bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Now we start to make it like home”: reunited refugee families negotiating integration and belonging
Authors: Kerlaff Leyla
Published: November 2023

This paper highlights the importance of local and individual context in either facilitating or hindering processes of integration for reunited refugee families settling in unchosen areas. It adds to understandings of integration by analyzing the day-to-day active and processual nature of place-making, from the perspective of families. The findings are based on qualitative interviews with 13 refugee families−21 parents and 8 children aged between 12 and 18, who had recently been reunited in two large cities in the UK: Glasgow and Birmingham. The paper explores the local conditions families identified as conducive to settling in their local area and argues that the process of attaching to their new locales was mediated through the social connections they made. The article contributes to knowledge by demonstrating how families exercised agency and resilience in place-making in unchosen spaces, through the people they met and the relationships they developed. Further, it critiques the tendency to denigrate “exclusive” bonding ties, particularly between co-ethnics and pays attention to the role of friendship in routes to belonging in unchosen spaces.
Being right vs. getting it right: orientation to being recorded in psychotherapeutic interaction as disaffiliative vs. affiliative practice
Authors: Franzen Michael M. , Alder Marie-Luise , Dreyer Florian , Köpp Werner , Buchholz Michael B.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The study focuses on the orientation to being recorded in therapy sessions, emphasizing that these practices adapt to specific circumstances and influence subsequent actions. The study suggests a way to deal with the insolubility of the “observer paradox”: to accept that observation has an impact on the observed, but that the recorder is not necessarily a negative determinant. Furthermore, the study builds on the idea that participants' orientations to the recorder can be seen as actions.

Methods

The data included in this study were collected from four psychodynamic therapies. A total of 472 sessions were searched for orientation to be recorded. Twenty-three passages were found and transcribed according to GAT2. Of the 23 transcripts, six excerpts have been analyzed as part of this article. The analysis of this study was done through Conversation Analysis.

Results

The study explores how participants use the orientation to be recorded to initiate or alter actions within conversations, which can help achieve therapeutic goals, but can also hinder the emergence of a shared attentional space as the potential to disrupt the therapist-patient relationship. The study identifies both affiliative and disaffiliative practices, noting that managing orientation to be recorded in a retrospective design consistently leads to disruptive effects. Moreover, it highlights the difference between seeking epistemic authority (“being right”) and managing recording situations (“getting it right”) in therapeutic interactions as a means of initiating patients' self-exploration.

Discussion

The integration of recordings into therapeutic studies faces challenges, but it's important to acknowledge positive and negative effects. Participants' awareness of recording technologies prompts the need for a theory of observation in therapeutic interactions that allows therapists to visualize intuitive practices, incorporate active contributions, counteract interpretive filtering effects, facilitate expert exchange, ensure quality assurance, and enhance the comprehensibility of therapeutic processes. These aspects outline significant variables that provide a starting point for therapists using recordings in therapeutic interactions.
Research on student engagement in distance learning in sustainability science to design an online intelligent assessment system
Authors: Fang Kailun , Li Li , Wu Yifei
Published: November 2023

Distance learning programs in sustainability science provide a structured curriculum that covers various aspects of sustainability. Despite the growing recognition of distance learning in higher education, existing literature has primarily focused on specific and detailed factors, without a comprehensive summary of the global themes, especially neglecting in-depth exploration of poor engagement factors. This study bridged this gap by not only examining detailed factors but also synthesizing the overarching themes that influenced student engagement. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that impact student engagement in distance learning within higher education institutions across different countries. By developing a theoretical framework, three key aspects of student engagement in higher education were identified. A total of 42 students and 2 educators affiliated with universities participated in semi-structured interviews. The findings of this paper indicated that sociocultural, infrastructure, and digital equity factors were the main influencing factors of student engagement. Furthermore, a student engagement assessment system was developed using machine learning algorithms to identify students with low levels of engagement and conduct further analysis that considers the three aforementioned factors. The proposed automated approach holds the potential to enhance and revolutionize digital learning methodologies.
Do expressive writing interventions have positive effects on Koreans?: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Yeseul , Kim Dongil , Lim Jung-Eun
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Expressive Writing (EW) is an intervention that focuses on individuals’ writing down their thoughts and feelings about trauma or stressful events. Meta-analyses on EW studies have confirmed that EW has a positive effect. However, the heterogeneity of studies is high, so many studies have investigated boundary conditions and moderators. One of these moderators is the cultural difference in emotional suppression. Since EW focuses on the expression of suppressed thoughts and emotions, its effect might be slightly different for people in Asian cultures who show a high tendency to suppress their emotions. This study attempted to confirm the effect size of the EW interventions in Korea and examine whether these studies have different effect size from those based on Western cultures.

