bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Affordance embeddings for situated language understanding
Authors: Krishnaswamy Nikhil , Pustejovsky James
Published: September 2022

Much progress in AI over the last decade has been driven by advances in natural language processing technology, in turn facilitated by large datasets and increased computation power used to train large neural language models. These systems demonstrate apparently sophisticated linguistic understanding or generation capabilities, but often fail to transfer their skills to situations they have not encountered before. We argue that computational situated grounding of linguistic information to real or simulated scenarios provide a solution to some of these learning challenges by creating situational representations that both serve as a formal model of the salient phenomena, and contain rich amounts of exploitable, task-appropriate data for training new, flexible computational models. We approach this problem from aneurosymbolicperspective, using multimodal contextual modeling of interactive situations, events, and object properties, particularlyaffordedbehaviors, andhabitats, the situations that condition them. These properties are tightly coupled to processes of situated grounding, and herein we discuss we combine neural and symbolic methods with multimodal simulations to create a platform, VoxWorld, for modeling communication in context, and we demonstrate how neural embedding vectors of symbolically-encoded object affordances facilitate transferring knowledge of objects and situations to novel entities, and learning how to recognize and generate linguistic and gestural denotations.
Minimizing Impacts of Future Renewable Energy Development on the World's Desert Ecosystems
Authors: McClung Maureen R. , Moran Matthew D.
Published: September 2022

Renewable energy development is rapidly increasing across the world, providing affordable and more environmentally sustainable energy to many populations. However, renewable energy, such as solar and wind, can have large land footprints through conversion and modification of natural habitats. One of the more intact habitats on Earth is the desert biome, which contains large areas of roadless regions and, in some places, high biodiversity. Since they are often windy and sunny, desert regions also tend to be rich in renewable energy resources. Using publicly available geospatial data, we calculated that the highest resource areas for wind overlap with 79% of roadless areas and the highest resource areas for solar overlap 28% of roadless areas, globally. High resource wind and solar areas overlap high plant diversity regions by 56 and 79%, respectively, but because high plant diversity desert areas are localized, these overlap areas represent a tiny proportion of the total potentially economically valuable wind and solar regions. These results suggest that desert regions remaining ecologically intact are at risk from renewable energy development. However, strategic siting in abundant, lower quality desert areas might mitigate this issue, especially when areas already impacted by human activity are available. Selected regions presented in detail demonstrate the risks to these habitats and strategies to minimize ecosystem damage. We urge governments and industries to consider placement of wind and solar energy projects that minimize environmental impacts to lands that, up to this point, remain relatively untransformed by human activities.
Short-term reuse of catheters is associated with microbiological and structural burden: A prospective pilot case series
Authors: Grasdal Mark , Lai Rachel , Walter Matthias , Krassioukov Andrei V.
Published: September 2022

The aim of this pilot study was to assess the short-term microbiological burden and surface damage of catheters for intermittent catheterization (IC) in adult individuals with chronic (> 1-year) spinal cord injury (SCI). Three participants (two females, one male mean age 52 years) were asked to clean and reuse polyvinyl chloride catheters for IC over three days. Urine and catheter swab samples were collected on each day for microbiological analysis. After reuse, all catheters were analyzed via electron microscopy. Of all catheter swab cultures, 14 were negative, 12 were contaminated (i.e. skin or mixed flora), and one had growth of Haematomicrobium sanguinis. All urine cultures revealed either growth of Escherichia coli (n=10) in participants 1 and 2, or Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=4) or mixed enteric flora (n=1) in participant 3. Since all participants had asymptomatic bacteriuria with a significant number of colony-forming units per liter (CFU/L, i.e. > 100’000’000) prior to the study, we could not observe additional increases in the microbial growth (i.e. urine culture). Electron microscopy showed signs of surface damage, accumulation of debris and bacterial colonization on the exterior surface and lumen of the reused catheters. Thus, future studies should exclude participants with pre-study bacteriuria. Furthermore, a longer study duration as well as conducting electron microscopy of catheters after varied days of reuse could provide even better evidence on how structural and microbial changes of reused catheters progress over time.
The inclusion of disability within efforts to address menstrual health during humanitarian emergencies: A systematized review
Authors: Wilbur Jane , Clemens Felicity , Sweet Elisabeth , Banks Lena Morgon , Morrison Chloe
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Women and girls with disabilities may be excluded from efforts to achieve menstrual health during emergencies. The review objectives were to (1) identify and map the scope of available evidence on the inclusion of disability in menstrual health during emergencies and (2) understand its focus in comparison to menstrual health for people without disabilities in emergencies.

Methods

Eligible papers covered all regions and emergencies. Peer-reviewed papers were identified by conducting searches, in February 2020 and August 2021, across six online databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, ReliefWeb, and Cinahal Plus); gray literature was identified through OpenGrey, Gray Literature Report, Google Scholar, and Million Short. Eligible papers included data on menstrual health for women and girls with and without disabilities in emergencies.

