cai Guobiao , Wang Jue
Published: January 2023

Liquid rocket engines with hydrogen peroxide and kerosene have the advantages of high density specific impulse, high reliability, and no ignition system. At present, the cooling problem of hydrogen peroxide engines, especially with regenerative cooling, has been little explored. In this study, a realizable k-epsilon turbulence model, discrete phase model, eddy dissipation concept model, and 10-step 10-component reaction mechanism of kerosene with oxygen are used. The increased rib height of the regenerative cooling channel causes the inner wall temperature of the engine increases, the average temperature of the coolant outlet decreases slightly, and the coolant pressure decreases. The overall wall temperature decreases as the rib width of the regenerative cooling channel increases. However, in the nozzle throat area, the wall temperature increases, the average coolant outlet temperature decreases, and the coolant pressure drop increases. A decrease in the inner wall thickness of the regenerative cooling channel results in a significant decrease in the wall temperature and a small increase in the average coolant outlet temperature. These findings contribute to the further development of the engine with hydrogen peroxide and can guide the design of its regenerative cooling process.
Seasonal Population Dynamics and Harmfulness of Wheat Thrips in Agrocenoses of Grain Crops
Authors: Zhichkina Lyudmila N. , Nosov Vladimir V. , Zhichkin Kirill A.
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the study was to identify forage plants and specialized entomophages of wheat thrips in agrocenoses of winter and spring grain crops cultivated in the Samara region. The highest number of adult pests was noted in winter wheat crops (2365.0 ind./100 strokes), the lowest in winter barley crops (565.0 ind./100 strokes). Egg laying by wheat thrip females occurred on all grain crops. Larvae of wheat thrips were noted in the ears of winter and spring wheat, triticale, and winter barley, with the exception of spring barley. During the research, two specialized entomophages were identified: striped thrips and predatory thrips. During the research years, the largest numbers of predatory thrips were noted in winter wheat crops in the earing phase (90 ind./100 strokes) and in spring wheat and spring barley crops in the booting phase—75 ind./100 strokes and 40 ind./100 strokes, respectively. The damage to winter wheat grain by wheat thrips varied from 55.3% to 69.2% and was higher than the damage to spring wheat grain (38.5–64%). With a certain ratio of specialized entomophages and wheat thrips, it is possible to refuse the use of insecticides in the cultivation of grain crops.
Factors Affecting Farmers’ Environment-Friendly Fertilization Behavior in China: Synthesizing the Evidence Using Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Hao , Liu Huina , Chang Wei-Yew , Wang Chun
Published: January 2023

Excess fertilization is a major cause of agricultural environmental pollution. However, different studies attribute farmers’ fertilization behavior to different factors, hindering theoretical and empirical development. Using a meta-analysis of 64 empirical studies on Chinese farmers’ fertilization behavior, this study first systematically collects, combines, and analyzes the existing studies to identify the key influencing factors that may affect farmers’ environment-friendly fertilization behavior (FEFB) in China. A meta-regression analysis is further applied to explore how the effects of the factors identified have changed over time. The results showed that the key factors include gender, health status, risk attitude, family size, farm size, environmental concern, social norms, cadre status, and policy propaganda. Over time, the influence of family size, environmental concern, cadre status, and policy propaganda is stable; the influence of social norms gradually strengthens; and the influence of risk attitude weakens. Although household income and the proportion of agricultural income have no significant effect, their influence gradually increases and changes positively and significantly over time; hence, they may become important factors in the future. Our results provide important policy implications for policymakers and agricultural managers to develop appropriate strategies to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers in China.
Intelligent Technologies, Enzyme-Embedded and Microbial Degradation of Agricultural Plastics
Authors: Maraveas Chrysanthos , Kotzabasaki Marianna I. , Bartzanas Thomas
Published: January 2023

This review appraised current research on enzyme-embedded biodegradable agricultural plastics and microbial degradation, given that the increased use of fossil-fuel-based plastics in agriculture involved significant environmental tradeoffs. Over 370 million tons of plastics were produced in 2019, releasing over 400 million tons of greenhouse gases during production, transportation, consumption, burning, and exposure to sunlight biodegradation. Less than 10% of bags are recycled at the end of their life, leading to environmental pollution. Thus, it is imperative to summarize studies that have suggested solutions of this problem. The scoping review approach was preferred, given that it established current practices and uncovered international evidence on bio-based solutions and conflicting outcomes. Bioplastics with low greenhouse warming potential had a small market share (approximately 1%). The accumulation of fossil-fuel-based plastics and poor post-use management releases mercury, dioxins, furans, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Enzyme-embedded polymers degrade fast in the environment but lack the desired mechanical properties. Even though polylactic acid (PLA) and other bioplastics are better alternatives to synthetic polymers, they persist in the environment for years. Fast degradation is only practical under special conditions (elevated temperatures and humidity), limiting bioplastics’ practical benefits. The research and development of plastics that could degrade under ambient conditions through enzyme-catalyzed reactions and soil-inoculated microbes are ongoing. However, there are no guarantees that the technology would be profitable in commercial agriculture. Other limiting factors include the geographical disparities in agricultural plastic waste management. Future perspectives on the waste management of agricultural plastics require smart technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and enzyme-embedded plastics that degrade under ambient conditions. The replacement of synthetic plastics with polylactic acid and polycaprolactone/Amano lipase (PCL/AL) composite films would offset the negative ecological effects. A major drawback was the slow research and development and commercial adoption of bio-based plastics. The transition to bioplastics was resource- and time-intensive.
Effect of Keratin Hydrolysates Obtained from Feather Decomposition by Trichophyton ajelloi on Plant Germination, Growth and Biological Activity of Selected Arable Soils under Model Conditions
Authors: Możejko Michał , Bohacz Justyna
Published: January 2023

