bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory optimal point as a submaximal evaluation tool in endurance athletes: An exploratory study
Authors: Oyarzo-Aravena Alexis , Arce-Alvarez Alexis , Salazar-Ardiles Camila , Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Alvarez Cristian , Toledo Camilo , Izquierdo Mikel , Andrade David C.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: The cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP) represents the lowest minute ventilation to oxygen consumption ratio (VE/VO2) and can be estimated during a CPET at submaximal intensity when an exercise test until volitional fatigue is not always advisable (i.e., a conflict zone where you cannot be confident of the security because near-competition, off-season, among other). COP’s physiological components have not been wholly described yet. Therefore, this study seeks to identify the determinants of COP in highly trained athletes and its influence on maximum and sub-maximum variables during CPET through principal c omponent analysis (PCA) (explains the dataset’s variance).

Methods: Female (n = 9; age, 17.4 ± 3.1 y; maximal VO2 [VO2max]), 46.2 ± 5.9 mL/kg/min) and male (n = 24; age, 19.7 ± 4.0 y; VO2max, 56.1 ± 7.6 mL/kg/min) athletes performed a CPET to determine the COP, ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1) and 2 (VT2), and VO2max. The PCA was used to determine the relationship between variables and COP, explaining their variance.

Results: Our data revealed that females and males displayed different COP values. Indeed, males showed a significant diminished COP compared to the female group (22.6 ± 2.9 vs. 27.2 ±3.4 VE/VO2, respectively); nevertheless, COP was allocated before VT1 in both groups.

Discussion: PC analysis revealed that the COP variance was mainly explained (75.6%) by PC1 (expired CO2 at VO2max) and PC2 (VE at VT2), possibly influencing cardiorespiratory efficiency at VO2max and VT2. Our data suggest that COP could be used as a submaximal index to monitor and assess cardiorespiratory system efficiency in endurance athletes. The COP could be particularly useful during the offseason and competitive periods and the return to the sports continuum.
Optimized border irrigation delays winter wheat flag leaf senescence and promotes grain filling
Authors: Yan Feilong , Yu Zhenwen , Shi Yu
Published: February 2023

Border irrigation is still the main irrigation method in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain of China (HPC), and the suitable irrigation border length for water saving and high yield under traditional irrigation is still unclear. Therefore, a 2-year traditional border irrigation experiment (2017–2019) was conducted on the HPC. Four border lengths were tested: 20 m (L20), 30 m (L30), 40 m (L40), and 50 m (L50). These treatments were given supplementary irrigation at jointing and anthesis. An exclusively rainfed condition formed the control treatment. Compared with other treatments, the activities of superoxide dismutase antioxidant and sucrose phosphate synthetase, and the contents of sucrose and soluble proteins after anthesis were higher in the L40 and L50 treatments, while the content of malondialdehyde content was lower. Therefore, the L40 treatment effectively delayed the decrease in the soil plant analysis development (SPAD) value and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics, promoted grain filling, and achieved the highest thousand-grain weight. Compared with the L40 treatment, the grain yields of the L20 and L30 treatment were significantly reduced, while the water productivity of the L50 treatment was significantly reduced. These findings suggest that 40 m was the optimal border length for both high yield and water saving in this experiment. This study provides a simple and low-cost water-saving irrigation method for winter wheat in the HPC under traditional irrigation, which can help alleviate the pressure of agricultural water use.
High temperature inhibited the accumulation of anthocyanin by promoting ABA catabolism in sweet cherry fruits
Authors: Tan Yue , Wen Binbin , Xu Li , Zong Xiaojuan , Sun Yugang , Wei Guoqin , Wei Hairong
Published: February 2023

Color is an essential appearance characteristic of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruits and mainly determined by anthocyanin. Temperature plays an important role in the regulation of anthocyanin accumulation. In this research, anthocyanin, sugar, plant hormone and related gene expression were analyzed using physiological and transcriptomic methods in order to reveal the effects of high temperature on fruit coloring and the related mechanism. The results showed that high temperature severely inhibited anthocyanin accumulation in fruit peel and slowed the coloring process. The total anthocyanin content in fruit peel increased by 455% and 84% after 4 days of normal temperature treatment (NT, 24°C day/14°C night) and high temperature treatment (HT, 34°C day/24°C night), respectively. Similarly, the contents of 8 anthocyanin monomers were significantly higher in NT than in HT. HT also affected the levels of sugars and plant hormones. The total soluble sugar content increased by 29.49% and 16.81% in NT and HT, respectively, after 4 days of treatment. The levels of ABA, IAA and GA20 also increased in both the two treatments but more slowly in HT. Conversely, the contents of cZ, cZR and JA decreased more rapidly in HT than in NT. The results of the correlation analysis showed that the ABA and GA20 contents were significantly correlated with the total anthocyanin contents. Further transcriptome analysis showed that HT inhibited the activation of structural genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis as well as the repression of CYP707A and AOG, which dominated the catabolism and inactivation of ABA. These results indicate that ABA may be a key regulator in the high-temperature-inhibited fruit coloring of sweet cherry. High temperature induces higher ABA catabolism and inactivation, leading to lower ABA levels and finally resulting in slow coloring.
Identification of drought-responsive phenolic compounds and their biosynthetic regulation under drought stress in Ligularia fischeri
Authors: Park Yun Ji , Kwon Do Yeon , Koo Song Yi , Truong To Quyen , Hong Sung-Chul , Choi Jaeyoung , Moon Jinyoung , Kim Sang Min
Published: February 2023

