bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How comprehensive and effective are waste management policies during the COVID-19 pandemic? Perspectives from the Philippines
Authors: Apostol Geminn Louis Carace , Acolola Angelina Gabrielle Aguilar , Edillon Michelle Alexandra , Valenzuela Sary
Published: August 2022

This study presents a comprehensive analysis on policies governing the management of COVID-19 waste in the Philippines, highlighting gaps in pre-existing policies and opportunities for further policy development and adaptation in the context of present and future public health emergencies. A hybrid search strategy and consultative process identified fifty (50) policy documents directly impacting the management of wastes (general domestic, healthcare, and household healthcare waste) released prior to and during the pandemic. Content analysis revealed comprehensive policy coverage on managing general domestic waste and healthcare waste. However, there remains a dearth in policies for managing household healthcare waste, an emerging category for waste generated by patients isolating at home or in isolation facilities. Applicable, pre-existing policies were neither adequate nor specific to this category, and may therefore be subjected to variable interpretation and mismanagement when applied to this novel waste category. Assessment using the modified Cradle-to-End-Of-Life (CTEOL) framework revealed adequate policy coverage across the waste lifecycle stages. However, policies on reducing waste generation were relatively minimal and outdated, and policy gaps in waste segregation led to downstream inefficiencies and introduction of environmental health risks in waste collection, treatment, and disposal. The internal validity of policies was also evaluated against eleven (11) criteria adapted from Rütten et al. and Cheung et al. The criteria analysis revealed strong fulfillment of ensuring policy accessibility, goal clarity, provision of human resources, and strength of policy background, but weak fulfillment of criteria on providing adequate financing, organizational capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and encouragement of opportunities for public participation. We conclude that existing waste management policies in the Philippines leave much room for improvement to ensure effective management of COVID-19 waste from various settings and circumstances. Hence, these policies are expected to adapt and evolve over time, utilizing the best available technology and environmental practices. Integrated, region-wide waste management systems, involving both government and society, and strengthened by equitable provisional support are needed for effective waste management that is both inclusive and resilient in the face of present and future pandemics.
Sport heritage in VR: Real tennis case study
Authors: Gaugne Ronan , Barreau Jean-Baptiste , Duc-Martin Pierre , Esnault Elen , Gouranton Valérie
Published: August 2022

Traditional Sports and Games (TSG) are as varied as human cultures. Preserving knowledge of these practices is essential as they are an expression of intangible cultural heritage as emphasized by UNESCO (General Conference of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, at its 25th session, 1989). With the increasing development of virtual reconstructions in the domain of Cultural Heritage, and thank to advances in the production and 3D animation of virtual humans, interactive simulations and experiences of these activities have emerged to preserve this intangible heritage. We propose a methodological approach to design an immersive reconstitution of a TSG in Virtual Reality, with a formalization of the elements involved in such a reconstitution and we illustrate this approach with the example of real tennis. Real tennis is a racket sport that has been played for centuries and is considered the ancestor of tennis. It was a very popular sport in Europe during the Renaissance period, practiced by every layer of the society. It is still practiced today in few courts in world, especially in France, United Kingdom, Australia and USA. It has been listed in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in France since 2012.
Incoherent Thomson scattering: future implementation and measurement capabilities on the PANDORA experiment
Authors: Tsikata S. , Maunoury L. , Ducret J-E.
Published: August 2022

The PANDORA (Plasmas for Astrophysics Nuclear Decays Observation and Radiation for Archaeometry) experiment aims to study the β-decay process inside a dense plasma mimicking stellar conditions. An electron cyclotron resonance plasma trap will be built at INFN-LNS in Catania, Italy, for the generation of the desired conditions in the laboratory. This type of non-equilibrium dense plasma (reaching densities of up to 1013 cm−3) is expected to generate electron energy distribution functions with electron energies ranging from tens of eV up to tens of keV. In this work, we describe aspects of a planned implementation of an incoherent Thomson scattering diagnostic for the study of electron properties in the plasma trap of PANDORA. The performance of this high-sensitivity diagnostic, known as THETIS, has been previously validated in measurements across a range of low-density magnetized plasma environments and it is expected to provide access to electron energy information in PANDORA in the range of temperatures from 1 to 103 eV. This article will establish the potential of such a diagnostic for future characterization of the electron properties in the PANDORA experiment.
Stable physical activity tracking during children's guided active play
Authors: Moghaddaszadeh Asal , Taqvi Urooj , Lee Caitlin , Lee Erran , Belcastro Angelo
Published: August 2022

Objective

Physical activity (PA) decreases during childhood with PA tracking statistics showing moderate coefficients in early childhood moving to poor coefficients in late childhood. The age-related instability of PA tracking is attributed to variations in age-related PA behaviors when quantifying PA in different settings (in/out of school, sports camps, and habitual PA). This study has examined the stability of age-related PA for children (from 7 to 11 years) during self-paced guided active play (GAP) sessions separated by 12 months.

