bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of age, gender, and willingness to adopt former foodstuffs on the perception of Italian farm animal veterinarians
Authors: Diaz Vicuna Elena , Srikanthithasan Karthika , Odore Rosangela , Massaglia Stefano , Merlino Valentina Maria , Giorgino Andrea , Ozella Laura , Schiavone Achille , Massacci Francesca Romana , Mota-Gutierrez Jatziri , Forte Claudio
Published: June 2024

Background

Veterinarians play an essential role in improving animal care, as they are often viewed as trusted advisors, particularly in relation to disease control and management; however, little is known about veterinarians’ perceptions and attitudes toward alternative feeds. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of age, gender, and willingness to adopt on the attitudes of livestock veterinarians toward the use of alternative feeds in farm animals.

Methods

A total of 136 active veterinarians completed the online survey, distributed through the main veterinary associations in Italy. The questionnaire contained items on dietary recommendation, awareness, benefit and safety perceptions, and a willingness to adopt former foodstuffs (FFs), complemented with socio-demographic questions.

Results

Almost 90% of the population reported a willingness to adopt FFs as feed. Men and women did not share the same perceptions of the nutritional composition of FFs, while the importance of product availability was found to be a key factor driving the age difference. Participants willing to adopt FFs as feed linked positive attitudes to attributes such as digestibility, energy intake, and positive social implications.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a basic background on the current use of the FFs in Italy and suggest the need for the development of educational programs and marketing strategies to enhance the acceptability of FFs in farm animals to ultimately promote the transition toward more sustainable animal production. This study has limitations, including the number of recorded responses and reliance on national estimates. Future research is needed to investigate the perceptions of farmers and animal nutritionist from different countries. This could provide a more detailed picture of the current situation in Europe about the potential of using FFs in farm animals’ feed, thus further contributing toward a greener and safer livestock production sector.
Metronomic chemotherapy: bridging theory to clinical application in canine and feline oncology
Authors: Petrucci Gonçalo N. , Magalhães Tomás Rodrigues , Dias Márcia , Queiroga Felisbina Luísa
Published: June 2024

Veterinary oncology has experienced significant evolution over the last few decades, with chemotherapy being currently applied to several neoplasms with therapeutic success. Traditionally, chemotherapy protocols are based on classic cytostatic drugs under the concept of maximum tolerated dose (MTD), which has been associated with a greater risk of toxicity and resistance. Thus, new therapeutic alternatives have emerged, such as metronomic chemotherapy (MC), introducing a new paradigm in cancer treatment. MC consists of administering low doses of chemotherapy drugs continuously over a long period of time, modulating the tumour microenvironment (TME) due to the combination of cytotoxic, antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory effects. This multi-targeted therapy has been described as a treatment option in several canine and feline cancers since 2007, with positive results already published in the literature, particularly in mammary carcinomas and soft tissue sarcomas in dogs. The aim of this review article is to describe the current knowledge about the use of MC in small animal oncology, with emphasis on its mechanisms of action, the most commonly used drugs and clinical outcome.
Assessment of health problems of sheep and goats based on ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection at Addis Ababa Abattoir, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Atoma Tizeta , Szonyi Barbara , Haile Aklilu Feleke , Fries Reinhard , Baumann Maximillian P. O. , Randolph Delia Grace
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Ethiopia has a rapidly growing small ruminant sector, which faces low productivity due to husbandry practices and poor health condition of the animals. A study was conducted in Ethiopia’s largest municipal abattoir with the objective to assess the health problems of sheep and goats presented for slaughter using standard ante-mortem and post-mortem methodology.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling was conducted on 384 sheep and 384 goats from January to July 2014.

Results

Soiled skin (69.1%), poor body condition (24.3%), and nostril discharge (19.5%) were common among both species at ante-mortem examination. Gross lesions were frequent in livers (39.7%) and lungs (37.2%), while pneumonia (18.1%) and adhesions (13.8%) were frequent in the lungs of sheep and goats, indicating stress-related illness. Parasitic lesions, especially fasciolosis (19.3%) and hydatid cysts (8.1%) were significantly more common in sheep livers (p 0.05). The direct financial loss from lesions in both species was 1,077,015 ETB or 53,851 USD per year, most of which was estimated to occur from carcass bruising.

Discussion

The findings indicate that reducing parasite burden and preventing carcass bruising through improved handling could significantly increase the profitability of the small ruminant meat sector in Ethiopia.
Tick paralysis induced by Ixodes gibbosus: enigmatic cases in domestic mammals from Cyprus
Authors: Diakou Anastasia , Foucault-Simonin Angelique , Antoniou Giannakis , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Földvári Gábor
Published: June 2024