Ligularia fischeri, a leafy edible plant found in damp shady regions, has been used as an herbal medicine and is also consumed as a horticultural crop. In this study, we investigated the physiological and transcriptomic changes, especially those involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, induced by severe drought stress in L. fischeri plants. A distinguishing characteristic of L. fischeri is a color change from green to purple due to anthocyanin biosynthesis. We chromatographically isolated and identified two anthocyanins and two flavones upregulated by drought stress using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses in this plant for the first time. In contrast, all types of caffeoylquinic acids (CQAs) and flavonol contents were decreased under drought stress. Further, we performed RNA sequencing to examine the molecular changes in these phenolic compounds at the transcriptome level. In an overview of drought-inducible responses, we identified 2,105 hits for 516 distinct transcripts as drought-responsive genes. Moreover, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis accounted for the greatest number of both up- and downregulated DEGs by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis. We identified 24 meaningful DEGs based on the regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes. Potential drought-responsive genes included upregulated flavone synthase (LfFNS, TRINITY DN31661 c0 g1 i1) and anthocyanin 5-O-glucosyltransferase (LfA5GT1, TRINITY DN782 c0 g1 i1), which could contribute to the high levels of flavones and anthocyanins under drought stress in L. fischeri. In addition, the downregulated shikimate O-hydroxycinnamolytransferase (LfHCT, TRINITY DN31661 c0 g1 i1) and hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate/shikimate transferase (LfHQT4, TRINITY DN15180 c0 g1 i1) genes led to a reduction in CQAs. Only one or two BLASTP hits for LfHCT were obtained for six different Asteraceae species. It is possible that the HCT gene plays a crucial role in CQAs biosynthesis in these species. These findings expand our knowledge of the response mechanisms to drought stress, particularly regarding the regulation of key phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes in L. fischeri.
Transformational leadership and flourishing in Portuguese professional firefighters: The moderating role of the frequency of intervention in rural fires
Authors: Maio André , Chambel Maria José , Carmona Laura
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The main objective of this study is to analyze the effect of transformational leadership on firefighters’ well-being and understand the moderating role of the frequency of intervention in rural fires in this relationship.

Methods

A total of 90 responses of Portuguese professional firefighters were analyzed in two waves (T1 and T2) separated by a period of 3 weeks during which the frequency of intervention in rural fires were also recorded on a daily basis.

Results

There is a direct and positive effect, albeit small, of the transformational leadership dimensions on flourishing. Moreover, the frequency of intervention in rural fires amplified the effect of individual consideration on this wellbeing indicator, and it was observed that the more frequent the firefighters intervene in rural fires, the stronger the effect of this leadership dimension on their flourishing.

Discussion

These results contribute to the literature to the extent that they highlight the role of transformational leadership in promoting well-being in high-risk professions, thus supporting the assumptions of the Conservation of Resources Theory (COR). Some practical implications are presented, as well as limitations and suggestions for future studies.
Mental health and social support among Royal Canadian Mounted Police cadets
Authors: Nisbet Jolan , Jamshidi Laleh , Andrews Katie L. , Stewart Sherry H. , Shields Robyn E. , Teckchandani Taylor A. , Maguire Kirby Q. , Carleton R. Nicholas
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Certain populations, such as public safety personnel (PSP), experience frequent exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events and other occupational stressors, increasing their risk for mental health challenges. Social support has been evidenced as a protective factor for mental health. However, research examining perceived social support and its associations with symptoms related to mental disorders among PSP recruits is limited.

Methods

RCMP cadets (n = 765, 72% male) completed self-report surveys assessing: sociodemographic information, social support, and symptoms related to posttraumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and alcohol use disorder.

Results

The results indicated statistically significant associations between higher social support and decreased odds of positive screens for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder (i.e., significant Adjusted Odds Ratios = 0.90 to 0.95).