Methods

Children (n = 65) recruited from community camps in two consecutive years were assessed for growth and PA participation during GAP sessions (1 h.d−1 on 2 d.wk−1) using cooperative games. Accelerometer outputs were used to quantify PA and estimate energy expenditure (EE) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Tracking statistics were assessed by Spearman coefficients (r) and agreement scores for percentile rankings (Kappa (k)) after a 1-year interval.

Results

Grouped data for PA tracking (EE) over the 1-year interval showed strong coefficients (r = 0.88, p = 0.001) and moderate agreement scores (k = 0.54). Boys and girls showed similar results. During the 1-year interval, the MVPA tracking coefficient was r = 0.54 (p = 0.01) with a moderate k score of 0.47. Age-related PA (EE) tracking coefficients at 7 (r = 0.90), 8 (r = 0.88), 10 (r = 0.82), and 11 (r = 0.83) years showed strong coefficients except at 9 years (r = 0.51).

Conclusion

Children's age-related PA tracking (EE and MVPA) is stable during self-paced GAP assessed over a 1-year interval. Since PA tracking is stable in self-paced GAP, GAP should be included in children's PA intervention strategies to improve health and fitness.
Metabolic and immune/inflammatory alterations induced by a triathlon under extreme conditions
Authors: Momesso Santos Cesar Miguel , Amaral Jônatas Bussador , Rossi Marcelo , Vieria Rodolfo Paula , Abad Cesar Cavinato Cal , Bachi André Luis Lacerda
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To investigate the effects of triathlon racing under extreme conditions on metabolic and immune/inflammatory responses.

Methods

Thirteen amateur athletes participated in an extreme triathlon competition (swim – 3.8 km; cycling – 180 km; running – 4 2 km; with a 3,700 m accumulated altitude). Blood samples were collected on three different occasions: pre-competition (baseline), immediately post-competition (IM), and 12 h post-competition (12 h) to evaluate glycemic and lipid profiles, leukocytes count, and cytokines levels in plasma and in whole-blood cell culture supernatant stimulated or not with LPS.

Results

Decreased glucose and triglycerides levels, increased LDL, and a significant leukocytosis were observed at IM and 12 h compared to baseline. In addition, higher serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 were found at IM than in baseline and post-12 h. Whereas increased IL-12p40 levels were observed for 12 h compared to baseline. At baseline, in LPS-stimulated cell culture, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12p70 were higher, while IL-12p40 levels were lower than non-stimulated cell culture. At IM, IL-12p40 levels were unchanged, while higher levels of other cytokines were found in LPS-stimulated cell culture compared to non-stimulated cell culture. The 12 h results showed higher levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 in LPS-stimulated cell culture than in non-stimulated cell culture. Additionally, a significant negative correlation between circulating glucose levels and IL-6 was found.

Conclusion

The triathlon competition's performance under extreme conditions has remarkable impacts on the lipid profile and systemic immune/inflammatory responses. For the first time, significant alterations in the cytokine responses of whole blood cell culture to LPS-stimulation in baseline, IM, and 12h were demonstrated.
Population, economic and geographic predictors of nations' medal tallies at the Pyeongchang and Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics
Authors: Li Feifei , Hopkins Will G. , Lipinska Patrycja
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Ranking of nations by medal tally is a popular feature of the Olympics, but such ranking is a poor measure of sporting prowess or engagement until the tallies are adjusted for major factors beyond the control of individual nations. Here we estimate and adjust for effects of total population, economy expressed as gross domestic product per capita, absolute latitude and Muslim population proportion on total medal counts in female, male, mixed and all events at the Pyeongchang winter and Tokyo summer Olympics and Paralympics.

Methods

The statistical model was multiple linear over-dispersed Poisson regression. Population and economy were log-transformed; their linear effects were expressed in percent per percent units and evaluated in magnitude as the factor effects of two between-nation standard deviations (SD). The linear effect of absolute latitude was expressed and evaluated as the factor effect of 30° (approximately 2 SD). The linear effect of Muslim proportion was expressed as the factor effect of 100% vs. 0% Muslim. Nations were ranked on the basis of actual vs. predicted all-events medal counts.

Results

At the Pyeongchang Olympics, effects of population and economy were 0.7–0.8 %/% and 1.1–1.7 %/% (welldefined extremely large increases for 2 SD), factor effects of 30° of latitude were 11–17 (welldefined extremely large increases), and factor effects of 100% Muslim population were 0.08–0.69 (extremely large to moderate reductions, albeit indecisive). Effects at the Tokyo Olympics were similar in magnitude, including those of latitude, which were surprisingly still positive although diminished (large to very large increases). Effects at the Pyeongchang and Tokyo Paralympics were generally similar to those at the Olympics, but the effects of economy were diminished (large to very large increases). After adjustment of medal tallies for these effects, nations that reached the top-10 medalists in both winter games were Austria, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Slovakia and Ukraine, but only Azerbaijan reached the top-10 in both summer games.

