bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sleep and happiness: socio-economic, population and cultural correlates of sleep duration and subjective well-being in 52 countries
Authors: Lajunen Timo , Gaygısız Esma , Wang Wei
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Getting enough sleep is one of the essential lifestyle factors influencing health and well-being. However, there are considerable differences between countries in how much people sleep on average. The present study investigated how socio-economic factors, population variables, and cultural value dimensions are related to sleep duration in a sample of 52 countries.

Method

The study design was ecological, i.e., the aggregate values for each country were obtained, and their correlations to national average sleep duration were analysed. The sleep duration estimates were based on Sleep Cycle Application (Sleep Cycle AB, Gothenburg, Sweden) data. The socio-economic variables included the economic health of a country (GDP per capita), how well a country is governed (governance quality measured with WGI), and the economic inequality (the gap between rich and poor measured with the Gini index) within a nation. The population variables included the urbanisation rate (proportion of people living in urbanised areas), life expectancy at birth, mean years of schooling among the population aged 25 years and older, median age of the population, and the prevalence of obesity (% of adults with BMI ≥ 30). The cultural value dimensions were measured with Hofstede's cultural value dimensions (power distance, individualism, masculinity, uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence). The data were analysed by using zero-order correlations, partial correlations, and canonical correlation analyses.

Results

Results showed a relatively strong intercorrelation between the national average of sleep duration and national happiness, i.e., subjective well-being. Among the socio-economic variables, WGI had the strongest relationship to sleep, whereas among population variables, schooling and obesity had the strongest correlations with sleep. Zero-order correlations between sleep and power distance and individualism were statistically significant, whereas in the partial correlations, individualism and masculinity appeared as important factors. Canonical correlation analysis showed strong correlations between the well-being variables (sleep and happiness) and the socio-economic variables, well-being variables and population variables, and cultural values and well-being variables.

Discussion

The present study is an opening for a new line of research in which sleep is seen as an essential part of societal life and collective well-being.
Consumer interest and willingness to pay for in-bulk products with reusable packaging options
Authors: Patreau Valérie , Bernard Sophie , Leroux Justin , Bellemare Marie , Morissette Joliann
Published: July 2023

Consumers are looking for solutions to reduce waste at source, especially plastic waste from single-use packaging. Simply recycling packaging will not be enough and reduction at the source must be emphasized as part of a sustainable circular economy. Selling products in bulk using reusable containers is one of the emerging paths of the zero waste movement. To achieve this, it is necessary to change consumption patterns and behaviors. Our goal is to better understand how source reduction of plastic packaging can be an asset in a zero waste objective. Using a contingent valuation method, we conducted a large pan-Canadian survey on the purchasing preferences of 2002 Canadian households to analyze the willingness to pay (WTP) for different food and household products. Results indicate that most consumers do not appear to be willing to pay more for bulk products with reusable packaging even if they are interested in buying more bulk products. Different socio-demographic and attitudinal parameters, such as age, gender, sense of convenience, and pro-environmental behaviors, influence willingness to buy and pay. The originality of this work is to provide an economic perspective on the reduction of single-use containers and changes in consumption practices in the context of the zero waste movement and the circular economy.
Case Report: Incidental finding of Zinner syndrome in an asymptomatic 53-year-old Palestinian male
Authors: Abu-Hilal Lila H. , Barghouthi Duha I. , Njoum Yumna , Obeid Amal , Alshawwa Khaled , AbuKeshek Tawfiq , Maree Mohammed
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Zinner syndrome (ZS) is a rare condition characterized by a triad of seminal vesicle cyst (SVC), ipsilateral ejaculatory duct obstruction, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms, such as lower urinary tract symptoms and infertility, typically appearing in the second and third decades of life.

Case presentation

We present the first published case of ZS in Palestine, involving a 53-year-old male patient who sought medical attention for right-sided hernia repair. Pre-operative imaging revealed a combination of findings, including a solitary left kidney with cysts, mild hydronephrosis, an enlarged prostate, suspicious soft tissue density, and abnormal lymph nodes. The diagnosis of ZS was confirmed through an abdominal ultrasound, identifying a dilated seminal vesicle and completing the criteria of ZS.

Discussion

The typical for ZS is to present in late second decade of life with nonspecific urogenital symptoms and infertility, However, our patient’s incidental diagnosis during the preoperative evaluation of incisional hernia in a relatively old age with no previous complaints, the identification of a high aortic bifurcation at the level of the left kidney and a double Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) in this case of ZS represents novel and distinctive findings not commonly reported in previous cases.