Tick paralysis is a potentially fatal condition caused by toxins produced and secreted by tick salivary glands. This survey presents clinical and epidemiological observations of tick paralysis cases in domestic animals in Cyprus. Local veterinarians report typical tick paralysis cases occurring in goats, sheep, dogs, and cats. The animals suffering from paralysis are free from other neurological diseases, have blood and biochemical parameters within normal ranges, and recover fast by simply removing the ticks found predominantly on the head and around the neck. Tick paralysis cases occur in a specific geographic area of Cyprus (Akamas peninsula), from September through March, but not every year. Instead, the phenomenon has 2 periodic cycles of occurrence, a 3- and a 7-year cycle. The 2 cycles are differentiated by severity based on the number of affected animals and the resulting losses. As described for other tick-borne diseases, these cyclic patterns may be attributed to external factors, self-oscillations of the disease system, or the combined action of these mechanisms. Ticks collected from a recent paralysis case in a goat were morphologically and molecularly identified as Ixodes gibbosus. Efforts should be made to characterize the specific toxins involved in tick paralysis and to develop a vaccine, which could prevent significant losses of small ruminants, especially in free-ranging farming systems, a prevalent management approach observed in Cyprus and various regions worldwide.
The first protocol for assessing the welfare of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) kept under nomadic pastoralism
Authors: Padalino Barbara , Menchetti Laura
Published: June 2024

There is no protocol to measure the welfare level of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarious) kept under pastoralism—the predominant husbandry system of this species. This study therefore aimed to develop and describe a protocol for measuring welfare levels in dromedary camels kept under nomadic pastoralist conditions—. The indicators for each welfare principle (i.e., Good Feeding, Good Housing, Good Health, and Appropriate Behavior) were tailored to the specific conditions of camel pastoralism, drawing from the currently available protocol for assessing welfare in dromedary camels kept in intensive and semi-intensive systems. This adaptation was achieved using a structured literature search and Expert Knowledge Elicitation (EKE). The developed protocol, covering animal-, resource-, and management-based indicators, comprises two assessment levels: ‘Caretaker-Herd level’ and ‘Animal level’. The Caretaker-Herd level is a face-to-face interview of about 10 min including 16 questions, spit into the four welfare principles, and a visual observation of applied animal handling practices. The ‘Animal level’ encompasses a behavioral observation and a visual clinical inspection of randomly selected individual dromedary camels, about 5 min/camel. The ‘Animal level’ includes 27 welfare indicators displayed for each welfare principle. The present study also includes the score for each indicator, the model for aggregating indicators’ scores into compound indices for each welfare principle (PAI), and how to classify the herds based on the PAIs or to produce an overall welfare index for each herd. Even if the proposed protocol needs to be applied, refined, and validated, it is a first step toward a standardized method to collect data related to dromedary camel welfare kept under pastoralism. This framework may ultimately guide herd managers, animal health practitioners, experienced advisers, and lawmakers in fostering optimal conditions and proposing welfare standards for dromedary camels in pastoralist settings.
The Madrid Posterior Component Separation: An Anatomical Approach for Effective Reconstruction of Complex Midline Hernias
Authors: De Luca Marcello , Medina Pedrique Manuel , Morejon Ruiz Sara , Munoz-Rodriguez Joaquin M. , Robin Valle de Lersundi Alvaro , Lopez-Monclus Javier , Blázquez Hernando Luis Alberto , Garcia-Urena Miguel Angel
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In recent years, Posterior Component Separation (PCS) with the Madrid modification (Madrid PCS) has emerged as a surgical technique. This modification is believed to enhance the dissection of anatomical structures, offering several advantages. The study aims to present a detailed description of this surgical technique and to analyse the outcomes in a large cohort of patients.

Materials and Methods

This study included all patients who underwent the repair of midline incisional hernias, with or without other abdominal wall defects. Data from patients at three different centres specialising in abdominal wall reconstruction was analysed. All patients underwent the Madrid PCS, and several variables, such as demographics, perioperative details, postoperative complications, and recurrences, were assessed.

Results

Between January 2015 and June 2023, a total of 223 patients underwent the Madrid PCS. The mean age was 63.4 years, with a mean BMI of 33.3 kg/m2 (range 23–40). According to the EHS classification, 139 patients had a midline incisional hernia, and 84 had a midline incisional hernia with a concomitant lateral incisional hernia. According to the Ventral Hernia Working Group (VHWG) classification, 177 (79.4%) patients had grade 2 and 3 hernias. In total, 201 patients (90.1%) were ASA II and III. The Carolinas Equation for Determining Associated Risks (CeDAR) was calculated preoperatively, resulting in 150 (67.3%) patients with a score between 30% and 60%. A total of 105 patients (48.4%) had previously undergone abdominal wall repair surgery. There were 93 (41.7%) surgical site occurrences (SSO), 36 (16.1%) surgical site infections (SSI), including 23 (10.3%) superficial and 7 (3.1%) deep infections, and 6 (2.7%) organ/space infections. Four (1.9%) recurrences were assessed by CT scan with an average follow-up of 23.9 months (range 6–74).

