bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systematic observation of participatory interaction in university lectures: a multiple case study with a mixed methods approach
Authors: Tronchoni Héctor , Izquierdo Conrad , Anguera M. Teresa
Published: November 2024

Introduction

In order to improve and innovate the face-to-face instructional task in postgraduate and doctoral university teaching encompasses different formats of participatory interaction (PI), considered to be social medium facilitators of deep learning, including the development of autonomous expert activity. The purpose of this article is to establish the use of systematic observation and lag sequential analysis as a conceptual-methodological choice to base the review of social-constructivist instructional practice that is taught in an expository format prepared by the teacher.

Method

The systematic observation of the expert’s expository session from its inception to its conclusion was approached from a mixed methods perspective as a subject of multiple case studies. A total of four postgraduate teachers were selected. A purpose-built observational instrument was constructed. The data quality was evaluated with intra-observer agreement tests by calculating Cohen’s kappa coefficient (k). After the data matrices for each case were obtained, all possible file aggregations of the data were performed to detect the existence of common structures in the patterns through lag sequential analysis.

Results

The sequential patterns of replicated and common lags of the multiple cases describe the chaining of the observed events, which characterizes the participatory interaction. Twelve lag sequential patterns have been identified that function as dialogical links, generated by the probability that the category “question” is linked to the conditioned events of “speech direction” and “exchange orientation.”

Discussion

Having constructed a theoretical interpretative scheme of the replicated patterns, we discuss the results. First, the significant results of the lag sequential analysis as examples of basic patterns extracted from their way of conducting expert expository sessions. As such, they can be reviewed with the formative purpose of reflecting on their potential for change when they are understood as dialogical links of participatory interaction committed to deep learning and the development of expert autonomy. Second, there is a training step consisting of the use of self-observation and the observation that teachers can make of the expert expository task. Finally, we conclude that non-intrusive systematic observation is a good choice when channeling the gradual and renewed improvement of participatory interaction with an expert expository format (§EF) and a mixed methods methodology.
Dimension-based retro-cue benefit in working memory does not require unfocused dimension removal
Authors: Liu Ruyi , Guo Lijing , Lin Xiaoshu , Nie Dan , Astikainen Piia , Ye Chaoxiong
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Within the maintenance phase of visual working memory (VWM), previous researchers presented retro-cues orienting to a probed dimension across all multidimension stimuli and found a robust dimension-based retro-cue benefit (RCB): VWM performance for cued dimension was better than no/neutral-cue baseline. This improvement is often attributed to the prioritization of information related to the focused dimension and the removal of information related to the unfocused dimension from VWM. However, it remains unclear whether the removal of the uncued dimension is necessary to observe this dimension-based RCB.

Methods

In the current study, we first manipulated the number of retro-cues to investigate this question. We used colored, oriented bars as stimuli and two sequential retro-cues oriented to different dimensions in the double-cue condition. The last presented cue in each trial was always valid. Therefore, the unfocused dimension in the first cue display was probed in double-cue trials. Experiment 1 adopted change detection tasks and three cue type conditions (no-cue, single-cue, double-cue). Experiment 2 divided the single-cue condition into early- and late- cue conditions, using recall tasks to elevated probe precision. Experiment 3 further added double-neutral and double-same cue types and eliminated the different influences of post-memory masks on each dimension respectively.

Results

Results across these experiments showed a robust pattern of no worse performances for the double-cue condition than for the single-cue condition.

Discussion

Because the dimension-based single cue benefit was observed especially in early-cue trials, we supposed that the dimension-based RCB does not require removing the unfocused dimension from VWM.
Mood states of active and insufficiently active adolescents related to sleep quality, gender, academic performance and guidelines for the post-COVID-19 scenario
Authors: Andrade Alexandro , D’Oliveira Anderson , dos Santos Keyla Mara , Falese Lavinia , Mancone Stefania , Diotaiuti Pierluigi , Stabile Luca , Buonanno Giorgio
Published: November 2024

Objective

To evaluate the impact of physical activity on the mood states of active and insufficiently active Italian adolescents and the relationships with sleep quality, sex, and academic performance, analyzing guidelines for the post-COVID-19 scenario.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional, quantitative, and descriptive study. Data collection was carried out through an electronic questionnaire via Google Forms. Adolescent students from schools in the Lazio region, Italy, were evaluated.

Results

In total, 437 Italian adolescents were included, with a mean age of 15.9 ± 1.37 years. The average time of exercise reported by the students was 277 min per week. Physical activity appears to be positively correlated with improved mood states, particularly in adolescents who engage in 150 min or more of physical activity per week, who exhibited notably higher levels of vigor. It was found that female adolescents presented a worse mood state, greater tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and mental confusion, and worse vigor when compared to boys and that adolescents who had poor sleep quality presented significantly worse mood state. Adolescents with an insufficient perception of academic performance demonstrated a significantly worse mood state, tension, depression, anger, and mental confusion, with a submerged mood profile when compared to adolescents who perceived themselves as excellent, with an iceberg profile. In the regression analysis, it was found that for each minute of physical activity practiced, the score in the state of vigor of the adolescents increased by 0.02 and mental confusion decreased by 0.002.