Method

A total of 29 studies published in Korea until 2021 were analyzed. The effect size was calculated using the “dmetar,” “meta,” and “metafor” packages of the statistical program R 4.0.4.

Results

The results were as follows. First, the effect size of EW intervention was 0.16, and we found that studies in the Korean context showed no significant difference from studies based on western meta-analysis. Second, the moderating variables that influenced the EW intervention were the writing type, the number of sessions, the time per session, and the measurement time.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that EW interventions benefit Koreans. And it is at least harmless and has a positive effect considering the efficiency and conciseness of interventions. Furthermore, the finding shows that EW interventions can be helpful even in the general population without apparent psychological problems. By considering moderators, we could structure more effective form of EW interventions for Koreans.
Smoking trends and health equity in Switzerland between 1992 and 2017: dependence of smoking prevalence on educational level and social determinants
Authors: Wehrli Daniel , Gilljam Hans , Koh Dow Mu , Matoori Simon , Sartoretti Thomas , Boes Stefan , Hartmann Martin , Roser Katharina , Ort Alexander , Wanner Philippe , Harder Dorothee , Bech-Hohenberger Rasmus , Froehlich Johannes M. , Fröhlich Georg Marcus , Mutschler Jochen , Plümecke Tino , Gutzeit Andreas
Published: November 2023

Background

Switzerland ranks among the top three healthcare systems in the world with regards to healthcare access, suggesting a high degree of health equity. However, Switzerland has few preventive strategies against smoking abuse. The aim of this study is to clarify whether educational level and citizenship status have an influence on the prevalence of smoking in Switzerland and whether there is health inequity related to a lack of preventive strategies.

Methods

We based our analysis on publicly available health data published in the Swiss government's Swiss health survey (1992–2017). We compared the prevalence of smoking across the years and correlated these data with levels of educational attainment, citizenship status and age.

Results

A continuous significant decline in smokers is observed in the highest education group (TERT). Over time, prevalence was reduced from 29% in 1992 to 23% in 2017 (p < 0.001). The intermediate-level educational group (SEK 2) showed smaller but also significant decline on a 0.05 sigificance level over the same period, from 31% to 29% (p = 0.003). The lowest educational group showed a nonsignificant decline from 28% to 27% (p = 0.6). The population who holds Swiss citizenship showed a decrease in smoking from 28% to 26% within the time frame (p < 0.001). People without Swiss citizenship had a much higher prevalence of smokers, at 38% in 1992 and declining to 32% in 2017 (p < 0.001). All cohorts from age 15 to age 64 have a far higher prevalence of smokers than cohorts at an older age, with the highest prevalence in the 25–34 age group.

Conclusion

In Switzerland, individuals with lower levels of education and non-Swiss populations are more susceptible to health risk of smoking. This is despite the existence of a high-quality healthcare system that has nevertheless failed to negated health inequities.
Impulsivity and sexual addiction: factor structure and criterion-related validity of the sexual addiction screening test in Mexican adults
Authors: Mejía Cruz Diana , Avila Chauvet Laurent , Villalobos-Gallegos Luis , Toledo-Lozano Christian Gabriel
Published: November 2023

Sexual addiction is associated with serious health problems. Due to that fact, it is quite important to perform a comprehensive assessment. The Sex Addiction Screening Test (SAST-R) is a self-administered questionnaire with good psychometric properties used in several countries. Our study conducts a cross-cultural adaptation of the SAST-R on the Mexican population. The original version of the SAST-R was translated into Mexican Spanish, and we performed a pilot with 23 participants to be sure that the participants understood the meaning of the items. The final version was administered to 370 adults who completed the SAST-R, and measures of impulsivity (the Kirby questionnaire), reward/punishment responsivity (BIS-BAS scale), personality (BIG-Five), and psychological distress (SCL-90). The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with a five-factor model with one second-order factor model had the best fit. Reliability analysis suggests acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.80). The SAST-R scores exhibited significant correlations with several variables. Specifically, they showed a positive correlation with the neuroticism scale (r = 0.11, p < 0.05), a negative correlation with the conscientiousness scale (r = –0.21, p < 0.01), a negative correlation with the BIS scale (r = −0.11, p < 0.05), and a positive correlation with psychological distress (r = 0.34, p < 0.01). Notably, there were no significant correlations observed with variables that we initially expected to have a substantial association, such as impulsivity (r = –0.004, p > 0.05) and the three BAS subscales (p > 0.05). We found with an algorithm that psychological distress, impulsivity, neuroticism, and agreeableness were the good predictors to identify high scores of hypersexuality. Our results confirmed that the Mexican Spanish version of the SAST-R has good psychometric properties to be used in future research.
Overcoming the myths of esketamine administration: different and not difficult
Authors: Buchmayer Florian , Kasper Siegfried
Published: November 2023