Results

Fifty-one papers were included; most focused on Southern Asia and man-made hazards. Nineteen papers contained primary research, whilst 32 did not. Four of the former were published in peer-reviewed journals; 34 papers were high quality. Only 26 papers mentioned menstrual health and disability in humanitarian settings, but the discussion was fleeting and incredibly light. Social support, behavioral expectations, knowledge, housing, shelter, water and sanitation infrastructure, disposal facilities, menstrual material availability, and affordability were investigated. Women and girls with disabilities rarely participated in menstrual health efforts, experienced reduced social support, and were less able to access water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, including disposal facilities. Cash transfers and hygiene kit distribution points were often inaccessible for people with disabilities; few outreach schemes existed. Hygiene kits provided were not always appropriate for people with disabilities. Caregivers (all genders) require but lack guidance about how to support an individual with disabilities to manage menstruation.

Conclusion

Minimal evidence exists on menstrual health and disabilities in emergencies; what does exist rarely directly involves women and girls with disabilities or their caregivers. Deliberate action must be taken to generate data about their menstrual health requirements during humanitarian crises and develop subsequent evidence-based solutions. All efforts must be made in meaningful participation with women and girls with disabilities and their caregivers to ensure interventions are appropriate.

Systematic review registration

Identifier: CRD42021250937.
Second-Class Citizen in the Heliophysics Community
Authors: Kahler Stephen
Published: September 2022

The study of solar energetic particles (SEPs) is an important area of solar research and space weather. An SEP event extends over large regions of the heliosphere, involves energy ranges varying by decades, and evolves over various time and spatial scales and with ion composition, but with SEP observations limited to in situ detections on a few spacecraft for any given event, we are unable to observe these properties synoptically. Solar studies in general are the beneficiaries of imaging and remote sensing observations over practically all wavelengths and timescales from ground and space based detectors that drive increasingly highly sophisticated models. I see this divide as creating a two-class system for researchers, with us SEP researchers as second class members. Following a brief review of my experience with solar imagery and failed ideas on remote imaging of SEP events, I review two remarkable developments that give hope for some new SEP imaging technique. Finally, I discuss two poorly understood questions of impulsive and gradual SEP events that I think can be feasibly approached with current modeling techniques.
Differentiating Between the Leading Processes for Electron Radiation Belt Acceleration
Authors: Lejosne Solène , Allison Hayley J. , Blum Lauren W. , Drozdov Alexander Y. , Hartinger Michael D. , Hudson Mary K. , Jaynes Allison N. , Ozeke Louis , Roussos Elias , Zhao Hong
Published: September 2022

Many spacecraft fly within or through a natural and variable particle accelerator powered by the coupling between the magnetosphere and the solar wind: the Earth’s radiation belts. Determining the dominant pathways to plasma energization is a central challenge for radiation belt science and space weather alike. Inward radial transport from an external source was originally thought to be the most important acceleration process occurring in the radiation belts. Yet, when modeling relied on a radial diffusion equation including electron lifetimes, notable discrepancies in model-observation comparisons highlighted a need for improvement. Works by Professor Richard M. Thorne and others showed that energetic (hundreds of keV) electrons interacting with whistler-mode chorus waves could be efficiently accelerated to very high energies. The same principles were soon transposed to understand radiation belt dynamics at Jupiter and Saturn. These results led to a paradigm shift in our understanding of radiation belt acceleration, supported by observations of a growing peak in the radial profile of the phase space density for the most energetic electrons of the Earth’s outer belt. Yet, quantifying the importance of local acceleration at the gyroscale, versus large-scale acceleration associated with radial transport, remains controversial due to various sources of uncertainty. The objective of this review is to provide context to understand the variety of challenges associated with differentiating between the two main radiation belt acceleration processes: radial transport and local acceleration. Challenges range from electron flux measurement analysis to radiation belt modeling based on a three-dimensional Fokker-Planck equation. We also provide recommendations to inform future research on radiation belt radial transport and local acceleration.
Answering the call for values-based anti-doping education—An evidence-informed intervention for elite adolescent athletes in Germany and Austria
Authors: Manges Theresa , Seidel Kevin , Walter Nadja , Schüler Thorsten , Elbe Anne-Marie
Published: September 2022