Discussion

Cadets’ perceived levels of social support are comparable to the Canadian general population and higher than serving RCMP. Social support appears to offer a protective element against anxiety-related disorders among participating cadets. Reductions in perceived levels of social support may be a function of RCMP service. Factors contributing to decreased levels of perceived social support should be considered.
Lack of bidirectional association between C-reactive protein and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults: Results from a nationally representative prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Nie You , Chang Biru
Published: February 2023

Depression is associated with low quality of life and increased health burdens for middle-aged and older adults in resource-limited settings. Although inflammation plays an etiological role in the development and progression of depression, the directionality of the inflammation-depression relationship is unclear, especially in non-Western populations. To examine this relationship among community-dwelling Chinese middle-aged and older adults, we obtained data from the 2011, 2013, and 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The participants were aged 45 years or above at baseline in 2011 and completed the follow-up survey in 2013 and 2015. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10), and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level was used to measure individual inflammation levels. Cross-lagged regression analyses examined the inflammation-depression relationship. Cross-group analyses were performed to test for model invariance across the sexes. Pearson’s correlations revealed no concurrent correlations between depression and CRP for both 2011 and 2015 (ps > 0.05, ranging 0.07–0.36) studies. Cross-lagged regression path analyses revealed that the paths from baseline CRP to depression in 2013 (ßstd = −0.01, p = 0.80), from baseline CRP to depression in 2015 (ßstd = 0.02, p = 0.47), from baseline depression to CRP in 2015 (ßstd = −0.02, p = 0.40), and from depression at 2013 to CRP in 2015 (ßstd = 0.03, p = 0.31) were not statistically significant. Additionally, the autoregressive model did not vary across the sexes (△χ2 = 78.75, df = 54, p = 0.02, △ comparative fit index (CFI) <0.01). We failed to find a bidirectional association between the CRP levels and depressive symptoms in our sample.
Development and testing of a multi-lingual Natural Language Processing-based deep learning system in 10 languages for COVID-19 pandemic crisis: A multi-center study
Authors: Yang Lily Wei Yun , Ng Wei Yan , Lei Xiaofeng , Tan Shaun Chern Yuan , Wang Zhaoran , Yan Ming , Pargi Mohan Kashyap , Zhang Xiaoman , Lim Jane Sujuan , Gunasekeran Dinesh Visva , Tan Franklin Chee Ping , Lee Chen Ee , Yeo Khung Keong , Tan Hiang Khoon , Ho Henry Sun Sien , Tan Benedict Wee Bor , Wong Tien Yin , Kwek Kenneth Yung Chiang , Goh Rick Siow Mong , Liu Yong , Ting Daniel Shu Wei
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically disrupted global healthcare systems. With the higher demand for healthcare and misinformation related to COVID-19, there is a need to explore alternative models to improve communication. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) have emerged as promising solutions to improve healthcare delivery. Chatbots could fill a pivotal role in the dissemination and easy accessibility of accurate information in a pandemic. In this study, we developed a multi-lingual NLP-based AI chatbot, DR-COVID, which responds accurately to open-ended, COVID-19 related questions. This was used to facilitate pandemic education and healthcare delivery.

Methods

First, we developed DR-COVID with an ensemble NLP model on the Telegram platform (https://t.me/drcovid_nlp_chatbot). Second, we evaluated various performance metrics. Third, we evaluated multi-lingual text-to-text translation to Chinese, Malay, Tamil, Filipino, Thai, Japanese, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. We utilized 2,728 training questions and 821 test questions in English. Primary outcome measurements were (A) overall and top 3 accuracies; (B) Area Under the Curve (AUC), precision, recall, and F1 score. Overall accuracy referred to a correct response for the top answer, whereas top 3 accuracy referred to an appropriate response for any one answer amongst the top 3 answers. AUC and its relevant matrices were obtained from the Receiver Operation Characteristics (ROC) curve. Secondary outcomes were (A) multi-lingual accuracy; (B) comparison to enterprise-grade chatbot systems. The sharing of training and testing datasets on an open-source platform will also contribute to existing data.

Results

Our NLP model, utilizing the ensemble architecture, achieved overall and top 3 accuracies of 0.838 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.826–0.851] and 0.922 [95% CI: 0.913–0.932] respectively. For overall and top 3 results, AUC scores of 0.917 [95% CI: 0.911–0.925] and 0.960 [95% CI: 0.955–0.964] were achieved respectively. We achieved multi-linguicism with nine non-English languages, with Portuguese performing the best overall at 0.900. Lastly, DR-COVID generated answers more accurately and quickly than other chatbots, within 1.12–2.15 s across three devices tested.

Conclusion

DR-COVID is a clinically effective NLP-based conversational AI chatbot, and a promising solution for healthcare delivery in the pandemic era.
Optimizing non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies against COVID-19 using artificial intelligence
Authors: Janko Vito , Reščič Nina , Vodopija Aljoša , Susič David , De Masi Carlo , Tušar Tea , Gradišek Anton , Vandepitte Sophie , De Smedt Delphine , Javornik Jana , Gams Matjaž , Luštrek Mitja
Published: February 2023

