bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Angiography in Pediatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Narrative Analysis
Authors: Le-Nguyen Annie , O'Neill Trudeau Maeve , Dodin Philippe , Keezer Mark R. , Faure Christophe , Piché Nelson
Published: September 2021

Purpose:Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG-FA) is a validated non-invasive imaging technique used to assess tissue vascularization and guide intraoperative decisions in many surgical fields including plastic surgery, neurosurgery, and general surgery. While this technology is well-established in adult surgery, it remains sparsely used in pediatric surgery. Our aim was to systematically review and provide an overview of all available evidence on the perioperative use of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography in pediatric surgical patients.

Methods:We conducted a systematic review with narrative synthesis in conformity with the PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Medline, All EBM Reviews, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL COMPLETE databases to identify articles describing the perioperative use of ICG-FA in pediatric patients. Two independent authors screened all included articles for eligibility and inclusion criteria. We extracted data on study design, demographics, surgical indications, indocyanine green dose, and perioperative outcomes. We developed a risk of bias assessment tool to evaluate the methodological quality of included studies.

Results:Of 1,031 articles retrieved, a total of 64 articles published between 2003 and 2020 were included reporting on 664 pediatric patients. Most articles were case reports and case series (n= 36; 56%). No adverse events related to ICG-FA were reported in the included articles. Risk of bias was high. We did not conduct a meta-analysis given the heterogeneous nature of the populations, interventions, and outcome measures. A narrative synthesis is presented.

Conclusion:Indocyanine green fluorescence angiography is a safe imaging technology and its use is increasing rapidly in pediatric surgical specialties. However, the quality of evidence supporting this trend currently appears low. Case-control and randomized trials are needed to determine the adequate pediatric dose and to confirm the potential benefits of ICG-FA in pediatric surgical patients.

Systematic Review Registration:This study was registered on Prospero a priori, identifier: CRD42020151981.
Glucose and Amino Acid Metabolic Dependencies Linked to Stemness and Metastasis in Different Aggressive Cancer Types
Authors: Chisari Andrea , Golán Irene , Campisano Sabrina , Gélabert Caroline , Moustakas Aristidis , Sancho Patricia , Caja Laia
Published: September 2021

Malignant cells are commonly characterised by being capable of invading tissue, growing self-sufficiently and uncontrollably, being insensitive to apoptosis induction and controlling their environment, for example inducing angiogenesis. Amongst them, a subpopulation of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs) shows sustained replicative potential, tumor-initiating properties and chemoresistance. These characteristics make CSCs responsible for therapy resistance, tumor relapse and growth in distant organs, causing metastatic dissemination. For these reasons, eliminating CSCs is necessary in order to achieve long-term survival of cancer patients. New insights in cancer metabolism have revealed that cellular metabolism in tumors is highly heterogeneous and that CSCs show specific metabolic traits supporting their unique functionality. Indeed, CSCs adapt differently to the deprivation of specific nutrients that represent potentially targetable vulnerabilities. This review focuses on three of the most aggressive tumor types: pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and glioblastoma (GBM). The aim is to prove whether CSCs from different tumour types share common metabolic requirements and responses to nutrient starvation, by outlining the diverse roles of glucose and amino acids within tumour cells and in the tumour microenvironment, as well as the consequences of their deprivation. Beyond their role in biosynthesis, they serve as energy sources and help maintain redox balance. In addition, glucose and amino acid derivatives contribute to immune responses linked to tumourigenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, potential metabolic liabilities are identified and discussed as targets for therapeutic intervention.
Analysis of Stock Price Data: Determinition of The Optimal Sliding-Window Length
Authors: Liu Xuebin , Yuan Xuesong , Liu Chang , Ma Hao , Lian Chongyang
Published: September 2021

Over the recent years, the study of time series visualization has attracted great interests. Numerous scholars spare their great efforts to analyze the time series using complex network technology with the intention to carry out information mining. While Visibility Graph and corresponding spin-off technologies are widely adopted. In this paper, we try to apply a couple of models derived from basic Visibility Graph to construct complex networks on one-dimension or multi-dimension stock price time series. As indicated by the results of intensive simulation, we can predict the optimum window length for certain time series for the network construction. This optimum window length is long enough to the majority of stock price SVG whose data length is 1-year. The optimum length is 70% of the length of stock price data series.
Urinary Metabolites as Predictors of Acute Mountain Sickness Severity
Authors: Sibomana Isaie , Foose Daniel P. , Raymer Michael L. , Reo Nicholas V. , Karl J. Philip , Berryman Claire E. , Young Andrew J. , Pasiakos Stefan M. , Mauzy Camilla A.
Published: September 2021

