bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Academic, Activist, or Advocate? Angry, Entangled, and Emerging: A Critical Reflection on Autism Knowledge Production
Authors: Botha Monique
Published: September 2021

There has been a focus on autistic-led and participatory research in autism research, but minimal discussion about whether the field is hospitable to autistic involvement. While the focus on participatory and/or autistic-led research is abundantly welcome, a wider conversation should also happen about how autistic people are treated in the process of knowledge creation. As such, I present a critical reflection on my experiences of academia as an autistic autism researcher. I open by questioning whether I am an academic, an activist, or an advocate before discussing my journey through academia, and my exposure to dehumanizing, objectifying, and violent accounts of autism. I highlight how the construction of objectivity has resulted in a failure to question the validity of these dehumanizing accounts of autism, which are regarded as “scientifically-sound” by virtue of their perceived “objectivity.” Furthermore, I discuss how the idea of objectivity is used to side-line autistic expertise in disingenuous ways, especially when this knowledge challenges the status-quo. Despite claiming to be value-free, these dehumanizing accounts of autism embody social and cultural values, with a complete lack of transparency or acknowledgment. I then discuss how these dehumanizing accounts and theories—entangled in values—reverberate into autistic people's lives and come to be ways of constituting us. Following this, I discuss the rationality of the anger autistic people feel when encountering these accounts, and instead of urging people to distance themselves from these emotions, I discuss the value of “leaning-in” as a radical act of dissent in the face of research-based violence. I then make a call to action urging all those who write or speak about autism to engage reflexively with how their values shape their understanding and construction of autistic people. Lastly, I conclude by answering my opening question: I have emerged as an advocate, activist, and academic. For me, belonging to the autistic community, acknowledging our marginalization, and recognizing our suffering within society means that hope for a better and just future has always, and will always underpin my work.
Predicting Trustworthiness Across Cultures: An Experiment
Authors: Zylbersztejn Adam , Babutsidze Zakaria , Hanaki Nobuyuki
Published: September 2021

We contribute to the ongoing debate in the psychological literature on the role of “thin slices” of observable information in predicting others' social behavior, and its generalizability to cross-cultural interactions. We experimentally assess the degree to which subjects, drawn from culturally different populations (France and Japan), are able to predict strangers' trustworthiness based on a set of visual stimuli (mugshot pictures, neutral videos, loaded videos, all recorded in an additional French sample) under varying cultural distance to the target agent in the recording. Our main finding is that cultural distance is not detrimental for predicting trustworthiness in strangers, but that it may affect the perception of different components of communication in social interactions.
Awareness of Age-Related Change as a Behavioral Determinant of Survival Time in Very Old Age
Authors: Kaspar Roman , Wahl Hans-Werner , Diehl Manfred
Published: September 2021

Although research on the association between subjective views of aging (VOA) and survival is scarce, more negative VOA have been found to be associated with increased all-cause mortality, even after controlling for possible confounders. Longitudinal studies on the predictive association of VOA with survival in individuals aged 80 years or older are, however, very limited. Thus, the aim of this study was to link adults’ awareness of age-related change (AARC), a multidimensional measure of adults’ subjective VOA, to survival time across a 3.5-year observation interval in advanced old age. To put the AARC construct in context, the study also considered related psychosocial concepts (i.e., perceived control and appraisal of life) essential for coping with late-life challenges as potential behavioral predictors of longevity. Data came from a representative panel study that included persons living in community and institutional settings. A total of 1,863 interviews were conducted at wave 1. This study used meta-data from wave 2 fieldwork 2 years after the initial assessment and death records obtained during panel maintenance after 3.5 years to estimate determinants of survival. Results showed that loss-related VOA indicated increased risk to survival, whereas gain-related VOA were predictive of longer survival. Both perceived age-related losses and perceived age-related gains exerted a significant independent effect on late-life mortality over and above socio-demographic background characteristics, perceived control, engagement with life, as well as health status. These findings suggest that the multidimensional examination of very old adults’ VOA may help to better understand successful longevity in the Fourth Age.
Rewards of Compassion: Dispositional Compassion Predicts Lower Job Strain and Effort-Reward Imbalance Over a 11-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Tolonen Iina , Saarinen Aino , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa , Siira Virva , Kähönen Mika , Hintsanen Mirka
Published: September 2021