One key task in the early fight against the COVID-19 pandemic was to plan non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce the spread of the infection while limiting the burden on the society and economy. With more data on the pandemic being generated, it became possible to model both the infection trends and intervention costs, transforming the creation of an intervention plan into a computational optimization problem. This paper proposes a framework developed to help policy-makers plan the best combination of non-pharmaceutical interventions and to change them over time. We developed a hybrid machine-learning epidemiological model to forecast the infection trends, aggregated the socio-economic costs from the literature and expert knowledge, and used a multi-objective optimization algorithm to find and evaluate various intervention plans. The framework is modular and easily adjustable to a real-world situation, it is trained and tested on data collected from almost all countries in the world, and its proposed intervention plans generally outperform those used in real life in terms of both the number of infections and intervention costs.
Treatment with Soteria-elements in acute psychiatry—Effectiveness for acutely ill and voluntarily treated patients
Authors: Fabel Philine , Wolf Theresa , Zyber Helena , Rubel Julian , Jockers-Scherübl Maria C.
Published: February 2023

Objective

This article aims at evaluating the treatment outcomes of acute psychiatric patients before and after the implementation of Soteria-elements in an acute psychiatric ward. The implementation process resulted in an interconnected small locked and much larger open area, enabling continuous milieu therapeutic treatment by the same staff in both areas. This approach enabled the comparison of structural and conceptual reconstruction regarding treatment outcomes of all voluntarily treated acutely ill patients before (2016) and after (2019). A subgroup analysis focused on patients suffering from schizophrenia.

Methods

Using a pre-post design, the following parameters were examined: total treatment time, time in locked ward, time in open ward, antipsychotic discharge medication, re-admissions, discharge circumstances, and treatment continuation in day care clinic.

Results

Compared to 2016, there was no significant difference in the total time of stay in the hospital. However, data show a significant decrease of days spent in locked ward, a significant increase of days in open ward, a significant increase of treatment discontinuation but without an increase of re-admissions, and a significant interaction of diagnosis and year regarding the medication dosage, resulting altogether in a reduction of antipsychotic medication for patients suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorder.

Conclusion

The implementation of Soteria-elements in an acute ward facilitates less potentially harmful treatments of psychotic patients, likewise enabling lower dosages of medication.
Development of a tailored intervention targeting sedentary behavior and physical activity in people with stroke and diabetes: A qualitative study using a co-creation framework
Authors: Bodilsen Stefan Sjørslev , Aadahl Mette , Wienecke Troels , Thomsen Trine Hørmann
Published: February 2023

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes and sedentary behavior pose serious health risks in stroke survivors. Using a co-creation framework, this study aimed to develop an intervention in collaboration with stroke survivors with type 2 diabetes, relatives, and cross-sectoral health care professionals to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity.

Materials and methods

This qualitative explorative study used a co-creation framework consisting of a workshop and focus group interviews with stroke survivors with type 2 diabetes (n = 3), relative (n = 1), and health care professionals (n = 10) to develop the intervention. A content analysis was used to analyze data.

Results

The developed “Everyday Life is Rehabilitation” (ELiR) intervention consisted of a tailored 12-week home-based behavior change intervention with two consultations of action planning, goal setting, motivational interviewing, and fatigue management including education on sedentary behavior, physical activity, and fatigue. The intervention has a minimalistic setup using a double-page paper “Everyday Life is Rehabilitation” (ELiR) instrument making it implementable and tangible.

Conclusions

In this study, a theoretical framework was used to develop a tailored 12-week home-based behavior change intervention. Strategies to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical activity through activities of daily living along with fatigue management in stroke survivors with type 2 diabetes were identified.
Telemedicine preferences in pediatric urology following the COVID-19 pandemic: A caregiver survey
Authors: Bates Tara , Spray Beverly , Canon Stephen
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed the way many patients interacted with their healthcare providers, with many people being forced to use telemedicine out of necessity. Our study aimed to investigate if this increased usage of telemedicine impacted pediatric patient caregivers’ perception of telemedicine for pediatric urology visits.

Materials and Methods

A prospective survey was administered to the primary caregiver of all patients less than 18 years of age during either an in-person (IP) or a telemedicine (TM) encounter. The survey included questions regarding accessibility to and opinions toward telemedicine.

Results

Two hundred, thirty-nine total patient caregivers were surveyed: 209 IP and 30 TM. Most caregivers in both cohorts reported being more likely to use telemedicine now than before the pandemic: IP (125/209, 59.8%) and TM (23/30, 76.7%). Caregivers also reported that the severity of their child’s condition would impact their likelihood to utilize telemedicine for evaluation (IP 162/209 (77.5%) vs. TM 28/30 (93.3%) with caregivers in the TM group even more likely to be influenced by this factor (p = 0.045). Most caregivers in both groups reported that they would utilize telemedicine within 60 miles from the provider. Over 80% of families from both groups reported having both a laptop and a cellular phone in their home. A greater percentage of caregivers in the IP group reported having a desktop computer and a tablet in their home compared to the TM group (41.1% versus 20.0% and 27.3% versus 3.3%, respectively).