Conclusion

Our patient’s presentation and findings expand our understanding of the anatomical variations associated with ZS. This case report contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of ZS and provides valuable insights for future clinical management and research investigations.
(Trans)forming fitness: Intersectionality as a framework for resistance and collective action
Authors: Bell Deniece , Rahman Saidur , Rochon R.
Published: July 2023

Fitness is a lifelong pursuit, yet many LGBTQ2S+
1 individuals are averse to group fitness or experiences in big box gyms. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual fitness programs offered the potential to facilitate opportunities for the greater inclusion of such individuals and the chance to connect, collaborate and advocate for a change in who and what defines fitness. Justice Roe, owner of Fit4AllBodies, utilizes the term fitness industrial complex to provide a framework to discuss the problems of exclusion. His explanation supports research documenting that bodies that are not “the norm”, defined by ableism, classism, (hetero)patriarchy and racism, fueled by white supremacy, are oftentimes viewed as “less than” in the fitness and recreation world (
1–
3). Applying an intersectional framework, this article explores the possibilities for transformative collective action in fitness communities that removes barriers and challenges the injustices that contribute to racialized LGBTQ2S+ individuals feeling unwelcome. With the need to shift to virtual training spaces as a result of a global pandemic, and the rise in the public discourse surrounding racial injustices both on and offline, a sense of belonging and community is important, especially among groups that often face exclusionary practices, such as racialized LGBTQ2S+ community members. These individuals are at greater risk of losing opportunities to access fitness programs that can provide immense health and psychological benefits. What could an intersectional perspective on resistance in sport look like? Using the example of LGBTQ2S+ access to online fitness spaces during the prolonged global COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020, we suggest that explicit coaching education and intentional communities, centered around social justice, are needed to address the historical roots of systemic oppression, accessibility, and social constructs tied to fitness.
Coupling crop simulation modelling and multi-criteria decision aid for ranking the sustainability of cropping sequences
Authors: Chandran Malamal Alickal Sarath , Banerjee Saon , Mukherjee Asis , Nanda Manoj Kumar , Venugopalan Visha Kumari , Laing Alison M. , Siddiqui Manzer H. , Hossain Akbar
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Crop sequences are important to make efficient use of natural resources and ensure food security. Climate change affects the sustainability of crops in cropping sequence. The application of crop sequence modelling to evaluate the sustainability of cropping sequences under projected climate is a less explored area.

Methods

The present work evaluated the impact of projected climate on six cropping sequences viz., rice-mustard-groundnut, rice-lentil-groundnut, rice-potato-groundnut, rice-wheat-groundnut, rice-maize-groundnut and rice-mustard-fallow in the Lower Gangetic Plain of India. CMIP-5 multi-model ensemble, long-term crop sequence modelling using DSSAT and a multiple criteria decision analysis tool, TOPSIS was used to evaluate sustainability. Future climate scenarios were developed using 29 GCMs from which a subset of 5 representative GCMs was selected for mid-century (2040-2069) and end-century (2070-99) under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. Weighted average ensemble yield, ETa and nitrogen fixed by all cropping sequences for the study period were used to rank cropping sequences for sustainability using TOPSIS.

Results and Discussion

The minimum and maximum temperatures during mid and end-centuries were projected to be consistently higher than the baseline period (1980-2010) for all the cropping seasons. Under all the periods, rice-lentil-groundnut had the highest weighted average ensemble yield, followed by rice-wheat-groundnut. Rice-lentil-groundnut fixed the highest quantity of nitrogen, followed by rice-maize-groundnut. Ranking of cropping sequences for sustainability by the TOPSIS method indicated that during mid-century (under both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), the rice-lentil-groundnut sequence will be the most sustainable cropping sequence. However, by the end century, the rice-wheat-groundnut sequence will be the most sustainable cropping sequence, followed by rice-lentil-groundnut under both RCP4.5 and 8.5. In all the cropping sequences, rice will be benefitted by higher amount of nitrogen fixed and preceding groundnut. The three parameters considered for defining sustainability in crop production (yield, ETa and N-fixed) ensures higher produce and return for the farmer, less dependence on irrigation sources and increase in soil nitrogen content. In this paper, we show for the first time that cropping sequences can be evaluated for sustainability by combining crop sequence modelling, GCM ensemble and multi-criteria decision analysis. The results of the study will help the farmers of the study area to opt for the most sustainable cropping sequence and other alternatives in the context of climate change.
The combination of macleaya extract and glucose oxidase improves the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function and cecal microbiota of piglets
Authors: Chen Xing , Zhang Fan , Li Huirong , Liu Jie , Jiang Yanping , Ren Furong , Huang Libo , Yuan Xuejun , Li Yang , Yang Weiren , Yang Chongwu , Li Shuang , Jiao Ning , Jiang Shuzhen
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate the effects of macleaya extract and glucose oxidase combination (MGO) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and cecal microbiota in piglets. A total of 120 healthy 28-day-old weaned piglets were randomly divided into two treatments of six replicates. Piglets were either received a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 250 mg/kg MGO (2 g/kg sanguinarine, 1 g/kg chelerythrine, and 1 × 106 U/kg glucose oxidase). The results showed that MGO supplementation increased average daily gain (ADG) and decreased feed:gain ratio (F/G) (p < 0.05). MGO increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) content (p < 0.05), but decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) content (p < 0.05). The jejunal mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) were increased in MGO group (p < 0.05), while that of kelch like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1) was decreased (p < 0.05). The Firmicutes was significantly increased at phylum levels in MGO group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 250 mg/kg MGO improved piglet growth, and regulated intestinal flora of piglets, which provided a theoretical basis for MGO as an alternative additive for antibiotics.
Euthanasia and the rehabilitation of wildlife casualties in Finland: decision-making varies depending on the background education of the caregivers
Authors: White Kati , Hänninen Laura , Valros Anna
Published: July 2023