Dispositional compassion has been shown to predict higher well-being and to be associated with lower perceived stress and higher social support. Thus, compassion may be a potential individual factor protecting from job strain. The current study examines (i) whether dispositional compassion predicts job strain and effort-reward imbalance (ERI) or does the predictive relationship run from job strain and ERI to dispositional compassion and (ii) the effect of dispositional compassion on the developmental trajectory of job strain and ERI over a 11-year follow-up. We used data from the Young Finns study (n=723) between 2001 and 2012. The direction of the predictive relationships was analyzed with cross-lagged panel models. Compassion’s effect on the trajectories of job strain, ERI, and their components was examined with multilevel models. First, the cross-lagged panel models demonstrated there was no evidence for the predictive pathways between compassion and job strain or its components. However, the predictive pathways from high dispositional compassion to low ERI and high rewards had better fit to the data than the predictive pathways in the opposite direction. In addition, multilevel models showed that high compassion predicted various job characteristics from early adulthood to middle age (lower job strain and higher job control as well as lower ERI and higher reward). Compassion did not predict job demand/effort. The findings were obtained independently of age, gender, and socioeconomic factors in childhood and adulthood. These findings indicate that compassion may be beneficial in work context. Further, compassion might be useful in the management or prevention of some aspects of strain. Our study provides new insight about the role of compassion in work life.
How Do Anchors' Characteristics Influence Consumers' Behavioural Intention in Livestream Shopping? A Moderated Chain-Mediation Explanatory Model
Authors: Zhu Liangjie , Li Huiyao , Nie Kun , Gu Chunmei
Published: September 2021

Livestream shopping has become the focus of current marketing practises, while theoretical research on it is still in initial stages. Thus, from the para-social interaction (PSI) theory perspective, this study draws on cognitive–affective system theory as an analytical framework to explore internal mechanisms of how anchors' characteristics influence consumer behavioural intentions in livestream shopping while considering the characteristics of consumer online interaction propensity. We conducted a survey questionnaire with a sample of 355 consumers who experienced livestream shopping and used structural equation modelling to assess their behavioural intentions. Our results reveal that anchors' physical attractiveness, social attractiveness, and professional ability influence consumers' intentions to follow the authors' suggestions and recommend anchors to others during live streams. PSI and affective trust in anchors are the chain-mediation mechanisms. Furthermore, consumers' online interaction propensity positively moderates the influence of anchors' characteristics on PSI and plays a moderating role on the whole chain mediation. However, this only affects anchors' physical attractiveness and social attractiveness while exert no effect on anchors' professional ability. This study advances the theoretical research on livestream shopping and provides practical inspiration for managers to develop more targeted livestream marketing strategies.
Impact of Internet Integrated Financial Education on Students’ Financial Awareness and Financial Behavior
Authors: Liu Hong-Cheng , Lin Jie-Shin
Published: September 2021

In daily life, most people engage in money-related behavior. Adequate financial knowledge is required to successfully manage tasks, such as daily expenditure and the transformation of assets or debts, small, or large. However, the extent of financial knowledge may vary between individuals. With inadequate financial knowledge, people may easily fall into financial difficulties without having sufficient knowledge to redress them. A total of 217 students from departments of finance in universities in Fujian completed an 18-week educational course delivered via the Internet on integrated financial education (5h per week for a total of 90h). The conclusions were as follows: (1) The Internet can be used to provide education on making ends meet, cutting costs, and increasing profits. It is suitable for beginner students and new graduates who are rapidly accumulating money management experience. (2) Knowledge provided in the course includes the causes of investment, comprehensive changes in the market, unexpected risks, and wrong decision-making. As such, education provided through the Internet can assist in the teaching of money management and investment. (3) Providing teaching on integrated financial education through the Internet avoids the pitfalls of getting lost in the real-world investment market. We expected to cultivate students’ finance-related knowledge, skills, and attitudes through internalization of the financial literacy of money management.
Influential Factors of Non-suicidal Self-Injury in an Eastern Cultural Context: A Qualitative Study From the Perspective of School Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Chen Xiaoyu , Zhou Ying , Li Li , Hou Yanfei , Liu Ding , Yang Xueling , Zhang Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2021

Background: Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is becoming a serious public health concern worldwide. In recent years, there has seen a significant increase in both the growth rate and cases of NSSI in Eastern countries, such as Japan, India, and China. In China, most schools have a mental health office that comprises mental health professionals (MHPs), who are the first to respond to student mental health problems, which include NSSI. MHPs possess comprehensive knowledge as well as unique insight into adolescent NSSI. However, very few studies on NSSI have incorporated their perspectives. In this work, we seek to add novel insight by conducting a study focusing on adolescent NSSI from the perspective of MHPs.

Methods: We recruited a total of 24 MHPs from different schools using purposive sampling and conducted a semi-structured interview on NSSI-related issues. Each interview was voice recorded and lasted ~30 min. A thematic analysis was performed for the responses to study the most common and concerning issues underlying NSSI.

Results: We extracted three major themes and eight sub-themes from the interview records, which included (1) the impact of Chinese culture on NSSI (sex-bias discrimination, overly high expectations, and inappropriate parenting style); (2) life events in school (internet use, academic pressure, and romantic relationships); and (3) opinions on the status quo of NSSI in China (ignorance and stigma).