Conclusion

Adjusting medal counts for demographic and geographic factors provides a comparison of nations' sporting prowess or engagement that is more in keeping with the Olympic ideal of fair play and more useful for nations' Olympic-funding decisions.
Ecologically and biophysically optimal allocation of expanded soy production in Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Gebhardt Swantje , Haensel Maria , Schulp Catharina J. E. , Kaim Andrea
Published: August 2022

A debate about cultivation and trading of soy has emerged among scientists, policymakers, and the public in recent years. Export-orientated soy production in regions of South America is associated with large-scale ecosystem destruction. Since soy is an important source of animal fodder, policymakers are developing schemes to support and enhance sustainable domestic soy cultivation, especially in the EU. Expanded soy cultivation should ideally provide high yields and at the same time promote environmental benefits. For this purpose, we applied a multi-objective optimization algorithm that selects areas with maximum soy suitability, minimum erosion risk, need for low fertilizer input due to water quality issues, and need for diversification of monotonous crop rotations. We use the state of Bavaria in Germany as a case study, modeling full self-sufficiency of soy. The results of the optimization indicate synergies between plantation suitability with need for low fertilization input and crop variation, which implies that the environmental benefit of nitrogen fixation and rotation diversification from soy plants can easily be reconciled with food productivity. However, slight trade-offs occur between erosion risk and the three other objectives, i.e., locations with better soy production might be more prone toward erosion risk. As a potential consequence of expanded soy cultivation in Bavaria, we identified winter wheat, grain maize, potatoes, and sugar beet as those crops that have the highest share of displaced cultivation area. To reduce such land use conflicts and ensure self-sufficiency in relevant crops, we recommend to limit the use of soy as animal feed. Nevertheless, we propose to explicitly incorporate the local need for the environmental benefits of soy cultivation in the planning for soy expansion. In doing so, domestic soy can turn into a real sustainable alternative to imported plant protein.
One-stage En bloc resection of thoracic spinal chondrosarcoma with huge paravertebral mass through the single posterior approach by dissociate longissimus thoracis
Authors: Xu Wei , Ye Chen , Zhang Dan , Wang Peng , Wei Haifeng , Yang Xinghai , Xiao Jianru
Published: August 2022

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Objective

To describe the technique details and therapeutic outcomes of 3-D printing model-guided en bloc resection of chondrosarcoma (CHS) with huge paravertebral mass via the combined posterior median and Wiltse approach.

Summary of background data

Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) technique is conventionally based on the single posterior approach or combined anterior-posterior approach. However, the single posterior approach imposes a high technical demand on the surgeon due to the narrow field of vision, limited surgical space and the delicate spinal cord, while the combined anterior-posterior approach not only requires greater patient tolerance but is time consuming and runs the risk of more blood loss and injury to the visceral pleura and large blood vessels during surgery. In addition, it is difficult to completely remove the thoracic CHS with paravertebral mass through simple en bloc resection when it involves the aorta, vena cava, costa and lung.

Material and methods

Between August 2010 and January 2016, we performed a retrospective study to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of en bloc resection of thoracic spinal CHS with paravertebral mass through the combined posterior median and Wiltse approach. Postoperative recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Altogether 15 patients received en bloc resection of thoracic spinal CHS with paravertebral mass through the combined posterior median and Wiltse approach. The mean age of these patients was 37.0 ± 12.8 years (median 36; range 15–64). This combination approach provided more extensive exposure and wider marginal resection of the tumor within a mean operation duration of 288 ± 96 min (median 280; range 140–480) and mean intraoperative blood loss of 1,966 ± 830 ml (median 2,000; range 300–3,000). Of the 15 patients, 5 experienced local recurrence of the disease; the mean time from surgery to recurrence was 22 ± 9.85 months (median 17, range 13–35). RFS in patients with recurrent CHS was significantly lower than that in patients with primary CHS on admission (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

The combined posterior median and Wiltse approach is a technically viable option for en bloc resection of thoracic spinal CHS with huge paravertebral mass, and can give a favorable local control of CHS.

Level of evidence

Level V.
Combined arthroscopic rotator cuff repair leads to better clinical outcomes than isolated removal of calcific deposits for shoulder calcific tendinitis: A 2- to 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Pang Long , Li Tao , Li Yinghao , Cao Yuanyinuo , Li Jian , Zhu Jing , Tang Xin
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The optimal treatment procedure for shoulder calcific tendinitis (CT) remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of arthroscopic treatment for CT, and to compare the clinical outcomes following combined rotator cuff repair and isolated removal of calcific deposits.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 46 patients (47 shoulders) with confirmed shoulder CT, and the diameter of the calcific deposit was over 1 cm. All patients suffered from CT for a mean period of 17.82 months and had a poor response to conservative treatment. With 12 males and 34 females included, the mean age was 53.94 years. After failed conservative treatment, 23 shoulders underwent combined rotator cuff repair (repair group), and 24 shoulders underwent isolated removal of calcific deposits (debridement group). The clinical outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months after the surgery and annually thereafter. The efficacy measures included the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score and radiographic outcomes.