Doping has serious negative consequences for athletes and the integrity of sports, implying the need for effective prevention programs. Since educating young athletes about doping-related knowledge is deemed to be not sufficiently effective to minimize doping, a focus on values, emotions and morality is seen as a promising approach and previous research indicates which variables exactly could be addressed in anti-doping efforts. These variables are anticipated guilt, empathy, moral disengagement, and collective moral norms, since these constructs have been strongly and consistently linked to doping intention, likelihood, or behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a values-based anti-doping intervention, which targets the aforementioned variables, and to evaluate its effectiveness in producing changes in outcomes in comparison to an information-based intervention and a waiting control group. To evaluate their effectiveness, both interventions, which each consist of six 45-min sessions (one session per week) were implemented in a sample of 321 young elite athletes, aged 13–19 years, from a broad range of team and individual sports. Thirty different teams, training groups or classes were randomly assigned to either the values-based intervention, the information-based intervention, or to a waiting control group. Doping intention, doping susceptibility as well as the above mentioned variables were assessed at pre- and posttest and, for participants of the values- and information-based conditions also at a 3 to 4-month follow up. Within a multilevel modeling framework general linear mixed regression analyses revealed that the values-based intervention, compared to the control group, was able to decrease athletes' moral disengagement and increase their anticipated guilt immediately after the intervention (at posttest), whereas no effects for the information-based intervention emerged. Looking at how the outcomes developed over time (i.e., at the follow up measurement), it could be demonstrated that the reduction in moral disengagement sustained. The increase in anticipated guilt, however, was not sustainable and, surprisingly, decreased from post to follow up. Furthermore, athletes in the values-based intervention reported higher empathy from post to follow up, which could possibly indicate a “delayed” effect. This study provides support that a values-based approach can produce changes in some, yet, not all addressed variables and specific elements from this intervention could potentially be a useful addition to traditional anti-doping education (i.e., information provision).
Food democracy and sustainability in France and Chile: Community gardens promote ecological citizenship
Authors: Biskupovic Consuelo , Maurines Béatrice , Carmona Rosario , Canteros Eduardo
Published: September 2022

This study explored cases of sustainable food production in urban and non-urban areas, including the development of urban gardens, and particularly the social relations involved in these community projects. A qualitative approach was used to compare four case studies in Chile and France: shared gardens in Lyon, family and workers' gardens in Santiago in Chile, an indigenous agricultural project in Lonquimay in the southern Andes, and the work of the NGO Cultivos Urbanos. The data was collected through surveys, participant observation and semi-structured in-depth interviews. The results show that tending gardens in these settings (worker, family, collective, or shared gardens) promotes social values that can lead to more sustainable forms of community living. As opposed to intensive agriculture, small-scale gardening practices, specifically in urban and peri-urban gardens, encourage human/non-human relationships, and the transmission of caring for nature and for others, which promotes ecological citizenship.
Accuracy of preoperative clinical staging for locally advanced gastric cancer in KLASS-02 randomized clinical trial
Authors: Kim Dong Jin , Hyung Woo Jin , Park Young-Kyu , Lee Hyuk-Joon , An Ji Yeong , Kim Hyoung-Il , Kim Hyung-Ho , Ryu Seung Wan , Hur Hoon , Kim Min-Chan , Kong Seong-Ho , Kim Jin-Jo , Park Do Joong , Ryu Keun Won , Kim Young Woo , Kim Jong Won , Lee Joo-Ho , Yang Han-Kwang , Han Sang-Uk , Kim Wook ,   on behalf of the Korean Laparoendoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study (KLASS) Group
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The discrepancy between preoperative and final pathological staging has been a long-standing challenge for the application of clinical trials or appropriate treatment options. This study aimed to demonstrate the accuracy of preoperative staging of locally advanced gastric cancer using data from a large-scale randomized clinical trial.

Materials and methods

Of the 1050 patients enrolled in the clinical trial, 26 were excluded due to withdrawal of consent (n = 20) or non-surgery (n = 6). The clinical and pathological staging was compared. Risk factor analysis for underestimation was performed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Regarding T staging by computed tomography, accuracy rates were 74.48, 61.62, 58.56, and 85.16% for T1, T2, T3 and T4a, respectively. Multivariate analysis for underestimation of T staging revealed that younger age, ulcerative gross type, circular location, larger tumor size, and undifferentiated histology were independent risk factors. Regarding nodal status estimation, 54.9% of patients with clinical N0 disease were pathologic N0, and 36.4% of patients were revealed to have pathologic N0 among clinical node-positive patients. The percentage of metastasis involvement at the D1, D1+, and D2 lymph node stations significantly increased with the advanced clinical N stage. Among all patients, 29 (2.8%), including 26 with peritoneal seeding, exhibited distant metastases.

Conclusions

Estimating the exact pathologic staging remains challenging. A thorough evaluation is mandatory before treatment selection or trial enrollment. Moreover, we need to set a sufficient case number when we design the clinical trial considering the stage migration.
Invasive micropapillary breast carcinoma: A retrospective study on the clinical imaging features and pathologic findings
Authors: Nangong Jiarui , Cheng Zhongquan , Yu Leyi , Zheng Xiaodan , Ding Guoqian
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To describe the clinical imaging and pathological features of invasive micropapillary breast carcinoma (IMPC), including breast mammography, sonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and molecular imaging findings.