Conclusions

Living through the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the likelihood of caregivers to utilize telemedicine for care of their child’s pediatric urologic disorder. Factors such as severity of illness, distance from the provider, and the context of the evaluation influenced caregiver preferences for utilization of telemedicine. All families surveyed reported having a device at home to perform telemedicine. Laptops and cellular phones were the most commonly used devices.
Weight perception analysis using pseudo-haptic feedback based on physical work evaluation
Authors: Moosavi Mahdiyeh Sadat , Raimbaud Pierre , Guillet Christophe , Plouzeau Jeremy , Merienne Frederic
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Since kinesthetic cues are not present in virtual environments, users have difficulty feeling the heaviness of virtual objects. To address this issue, pseudo-haptic approaches have been proposed to illusorily induce the weight of virtual objects through the user’s visual sensory system.

Methods: In this paper, we used two methods to induce the impression of virtual objects’ heaviness. One relies on the direct modification of the control-display (C/D) ratio when lifting objects, and the other depends on controlling this ratio based on a velocity restriction. We innovatively measured each approach’s efficiency by analyzing physical work as an objective metric. In addition, we used Borg CR10 to measure users’ hand fatigue during the experimental phases.

Results: Our findings are discussed in terms of individual lifting behavior in different pseudo-haptic methods. Furthermore, different virtual weight-lifting behaviors were compared to the same real-world weight-lifting behaviors.

Discussion: According to our results, the direct control of the C/D ratio method provides virtual reality users with a more accurate weight perception than the velocity restriction one. Furthermore, with this first method, users’ lifting behavior was closer to the behavior when lifting real objects.
The impact of market-oriented cooperation on food production performance in small-scale farms in rural China
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Zhu Yueji
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Small-scale farmers in developing countries can significantly contribute to sustainable food production through market-oriented cooperation (MOC). MOC allows farmers to access machinery services and specialized labor, but it also carries economic costs that may impact food production performance in small-scale farms. This study attempts to uncover the association between farmers' MOC participation and food production performance in small-scale farms in rural China, using a sample of 650 rice farmers in Jiangsu province.

Methods

We applied the stochastic frontier analysis to calculate the technical efficiency that indicates the production performance of small-scale farms. The treatment effect model is employed to detect the effect of farmers' MOC participation on technical efficiency, and the multivalued treatment effects model is used to explore the relationship between farmers' intensity of MOC and technical efficiency.

Results

The results show that farmers' MOC participation significantly increases technical efficiency of small-scale farms, with an inverted U-shaped correlation between MOC participation intensity and technical efficiency. A heterogeneity analysis based on production phases reveals that farmers tend to adopt MOC in machinery-driven phases with higher priority than in labor-driven phases. MOC in labor-driven phases, such as seedling and spraying, presents negative effect on technical efficiency.

Discussion

These findings highlight the crucial role of MOC in food production performance in small-scale farms, and provide insights for designing MOC strategies in different production phases in order to facilitate sustainable food production in developing regions. This research addresses the need for solutions to improve food production sustainability under agricultural transformation in developing countries. It also touches on the challenges and opportunities that producers face in adopting new practices and participating in the modern food supply chain.
“LEARN”, a novel teaching method for Chinese clinical clerkship: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Xiangyu , Gong Matthew F. , Wu Song , He Jinshen
Published: February 2023

Background

Despite the clerkship being crucial in the training of a future doctor, no widely accepted education model has been proposed. This study devised a new model for clinical clerkship rotations, titled “LEARN” for Lecture, English-video, Advisor, Real-case and Notion, and evaluated whether the LEARN model is appropriate for medical education in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed among 101 fourth-year students from the Xiangya School of Medicine during an Orthopaedic Surgery clerkship rotation in the Third Xiangya Hospital. They were divided into seven groups and took clerkship based on the LEARN model. A questionnaire was collected at the conclusion to measure learning outcomes.

Results

The LEARN model was highly accepted with the acceptance of five sessions being 95.92% (94/98), 93.88% (92/98), 96.98% (97/98), 100% (98/98) and 96.94% (95/98). The outcomes of two genders were comparable, whereas a difference was observed in the test score among groups (group 3 scored 93.93 ± 5.20, higher than others). Quantitative analysis showed that positive correlations existed in participation in the Notion (Notion means students’ case discussion) section with leadership (r = 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72–0.94, p < 0.001), participation in the Real-case section with leadership (r = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.50–0.80, p < 0.001), participation in the Real-case section with mastery of inquiring skills (r = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.40–0.71, p < 0.001) and participation in the Notion section with mastery of physical examination skills (r = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.40–0.69, p < 0.001). Further qualitative analysis demonstrated that high-level participation in the English-video section indicated better outcomes in mastery of inquiring (p < 0.01), physical examination (p < 0.001), film reading (p < 0.01) and clinical reasoning (p < 0.01) skills.

Conclusion

Our results support the LEARN model is a promising method for medical clerkship in China. Further research involving more participants and more meticulous design is planned to test its efficacy. For refinement, educators may try to promote students’ participation in the English-video session.
Vasoplegic syndrome in patients undergoing heart transplantation
Authors: Qin Tong-xin , Yao Yun-tai ,   the Evidence in Cardiovascular Anesthesia(EICA) Group
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To summarize the risk factors, onset time, and treatment of vasoplegic syndrome in patients undergoing heart transplantation.