Conclusion

From the present findings, we conclude that recommendations on PA practices for adolescents should be strengthened, as a way to mitigate possible damage to mood states, especially in the post-COVID-19 scenario. Future studies need to deepen the relationships between the mental health, sex, and academic performance of adolescents to strengthen positive mood states and elucidate information on the type, intensity, and dosage of physical activity to achieve mood benefits.
Rural-urban disparities in basic sanitation access among households: a multivariable decomposition analysis of Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2019
Authors: Keleb Awoke , Daba Chala , Endawkie Abel , Asmare Lakew , Bayou Fekade Demeke , Abeje Eyob Tilahun , Ayres Aznamariam , Mohammed Anissa , Kebede Natnael , Abera Kaleab Mesfin , Mekonen Asnakew Molla , Gebeyehu Endalkachew Mesfin , Kebede Shimels Derso , Enyew Ermias Bekele , Arefaynie Mastewal , Tareke Abiyu Abadi , Tsega Yawkal
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Disparities in access to basic sanitation services between rural and urban households pose significant challenges to public health and human development. Understanding the determinants contributing to this gap is vital for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and improving environmental and public health through evidence-based interventions.

Objective

This study aims to analyze and understand the disparities in access to basic sanitation services between rural and urban households in Ethiopia.

Methods

This study analyzed a sample of 8,663 weighted households, collected using stratified sampling techniques, utilizing the data from the 2019 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). The primary outcome was basic sanitation access, defined as access to flush or pour-flush systems, septic tanks, pit latrines, or composting toilets. A multivariable decomposition analysis was conducted to identify factors contributing to rural–urban disparities. Statistically significant variables were determined at a p-value of <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval.

Results

The weighted proportion of basic sanitation access in Ethiopia was 13.78% (95% CI, 12.67–14.96), with significant disparities between rural (6.02%) and urban (27.15%) residents. Endowment factors accounted for 78.9% of this disparity, while behavioral coefficients contributed 22.1%. If the characteristics of respondents in rural and urban households had been similar, significant factors that would have narrowed the gap included the age of the household head (15–35 years), the absence of under-five children, smaller family size, and the attainment of secondary education, reducing the gap by 1.83, 2.07, 5.08, and 3.25%, respectively. Conversely, illiteracy and primary education levels widened the gap between rural and urban access to basic sanitation services by 16.85 and 0.23%, respectively. Additional factors exacerbating the rural–urban disparity included poverty (which widened the gap by 58.71%), residence in pastoralist regions (which widened the gap by 10.10%) or agrarian regions (which widened the gap by 7.03%), and access to water sources located more than 30 min away (which widened the gap by 7.91%).

Conclusion

Significant disparities in access to basic sanitation services exist between rural and urban households in Ethiopia. Key factors contributing to these disparities include the age of the household head, education level, family size, region of residence, and water source proximity. Addressing these factors is essential for improving sanitation access and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Association between sleep quality and cognitive impairment in older adults hypertensive patients in China: a case–control study
Authors: Lv Shunxin , Jiao Huachen , Zhong Xia , Qu Ying , Zhang Mengdi , Wang Rui , Liu Donghai
Published: November 2024

Background

Previous studies have found that poor sleep quality promotes the occurrence of cognitive impairment (CI), but this relationship has been rarely reported in older adults hypertensive patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between sleep quality and CI in older adults hypertensive patients and the mediating effect of sleep quality between physical activity (PA) and CI.

Methods

A total of 2072 older adults hypertensive patients were included in this case–control study. Five hundred and eighteen older adults hypertensive patients with CI were matched 1:3 by age and sex to 1,554 older adults hypertensive patients with normal cognitive function. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Mini-Mental State Examination were used to evaluate PA intensity, sleep quality, and cognitive function in older adults hypertensive patients. Multivariate logistic regression and the mediation package in R Language were used to analyze the relationship between sleep quality and CI and the mediating effect of sleep quality between PA intensity and CI in older adults hypertensive patients.

Results

After adjusting for all confounding factors, sleep quality was positively correlated with CI in older adults hypertensive patients (OR = 2.565, 95%CI: 1.958–3.360, p < 0.001), and this relationship also existed in the older adults hypertensive patients with education levels of primary school and below and junior high school and above (OR = 2.468, 95%CI: 1.754–3.473, p < 0.001; OR = 2.385, 95%CI: 1.367–4.161, p = 0.002). In addition, sleep quality mediated part of the mediating effect between PA intensity and CI in older adults hypertensive patients (Za*Zb: - 17.19339; 95%CI: −0.37312, −0.04194).