Intranasal esketamine for treatment-resistant depression has been introduced and approved by the FDA and EMA in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Since then, the administration practices were found different among countries. Major depression has a high impact on many humans lives worldwide and more than a third of treated people are not responding after several treatment attempts. Additional administration with esketamine closed this gap for more than the half of these non-responders. Guidelines for the treatment of major depression recommend starting with add-on esketamine after 2–4 serious attempts of treatment with standard antidepressants (SSRI/SNRI) irrespective of augmentation with others, e.g., second generation antipsychotics or lithium. Thus, intranasal esketamine became an important role in the evidence-based treatment of major depression. The authors review and critically evaluated published articles focusing on preparation, management and observation of intranasal esketamine treatment. There exists a clear recommendation for administrating intranasal esketamine in a medical environment, not limited to a clinical setting for selecting the dose, monitoring the improvements and managing adverse events. The administration of intranasal esketamine is considered as safe during the application itself and long-lasting or severe adverse events during long-term treatment are very rare. Since this is a new approach for treatment application psychiatrists face new different but not difficult treatment procedures compared to prescribing only a medication.
A cohort study of factors influencing the physical fitness of preschool children: a decision tree analysis
Authors: Lv Wendi , Fu Jinmei , Zhao Guanggao , He Zihao , Sun Shunli , Huang Ting , Wang Runze , Chen Delong , Chen Ruiming
Published: November 2023

Objective

Based on the decision tree model, to explore the key influencing factors of children’s physical fitness, rank the key influencing factors, and explain the complex interaction between the influencing factors.

Methods

A cohort study design was adopted. 1,276 children (ages 3–6) from 23 kindergartens in Nanchang, China, were chosen for the study to measure the children’s physical fitness at baseline and a year later and to compare the physical fitness scores at the two stages. The study was conducted following the Chinese National Physical Fitness Testing Standard (Children Part); To identify the primary influencing factors of changes in physical fitness, a decision tree model was developed, and a questionnaire survey on birth information, feeding patterns, SB, PA, dietary nutrition, sleep, parental factors, and other relevant information was conducted.

Results

The levels of physical fitness indicators among preschool children showed a significant increase after 1 year. The accuracy of the CHAID model is 84.17%. It showed that 7 variables were strongly correlated with the physical changes of children’s fitness, the order of importance of each variable was weekend PA, weekend MVPA, mother’s BMI, mother’s sports frequency, father’s education, mother’s education, and school day PA. Three factors are related to PA. Four factors are related to parental circumstances. In addition to the seven important variables mentioned, variables such as breakfast frequency on school day, puffed food, frequency of outing, school day MVPA, parental feeling of sports, father’s occupation, and weekend breakfast frequency are all statistically significant leaf node variables.

Conclusion

PA, especially weekend PA, is the most critical factor in children’s physical fitness improvement and the weekend MVPA should be increased to more than 30 min/d based on the improvement of weekend PA. In addition, parental factors and school day PA are also important in making decisions about changes in fitness for children. The mother’s efforts to maintain a healthy BMI and engage in regular physical activity are crucial for enhancing the physical fitness of children. Additionally, other parental factors, such as the parents’ educational levels and the father’s occupation, can indirectly impact the level of physical fitness in children.
Mental health of healthcare workers during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands: a longitudinal study
Authors: van der Noordt Maaike , Proper Karin I. , Loef Bette , Boot Cécile R. L. , Kroese Floor M. , de Bruin Marijn , van Oostrom Sandra H.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

In March 2020, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Previous virus outbreaks, such as the SARS outbreak in 2003, appeared to have a great impact on the mental health of healthcare workers. The aim of this study is to examine to what extent mental health of healthcare workers differed from non-healthcare workers during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We used data from a large-scale longitudinal online survey conducted by the Corona Behavioral Unit in the Netherlands. Eleven measurement rounds were analyzed, from April 2020 to March 2021 (N = 16,615; number of observations = 64,206). Mental health, as measured by the 5-item Mental Health Inventory, was compared between healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers over time, by performing linear GEE-analyses.

Results

Mental health scores were higher among healthcare workers compared to non-healthcare workers during the first year of the pandemic (1.29 on a 0–100 scale, 95%-CI = 0.75–1.84). During peak periods of the pandemic, with over 100 hospital admissions or over 25 ICU admissions per day and subsequently more restrictive measures, mental health scores were observed to be lower in both healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers.

