bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary supplementation with Chinese herb ultrafine powder improves intestinal morphology and physical barrier function by altering jejunal microbiota in laying hens
Authors: Gui Jue , Azad Md Abul Kalam , Lin Wenchao , Meng Chengwen , Hu Xin , Cui Yadong , Lan Wei , He Jianhua , Kong Xiangfeng
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Chinese medicinal herbs play important roles in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. However, the effects of Chinese herb ultrafine powder (CHUP) on laying hens still need to be elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary CHUP supplementation on jejunal morphology, physical barrier function, and microbiota in laying hens.

Methods

A total of 576 Xinyang black-feather laying hens (300 days old) were randomly assigned into eight groups, with eight replicates per group and nine hens per replicate. The hens were fed a basal diet (control group) and a basal diet supplemented with 0.5% Leonuri herba (LH group), 0.25% Ligustri lucidi fructus (LF group), 0.25% Taraxaci herba (TH group), 0.5% LH + 0.25% LF (LH-LF group), 0.5% LH + 0.25% TH (LH-TH group), 0.25% LF + 0.25% TH (LF-TH group), and 0.5% LH + 0.25% LF + 0.25% TH (LH-LF-TH group), respectively, for 120 days.

Results

The results showed that dietary LH-LF and LH-LF-TH supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio of laying hens. Dietary LF-TH supplementation up-regulated jejunal claudin-5 expression, while LH supplementation up-regulated jejunal claudin-1 expression and increased the jejunal abundances of potentially beneficial bacteria related to short-chain fatty acids and bacteriocins production, such as Blautia, Carnobacterium, Clostridiales, and Erysipelotrichales (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary LH supplementation enriched (p < 0.05) the tetracycline biosynthesis, butirosin/neomycin biosynthesis, and D-arginine/D-ornithine metabolism, whereas steroid biosynthesis and limonene/pinene degradation were enriched (p < 0.05) in the LH-LF and LH-LF-TH groups. Moreover, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed the potential correlation between the abundance of the jejunal microbiota and jejunal morphology and the physical barrier function of laying hens.

Discussion

Collectively, these findings suggest that dietary CHUP supplementation could enhance the beneficial bacteria abundance, physical barrier function, and metabolic function associated with short-chain fatty acids and bacteriocins production. Moreover, combined supplementation of dietary CHUP showed better effects than the sole CHUP supplementation.
Oxidative stress in Wernicke’s encephalopathy
Authors: Wei Jun-Dong , Xu Xueming
Published: May 2023

Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is a severe life-threatening disease that occurs due to vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency (TD). It is characterized by acute mental disorder, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. TD occurs because of the following reasons: insufficient intake, increased demand, and long-term drinking due to corresponding organ damage or failure. Recent studies showed that oxidative stress (OS) can damage organs and cause TD in the brain, which further leads to neurodegenerative diseases, such as WE. In this review, we discuss the effects of TD caused by OS on multiple organ systems, including the liver, intestines, and brain in WE. We believe that strengthening the human antioxidant system and reducing TD can effectively treat WE.
The persistence of stress-induced physical inactivity in rats: an investigation of central monoamine neurotransmitters and skeletal muscle oxidative stress
Authors: Buhr Trevor J. , Reed Carter H. , Wee Olivia M. , Lee Ji Heun , Yuan Li-Lian , Fleshner Monika , Valentine Rudy J. , Clark Peter J.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Sedentary lifestyles have reached epidemic proportions world-wide. A growing body of literature suggests that exposures to adverse experiences (e.g., psychological traumas) are a significant risk factor for the development of physically inactive lifestyles. However, the biological mechanisms linking prior stress exposure and persistent deficits in physical activity engagement remains poorly understood.

Methods

The purpose of this study was twofold. First, to identify acute stress intensity thresholds that elicit long-term wheel running deficits in rats. To that end, young adult male rats were exposed to a single episode of 0, 50, or 100 uncontrollable tail shocks and then given free access to running wheels for 9 weeks. Second, to identify stress-induced changes to central monoamine neurotransmitters and peripheral muscle physiology that may be maladaptive to exercise output. For this study, rats were either exposed to a single episode of uncontrollable tail shocks (stress) or left undisturbed in home cages (unstressed). Eight days later, monoamine-related neurochemicals were quantified by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) across brain reward, motor, and emotion structures immediately following a bout of graded treadmill exercise controlled for duration and intensity. Additionally, protein markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic activity were assessed in the gastrocnemius muscle by Western blot.

Results

For experiment 1, stress exposure caused a shock number-dependent two to fourfold decrease in wheel running distance across the entire duration of the study. For experiment 2, stress exposure curbed an exercise-induced increase of dopamine (DA) turnover measures in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and augmented serotonin (5HT) turnover in the hypothalamus and remaining cortical area. However, stress exposure also caused several monoaminergic changes independent of exercise that could underlie impaired motivation for physical activity, including a mild dopamine deficiency in the striatal area. Finally, stress potently increased HSP70 and lowered SOD2 protein concentrations in the gastrocnemius muscle, which may indicate prolonged oxidative stress.