Individuals sojourning at high altitude (≥2,500m) often develop acute mountain sickness (AMS). However, substantial unexplained inter-individual variability in AMS severity exists. Untargeted metabolomics assays are increasingly used to identify novel biomarkers of susceptibility to illness, and to elucidate biological pathways linking environmental exposures to health outcomes. This study used untargeted nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics to identify urine metabolites associated with AMS severity during high altitude sojourn. Following a 21-day stay at sea level (SL; 55m), 17 healthy males were transported to high altitude (HA; 4,300m) for a 22-day sojourn. AMS symptoms measured twice daily during the first 5days at HA were used to dichotomize participants according to AMS severity: moderate/severe AMS (AMS; n=11) or no/mild AMS (NoAMS; n=6). Urine samples collected on SL day 12 and HA days 1 and 18 were analyzed using proton NMR tools and the data were subjected to multivariate analyses. The SL urinary metabolite profiles were significantly different (p≤0.05) between AMS vs. NoAMS individuals prior to high altitude exposure. Differentially expressed metabolites included elevated levels of creatine and acetylcarnitine, and decreased levels of hypoxanthine and taurine in the AMS vs. NoAMS group. In addition, the levels of two amino acid derivatives (4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate and N-methylhistidine) and two unidentified metabolites (doublet peaks at 3.33ppm and a singlet at 8.20ppm) were significantly different between groups at SL. By HA day 18, the differences in urinary metabolites between AMS and NoAMS participants had largely resolved. Pathway analysis of these differentially expressed metabolites indicated that they directly or indirectly play a role in energy metabolism. These observations suggest that alterations in energy metabolism before high altitude exposure may contribute to AMS susceptibility at altitude. If validated in larger cohorts, these markers could inform development of a non-invasive assay to screen individuals for AMS susceptibility prior to high altitude sojourn.
Organizing the Methodological Toolbox: Lessons Learned From Implementing Developmental Methods Online
Authors: Kominsky Jonathan F. , Begus Katarina , Bass Ilona , Colantonio Joseph , Leonard Julia A. , Mackey Allyson P. , Bonawitz Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

Adapting studies typically run in the lab, preschool, or museum to online data collection presents a variety of challenges. The solutions to those challenges depend heavily on the specific questions pursued, the methods used, and the constraints imposed by available technology. We present a partial sample of solutions, discussing approaches we have developed for adapting studies targeting a range of different developmental populations, from infants to school-aged children, and utilizing various online methods such as high-framerate video presentation, having participants interact with a display on their own computer, having the experimenter interact with both the participant and an actor, recording free-play with physical objects, recording infant looking times both offline and live, and more. We also raise issues and solutions regarding recruitment and representativeness in online samples. By identifying the concrete needs of a given approach, tools that meet each of those individual needs, and interfaces between those tools, we have been able to implement many (but not all) of our studies using online data collection during the COVID-19 pandemic. This systematic review aligning available tools and approaches with different methods can inform the design of future studies, in and outside of the lab.
Self-Transcendent Emotions and Their Social Effects: Awe, Elevation and Kama Muta Promote a Human Identification and Motivations to Help Others
Authors: Pizarro José J. , Basabe Nekane , Fernández Itziar , Carrera Pilar , Apodaca Pedro , Man Ging Carlos I. , Cusi Olaia , Páez Darío
Published: September 2021

Abundant literature shows the effects of negative emotions on motivations to engage in collective action (i.e., to collectively mobilize personal resources to achieve a common objective), as well as their influence on the creation of shared identities. In this proposal, we focus on the possible role of Self-Transcendent Emotions (STEs) defined as positive-valence emotions that have been key in the creation and maintenance of collective identities, as well as in promoting individuals well-being. In detail, we examine their influence in (a) strengthening a global identification, (b) increasing willingness to collectively help others, and (c) improving people’s wellbeing. For this reason, we conducted a preliminary literature review of k = 65 independent studies on the effects of STEs on connection to others. Through this review (fully available in Supplementary Materials), we selected a sample of STEs (Awe, Elevation, and Kama Muta) and elicitors to conduct a video-base study. In it, 1,064 university students from 3 different cultural regions (from Spain and Ecuador) were randomized to answer one of three STE scales (i.e., each measuring one of the selected STEs), and evaluate three videos in random order (i.e., each prototypical for the selected STEs). Participants also answered a measure of global identification and intentions to collectively help others (after each video), as well as self-transcendent and well-being (at the end of the survey). Results from SEM analyses show these STEs motivated a fusion of identity with all humanity, as well as collective intentions to help others, even controlling for individuals’ value orientations. In addition, the three of them indirectly increased participants’ well-being through a higher global identity. While there are differences among them, these three STEs share common elements and their effects are constant across the different cultural regions. It is concluded that Awe, Elevation, and Kama Muta, even individually experienced, have a significant potential to influence people’s behavior. Specifically, in various forms of collective action aimed at helping others.
Social Support and Longevity: Meta-Analysis-Based Evidence and Psychobiological Mechanisms
Authors: Vila Jaime
Published: September 2021