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed our institution's surgical pathology database and identified 65 patients with pathologically proven IMBC; 63/65 patients had available imaging results. Two radiologists retrospectively reviewed all imaging evaluations according to the Breast Imaging Reporting / Data System (BI-RADS) Lexicon. Clinical and histopathologic features, receptor statuses, and clinical follow-up data were recorded.

Results

Sixty-three patients were admitted with palpable abnormalities; one patient's mammogram revealed no abnormality (3.3%, 1/32), whereas 31 had abnormal mammograms (31/32, 96.8%) demonstrating 37 lesions. Twenty-four had irregular, spiculated masses, 12 had microcalcifications, and 19 had architectural distortion. Sonography detected 69 masses (54 patients), characterized by irregular shapes (61/69, 88.4%), hypoechoic structures (50/69, 72.4%), angular or spiculated margins (38/69, 55.1%; 30/69, 43.4%), echogenic halo (8/69, 11.5%), and abnormal vascularity (52/69, 75.3%). MRI detected 68 lesions (52 patients); 59/68 (86.8%) appeared as masses with angular or spiculated margins (32/68, 47.1%; 35/68, 51.4%), 58 exhibited irregular or lobulated shapes (58/68, 89.7%), 29 displayed heterogeneous internal enhancement (29/68, 42.5%), and 64 demonstrated type II or III washout kinetic curves (37/68, 55%; 27/68, 40%). Breast molecular imaging showed mild-to-moderate radiotracer uptake in 15 focal areas among 13 patients. Thirty-two, 38, and 43 patients had abnormal lymph nodes identified mammographically, by breast sonography, and by MRI, respectively. Immunohistochemistry revealed high estrogen receptor (90.5%), high progesterone receptor (71.6%), and low HER-2 (26.4%) positivity.

Conclusion

IMPC mammography, sonography, and MRI clinical imaging features highly suggest malignancy. Breast molecular imaging also contributed to the diagnosis. IMPC's invasiveness correlated well with regional lymph node metastasis. Radiologists and surgeons should be more attentive to these imaging findings and additional clinical and pathological IMPC features.
Case report: Ventriculoperitoneal shunt disconnection resulting in migration of the distal catheter entirely into the abdominal cavity due to seizure
Authors: Yang Xiang , Yang Chaohua , Zhang Yuekang
Published: September 2022

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt disconnection, a VP shunt complication, can be caused by several factors. We report the case of a young man who suffered VP shunt disconnection, and whose entire distal catheter migrated into the abdominal cavity due to a seizure. To our knowledge, risk factors for seizures related to shunt disconnection have not been previously evaluated. We report this rare case to highlight the fact that seizures are not negligible in increasing the probability of disconnection and migration of the entire distal catheter into the abdominal cavity, and the standardized treatment of traumatic seizures is extremely important.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Hilar Bile Duct: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Gao Sheng-qiang , Bao Yong-jin , Luo Jian-sheng
Published: September 2022

Background

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a very rare tumor and occurs seldom in the biliary tract. IMT can occur in any part of the body and in people of any age; however, it most commonly occurs in children or adolescents. Its etiology and pathogenesis are currently unknown. The clinical manifestations of a hilar inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor are atypical, and the imaging examination is nonspecific. The diagnosis is mainly based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings, and surgical resection is the preferred treatment method.

Case Description

Herein, we report a rare case of hilar bile duct IMT and review the related literature. Our patient was a 54-year-old woman presenting with a 1-day history of upper abdominal pain as the main clinical symptom. She was misdiagnosed as having cholangiocarcinoma before the surgery. She underwent surgery and was ultimately diagnosed with IMT based on histopathology and immunohistochemistry findings. On 1-year follow-up, no tumor recurrence or related complications were noted.

Conclusions

We hope this case report helps clinicians gain a deeper understanding of biliary IMT of the hilum.
Effects of preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase levels on long-term prognosis in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing transcatheter arterial chemoembolization
Authors: Gan Yuantao , Gao Fengwei , Du Bo , Liu Yu , Xue Qian , Fu Jinqiang
Published: September 2022

Hepatic arterial chemoembolization is an effective treatment for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and can improve the survival rate of patients. Nevertheless, the long-term prognosis of patients with HCC is not optimistic. In recent years, tumor humoral detection has attracted extensive attention and is expected to become the main examination method for early tumor screening. Studies have found that serum LDH is an indicator with effective potential to predict tumor proliferation and progression, such as pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, etc., but the relationship between this indicator and the prognosis of HCC is still unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between serum LDH and the prognosis of patients with HCC, so as to provide an important scientific basis for prognosis judgment of HCC.
Thermal mixing in T-shaped micromixers with a porous block by the lattice Boltzmann method: Influence of the mixing channel configuration
Authors: Mousavi Ajarostaghi Seyed Soheil , Poncet Sébastien
Published: September 2022