Discussion

These data support some of the possible central and peripheral mechanisms by which exposure to adverse experiences may chronically impair physical activity engagement.
Pilot study on 11C-CFT dynamic imaging using total-body PET/CT: biodistribution and radiation dosimetry in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Xin Mei , Li Lianghua , Wang Cheng , Shao Hongda , Liu Jianjun , Zhang Chenpeng
Published: May 2023

Objective

Total-body PET/CT equipment, uEXPLORER, is a newly developed imaging technology with a superior resolution, high sensitivity, and high signal-to-noise ratio, providing unique application advantages in the pharmacokinetic evaluation of positron tracers. While 11C-CFT PET/CT has been widely utilized in the early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD), it is limited by the short half-life of the radionuclide and an incomplete understanding of its biological distribution in humans. This study aimed to use a total-body PET/CT dynamic scan with 11C-CFT imaging to describe the real-time internal biodistribution in PD patients and to obtain accurate radiation dosimetry.

Methods

Six male subjects with suspected PD underwent dynamic 11C-CFT total-body PET/CT. Following a bedside intravenous bolus injection of 373.3 ± 71.56 MBq of 11C-CFT, PET acquisition was performed synchronously for 75 min with a maximum axial field of view (AFOV) of 194 cm. Time-activity curves (TACs) were generated by delineating volumes of interest (VOIs) of the sourced organs using PMOD software. Tracer kinetics and cumulative organ activities were calculated, and absorbed doses were calculated and estimated using the OLINDA/EXM software.

Results

In the systemic TAC analysis of 11C-CFT, several unique types of distribution patterns were obtained among several major organs, including a “Fast-in Fast-out” pattern in the kidneys, lungs, spleen, and thyroid, a “Fast-in Slow-out” curve in the heart wall, a “Slow-in Slow-out” mode in the liver, a “Low-level extending” pattern in the whole brain and muscle, and a “Slow-in to plateau” trend in the striatum and bone. The effective dose of 11C-CFT was calculated to be 2.83E-03 mSv/MBq, which is only one-third of the literature value measured by the conventional method. Moreover, this dose is much lower compared to all other doses of DAT radioligands used in PET imaging.

Conclusion

This study is a pioneering application of total-body PET/CT to 11C-CFT dynamic imaging. Our results confirmed that 11C-CFT has a favorable total body biodistribution, an extremely low internal radiation dose, and high imaging quality, making it suitable for reasonable PD diagnosis in patients requiring multiple follow-up examinations.
Patent foramen ovale closure in non-elderly and elderly patients with cryptogenic stroke: a hospital-based cohort study
Authors: Chen Po-Lin , Wang Chi-Sheng , Huang Jin-An , Fu Yun-Ching , Liao Nien-Chen , Hsu Chiann-Yi , Wu Yu-Hsuan
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The efficacy of patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in the elderly population is unclear. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of PFO closure in non-elderly and elderly patients.

Methods

Patients over 18 years of age with cryptogenic stroke (CS) or transient ischemic attack and PFO were prospectively enrolled and classified into two groups according to treatment: (1) closure of PFO (the PFOC group) and (2) medical treatment alone (the non-PFOC group). The primary outcome was a composite of recurrent cerebral ischemic events and all-cause mortality during the follow-up period. A modified Ranking Scale [mRS] at 180 days was recorded. The safety outcomes were procedure-related adverse events and periprocedural atrial fibrillation. The results between the PFOC and non-PFOC groups in non-elderly (<60 years) and elderly (≥60 years) patients were compared.

Results

We enrolled 173 patients, 78 (45%) of whom were elderly. During a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, the incidence of primary outcome was significantly lower in the PFOC group (6.2% vs. 17.1%, hazard ratio[HR] = 0.35, 95% CI 0.13–0.97, p = 0.043) in adjusted Cox regression analysis. Compared with the non-PFOC group, the PFOC group had a numerically lower risk of the primary outcome in both the elderly (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.07–1.01, p = 0.051) and the non-elderly (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.11–3.27, p = 0.574) groups. In addition, patients with PFO closure in the elderly group had a lower median mRS at 180 days (p = 0.002). The rate of safety outcome was similar between the non-elderly and elderly groups.

Discussion

PFO closure was associated with a reduced risk of the primary outcome in patients with PFO and CS in our total cohort, which included non-elderly and elderly patients. Compared to those without PFO closure, elderly patients with PFO closure had a better functional outcome at 180 days. PFO closure might be considered in selected elderly patients with PFO.
Diagnosis and treatment of transnasal endoscopic optic canal decompression for traumatic optic neuropathy
Authors: Tu Xiang , Xiong Cheng , Qi Hui , Ou Yangming , Rao Jing , Sun Yueqi , Fan Yunping , Liu Guiqin
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the clinical efficacy and prognostic factors of transnasal endoscopic optic decompression in the treatment of traumatic optic neuropathy (TON).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 13 TON patients in The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Shenzhen Eye Hospital in Shenzhen City (China) from June 2020 to April 2022. These patients had received transnasal endoscopic optic decompression, and hormonal and neurotrophic drugs were given after surgery. Visual acuity (VA) improvement was used as the criterion to judge clinical efficacy.