Over the past 60 years, evidence has accumulated on the fundamental role of supportive social relationships in individual health and longevity. This paper first summarizes the results of 23 meta-analyses published between 1994 and 2021, which include 1,187 longitudinal and cross-sectional studies with more than 1,458 million participants. The effect sizes reported in these meta-analyses are highly consistent with regard to the predicted link between social support and reduced disease and mortality; the meta-analyses also highlight various theoretical and methodological issues concerning the multi-dimensionality of the social support concept and its measurements, and the need to control potential confounding and moderator variables. This is followed by an analysis of the experimental evidence from laboratory studies on psychobiological mechanisms that may explain the effect of social support on health and longevity. The stress-buffering hypothesis is examined and extended to incorporate recent findings on the inhibitory effect of social support figures (e.g., the face of loved ones) on fear learning and defensive reactions alongside evidence on the effect of social support on brain networks that down-regulate the autonomic nervous system, HPA axis, and immune system. Finally, the paper discusses the findings in the context of three emerging research areas that are helping to advance and consolidate the relevance of social factors for human health and longevity: (a) convergent evidence on the effects of social support and adversity in other social mammals, (b) longitudinal studies on the impact of social support and adversity across each stage of the human lifespan, and (c) studies that extend the social support framework from individual to community and societal levels, drawing implications for large-scale intervention policies to promote the culture of social support.
Understanding the Difference Between Self-Feedback and Peer Feedback: A Comparative Study of Their Effects on Undergraduate Students' Writing Improvement
Authors: Lu Qi , Zhu Xinhua , Cheong Choo Mui
Published: September 2021

Due to the growing popularity of Assessment for Learning in higher education, self- feedback and peer feedback are often highlighted for their role in improving writing performance. In order to provide appropriate support for students' effective implementation of the feedback, teachers must comprehend the differential characteristics of self- and peer feedback. However, empirical research comparing the two remains scarce, particularly when they are used in combination. In this study, 116 Hong Kong undergraduate students participated in an abstract writing task and engaged in self- and peer feedback processes. The amount, types, and implementation of self- and peer feedback and their effects on writing improvement were analyzed and compared. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that about 25% of the variance in the students' writing improvement was collectively accounted for by the two feedback processes. One form of feedback contributed about 15% of the variance while the other form explained 10%. Feedback types and the amount of implemented feedback were found to be positive predictors of writing improvement, whereas the overall feedback amount negatively affected the improvement. Moreover, the implementation of peer feedback was found to have a greater effect on the improvement than those of self-feedback. Several pedagogical implications of these findings are addressed.
Effects of the Application of Information Technology to E-Book Learning on Learning Motivation and Effectiveness
Authors: Sun Li , Pan Cheng En
Published: September 2021

Along with the rapid development of electronic technology, the appeal of information technology to students and teachers in domestic and international information education has become universal. Education-related departments aim to positively cultivate the professional information knowledge and skills of teachers. The use of information technology in instruction allows students to enhance their creativity and learning motivation. A total of 232 college students from Fujian Province participated in the experimental research. The results show the following: (1) the application of information technology to e-book teaching could enhance a sense of achievement of students in self-directed learning, and students could answer test questions in a confidential and relaxed manner; (2) the application of information technology to e-book teaching activates teaching flexibility, and many teaching models, such as teaching by wandering around, interactive teaching, and blended teaching, are therefore derived to enhance the richness of teaching; (3) the application of information technology to e-book teaching bridges the distance between instructors and students and leads to a deeper understanding of learning conditions of students, expanding the possibilities for content planning and teaching models. The results give rise to suggestions enhancing enjoyment in learning and promoting higher motivation and more effective teaching.
Do Leptin Play a Role in Metabolism–Related Psychopathological Symptoms?
Authors: Zhang Yelei , Li Xiaoyue , Yao Xianhu , Yang Yating , Ning Xiaoshuai , Zhao Tongtong , Xia Lei , Zhang Yulong , Zhang Kai , Liu Huanzhong
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Leptin is a crucial regulator of energy balance and is associated with obesity. In recent years, it has also been recognized as involved in the psychopathological mechanism. Our study aimed to elucidate the relationships between serum leptin levels, body mass index (BMI), and psychopathology symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods: A cross-sectional assessment of 324 inpatients with schizophrenia was conducted. Schizophrenia symptoms were measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Serum leptin levels were assessed by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Results: Significant differences in sex, BMI, and negative symptom subscale (PANSS-N) scores were found between the groups with high and low leptin levels in the study. Leptin levels were positively correlated with BMI (B = 2.322, t = 9.557, P < 0.001) and negatively correlated with PANSS-N scores (B = −0.303, t = −2.784, P = 0.006).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that the increase in leptin levels is responsible for antipsychotic-induced weight gain and improved psychopathological symptoms.
Research by Psychiatric Trainees and Early Career Psychiatrists—Results of a Survey From 34 Countries in Europe
Authors: Koelkebeck Katja , Andlauer Olivier , Asztalos Marton , Jovanovic Nikolina , Kazakova Olga , Naughton Sean , Pantovic-Stefanovic Maja , Riese Florian , Pinto da Costa Mariana
Published: September 2021