Results

Remarkable improvement in clinical outcomes at the final follow-up (2- to 5-year) compared with those at baseline were observed (p < 0.0001 for all outcomes). Compared with isolated removal of calcific deposits, combined rotator cuff repair led to worse postoperative 3- and 6-month VAS (p = 0.004 and p = 0.026, respectively), and 3-month ASES scores (p = 0.012). However, better VAS (p = 0.035 and p = 0.007, respectively) and ASES (p = 0.034 and p = 0.020, respectively) scores at 24-month and final follow-up were found in the repair group. All these differences reached the minimal clinical important difference (MCID). MRI scans at the final follow-up showed significantly better outcomes in patients with rotator cuff repair (p = 0.021).

Conclusions

Arthroscopic removal of calcific deposits is safe and effective for treating CT. Compared with isolated debridement, combined rotator cuff repair led to worse short-term (<12 months) but better medium- (12–48 months) to long-term (≥48 months) improvements in pain, function and integrity of tendons.
A Review of Equine Sleep: Implications for Equine Welfare
Authors: Greening Linda , McBride Sebastian
Published: August 2022

Sleep is a significant biological requirement for all living mammals due to its restorative properties and its cognitive role in memory consolidation. Sleep is ubiquitous amongst all mammals but sleep profiles differ between species dependent upon a range of biological and environmental factors. Given the functional importance of sleep, it is important to understand these differences in order to ensure good physical and psychological wellbeing for domesticated animals. This review focuses specifically on the domestic horse and aims to consolidate current information on equine sleep, in relation to other species, in order to (a) identify both quantitatively and qualitatively what constitutes normal sleep in the horse, (b) identify optimal methods to measure equine sleep (logistically and in terms of accuracy), (c) determine whether changes in equine sleep quantity and quality reflect changes in the animal's welfare, and (d) recognize the primary factors that affect the quantity and quality of equine sleep. The review then discusses gaps in current knowledge and uses this information to identify and set the direction of future equine sleep research with the ultimate aim of improving equine performance and welfare. The conclusions from this review are also contextualized within the current discussions around the “social license” of horse use from a welfare perspective.
Evolution and Near-Wall Effect of the Vortex Structures Induced by In-Line Twin Synthetic Jets in a Crossflow
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Xu Degang , Li Linwen , Zhou Kaiwen , Wen Xin , Tang Hui
Published: August 2022

This paper aims to further the understanding of the mixing process of in-line twin synthetic jets (SJs) and their impact in the near-wall region in a flat-plate laminar boundary layer. A numerical study has been carried out, in which colored fluid particles and the Q criterion are used to track the SJ-induced vortex structures at the early stage of the evolution. Interacting vortex structures at four selected phase differences are presented and analyzed. It is found that the fluid injected at the early stage of the blowing stroke mainly contributes to the formation of the hairpin legs, the fluid injected near the maximum blowing mainly contributes to the formation of the hairpin head, and the fluid injected at the late stage of the blowing stroke contributes very little to the formation of the hairpin vortex. It is also confirmed that, irrespective of the phase difference, the hairpin vortex issued from the upstream actuator is more capable of maintaining its coherence than its counterpart issued from the downstream actuator. The influence of the interacting vortex structures on the boundary layer is also studied through investigating excess wall shear stress. In all cases, a pair of streaks of high wall shear stress can be observed with similar size. Among them, the streaks have the strongest wall shear stress, with the largest gap at phase difference 0 when partially interacting vortex structures are produced. The findings can provide valuable guiding information for the applications of synthetic jets in heat transfer, mixing control, and flow control in a crossflow.
Exploring the Growth of Agricultural Productivity in AFRICA: A Färe-Primont Index Approach
Authors: Myeki Lindikaya W. , Bahta Yonas T. , Matthews Nicolette
Published: August 2022