Results

In a total of 13 patients, 13 injured eyes (12 men and 1 woman; mean age, 28.0 ± 11.8 years) received transnasal endoscopic optic decompression. After surgery, nine patients had improved VA, whereas four patients failed to show any improvement, resulting in a total effective rate of 69.2%. Of the six patients with no light perception preoperatively, three had effective results after the operation, giving an effective rate of 50.0%. Of the seven patients with residual light sensation preoperatively, six had effective results after the operation, giving an effective rate of 85.7%. Of the 10 patients operated on within 7 days after injury, seven had effective results, giving an effective rate of 70%. Of the three patients injured and operated on after 7 days, two had effective results, giving an effective rate of 66.7%.

Conclusion

Transnasal endoscopic optic nerve decompression is an effective treatment method for TON. The presence of residual light perception and the timing of surgery within 7 days are crucial to the prognosis.
Aging affects GABAergic function and calcium homeostasis in the mammalian central clock
Authors: Olde Engberink Anneke H. O. , de Torres Gutiérrez Pablo , Chiosso Anna , Das Ankita , Meijer Johanna H. , Michel Stephan
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Aging impairs the function of the central circadian clock in mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), leading to a reduction in the output signal. The weaker timing signal from the SCN results in a decline in rhythm strength in many physiological functions, including sleep–wake patterns. Accumulating evidence suggests that the reduced amplitude of the SCN signal is caused by a decreased synchrony among the SCN neurons. The present study was aimed to investigate the hypothesis that the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance plays a role in synchronization within the network.

Methods

Using calcium (Ca2+) imaging, the polarity of Ca2+ transients in response to GABA stimulation in SCN slices of old mice (20–24 months) and young controls was studied.

Results

We found that the amount of GABAergic excitation was increased, and that concordantly the E/I balance was higher in SCN slices of old mice when compared to young controls. Moreover, we showed an effect of aging on the baseline intracellular Ca2+ concentration, with higher Ca2+ levels in SCN neurons of old mice, indicating an alteration in Ca2+ homeostasis in the aged SCN. We conclude that the change in GABAergic function, and possibly the Ca2+ homeostasis, in SCN neurons may contribute to the altered synchrony within the aged SCN network.
Epileptic seizures detection and the analysis of optimal seizure prediction horizon based on frequency and phase analysis
Authors: Jiang Ximiao , Liu Xiaotong , Liu Youjun , Wang Qingyun , Li Bao , Zhang Liyuan
Published: May 2023

Changes in the frequency composition of the human electroencephalogram are associated with the transitions to epileptic seizures. Cross-frequency coupling (CFC) is a measure of neural oscillations in different frequency bands and brain areas, and specifically phase–amplitude coupling (PAC), a form of CFC, can be used to characterize these dynamic transitions. In this study, we propose a method for seizure detection and prediction based on frequency domain analysis and PAC combined with machine learning. We analyzed two databases, the Siena Scalp EEG database and the CHB-MIT database, and used the frequency features and modulation index (MI) for time-dependent quantification. The extracted features were fed to a random forest classifier for classification and prediction. The seizure prediction horizon (SPH) was also analyzed based on the highest-performing band to maximize the time for intervention and treatment while ensuring the accuracy of the prediction. Under comprehensive consideration, the results demonstrate that better performance could be achieved at an interval length of 5 min with an average accuracy of 85.71% and 95.87% for the Siena Scalp EEG database and the CHB-MIT database, respectively. As for the adult database, the combination of PAC analysis and classification can be of significant help for seizure detection and prediction. It suggests that the rarely used SPH also has a major impact on seizure detection and prediction and further explorations for the application of PAC are needed.
Processing negative autobiographical memories in a foreign language
Authors: Ortigosa-Beltrán Isabel , Jaén Irene , García-Palacios Azucena
Published: May 2023

The use of a foreign language has been introduced in the clinical setting as a form of emotional distance to help deal with negative experiences. However, the evidence of foreign language reducing emotionality during processing negative events is still scarce. This study aims to test whether the description and processing of a traumatic or highly emotional event in a foreign language could modulate the strength of the connection between traumatic symptomatology and emotional reaction. For this purpose, a sample of 128 healthy participants completed a series of questionnaires via an online platform. Firstly, their levels of distress, arousal and valence were assessed in their native language. Secondly, they were assigned to either the native language or the foreign language group and described a negative childhood event in the assigned language (English or Spanish), followed by five questions for processing the event. Next, their emotionality was assessed again in their native language. Finally, a questionnaire of traumatic stress symptoms and an avoidance scale were completed. Results showed that the relationship between traumatic symptomatology and emotionality was moderated by the language of processing the negative event. Specifically, traumatic symptomatology was more strongly associated with distress and arousal change when the processing task was performed in the native language. These findings suggest the influence of a foreign language on emotional reactivity when a negative experience is processed, which could be an essential tool in the treatment of disorders related to stress and trauma.
Nomophobia and smartphone addiction amidst COVID-19 home confinement: the parallel mediating role of digital gaming and social media tools usage across secondary school students
Authors: Aydin Mehmet Kemal , Kuş Metin
Published: May 2023

Introduction

With the inevitable technological boom enforced by the COVID-19 lockdowns and online emergency remote teaching practices, the prevalence of nomophobia (NMP) and smartphone addiction (SA) among adolescents has become a pressing issue, which has come under scrutiny. However, the impact of social media tools usage (SMTU) and digital gaming behavior (DGB) on these phenomena remains unclear since there is little research focusing on the complex interplay among these variables. Regarding this context, the present study aimed to explore the parallel mediating role of secondary school students’ SMTU and DGB in the relation between NMP and SA.