Conclusion: Results showed that culturally sensitive influential factors, such as sex-bias discrimination, the imposing of unrealistic expectations for personal achievement, and inappropriate parenting style, should be given more attention to prevent, assess, and intervene in NSSI. Emerging factors of modern society and adolescent lifestyles, such as academic pressure, internet use, and romantic relationships, should also be considered for treatments.
Depressive Symptom and Associated Factors Among School Adolescents of Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Areas in Bangladesh: A Scenario Prior to COVID-19
Authors: Anjum Afifa , Hossain Sahadat , Hasan M. Tasdik , Alin Sayma Islam , Uddin Md. Elias , Sikder Md. Tajuddin
Published: September 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptom and the factors associated with this condition among urban, semi-urban and rural adolescents in the Dhaka district of Bangladesh.

Methods: A cross sectional study using two stage cluster sampling procedure was performed. A self-administered questionnaire was conveyed to 2,355 adolescents from nine secondary schools of Dhaka district of Bangladesh. Of the respondents, 2,313 completed the nine item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Besides, sociodemographic information, self-reported body image as well as modification of Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and WHO Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with depressive symptom among adolescents.

Results: A total of 30.1% adolescents were found to be suffering from moderate to severely severe depressive symptom. Females (60.8%) were found suffering significantly more than males (39.2%). Sociodemographic factors, for example, residential setting and family size were found significantly associated with depressive symptom among adolescents. Adjusted estimate of logistic regression shows that physical inactivity (AOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.14–1.84), >2 h/day screen time (AOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.39–2.03), sleep dissatisfaction (AOR: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.64–3.96), and underweight body image perception (AOR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.70–3.13) were significantly associated with depressive symptom among adolescents.

Conclusions: Among urban, semi-urban and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh, depressive symptom is quite prevalent. To lessen the spread of depressive symptom among Bangladeshi adolescents, urgent steps should therefore be taken.
Safety Net Provider Attitudes Toward Smoking Cessation Treatment
Authors: Meredith Lindsay R. , Baskerville Wave-Ananda , Friedman Theodore C. , Hurley Brian , Dixon Tasha , Mtume Norma , Rodriguez Luz , Lopez Briana , Hsieh Susan , Ray Lara A.
Published: September 2021

Background: Cigarette smoking, which poses significant health risks, is prevalent among vulnerable populations commonly treated by safety net providers. A large-scale implementation science project on specialty tobacco use treatment was launched within the Los Angeles County Health Agency. The first phase of this study seeks to summarize and compare smoking cessation treatment attitudes of providers at the Department of Health Services (DHS) and Department of Mental Health (DMH).

Methods: In total, 467 safety net health care providers (DHS = 322; DMH = 145) completed a survey inquiring about attitudes on smoking cessation treatment consisting of locally developed items and those informed by a scale on readiness for organizational change. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were conducted to examine treatment attitudes for DHS and DMH providers.

Results: Between agencies, providers largely reported similar attitudes on smoking cessation treatment and expressed positive beliefs regarding the efficacy of smoking cessation aids. Providers slightly or moderately agreed with being prepared to identify and diagnose tobacco use among patients. DMH providers stated that identification of tobacco use was less in line with their job responsibilities (p < 0.0001) and less strongly agreed that varenicline is effective for smoking cessation (p = 0.003), compared with DHS providers.

Conclusions: Providers supported smoking cessation aid efficacy but may benefit from additional training on identification and treatment of tobacco use. These findings support the implementation of specialty tobacco cessation treatment programs with training on medications in safety net health care systems, which has the potential to yield large-scale public health benefits.
Efficacy of COVID-19 Treatments: A Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zhang Chenyang , Jin Huaqing , Wen Yi Feng , Yin Guosheng
Published: September 2021

Background: We provided a comprehensive evaluation of efficacy of available treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods: We searched for candidate COVID-19 studies in WHO COVID-19 Global Research Database up to August 19, 2021. Randomized controlled trials for suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients published on peer-reviewed journals were included, regardless of demographic characteristics. Outcome measures included mortality, mechanical ventilation, hospital discharge and viral clearance. Bayesian network meta-analysis with fixed effects was conducted to estimate the effect sizes using posterior means and 95% equal-tailed credible intervals (CrIs). Odds ratio (OR) was used as the summary measure for treatment effect. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to estimate effect sizes of treatments grouped by the treatment classifications.

Results: We identified 222 eligible studies with a total of 102,950 patients. Compared with the standard of care, imatinib, intravenous immunoglobulin and tocilizumab led to lower risk of death; baricitinib plus remdesivir, colchicine, dexamethasone, recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor and tocilizumab indicated lower occurrence of mechanical ventilation; tofacitinib, sarilumab, remdesivir, tocilizumab and baricitinib plus remdesivir increased the hospital discharge rate; convalescent plasma, ivermectin, ivermectin plus doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine, nitazoxanide and proxalutamide resulted in better viral clearance. From the treatment class level, we found that the use of antineoplastic agents was associated with fewer mortality cases, immunostimulants could reduce the risk of mechanical ventilation and immunosuppressants led to higher discharge rates.