Conclusion

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed no relevant difference in mental health between healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers in the Netherlands. To be better prepared for another pandemic, future research should investigate which factors hinder and which factors support healthcare workers to maintain a good mental health.
Modeling preferential attraction to infected hosts in vector-borne diseases
Authors: Thapa Ishwor , Ghersi Dario
Published: November 2023

Vector-borne infectious diseases cause more than 700,000 deaths a year and represent an increasing threat to public health worldwide. Strategies to mitigate the spread of vector-borne diseases can benefit from a thorough understanding of all mechanisms that contribute to viral propagation in human. A recent study showed that Aedes mosquitoes (the vectors for dengue and Zika virus, among others) are preferentially attracted to infected hosts. In order to determine the impact of this factor on viral spread, we built a dedicated agent-based model and parameterized it on dengue fever. We then performed a systematic study of how mosquitoes' preferential attraction for infected hosts affects viral load and persistence of the infection. Our results indicate that even small values of preferential attraction have a dramatic effect on the number of infected individuals and the persistence of the infection in the population. Taken together, our results suggests that interventions aimed at decreasing the preferential attraction of vectors for infected hosts can reduce viral transmission and thus can have public health implications.
Age-related change in muscle strength, muscle mass, and fat mass between the dominant and non-dominant upper limbs
Authors: Pang Jing , Tu Fuyi , Han Yiwen , Zhang Enyi , Zhang Yan , Zhang Tiemei
Published: November 2023

Background

Any form of physical activity is recommended for the older adults to maintain their physical function; however, the effect of daily activities on muscle function still needs to be investigated. Humans always use one dominant hand to perform tasks, providing a natural situation for research on the effect of daily activities on muscle function.

Methods

Five hundred and twenty-six healthy adults were recruited from the community in Beijing. Muscle strength was assessed using a handgrip dynamometer, lean mass, fat mass, bone area and bone mineral content of upper limbs were assessed using dual-energy X ray-absorptiometry. The results were compared between the dominant and non-dominant upper limbs.

Results

The dominant upper limb had better muscle strength, lean mass, bone area and bone mineral content than the non-dominant side. The difference in muscle strength and lean mass between the two upper limbs decreased with the advanced age. In older age, fat mass of upper limbs increased in men, but not in women.

Conclusion

Daily activities can maintain better muscle function in the dominant upper limb than in the non-dominant side; however, the delaying effect on age-related decline in muscle function was limited.
Evaluating the UV-C sensitivity of Coxiella burnetii in skim milk using a bench-scale collimated beam system and comparative thermal sensitivity study by high-temperature short-time pasteurization
Authors: Pendyala Brahmaiah , Vashisht Pranav , Chen Fur-Chi , Sanchez Savannah E. , Comstock Bob , Omsland Anders , Patras Ankit
Published: November 2023

Introduction:Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen and the causative agent of query (Q) fever in humans. Contamination of milk by C. burnetii, as a consequence of livestock infection, is a significant public health concern. Effective methods to inactivate C. burnetii in milk are a critical aspect of food safety. Implementation of non-thermal UV-C processing technologies in the dairy industry can effectively preserve the sensory and nutritional quality of raw milk products while ensuring their safety, making them a viable alternative to traditional high-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization methods.

Methods: Optical light attenuation factors, such as the absorption, scattering, and reflection by skim milk (SM) were evaluated using a spectrophotometer. SM inoculated with an avirulent strain of C. burnetii was irradiated using a collimated beam device equipped with a low-pressure UV-C 254 nm lamp at doses from 0 to 12 mJ/cm2. Optical properties were considered for the evaluation of the delivered UV-C dose. The pasteurization treatment was conducted using a lab scale HTST pasteurizer (72°C/15 s). The verification studies were conducted using Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 inoculated in a phosphate buffer (transparent fluid) and humic acid (opaque fluid). Salmonella enterica serovar Muenchen ATCC BAA 1674 inoculated in SM was tested for its suitability as a surrogate for C. burnetii, a bacterium that requires specialized equipment and expertise for experimentation.

Results and Discussion: Absorption, reduced scattering coefficient, and the reflectance of SM at 254 nm were measured as 19 ± 0.3/cm, 26 ± 0.5/cm, and 10.6%, respectively. The UV-C results showed a log-linear inactivation of C. burnetii in SM with the UV-C sensitivity (D10) value of 4.1 ± 0.04 mJ/cm2. The results of HTST pasteurization revealed that C. burnetii was heat-sensitive with a D value of 1.75 min. Salmonella Muenchen showed similar UV inactivation kinetics and is, thereby, suggested as a suitable surrogate to C. burnetii for the pilot-scale UV-C processing studies of SM.
Augmented feedback modes during functional grasp training with an intelligent glove and virtual reality for persons with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Liu Mingxiao , Wilder Samuel , Sanford Sean , Glassen Michael , Dewil Sophie , Saleh Soha , Nataraj Raviraj
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Physical therapy is crucial to rehabilitating hand function needed for activities of daily living after neurological traumas such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). Virtual reality (VR) can motivate participation in motor rehabilitation therapies. This study examines how multimodal feedback in VR to train grasp-and-place function will impact the neurological and motor responses in TBI participants (n = 7) compared to neurotypicals (n = 13).