Conclusion

The Madrid PCS appears to be safe and effective, yielding excellent long-term results despite the complexity of abdominal wall defects. A profound understanding of the anatomy is crucial for optimal outcomes. The Madrid modification contributes to facilitating a complete retromuscular preperitoneal repair without incision of the transversus abdominis. The extensive abdominal wall retromuscular dissection obtained enables the placement of very large meshes with minimal fixation.
Obesity management for the treatment of type 2 diabetes: emerging evidence and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Morissette Arianne , Mulvihill Erin E.
Published: June 2024

Excess adiposity can contribute to metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which poses a significant global health burden. Traditionally viewed as a chronic and irreversible condition, T2DM management has evolved and new approaches emphasizing reversal and remission are emerging. Bariatric surgery demonstrates significant improvements in body weight and glucose homeostasis. However, its complexity limits widespread implementation as a population-wide intervention. The identification of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and the development of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have improved T2DM management and offer promising outcomes in terms of weight loss. Innovative treatment approaches combining GLP-1RA with other gut and pancreatic-derived hormone receptor agonists, such as glucose-dependant insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon (GCG) receptor agonists, or coadministered with amylin analogues, are demonstrating enhanced efficacy in both weight loss and glycemic control. This review aims to explore the benefits of bariatric surgery and emerging pharmacological therapies such as GLP-1RAs, and dual and triple agonists in managing obesity and T2DM while highlighting the caveats and evolving landscape of treatment options.
Impact of Institutional Quality and Earning Population on Sustainable Development: The Moderating Role of Globalization
Authors: Saleem Malik Muhammad Asad , Hashmi Aijaz Mustafa
Published: June 2024

The main objective of this study is to examine how the earning population and institutional quality of the belt and road countries have affected sustainable development. The generalized two-step moments method was used to analyze the panel data of 64 countries of the Belt and Road Initiative from 2003 to 2020. D-K regression and re-estimating alternative variables were used to validate the analysis. According to the GMM results, institutional quality positively influenced sustainable development while earning population negatively impacted sustainable development. Additionally, globalization with high institutional quality has a moderating effect that is both positive and significant, whereas the earning population with globalization has significant adverse impact on sustainable development. Furthermore, future directions and the implications for policy were also discussed.
A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dietary Betaine on Milk Production, Growth Performance, and Carcass Traits of Ruminants
Authors: Abhijith Archana , Dunshea Frank R. , Chauhan Surinder S. , Sejian Veerasamy , DiGiacomo Kristy
Published: June 2024

Betaine improves growth performance and health in monogastric animals under both thermoneutral and heat stress conditions, but results in ruminants have been more equivocal. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of betaine supplementation on productive performance, milk production and composition, and carcass traits of ruminants due to betaine supplementation. A comprehensive search for published studies investigating the effect of betaine was performed using Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Scopus databases. Effect size analysis, random effects models, I2 statistics, and meta-regression analysis were utilized to assess differences in production parameters. Dietary betaine supplementation increased milk yield (+1.0 kg/d (weighted mean differences presented in this abstract), p < 0.001), dry matter intake (+0.15 kg/d, p < 0.001), and milk lactose (+0.05%, p = 0.010) in dairy cows housed under thermoneutral conditions. In the few studies conducted on small ruminants, there was an increase in milk yield in response to dietary betaine (0.45 kg/d, p = 0.040). Under heat stress conditions or grazing pasture during summer, dietary betaine increased milk yield (+1.0 kg/d, p < 0.001) and dry matter intake (+0.21 kg/d, p = 0.020). Dietary betaine increased final liveweight (+2.33 kg, p = 0.050) and back fat thickness (+0.74 cm, p < 0.001) in beef cattle. Dietary betaine increased final liveweight (0.14 kg, p = 0.010), daily gain (+0.019 kg/d, p < 0.001), and carcass weight (+0.80 kg, p < 0.001) but not backfat in small ruminants. These meta-analyses showed that dietary betaine increases liveweight in small ruminants and beef cattle and increases feed intake and milk yield in dairy cattle.
Defining the Role of Oral Pathway Inhibitors as Targeted Therapeutics in Arteriovenous Malformation Care
Authors: Mansur Ann , Radovanovic Ivan
Published: June 2024

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are vascular malformations that are prone to rupturing and can cause significant morbidity and mortality in relatively young patients. Conventional treatment options such as surgery and endovascular therapy often are insufficient for cure. There is a growing body of knowledge on the genetic and molecular underpinnings of AVM development and maintenance, making the future of precision medicine a real possibility for AVM management. Here, we review the pathophysiology of AVM development across various cell types, with a focus on current and potential druggable targets and their therapeutic potentials in both sporadic and familial AVM populations.
Enhancing Bovine Embryo Development In Vitro Using Oil-in-Water Nanoemulsions as Specific Carriers for Essential Lipids
Authors: López Angulo Daniel , Lourenço Rodrigo Vinicius , Bridi Alessandra , Chaves Matheus Andrade , da Silveira Juliano Coelho , Sobral Paulo José do Amaral
Published: June 2024