The present paper investigates the thermal mixing and cooling processes in a passive micromixer, which is applicable for the cooling of electronic devices. Employing a porous block and testing different configurations for the mixing channel is considered to enhance the mixing process and cooling performance. A 2D lattice Boltzmann thermal model is utilized to investigate the thermal performance of a T-micromixer with a porous block. Two different types of mixing channel configurations, including a step-shaped and a zigzag-shaped channel, are considered, and the obtained results are compared with those of the simple mixing channel. The thermal mixing and cooling of two miscible fluids, at 50 and 25°C entering the micromixer, are investigated. The results show that changing the mixing channel configuration may create a chaotic laminar flow, which enhances the heat transfer rate between the mixed flow and the channel wall. Whatever the Reynolds number, the step-shaped mixing channel exhibits better mixing performance than the zigzag-shaped one. For the T-micromixer with a zigzag-shaped and step-shaped mixing channel, the cases with h/H = 0.5 and h/H = 0, respectively, exhibit better thermal mixing and cooling performance.
In vitro biotransformation assays using fish liver cells: Comparing rainbow trout and carp hepatocytes
Authors: Bischof Ina , Arnot Jon A. , Jürling Heinrich , Knipschild Georg , Schlechtriem Christian , Schauerte Anna , Segner Helmut
Published: September 2022

Biotransformation assays using primary hepatocytes from rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, were validated as a reliable in vitro tool to predict in vivo bioconcentration factors (BCF) of chemicals in fish. Given the pronounced interspecies differences of chemical biotransformation, the present study aimed to compare biotransformation rate values and BCF predictions obtained with hepatocytes from the cold-water species, rainbow trout, to data obtained with hepatocytes of the warm-water species, common carp (Cyprinus carpio). In a first step, we adapted the protocol for the trout hepatocyte assay, including the cryopreservation method, to carp hepatocytes. The successful adaptation serves as proof of principle that the in vitro hepatocyte biotransformation assays can be technically transferred across fish species. In a second step, we compared the in vitro intrinsic clearance rates (CLin vitro, int) of two model xenobiotics, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and methoxychlor (MXC), in trout and carp hepatocytes. The in vitro data were used to predict in vivo biotransformation rate constants (kB) and BCFs, which were then compared to measured in vivo kB and BCF values. The CLin vitro, int values of BaP and MXC did not differ significantly between trout and carp hepatocytes, but the predicted BCF values were significantly higher in trout than in carp. In contrast, the measured in vivo BCF values did not differ significantly between the two species. A possible explanation of this discrepancy is that the existing in vitro-in vivo prediction models are parameterized only for trout but not for carp. Therefore, future research needs to develop species-specific extrapolation models.
Refining restraint techniques for research pigs through habituation
Authors: O'Malley Carly I. , Hubley Raina , Tambadou Halimatou , Turner Patricia V.
Published: September 2022

Pigs are common research models and are strong animals that can be difficult to restrain. Improper restraint can put pigs and research personnel at risk for injury and induce stress, which can affect research outcomes. This study aimed to refine restraint techniques for research pigs using habituation and operant conditioning. Forty-four (22 males, 22 females; 4 months old, ~8.1 kg) Göttingen minipigs were randomly assigned to a control (C: no interventions) or a treatment group (T). Pigs in the T group received 3 min training sessions 3 days/week for the first 14 d after arrival. Training sessions included human socialization and habituation to a hammock sling for blood collection. Blood collection occurred on day 13 for all pigs by novel technicians. Pigs were placed in the sling, blood was collected from the radial vein, and serum cortisol levels were determined (ug/dL). Pig behavior was recorded and scored for duration of time spent struggling (s) and vocalizing (s). Novel human approach tests occurred on day 12, before blood collection, and day 14, after blood collection. Pigs were scored on latency to touch the human (s) and duration of time spent in contact with the human (s). Pig weight was taken upon arrival and on day 15. Separate linear models were fitted for response variables struggle duration in sling, serum cortisol, latency to touch human, time spent in contact with human, and body weight. Fixed effects were treatment and sex. Prior to blood collection, there was no difference in response to a novel human (P > 0.05) but after blood collection, T pigs were quicker to approach (estimate: −5.352, SE: 1.72, P = 0.003) and spent more time in contact with the novel human (estimate: 3.091, SE: 1.448, P = 0.039). T pigs also had lower cortisol levels during blood collection (estimate: −2.36, SE: 0.657, P = 0.001). There was no difference in behavior while in the sling (P > 0.05). The results of the study suggest that even small investments in habituation and training pigs to study procedures is beneficial in reducing stress and improving human-animal relationships, but more time would be beneficial to promote calmer behavior in the sling.
Detection of African swine fever virus antibodies in serum using a pB602L protein-based indirect ELISA
Authors: Yang Yang , Xia Qiqi , Sun Qin , Zhang Yan , Li Yuhao , Ma Xiaochun , Guan Zhixin , Zhang Junjie , Li Zongjie , Liu Ke , Li Beibei , Shao Donghua , Qiu Yafeng , Ma Zhiyong , Wei Jianchao
Published: September 2022