Methods: We newly incorporated VR with our existing intelligent glove system to seamlessly enhance the augmented visual and audio feedback to inform participants about grasp security. We then assessed how multimodal feedback (audio plus visual cues) impacted electroencephalography (EEG) power, grasp-and-place task performance (motion pathlength, completion time), and electromyography (EMG) measures.

Results: After training with multimodal feedback, electroencephalography (EEG) alpha power significantly increased for TBI and neurotypical groups. However, only the TBI group demonstrated significantly improved performance or significant shifts in EMG activity.

Discussion: These results suggest that the effectiveness of motor training with augmented sensory feedback will depend on the nature of the feedback and the presence of neurological dysfunction. Specifically, adding sensory cues may better consolidate early motor learning when neurological dysfunction is present. Computerized interfaces such as virtual reality offer a powerful platform to personalize rehabilitative training and improve functional outcomes based on neuropathology.
Robust whole-hand spatial manipulation via energy maps with caging, rolling, and sliding
Authors: Bircher Walter G. , Morgan Andrew S. , Dollar Aaron M.
Published: November 2023

Humans regularly use all inner surfaces of the hand during manipulation, whereas traditional formulations for robots tend to use only the tips of their fingers, limiting overall dexterity. In this paper, we explore the use of the whole hand during spatial robotic dexterous within-hand manipulation. We present a novel four-fingered robotic hand called the Model B, which is designed and controlled using a straight-forward potential energy-based motion model that is based on the hand configuration and applied actuator torques. In this way the hand-object system is driven to a new desired configuration, often through sliding and rolling between the object and hand, and with the fingers “caging” the object to prevent ejection. This paper presents the first ever application of the energy model in three dimensions, which was used to compare the theoretical manipulability of popular robotic hands, which then inspired the design of the Model B. We experimentally validate the hand’s performance with extensive benchtop experimentation with test objects and real world objects, as well as on a robotic arm, and demonstrate complex spatial caging manipulation on a variety of objects in all six object dimensions (three translation and three rotation) using all inner surfaces of the fingers and the palm.
Fertility after expanded polytetrafluoroethylene use after endometrioma cystectomy: a pilot study
Authors: Yeung Patrick P. , Su Melody S. , Voltz John , Gavard Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Pregnancy rates after the placement of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE, trade name Gore-Tex®) for adhesion prevention following cystectomy of endometriomas ≥3 cm and excision of endometriosis were analyzed in this pilot study.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was performed at a single tertiary care center. 56 women qualified for the study and underwent surgery. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene placement around affected ovaries was self-selected. Inclusion criteria for analysis were pathology-confirmed endometrioma ≥3 cm, no hysterectomy at time of surgery, ≥1 year of postoperative survey completion, and absence of strategies to avoid pregnancy. 18 women in the ePTFE group and 11 women in the control group met inclusion criteria for analysis. 16 of the 18 women in the ePTFE group and 7 of the 11 women in the control group were affected by infertility. Absolute pregnancy rates and cumulative 4-year pregnancy rates, which are based on survival analysis using lifetables and adjust for varying follow-up times, were calculated for all women as well as for women with infertility only.

Results

High cumulative 4-year pregnancy rates were observed for women with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene compared to women without (85% vs. 65%, p = 0.69). High cumulative 4-year pregnancy rates for women with infertility prior to surgery were observed for women with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene compared to women without (83% vs. 33%, p = 0.89).

Discussion

There are consistent trends, although not statistically significant, seen in pregnancy rates for women with ePTFE compared to women without, particularly in those with a history of infertility prior to ePTFE use. This is the first study examining how adhesion prevention strategy targeting the adnexa during surgery for endometriosis affects pregnancy rates. The trend towards increased pregnancy rates with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene use, particularly in patients with a history of infertility, is promising and warrants further study with larger groups.
Finger flexion to extension ratio in healthy climbers: a proposal for evaluation and rebalance
Authors: Devise Marine , Pasek Léo , Goislard De Monsabert Benjamin , Vigouroux Laurent
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Finger strength is a key factor in climbing performance and is highly dependent on the capacity of the finger flexor muscles. The majority of finger-specific training therefore focuses on improving such capabilities by performing finger flexion contraction during hanging exercises on small holds. However, greater strength in the finger flexors causes an imbalance with the extensor muscle capacities. Such an unfavourable imbalance may be detrimental to finger strength and could possibly lead to an increase in the risk of finger injury. The aim of this study was to develop an easily implementable method to assess the flexor-to-extensor imbalance and evaluate the effects of different training on it.