Worldwide meat consumption and production have nearly quintupled in the last 60 years. In this context, research and the application of new technologies related to animal reproduction have evolved in an accelerated way. The objective of the present study was to apply nanoemulsions (NEs) as carriers of lipids to feed bovine embryos in culture media and verify their impact on the development of embryos produced in vitro. The NEs were characterized by particle size, polydispersity, size distribution, physical stability, morphology using atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface tension, density, pH, and rheological behavior. The NEs were prepared by the emulsification/evaporation technique. A central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimize the NE fabrication parameters. The three optimized formulations used in the embryo application showed an emulsion stability index (ESI) between 0.046 and 0.086, which reflects high stability. The mean droplet diameter analyzed by laser diffraction was approximately 70–80 nm, suggesting a possible transit across the embryonic zona pellucida with pores of an average 90 nm in diameter. AFM images clearly confirm the morphology of spherical droplets with a mean droplet diameter of less than 100 nm. The optimized formulations added during the higher embryonic genome activation phase in bovine embryos enhanced early embryonic development.
Beyond Anti-PD-1/PD-L1: Improving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Responses in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Bullock Kennady K. , Richmond Ann
Published: June 2024

The introduction of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) to the clinical management of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents a breakthrough for a disease whose treatment has long relied on the standards of chemotherapy and surgery. Nevertheless, few TNBC patients achieve a durable remission in response to anti-PD-1, and there is a need to develop strategies to maximize the potential benefit of immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for TNBC patients. In the present review, we discuss three conceptual strategies to improve ICI response rates in TNBC patients. The first effort involves improving patient selection. We discuss proposed biomarkers of response and resistance to anti-PD-1, concluding that an optimal biomarker will likely be multifaceted. The second effort involves identifying existing targeted therapies or chemotherapies that may synergize with ICI. In particular, we describe recent efforts to use inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT or RAS/MAPK/ERK pathways in combination with ICI. Third, considering the possibility that targeting the PD-1 axis is not the most promising strategy for TNBC treatment, we describe ongoing efforts to identify novel immunotherapy strategies.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Trametinib and Impact of Nonadherence on Drug Exposure in Oncology Patients as Part of the Optimizing Oral Targeted Anticancer Therapies Study
Authors: Ravix Anne , Bandiera Carole , Cardoso Evelina , Lata-Pedreira Adrian , Chtioui Haithem , Decosterd Laurent Arthur , Wagner Anna Dorothea , Schneider Marie Paule , Csajka Chantal , Guidi Monia
Published: June 2024

Trametinib is a targeted therapy used for the treatment of solid tumours, with significant variability reported in real-life studies. This variability increases the risk of suboptimal exposure, which can lead to treatment failure or increased toxicity. Using model-based simulation, this study aims to characterize and investigate the pharmacokinetics and the adequacy of the currently recommended doses of trametinib. Additionally, the simulation of various suboptimal adherence scenarios allowed for an assessment of the impact of patients’ drug adherence on the treatment outcome. The population data collected in 33 adult patients, providing 113 plasmatic trametinib concentrations, were best described by a two-compartment model with linear absorption and elimination. The study also identified a significant positive effect of fat-free mass and a negative effect of age on clearance, explaining 66% and 21% of the initial associated variability, respectively. Simulations showed that a maximum dose of 2 mg daily achieved the therapeutic target in 36% of male patients compared to 72% of female patients. A dose of 1.5 mg per day in patients over 65 years of age achieved similar rates, with 44% and 79% for male and female patients, respectively, reaching the therapeutic target. Poor adherence leads to a significant drop in concentrations and a high risk of subtherapeutic drug levels. These results underline the importance of interprofessional collaboration and patient partnership along the patient’s journey to address patients’ needs regarding trametinib and support medication adherence.
Preparation of Fe3O4/NiO Nanomaterials by Electrodeposition and Their Adsorption Performance for Fluoride Ions
Authors: Zhang Hongbin , Li Zhiping , Ma Chunyang , He Hongxin , Wei Lixin , Xia Fafeng
Published: June 2024

The high concentration of fluoride ions in industrial wastewater poses a threat to both human safety and the ecological environment. In this paper, three types of magnetic NiO nanomaterial (MNN) with nickel–iron ratios of 3:1, 2:1, and 1:2 were successfully prepared using the electrodeposition technique to eliminate fluoride ions (F−) from industrial wastewater. The surface morphology, phase composition, and chemical structure of the nanomaterials were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrate the MNN material’s exceptional adsorption capabilities for fluoride ions (F−) at a nickel–iron ratio of 3:1, with a maximum adsorption capacity of up to 58.3 mg/g. The adsorption process of fluoride on the MNN material was further examined using Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, revealing predominantly monolayer adsorption and chemisorption characteristics. When the amount of FeSO4•9H2O added is minimal, only the distinctive peaks of NiO are visible in the product’s spectrum. However, as the Ni/Fe ratio decreases, characteristic peaks of Fe3O4 crystals begin to appear and gradually intensify, indicating an increase in Fe3O4 content within the MNN material. Additionally, the pH level significantly affects the adsorption of fluoride ions (F−) onto the MNN material, with the highest adsorption capacity observed at pH 7.
Hardness and Wettability Characteristics of Electrolytically Produced Copper Composite Coatings Reinforced with Layered Double Oxide (Fe/Al LDO) Nanoparticles
Authors: Sasi Maoloud Mohamed Samah , Nikolić Nebojša D. , Vuksanović Marija M. , Vasilić Rastko , Vasiljević-Radović Dana G. , Jančić Heinneman Radmila M. , Marinković Aleksandar D. , Mladenović Ivana O.
Published: June 2024