Clinical psychiatric practice should be intricately linked with research work. Although psychiatric trainees and early career psychiatrists (ECPs) are in the frontline of clinical services, little is known about how much access they have to research opportunities. A semi-structured questionnaire of 35 questions—exploring research goals achieved, facilitators and barriers as well as personal context—was sent to psychiatric trainees and ECPs across Europe. The survey was disseminated through the local committees of the main professional psychiatric societies in Europe. A total of 258 individuals working in 34 European countries participated. The majority (69.8%) were psychiatric trainees within training in adult psychiatry. Most participants (69.0%) were highly interested in research, but faced major obstacles toward their research activities, such as lack of time and funding. They were highly satisfied with mentoring and publishing papers. Only half of the participants, however, had already published a scientific article, and only a few have been able to contribute to randomized clinical trials (20.9%). A large proportion of participants (87.2%) reported to conduct research after or during a mixture of working hours and after working hours. Only one tenth ever received a grant for their work. These findings highlight that the key barriers for the performance of research are lack of time and funding. Psychiatric trainees and ECPs are motivated to perform research but need support and regular opportunities.
Perceived Stress, Knowledge, and Preventive Behaviors in Indian versus US-based Participants During COVID-19: A Survey Study
Authors: Sinharoy Ankita , Pal Shekhar , Das Jishu , Mondal Pritish
Published: September 2021

Rationale: India and the USA, the worst affected countries by COVID-19, experienced very different pandemic courses. By 2020, COVID-19 cases had steadily declined in India, whereas the fight continued in the US. The people of India and the USA perhaps perceived threats very differently, influenced by their knowledge, available healthcare facilities, and social security. We conducted an online survey study to compare COVID-related perceptions between Indian participants (IND-P) and US-based participants (US-P).

Methods: COVID-related perceptions such as stress, knowledge, and preventive behaviors were measured with specific questionnaires, and normalized scores were computed. T-tests were used to compare the perception scores, while the Kruskal-Wallis-H (KWH) tests were used to compare socioeconomic distributions between participants from two countries. Generalized linear model (GLM) adjusted for sociodemographic confounders estimated the association between the country of residence and COVID-perception.

Results: The IND-P (N = 242) were younger and male-dominated compared with the US-P (N = 531) (age: KWH = 97.37, p < 0.0001, gender: KWH = 140.38, p < 0.0001). Positive attitudes toward preventive guidelines were associated with higher perceived risk and stress (r = 0.35, p < 0.001, and r = 0.21, p < 0.001, respectively) but not with the knowledge (r = −0.05, p = 0.14). Compared with the US-P, the IND-P had lower knowledge (5.19 ± 1.95 vs. 7.82 ± 1.35; t-test: p < 0.0001), higher stress (7.01 ± 1.51 vs. 6.07 ± 1.61; t-test: p < 0.0001), and better adherence to preventive guidelines (8.84 ± 1.30 vs. 8.34 ± 2.09; t-test: p = 0.0006). GLM demonstrated a significant association between the country and COVID-perception scores.

Conclusion: The IND-P experienced higher stress and perceived threat during COVID-19 than the US-P, perhaps due to a lack of faith in the healthcare system and insecurity. Despite lower knowledge, the IND-P had better acceptance of preventive guidelines than the US-P.
Do Health Expenditures Converge Among ASEAN Countries?
Authors: Li Zheng-Zheng , Liu Guangzhe , Tao Ran , Lobont Oana-Ramona
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to determine the existence of convergence in health expenditures among Association for South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Based on the SPSM procedure and panel KSS unit root test results, the public health expenditures (PUHE) in Indonesia, Lao PDR, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Myanmar are converging, while that of Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand are diverging. In addition, the sequences of private health expenditures (PRHE) in ASEAN member states are stationary, which implies convergence. This finding is in accordance with Wagner's law, that is, as nations develop, they are forced to expand public expenditure. Specifically, countries with low levels of PUHE tend to catch up with the high health spending countries. This research has policy implications with regard to the convergence of health expenditure across countries. The government in low- and lower-middle income countries should raise PUHE to provide access to health services for those who are unaffordable individuals.
The Impact of Nucleos(t)ide Analogs Off-Therapy Among Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Mian , Qian Mingxia , Fu Rongrong , Zhang Yiqin , Shen Xinlan , Yue Dengyuan , Wang Ning , Yang Lei
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim: Although most chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients achieve effective virological suppression after receiving long-term nucleos(t)ide analogs (Nucs) therapy, the safety of off-therapy is controversial under the monitor.