Caring for wildlife casualties is a common aspect of animal-protection work. The range of care options of wildlife in Finland vary from professional zoos to voluntary members of the public. There are complex ethical concerns to be considered in deciding whether an injured animal should be treated or euthanized. Differing opinions and poor communication may lead to unnecessary conflicts among caregivers. We investigated opinions behind the decision-making of caregivers related to wildlife casualties using a web-based questionnaire. We asked the respondents to rate their level of agreement with 27 statements on a seven-point Likert scale. Seventy-eight respondents were included in our analysis. Animal-related education was classified as veterinarian (n = 14), other (n = 18), and none (n = 49). The median (IQR) levels of age and work experience were 43 (17) and 5 (9) years, respectively, regardless of educational level. The groups were tested for differences level of agreement with the statements in Kruskall-Wallis tests (with Bonferroni-corrected pair-wise tests). Overall, the strongest disagreement was with statements proposing euthanasia on the grounds that the species was common [1 (2)], the treatment would be costly [1 (4)] or long-term [1 (4)], or there was no end-of-life-solution immediately available [1 (2)]. The highest agreement was with the statement advocating not euthanizing the animal if it could easily be returned to its natural habitat [7 (0)]. The respondents differed in their perceptions depending on their animal-related education. The cost and length of treatment, the prevalence of the species, and a known end-of-life solution influenced the euthanasia-related decisions of veterinarians more than of respondents in the other educational groups. Those with no animal-related education expressed the least willingness to euthanize an injured wild animal, even if it would be partly dependent on humans for the rest of its life or even if the treatment would be very stressful. We concluded that attitudes and practices related to euthanasia differ depending on the respondents’ education, and that more discussion is needed on the ethical aspects behind the decision-making. This would help to increase mutual understanding among caregivers and facilitate the development of uniform standards that would potentially benefit animal welfare.
The Impact Modeling and Experimental Verification of a Launch Vehicle with Crushing-Type Landing Gear
Authors: Wang Yingchao , Yu Haitao , Xie Jianghui , Yan Zhen , Tian Baolin , Gao Haibo
Published: July 2023

In order to investigate the landing process of a vertical landing reusable vehicle, a dynamic model with a complex nonlinear dissipative element is established based on the discrete impulse step approach, which includes a three-dimensional multi-impact model considering friction and material compliance, and a multistage aluminum honeycomb theoretical model. The normal two-stiffness spring model is adopted in the foot–ground impact model, two motion patterns (stick and slip) are considered on the tangential plane and the structural changes caused by buffering behavior are included, and the energy conversion during the impact follows the law of conservation of energy. The state transition method is used to solve the dynamic stability convergence problem of the vehicle under the coupling effect of impact and buffering deformation in the primary impulse space. Landing experiments on a scaled physical reusable vehicle prototype are conducted to demonstrate that the theoretical results exhibit good agreement with the experimental data.
Reliability Study of an Intelligent Profiling Progressive Automatic Glue Cutter Based on the Improved FMECA Method
Authors: Zhang Heng , Chen Yaya , Cong Jingyu , Liu Junxiao , Zhang Zhifu , Zhang Xirui
Published: July 2023

This study introduces the fuzzy theory approach as an enhancement to the traditional failure mode, effect, and criticality analysis (FMECA) method in order to address its limitations, which primarily stem from subjectivity and a lack of quantitative analysis. The proposed method, referred to as FMECA improvement based on fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, aims to quantify the qualitative aspect of the analysis and provides a detailed outline of the analysis procedure. By applying the enhanced FMECA method to assess the reliability of an intelligent profiling progressive automatic rubber cutter, the hazard ranking for each failure mode of the cutter can be determined, thereby identifying areas that require reliability improvement. The analysis outcomes demonstrate that this method establishes a theoretical foundation for subsequent cutter improvement designs, enables early identification of potential failures, and consequently leads to a reduced failure rate and an enhanced reliability level for the intelligent profiling progressive automatic cutter. Furthermore, this innovative agricultural equipment reliability analysis and testing approach holds significant value in elevating the reliability standards of agricultural equipment as a whole and can be explored and implemented in other agricultural machinery contexts.
Evaluation of Agricultural BMPs’ Impact on Water Quality and Crop Production Using SWAT+ Model
Authors: Singh Shailendra , Hwang Soonho , Arnold Jeffrey G. , Bhattarai Rabin
Published: July 2023