The lab-made ferrite-aluminium layered double oxide (Fe/Al LDO) nanoparticles were used as reinforcement in the production of copper matrix composite coatings via the electrodeposition route in this study. The Cu coatings electrodeposited galvanostatically without and with low concentrations of Fe/Al LDO nanoparticles were characterized by SEM (morphology), AFM (topography and roughness), XRD (phase composition and texture), Vickers microindentation (hardness), and the static sessile drop method (wettability). All Cu coatings were fine-grained and microcrystalline with a (220) preferred orientation, with a tendency to increase the grain size, the roughness, and this degree of the preferred orientation with increasing the coating thickness. The cross-section analysis of coatings electrodeposited with Fe/Al LDO nanoparticles showed their uniform distribution throughout the coating. Hardness analysis of Cu coatings performed by application of the Chicot-Lesage (C-L) composite hardness model showed that Fe/Al LDO nanoparticles added to the electrolyte caused a change of the composite system from “soft film on hard cathode” into “hard film on soft cathode” type, confirming the successful incorporation of the nanoparticles in the coatings. The increase in roughness had a crucial effect on the wettability of the coatings, causing a change from hydrophilic reinforcement-free coatings to hydrophobic coatings obtained with incorporated Fe/Al LDO nanoparticles.
Thermal, Electrical, and Economic Performance of a Hybrid Solar-Wind-Geothermal System: Case Study of a Detached House in Hamburg and Sylt, Germany
Authors: Hu Linwei , Tischler Niklas , Rizvi Zarghaam Haider , Nordbeck Johannes , Wuttke Frank
Published: June 2024

Germany is undergoing an energy transition. By 2045, fossil fuels will be gradually replaced by clean energy. An alternative option is to use geothermal, solar and wind energy to generate heat or electricity. Currently, an economic model that considers these three energy sources and incorporates the design and installation of the energy system as well as operational costing focusing on the local market is lacking. In this study, we present a concept for a hybrid energy system combining solar, wind and geothermal energy for small, detached houses. We also develop a simplified economic model for the German market and local energy subsidy policies. The model was applied to two different cities in northern Germany, calculating the installation and long-term operating costs of different energy systems and combinations over a period of 100 years, including the consideration of the lifespan of variable equipment. The calculations show that for this small hybrid energy system the initial installation costs can vary from EUR 20,344 to EUR 70,186 depending on different portfolios. Long-term operating costs come mainly from electricity purchased from the grid to compensate for periods of low solar or wind production. In addition, the study included a calculation of the payback period for retrofitting a natural gas heating system. Results show that combining a photovoltaic system with a ground source heat pump, especially in the form of a near-surface heat exchanger, yields a shorter payback period (5 to 10 years). However, the incorporation of on-roof wind turbines into the hybrid energy system may significantly prolong the payback period and is therefore not recommended for use in low wind speed areas.
Quasi-Wireless Capacitive Power Transfer for Wire-Free Robotic Joints
Authors: Marcrum Tyler , Williams John-Caleb , Johnson Christopher S. , Pearce Matthew , Pope Carson , Van Neste C. W. , Vaughan Charles , Boyd Darren
Published: June 2024

Robotics is a highly active, multidisciplinary research area with a broad list of applications. A large research focus is to enhance modularity in order to expand kinematic capabilities, lower fabrication time, and reduce construction costs. Traditional wiring within a robot presents major challenges with mobility and long-term maintenance. Designing robotics without wires would make a significant functional impact. This work presents a new application of quasi-wireless capacitive power transfer that investigates impedance matching parameters over a highly resonant, coupled transmission line to achieve efficient power transfer over a robotic chassis. A prototype is developed and its operating metrics are analyzed with regard to the matching parameters.
Can the Water Resource Fee-to-Tax Reform Promote the “Three-Wheel Drive” of Corporate Green Energy-Saving Innovations? Quasi-Natural Experimental Evidence from China
Authors: Kang Lu , Lv Jie , Zhang Haoyang
Published: June 2024