Methods

The PubMed, OVID, CNKI, VIP, and WANFANG databases were searched using the terms “vasoplegic syndrome,” “vasoplegia,” “vasodilatory shock,” and “heart transplant*,” to identify eligible studies. Data on patient characteristics, vasoplegic syndrome manifestation, perioperative management, and clinical outcomes were extracted and analyzed.

Results

Nine studies enrolling 12 patients (aged from 7 to 69 years) were included. Nine (75%) patients had nonischemic cardiomyopathy, and three (25%) patients had ischemic cardiomyopathy. The onset time of vasoplegic syndrome varied from intraoperatively to 2 weeks postoperatively. Nine (75%) patients developed various complications. All patients were insensitive to vasoactive agents.

Conclusions

Vasoplegic syndrome can occur at any time during the perioperative period of heart tranplantation, especially after the discontinuation of bypass. Methylene blue, angiotensin II, ascorbic acid, and hydroxocobalamin have been used to treat refractory vasoplegic syndrome.
Seroprevalence and risk factors analysis of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in cattle of Beheira, Egypt
Authors: Metwally Samy , Hamada Rania , Sobhy Kamel , Frey Caroline F. , Fereig Ragab M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Neospora caninumandToxoplasma gondiiare closely related obligate intracellular protozoan parasites. They are considered to be the major causes of infectious abortions and congenital abnormalities in livestock worldwide resulting in huge economic losses. Currently, there are no reports on the prevalence of neosporosis or toxoplasmosis in cattle in Beheira, Egypt's most important region for cattle industry.

Methods

The current study investigated the presence of anti-N. caninumand anti-T. gondiiantibodies in apparent healthy cattle from eight localities representing the whole area of Beheira. A total of 358 plasma samples were randomly collected from 6 dairy and 10 beef farms and analyzed by commercially available ELISAs. Production type (dairy versus beef), sex (female vs male), age (< 3 years, 3–5, and > 5 years old), breed (mixed vs Holstein vs Colombian Zebu), and location (various locations) were assessed as risk factors forN. caninumandT. gondiiinfections.

Results and discussion

Of the samples, 88 (24.6%) and 19 (5.3%) were positive for anti-N. caninumand anti-T. gondiiantibodies, respectively, and mixed infection was detected in 7. Of the 16 herds, 6 dairy and 7 beef herds were positive for antibodies toN. caninum. Antibodies toT. gondiiwere detected in 4, and 5 of dairy and beef herds, respectively. Production type (dairy) and, therewith, sex (female), age (aged over 5 years), and location were considered as risk factors forN. caninuminfection. No factors statistically associated withT. gondiiinfection were identified. Overall, this study provided the first serological detection ofN. caninumandT. gondiiinfections in cattle from Beheira, demonstrating the endemicity of both parasites in the main cattle rearing region of Egypt. This study also confirmed earlier reports ofN. caninumbeing more present in dairy cattle than in beef cattle. Routine monitoring ofN. caninumandT. gondiiinfections and the implementation of control strategies are urgently needed.
Special Issue on Logic-Based Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Amendola Giovanni
Published: February 2023

Since its inception, research in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has had a fundamentally logical approach; therefore, discussions have taken place to establish a way of distinguishing symbolic AI from sub-symbolic AI, basing the approach instead on the statistical approaches typical of machine learning, deep learning or Bayesian networks [...]
Design of a Single-Sided, Coreless, Flat-Type Linear Voice Coil Motor
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang He , Mu Junren , Wang Song
Published: February 2023

A voice coil motor is a type of permanent magnet linear motor, which is based on the Ampere force theorem. It has the following advantages: a simple structure, a small size, no cogging force, and a fast response time. In this study, a voice coil motor was designed to provide x-directional thrust in the magnetically levitated cable table of a lithography machine. The voice coil motor designed in this study was based on the Halbach permanent magnet array, and adopted a single-sided, coreless, flat-type structure. First, the magnetic field distribution was analyzed based on the magnetic charge method to obtain an expression for the magnetic field and the thrust. The results of this analysis agreed very well with the finite element simulation results. Next, the main parameters of the motor, including the number of turns made by the coil, the size of the wire, and the size of the permanent magnets, were selected and optimized to increase the force density. Finally, two double-layer, serpentine waterway water-cooling plate configurations were designed for this voice coil motor. The validity of this water-cooling structure was verified for two different winding equivalent models. This provided feasibility to further upgrade the windings’ current density.
Remote Work in Peru during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pasquel Cajas Alexander Frank , Cajas Bravo Verónica Tomasa , Dávila Morán Roberto Carlos
Published: February 2023