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality was associated with the occurrence of CI in older adults hypertensive patients, and this relationship also existed in older adults hypertensive patients with education levels of primary school and below and junior high school and above.
Development of a machine learning tool to predict the risk of incident chronic kidney disease using health examination data
Authors: Yoshizaki Yuki , Kato Kiminori , Fujihara Kazuya , Sone Hirohito , Akazawa Kohei
Published: November 2024

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a decreased glomerular filtration rate or renal injury (especially proteinuria) for at least 3 months. The early detection and treatment of CKD, a major global public health concern, before the onset of symptoms is important. This study aimed to develop machine learning models to predict the risk of developing CKD within 1 and 5 years using health examination data.

Methods

Data were collected from patients who underwent annual health examinations between 2017 and 2022. Among the 30,273 participants included in the study, 1,372 had CKD. Demographic characteristics, body mass index, blood pressure, blood and urine test results, and questionnaire responses were used to predict the risk of CKD development at 1 and 5 years. This study examined three outcomes: incident estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, the development of proteinuria, and incident eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or the development of proteinuria. Logistic regression (LR), conditional logistic regression, neural network, and recurrent neural network were used to develop the prediction models.

Results

All models had predictive values, sensitivities, and specificities >0.8 for predicting the onset of CKD in 1 year when the outcome was eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was >0.9. With LR and a neural network, the specificities were 0.749 and 0.739 and AUROCs were 0.889 and 0.890, respectively, for predicting onset within 5 years. The AUROCs of most models were approximately 0.65 when the outcome was eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or proteinuria. The predictive performance of all models exhibited a significant decrease when eGFR was not included as an explanatory variable (AUROCs: 0.498–0.732).

Conclusion

Machine learning models can predict the risk of CKD, and eGFR plays a crucial role in predicting the onset of CKD. However, it is difficult to predict the onset of proteinuria based solely on health examination data. Further studies must be conducted to predict the decline in eGFR and increase in urine protein levels.
The Foods We Choose Can Contribute to Climate Change
Authors: Leip Adrian , Berndes Göran , Ürge-Vorsatz Diana
Published: November 2024

What should I eat? Many people ask this question several times a day. What we eat determines whether we get all the nutrients and energy that we need. But our choice of foods is also important for the environment and Earth’s climate. Which diets are nutritious, healthy, and climate friendly? There is no easy answer. All the activities involved in putting food on our tables—farming, food processing, transport, storage, and cooking—can cause greenhouse gas emissions. In this article we will explain what food systems are, how some food systems can be harmful to the environment, how we can eat diets that are both healthy and climate friendly.
Environmental Toxicology: How Pollutants Like Lead Impact Our Health
Authors: Lalwani Pooja D. , King Dillon E. , Morton Katherine S. , Cohen Sam , Murphy Susan K. , Meyer Joel N.
Published: November 2024

Every day, we interact with our environments. Many things in our environments are safe, but some might make us sick. How do scientists figure out which things make us sick? And when we find out what makes people sick, how do we clean up the environment to protect people? Environmental toxicology is the study of how pollution affects human, animal, and ecosystem health. The scientists working in this field study which chemicals make humans and animals sick, how we come into contact with them, and if there are safer chemicals that could replace those that are less safe. In this article, we use the metal lead as an example. We describe where lead comes from, how people are exposed to it, and why we must protect ourselves from lead exposure.
Exploring network governance in sustainable beekeeping management in the Mekong subregion and its challenges
Authors: Punya Supitcha , Sinpoo Chainarong , Phokasem Patcharin , Disayathanoowat Terd
Published: November 2024

This research paper aims to explore a network governance in sustainable apiculture management and identify its challenges to government and non-governmental policy makers. Qualitative data was collected through participant observation during field visits and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with regional apiculture management. The research results show that each country in the Mekong subregion has different network governances in supporting a sustainable apiculture management. Some countries have a collaborative network between the government, the civil society, entrepreneurs, and scholars. In contrary, some countries lack a policy framework from the government. This difference becomes challenges for the six governments of the Mekong subregion countries to commonly support the sustainable apiculture management in the subregion. The identified challenges in the paper are: (1) a capacity gap between the six countries of the region; (2) no common policies and regulations that would facilitate local beekeepers’ access to wider regional bee products; (3) no support for inter-regional transport of bees and honey for academic purposes; (4) inadequate native bee species preservation and pesticides use; (5) local beekeepers’ limited access to a regional bee diseases and pesticides use database; and, (6) a lack of regional standards for general honeybee product support.
Case report: Eisenmenger syndrome in a dog with ventricular septal defect: long term management and complications
Authors: Bruno Barbara , Savarino Paolo , Bussadori Claudio , Degiovanni Andrea , Lardone Elena , Bertero Alessia , Tarducci Alberto
Published: November 2024