Methods: We identified studies through searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from January 1990 to February 2021. The eligible studies compare the long outcomes between discontinued and continued Nucs treatments groups among CHB patients. This study was conducted to investigate long-term outcomes, including biochemical, serological, and virological outcomes, as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development rate between discontinued and maintained Nucs therapy groups among CHB patients.

Results: Five eligible studies covering 1,425 patients were selected for meta-analysis. Our result exhibits that patients with Nucs off-treatment have a higher risk of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares-up than those who continued Nucs therapy under the monitor (OR = 9.39, 95%CI = 3.87–22.78). Nucs off-therapy patients have a higher virological bound incidence (OR = 617.96, 95%CI = 112.48–3,395.14) and a higher HBV DNA level (OR = 9.39, 95%CI = 3.87–22.78) than those who continued Nucs therapy. There was no statistically significant difference in the risk of hyperbilirubinaemia, hepatic decompensation, and HCC development between both two groups. Patients in Nucs off-therapy group demonstrate a higher HBsAg loss rate than those in the continued group (OR = 7.10, 95%CI = 6.68–13.69).

Conclusions: Nucs off-therapy patients may exhibit a higher chance of achieving HBsAg loss than those who continue Nucs therapy. It requires close monitoring after Nucs off-therapy and timely restarting of Nucs therapy when ALT concentrations increase.
Government Epidemic Prevention and Economic Growth Path Under Public Health Emergency: Theoretical Model and Simulation Analysis
Authors: Yin Zhichao , Chen Xiaoxu , Wang Zongshu , Xiang Lijin
Published: September 2021

This paper constructs a partial equilibrium model under public health emergency shocks based on economic growth theory, and investigates the relationship between government intervention and virus transmission and economic growth path. We found that both close contacts tracing measures and isolation measures are beneficial to human capital stock and economic output per capita, and the effect of close contact tracing measures is better than that of isolation measures. For infectious diseases of different intensities, economic growth pathways differed across interventions. For low contagious public health emergencies, the focus should be on the coordination of isolation and tracing measures. For highly contagious public health emergencies, strict isolation, and tracing measures have limited effect in repairing the negative economic impact of the outbreak. The theoretical model provides a basic paradigm for the future researches to study economic growth under health emergencies, with good scalability and robustness.
Federated Learning for Audio Semantic Communication
Authors: Tong Haonan , Yang Zhaohui , Wang Sihua , Hu Ye , Semiari Omid , Saad Walid , Yin Changchuan
Published: September 2021

In this paper, the problem of audio semantic communication over wireless networks is investigated. In the considered model, wireless edge devices transmit large-sized audio data to a server using semantic communication techniques. The techniques allow devices to only transmit audio semantic information that captures the contextual features of audio signals. To extract the semantic information from audio signals, a wave to vector (wav2vec) architecture based autoencoder is proposed, which consists of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The proposed autoencoder enables high-accuracy audio transmission with small amounts of data. To further improve the accuracy of semantic information extraction, federated learning (FL) is implemented over multiple devices and a server. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can converge effectively and can reduce the mean squared error (MSE) of audio transmission by nearly 100 times, compared to a traditional coding scheme.
Social Robots as Creativity Eliciting Agents
Authors: Ali Safinah , Devasia Nisha , Park Hae Won , Breazeal Cynthia
Published: September 2021

Can robots help children be more creative? In this work, we posit social robots as creativity support tools for children in collaborative interactions. Children learn creative expressions and behaviors through social interactions with others during playful and collaborative tasks, and socially emulate their peers’ and teachers’ creativity. Social robots have a unique ability to engage in social and emotional interactions with children that can be leveraged to foster creative expression. We focus on two types of social interactions: creativity demonstration, where the robot exhibits creative behaviors, and creativity scaffolding, where the robot poses challenges, suggests ideas, provides positive reinforcement, and asks questions to scaffold children’s creativity. We situate our research in three playful and collaborative tasks - the Droodle Creativity game (that affords verbal creativity), the MagicDraw game (that affords figural creativity), and the WeDo construction task (that affords constructional creativity), that children play with Jibo, a social robot. To evaluate the efficacy of the robot’s social behaviors in enhancing creative behavior and expression in children, we ran three randomized controlled trials with 169 children in the 5–10 yr old age group. In the first two tasks, the robot exhibited creativity demonstration behaviors. We found that children who interacted with the robot exhibiting high verbal creativity in the Droodle game and high figural creativity in the MagicDraw game also exhibited significantly higher creativity than a control group of participants who interacted with a robot that did not express creativity (p < 0.05*). In the WeDo construction task, children who interacted with the robot that expressed creative scaffolding behaviors (asking reflective questions, generating ideas and challenges, and providing positive reinforcement) demonstrated higher creativity than participants in the control group by expressing a greater number of ideas, more original ideas, and more varied use of available materials (p < 0.05*). We found that both creativity demonstration and creativity scaffolding can be leveraged as social mechanisms for eliciting creativity in children using a social robot. From our findings, we suggest design guidelines for pedagogical tools and social agent interactions to better support children’s creativity.
Phosphorus Dynamics in Sugarcane Fertilized With Filter Cake and Mineral Phosphate Sources
Authors: de Aquino Vidal Lacerda Soares Anelisa , de Mello Prado Renato , Caione Gustavo , Rodrigues Marcos , Pavinato Paulo Sérgio , Naudi Silva Campos Cid
Published: September 2021