Methods

Seventy-eight experienced climbers were tested to assess their maximum finger flexion strength (MFS), maximum finger extension strength (MES) and MFS/MES ratio. Fifty-two of them were randomly assigned to one of three training regimens: intermittent static flexion at 80% MFS (TFlex; n = 11), intermittent static extension at 80% MES (TExt; n = 10), intermittent repetition of alternating flexion and extension (TPaired; n = 11) or no specific training (CTRL; n = 20). They trained twice a week for four weeks on a hangboard. Before and after training, force data were recorded on a force-sensing hangboard and MFS, MES and the MFS/MES ratio were compared using ANCOVA.

Results

The mean value of the MFS/MES ratio was 6.27 (confidence interval: 5.94–6.61) and the extreme ratio was defined above 8.75. Concerning the training intervention, no difference was observed in the CTRL group between pre- and post-tests. MFS improved significantly in the TFlex (+8.4 ± 4.4%) and TPaired (+11.9 ± 10.5%) groups, whereas MES increased significantly in the TExt group (+41.4 ± 31.3%). The MFS/MES ratio remained statistically stable among all groups (+0.9 ± 17.5% in TFlex, −1.9 ± 16.1% in TPaired), although the TExt group showed a decreasing trend (p = 0.1; −27.8 ± 17.6%).

Discussion

These results showed that only the extensor-based training had an effect on finger extension strength and the potential to rebalance the MFS/MES ratio.
Reimagining carbon emission mitigation in sustainable agriculture: uncovering farmers’ propensity for straw recycling
Authors: Hou Jiaqi , Yu Chengze , Xu Yan , Li He , Cai Andong , Ye Meiying , Ma Zhifei , Cui Guannan , Zhu Jie
Published: November 2023

The issue of carbon emission reduction for sustainable agriculture in rural areas has gained significant attention in China. Farmers play a crucial role as key implementers and active participants in this process, highlighting the significance of their awareness of carbon emission reduction. Straw, as the primary source of carbon emissions in rural areas, is a key component of rural carbon emission reduction efforts. This study focuses on 26 representative villages in Heilongjiang Province to analyze the current status of straw production and resource utilization in the context of rural carbon emission reduction. By employing the planned behavior theory in combination with structural equation modeling, the study aims to explore the analysis and prediction of farmers’ willingness to reduce carbon emissions. The findings reveal that maize and rice crops are the primary sources of straw in Heilongjiang Province, with the existing policies primarily focusing on the practice of returning straw to the field. However, the burning of straw in the field remains prevalent due to factors such as immature conversion technologies, high costs, low benefits, and limited recycling rates of enterprises, subsequently leading to increased carbon emissions. Moreover, farmers’ habits of stacking or burning straw in the field significantly influence straw utilization and carbon emission reduction awareness. To address these issues, the government should formulate appropriate straw recycling policies based on the specific circumstances and needs of farmers. Additionally, implementing comprehensive straw utilization policies becomes more effective when farmers have positive perceptions and awareness of carbon emission reduction and straw recycling. In conclusion, the government should develop diverse modes of straw resource utilization and field management tailored to local conditions. Furthermore, strengthening research and development efforts, providing technical training, and offering policy support are essential for promoting carbon emission reduction in rural areas.
Sustainable animal production: exploring the benefits of sperm sexing technologies in addressing critical industry challenges
Authors: Quelhas Joana , Pinto-Pinho Patrícia , Lopes Graça , Rocha António , Pinto-Leite Rosário , Fardilha Margarida , Colaço Bruno
Published: November 2023