The effort to increase agricultural productivity continues to receive interest in Africa as low productivity levels, poverty and food insecurity remain or even increase. This study used the Färe-Primont Index to estimate agricultural total factor productivity growth for 49 African countries. Panel data consisting of 833 observations for the period 2000 to 2016 were obtained from the United State Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service database. The results show that the average growth rate for agriculture in Africa is 0.73% per annum. The sector experienced increased growth after the Maputo Declaration, which was sustained during the global financial crisis. West Africa experienced the largest growth while Southern Africa suffered a substantial decline. The study also discovered that growth differed between countries indicating that customization of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme into regional and country-specific policy interventions is important to boost agricultural productivity. Finally, the growth was achieved through technical change, while efficiency change constrained growth. Policy-makers should increase investment in agricultural extension services, education and training to enhance managerial capacity (efficiency change) because improved managerial capacity could increase agricultural growth and thereby increase food security and alleviate poverty in Africa.
Untargeted Metabolomics to Explore the Bacteria Exo-Metabolome Related to Plant Biostimulants
Authors: García Carlos J. , Alacid Verónica , Tomás-Barberán Francisco A. , García Carlos , Palazón Pedro
Published: August 2022

The control and development of plant growth promoters is a key factor for the agro-nomy industry in its economic performance. Different genera of bacteria are widely used as natural biostimulants with the aim of enhancing nutrition efficiency, abiotic stress tolerance and/or crop quality traits, regardless of their nutrients content. However, the complete exo-metabolome of the bacteria responsible for the biostimulant effect is still unknown and needs to be investigated. Three bacteria with different biostimulant effects were studied by untargeted metabolomics in order to describe the metabolites responsible for this effect. The pentose phosphate pathway, tryptophan metabolism, zeatin biosynthesis, vitamin B6 metabolism and amino acid metabolism were the highlighted pathways related to bacteria biostimulant activity. These results are related to the plant hormones biosynthesis pathway for auxins and zeatins biosynthesis. Fourteen metabolites were identified as biomarkers of the biostimulant activity. The results suggest a greater relevance of auxins than cytokinin pathways due the importance of the precursors identified. The results show a clear trend of using indole-3-pyruvate and 3-Indoleglycolaldehyde pathways to produce auxins by bacteria. The results demonstrate for the first time that 4-Pyridoxic acid, the fructosamines N-(1-Deoxy-1-fructosyl)phenylalanine and N-(1-Deoxy-1-fructosyl)isoleucine and the tripeptides diprotin A and B are metabolites related to biostimulant capabilities. This study shows how untargeted metabolomic approaches can be useful tools to investigate the bacteria exo-metabolomes related to biostimulant effects.
Neuroimmunology and Allergic Disease
Authors: Sindher Sayantani B. , Sampath Vanitha , Chin Andrew R. , Nadeau Kari , Chinthrajah Rebecca Sharon
Published: August 2022

The prevalence of allergic diseases is rising globally, inducing heavy quality of life and economic burdens. Allergic reactions are mediated by the complex bi-directional cross-talk between immune and nervous systems that we are only beginning to understand. Here, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of how this cross-talk occurs in the skin, gut, and lungs. An improved understanding of the communication between the immune and nervous system may lead to the development of novel therapies for allergic diseases.
Emotive Themes from Tennessee Cattle Producers Regarding Responsible Antibiotic Use
Authors: Okafor Chika C. , Ekakoro John E. , Caldwell Marc , Strand Elizabeth B.
Published: August 2022

To improve judicious antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animals in the United States, all feed additives that were medically important antimicrobials were moved from over the counter to Veterinary Feed Directive in 2017. This action required a change in behavior of producers’ AMU practices. Because emotions are important aspects of behavior, several behavioral interventions have targeted people’s emotions as means of effecting change. Hence, understanding and incorporating the emotional experiences of producers towards current AMU practices can be a starting point to making future behavioral changes that could reduce the emergence of antimicrobial resistance challenge. Between June 2017 and March 2018, seven focus group meetings of Tennessee (TN) beef and dairy cattle producers were conducted to evaluate producers’ emotional views regarding responsible AMU in TN cattle. Sixty-two TN cattle producers participated and emotively expressed the following: (1) deep connections to animals in ways that improve animal and public health; (2) pride in their quality of products; (3) distress that consumers misconceive their AMU practices as indiscriminate; and (4) recommended that producers be more transparent about their AMU practices and the public improve their awareness for detecting marketers’ deceptive product labels that take advantage of public ignorance. Knowledge of these producers’ emotions would help educators target more successful behavioral change campaigns, improving stewardship in AMU practices among producers.
The Relationship between Animal Welfare and Farm Profitability in Cage and Free-Range Housing Systems for Laying Hens in China
Authors: He Shuai , Lin Jiao , Jin Qiongyu , Ma Xiaohan , Liu Zhongying , Chen Hui , Ma Ji , Zhang Huancheng , Descovich Kris , Phillips Clive J. C. , Hartcher Kate , Wu Zhonghong
Published: August 2022