The long-standing, unrestrained utilization of energy resources by China’s manufacturing sector has created irreversible obstacles to regional sustainable development. Consequently, the Chinese government has implemented a water resource tax policy in certain regions, with the aim of compelling manufacturing enterprises to adopt green and energy-saving innovations. This study used panel data from Chinese manufacturing companies listed on the A-share market from 2009 to 2020 and employed a double machine learning model to explore whether the water resource fee-to-tax reform can compel enterprises to enhance their tripartite green energy-saving innovation drive. These innovations consist of vision-driven and mission-driven green energy-saving technological innovations and green management energy-saving innovations. Following a quasi-natural experiment, our findings revealed the following: (1) The water resource fee-to-tax policy promoted the internal coupling coordination of the triple-driven system. (2) The policy compelled progress in mission-driven green energy-saving technological innovations and green energy-saving management innovations but hindered vision-driven green energy-saving technological innovations. (3) Within the internal systems of manufacturing enterprises, green energy-saving management innovations play a positive mediating role between the water resource fee-to-tax policy and the mission-driven green energy-saving technology innovation subsystem, but they lack a similar positive mediating mechanism for the vision-driven green energy-saving technology innovation subsystem. (4) The counterfactual framework verified that the mechanistic pathway “water resource fee-to-tax → green energy-saving management innovation → mission-driven/vision-driven green energy-saving technological innovation” could be further extended to other manufacturing enterprises not currently under policy compulsion. (5) In the interaction system between manufacturing enterprises and external markets, the development of marketization and financial technology positively regulated the promoting effect of the water resource fee-to-tax policy on mission-driven green energy-saving technological innovations and green energy-saving management innovations, but it did not have a similar effect on vision-driven green energy-saving technological innovations.
Progress and Prospects of Research on the Impact of Forest Therapy on Mental Health: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Wan Ruoyu , Wan Ruohong , Qiu Quan
Published: June 2024

This study aims to assess the global progress in research on the impact of forest therapy on mental health by using bibliometric analysis. We analyzed the relevant literature from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database by utilizing software tools such as Bibliometrix (Version 4.1), VOSviewer (Version 1.6.19), and CiteSpace (Version 6.3.R1). There appears to be a growing trend in annual publication volumes from 2006 to 2023. Miyazaki was identified as the most prolific author in this field. Japan and South Korea lead in research contributions, while China has the highest number of publications. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is the journal with the most publications and citations in this area. Recent keyword clustering reveals an increasing frequency of studies on anxiety and urban green spaces. Research findings suggest that exposure to negative air ions and compounds released by plants can stimulate the five human senses, reduce cortisol levels, and improve mental health. Although studies have demonstrated significant effects of forest therapy in alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression, more large-scale and long-term studies are needed for further evidence. Additionally, it is crucial to explore the impact of different forest types, terrains, altitudes, climates, and air conditions on the effectiveness of forest therapy on mental health.
Visual Data and Pattern Analysis for Smart Education: A Robust DRL-Based Early Warning System for Student Performance Prediction
Authors: Bagunaid Wala , Chilamkurti Naveen , Shahraki Ahmad Salehi , Bamashmos Saeed
Published: June 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) have revolutionised e-learning by creating personalised, adaptive, and secure environments. However, challenges such as privacy, bias, and data limitations persist. E-FedCloud aims to address these issues by providing more agile, personalised, and secure e-learning experiences. This study introduces E-FedCloud, an AI-assisted, adaptive e-learning system that automates personalised recommendations and tracking, thereby enhancing student performance. It employs federated learning-based authentication to ensure secure and private access for both course instructors and students. Intelligent Software Agents (ISAs) evaluate weekly student engagement using the Shannon Entropy method, classifying students into either engaged or not-engaged clusters. E-FedCloud utilises weekly engagement status, demographic information, and an innovative DRL-based early warning system, specifically ID2QN, to predict the performance of not-engaged students. Based on these predictions, the system categorises students into three groups: risk of dropping out, risk of scoring lower in the final exam, and risk of failing the end exam. It employs a multi-disciplinary ontology graph and an attention-based capsule network for automated, personalised recommendations. The system also integrates performance tracking to enhance student engagement. Data are securely stored on a blockchain using the LWEA encryption method.
The Clinical and Mutational Spectrum of Bardet–Biedl Syndrome in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Milibari Doaa , Nowilaty Sawsan R. , Ba-Abbad Rola
Published: June 2024

The retinal features of Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS) are insufficiently characterized in Arab populations. This retrospective study investigated the retinal features and genotypes of BBS in Saudi patients managed at a single tertiary eye care center. Data analysis of the identified 46 individuals from 31 families included visual acuity (VA), systemic manifestations, multimodal retinal imaging, electroretinography (ERG), family pedigrees, and genotypes. Patients were classified to have cone–rod, rod–cone, or generalized photoreceptor dystrophy based on the pattern of macular involvement on the retinal imaging. Results showed that nyctalopia and subnormal VA were the most common symptoms with 76% having VA ≤ 20/200 at the last visit (age: 5–35). Systemic features included obesity 91%, polydactyly 56.5%, and severe cognitive impairment 33%. The predominant retinal phenotype was cone–rod dystrophy 75%, 10% had rod–cone dystrophy and 15% had generalized photoreceptor dystrophy. ERGs were undetectable in 95% of patients. Among the 31 probands, 61% had biallelic variants in BBSome complex genes, 32% in chaperonin complex genes, and 6% had biallelic variants in ARL6; including six previously unreported variants. Interfamilial and intrafamilial variabilities were noted, without a clear genotype–phenotype correlation. Most BBS patients had advanced retinopathy and were legally blind by early adulthood, indicating a narrow therapeutic window for rescue strategies.
Effect of Waterlogging on Growth and Productivity of Fruit Crops
Authors: Topali Christina , Antonopoulou Chrysovalantou , Chatzissavvidis Christos
Published: June 2024