Organic residual material such as filter cake, combined with mineral phosphate fertilizers, may alter the soil phosphorus (P) bioavailability for sugarcane as a consequence of the competing effect in adsorption sites. This study aimed to quantify the changes in both the inorganic and organic soil P fractions as amended by phosphate fertilizer sources and filter cake and to link the P fractions to sugarcane response. An experiment was conducted in an Oxisol, in a randomized block design with factorial arrangement of 4 × 2, and three replications. Three P fertilizer sources (triple superphosphate, Araxá rock phosphate, and Bayóvar® reactive phosphate) plus a control (no P) were evaluated under both the presence and absence of filter cake. At the end of the second crop cycle, the following were measured: the cane yield, the tissue P content, and soil P fractions. All fertilizer sources were efficient in supplying P to sugarcane. Araxá rock phosphate generated a higher accumulation in moderately labile P, whereas the soluble triple superphosphate resulted in higher labile P. The filter cake, as a source of nutrients and organic matter, has an important contribution to maintain more available P for sugarcane absorption, especially when associated with triple superphosphate. The amount of P absorbed by sugarcane was correlated with the soil labile P (r= 0.58) and also with the inorganic P moderately labile (r= 0.42). Both fractions must be taken into account for a short- to medium-term availability of P for sugarcane in Oxisols.
Soils, Biofortification, and Human Health Under COVID-19: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: El-Ramady Hassan , Brevik Eric C. , Elbasiouny Heba , Elbehiry Fathy , El-Henawy Ahmed , Faizy Salah E.-D. , Elsakhawy Tamer , Omara Alaa El-Dein , Amer Megahed , Eid Yahya
Published: September 2021

Soil is an important source of resources required for human health and well-being. Soil is also a major environmental reservoir of pathogenic organisms. This may include viruses like the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which through 2020 and 2021 created dramatic catastrophes worldwide as the causative agent of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). So, soil has both positive and negative impacts on human health. One of the major positive impacts is the transfer of nutrients from soil to plants, and from there to humans through their diet. Biofortification is able to enhance the levels of nutrients essential to human health in the crops we consume and represents a sustainable solution to address malnutrition, which in turn may strengthen the human immune system against COVID-19. This nutrient transfer works better when we have healthy soils. Therefore, soils and biofortification have important roles to play in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. However, several questions still remain, such as what are the expected environmental impacts of COVID-19 on soil? Can SARS-CoV-2 be transmitted through soil, and under what conditions? Which soil processes and properties influence SARS-CoV-2 survival rates and times, as well as transmission? What are the specific links between soil health and COVID-19? What are the projected soil management scenarios in response to COVID-19? Questions such as these deserve more attention as the world seeks to recover from its most recent pandemic.
Potential of NRF2 Pathway in Preventing Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity of Fine Particles
Authors: Li Ying-Ji , Takeda Ken , Yamamoto Masayuki , Kawada Tomoyuki
Published: September 2021

Air pollution is associated with significant adverse health effects. Recent studies support the idea that inhalation of fine particles can instigate extrapulmonary effects on the cardiovascular system through several pathways. The systemic transfer of ultrafine particles (UFPs) or soluble particle components (organic compounds and metals) is of particular concern. An integral role of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent pathways has been suggested in systemic inflammatory responses and vascular dysfunction at the molecular level. Accumulating lines of evidence suggest that fine particles affect fetal development, giving rise to low birth weight and a reduction in fetal growth, and also affect the immune, cardiovascular, and central nervous systems. Oxidative stress plays an important role in fine particles toxicity; pre-treatment with antioxidants partially suppresses the developmental toxicity of fine particles. On the other hand, Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nfe2l2), also known as NRF2, is a transcription factor essential for inducible and/or constitutive expression of phase II and antioxidant enzymes. Studies usingNrf2-knockout mice revealed that NRF2 dysfunction is intimately involved in the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been detected in humanNRF2locus. AnNRF2gene SNP (−617C > A; rs6721961), located in the upstream promoter region, affects the transcriptional level of NRF2 and thereby the protein level and downstream gene expression. It has been reported that the SNP-617 is associated with various diseases. The onset and exacerbation of the diseases are regulated by genetic predisposition and environmental factors; some people live in the air-polluted environment but are not affected and remain healthy, suggesting the presence of individual differences in the susceptibility to air pollutants. NRF2 polymorphisms may also be associated with the fetal effects of fine particles exposure. Screening high-risk pregnant women genetically susceptible to oxidative stress and prevention by antioxidant interventions to protect fetal development in air-polluted areas should be considered. This article reviews the recent advances in our understanding of the fetal health effects of fine particles and describes potential chemopreventionviathe NRF2 pathway to prevent the developmental and reproductive toxicity of fine particles.
Postoperative Ileus: Comparative Pathophysiology and Future Therapies
Authors: Hellstrom Emily A. , Ziegler Amanda L. , Blikslager Anthony T.
Published: September 2021