Subsurface (or tile) drainage improves land productivity by enhancing soil aeration and preventing water-logged conditions. However, the continuous expansion of drained agricultural lands and reliance on synthetic fertilizer in the Midwestern United States have increasingly facilitated nitrate transport from agricultural fields to surface water bodies. Hence, there is a need to implement various agricultural best management practices (BMPs) in order to reduce the adverse water quality impacts resulting from excess nitrate, such as eutrophication and the formation of hypoxic zones. In this study, we used a SWAT+ model to assess the overall impacts on the riverine nitrate load and crop yield in the corn–soybean cropping system based on a combination of different management practices. The corn and soybean yields simulated with the model were found to be in good agreement with the observed yields for both the calibration and validation periods. The long-term simulation over a period of 30 years showed a reduction in the nitrate load of up to 32% without impacting the crop yield. The model results suggest that by reducing the current N application rate by 20% and using a 40:60 split between spring pre-plant and side-dressing N applications combined with cereal rye as a cover crop in corn–soybean rotation, one can potentially reduce nitrate losses without impacting crop yields. This study will help researchers, stakeholders, and farmers to explore and adopt alternative management practices beneficial for offsetting the environmental impacts of agricultural productions on the watershed scale.
Productivity and Stability Evaluation of 12 Selected Avena magna ssp. domestica Lines Based on Multi-Location Experiments during Three Cropping Seasons in Morocco
Authors: Thiam El hadji , Jellen Eric N. , Jackson Eric W. , Nelson Mark , Rogers Will , El Mouttaqi Ayoub , Benlhabib Ouafae
Published: July 2023

Avena magna (2n = 4x = 28) is a tetraploid oat with a very high protein content compared to the hexaploid common oat, A. sativa (2n = 6x = 42). The wild type of A. magna originates from Morocco; its domestication has been achieved only within the past 25 years. The present study aimed to evaluate the productivity potential of an A. magna ssp. domestica collection of 11 advanced lines and a control variety, ‘Avery’. Twelve trials were conducted during three cropping seasons at four, three, and five locations and revealed significant differences among the accessions. Data on twelve agro-morphological characters and two disease traits were collected, and they confirmed the presence of variability in this oat germplasm set. Mean grain yield was 30.76 q/ha and varied from site to site, ranging from 6.89 q/ha at Bouchane_19 to 85.5 q/ha at Alnif_21. Across experimental sites, plant height ranged from 48.93 to 120.47 cm; thousand kernel weight from 32.83 to 49.73 g; and harvest index from 20.43 to 31.33%. Line AT6 was relatively tolerant of BYDV and crown rust infections, based on disease severity scoring at the heading stage. According to AMMI analysis, 78% of the grain yield variability was due to the environment factor and 4% was explained by the genetic factor. Among the highest-yielding lines, AT5 and ATC were relatively unstable. Line AT5 was more productive at the elevated site of El Kbab_19, and ATC performed better at the oasis location of Alnif_21 under irrigation. Line AT7 showed the most stable behavior; it was high yielding across the five environments and exceeded the general mean of the experiments. The A. magna ssp. domestica lines proved their suitability for cultivation under local farming conditions. Their nutritional quality, especially their high protein content, makes them good candidates for further testing in the Moroccan breeding program and for integration into local cropping systems.
Management of Laying Hen Farms in France Infected by Salmonella spp.: Comparison of Three Strategies
Authors: Terio Valentina , Manfredi Alessio , Dimuccio Michela Maria , Casalino Gaia , Luposella Francesco , Losacco Caterina , Bonerba Elisabetta , Ceci Edmondo , Circella Elena , Corrente Marialaura , Bozzo Giancarlo
Published: July 2023

The presence of Salmonella spp. on laying hen farms turns out to be a major problem for public health reasons, mainly related to foodborne illnesses that may arise due to ingestion of contaminated eggs. When Salmonella spp. infection on farms is confirmed by laboratory analysis, animal health measures are applied on the establishment, including total elimination of animals. The aim of this study is to describe three different methods of managing Salmonella enteritidis-infected laying hen farms, all of which were used within the Moselle department (France). The methods chosen, culling, use of a mobile CO2 container, or lethal injection with T-61, depend on specific starting conditions, including the number of birds and proximity to an authorized slaughterhouse. This study, therefore, helps to identify the main problems with each method and provides recommendations for improving the management of Salmonella spp.-infected laying hen farms, where antibiotics cannot be used.
Agroclimatic and Phytosanitary Events and Emerging Technologies for Their Identification in Avocado Crops: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Ramirez-Guerrero Tomas , Hernandez-Perez Maria Isabel , Tabares Marta S. , Marulanda-Tobon Alejandro , Villanueva Eduart , Peña Alejandro
Published: July 2023