Several countries and regions have regulations in place to provide standards for the welfare of production animals, which have implications for breeding, management and trade. In the chicken egg production industry, the welfare impacts of this are not well understood. In the past decades, free-range systems were widely used for local chicken breeds in poultry industry in China, but their use has gradually declined due to the lower competitiveness compared to commercial cage systems. However, the practices of free-range systems for hens raising have gradually increased again over the past decade, as consumer individualized demand for higher food quality and animal welfare has increased. We recruited 14 free-range farms and 45 cage farms from Beijing, Shandong, Hebei, Anhui, Yunnan, Gansu and Jiangsu provinces in China, for an evaluation of hen welfare, production and economic outcomes from farm operations. This study provides data for the welfare outcomes of laying hens in China and preliminarily explored the relationship between welfare level and economic income within farming system types. The researchers visited the farms and used Welfare Quality measures to investigate the welfare, and farm self-reported profits. Nonparametric Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare the welfare scores between cage and free-range rearing farms. Correlation and regression are used for the analysis of the animal welfare scores, economic data, and production metrics. The general income from free-range farms was linearly correlated with red mite score and stocking density (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). The results showed less centimeters of feeder and drinker space per animal in the free-range system than in cage systems (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Welfare scores for both the stocking density and beak condition were significantly better in the free-range systems than the cage systems (p < 0.001), as were qualitative behavior assessment scores (p < 0.05). The total egg production and peak egg production in cage farms were much higher than in free-range farms (p < 0.001), and egg loss rate was significantly lower (p < 0.001). While the production efficiency of free-range farms was lower than that of cage farms, general income per 10,000 hens was actually higher. Our results provide some evidence that some welfare indicators and general income (per 10,000 hens) in free-range farms in China were better than those of cage farms. The results indicate that better parasite control and lower stocking densities may result in improved hen welfare on free-range farms and potentially improve profitability. The level of welfare and economic benefits of free-range farms vary widely, and there was potential room for improvement in feeding space, drinking water space and human–animal relationship.
Evidence-Based Human Homeopathy and Veterinary Homeopathy. Comment on Bergh et al. A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: “Miscellaneous Therapies”. Animals 2021, 11, 3356
Authors: Weiermayer Petra , Frass Michael , Peinbauer Thomas , Ellinger Liesbeth , De Beukelaer Edward
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: Classical (=individualized) homeopathic therapy is based on the individual and not on the indication. (2) Methods: The prerequisite for conducting methodologically high-quality studies on indvidualized homeopathy is that the principles of homeopathy are considered, since the selection of the simile (the individually appropriate homeopathic medicinal product) is decisive for the effectiveness of the homeopathic treatment, because only an application lege artis can be effective for the respective patient. Apart from this, criteria for evidence-based medicine must be considered for design, conduction, documentation, and rating of studies in homeopathy. (3) Results: When criteria for evidence-based medicine for design, conduction, documentation, and rating of studies in homeopathy are considered, effects on all quality levels according to Cochrane criteria are recognizable, especially for individualized homeopathy, even in the methodologically high-quality studies. (4) Conclusions: Based on the following three facts, the discussion of the evidence in human and veterinary homeopathy lays the foundations for a comprehensive presentation of the evidence on homeopathy: (a) homeopathic medicinal products without indication are 100% identical with regard to production, quality, safety, and principles of application, regardless of whether they are used in animals or humans; (b) if the simile principle (Similia similibus curentur, or ‘Let like be cured by like’) is adhered to that classical (=individualized) homeopathic therapy is based on the individual and not on the indication; and (c) if the proof of effectiveness of individualized homeopathy in one or more indications is available, the logical consequence seems to be that it can be concluded that it is effective in other indications. In view of One Health and of the demands of the European Green Deal (Farm2Fork Strategy) and the EU Organic Regulation 2018/848, the application of homeopathy in the sense of integrative veterinary medicine and the integration of complementary medicine including homeopathy at universities seems a necessary consequence and requirement in the interests of the patient, which is already expressed in the American consensus guidelines for an integrative veterinary medicine curriculum and is legally anchored in Switzerland by the Medical Professions Act for university teaching and research.
Reply to Weiermayer et al. Evidence-Based Human Homeopathy and Veterinary Homeopathy. Comment on “Bergh et al. A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: “Miscellaneous Therapies”. Animals 2021, 11, 3356”
Authors: Bergh Anna , Lund Iréne , Boström Anna , Hyytiäinen Heli , Asplund Kjell
Published: August 2022

We appreciate the interest in our article A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: “Miscellaneous Therapies” published in Animals, Volume 11 [...]
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Effects on Water-Level Deficits on Tomato Polyphenol Composition, Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Jin Ning , Jin Li , Wang Shuya , Meng Xin , Ma Xianglan , He Xianxia , Zhang Guobing , Luo Shilei , Lyu Jian , Yu Jihua
Published: August 2022