The use of fertilizers based on organic waste as a result of microbial biodegradation and biotransformation is becoming increasingly common practice in plant cultivation. This is to limit the chemicals used in agriculture and thus protect the environment and consumer health. The aim of this study was to evaluate a hitherto unexplored effect of hydrolysates obtained after biodegradation of chicken feather waste by a soil strain of the keratinolytic fungus Trichophyton ajelloi on germination, early growth, and development of plants, in particular with high sulfur requirements, and to verify, in model conditions, their impact on soil biological activity and the total pool of soil DNA. Undiluted and diluted keratin hydrolysate generally stimulated seed germination as well as root and shoot growth of the Lepidium sativum L. (garden cress) and Brassica napus L. var. napus (oilseed rape) on sandy soil (Cambisol I), loamy soil (Cambisol II), and Chernozem. In the model experiment, in the variants with and without oilseed rape on sandy soil and Chernozem, the introduction of keratin hydrolysate generally increased the total abundance of microorganisms. In sandy soil, feather hydrolysate mostly increased respiratory activity, dehydrogenase activity, and alkaline phosphatase activity by an average of approx. 38% and the total DNA pool by 15% and 23% in the variant with and without plants. The activity of protease and acid phosphatase increased by an average of 4% and 6% only in the variant without oilseed rape. Respiratory and enzymatic activity in Chernozem, in the variants with and without oilseed rape, tended to show a downward trend, despite periodically recorded increases. The total DNA pool has increased by 8% in the oilseed rape variant. Oilseed rape biomass was almost two-fold higher after adding feather hydrolysate to both soils, and its yield was higher by 98% in Chernozem than in sandy soil. The results have demonstrated that keratin hydrolysate can be used as a biofertilizer.
Flaminio Rota, 16th Century Anatomist at the University of Bologna: A Biography on the Walls
Authors: Armocida Emanuele , Fornai Francesco , Natale Gianfranco
Published: January 2023

Flaminio Rota was a 16th century anatomist and medical figure at the University of Bologna. He was highly praised, despite his poor scientific production. As a matter of fact, Rota competed with scientific activities in different anatomical arguments, but he did not publish any important research. Nevertheless, we know the principal results of his scientific activity because indirect information can be found in other publications, where some of his studies were emphasized by his contemporary colleagues. Henning Witte even mentioned Rota as a very famous Italian medical figure, together with Galilei and Santorio. On the other hand, Rota was a highly esteemed teacher. The best evidence of his recognition is well-documented in the Palace of Archiginnasio in Bologna, where Rota’s teaching activity was praised with six memorial epigraphs. In the south-eastern outskirts of Bologna, there is an 18th century villa, including a more ancient annex, that belonged to Rota. At this location, the upper parts of the walls and the ceiling are decorated with a pictorial cycle illustrating medical scenes. In this paper, we theorize regarding his scientific thinking by analyzing the pictorial cycle he commissioned.
Variation of Physiological and Behavioural Parameters during the Oestrous Cycle in Mares
Authors: Stachurska Anna , Kędzierski Witold , Kaczmarek Beata , Wiśniewska Anna , Żylińska Beata , Janczarek Iwona
Published: January 2023

The behaviour of oestrous mares is well-known in horse breeding. However, alterations in their physiological and behavioural indices during the whole oestrous cycle are scarcely known. The objective of the study was to analyse changes in cardiac activity variables, rectal and superficial temperatures, behaviour towards humans and conspecifics, and the time of standing and locomotor activity in mares during their oestrous cycle. Fifteen adult mares in oestrus were examined in the morning and evening (six successive days) and in dioestrus (five days—once every third day). The oscillation of physiological and behavioural variables accompanies changes in mares’ sexual behaviour. Most physiological variables studied in oestrus indicate the elevated activity of the adrenergic nervous system and, opposite to that, both behaviour towards humans and conspecifics and the time of standing relate to a relaxed state. The end of oestrus, manifested by a rapid decrease in most of the physiological variables studied, is followed by changes of behavioural variables at the beginning of dioestrus. The time of locomotor activity arises at the end of oestrus. The outcomes may contribute to the knowledge of, among others, mare owners who evaluate the oestrus by mares’ sexual behaviours without regarding other rhythmically changing variables.
Mobile Zoos and Other Itinerant Animal Handling Events: Current Status and Recommendations for Future Policies
Authors: Warwick Clifford , Pilny Anthony , Steedman Catrina , Howell Tiffani , Martínez-Silvestre Albert , Cadenas Vanessa , Grant Rachel
Published: January 2023

Mobile zoos are events in which non-domesticated (exotic) and domesticated species are transported to venues such as schools, hospitals, parties, and community centres, for the purposes of education, entertainment, or social and therapeutic assistance. We conducted literature searches and surveyed related government agencies regarding existing provisions within laws and policies, number of mobile zoos, and formal guidance issued concerning operation of such events in 74 countries or regions. We also examined governmental and non-governmental guidance standards for mobile zoos, as well as websites for mobile zoo operations, assessed promotional or educational materials for scientific accuracy, and recorded the diversity of species in use. We used the EMODE (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, or Extreme) algorithm, to evaluate identified species associated with mobile zoos for their suitability for keeping. We recorded 14 areas of concern regarding animal biology and public health and safety, and 8 areas of false and misleading content in promotional or educational materials. We identified at least 341 species used for mobile zoos. Mobile zoos are largely unregulated, unmonitored, and uncontrolled, and appear to be increasing. Issues regarding poor animal welfare, public health and safety, and education raise several serious concerns. Using the precautionary principle when empirical evidence was not available, we advise that exotic species should not be used for mobile zoos and similar itinerant events.