The objective of this research is to investigate the characteristics of remote work in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the study will allow exploring the advantages, disadvantages, challenges and opportunities that Peruvian remote workers face during this crisis scenario. This was a basic-type, descriptive-level study employing a quantitative approach and a non-experimental design. The sample consisted of 275 workers from two companies located in Metropolitan Lima, and the data were collected in the year 2021. A questionnaire with 30 questions was proposed for data collection; it was validated by three experts, and its reliability was α = 0.85. The findings of the remote work variable place it at a medium level with 40.73%; in the flexibility dimension, the medium level prevailed with 42.55%; the autonomy dimension exhibited a high level with 41.09%; and the productivity dimension exhibited a medium level with 43.64%. In the technology dimension, the low level prevailed with 36.36%, while the psychosocial risks dimension exhibited a medium level with 33.18%. In conclusion, the characterization of remote work in Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed us to establish the most relevant aspects that affected workers who migrated to this form of work.
Growth Inhibitory Activities and Feeding Deterrence of Solanaceae-Based Derivatives on Fall Armyworm
Authors: Lima Andreísa F. , Ribeiro Leandro P. , Lira Simone P. , Carvalho Geraldo A. , Vendramim José D.
Published: February 2023

Spodoptera frugiperda is a pest of worldwide importance, responsible for significant economic losses, mainly in maize crops. The use of botanical derivatives emerges as a promising alternative to control this insect pest. In this work, we evaluated the effect of ethanolic extracts (EE) and semi-purified fractions of Acnistus arborescens and Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) on the biological development of S. frugiperda and the effects of the semi-purified fractions on feeding behavior of 4th instar caterpillars. Crude extracts and fractions caused lethal and sublethal effects, namely increasing both duration of larval and pupal stages as well as deformities in adults, and decreasing weight of pupae. In turn, the effects on feeding deterrence were more pronounced in treatments with A. arborescens fractions. Our results highlight the potential of EE from solanaceous species as a source of allelochemicals that can be used in the integrated management of S. frugiperda.
Management of Weeds in Maize by Sequential or Individual Applications of Pre- and Post-Emergence Herbicides
Authors: Alptekin Harun , Ozkan Abdullah , Gurbuz Ramazan , Kulak Muhittin
Published: February 2023

Weeds impose serious problems in maize (corn) production, resulting in reduced crop yields and lower profits for farmers. The adverse effects of weeds have been attributed to the competition with maize plants for light, water, and nutrients, which can result in reduced growth and yield of the crop. In this context, effective weed management is important to minimize the negative impact of weeds on maize production. This can be achieved through a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical control methods. The use of pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides as sequential or individual applications of these herbicides can be an effective way to manage weeds in maize. Two consecutive field experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 in order to determine the efficacy of sequential and individual applications of Dimethenamid-P + Terbuthylazine and Isoxaflutole + Thiencarbazone methyl + Cyprosulfamide as pre- emergence. On the other hand, Mesotrione + Nicosulfuron and Dicamba + Nicosulfuron were used as post-emergence herbicides. The effects of the herbicides were also assayed on corn yield and related parameters. In this regard, we designed the experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Accordingly, the effect of the herbicides varied according to the active ingredients of the herbicide and the weed species. In addition, the effectiveness of herbicides varied according to the assessment times. The lowest effect was found on E. crus-galli, which was obtained from Mesotrione + Nicosulfuron (MN) (35%) plots. Other herbicides showed high efficacy (95–100%). Concerning values of both years, the highest cob length, cob diameter, 1000-grain weight, and plant height were obtained in weed-free control plots and the highest grain yield was obtained in the control plots with weed-free checks as 12.88 tons/ha and 12.37 tons/ha, respectively. The lowest corn grain yield was obtained in weedy control plots in both years. Our findings demonstrate that the combination of pre- and post- emergence herbicides in maize can be an effective way chemical weed control option.
A Real-Time Shrimp with and without Shells Recognition Method for Automatic Peeling Machines Based on Tactile Perception
Authors: Chen Xueshen , Xiong Yuesong , Dang Peina , Tao Chonggang , Wu Changpeng , Zhang Enzao , Wu Tao
Published: February 2023

Accurate and automatic real-time recognition of shrimp with and without shells is the key to improve the efficiency of automatic peeling machines and reduce the labor cost. Existing methods cannot obtain excellent accuracy in the absence of target samples because there are too many species of shrimp to obtain a complete dataset. In this paper, we propose a tactile recognition method with universal applicability. First, we obtained tactile data, e.g., the texture and hardness of the surface of the shrimp, through a novel layout using the same type of sensors, and constructed fusion features based on the energy and nonstationary volatility (ENSV). Second, the ENSV features were input to an adaptive recognition boundary model (ARBM) for training to obtain the recognition boundary of shrimp with and without shells. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed model was verified by comparison with other tactile models. The method was tested with different species of shrimp and the results were 88.2%, 87.0%, and 89.4%, respectively. The recognition accuracy of the overall, shrimp with shells and shrimp without shells verified the generalizability of the proposed method. This method can help to improve the efficiency of automatic peeling machines and reduce the labor cost.
Positive Interaction of Selenium Nanoparticles and Olive Solid Waste on Vanadium-Stressed Soybean Plant
Authors: Albqmi Mha , Yaghoubi Khanghahi Mohammad , Selim Samy , Al-Sanea Mohammad M. , Alnusaire Taghreed S. , Almuhayawi Mohammed S. , Al Jaouni Soad K. , Hussein Shaimaa , Warrad Mona , AbdElgawad Hamada
Published: February 2023