Methods

In line with this aim, we employed a cross-sectional design with a critical case sampling strategy and collected data through an online survey from a total of 427 secondary school students in Istanbul in the 2021-2022 academic year. In order to test the parallel mediation model, we employed multiple linear regression models by utilizing PROCESS models with 5000 BC bootstrap samples and 95% CI.

Results and discussion

Results illustrated that there was an increase in the prevalence of NMP and SA during the COVID-19 home confinement as consistent with the previous research. The results also indicated that among the multiple mediators, the mediating role of SMTU was significant in the relation between NMP and SA. This means NMP has direct and indirect significant impact on SA through SMTU. However, the mediating role of DGB was found nonsignificant in this relationship. Our results are robust and hold key contributions to both theoria and praxis in educational psychology research realm by disentangling the complex underlying mechanism between NMP, SMTU, DGB, and SA. On the practical side, our results provide insightful implications for school boards and researchers in the development of effective interventions.
A balancing act: how interpreters affect the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy with trauma-affected refugees—a qualitative study with therapists
Authors: Hanft-Robert Saskia , Lindberg Laura Glahder , Mösko Mike , Carlsson Jessica
Published: May 2023

Objective

The therapeutic alliance (TA) has the highest predictive value concerning the success of psychotherapy. The presented study aimed to explore how the presence of an interpreter affects the TA when working with trauma-affected refugees.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven psychologists working in an outpatient clinic specialized in mental health care for migrant and refugee patients with trauma-related mental health problems in Denmark. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a structuring content analysis approach.

Results

TA has been described as a dynamic therapist-interpreter-patient alliance triangle consisting of three distinct but highly intertwined and mutually influential dyadic alliances. Specific factors affecting the quality of the TA were identified, e.g., interpreter being emotionally attuned yet not overly involved; interpreter being barely visible yet present as a human being. Characteristics of trauma-affected refugee patients affecting the TA formation were also identified, e.g., a high level of personal distrust, different understandings of mental disorders and psychotherapy, stigmatization, perceptions of authorities.

Conclusion

The presence of interpreters was perceived ambivalently and the formation of a good TA seems to be a balancing act. Based on the findings, recommendations for forming and maintaining a good TA in interpreter-mediated psychotherapy are provided.
Dual career competency questionnaire for athletes: psychometric properties of the Brazilian version
Authors: Grubertt Guilherme Alves , Márquez Sara , Serassuelo Junior Helio
Published: May 2023

Introduction

No studies have yet attempted to quantitatively measure the competencies of Brazilian student-athletes. Consequently, there are no validated measures suitable for this purpose. The aim of this research was to examine the psychometric properties and assess content validity, factorial validity and evidence based on response processes of the Brazilian version of the Dual Career Competency Questionnaire for Athletes (DCCQ-A).

Methods

The Brazilian DCCQ-A was administered to 745 student-athletes (Mage = 17.3 ± 5.4; 54% female; 8% student-athletes with disabilities).

Results

Content validity coefficient analysis indicated clarity of language, theoretical pertinence, and practical relevance of the Brazilian DCCQ-A items. Confirmatory factorial analysis revealed excellent goodness-of-fit indices of the 4-factor structure model. Polytomous Rasch analysis demonstrated an acceptable adjustment of the items and good organization in the item response categories.

Discussion

Considering the psychometric strength of the Brazilian DCCQ-A, this instrument can contribute to the practical and research applicability of sport psychology, providing support to those involved with student-athletes’ dual career by identifying their competencies and possible limitations.
Association between duration of electronic screen use for non-educational purposes and depression symptoms among middle and high school students: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Wang Hao , Bragg Fiona , Guan Yunqi , Zhong Jieming , Li Na , Pan Jin , Yu Min
Published: May 2023

Background

Existing literature on the association of electronic screen use duration with depression among adolescents is contradictory. The current study aimed to elucidate the association between duration of electronic screen use for non-educational purposes and depression symptoms among middle and high school students in Zhejiang Province, China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 27,070 students in grades 7–12 from 376 middle and high schools was conducted through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire between April and June 2022. Poisson regression was utilized to examine the association between electronic screen use duration for non-educational purposes and depression symptoms.