A 9-month-old female Jack Russell Terrier was referred because of two episodes of suspected syncope. Echocardiography revealed a large, isolated mid-muscular ventricular septal defect (7 mm) with bidirectional shunting. A diagnosis of Eisenmenger syndrome and erythrocytosis (68.5% of hematocrit) was made and sildenafil therapy (0.5 mg/Kg twice daily) was initiated. Regular follow-up examinations were performed and Sildenafil therapy was gradually increased based on changes in clinical signs, packed cell volume and heart rate. The dog's clinical conditions have been stable without the need of phlebotomy for 4 years and 6 months, until April 2021 (month 74) (about 7 years of survival) when the dog had 80% of hematocrit and signs of hyperviscosity syndrome. The dosage of administered sildenafil reached gradually 6 mg/Kg DIE (2 mg/Kg three times a daily) in June 2022. Lastly, in November 2023 a closed pyometra was diagnosed and the dog was hospitalized and operated. The major concerns in the peri-operative period were hypotension and the profound hypoxemia, but the dog was discharged and recovered normal activity in approximately 11 days. This report describes the long-term management with sildenafil citrate of Eisenmenger syndrome secondary to a muscular ventricular septal defect with right-to-left shunting in a dog. Sildenafil therapy was always well tolerated with no side effects reported, even at higher dosage and drastically reduced the need for phlebotomy.
Tailhook Recognition for Carrier-Based Aircraft Based on YOLO with Bi-Level Routing Attention
Authors: Lu Aiguo , Liu Pandi , Yang Jie , Li Zhe , Wang Ke
Published: November 2024

To address the problems of missed and false detections caused by target occlusion and lighting variations, this paper proposes a recognition model based on YOLOv5 with bi-level routing attention to achieve precise real-time small object recognition, using the problem of tailhook recognition for carrier-based aircraft as a representative application. Firstly, a module called D_C3, which combines deformable convolution, was integrated into the backbone network to enhance the model’s learning ability and adaptability in specific scenes. Secondly, a bi-level routing attention mechanism was employed to dynamically focus on the regions of the feature map that are more likely to contain the target, leading to more accurate target localization and classification. Additionally, the loss function was optimized to accelerate the bounding box regression process. The experimental results on the self-constructed CATHR-DET and the public VOC dataset demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the baselines in overall performance.
Flexible Combinatorial-Bids-Based Auction for Cooperative Target Assignment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Wang Tianning , Wang Zhu , Li Wei , Liu Chao
Published: November 2024

For the cooperative reconnaissance assignment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on multiple targets, this paper presents a flexible combinatorial-bids-based auction (FCBA) method that can optimize the number of UAVs for each target. Considering the reconnaissance effectiveness enhancement achieved with cooperative observation and the time-critical characteristic of targets, the multitarget assignment problem is formulated as a nonlinear integer optimization to maximize the cooperative effectiveness. To achieve target assignment without predetermining the number of UAVs for each target, a combinatorial bidding framework is proposed, and an allocation method for rewards and costs among the cooperative UAVs is constructed. Strategies for auction iteration and bid updating are also designed to acquire equilibrium results under the combinatorial bidding mechanism. The simulation results show that the proposed method can generate satisfactory suboptimal results according to the enumerated solutions. A comparison of the results demonstrates that the FCBA can provide comparable optimal results to a genetic algorithm but has better computational efficiency, and the reconnaissance effectiveness can be improved by considering cooperative observation.
Multivariate Structural Vibration Coupling Response of the Self-Propelled Straw Pickup Baler Under Time-Varying Loads
Authors: Wang Bangzhui , Que Kexin , Tang Zhong , Sun Meiyan , Lian Yi , Wang Haoyang
Published: November 2024

The self-propelled straw pickup baler in agricultural work is responsible for collecting and compressing straw to facilitate transportation and storage, while reducing waste and environmental pollution. Like other agricultural equipment, the straw pickup baler is a complex mechanical system. During operation, its excitation characteristics under multi-source stimuli and the coupling characteristics of various components are not yet clear. This paper analyzed the excitation mechanics property of each component of the self-propelled straw pickup baler and established balance equations. Based on the balance equations, the coupling characteristics of the structures were studied. Through experiments collecting excitation signals from multiple devices under different operating conditions, the vibration excitation signals of each component were obtained. The experiments revealed that the excitation and coupling signals in the Z direction are particularly evident. Based on experiments, the effective Z-direction vibration signal value on the left front of the chassis exceeds 7 m·s2, while on the right front it increases from 1.995 m·s2 to 7.287 m·s2, indicating the most intense vibration direction. It was also found that, at the driver’s cab, the effective Z-direction vibration signal values at two response points, 11 and 12, both exceed 7 m·s2. The data indicate significant vibrations occur in both the longitudinal and vertical directions. Using the Signal Analyzer module in MATLAB for signal processing, it was found that the prominent filtered signals consist of combustion excitation harmonics and continuous low-frequency vibrations from the compression mechanism. The periodic reciprocating compression motion of the crank-slider mechanism causes sustained impacts on the frame, leading to periodic changes in the vibration amplitude of the chassis. Thus, the vibration reduction of the compression mechanism’s periodic motion is key to reducing the overall vibration of the machine.
Effect of Conservation Management on Oxisol in a Sugarcane Area Under a Pre-Sprouted Seedling System
Authors: Oliveira Ingrid Nehmi de , Souza Zigomar Menezes de , Bolonhezi Denizart , Tavares Rose Luiza Moraes , Lima Renato Paiva de , Silva Reginaldo Barboza da , Araújo Fernando Silva , Lovera Lenon Henrique , Lima Elizeu de Souza
Published: November 2024