Τhe production of fresh fruit as well as olive orchards is increasing around the world, in order to meet the global demand for both fruits and olive products. This results in the spread and establishment of fruit and olive tree cultivation in areas where they were not found before, for example, plains and lowlands prone to waterlogging. Climate change is having a significant impact on the natural environment. Agricultural open-field crops have less growth and yield under these harsh weather conditions. Nowadays, unpredictable rainfall more often exposes field crops to waterlogging on a regular basis. This is a very stressful factor which can cause a reduction in yield and even total crop elimination. In this review, the morphological and physiological parameters affected by waterlogging are developed in order to understand better how olive and other fruit crops respond to waterlogging conditions and how this affects their development and productivity. Having a better understanding of these mechanisms can help us design strategies and approaches to increase fruit crop resistance to waterlogging stress.
Attempting to Create a Pathway to 15-Deacetylcalonectrin with Limited Accumulation in Cultures of Fusarium Tri3 Mutants: Insight into Trichothecene Biosynthesis Machinery
Authors: Kasahara Ena , Kitamura Yuna , Katada Miho , Mizuki Masashi , Okumura Natsuki , Sano Tomomi , Koizumi Yoshiaki , Maeda Kazuyuki , Takahashi-Ando Naoko , Kimura Makoto , Nakajima Yuichi
Published: June 2024

The compound 15-deacetylcalonectrin (15-deCAL) is a common pathway intermediate in the biosynthesis of Fusarium trichothecenes. This tricyclic intermediate is metabolized to calonectrin (CAL) by trichothecene 15-O-acetyltransferase encoded by Tri3. Unlike other trichothecene pathway Tri gene mutants, the Δtri3 mutant produces lower amounts of the knocked-out enzyme’s substrate 15-deCAL, and instead, accumulates higher quantities of earlier bicyclic intermediate and shunt metabolites. Furthermore, evolutionary studies suggest that Tri3 may play a role in shaping the chemotypes of trichothecene-producing Fusarium strains. To better understand the functional role of Tri3p in biosynthesis and evolution, we aimed to develop a method to produce 15-deCAL by using transgenic Fusarium graminearum strains derived from a trichothecene overproducer. Unfortunately, introducing mutant Tri3, encoding a catalytically impaired but structurally intact acetylase, did not improve the low 15-deCAL production level of the ΔFgtri3 deletion strain, and the bicyclic products continued to accumulate as the major metabolites of the active-site mutant. These findings are discussed in light of the enzyme responsible for 15-deCAL production in trichothecene biosynthesis machinery. To efficiently produce 15-deCAL, we tested an alternative strategy of using a CAL-overproducing transformant. By feeding a crude CAL extract to a Fusarium commune strain that was isolated in this study and capable of specifically deacetylating C-15 acetyl, 15-deCAL was efficiently recovered. The substrate produced in this manner can be used for kinetic investigations of this enzyme and its possible role in chemotype diversification.
Support Vector Machine-Based Formula for Detecting Suspected α Thalassemia Carriers: A Path toward Universal Screening
Authors: Lachover-Roth Idit , Peretz Sari , Zoabi Hiba , Harel Eitam , Livshits Leonid , Filon Dvora , Levin Carina , Koren Ariel
Published: June 2024

The blood counts of α thalassemia carriers (α-thal) are similar to those of β thalassemia carriers, except for Hemoglobin A2 (Hb A2), which is not elevated. The objective of this study was to determine whether mathematical formulas are effective for detecting suspected α-thal. The data were obtained from the database of the prevention program for detecting couples at risk for having a child with hemoglobinopathy. Red Blood Cells (RBC) indices were analyzed using mathematical formulas, and the sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. Among 1334 blood counts suspected of α-thal analyzed, only the Shine and Lal and the Support Vector Machine formulas revealed high sensitivity and NPV. Sensitivity was 85.54 and 99.33%, and NPV was 98.93 and 99.93%, respectively. Molecular defects were found in 291, and 81 had normal α genes. Molecular analysis was not performed in 962 of the samples. Based on these results, mathematical formulas incorporating one of these reliable formulas for detecting suspected α or β thalassemia carriers in the program of the automatic analyzers can flag these results, increase the awareness of the primary physicians about the carrier risk, and send an alert with a recommendation for further testing.
The Evaluation of Lipid-Lowering Treatment in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in a Hungarian Invasive Centre in 2015, 2017, and during the COVID-19 Pandemic—The Comparison of the Achieved LDL-Cholesterol Values Calculated with Friedewald and Martin–Hopkins Methods
Authors: Mark Laszlo , Fülöp Péter , Lőrincz Hajnalka , Dani Győző , Tajtiné Krisztina Fazekas , Thury Attila , Paragh György
Published: June 2024