Results

Of the 27,006 eligible students, 51.6% (13932) were boys and the mean (SD) age was 15.6(1.7) years. The overall prevalence of symptoms of depression was 22.4% (95%CI 21.4–23.4); girls (27.6%, 26.2–29.0) had a higher prevalence than boys (17.7%, 16.7–18.8). After adjustment for socio-demographic status, lifestyle factors, self-perceived health, academic performance, loneliness and sadness, compared to those who did not use electronic screens for non-educational purposes, the prevalence ratios (PRs) for depression symptoms were 1.03 (95% CI 1.02–1.04) for those exposed to electronic screens for <1 h/day, 1.07 (1.05–1.09) for 1.0–1.9 h/day, 1.10 (1.07–1.13) for 2.0–2.9 h/day, 1.14 (1.10–1.18) for 3.0–3.9 h/day, 1.18 (1.12–1.23) for 4.0–4.9 h/day, and 1.21 (1.15–1.29) for ≥5 h/day.

Conclusion

Duration of electronic screen use for non-educational purposes was positively associated with symptoms of depression among middle and high school students, even with a relatively short daily duration of use.
Toward social-health integration in Sicily: description of the first hub and spoke model to improve the diagnostic therapeutic care paths for neurorehabilitation
Authors: De Cola Maria Cristina , Ielo Augusto , Lo Buono Viviana , Quartarone Angelo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The study describes a hub and spoke network for neuro-rehabilitation recently activated in Sicily, and evaluates the before-after changes yielded, in terms of integrated care.

Methods

A set of indicators based on data contained in the administrative database of inpatients of the Regional Health System are presented and discussed. Statistical analysis was conducted both globally and separately for the 9 Sicilian provinces (Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Siracusa, Ragusa, and Trapani).

Results

Results showed an increase in admissions of people residing in the province where the Spokes have been opened: Trapani (+32.4%), Messina (+7.8%) and Palermo (+4.4%); besides a significant increase of patients from healthcare facilities proportion (p = 0.001) and from acute wards (p = 0.029). In addition, we found a decrease of discharge to protected healthcare facilities (p = 0.001) and to acute wards (p < 0.001), as well as an increase of discharges to home (p = 0.018).

Discussion

In conclusion, it would seem that the activation of this network has facilitated the management of these patients, avoiding unnecessary migrations to other provinces and/or regions, and improving the regional care service for neuro-rehabilitation. Future research will be direct to investigate this aspect, focusing on before-after variations in hospitalization rates and origin– destination patient flows.
From research to a political commitment to strengthen access to surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia care in Africa by 2030
Authors: M'pele Pierre , Seyi-Olajide Justina O. , Elongo Tarcisse , Lemvik Jorn , Dovlo Delanyo , Ameh Emmanuel A.
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to engage African leaders and key stakeholders to commit themselves toward the strengthening of surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia care systems by 2030 in Africa.

Methods

From research to a political commitment, a baseline assessment was performed to foster the identification of the gaps in surgical care as a first step of an inclusive process. The preliminary findings were discussed during the International Symposium on Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Systems Strengthening by 2030 in Africa. The conclusions served to draft the Dakar Declaration and its Regional Action Plan 2022–2030 to improve access to surgical care by 2030 in Africa, endorsed by Heads of State.

Results

The International Symposium was composed of two meetings that gathered (i) 85 scientific experts and (ii) 28 ministers of health or representatives from 28 sub-Saharan African countries. The 28 African countries represent (i) 51% of the continent's total population, (ii) 68% of the 47 African countries of the WHO Africa Region, (iii) 58% of all African Union countries, and (vi) 79% (3,371) of the WHO Africa Region's total (4,271) health districts. The International Symposium and the Heads of State Summit successfully produced the Dakar Declaration on access to equitable, affordable, and quality Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthesia Care by 2030 in Africa and its Regional Actions Plan 2022–2030 which prioritizes 12 urgent actions needed to be implemented, six strategic priorities, 16 key indicators, and an annual dashboard to monitor progress.

Conclusion

The Dakar Declaration and its Regional Action Plan 2022–2030 are a commitment to establish quality and sustainable surgical, obstetric, and anesthesia care in each African country within the ambitious framework of “The Africa we want” Agenda 2063.
Who is disabled? On whether the functional definition of disability targets the same individuals as the subjective definition
Authors: Baart Judith , Elbers Willem , Schippers Alice
Published: May 2023

With the increased attention to disability as a vulnerability criterion in the Sustainable Development Goals, international organizations and NGOs within the international development sector have started to pay explicit attention to persons with disabilities, including the collection of data on persons with disabilities. The Washington Group Short Set of Questions, which focuses on functional limitations, has been gaining popularity as an assessment tool for disability. This set of questions reflects a categorization of disability that does not necessarily correspond with subjective disability assessments, such as the yes/no question (“do you have a disability?”) which many development actors have used in their assessment tools when they collect disability data This study compares the subjective and the functional limitations assessment tools for disability to answer the question: do they identify the same individuals as persons with disabilities? Based on a survey carried out amongst persons with disabilities in Cambodia, we included both the Washington Group Short Set and a subjective question asking respondents to self-identify their disability type. We find that, although all respondents self-identified as disabled, not all respondents would be considered disabled according to the Washington Group Short Set of questions. In addition, there is little overlap between specific disability types according to a subjective classification method and the domains of functioning measured through the Washington Group methodology. Our findings affirm that categorization as abled or disabled depends on the tool used. This is important, as the assessment approach chosen by those collecting disability data can shape the design choices of policies and programs, and determine who benefits.
Drivers, advances, and significance of measures for effective circular food packaging
Authors: Poças Fátima , do Céu Selbourne Maria
Published: May 2023