Conservation soil management, such as no-tillage and Rip Strip®, can be developed as an alternative to degradation processes such as compaction. This study aimed to compare conventional and conservation soil tillage regarding their soil physical attributes, root system, and stalk yield for two years. The experiment was conducted on the premises of Fazenda Cresciúma in an area of Typic Eutrudox in the municipality of Jardinópolis, state of São Paulo, Brazil, with an experimental design in random blocks. The treatments evaluated for the transplanted sugarcane were as follows: CT—conventional tillage with disk harrow; CTS—conventional tillage with disk harrow and subsoiling; MT—minimum tillage with Rip Strip®; NT—no-tillage. The variables evaluated were dry root mass, soil bulk density (Bd), total porosity (TP), and stalk yield for sugarcane plant and first ratoon harvest. The results allowed us to observe that CT was the system that most reduced the TP (varying 0.44–0.47 m3 m−3), while MT was the one that presented fewer changes (TP varying 0.47–0.51 m3 m−3). NT obtained the highest stalk yield (123 Mg ha−1) in the sugarcane plant cycle and greater amounts of roots in depths below 0.80 m. Conservation tillage by Rip Strip® proved to be a viable system for use in sugarcane because it provides greater dry root mass on the surface and maintenance of physical attributes compared to conventional tillage.
Conception, Consequences and Design of Cool Climate Viticulture Training Systems
Authors: Danko Richard , Pavloušek Pavel , Kapłan Magdalena , Klimek Kamila E.
Published: November 2024

In this review, the problems, challenges and opportunities of trellis design are dealt with in the conditions of cool climate viticulture influenced by climate changes. Viticulture in so-called cool climate regions faces a number of weather and climatic extremes that directly or indirectly damage the grapes and so the wine. A suitable option is to use the structural and technical implementation of vine trellises—training systems, canopy management, and pruning methods which can help the plant withstand various extremes. At the same time, it is essential to choose trellis design training systems that growers can maintain and that support the appropriate quality of the grapes. Viticultural regions of warmer climate are strengthening the shading potential of training systems. Even so, the central viticultural areas withstand highly variable extremes of previous vintages with numerous shortcomings in the shading potential of trellis design. Meanwhile, the cool climate regions tend to use a trellis design with a simple canopy and easy sunlight exposition to reach the maximum solar contribution.
Multi-Objective Decision-Making Evaluation Method of Environmental Impact Associated with the Life Cycle of Agro-Friendly Biochar Materials
Authors: Wang Shunyang , Wei Jing , Li Hua , Ding Da , Zhang Yaxin , Zhu Yuen , Deng Shaopo , Luo Yongming
Published: November 2024

The urgency of addressing farmland contamination is undeniable. However, the environmental impacts associated with soil remediation, especially during the production of remediation materials, are often overlooked. This study seeks to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive environmental impact assessment of remediation material production processes. We apply a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework, enhanced by a multi-objective optimization model combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Techniques for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). This method enables the integration of multiple environmental indicators into a high-dimensional reference system, reducing subjectivity in decision-making. The study focuses on the environmental impacts of 11 types of biochar materials used in soil remediation. Among these, alkali-modified biochar loaded with nano TiO2 exhibited the highest environmental impact index. Sensitivity analysis further confirmed the robustness of the method, with impact variations ranging from 0.44 to 0.52, suggesting the model’s reliability in comparing different remediation materials. Our findings highlight the significant environmental variability between remediation materials and underscore the necessity of incorporating comprehensive environmental assessments in material selection processes. This study provides a valuable framework for optimizing the environmental sustainability of soil remediation efforts.
Updating Research on Extracellular Vesicles of the Male Reproductive Tract in Farm Animals: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martínez-Díaz Pablo , Parra Ana , Montesdeoca Marina , Barranco Isabel , Roca Jordi
Published: November 2024

This systematic review examined research studies on extracellular vesicles (EVs) of the male reproductive tract in livestock species to summarize the research topics and methodologies used, key findings, and future directions. PubMed and Scopus were searched for time ranges up to 1 September 2024, and 1383 articles were identified. The application of screening and eligibility criteria resulted in the selection of 79 articles focusing on male reproductive EVs in livestock. Porcine and bovine male reproductive EVs were the most studied. A variety of EV isolation techniques were used, with ultracentrifugation being the most common. Characterization of male reproductive EVs in livestock was a weak point, with only 24.05% of the articles characterizing EVs according to MISEV guidelines. Inadequate characterization of EVs compromises the reliability of results. The results of 19 articles that provided a good characterization of EVs showed that male reproductive EVs from livestock species are phenotypically and compositionally heterogeneous. These papers also showed that these EVs would be involved in the regulation of sperm functionality. Research on male reproductive EVs in livestock species remains scarce, and further research is needed, which should include appropriate characterization of EVs and aim to find efficient methods to isolate them and assess their involvement in the functionality of spermatozoa and the cells of the female genital tract.
Animal-Assisted Interventions: Factors Affecting Donkey Behaviours and Attitude Toward Humans
Authors: d’Ingeo Serenella , Straziota Valeria , Siniscalchi Marcello , Depalma Onofrio , Petrassi Sara , Romano Michela , Quaranta Angelo
Published: November 2024