The sex of the animals is of paramount importance in many animal production systems. This is particularly evident in the production of milk or in breeding programs focused on the production of female animals. In some cases, slaughter or euthanasia of animals of the unwanted sex becomes the only solution, highlighting ethical and economic concerns. As global demand for food continues to rise, the importance of addressing these issues becomes more evident. Reproductive technologies, such as sperm sexing techniques, may hold the key to addressing both animal welfare and the sustainability of animal production. The use of semen enriched with sperm capable of producing offspring of the desired sex can serve as a valuable tool for producers to exert greater control over production outcomes, not only helping to mitigate welfare issues related to the unnecessary premature death of unwanted offspring but also providing a possible ally in the face of stricter animal welfare guidelines. In addition, sexed semen can also contribute to financial gains and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and food waste associated with the less profitable part of the herd. This paper explores the positive impacts that sperm sexing can have on animal welfare, economy, and environment. It also discusses currently available options and strategies for more successful implementation of sexed semen. Partnerships between companies and scientists will be essential to find innovative ways to adapt current production systems and develop sperm sexing technologies that apply to most livestock industries.
First insight into extracellular vesicle-miRNA characterization in a sheep in vitro model of inflammation
Authors: Ciliberti Maria Giovanna , Santillo Antonella , Sevi Agostino , Albenzio Marzia , De Leo Vincenzo , Ingrosso Chiara , Catucci Lucia , Caroprese Mariangela
Published: November 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their microRNA (miRNA) cargoes have garnered attention in the veterinary field for their regulatory role in various biological processes. This study aimed to (i) evaluate two techniques of EV isolation from sheep peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) supernatants using the ultracentrifugation (UC) and reagent (REA) methods and (ii) characterize the EV-miRNA profiles after an in vitro inflammatory environment mediated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Sheep peripheral blood was collected, and PBMCs were separated using a density gradient reagent. Subsequently, PBMCs were cultured at 37°C for 24 h (5% CO2), and the supernatants were collected to perform the EV isolation. The presence of CD81+ extracellular vesicle marker was determined, and the purity of isolated EVs was calculated as a ratio between the number of isolated EVs and the protein concentration. Moreover, the morphological characterization revealed mainly round-shaped structures with average sizes of 211 nm for EVs isolated by the UC method and 99 nm for EVs isolated by the REA method. Illumina NextSeq sequencing in a single-end mode was used to characterize the miRNA profile, and the differentially expressed (DE) miRNAs were analyzed using a combination of bioinformatics tools. The results revealed that the REA method is reliable for EV isolation from sheep supernatants. It was considered an improvement of the recovery rate and purity of EVs with the enhancement of the number and the expression levels of characterized miRNAs. The EVs isolated by the UC method after an LPS challenge showed 11 DE miRNAs, among which eight miRNAs were upregulated and three were downregulated. On the other hand, the REA method revealed an EV cargo in which eight DE miRNAs were upregulated and 21 DE miRNAs were downregulated. The master miRNA regulators of the biological process were identified by performing the MIRNA-mRNA network analysis, showing that, among the higher representative miRNAs based on the centrality and betweenness, the miR-26a-5p could have a crucial role in the resolution of inflammation. Moreover, the identification of the let-7 miRNA family in all the EVs showed potential targeted genes that regulate the inflammation and immune responses.
Indigenous knowledge and use of medicinal plants for ethnoveterinary within the North West Province, South Africa
Authors: Ndou Rendani Victress , Materechera Simeon Albert , Mwanza Mulunda , Otang-Mbeng Wilfred , Ijane Mooki Fabridge
Published: November 2023

Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) has been used by local South African communities for centuries. However, the knowledge of EVM is under threat due to the influence of Western medicine and acculturation. This study aimed to document the knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants in four villages within the Mahikeng Local Municipality to help preserve this valuable knowledge. The study used a qualitative research approach and targeted practitioners and holders of ethnoveterinary knowledge in four villages. Participants were recruited using key informants and snowball techniques, and in-depth interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview schedules. The data collected was analyzed thematically, and herbarium specimens were prepared from medicinal plants during field walks and sent to the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) for identification. The study documented the use of thirty-one medicinal plant species, with Senna italica (sebetebete) emerging as the most frequently used species for multiple animal health indications. The most common diseases treated using EVM were gala (general malaise due to bile reflux) and retained placenta. Participants strongly agreed on the cultural significance of plants for treating five animal diseases, including coughs and diarrhea. Although the study revealed a high level of trust in ethnoveterinary medicine among participants, they expressed concern regarding the loss of this knowledge due to the influence of Western medicine and acculturation. The study concluded that the indigenous knowledge and use of ethnoveterinary medicine was prevalent among livestock owners in the communities of the North West Province, and more studies need to be conducted in other areas to preserve this valuable knowledge.
Multiple UAS Traffic Planning Based on Deep Q-Network with Hindsight Experience Replay and Economic Considerations
Authors: Seah Shao Xuan , Srigrarom Sutthiphong
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the use of deep reinforcement learning in solving the multi-agent aircraft traffic planning (individual paths) and collision avoidance problem for a multiple UAS, such as that for a cargo drone network. Specifically, the Deep Q-Network (DQN) with Hindsight Experience Replay framework is adopted and trained on a three-dimensional state space that represents a congested urban environment with dynamic obstacles. Through formalising a Markov decision process (MDP), various flight and control parameters are varied between training simulations to study their effects on agent performance. Both fully observable MDPs (FOMDPs) and partially observable MDPs (POMDPs) are formulated to understand the role of shaping reward signals on training performance. While conventional traffic planning and optimisation techniques are evaluated based on path length or time, this paper aims to incorporate economic analysis by considering tangible and intangible sources of cost, such as the cost of energy, the value of time (VOT) and the value of reliability (VOR). By comparing outcomes from an integration of multiple cost sources, this paper is better able to gauge the impact of various parameters on efficiency. To further explore the feasibility of multiple UAS traffic planning, such as cargo drone networks, the trained agents are also subjected to multi-agent point-to-point and hub-and-spoke network environments. In these simulations, delivery orders are generated using a discrete event simulator with an arrival rate, which is varied to investigate the effect of travel demand on economic costs. Simulation results point to the importance of signal engineering, as reward signals play a crucial role in shaping reinforcements. The results also reflect an increase in costs for environments where congestion and arrival time uncertainty arise because of the presence of other agents in the network.
The Influence of Gas Models on Numerical Simulations of Cryogenic Flow
Authors: Hu Ruifan , Chen Yongliang , Wu Jifei , Tian Shuling
Published: November 2023