This paper provides an overview of the fundamental aspects pertaining an effective circular packaging. The main challenges of food packaging systems to comply with the principles of circular economy are addressed. A perspective of the technical issues that drive packaging developments is given, and the main barriers and limiting factors for packaging waste reduction, reusing, and recycling are discussed, particularly as applied to plastic packaging. The state-of-art of recycling plastics for food contact is presented, as well as the gaps for safety assurance. The relevance of consumer and the impact on the whole chain is discussed under the framework of citizens motivation, ability, and opportunity to engage the different measures. Finally, the main measures under the scope of the packaging and waste regulation, and foreseen amendments, and of the plastics recycling directive are briefly presented.
Preparation, structure characterization and functional properties of pea dregs resistant dextrin
Authors: Li Liangyu , He Tianfeng , Ling Yang , Li Xiaohong , Sui Chunguang , Cao Rong-an , Li Chaoyang
Published: May 2023

Background

Peas (Pisum sativum L.), the second largest edible bean in the world, have comprehensive and balanced nutrition. In China, peas are mainly used in the processing of starch and related products, during which a large amount of processing by-products—pea dregs—is produced. Because of its large particle size, coarse texture, and difficulty in storage, it is mostly discarded or used as feed, resulting in unnecessary waste.

Materials and methods

The preparation and simulated moving bed chromatographic purification process conditions of pea-resistant dextrin were optimized using pea production waste-pea residue as raw material, and structural characterization and functional properties of pea residue-resistant dextrin were analyzed.

Results

The results showed that the optimal preparation process conditions for pea-resistant dextrin were as follows: acid concentration 1.0%, acid addition 7.3%, treatment temperature 178.8°C, and treatment time 92.5 min. Subsequently, the pea-resistant dextrin content of 42.15 ± 0.16% was obtained. The optimal SSMB purification conditions were as follows: feed volume 455 g/h, feed volume 682 g/h, circulation volume 346 mL, outlet concentration 24.8 ± 0.2%, purity 99.35 ± 0.17%, and yield 91.08 ± 0.42%. The structural characterization revealed that pea-resistant dextrin had large and variable particle size and amorphous structure; the chemical bond or functional group differences between pea-resistant dextrin and pea starch were not significant; pea-resistant dextrin was a glucose-based dextran with a monosaccharide composition of 2.6% arabinose, 1.5% xylose, and 95.9% glucose, and its molecular weight was (601.1 ± 8.5) × 103 u. Functional characterization revealed that the RS content of pea-resistant dextrin was 92.35%, which had significantly slow digestive properties as well as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects.

Conclusions

Using pea dregs to produce pea dregs resistant dextrin has low production cost and significant functional characteristics, which can be widely applied in the food industry.
Assessing the Value of Organic Fertilizers from the Perspective of EU Farmers
Authors: Tröster Michael Friedrich
Published: May 2023

Fertilizer prices have risen worldwide since the end of 2021. In this context, the value of organic fertilizers has also changed from the farmers’ perspective. Hence, an open question about their value arises with an increased demand for organic fertilizers. This question must be addressed individually for each farm. Hence, a linear optimization model is applied. The model can be adapted to farm conditions and provides mineral and organic fertilizers as plant nutrition variables. The price level at which an organic fertilizer becomes competitive within the farm can be identified by parameterizing the organic fertilizer prices. This substitution value marks the maximum price a buyer could pay for a particular fertilizer. This method is repeated in the study in different scenarios. For an exemplary digestate (N-P2O5-K2O = 5-2-5 kg per ton), substitution values between EUR 1.70 and EUR 16 per ton could be determined, excluding transport and application cost. This study provides a basis for a decision support system that farmers can use to determine the value of organic fertilizers. As a positive implication, it can be expected that organic fertilizers will be used where they contribute best to value creation.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Banana Rachis: A Potential Edible Coating to Extend the Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruit
Authors: Abdullah Ahmed H. , Awad-Allah Mostafa A. A. , Abd-Elkarim Naglaa A. A. , Ahmed Zienab F. R. , Taha Eman M. A.
Published: May 2023