Conclusions: This network meta-analysis identified superiority of several COVID-19 treatments over the standard of care in terms of mortality, mechanical ventilation, hospital discharge and viral clearance. Tocilizumab showed its superiority compared with SOC on preventing severe outcomes such as death and mechanical ventilation as well as increasing the discharge rate, which might be an appropriate treatment for patients with severe or mild/moderate illness. We also found the clinical efficacy of antineoplastic agents, immunostimulants and immunosuppressants with respect to the endpoints of mortality, mechanical ventilation and discharge, which provides valuable information for the discovery of potential COVID-19 treatments.
Characterization of National Immunization Programs in the Context of Public Health Emergencies: A Case Study of 13 Countries in the WHO Africa Region
Authors: Chepkurui Viola , Amponsah-Dacosta Edina , Haddison Eposi Christiana , Kagina Benjamin Mugo
Published: September 2021

Multiple public health emergencies (PHEs) experienced annually in the World Health Organisation (WHO) Africa region affect the provision of health services, including immunization. However, there is limited information on the performance of national immunization programs (NIPs) in WHO Africa countries that experience PHEs. This study assessed PHEs (armed conflicts, disasters, and disease outbreaks) and the performance of NIPs using global and regional immunization targets outlined for the Decade of Vaccines. Thirteen beneficiary countries of PHE mitigation funds from the African Public Health Emergency Fund were used as case studies. Data on PHEs and immunization indicators between 2010 and 2019 in selected countries were extracted from different PHE databases and the WHO/UNICEF immunization database, respectively. The data were stratified by country and summarized using descriptive statistics. Mann-Whitney U test was done to determine the association between the frequency of PHEs and the performance of NIPs. There were 175 disease outbreaks, 288 armed conflicts, and 318 disasters in the examined countries between 2010 and 2019. The Democratic Republic of Congo had the highest total PHE count (n = 208), while Liberia had the lowest (n = 20). Only three of the 13 countries had a median coverage value for the third dose of the combined Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccine (DTP3) that had attained the target for ≥90% immunization coverage. Higher counts of armed conflict and total PHEs were associated with not meeting immunization targets for national DTP3 coverage of ≥90% and Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus elimination, p < 0.01. It was clear that in the WHO Africa region, PHEs are prevalent, irrespective of a country’s level of immunization maturity, and have the potential to derail the progress of NIPs in the absence of effective interventions. As we transition toward the Immunization Agenda 2030, we recommend that the WHO Africa region prioritizes interventions to mitigate the impacts of PHEs on NIPs.
Personal Narratives in Technology Design: The Value of Sharing Older Adults’ Stories in the Design of Social Robots
Authors: Ostrowski Anastasia K. , Harrington Christina N. , Breazeal Cynthia , Park Hae Won
Published: September 2021

The storytelling lens in human-computer interaction has primarily focused on personas, design fiction, and other stories crafted by designers, yet informal personal narratives from everyday people have not been considered meaningful data, such as storytelling from older adults. Storytelling may provide a clear path to conceptualize how technologies such as social robots can support the lives of older or disabled individuals. To explore this, we engaged 28 older adults in a year-long co-design process, examining informal stories told by older adults as a means of generating and expressing technology ideas and needs. This paper presents an analysis of participants’ stories around their prior experience with technology, stories shaped by social context, and speculative scenarios for the future of social robots. From this analysis, we present suggestions for social robot design, considerations of older adults’ values around technology design, and promotion of participant stories as sources for design knowledge and shifting perspectives of older adults and technology.
Perception by Palpation: Development and Testing of a Haptic Ferrogranular Jamming Surface
Authors: Rørvik Sigurd Bjarne , Auflem Marius , Dybvik Henrikke , Steinert Martin
Published: September 2021

Tactile hands-only training is particularly important for medical palpation. Generally, equipment for palpation training is expensive, static, or provides too few study cases to practice on. We have therefore developed a novel haptic surface concept for palpation training, using ferrogranular jamming. The concept’s design consists of a tactile field spanning 260 x 160 mm, and uses ferromagnetic granules to alter shape, position, and hardness of palpable irregularities. Granules are enclosed in a compliant vacuum-sealed chamber connected to a pneumatic system. A variety of geometric shapes (output) can be obtained by manipulating and arranging granules with permanent magnets. The tactile hardness of the palpable output can be controlled by adjusting the chamber’s vacuum level. A psychophysical experiment (N = 28) investigated how people interact with the palpable surface and evaluated the proposed concept. Untrained participants characterized irregularities with different position, form, and hardness through palpation, and their performance was evaluated. A baseline (no irregularity) was compared to three irregularity conditions: two circular shapes with different hardness (Hard Lump and Soft Lump), and an Annulus shape. 100% of participants correctly identified an irregularity in the three irregularity conditions, whereas 78.6% correctly identified baseline. Overall agreement between participants was high (κ= 0.723). The Intersection over Union (IoU) for participants sketched outline over the actual shape was IoU Mdn = 79.3% for Soft Lump, IoU Mdn = 68.8% for Annulus, and IoU Mdn = 76.7% for Hard Lump. The distance from actual to drawn center was Mdn = 6.4 mm (Soft Lump), Mdn = 5.3 mm (Annulus), and Mdn = 7.4 mm (Hard Lump), which are small distances compared to the size of the field. The participants subjectively evaluated Soft Lump to be significantly softer than Hard Lump and Annulus. Moreover, 71% of participants thought they improved their palpation skills throughout the experiment. Together, these results show that the concept can render irregularities with different position, form, and hardness, and that users are able to locate and characterize these through palpation. Participants experienced an improvement in palpation skills throughout the experiment, which indicates the concepts feasibility as a palpation training device.
Design and Implementation of Blind Source Separation Based on BP Neural Network in Space-Based AIS
Authors: Li Chengjie , Zhu Lidong , Luo Zhongqiang , Zhang Zhen , Liu Yilun , Yang Ying
Published: September 2021