The relationship between humans and donkeys has ancient origins. In recent years, donkeys’ involvement in Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) has grown, raising major concerns about their welfare during these activities. We investigated the factors affecting donkeys’ behaviour during an AAI programme for migrants. We observed an effect of human distance from the animal, the interaction mode, and food presence on the animals’ behaviours and attitudes toward humans. Moreover, we provide preliminary evidence of the effect of AAI on migrants’ welfare and prosocial behaviours and offer insights into the issues to address in future studies.
The Influence of COVID-19 on Antimicrobial Resistance Trends at a Secondary Care Hospital in Slovenia: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: Jeverica Samo , Maganja Darja Barlič , Dernič Jani , Golob Peter , Stepišnik Alenka , Novak Bojan , Papst Lea , Dodič Anamarija Juriševič , Gasparini Mladen
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives. Our study aimed to determine the development of antibiotic resistance during the peri-pandemic period in a regional secondary care hospital using an interrupted time series analysis. Methods. We analyzed data from seven years, accounting for 441,149 patient days. The incidence density of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) burden and infection was reported per 1000 patient days. Results. During the COVID-19 period, a significant increase in the mean incidence density of the total MDR burden from 4.93 to 5.81 per 1000 patient days was observed (p = 0.007). On the other hand, the mean incidence density of MDR infections decreased from 1.61 to 1.29 per 1000 patient days (p = 0.019). Using the interrupted time series analysis, the same trends were observed, namely the overall increasing trend in MDR burden and the overall decreasing trend in MDR infections. This divergent trend is mainly due to similar trends in several Gram-negative MDR, namely ESBL-EC, ESBL-KP and CRE. Conclusions. Due to the increasing burden of MDR, it is necessary to strengthen AMR surveillance. In addition, strict infection prevention and control measures, and antimicrobial stewardship programs continue to be important components in the fight against resistant bacteria.
Antibiotic-Induced Immunosuppression—A Focus on Cellular Immunity
Authors: Snow Timothy Arthur Chandos , Singer Mervyn , Arulkumaran Nishkantha
Published: November 2024

Antibiotics are the fundamental treatment for bacterial infections. However, they are associated with numerous side effects. Their adverse effects on the immune system are increasingly recognised, with several mechanisms identified. In this review, we focus on their direct effects on cellular immunity. We review the effects of antibiotics on mitochondrial function and how they impair specific immune cell functions including chemotaxis, phagocytosis, cytokine production, antigen presentation, and lymphocyte proliferation. Findings are described in a multitude of in vivo and in vitro models. However, their impact on patient immunity and clinical outcomes requires further research. Awareness of the potential adverse effects of antibiotics may improve antimicrobial stewardship. The use of therapeutic drug monitoring may help to reduce dose-dependent effects, which warrants further research.
Comparison of Diffuse Reflectance and Diffuse Transmittance Vis/NIR Spectroscopy for Assessing Soluble Solids Content in Kiwifruit Coupled with Chemometrics
Authors: Xia Yu , Zhang Wei , Che Tianci , Hu Jinghao , Cao Shangqiao , Liu Wenbo , Kang Jie , Tang Wei , Li Hongbo
Published: November 2024