Avocado is one of the most commercialized and profitable fruits in the international market. Its cultivation and production are centered in countries characterized by tropical and subtropical climatic conditions, many of them with emerging economies. Moreover, the use of technology is key to agricultural production improvement strategies. Using avocado crop data to forecast the potential impacts of biotic and abiotic factors, combined with smart farming technologies, growers can apply measures during a single production phase to reduce the risks caused by pests and weather variations. Therefore, this paper aims to distinguish the most relevant variables related to agroclimatic and phytosanitary events in avocado crops, their incidence on production and risk management, as well as the emerging technologies used for the identification and analysis of pests and diseases in avocados. A scientific literature search was performed, and the first search found 608 studies, and once the screening process was applied, 37 papers were included in this review. In the results, three research questions were answered that described the pests and diseases with high impact on avocado production, along with the data sources and the principal enabling technologies used in the identification of agroclimatic and phytosanitary events in avocados. Some challenges and trends in the parameterization of the technology in field conditions for data collection are also highlighted.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Body Conformation Traits in a Three-Way Crossbred Commercial Pig Population
Authors: Deng Shaoxiong , Qiu Yibin , Zhuang Zhanwei , Wu Jie , Li Xuehua , Ruan Donglin , Xu Cineng , Zheng Enqing , Yang Ming , Cai Gengyuan , Yang Jie , Wu Zhenfang , Huang Sixiu
Published: July 2023

Body conformation is the most direct production index, which can fully reflect pig growth status and is closely related to critical economic traits. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on body conformation traits in a population of 1518 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) commercial pigs. These traits included body length (BL), body height (BH), chest circumference (CC), abdominal circumference (AC), and waist circumference (WC). Both the mixed linear model (MLM) and fixed and random model circulating probability unification (FarmCPU) approaches were employed for the analysis. Our findings revealed 60 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with these body conformation traits in the crossbred pig population. Specifically, sixteen SNPs were significantly associated with BL, three SNPs with BH, thirteen SNPs with CC, twelve SNPs with AC, and sixteen SNPs with WC. Moreover, we identified several promising candidate genes located within the genomic regions associated with body conformation traits. These candidate genes include INTS10, KIRREL3, SOX21, BMP2, MAP4K3, SOD3, FAM160B1, ATL2, SPRED2, SEC16B, and RASAL2. Furthermore, our analysis revealed a novel significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on SSC7 specifically associated with waist circumference, spanning an 84 kb interval. Overall, the identification of these significant SNPs and potential candidate genes in crossbred commercial pigs enhances our understanding of the genetic basis underlying body conformation traits. Additionally, these findings provide valuable genetic resources for pig breeding programs.
Physical, Metabolic, and Microbial Rumen Development in Goat Kids: A Review on the Challenges and Strategies of Early Weaning
Authors: Abdelsattar Mahmoud M. , Zhao Wei , Saleem Atef M. , Kholif Ahmed E. , Vargas-Bello-Pérez Einar , Zhang Naifeng
Published: July 2023

The digestive system of newborn ruminant functions is similar to monogastric animals, and therefore milk flows into the abomasum instead of rumen for digestion. The rumen undergoes tremendous changes over time in terms of structure, function, and microbiome. These changes contribute to the smooth transition from the dependence on liquid diets to solid diets. Goat kids are usually separated at early ages from their dams in commercial intensive systems. The separation from dams minimizes the transfer of microbiota from dams to newborns. In this review, understanding how weaning times and methodologies could affect the normal development and growth of newborn goats may facilitate the development of new feeding strategies to control stress in further studies.
In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Three Synthetic Peptides against Candida auris and Other Candida Species of Medical Importance
Authors: Torres Richar , Barreto-Santamaría Adriana , Arévalo-Pinzón Gabriela , Firacative Carolina , Gómez Beatriz L. , Escandón Patricia , Patarroyo Manuel Alfonso , Muñoz Julián E.
Published: July 2023