In space-based AIS (Automatic Identification System), due to the high orbit and wide coverage of the satellite, there are many self-organizing communities within the observation range of the satellite, and the signals will inevitably conflict, which reduces the probability of ship detection. In this paper, to improve system processing power and security, according to the characteristics of neural network that can efficiently find the optimal solution of a problem, proposes a method that combines the problem of blind source separation with BP neural network, using the generated suitable data set to train the neural network, thereby automatically generating a traditional blind signal separation algorithm with a more stable separation effect. At last, through the simulation results of combining the blind source separation problem with BP neural network, the performance and stability of the space-based AIS can be effectively improved.
Overnight Immune Regulation and Subjective Measures of Sleep: A Three Night Observational Study in Adolescent Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Steidten Thomas , Baumbach Philipp , May Rico , Gabriel Brunhild , Herbsleb Marco , Markov Adrian , Granacher Urs , Kellmann Michael , Bloch Wilhelm , Gabriel Holger H. W. , Puta Christian
Published: September 2021

To ensure health maintenance of young athletes, immunological stress due to physical exercise has to be balanced for performance development and health maintenance. Sleep is an important influencing factor for immune regulation because of its regenerating effect. In an attempt to assess overnight immune regulation, this observational study aimed to examine associations between changes in capillary immunological blood markers and measures of sleep in adolescent athletes. Over a period of three nights, 12 male (n= 6) and female (n= 6) adolescent track and field athletes aged 16.4 ± 1.1 years were monitored for their sleep behavior (e.g., sleep duration, sleep depth) and immune regulation by using subjective (e.g., sleep) and objective (capillary blood markers) measurement tools. Over the 4 day (three nights), athletes followed their daily routines (school, homework, free time activities, and training). Training was performed for different disciplines (sprint, hurdles, and long-jump) following their daily training routines. Training included dynamic core stability training, coordination training, speed training, resistance training, and endurance training. Capillary blood samples were taken 30–45 min after the last training session (10:00–12:00 a.m. or 5:00–6:00 p.m.) and every morning between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. Changes in capillary blood markers from post-training to the next morning and morning-to-morning fluctuations in capillary blood markers were analyzed over a three-night period using a generalized estimating equations (GEE) statistical approach. Associations of overnight changes with measures of sleep were analyzed using GEE. We found significant decreases in white blood cell count (WBC), granulocytes (GRAN), granulocytes% (GRAN%), monocytes (MID), and granulocyte-lymphocyte-ratio. In contrast, lymphocytes% (LYM%) increased significantly and systemic inflammation index showed no difference from post-training to the next morning. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in WBC and GRAN between morning 1 and morning 3. At morning 4, values returned to baseline (morning 1), irrespective if athletes performed a training session or rested on day 3. Furthermore, sleep duration was significantly and negatively associated with changes in WBC (βz= −0.491) and lymphocytes (βz= −0.451). Our results indicate that overnight sleep duration is an important parameter of immunological overnight regulation for adolescent athletes.
The Effects of Prophylactic Dexmedetomidine Administration on General Anesthesia Recovery Quality in Healthy Dogs Anesthetized With Sevoflurane and a Fentanyl Constant Rate Infusion Undergoing Elective Orthopedic Procedures
Authors: Jarosinski Sarah K. , Simon Bradley T. , Baetge Courtney L. , Parry Stephen , Araos Joaquin
Published: September 2021