Kiwifruit, as a climacteric fruit, undergoes rapid ripening and senescence after harvest, making it highly susceptible to softening, rotting, and spoilage. Therefore, monitoring the key quality parameters of kiwifruit, particularly the accurate detection of soluble solids content (SSC), is considered crucial. The performance of two spectral acquisition methods—diffuse reflectance and diffuse transmission—in detecting SSC in kiwifruit was compared. Various preprocessing methods and feature wavelength selection techniques were employed, and regression models were constructed using partial least squares (PLS) analysis. The stability and accuracy of the models were validated through an independent validation set. The results indicated that the spectral data acquired by the diffuse reflectance method, preprocessed using Savitzky–Golay smoothing and combined with competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), yielded a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.98 for the prediction set, with a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 0.66. In contrast, the spectral data obtained by the diffuse transmission method, preprocessed using multiplicative scatter correction and combined with CARS, achieved an R2 of 0.95 and an RMSE of 0.93 for the prediction set. This study demonstrated that both methods were effective for detecting SSC in kiwifruit, with the diffuse reflectance method showing the greater advantage.
A Global Method for Approximating Caputo Fractional Derivatives—An Application to the Bagley–Torvik Equation
Authors: De Bonis Maria Carmela , Occorsio Donatella
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we propose a global numerical method for approximating Caputo fractional derivatives of order α(Dαf)(y)=1Γ(m−α)∫0y(y−x)m−α−1f(m)(x)dx,y>0, with m−1<α≤m,m∈N. The numerical procedure is based on approximating f(m) by the m-th derivative of a Lagrange polynomial, interpolating f at Jacobi zeros and some additional nodes suitably chosen to have corresponding logarithmically diverging Lebsegue constants. Error estimates in a uniform norm are provided, showing that the rate of convergence is related to the smoothness of the function f according to the best polynomial approximation error and depending on order α. As an application, we approximate the solution of a Volterra integral equation, which is equivalent in some sense to the Bagley–Torvik initial value problem, using a Nyström-type method. Finally, some numerical tests are presented to assess the performance of the proposed procedure.
Unified Framework for Continuous and Discrete Relations of Gehring and Muckenhoupt Weights on Time Scales
Authors: Saker Samir H. , Mohammed Naglaa , Rezk Haytham M. , Saied Ahmed I. , Aldwoah Khaled , Alahmade Ayman
Published: November 2024

This article contains some relations, which include some embedding and transition properties, between the Muckenhoupt classes Mγ;γ>1 and the Gehring classes Gδ;δ>1 of bi-Sobolev weights on a time scale T. In addition, we establish the relations between Muckenhoupt and Gehring classes, where we define a new time scale T˜=v(T), to indicate that if the Δ˜ derivative of the inverse of a bi-Sobolev weight belongs to the Gehring class, then the Δ derivative of a bi-Sobolev weight on a time scale T belongs to the Muckenhoupt class. Furthermore, our results, which will be established by a newly developed technique, show that the study of the properties in the continuous and discrete classes of weights can be unified. As special cases of our results, when T=R, one can obtain classical continuous results, and when T=N, one can obtain discrete results which are new and interesting for the reader.
Third-Order Neutral Differential Equations with Non-Canonical Forms: Novel Oscillation Theorems
Authors: Almarri Barakah , Batiha Belal , Bazighifan Omar , Masood Fahd
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the asymptotic and oscillatory properties of a class of third-order neutral differential equations with multiple delays in a non-canonical form. The main objective is to simplify the non-canonical form by converting it to a canonical form, which reduces the complexity of the possible cases of positive solutions and their derivatives from four cases in the non-canonical form to only two cases in the canonical form, which facilitates the process of inference and development of results. New criteria are provided that exclude the existence of positive solutions or Kneser-type solutions for this class of equations. New criteria that guarantee the oscillatory behavior of all solutions that satisfy the conditions imposed on the studied equation are also derived. This work makes a qualitative contribution to the development of previous studies in the field of neutral differential equations, as it provides new insights into the oscillatory behavior of neutral equations with multiple delays. To confirm the strength and effectiveness of the results, three examples are included that highlight the accuracy of the derived criteria and their practical applicability, which enhances the value of this research and expands the scope of its use in the field.
A Fast and Accurate Numerical Method for Solving Nonlinear Fourth-Order Boundary Value Problems in the Beam Theory
Authors: Mehrpouya Mohammad Ali , Salehi Rezvan , Wong Patricia J. Y.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, an efficient computational discretization approach is investigated for nonlinear fourth-order boundary value problems using beam theory. We specifically deal with nonlinear models described by fourth-order boundary value problems. The proposed method is applied on three different types of problems, i.e., the problem when an elastic bearing is non-zero (Case I), the problem under homogeneous boundary conditions of the unknown function and its second derivative (Case II), and the problem with integral boundary conditions (Case III). Moreover, the convergence analysis of the proposed method is provided. Finally, illustrative examples are included to demonstrate the applicability and validity of the technique and the comparison is made with the existing methods to show the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
Efficacy of High-Dose Synbiotic Additives for Deoxynivalenol Detoxification: Effects on Blood Biochemistry, Histology, and Intestinal Microbiome in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Jeong Jin-Young , Kim Junsik , Kim Minji , Park Sungkwon
Published: November 2024