Tomatoes have high nutritional value and abundant bioactive compounds. Moderate water deficit irrigation alters metabolic levels of fruits, improving composition and quality. We investigated the effects of water deficit (T1, T2, T3, and T4) treatments and adequate irrigation (CK) on tomato polyphenol composition, antioxidant capacity, and nutritional quality. Compared with CK, the total flavonoid content increased by 33.66% and 44.73% in T1 and T2, and total phenols increased by 57.64%, 72.22%, and 55.78% in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The T2 treatment significantly enhanced antioxidant’ capacities (ABTS, HSRA, FRAP, and DPPH). There were multiple groups of significant or extremely significant positive correlations between polyphenol components and antioxidant activity. For polyphenols and antioxidant capacity, the classification models divided the treatments: CK and T4 and T1–T3. The contents of soluble solids, soluble protein, vitamin C, and soluble sugar of the treatment groups were higher than those of CK. The soluble sugar positively correlated with sugar–acid ratios. In the PCA-based model, T3 in the first quadrant indicated the best treatment in terms of nutritional quality. Overall, comprehensive rankings using principal component analysis (PCA) revealed T2 > T1 > T3 > T4 > CK. Therefore, the T2 treatment is a suitable for improving quality and antioxidant capacity. This study provides novel insights into improving water-use efficiency and quality in the context of water scarcity worldwide.
Addressing the Neuroprotective Actions of Coffee in Parkinson’s Disease: An Emerging Nutrigenomic Analysis
Authors: Lee Lai Kuan , Mhd Rodzi Nur Anis Raihana
Published: August 2022

Caffeine is one of the predominant dietary components and psychostimulants present in coffee, a widely appreciated beverage. Corroborating epidemiological and laboratory evidence have suggested an inverse association between the dietary intakes of coffee and the risk of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Growing attention has been paid to the impact of coffee consumption and genetic susceptibility to PD pathogenesis. Coffee is believed to play prominent roles in mediating the gene makeup and influencing the onset and progression of PD. The current review documents a current discovery of the coffee × gene interaction for the protective management of PD. The evidence underlying its potent impacts on the adenosine receptors (A2AR), estrogen receptors (ESR), heme oxygenase (HO), toxicant responsive genes, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), cytochrome oxidase (Cox), familial parkinsonism genetic susceptibility loci, bone marrow stromal cell antigen 1 (BST1), glutamate receptor gene and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype expressions is outlined. Furthermore, the neuroprotective mechanisms of coffee for the amelioration of PD are elucidated.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of One-Way Cyclic Lateral Responses of Piles in Sloping Ground
Authors: Peng Wenzhe , Zhao Minghua , Yang Chaowei , Zhou Shuai
Published: August 2022

This study aims to investigate the one-way cyclic lateral responses of piles in sloping ground by means of experimental and theoretical analyses. For this purpose, a series of laboratory model experiments were performed for different cases of cycle number, load amplitude, and slope angle, and lateral static loading tests on both level ground and sloping ground were conducted for comparison. Based on these experimental observations, the effects of cycle number, load amplitude, and slope angle on the pile head deflection and the profiles of bending moment and subgrade reaction are discussed. The pile deflection profile is difficult to measure directly owing to the restriction of experimental conditions, and thus a supplementary finite beam element method (FBEM) is provided to compensate for this deficiency. The comparisons between experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that the FBEM can well predict the pile responses in sloping ground, either under one-way cyclic lateral loading or lateral static loading.
Implementation of Climate Change Effects on Slope Stability Analysis
Authors: Bračko Tamara , Žlender Bojan , Jelušič Primož
Published: August 2022

The objective of this study is to determine the impacts of expected climate change on slope stability. For this purpose, the case study of a slope instability, that was triggered in 2021 was selected. The stability analysis was performed considering the theory of rainfall infiltration and using Geo-Studio’s SEEP/W module for the surface infiltration model of the slope. A parametric stability analysis of the slope was conducted to determine the importance of climate change on slope stability. Conditions for changes in volumetric water content, water permeability, porewater pressure, and groundwater flow are important. When soil permeability is low, the factor of safety decreases during rainfall events and on the days following, while when permeability is higher, safety increases after rainfall events. The effect of lower cohesion is nearly linear, with the factor of safety decreasing by 0.1 for every 1 kPa less cohesion. The increase in net infiltration of water may be the most critical factor for slope instability. The results of the analysis indicate that timely reduction of water net infiltration through planting and proper surface water runoff from the upper road and slope would be a relatively simple and inexpensive measure compared to the cost of remediating the landslide, considering expected climate change. Therefore, it is advisable to analyze all slopes with respect to the expected climate change, taking into account the potential impacts of climate change.
A Novel Approach to Edge Detection for a Gravity Anomaly Based on Fractal Surface Variance Statistics of Fractal Geometry
Authors: An Baizhou , Zeng Zhaofa , Yan Zhaotao , Zhang Dailei , Yu Chaoyang , Zhao Yong , Du Yanan
Published: August 2022