At cryogenic temperatures, gases exhibit significant deviations from ideal behaviour, and the commonly employed gas model may inadequately represent the thermodynamic properties of cryogenic gases, subsequently impacting numerical simulations using various thermodynamic and transport models at cryogenic temperatures. The findings of this study reveal that the relative errors in aerodynamic characteristics obtained through different isentropic relations are noteworthy, with the maximum relative error in the drag coefficient reaching 16%. The impact of the equation of state, viscosity model, and thermal conductivity model is relatively minor, with relative errors in the pressure drag coefficient and viscous drag coefficient remaining well below 1%. Nevertheless, the relative error in the skin friction coefficient cannot be ignored due to transonic shock wave/boundary layer interactions. Consequently, when conducting numerical simulations of cryogenic flow, it is imperative to select appropriate gas models to attain precise results.
Variability in Stomatal Adaptation to Drought among Grapevine Cultivars: Genotype-Dependent Responses
Authors: Nerva Luca , Chitarra Walter , Fila Gianni , Lovat Lorenzo , Gaiotti Federica
Published: November 2023

Leaf stomata are the primary determinants of the plant water relations. Physiological adaptations of stomata in response to water stress have been extensively reported for grapevine. On the contrary, little is known about how the plasticity in stomatal anatomical features may affect their adaptability to drought conditions. In this study, we investigated, at the molecular and anatomical level, the effect of water stress on the stomatal anatomical features of four grapevine varieties extensively cultivated in the north of Italy. Potted plants of Garganega, Glera, Moscato giallo, and Merlot varieties were subjected to a 12–13 day period of water restriction during two consecutive seasons. Stomatal density and size were investigated in newly developed young leaves, 7 days after tip separation, following the occurrence of a water stress event. Furthermore, the gene expression of three key stomagenesis genes (VvEPFL9, VvEPF1, and VvEPF2) was analysed. The response of stomatal anatomical features to drought varied among the studied varieties. Moscato and Glera showed an increase in stomatal density and a decrease in stomatal size. On the contrary, Merlot displayed a reduction in stomatal number, while Garganega remained unchanged in terms of these values. Transcript levels of VvEPFL9 were overall in agreement with stomatal densities measured in the four varieties, showing an up-regulation when drought induced an increase in stomatal density or a down-regulation when the stomatal number decreased. The wide variability in stomatal response observed in the four varieties under study suggests that anatomical changes in stomatal characteristics are genotype dependent. These variations contribute to the intra-specific variability in grapevine’s response to water stress.
Research on the Method of Identifying the Severity of Wheat Stripe Rust Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Gao Ruonan , Jin Fengxiang , Ji Min , Zuo Yanan
Published: November 2023

Wheat stripe rust poses a serious threat to the quality and yield of wheat crops. Typically, the occurrence data of wheat stripe rust is characterized by small sample sizes, and the current research on severity identification lacks high-precision methods for small sample data. Additionally, the irregular edges of wheat stripe rust lesions make it challenging to draw samples. In this study, we propose a method for wheat stripe rust severity identification that combines SLIC superpixel segmentation and a random forest algorithm. This method first employs SLIC to segment subregions of wheat stripe rust, automatically constructs and augments a dataset of wheat stripe rust samples based on the segmented patches. Then, a random forest model is used to classify the segmented subregion images, achieving fine-grained extraction of wheat stripe rust lesions. By merging the extracted subregion images and using pixel statistics, the percentage of lesion area is calculated, ultimately enabling the identification of the severity of wheat stripe rust. The results show that our method outperforms unsupervised classification algorithms such as watershed segmentation and K-Means clustering in terms of lesion extraction when using the segmented subregion dataset of wheat stripe rust. Compared to the K-Means segmentation method, the mean squared error is reduced by 1.2815, and compared to the watershed segmentation method, it is reduced by 2.0421. When compared to human visual inspection as the ground truth, the perceptual loss for lesion area extraction is 0.064. This method provides a new approach for the intelligent extraction of wheat stripe rust lesion areas and fading green areas, offering important theoretical reference for the precise prevention and control of wheat stripe rust.