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin observed in cereal grains, and feed contamination poses health risks to pigs. Biological antidotes, such as synbiotics (SYNs), have garnered attention for mitigating DON toxicity. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of SYNs by comparing the blood biochemistry, histology, and gut microbiome of weaned piglets. A 4-week trial was conducted on 32 weaned piglets. After a week of diet and environmental adaptation, the pigs were divided into four groups: (1) control (CON, n = 8); (2) SYN (n = 8); (3) DON (n = 8); and (4) DON+SYN (n = 8). The SYN supplementation of weaned piglets increased the final body weight (21.71 ± 0.93 vs. 20.73 ± 0.84), average daily gain (0.38 ± 0.02 vs. 0.34 ± 0.02), and gain-to-feed ratio (0.49 ± 0.04 vs. 0.43 ± 0.02), and decreased the feed conversion ratio (2.14 ± 0.14 vs. 2.39 ± 0.13) compared to the DON group. A high dose of DON induced liver and colon fibrosis and liver and cecum apoptosis, which were alleviated by SYNs. Glucose in the DON group (84.9 ± 3.7) was significantly lower than in the control (101.3 ± 4.2). Additionally, both the DON and DON+SYN groups exhibited higher creatine (0.9 ± 0.0 and 0.9 ± 0.1) and lower cholesterol (88.3 ± 3.2 and 90.0 ± 4.8) levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, SYNs alleviated DON toxicity, indicating its potential as an antidote for specific biomarkers.
Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 Enhances Testicular Function and Spermatogenesis via the Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Male Mice with High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obesity
Authors: Liu Chin-Yu , Chen Yi-Wen , Tsai Tsung-Yu , Liu Te-Hua , Chang Ting-Chia , Tsao Chih-Wei
Published: November 2024

Our study was designed to investigate the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1008 (LP1008) on testicular antioxidant capacity, spermatogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy, and metabolic function in male mice with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. A total of thirty-six male C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet (denoted as the NC group) or a high-fat control diet (denoted as the HFC group) for 16 weeks, then half of the HFC group was randomly chosen and subsequently fed with LP1008 for the final 8 weeks (high-fat diet + LP1008; denoted as the HFP group). The HFP group expressed improved blood cholesterol, insulin resistance, hepatic function, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels compared to the HFC group. Meanwhile, the HFC group displayed decreased testicular testosterone levels, sperm quality, and 17β-HSD protein expression, which were rescued after LP1008 treatment. Moreover, the HFC group had lower superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activities. After LP1008 treatment, enhanced antioxidative activities and decreased lipid peroxidation were observed. The HFC group also exhibited aggravated apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy proteins in the testis, which were ameliorated by LP1008 supplementation. Furthermore, the gut microbiota analysis results revealed that the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly elevated in the HFC and HFP groups compared to the NC group and that LP1008 treatment diminished Ruminococcaceae and enhanced Bifidobacteriaceae diversity. In summary, LP1008 treatment strengthened antioxidative enzyme levels and regulated microbiota-ameliorated HFC-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy, and thus improved testicular function and semen quality.
Insights into Alkaline Phosphatase Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms
Authors: Balabanova Larissa , Bondarev Georgii , Seitkalieva Aleksandra , Son Oksana , Tekutyeva Liudmila
Published: November 2024

Background: The endogenous ecto-enzyme and exogenously administered alkaline phosphatase (ALP) have been evidenced to significantly attenuate inflammatory conditions, including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-related signaling and cytokine overexpression, barrier tissue dysfunction and oxidative stress, and metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance, in experimental models of colitis, liver failure, and renal and cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury. This suggests multiple mechanisms of ALP anti-inflammatory action that remain to be fully elucidated. Methods: Recent studies have contributed to a deeper comprehension of the role played by ALP in immune metabolism. This review outlines the established effects of ALP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation, including the neutralization of LPS and the modulation of purinergic signaling. Results: The additional mechanisms of anti-inflammatory activity of ALP observed in different pathologies are proposed. Conclusions: The anti-inflammatory pathways of ALP may include a scavenger receptor (CD36)-mediated activation of β-oxidation and oxidative phosphorylation, caveolin-dependent endocytosis, and selective autophagy-dependent degradation.
Development of a ZRS Reporter System for the Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster) During Terrestrial Limb Regeneration
Authors: Casco-Robles Martin Miguel , Ikeda Ryosuke , Maruo Fumiaki , Chiba Chikafumi
Published: November 2024

Background: Newts, a type of urodele amphibian, offer remarkable insights into regenerative medicine due to their extraordinary tissue regeneration capabilities—a challenging feat in humans. During limb regeneration of adult newts, fascinating cellular and molecular processes are revealed, including scarless healing, de-differentiation of mature cells, and regeneration of limbs and digits. Sonic hedgehog (Shh), crucial for vertebrate limb development, is regulated by the zone of polarizing activity regulatory sequence (ZRS) in the limb bud zone of polarizing activity (ZPA). The metamorphosed (terrestrial) newt can reactivate Shh during regeneration, facilitating proper limb patterning. Cell types capable of regulating the ZRS in metamorphosed newts remain unknown. The identification of such cell types provides invaluable insight into novel regenerative mechanisms. Objective: In this study, we developed the first newt ZRS reporter. Methods: We isolated and characterized the newt ZRS enhancer (nZRS), identifying conserved DNA binding sites. Several binding sites with medical relevance were conserved in the newt ZRS. In functional analysis, we developed a system composed of a transgenic nZRS reporter newt and a new newt anti-Shh antibody, which allowed Shh monitoring during limb regeneration. Results: We identified a group of Schwann cells capable of ZRS reporter and Shh protein expression during terrestrial limb regeneration. Conclusions: This system provides a valuable in vivo approach for future genetic studies of patterning during limb regeneration.