Candidiasis is an opportunistic infection affecting immunosuppressed and hospitalized patients, with mortality rates approaching 40% in Colombia. The growing pharmacological resistance of Candida species and the emergence of multidrug-resistant Candida auris are major public health problems. Therefore, different antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being investigated as therapeutic alternatives to control candidiasis effectively and safely. This work aimed to evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of three synthetic AMPs, PNR20, PNR20-1, and 35409, against ATCC reference strains of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, Candida krusei, and Candida tropicalis, and clinical isolates of C. auris. Antifungal susceptibility testing, determined by broth microdilution, showed that the AMPs have antifungal activity against planktonic cells of all Candida species evaluated. In C. auris and C. albicans, the peptides had an effect on biofilm formation and cell viability, as determined by the XTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Also, morphological alterations in the membrane and at the intracellular level of these species were induced by the peptides, as observed by transmission electron microscopy. In vitro, the AMPs had no cytotoxicity against L929 murine fibroblasts. Our results showed that the evaluated AMPs are potential therapeutic alternatives against the most important Candida species in Colombia and the world.
Advances in Understanding the Role of NRF2 in Liver Pathophysiology and Its Relationship with Hepatic-Specific Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression
Authors: Fuertes-Agudo Marina , Luque-Tévar María , Cucarella Carme , Martín-Sanz Paloma , Casado Marta
Published: July 2023

Oxidative stress and inflammation play an important role in the pathophysiological changes of liver diseases. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that positively regulates the basal and inducible expression of a large battery of cytoprotective genes, thus playing a key role in protecting against oxidative damage. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a key enzyme in prostaglandin biosynthesis. Its expression has always been associated with the induction of inflammation, but we have shown that, in addition to possessing other benefits, the constitutive expression of COX-2 in hepatocytes is beneficial in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in multiple liver diseases. In this review, we summarized the role of NRF2 as a main agent in the resolution of oxidative stress, the crucial role of NRF2 signaling pathways during the development of chronic liver diseases, and, finally we related its action to that of COX-2, where it appears to operate as its partner in providing a hepatoprotective effect.
n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Affects Oxidative Stress Marker Levels in Patients with Type II Intestinal Failure: A Randomized Double Blind Trial
Authors: Flores-López Adriana , Guevara-Cruz Martha , Avila-Nava Azalia , González-Garay Alejandro G. , González-Salazar Luis E. , Reyes-Ramírez Ana L. , Pedraza-Chaverri José , Medina-Campos Omar N. , Medina-Vera Isabel , Reyes-García Juan G. , Tovar Armando R. , Serralde-Zúñiga Aurora E.
Published: July 2023

Type II intestinal failure (IF-II) is a condition in which the gastrointestinal tract is compromised. Liver complications may occur because of the pathology and/or prolonged use of parenteral nutrition (PN); oxidative stress has been implicated as one of the causes. Lipid emulsions containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been proposed for the treatment. We aimed to evaluate the effect of 7-day n-3 PUFA supplementation on oxidative stress in IF-II patients receiving PN. This was a randomized, controlled, double-blinded, pilot trial of adult patients with IF-II, receiving either conventional PN (control) or PN enriched with n-3 PUFAs (intervention). Twenty patients were included (14 men, 49 ± 16.9 years), with the ANCOVA analysis the glucose (p = 0.003), and direct bilirubin (p = 0.001) levels reduced; whereas the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased (p = 0.017). In the random-effect linear regression analysis, a reduction (p < 0.0001) in the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was found in the intervention group when the covariables age, HDL-C level, and alanine aminotransferase activity were considered. After 1 week of PN supplementation with n-3 PUFAs, the marker levels of some oxidative stress, blood lipids, and hepatic biomarkers improved in patients with IF-II.
Application of Dimensionality Reduction and Machine Learning Methods for the Interpretation of Gas Sensor Array Readouts from Mold-Threatened Buildings
Authors: Łagód Grzegorz , Piłat-Rożek Magdalena , Majerek Dariusz , Łazuka Ewa , Suchorab Zbigniew , Guz Łukasz , Kočí Václav , Černý Robert
Published: July 2023

Paper is in the scope of moisture-related problems which are connected with mold threat in buildings, sick building syndrome (SBS) as well as application of electronic nose for evaluation of different building envelopes and building materials. The machine learning methods used to analyze multidimensional signals are important components of the e-nose system. These multidimensional signals are derived from a gas sensor array, which, together with instrumentation, constitute the hardware of this system. The accuracy of the classification and the correctness of the classification of mold threat in buildings largely depend on the appropriate selection of the data analysis methods used. This paper proposes a method of data analysis using Principal Component Analysis, metric multidimensional scaling and Kohonen self-organizing map, which are unsupervised machine learning methods, to visualize and reduce the dimensionality of the data. For the final classification of observations and the identification of datasets from gas sensor arrays analyzing air from buildings threatened by mold, as well as from other reference materials, supervised learning methods such as hierarchical cluster analysis, MLP neural network and the random forest method were used.
Navigation Safety on Shipping Routes during Construction
Authors: Paulauskas Vytautas , Filina-Dawidowicz Ludmiła , Paulauskas Donatas
Published: July 2023