Cellulose derivatives, as edible coating for fruits and vegetables, have been broadly applied due to their availability, stability, solubility, safety, and low price. Therefore, this study was conducted to (1) extract cellulose from the banana plant rachis, (2) convert it into carboxymethyl (CMC), and (3) use the produced CMC as an edible coating to retard senescence and prolong the storage life of strawberry fruit. Preparation of CMC was accomplished by an etherification process, utilizing sodium hydroxide and monochloroacetic acid (MCA), with ethanol as a supporting medium. Characterization of CMC was done by analyzing the spectra of FTIR, degree of substitution (DS), ash content, CMC yield, water and oil holding capacity, in addition to physical characteristics. A storage study with CMC as an edible coating was conducted to investigate its impact on the shelf life of stored strawberry fruits. High purity food-grade CMC was successfully produced. CMC showed a yield of 156.25% with a DS of 0.78, a water holding capacity of 11.24 g/g, and an oil holding capacity of 1.60 g/g. The resulted CMC was well suited for edible coating preparation and was used effectively to prolong the shelf life of stored strawberry fruits at 22 °C to 6 days and to 16 days for that stored at 4 °C. Weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), decay percentage, pH, anthocyanin content, ascorbic acid content, firmness, and sensory characteristics of CMC coated strawberry fruit stored at 4 °C were better than those stored at 22 °C. Thus, CMC edible coating prepared from banana rachis could be recommended as a potential postharvest treatment to delay postharvest senescence and maintain the quality of ambient and cold stored fruits.
Research on the Flexible Heating Model of an Air-Source Heat Pump System in Nursery Pig Houses
Authors: Wang Hua , Liu Jijun , Wu Zhonghong , Liu Jia , Yi Lu , Li Yixue , Li Siqi , Wang Meizhi
Published: May 2023

Maximizing the utilization of renewable energy for heating is crucial for reducing energy consumption in pig houses and enhancing energy efficiency. However, the mismatch between peak solar radiation and peak heat load demand in nursery pig houses results in energy waste. Therefore, we investigated a flexible air-source heat pump system (F-ASHP) based on the hourly-scale energy transfer of solar energy. A theoretical calculation model for F-ASHPs in pig houses in the heating areas of northern China has been established through on-site testing and Simulink. This study investigated the heat storage and release of four energy storage materials in pens and the variation in heat load in the house, validating the accuracy of the model. The results show that the F-ASHP can effectively match the peak solar heat and peak heat load in the house. Among the four energy storage materials in pens, the magnesium oxide heat storage brick material performed the best. During intermittent solar periods, it released 3319.20 kJ of heat, reducing the heat load in the pig house by 10.1% compared with that by the air-source heat pump (ASHP). This study provides a theoretical model for flexible heating calculations in pig houses in northern China and aims to serve as a valuable resource for selecting energy-storage pens.
Quantitative Assessment of Cold Injury in Tea Plants by Terahertz Spectroscopy Method
Authors: Lu Yongzong , Asante Eric Amoah , Duan Hongwei , Hu Yongguang
Published: May 2023

Cold injury (CI) causes irreversible damage to tea plants, which results in decline in the quality of famous teas and huge economic loss. A new, quick, non-destructive method is provided to assess the CI of tea leaf based on terahertz (THz) spectroscopy. Absorbance of the samples was measured with THz spectroscopy in frequency bands from 0.1 to 1.6 THz under low temperature treatments of 4.0, 0, −2.5, −5.0, −7.5, and −10.0 °C. Fast Fourier transformation was explored to decompose the endpoint signal to improve the ratio of signal to air and convert the time-domain spectra to the corresponding frequency-domain spectra. To improve the separation of overlap signals caused by substantial scattering of injured cells in the leaf, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) and average intensity (AI) were introduced into the partial least squares regression (PLSR) to build 2DCOS–PLSR and AI–PLSR models. Quantitative assessments of the 2DCOS–PLSR and AI–PLSR models were conducted to evaluate the three models. The assessment results showed that the correlation coefficients of the 2DCOS–PLSR model (R2D) were 0.7873, 0.8305, and 0.9103, respectively. The root mean square errors of the 2DCOS–PLSR model (RMSE2D) were 0.6032, 0.5763, and 0.5221, respectively. For the AI–PLSR model, RAI values were 0.7477, 0.7691, and 0.8974, respectively. RMSEAI values were 0.6038, 0.5962, and 0.5797. The combination of THz spectroscopy with the 2DCOS–PLSR model provided a better benchmark for the input interval selection and improved the accuracy of cold-injury detection results.
Grassland Ecology and Ecosystem Management for Sustainable Livestock Performance
Authors: Harmon Deidre D. , Rayburn Edward B. , Griggs Thomas C.
Published: May 2023

Grassland ecosystems differ in plant and animal species composition and appearance depending on the location and climate [...]
Identification of Runs of Homozygosity Islands and Functional Variants in Wenchang Chicken
Authors: Tian Shuaishuai , Tang Wendan , Zhong Ziqi , Wang Ziyi , Xie Xinfeng , Liu Hong , Chen Fuwen , Liu Jiaxin , Han Yuxin , Qin Yao , Tan Zhen , Xiao Qian
Published: May 2023