The purpose of the current study was to determine the possible improvement in soybean plants’ tolerance against vanadium-induced stress in response to the application of olive solid waste (OSW) and selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs), by assessing metabolites and plant defense systems. Drawing upon this aim, a pot experiment was performed where the soybean plants were grown with a fertilization treatment (including, control, OSW, Se-NPs, and Se-NPs + OSW) under vanadium stress (including non-stress and 350 mg sodium orthovanadate per kg of soil). Enhancement of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in vanadium-stressed plants confirmed the oxidative damage in unfertilized plants. Results indicated the positive effects of the combined treatment (Se-NPs + OSW) in improving the plant stress tolerance by causing a balance in the produced ROS and detoxified ROS in the plant. It was mainly stimulated through the improvement of the photosynthetic parameters, anthocyanin metabolism pathway, phenylpropanoid pathway, non-enzymatic antioxidant metabolites (tocopherols, malondialdehyde, polyphenols, and flavonoids), antioxidant enzymes, and biochemical components involved in the ASC/GSH cycle (ascorbate, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase), and antioxidant direct scavenging enzymes (peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase), which finally resulted in higher plant biomass. In conclusion, the simultaneous application of OSW and Se-NPs treatments provided a reliable protection for soybean plants in vanadium-contaminated soils through the activation of antioxidant and non-antioxidant defense mechanisms.
White Lupin (Lupinus albus L.), an Alternative Legume for Animal Feeding in the Mediterranean Area
Authors: Gresta Fabio , Oteri Marianna , Scordia Danilo , Costale Annalisa , Armone Rosangela , Meineri Giorgia , Chiofalo Biagina
Published: February 2023

Interest in white lupine has increased in recent years in animal nutrition due to its balanced protein and lipid content, phytochemical compounds, and low alkaloid content. Agronomic traits, nutrients, and antioxidant phenols of six white lupin genotypes grown in a Mediterranean area were explored. Genotypes significantly differed in growth stages and life cycle length (from 172 to 204 days after sowing), plant height (from 36.1 to 97.2 cm), seed yield (from 1.02 to 3.50 Mg ha−1), and yield components. Seed yield was positively correlated with the number of seeds per pod and the thousand-seed weight. Across the average of genotypes, a high protein content (397 g kg−1), a low fiber content (133 g kg−1), and oil content (116 g kg−1) with a high oleic acid (453–509 g kg−1) and low erucic acid content (8–17 g kg−1) were found. The n3/n6 ratio varied from 1:1 to 1:4. Ecotype G showed the highest TPC, DPPH•, and ABTS•+ and Multitalia showed the highest content of Apigenin 1 and 2 derivatives. The lowest alkaloid content was recorded in Volos, Luxor, and Lublanc. Overall, this species can be considered a suitable feed crop and a valuable ingredient in animal nutrition due to its overall nutritional profile. At present, only Volos, Luxor, and Lublanc can be suggested in animal nutrition due to the low alkaloid content. Nonetheless, interesting agronomic and quality traits in Multitalia and the two ecotypes suggest room for breeding to reduce their antinutritional factors.
Yield Prediction Models for ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Fuji Suprema’ Apple Varieties Cultivated under a Subtropical Climate
Authors: Hahn Leandro , Basso Clori , Moura-Bueno Jean M. , Argenta Luiz Carlos , Toselli Moreno , Carranca Corina , Rech Matheus , Hahn Ivanete Schneider , Brunetto Gustavo
Published: February 2023

Nitrogen (N) effect on crop yield depends on several factors such as soil type, climatic characteristics and orchard management, including plant density and N fertilization. These variables can be used to develop yield prediction models, which are scarce in the horticulture sector. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization, orchards and cultivars and to predict the yields of ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Fuji Suprema’ apples cultivated in a subtropical climate under different soil N availabilities. During the four seasons, nitrogen fertilization was applied a rates of 0, 25, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha−1 year−1 for ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Fuji Suprema’ apples located in southern Brazil. Yield, average fruit weight and leaf and fruit pulp N concentration were evaluated. Yield prediction models were developed based on the following variables: concentration of N in leaves and fruits, air temperature, chilling units, relative humidity and rainfall. “Cultivar” was the variable responsible for the greatest variation of yield, followed by “years/season”, and then the “orchard management. The N rates applied in the four seasons did not predict crop yield. In the model, “orchard” was the greatest determinant for leaf N concentration, and “season” was the main determinant for fruit-pulp N concentration. Mathematical model (3), based on leaf and fruit pulp N concentration, and certain climatic variables (minimum air temperature, annual rainfall and chilling hours < 7.2 °C) had the greatest potential for predicting yield in orchards of ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Fuji Suprema’.