African Swine Fever (ASF) is an acute, highly contagious and deadly infectious disease that has a huge impact on the swine industry. It is caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). The most acute forms of ASF in domestic pigs have mortality rates of up to 100%. The lack of a commercial vaccine and effective therapeutic drugs has brought great challenges to the prevention and control of ASF. Current, the African swine fever virus requires a huge amount of detection, so there is a need for more sensitive and accurate detection technology. The protein pB602L, as a late non-structural protein, has a high corresponding antibody titer and strong antigenicity in infected swine. In this research, the B602L gene was constructed into the pColdI prokaryotic expression vector, and prokaryotic expression of the soluble pB602L protein was induced by IPTG. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the protein had strong immunogenicity. We established an indirect ELISA method for the detection of anti-ASFV using purified recombinant pB602L protein as antigen. The detection method showed excellent specificity without cross-reactions with antibodies against PRRSV, CSFV, JEV, and GETV. The method could detect anti-ASFV in serum samples that were diluted up to 6,400 times, showing high sensitivity. The coefficients of variation of the intra-assay and inter-assay were both <10%. The assays had excellent specificity, sensitivity, and repeatability. In summary, we developed an accurate, rapid, and economical method for the detection of anti-ASFV in pig serum samples with great potential for ASF monitoring and epidemic control.
Pharmacokinetics of butorphanol following intravenous and intramuscular administration in donkeys: A preliminary study
Authors: Ebner Lisa , O Odette , Simon Bradley , Lizarraga Ignacio , Smith Joe , Cox Sherry
Published: September 2022

The pharmacokinetics of butorphanol after intravenous (IVB) and intramuscular (IMB) administration in donkeys were determined in this preliminary study. Healthy male gelded donkeys (n= 5), aged 6–12 years old, were administered 0.1 mg/kg butorphanol IV or IM in a randomized, crossover design. Blood samples were obtained at predetermined intervals for 24 h (IVB) and 48 h (IMB) after administration. Plasma butorphanol concentrations were determined by high performance liquid chromatography and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Following IVB administration, mean (± SE) apparent volume of distribution, elimination half-life, total body clearance, and area under the plasma concentration time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC0−∞) were 322 ± 50 mL/kg, 0.83 ± 0.318 h, 400 ± 114 mL/h/kg, 370 ± 131 h·ng/mL, respectively. After IMB administration, a maximum plasma drug concentration of 369 ± 190 ng/mL was reached at 0.48 ± 0.09 h. The IMB AUC0−∞was 410 ± 60 h·ng/mL. Bioavailability of IMB was 133 ± 45%. The pharmacokinetics of butorphanol in healthy donkeys was characterized by faster elimination half-life compared to values from the equine literature.
Management of failed stainless steel implants in the oromaxillofacial region of dogs
Authors: Evenhuis Janny V. , Verstraete Frank J. M. , Arzi Boaz
Published: September 2022

Management of complications of fracture fixation in the oromaxillofacial (OMF) region may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. While titanium and stainless steel implants have been utilized in successful fracture fixation in the OMF region, the use of titanium implants is preferred due to the superior intrinsic properties of titanium. Nonetheless, stainless steel materials are still used due to their availability and familiarity. In the present methods report, we describe our approach to the management of failed stainless steel plates and screws used to treat traumatic injuries in the OMF region. Furthermore, we exemplify our approach with five dogs that exhibited complications of stainless steel implants in the OMF region and their subsequent management. In those cases, all failed implants were removed. Reconstruction with a combination of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and titanium implants was utilized in two cases while a mandibulectomy was performed in one case. Three cases required removal of the stainless-steel implant with no additional surgical therapy. We conclude that the success of treatment of failed stainless steel implants depends on the use of advanced imaging findings, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, as well as potentially regenerative reconstructive surgery.
A Descriptive Comparison of Mass Testing During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Montreal, Paris, Bamako, and Recife
Authors: Savard Lamothe Ashley , Gabet Morgane , Richard Zoé , Oliveira Sydia Rosana de Araujo , Coulibaly Abdouramane , Cazarin Gisèle , Zacarias Amanda , Gautier Lara , Ridde Valéry , Zinszer Kate
Published: September 2022

Objective: The aim of this descriptive article was to compare mass testing for SARS-CoV-2 during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Montreal, Canada; Bamako, Mali; Paris, France; and Recife, Brazil.