Construction work or other maintenance and repair activities in navigational channels are crucial to ensure and improve ships’ movement on the selected routes. However, during the performance of these works, the ships’ navigation along the construction area becomes more difficult due to the decreased parameters of passages for vessels and the operation of specific equipment on the route, e.g., dredgers and floating cranes. During construction work in navigational channels, it is impossible to stop navigation or limit ships’ parameters because there may not be other possibilities for vessels to reach their planned ports or other dedicated areas. The prior determination of ships’ sailing conditions and restrictions is essential to ensure maritime safety in such areas. The aim of this study is to develop a methodology that allows the precise determination of minimum passage parameters for the navigation of ships sailing through the areas in navigational channels where construction or development works are being carried out. The theoretical basis for the minimum passage parameter calculation is presented. The methodology for assessing the conditions and restrictions of navigation during construction work is proposed. The minimum width of the shipping passages in defined navigational, hydro-meteorological, and hydrological conditions and the possible minimum parameters sufficient to guarantee navigational safety are considered in a case study. The research results may be interesting for port authorities, shipping companies, and other entities involved in the organization of ships’ movement during construction work in navigational channels or other areas.
Situational Adaptation of the Open Wagon Body to Container Transportation
Authors: Gerlici Juraj , Lovska Alyona , Vatulia Glib , Pavliuchenkov Mykhailo , Kravchenko Oleksandr , Solčanský Sebástian
Published: July 2023

Increased volumes of freight turnover in international transportation require the situational adaptation of the existing wagon fleet to the transportation of containers, which are commonly used at present. The research presented in this article substantiates the possibility of transporting containers in open wagons. It has been found that taking into account the possible displacements of containers in the body, the stresses at the operating modes can be twice as high as the permissible ones if an open wagon is part of the combined train. In this regard, it is proposed that a detachable multifunctional module for securing containers in the open wagon body be used. The detachable module is fixed through the fitting stops, either stationary or hinged, in the body. The rationale for the choice of the detachable module profile, as well as the results of its strength calculation, is given. The strength of the open wagon body during container transportation has been studied taking into account the proposed fastening diagram. The results of the calculations have shown that the maximum stresses in the body do not exceed permissible values. The results of the study will contribute to improvement in the efficiency of container transportation and the transport industry as a whole. Also, these results may be useful developments for designing modular vehicles.
Research on Reasonable Construction Plan for Cast-in-Place UHPC Bridge Deck Plate of Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Shi Jintao , Chen Zhijiang
Published: July 2023

This article takes a single-tower cable-stayed bridge with a steel-UHPC composite deck steel box girder as the research object and develops different casting plans for the UHPC layer on the bridge deck. It analyzes the influence of factors such as the block casting sequence of the UHPC layer on the bridge deck, whether or not to set up a post-casting section, whether or not to set up bridge deck counterweights and the range of it on the additional deformation and stress of the formed UHPC bridge deck during the construction stage, exploring the impact of various factors on the structural target bridge’s completion status (cable force, bridge completion linearity, bridge deck and steel box girder stress) under different pouring schemes. Research has shown that under the constant initial tension of stay cables, adjusting the pouring sequence of UHPC bridge decks and setting post-pouring sections is not significant in reducing the tensile stress of UHPC bridge decks. The more effective technical measure is to use bridge deck counterweight pouring during construction; the closer the counterweight is to the later stage constant load loading value, the more significant the decrease in UHPC tensile stress is. When factors such as on-site construction conditions, construction period, and labor costs are limited, local weight balancing on the bridge deck can be used.
Frame-Based Slip Detection for an Underactuated Robotic Gripper for Assistance of Users with Disabilities
Authors: Marx Lennard , Pálsdóttir Ásgerdur Arna , Andreasen Struijk Lotte N. S.
Published: July 2023

Stable grasping is essential for assistive robots aiding individuals with severe motor–sensory disabilities in their everyday lives. Slip detection can prevent unstably grasped objects from falling out of the gripper and causing accidents. Recent research on slip detection focuses on tactile sensing; however, not every robot arm can be equipped with such sensors. In this paper, we propose a slip detection method solely based on data collected by a RealSense D435 Red Green Blue-Depth (RGBd) camera. By utilizing Farneback optical flow (OF) to estimate the motion field of the grasped object relative to the gripper, while also removing potential background noise, the algorithm can perform in a multitude of environments. The algorithm was evaluated on a dataset of 28 daily objects that were lifted 30 times each, resulting in a total of 840 frame sequences. Our proposed slip detection method achieves an accuracy of up to 82.38% and a recall of up to 87.14%, which is comparable to state-of-the-art approaches when only using camera data. When excluding objects for which movements are challenging for vision-based methods to detect, such as untextured or transparent objects, the proposed method performs even better, with an accuracy of up to 87.19% and a recall of up to 95.09%.
Determining the Relationship between Physical Capacities, Metabolic Capacities, and Dynamic Three-Point Shooting Accuracy in Professional Female Basketball Players
Authors: Zhang Mingxiang , Miao Xiangjun , Rupčić Tomislav , Sansone Pierpaolo , Vencúrik Tomáš , Li Feng
Published: July 2023