Postoperative ileus (POI), a decrease in gastrointestinal motility after surgery, is an important problem facing human and veterinary patients. 37.5% of horses that develop POI following small intestinal (SI) resection will not survive to discharge. The two major components of POI pathophysiology are a neurogenic phase which is then propagated by an inflammatory phase. Perioperative care has been implicated, namely the use of opioid therapy, inappropriate fluid therapy and electrolyte imbalances. Current therapy for POI variably includes an early return to feeding to induce physiological motility, reducing the inflammatory response with agents such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and use of prokinetic therapy such as lidocaine. However, optimal management of POI remains controversial. Further understanding of the roles of the gastrointestinal microbiota, intestinal barrier function, the post-surgical inflammatory response, as well as enteric glial cells, a component of the enteric nervous system, in modulating postoperative gastrointestinal motility and the pathogenesis of POI may provide future targets for prevention and/or therapy of POI.
The Association of Parent-Child Communication With Internet Addiction in Left-Behind Children in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cai Jingjing , Wang Yun , Wang Feng , Lu Jingjing , Li Lu , Zhou Xudong
Published: September 2021

Objective: Internet addiction has emerged as a growing concern worldwide. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of Internet addiction between left-behind children (LBC) and non-left-behind children (non-LBC), and explore the role of paternal and maternal parent-child communication on LBC.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in rural areas in Anhui, China. The complete data were available from 699 LBC and 740 non-LBC. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine 1) whether LBC were more likely to develop Internet addiction, and 2) the association between parent-child communication and Internet addiction among LBC.

Results: LBC had a higher likelihood to report Internet addiction when compared to non-LBC (OR = 2.03, 95%CI = 1.43–2.88, p < 0.001). Among LBC, parent-child communication (both mother-child and father-child) was protective factor for children’s Internet addiction. The role of mother-child communication played well among male LBC.

Conclusions: The lack of parental supervision may lead to Internet addiction. It is highly recommended for migrant parents to improve the quality of communication with their children. Also, gender-matching effects should be considered in the relationship between children’s behavior and parental factors.
The Potential of Private Standards for Valorizing Compliance with Access and Benefit Sharing Obligations of Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge
Authors: Schebesta Hanna
Published: September 2021

International legal instruments such as the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity (“Nagoya Protocol”) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (“ITPGRFA”) are meant to create incentives for fairly sharing the benefits of the utilization of genetic resources. These commitments have, however, been assessed by many stakeholders as an obstacle rather than an incentive to commercial activities. If this is indeed the case, ABS obligations may do more harm than good and raises the fundamental question: can ABS obligations be translated from an obstacle into an opportunity? The article discusses consumer-based mechanisms as positive drivers for benefit sharing by using private standards to incentivize ABS obligation compliance. This approach goes further than using private standards as implementation tools, and suggests that they could leverage advantages for industry from the consumer perspective, specifically a consumer-facing label on products. We suggest a research strategy addressing this approach.
Behavioral Monitoring Tool for Pig Farmers: Ear Tag Sensors, Machine Intelligence, and Technology Adoption Roadmap
Authors: Pandey Santosh , Kalwa Upender , Kong Taejoon , Guo Baoqing , Gauger Phillip C. , Peters David J. , Yoon Kyoung-Jin
Published: September 2021

Precision swine production can benefit from autonomous, noninvasive, and affordable devices that conduct frequent checks on the well-being status of pigs. Here, we present a remote monitoring tool for the objective measurement of some behavioral indicators that may help in assessing the health and welfare status—namely, posture, gait, vocalization, and external temperature. The multiparameter electronic sensor board is characterized by laboratory measurements and by animal tests. Relevant behavioral health indicators are discussed for implementing machine learning algorithms and decision support tools to detect animal lameness, lethargy, pain, injury, and distress. The roadmap for technology adoption is also discussed, along with challenges and the path forward. The presented technology can potentially lead to efficient management of farm animals, targeted focus on sick animals, medical cost savings, and less use of antibiotics.
Influence of Horse Age, Marinating Substances, and Frozen Storage on Horse Meat Quality
Authors: Stanisławczyk Renata , Rudy Mariusz , Gil Marian , Duma-Kocan Paulina , Żurek Jagoda
Published: September 2021