Methods: Data was collected through interviews with key informants involved in the testing response and a review of the grey literature. The TIDieR-PHP checklist was then used to provide the basis of the intervention descriptions and to compare the data between cities.

Results: Descriptive comparisons revealed that the type of test, the testing process, and materials used were similar between the cities during the first wave of the pandemic. In addition, all cities experienced similar material and personnel resource shortages, directly affecting testing accessibility and capacity. The main differences were related to testing capacity and implementation timelines, which were dependent on the state of the health care systems, governance, and access to resources.

Conclusion: Results of this study highlight the similarities and differences in testing between the cities and demonstrate the importance of comprehensive intervention descriptions to highlight lessons learned, increase knowledge sharing, and inform policy decisions.
Efficacy of Government-Sponsored Community Health Programs for Older Adults: A Systematic Review of Published Evaluation Studies
Authors: Chandrashekhar Arun , Thakur Harshad P.
Published: September 2022

Objective:Population aging is an ongoing challenge for global health policy and is expected to have an increasing impact on developing economies in years to come. A variety of community health programs have been developed to deliver health services to older adults, and evaluating these programs is crucial to improving service delivery and avoiding barriers to implementation. This systematic review examines published evaluation research relating to public and community health programs aimed at older adults throughout the world.

Methods:A literature search using standardized criteria yielded 58 published articles evaluating 46 specific programs in 14 countries.

Results:Service models involving sponsorship of comprehensive facilities providing centralized access to multiple types of health services were generally evaluated the most positively, with care coordination programs appearing to have generally more modest success, and educational programs having limited effectiveness. Lack of sufficient funding was a commonly-cited barrier to successful program implementations.

Conclusion:It is important to include program evaluation as a component of future community and public health interventions aimed at aging populations to better understand how to improve these programs.
On-Target Side Effects of Targeted Therapeutics of Cancer
Authors: Tímár József , Uhlyarik Andrea
Published: September 2022

The concept of precision medicine is based on the identification of hallmarks of cancer to exploit them as drug targets. The basic idea was that in this way the therapeutic modalities will be more effective and the side effects will be less. Since the majority of these novel modalities are not specific for a cancer-related biological process or a cancer-specific (mutant) target protein, it is not a surprise that we had to learn new type of side effects, because these therapeutics also affect physiological or pathological processes. Even more, in cases of some of these novel therapies we were able to discover new molecular mechanisms of physiological and pathological processes. Identification of the on-target side effects of targeted drugs can help to prevent the development of them or better manage the patients when emerge during cancer therapy.
Robust Stabilization of Underactuated TORA System Based on Disturbance Observer and Fixed-Time Sliding Mode Control Method
Authors: Feng Qixuan , Zhang Ancai , Zhang Xinghui , Pang Guocheng , Liu Zhi
Published: September 2022

A translational oscillator with a rotational actuator (TORA) is an underactuated nonlinear mechanical system with two degrees of freedom (DOF). This paper concerns the robust stabilization control problem for the system with multiple external disturbances. First, a disturbance observer is constructed based on the internal nonlinear dynamic behavior of the system. Second, a robust stabilization controller is designed by the estimated disturbances and the fixed-time sliding mode control method. The controller realizes the global robust stabilization control objective of the TORA system, and the stability of both disturbance observer and robust closed-loop control system are analyzed using the Lyapunov theorem. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical results are verified by numerical experiments.
Effects of Open-Hole and Reinforcement on the Bearing Performance of the Plain-Woven Fabric Composite I-Section Beams under Shear Load
Authors: Zhou Rui , Gao Weicheng , Liu Wei , Xu Jianxun
Published: September 2022

In this article, experiments and finite-element (FE) analyses have been conducted in order to study the effects of open-hole and reinforcement on the buckling and failure of the plain-woven fabric (PWF) composite I-section beams under shear load. With the shear experiments, the buckling and failure characteristics of the PWF composite beams have been obtained, and experimental results of the beams in perfect conditions are compared with the results from the specimens with open-hole and reinforcement in the web region. FE analyses for the composite beams are then carried out with the assistance of the multi-scale method proposed for the PWF composites. With the comparison between the experimental and numerical results, the composite beams’ FE models and the utilized calculation methods are proved to be feasible. According to the parametric study based on the validated models and the multi-scale methods, it is found that the existence of the open-hole decreases the flexural rigidity of the beams’ web region and introduces the stress concentration, which further reduces the structural stability and the shear carrying capacity of the composite beams. With the effects of restraining the structural off-plane deformation and relieving the hole-edge stress concentration, the intercalation reinforcement could effectively improve the bearing performance of the PWF composite beams with open-holes.
Loading Model and Mechanical Properties of Mature Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. Var. Italica Plenck) Stems at Harvest
Authors: Zhao Yunfei , Tang Zhong , Chen Shuren
Published: September 2022