Three-point shooting plays an important role in determining the outcomes of basketball games and could be relevant for player selection. However, there has been little research into the relationship between basketball players’ physical capacities, metabolic capacities, and three-point shooting accuracy, particularly among female players. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between physical capacities, metabolic capacities, and dynamic three-point shooting accuracy in female professional basketball players. Twelve female professional basketball players from the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) league (age: 19.04 ± 1.31 years, height: 181.33 ± 4.90 cm, playing experience: 7.83 ± 1.7 years) were recruited for this study. Pearson correlations and multiple linear regression analysis were run to assess the relationship between physical capacities, metabolic capacities, and dynamic three-point shooting. Results showed that coordination, balance, core strength, and relative average power were positively correlated with three-point shooting accuracy (r > 0.58, p < 0.05), while no other variables showed significant correlations. The current study suggests that coaching staff should consider coordination, balance, core strength, and anaerobic capacities when selecting players as well as in their training periodization if three-point shooting accuracy is considered relevant.
Measurement Method of Interpupillary Distance and Pupil Height Based on Ensemble of Regression Trees and the BlendMask Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Zhenkai , Xiang Huiyu , Li Dongyang , Leng Chongjie
Published: July 2023

Measuring interpupilary distance and pupil height is a crucial step in the process of optometry. However, existing methods suffer from low accuracy, high cost, a lack of portability, and limited research on studying both parameters simultaneously. To overcome these challenges, we propose a method that combines ensemble regression trees (ERT) with the BlendMask algorithm to accurately measure both interpupillary distance and pupil height. First, we train an ERT-based face keypoint model to locate the pupils and calculate their center coordinates. Then, we develop an eyeglass dataset and train a BlendMask model to obtain the coordinates of the lowest point of the lenses. Finally, we calculate the numerical values of interpupillary distance and pupil height based on their respective definitions. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately measure interpupillary distance (IPD) and pupil height, and the calculated IPD and pupil height values are in good agreement with the measurements obtained by an auto-refractometer. By combining the advantages of the two models, our method overcomes the limitations of traditional methods with high measurement accuracy, low cost, and strong portability. Moreover, this method enables fast and automatic measurement, minimizing operation time, and reducing human errors. Therefore, it possesses broad prospects for application, particularly in the fields of eyeglass customization and vision inspection.
Structural Design and Numerical Analysis of an All-Metal Screw Motor for Drilling Applications in High-Temperature and High-Pressure Environments in Ultra-Deep Wells
Authors: Fang Xin , Zhang Chuo , Li Cong , Chen Ling , Li Jianan , Yang Xun , Xie Heping
Published: July 2023

It is difficult to adapt traditional screw motors with rubber stators to the high-temperature and high-pressure conditions in ultra-deep wells, where rubber stators age, deform and carbonize, resulting in motor failure. In this study, the goal is to develop volumetric power drilling tools that can be used to drill at depths of 10,000 m. To meet this goal, an all-metal screw motor that can be applied in ultra-deep wells is designed, then its deformation and structural design are studied. Through numerical simulation, the change in clearance of the motor after expansion in high-temperature environments and the characteristics of deformation in ultra-deep well environments are analyzed. The results show that the metal screw motor has good performance and stability. The maximum deformation is less than 0.3 mm at depths of 9000~15,000 m in ultra-deep wells. The minimum design clearance should be greater than 0.2 mm to ensure that the stator and rotor remain engaged. The results of this research are expected to provide theoretical guidance for the design of all-metal screw motors for applications in ultra-deep well drilling projects to meet the demand for deep earth resource development.
Low Complexity Deep Learning Framework for Greek Orthodox Church Hymns Classification
Authors: Iliadis Lazaros Alexios , Sotiroudis Sotirios P. , Tsakatanis Nikolaos , Boursianis Achilles D. , Kokkinidis Konstantinos-Iraklis D. , Karagiannidis George K. , Goudos Sotirios K.
Published: July 2023

The Byzantine religious tradition includes Greek Orthodox Church hymns, which significantly differ from other cultures’ religious music. Since the deep learning revolution, audio and music signal processing are often approached as computer vision problems. This work trains from scratch three different novel convolutional neural networks on a hymns dataset to perform hymns classification for mobile applications. The audio data are first transformed into Mel-spectrograms and then fed as input to the model. To study in more detail our models’ performance, two state-of-the-art (SOTA) deep learning models were trained on the same dataset. Our approach outperforms the SOTA models both in terms of accuracy and their characteristics. Additional statistical analysis was conducted to validate the results obtained.