Wenchang chickens, a native breed in the Hainan province of China, are famous for their meat quality and adaptability to tropical conditions. For effective management and conservation, in the present study, we systematically investigated the characteristics of genetic variations and runs of homozygosity (ROH) along the genome using re-sequenced whole-genome sequencing data from 235 Wenchang chickens. A total of 16,511,769 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 53,506 ROH segments were identified in all individuals, and the ROH of Wenchang chicken were mainly composed of short segments (0–1 megabases (Mb)). On average, 5.664% of the genome was located in ROH segments across the Wenchang chicken samples. According to several parameters, the genetic diversity of the Wenchang chicken was relatively high. The average inbreeding coefficient of Wenchang chickens based on FHOM, FGRM, and FROH was 0.060 ± 0.014, 0.561 ± 0.020, and 0.0566 ± 0.01, respectively. A total of 19 ROH islands containing 393 genes were detected on 9 different autosomes. Some of these genes were putatively associated with growth performance (AMY1a), stress resistance (THEMIS2, PIK3C2B), meat traits (MBTPS1, DLK1, and EPS8L2), and fat deposition (LANCL2, PPARγ). These findings provide a better understanding of the degree of inbreeding in Wenchang chickens and the hereditary basis of the characteristics shaped under selection. These results are valuable for the future breeding, conservation, and utilization of Wenchang and other chicken breeds.
Grid Nodes Selection Strategies for Power Quality Monitoring
Authors: Liubčuk Vladislav , Radziukynas Virginijus , Naujokaitis Darius , Kairaitis Gediminas
Published: May 2023

In the past few years, technical progress has determined traditional electric power system conversion to Smart Grids, and consequently empowered a worldwide renaissance in the forgotten PQ field. Since the installation of PQ monitors is currently associated with high investments and operational costs, it is inappropriate to install a monitor on each grid busbar. Hence, grid operators must establish the best cost–benefit scenario for monitors installation and achieve maximal observability with a limited number of analyzers. Firstly, this paper presents a review of the state-of-the-art of displacement strategies, and discusses them regarding the tendencies of node selection criteria, the test schemes used, and the grid size. Secondly, the relevant fundamental issues which must be solved in the future in order to eliminate restrictions in PQ monitors’ allocation planning are presented and discussed. These issues concern the treatment, interpretation, and assessment of PQ events, measurement chain technical features, PQ’s role in the grid planning stage, communication technologies, and other remote monitoring aspects, and integration with other Smart Grid applications. The provided insights are based on experience which has been obtained during the PQ measurement campaign in the Lithuanian DSO grid. Finally, a PQ system development strategy—both short-term and long-term perspectives—in the Lithuanian distribution grid is presented, including monitors allocation criteria.
Fully Homomorphic Encryption with Optimal Key Generation Secure Group Communication in Internet of Things Environment
Authors: Albakri Ashwag , Alshahrani Reem , Alharbi Fares , Ahamed Saahira Banu
Published: May 2023

The Internet of Things or “IoT” determines the highly interconnected network of heterogeneous devices where each type of communication seems to be possible, even unauthorized. Consequently, the security requirement for these networks became crucial, while conventional Internet security protocol was identified as unusable in these types of networks, especially because of some classes of IoT devices with constrained resources. Secure group communication (SGC) in the IoT environment is vital to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of data swapped within a collection of IoT devices. Typically, IoT devices were resource-constrained with limited memory, processing, energy, and power, which makes SGC a difficult task. This article designs a Fully Homomorphic Encryption with Optimal Key Generation Secure Group Communication (FHEOKG-SGC) technique in the IoT environment. The presented FHEOKG-SGC technique mainly focuses on the encryption and routing of data securely in the IoT environment via group communication. To accomplish this, the presented FHEOKG-SGC technique initially designs an FHE-based encryption technique to secure the data in the IoT environment. Next, the keys in the FHE technique are chosen optimally using the sine cosine algorithm (SCA). At the same time, the plum tree algorithm (PTA) is applied for the identification of the routes in the IoT network. Finally, the FHEOKG-SGC technique employs a trust model to improve the secure communication process, and the key management center is used for optimal handling of the keys. The simulation analysis of the FHEOKG-SGC technique is tested using a series of experiments, and the outcomes are studied under various measures. An extensive comparative study highlighted the improvement of the FHEOKG-SGC algorithm over other recent approaches.
Directional Amplification at Rock Sites in Fault Damage Zones
Authors: Pischiutta Marta , Rovelli Antonio , Salvini Francesco , Fletcher Jon B. , Savage Martha K.
Published: May 2023

Site effects refer to the modification of ground shaking caused by the local geological conditions that can result in the strong amplification of ground motion. The best-known cause for site effects is the presence of superficial soft soil deposits, which are considered in seismic design codes of many countries through the use of scaling factors. Rock sites are assumed to show no local site amplification. However, even at rock sites, seismic waves can be locally amplified at frequencies of engineering interest, with larger motion along one site-specific azimuth on the horizontal plane (the so called “directional site resonance or amplification”). These effects have been related to the presence of large-scale open cracks or microcracks in different geological environments (faults, landslides, volcanic areas) everywhere with a common signature: maximum amplification occurs transverse to the predominant fracture strike. In this paper, we summarize our main results obtained in the last decade with regard to several fault zones with different kinematics, where ground motion is polarized (and amplified) perpendicularly to the predominant fracture field as an effect of the stiffness anisotropy. In order to give a further constraint, we also show some cases where the directional amplification effects were compared with the S-wave splitting analysis method.