Stem cutting is the main process of broccoli harvesting, and the structure and mechanical properties of the stem significantly affect the cutting efficiency. In the current research, the structural characteristics and component contents of the broccoli stem are analyzed. Through different processing methods of stretching, compressing and bending, the aim is to obtain the parameters for mechanical properties of broccoli stem, and to provide basic data and reference for establishing visual models of broccoli stem. The test results show: The content of rind is highest in the middle of the stem, the content of xylem is highest in the bottom of the stem, and the content of pith is highest in the top of the stem. The densities of rind, xylem and pith of broccoli stem were 1056.1, 938.9 and 1009.9 kg·m−3, respectively. The elastic modulus of the rind of broccoli stem was 27.2~47.5 MPa, the elastic modulus of the xylem was 19.2~110.7 MPa, and the elastic modulus of the pith was 6.5~7.5 MPa. The compressive elastic modulus of the stem was 1.3~2 MPa. The bending strength of the broccoli stem was 6.9 MPa, and the bending modulus was 3.1 MPa. The mechanical model of broccoli stem established in this study provides a theoretical basis for cutting and other processes.
EU27 Countries’ Sustainable Agricultural Development toward the 2030 Agenda: The Circular Economy and Waste Management
Authors: Širá Elena , Kravčáková Vozárová Ivana , Kotulič Rastislav , Dubravská Mariana
Published: September 2022

An increasing population and increasing industrial demand for resources has created a need to ensure the supply can keep up. With sustainable development on the agenda, the European Union established the strategy 2030 Agenda with set goals to fulfil. Some of those are connected to the principles of the circular economy. This study aimed to identify the state of the circular economy based on the current level of waste management in the agricultural sector of EU27 countries in the context of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The main focus was on the 12th goal of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, for which countries are analyzed according to five indicators. The results showed heterogeneity between EU countries, and while we analyzed this in relation to countries’ GDP, no relationship between the agricultural waste management and GDP was found. To confirm and develop the results obtained, we outline possibilities for future research and methodological improvements that will support more robust conclusions, such as expanding the research sample.
An Evaluation of the Dough Rheology and Bread Quality of Replacement Wheat Flour with Different Quinoa Particle Sizes
Authors: Coţovanu Ionica , Mironeasa Silvia
Published: September 2022

A way to improve the nutritional value of refined wheat flour with enhanced dough rheology is by substituting wheat flour with quinoa flour (QF) at different addition levels and particle sizes (PS). Experimental variation prediction of the flour α-amylase activity, dough rheological properties, and bread characteristics were estimated using mathematical models. A decrease in the falling number index, water absorption, speed of protein weakening, gas retention coefficient in the dough, maximum creep-recovery compliance, and bread volume and firmness was achieved with the increase of PS. When the QF addition level rose, the values of the following parameters decreased: dough stability, starch retrogradation, dough extensibility and deformation energy, viscosity factor, maximum gelatinization temperature, creep-recovery compliance, and bread quality parameters. Dough rheological properties are important for showing the behavior during processing, which impacts the bread quality. For each quinoa flour PS has identified the optimal addition level in wheat flour for improving bread quality. The best composite flours, regarding dough rheology and bread characteristics, contain 9.13% for large, 10.57% for medium, and 10.25% for small PS. These results may help to improve the quality of refined wheat bread or to range diversify the bread making products.
Pre-Breeding Prospects of Lablab (Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet) Accessions in Tanzania: Morphological Characterization and Genetic Diversity Analysis
Authors: Letting Fanuel Kiptoo , Venkataramana Pavithravani Bangalore , Ndakidemi Patrick Alois
Published: September 2022

Under-exploited crops such as Lablab purpureus are regarded a pathway towards alleviating the food and nutritional security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed at evaluating the morpho-agronomic diversity present in 277 lablab accessions based on 38 morpho-agronomic traits. The experiment was laid out in an Augmented design across two main cropping seasons in Tanzania. Qualitative data was analysed using pivot tables. The Generalized Linear Model (PROC GLM), Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering (AHC) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were used to analyse variation of 14 quantitative traits. The findings revealed the presence of wide variability of the qualitative traits in the studied accessions. Significant differences were observed among accessions, between seasons, the interaction of blocks and season, and the season and accession effects in most of the traits. Most of the traits had high significant differences in relation to contrast among accessions, among checks and between accessions and checks. The first five principal components cumulatively accounted for 61.89% of the total variability among the accessions studied. Furthermore, cluster analysis grouped the accessions into four major clusters. This results suggest the 14 morpho-agronomic traits can successfully discriminate and show presence of wide diversity vital for selection and hybridization program of lablab species.