To determine the effects of a dexmedetomidine slow bolus, administered prior to extubation, on recovery from sevoflurane-anesthesia and a fentanyl continuous rate infusion (CRI) in dogs undergoing orthopedic surgical procedures. Sixty-two client-owned, healthy dogs weighing 27.4 ± 11 kg undergoing elective orthopedic procedures were premedicated with: 0.1 mg/kg hydromorphone intramuscular, 0.05 mg/kg hydromorphone intravenously (IV) or 5 mcg/kg fentanyl IV. Following premedication, dogs were induced with propofol, administered locoregional anesthesia and maintained with sevoflurane and a fentanyl CRI (5–10 mcg/kg/hr). Dogs were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 0.5 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine (DEX) or 0.5 ml/kg saline (SAL). Following surgery, patients were discontinued from the fentanyl CRI and administered DEX or SAL IV over 10 min. Following treatment, dogs were discontinued from sevoflurane and allowed to recover without interference. Recoveries were video recorded for 5 min following extubation and assessed by two blinded anesthesiologists using a visual analog scale (VAS; 0–10 cm) and a numerical rating scale (NRS; 1–10). Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse oximetry (SpO2), temperature, respiratory rate (RR), and end-tidal sevoflurane (EtSevo) and carbon dioxide (EtCO2) concentrations were recorded at specific time-points from induction to 5 min post-bolus administration and analyzed using linear mixed models. Fentanyl, propofol, and hydromorphone dose and the time to extubation were compared using an unpaired t-test. Differences in recovery scores between groups were evaluated with a Mann-Whitney test. Data reported as mean ± SD or median [interquartile range] when appropriate. A p < 0.05 was significant. There were no significant differences between groups in fentanyl, propofol, and hydromorphone dose, duration of anesthesia, intraoperative MAP, HR, RR, SpO2, temperature, EtCO2, EtSevo or anesthetic protocol. MAP was higher in DEX compared to SAL at 10 (104 ± 27 and 83 ± 23, respectively) and 15 (108 ± 28 and 86 ± 22, respectively) min after treatment. DEX had significantly lower VAS [0.88 (1.13)] and NRS [2.0 (1.5)] scores when compared to SAL [VAS = 1.56 (2.59); NRS = 2.5 (3.5)]. Time to extubation (min) was longer for DEX (19.7 ± 11) when compared to SAL (13.4 ± 10). Prophylactic dexmedetomidine improves recovery quality during the extubation period, but prolongs its duration, in sevoflurane-anesthetized healthy dogs administered fentanyl.
A Brief Roadmap into Uncertain Knowledge Representation via Probabilistic Description Logics
Authors: Peñaloza Rafael
Published: September 2021

Logic-based knowledge representation is one of the main building blocks of (logic-based) artificial intelligence. While most successful knowledge representation languages are based on classical logic, realistic intelligent applications need to handle uncertainty in an adequate manner. Over the years, many different languages for representing uncertain knowledge—often extensions of classical knowledge representation languages—have been proposed. We briefly present some of the defining properties of these languages as they pertain to the family of probabilistic description logics. This limited view is intended to help pave the way for the interested researcher to find the most adequate language for their needs, and potentially identify the remaining gaps.
Pre-Germination Treatments, Temperature, and Light Conditions Improved Seed Germination of Passiflora incarnata L.
Authors: Angelini Luciana G. , Clemente Clarissa , Tavarini Silvia
Published: September 2021

Perennial medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) may represent interesting, environmentally friendly crops for the Mediterranean environments. Among MAPs, Passiflora incarnata L. (maypop) represents a very promising crop for its wide adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, low input requirements, and high added-value due to its unique medicinal properties. The main problem in P. incarnata large-scale cultivation is the poor seed quality with erratic and low seed germination, due to its apparent pronounced seed dormancy. Therefore, the aim of this work was to investigate different chemical and physical treatments for overpassing seed dormancy and enhancing seed germination rates of P. incarnata. The effects of (i) different pre-germination treatments (pre-chilling, gibberellic acid—GA3, leaching, scarification, non-treated control), (ii) light or darkness exposure, and (iii) temperature conditions (25, 30, and 35 °C constant and 20–30 °C alternating temperatures) have been examined in seed germination percentage and mean germination time of three P. incarnata accessions (F2016, FF2016, and A2016) grown in field conditions in Central Italy. Data showed that the pre-germination treatments generally stimulated faster germination compared to the control, with the best results obtained in the dark and with high temperatures. These findings are useful for the choice of the most suitable seed pre-germination treatment that can facilitate stable, high and agronomically acceptable germination rates in P. incarnata.
Seeding Density and Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Agronomic Responses of Some Hybrid Barley Lines in a Mediterranean Environment
Authors: Preiti Giovanni , Calvi Antonio , Romeo Maurizio , Badagliacca Giuseppe , Bacchi Monica
Published: September 2021