The present study analyzed the influence of horse age, substances used for marinating, and frozen storage on the quality of horse meat. It was conducted on the samples of the longest thoracic muscle, obtained from 12 carcasses of horses (aged 4–7 and 8–12 years). Among the analyzed samples, a higher fat content (p < 0.05) was found in the meat obtained from the carcasses of older horses. The pH value of the meat samples was influenced by the treatment applied (p < 0.05). Of the substances used for marinating, malic acid caused a decrease in the pH of the meat obtained from young horses (p < 0.05). A similar effect was observed with the addition of phosphates to malic acid-marinated meat. On the other hand, the use of phosphates for marinating resulted in an increase in the pH of the meat obtained from older horses (p < 0.05). The substances used for marinating the horse meat did not significantly affect the reduction in cutting force values. Furthermore, the values of shear force, hardness, stiffness, gumminess, and chewiness of the meat increased with horse age (p < 0.05). An influence on the color parameters a* and b* of the meat was found for the interaction between age, storage period, and the type of treatment (p < 0.05). The use of lactic acid and malic acid for marinating the meat of young horses caused a decrease in the proportion of red color (4.67 and 3.43) and an increase in the proportion of yellow color (3.81 and 1.71), especially after 3 months of freezer storage. All the substances used for marinating (except for phosphates) were associated with higher (p < 0.05) thermal and forced drips of meat from the carcasses of both young and older horses during each storage period, in comparison to the control. The interaction between age and the type of treatment had an influence on the tenderness and juiciness of the horse meat (p < 0.05). In sensory evaluation, it was noted that the interaction between age and the treatment procedure influenced the tenderness and juiciness of the meat samples (p < 0.05). There is still a need for further research to increase knowledge regarding how to improve the quality of horse meat, and ultimately increase the demand from consumers and meat processing plants.
Animal Shelters’ Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Pilot Survey of 14 Shelters in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Powell Lauren , Houlihan Caitlin , Stone Martha , Gitlin Ilana , Ji Xuke , Reinhard Chelsea L. , Watson Brittany
Published: September 2021

Anecdotal reports indicate that many animal shelters experienced increased adoption and foster care rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, yet peer-reviewed evidence is lacking. In this pilot survey of 14 animal shelters in the Northeastern United States, we aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on animal intakes, foster care and five outcome types and describe operational changes reported by shelters in response to COVID-19. Paired sample t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare intake, adoption, euthanasia and foster care rates and numbers between March–June 2019 and 2020. The number of dogs and cats that entered shelters was significantly lower during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the same months of 2019 (t = 3.41, p = 0.01, t = 2.69, p = 0.02). Although the overall rate of adoption and euthanasia did not differ, the numbers adopted and euthanized decreased significantly for both dogs and cats, reflecting the significantly decreased intake. We also found significant variability between shelters. During the pandemic, several shelters sought to expand their foster care networks through operational changes (n = 6) and statements made to the public (n = 7). However, the proportion of dogs and cats housed in foster care did not differ between March–June 2019 and 2020 in our sample. Our findings offer preliminary insights regarding the impact of a worldwide pandemic on the functioning of animal shelters.
Dolphin Watching and Compliance to Guidelines Affect Spinner Dolphins’ (Stenella longirostris) Behaviour in Reunion Island
Authors: Quintana Martín-Montalvo Belén , Hoarau Ludovic , Deffes Ophélie , Delaspre Sylvain , Delfour Fabienne , Landes Anne-Emmanuelle
Published: September 2021

Marine wildlife tourism has rapidly developed in Reunion Island, due to a large demand for interactions with a resident population of spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris). The presence of dolphin-watching vessels close to dolphin groups can cause short-term impacts on their behaviour; cumulative incidences likely result in deleterious long-term impacts on the population. Using scan sampling, we collected behavioural data on spinner dolphins to evaluate the short-term effects of dolphin watching on their behaviour. The dolphins were less likely to begin socialising or diving while travelling and more likely to stay travelling and milling in the presence of vessels. Additionally, activity budgets for resting and socialising decreased simultaneously with increased travelling and milling. Avoidance responses significantly increased with an increase in the number of vessels and non-compliance with the local dolphin-watching guidelines. These behavioural responses are likely to have energetic costs for the dolphins, which may lead to decreased survival and reproductive success at individual and population levels. More restrictive regulations, increased surveillance and animal-based measures are key tools to adapt the conservation efforts in Reunion Island. Further studies on the island’s resident dolphin populations are necessary to ensure the continuity of dolphin-watching activities in a sustainable manner.