Background/Objectives: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) represent a vulnerable population. We aimed to investigate serum lipid levels of patients with ACS upon admission and during one year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural county hospital, and compared these findings with the data of patients with ACS in 2015 and 2017. The secondary aim of this paper was the comparison of the LDL-C values calculated with the Friedewald and Martin–Hopkins methods. Methods: A retrospective analysis of lipid-lowering data of patients treated with ACS in 2015, 2017 and in a COVID-19 year (1 April 2020–31 March 2021) was performed; the patient’s numbers were 454, 513 and 531, respectively. Results: In the COVID-19 period one year after the index event, only 42% of the patients had lipid values available, while these ratios were 54% and 73% in 2017 and in 2015, respectively. Using the Friedewald formula, in the COVID-19 era the median of LDL cholesterol (LDL-F) was 1.64 (1.09–2.30) mmol/L at six months and 1.60 (1.19–2.27) mmol/L at one year, respectively. These values were 1.92 (1.33–2.27) mmol/L and 1.73 (1.36–2.43) mmol/L using the Martin–Hopkins method (LDL-MH). The LDL-F yielded significantly lower values (15% lower at six months, p = 0.044; and 8% lower at one year, p = 0.014). The LDL-F reached the previous target of 1.8 mmol/L during the COVID-19 pandemic 36% at one year vs. 48% in 2017, and 37% in 2015. The recent target LDL-C level of 1.4 mmol/L was achieved in 22% of cases in the COVID-19 pandemic, 16% in 2015 and 19% in 2017. Conclusions: A significantly lower proportion of patients with ACS had available lipid tests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Besides the lower number of available samples, the proportion of achieved 1.4 mmol/L LDL-C target lipids was stable. More rigorous outpatient care in the follow-up period may help to improve the quality of lipid lowering treatments and subsequent secondary cardiovascular prevention. If direct LDL-C determination is not available, we prefer the LDL calculation with the Martin–Hopkins method.
Reliability and Validity of Temporal Parameters during the Side Hop Test in Patients after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Stitelmann Anna , Allet Lara , Armand Stéphane , Tscholl Philippe
Published: June 2024

Background: The side hop test (SHT) measures the number of jumps performed over 30 s. Although this measure has demonstrated its value in clinical practice, the temporal parameters of the SHT allow for a deeper analysis of the execution strategy. The aim of this study is to assess the reliability and construct validity of contact time parameters during the SHT recorded by a video analysis system in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructed (ACLR) patients. Methods: We investigated the reliability (intra-rater, standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC)), discriminant validity (operated (OP) versus non-operated (NOP) side), and convergent validity (relationship with strength and psychological readiness) of SHT contact time parameters, number of valid hops and limb symmetry index (LSI) in 38 ACLR patients. Contact time parameters are presented as mean, standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation (CV) of contact time. Results: Intra-tester reliability was good to excellent for all contact time parameters. For discriminant validity, the mean and SD contact times of the OP leg were significantly longer than those of the NOP leg, although the difference was smaller than the SEM and MDC values. The number of valid jumps and CV contact time parameters were not significantly different. Isokinetic quadriceps strength (60°/s) was strongly correlated with mean contact time for both legs. However, psychological readiness was not correlated with any of the contact time parameters. Conclusions: Temporal parameters of the SHT measured on video analysis are valid and reliable parameters to assess the performance strategy of the SHT. The results should be interpreted with caution regarding the SEM and MDC values. Further studies are needed to measure criterion validity, inter-rater reliability, and responsiveness.
L1–L2 Influence in Intonation: A Case of Russophone Immigrants in Brazil
Authors: Kachkovskaia Tatiana , Lucente Luciana , Smirnova Henriques Anna , Fontes Mario Augusto de Souza , Skrelin Pavel , Madureira Sandra
Published: June 2024

This paper is devoted to the features of sentence prosody (intonation) in Brazilian Portuguese spoken by immigrants whose first language is Russian, and explores the consequences that L1–L2 influence in intonation may have for communication. The study addressed four research questions: (1) Do Brazilian Portuguese L2 speakers with Russian L1 always succeed in producing the correct utterance type? (2) Can L1–L2 influence lead to misunderstanding of connotations? (3) Is it possible that sometimes L1–L2 influence leads to being perceived as too emotional or not emotional enough? (4) Can L1–L2 influence in intonation be a significant factor in the perception of accent? In a perceptual experiment, productions of four target utterances in Brazilian Portuguese by Russian L1 and Brazilian Portuguese L1 speakers were evaluated by 124 Brazilian listeners in terms of sentence type, possible connotations, accent and arousal. The target utterances included three questions of different types and an exclamation. The findings revealed that the speaker’s L1 influenced the perception of prosodic meanings by Brazilian listeners. In some cases, interference from Russian melodic contours caused the incorrect identification of the sentence type in Brazilian Portuguese. However, even when sentence type was perceived correctly, differences could be found regarding the perception of arousal or accent.