Over two cropping seasons, 2017/18 and 2018/19, an experimental trial was conducted in a typical cereal-growing environment of the Calabrian hills (southern Italy) to study seeding rate (D) and nitrogen fertilization (N) effects on two barley F1 hybrids (Zoo and Jallon) compared to those of a traditional variety (Lutece), assessing the bio-agronomic response. Barley hybrids, gradually introduced into the principal European countries starting in 2010 as winter forage, currently represent a significant part of the EU internal market. Productive performance was evaluated as grain yield for feed and total biomass for silage and/or biogas production. Research results pointed out the greater performance of barley hybrids compared to conventional varieties in terms of both grain and biomass production. On average, barley hybrids vigour mainly manifested itself through a high tillering and a greater number of ears m−2 compared to those of the conventional variety (+24 and +23%, respectively). Furthermore, barley hybrids were characterized by a greater 1000-kernel weight and hectolitre weight than those of the Lutece variety (conventional variety). A significant increase in grain production was observed, increasing density from D150 to D225 rates (+35% and +33%, respectively) which was followed by a decrease in production shifting from D225 to D300 doses. A significant increase in biomass production was as well highlighted for the two hybrids, shifting from D150 to D225 rates (+26% and +27%, respectively). The applied nitrogen dose highlighted a different behaviour between the hybrids and the conventional variety; in particular, the lowest nitrogen dose (N80) negatively influenced the Lutece variety both in terms of grain and biomass production (−9% and −16%, respectively) while the hybrids showed the best agronomic response even at the lowest dose. On average, with the N80 dose, grain yield of Zoo and Jallon was greater than 20% and 16%, while with the N120 dose grain yield was 9% and 7%, respectively. A similar behaviour was found for biomass yield. It should therefore be emphasized that barley hybrids possess high yielding capacities and that such higher grain production can be achieved in a Mediterranean environment by using a lower seed rate (approximately −25%) and a reduced nitrogen dose (approximately −33%) compared with those commonly applied to conventional varieties.
Modeling of Phosphorus Nutrition to Obtain Maximum Yield, High P Use Efficiency and Low P-Loss Risk for Wheat Grown in Sandy Calcareous Soils
Authors: Hu Zhanyao , Ding Zheli , Al-Yasi Hatim M. , Ali Esmat F. , Eissa Mamdouh A. , Abou-Elwafa Salah F. , Sayed Mohammed Abdelaziz , Said Mohamed Tharwat , Said Alaa A. , Ibrahim Khaled A. M. , Hamada Alhosein
Published: September 2021

Fertilization with high levels of phosphorus increases the risk of environmental pollution. Identification of critical values of P in soil (SOP) and in plant tissues (PiP) is essential for achieving the maximum wheat yield without P loss. The critical value is the value of P which gives the optimum yield; the response of crop yield to P fertilization above this value is not predictable or nil. Here, a 4-year field experiment was conducted to identify the SOP and PiP for achieving maximum yield of bread wheat using 11 rates of P fertilization (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, and 150 kg P2O5 ha−1). The linear–linear and Mitscherlich exponential models were employed to estimate the PiP and SOP. The degree of phosphorus saturation (DPS) was used to assess the potential environmental risk; furthermore, phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) was also calculated under the studied fertilization levels. Phosphorus in soil and wheat plant was affected by the application rates and growing seasons. Increasing P fertilization rates led to gradual increases in soil and plant P. The SOP ranged between 21 and 32 mg kg−1, while the PiP ranged between 6.40 and 7.49 g kg−1. The critical values of P calculated from the Mitscherlich exponential models were 20% higher than those calculated from the linear–linear models. Adding levels of P fertilization ≥90 kg P2O5 ha−1 leads to higher potentials of P runoff and leaching, in addition, PUE decreased sharply under high P fertilization levels. The response of wheat yield to P fertilization in sandy calcareous soil is predictable below Olsen P values of 21 mg kg−1. Identification of critical P values for wheat production is of great importance to help policy makers improve P use efficiency and attain optimum wheat yield under eco-friendly environmental conditions by eliminating the accumulation of excess P fertilizers in soil and water.
Vermicomposting—Facts, Benefits and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Vuković Ana , Velki Mirna , Ečimović Sandra , Vuković Rosemary , Štolfa Čamagajevac Ivna , Lončarić Zdenko
Published: September 2021

Industrialization and urbanization have led to an increased accumulation of waste materials that are transformed into a nutrient-rich and high-quality product called vermicompost by the vermicomposting process. Vermicomposting is an ecofriendly and economically favorable biotechnological process that involves the interaction of earthworms and microorganisms. Due to the importance of this process and its great potential in dealing with the consequences of waste accumulation, this review aims to provide key insights as well as highlight knowledge gaps. It is emphasized that there is a great challenge in understanding and clarifying the mechanisms involved in the vermicomposting process. The optimization of the factors affecting the possible application of vermicompost is crucial for obtaining the final product. Information on the composition of bacterial communities, amount of vermicompost, effect on heavy metal content, plant pathogens, diseases and organic waste selection is here recognized as currently the most important issues to be addressed. By answering these knowledge gaps, it is possible to enable wider utilization of vermicompost products.
Incorporating Molecular Markers and Causal Structure among Traits Using a Smith-Hazel Index and Structural Equation Models
Authors: Hidalgo-Contreras Juan Valente , Salinas-Ruiz Josafhat , Eskridge Kent M. , Baenziger Stephen P.
Published: September 2021