Fractal geometry has developed rapidly, and is widely used in various disciplines. However, only a few fractal dimension methods and techniques have been applied to the processing of gravity data, especially in the detection of geological edges and interfaces. In this paper, the definition, properties and characteristics of fractal dimensions are used to improve the edge detection of gravity anomalies, and a theoretical gravity model is established. At the same time, a new method of fractal surface variance statistics is applied and compared with traditional methods. The fractal gravity anomaly processing methods in different directions are analyzed, and the results show that the maximum value of the fractal surface variance statistical method on a fixed window can be used to delineate the geological edge of the ore body. When the method in this paper is applied to the Luobusha chromite deposit in Tibet, China, the fractal dimension corresponds well with the structural development zones of various faults, and it is also helpful to delineate the boundary of the chromite deposit and identify the interface with an obvious difference in gravity anomaly density.
Multi-Modal Sentiment Analysis Based on Interactive Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhu Tianliang , Zheng Xinli , Wang Chunzhi
Published: August 2022

In recent years, multi-modal sentiment analysis has become more and more popular in the field of natural language processing. Multi-modal sentiment analysis mainly concentrates on text, image and audio information. Previous work based on BERT utilizes only text representation to fine-tune BERT, while ignoring the importance of nonverbal information. Most current research methods are fine-tuning models based on BERT that do not optimize BERT’s internal structure. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an optimized BERT model that is composed of three modules: the Hierarchical Multi-head Self Attention module realizes the hierarchical extraction process of the features; the Gate Channel module replaces BERT’s original Feed-Forward layer to realize information filtering; the tensor fusion model based on self-attention mechanism utilized to implement the fusion process of different modal features. In CMU-MOSI, a public mult-imodal sentiment analysis dataset, the accuracy and F1-Score were improved by 0.44% and 0.46% compared with the original BERT model using custom fusion. Compared with traditional models, such as LSTM and Transformer, they are improved to a certain extent.
Eigendegradation Algorithm Applied to Visco-Plastic Weak Layers
Authors: Navas Pedro , Manzanal Diego , Yagüe Ángel , Stickle Miguel M. , López-Querol Susana
Published: August 2022

In geotechnical engineering, very often, the soil behavior varies with time. This is of particular interest in many cases such as embankments in soft clays, shear band progression in slopes or where the speed of the application of the load affects the bearing capacity of the material. In this paper, we study the extension of non-local failures using algorithms such as eigenerosion and eigensoftening, in order to evaluate the failure of weak layers. In particular, the time dependence of the progression of shear bands is analyzed through the integration of a Perzyna-type visco-plastic model with a degradation algorithm within the Optimal Transportation Meshfree (OTM) framework. The validation of the proposed algorithm is carried out through three different practical cases, showing very good agreement in all of them.
Framework for Malware Triggering Using Steganography
Authors: Almehmadi Lamia , Basuhail Abdullah , Alghazzawi Daniyal , Rabie Osama
Published: August 2022

Teaching offensive security (ethical hacking) is becoming a required component of information security curricula to develop better cybersecurity practitioners. Many academics and industry professionals believe that a good knowledge of the attacks a system can face is required to protect a system. The early detection of an attack is critical to effectively defending a system. We can’t wait for threats to be discovered in the wild to begin planning our defenses. For our study, we designed and developed an offensive model that aims to remain concealed in an image until it reaches the target location. Our attack approach exploits image steganography, which involves embedding malicious code and a geolocation code into a digital image. This study aimed to discover new ways to attack computer systems and stimulate awareness of such attacks among browser developers, thus encouraging them to handle images with more care. In our experiments, both stego-image analysis and geolocation techniques are tested. Our experience has confirmed that converting indiscriminate attacks into targeted attacks is possible.
Non-Imaging Fall Detection Based on Spectral Signatures Obtained Using a Micro-Doppler Millimeter-Wave Radar
Authors: Balal Yael , Yarimi Afik , Balal Nezah
Published: August 2022

Falls are the leading cause of accidents among the elderly population. In recent years, radar has been employed in fall detection due to its superior sensing capabilities, small dimensions, low cost and primarily non-intrusive sensing capabilities in addition to its robustness under a range of heat and lighting conditions. In this paper, we present a technique for identifying when a person is falling using a low-power millimeter-wave radar operating in the W-band. This detection, conducted in real time, is based on the transmission of a continuous wave and heterodyning of the received signal reflected from the person to obtain micro-Doppler shifts associated with the person’s motion. These results make it possible to obtain a high-quality time-frequency distribution and spectrogram, from which the person’s unique fall movement characteristics can be determined. In this paper, we present experimental results based on 94 GHz real radar data obtained from a falling person. This carrier frequency is higher than that of current systems, allowing higher frequency resolution and more accurate results. Compared to other tracking systems, this sensor does not simulate or violate privacy. However, the high-frequency system enables high-resolution realizations with high reliability.