The goal in breeding programs is to choose candidates that produce offspring with the best phenotypes. In conventional selection, the best candidate is selected with high genotypic values (unobserved), in the assumption that this is related to the observed phenotypic values for several traits. Multi-trait selection indices are used to identify superior genotypes when a number of traits are to be considered simultaneously. Often, the causal relationship among the traits is well known. Structural equation models (SEM) have been used to describe the causal relationships among variables in many biological systems. We present a method for multi-trait genomic selection that incorporates causal relationships among traits by coupling SEM with a Smith–Hazel index that incorporates markers. The method was applied to field data from a Nebraska winter wheat breeding program. We found that the correlation and the relative efficiency increased for the proposed Smith–Hazel indices when the total causal information among traits was accounted for by the vector of weights (b), which includes the causal path coefficients in the causal matrix (Λ). On the other hand, when selection was based on a primary trait, for example yield, the proposed SI increased the mean yield of the best 28 (Top 10%) genotypes to 7%.
Current Classification and Diversity of Fusarium Species Complex, the Causal Pathogen of Fusarium Wilt Disease of Banana in Malaysia
Authors: Ujat Anysia Hedy , Vadamalai Ganesan , Hattori Yukako , Nakashima Chiharu , Wong Clement Kiing Fook , Zulperi Dzarifah
Published: September 2021

The re-emergence of the Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium odoratissimum (F. odoratissimum) causes global banana production loss. Thirty-eight isolates of Fusarium species (Fusarium spp.) were examined for morphological characteristics on different media, showing the typical Fusarium spp. The phylogenetic trees of Fusarium isolates were generated using the sequences of histone gene (H3) and translation elongation factor gene (TEF-1α). Specific primers were used to confirm the presence of F. odoratissimum. The phylogenetic trees showed the rich diversity of the genus Fusarium related to Fusarium wilt, which consists of F. odoratissimum, Fusarium grosmichelii, Fusarium sacchari, and an unknown species of the Fusarium oxysporum species complex. By using Foc-TR4 specific primers, 27 isolates were confirmed as F. odoratissimum. A pathogenicity test was conducted for 30 days on five different local cultivars including, Musa acuminata (AAA, AA) and Musa paradisiaca (AAB, ABB). Although foliar symptoms showed different severity of those disease progression, vascular symptoms of the inoculated plantlet showed that infection was uniformly severe. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Fusarium oxysporum species complex related to Fusarium wilt of banana in Malaysia is rich in diversity, and F. odoratissimum has pathogenicity to local banana cultivars in Malaysia regardless of the genotype of the banana plants.
Biofilm and Equine Limb Wounds
Authors: Jørgensen Elin , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Jacobsen Stine
Published: September 2021

In chronic wounds in humans, biofilm formation and wound chronicity are linked, as biofilms contribute to chronic inflammation and delayed healing. Biofilms are aggregates of bacteria, and living as biofilms is the default mode of bacterial life; within these aggregates, the bacteria are protected from both antimicrobial substances and the immune response of the host. In horses, delayed healing is more commonly seen in limb wounds than body wounds. Chronic inflammation and hypoxia are the main characteristics of delayed wound healing in equine limbs, and biofilms might also contribute to this healing pattern in horses. However, biofilm formation in equine wounds has been studied to a very limited degree. Biofilms have been detected in equine traumatic wounds, and recent experimental models have shown that biofilms protract the healing of equine limb wounds. Detection of biofilms within wounds necessitates advanced techniques that are not available in routine diagnostic yet. However, infections with biofilm should be suspected in equine limb wounds not healing as expected, as they are in human wounds. Treatment should be based on repeated debridement and application of topical antimicrobial therapy.
Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Use on Irish Pig Farms
Authors: O’Neill Lorcan , Calderón Díaz Julia Adriana , Rodrigues da Costa Maria , Oakes Sinnead , Leonard Finola C. , Manzanilla Edgar García
Published: September 2021

The threat to public health posed by antimicrobial resistance in livestock production means that the pig sector is a particular focus for efforts to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU). This study sought to investigate the risk factors for AMU in Irish pig production. Antimicrobial use data were collected from 52 farrow-to-finish farms. The risk factors investigated were farm characteristics and performance, biosecurity practices, prevalence of pluck lesions at slaughter and serological status for four common respiratory pathogens and vaccination and prophylactic AMU practices. Linear regression models were used for quantitative AMU analysis and risk factors for specific AMU practices were investigated using logistic regression. Farms that milled their own feed had lower total AMU (p < 0.001), whereas higher finisher mortality (p = 0.043) and vaccinating for swine influenza (p < 0.001) increased AMU. Farms with higher prevalence of pericarditis (p = 0.037) and lung abscesses (p = 0.046) used more group treatments. Farms with higher prevalence of liver milk spot lesions (p = 0.018) and farms practising prophylactic AMU in piglets (p = 0.03) had higher numbers of individual treatments. Farms practising prophylactic AMU in piglets (p = 0.002) or sows (p = 0.062) had higher use of cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. This study identified prophylactic use and respiratory disease as the main drivers for AMU in Irish pig production. These findings highlight areas of farm management where interventions may aid in reducing AMU on Irish pig farms.