bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socialisation scenes in the health behaviour of teacher students at different levels of teacher training
Authors: Moravecz Marianna , Kovács Karolina Eszter , Kozma Bettina
Published: January 2025

The issue surrounding sport and health as valuable categories spans across generations. It is now widely recognised that inherited, lifestyle, and environmental factors influence an individual's health. Our study investigated the impact of family as the primary area of socialisation and school as the secondary area. Data collection commenced online in the spring of 2020, focusing on pedagogical students from the University of Nyíregyháza (N = 194). Among our research sample, kindergarten teachers exhibited the lowest indicators regarding risk behaviour. Conversely, students specialising in teaching demonstrated the most favourable outcomes regarding physical activity, with a rate of 20.6%. The family's influence presents a significant effect in both positive and negative aspects. When families prioritise instilling a love for sports, students tend to have a more favourable view of their health and aspire to embody exemplary values in the future; however, the family also presents a less encouraging image. Analysing the impact of residence reveals that a greater percentage of individuals from immigrant backgrounds identified the family as their role model (27.2%) compared to their counterparts residing in the county seat, while the influence of the teacher's personality was minimal. These findings align with earlier research. The students participating in our study hailed from the underprivileged Northern Great Plain region, which contributes to an increased search for security. The research indicates that family emerged as a significant example of values, and the objective is to foster positive health behaviours in both areas equally.
Degradation of aflatoxins in weakly alkaline conditions
Authors: Sandlin Natalie , Lee Jiu , Zaccaria Marco , Domin Marek , Momeni Babak
Published: January 2025

Aflatoxins (AFs) are fungal metabolites that ubiquitously contaminate many common food crops and contribute to major foodborne diseases in humans and animals. Known chemical strategies have used strong acids and bases to remove contaminating AF, but these methods often lead to undesired ecological waste issues downstream. In this study, the application of weaker acidic and alkaline conditions to removes two types of AFs, AFB1 and AFG2, is investigated. The results showed that an environment buffered at a pH of 9 reduced AFB1 and AFG2 by more than 50 and 95%, respectively, within 24 h, while acidic conditions did not influence AF levels. The AF degradation was shown to occur through lactone ring opening, a known cause of AF toxicity. Further analysis also provided a putative structure of the AFG2 degradation byproduct. The results confirmed that incubation at a pH of 9 reduced the genotoxicity of AFB1 and found that it was a successful strategy for removing both AFs from artificially contaminated cornmeal. The findings indicated that a weakly alkaline environment had the potential to adequately detoxify AF-contaminated food or feed without the need to apply stronger or harsher basic conditions.
Pathways to transform urban food systems: feminist action research from Cape Town and Nairobi
Authors: Paganini Nicole , Farr Vanessa , Weigelt Jes
Published: January 2025

This paper offers a feminist reflection on the findings of an ongoing study of health and wellbeing associated with urban food security in Nairobi and Cape Town. It offers five pathways through which a strengthened informal sector can contribute to transforming urban food systems: identifying stronger entry points for institutionalized collaboration between local governments and community-based organizations; enhancing government capacities to collaborate with grassroots actors; the potential, and challenges, of controlled-environment agriculture; rethinking and shifting the regulatory environment surrounding the informal economy; and responding to detailed new data on the state of food security in South African informal settlements. Conducted in partnerships between the Urban Food Futures program and people who were permanently displaced during the colonial era, the study is informed by an emerging body of analysis that responds to the complex trauma of undernutrition, and approaches health as something far beyond an individual’s own somatic/bodily state of being. Participation in the study enabled communities living in a near-permanent state of precarity and food insecurity, in the absence of culturally appropriate and readily-available supports to mental health, to move beyond an isolated focus on food to explore feelings of psychic safety and security, and also environmental wellbeing, including access to clean air and water, decent and affordable housing, safe and dignified work, and freedom from violence of all forms.
Modified single-incision MIS-TLIF with expandable tubular assistance for degenerative lumbar spine diseases
Authors: Hu Wenlong , He Fei , Sun Kai , Wan Haiwu , Ruan Sijun , Huang Bo
Published: January 2025

Objective

Evaluating the clinical value of the modified single-incision posterior median approach with expandable tubular assistance for lumbar interbody fusion in managing degenerative lumbar spine diseases.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 121 patients with single-level degenerative lumbar spine disease treated in our spine surgery department from January 2017 to December 2021. Of these, 72 patients underwent a modified single-incision posterior median approach with expandable tubular assistance lumbar interbody fusion (single-incision MIS-TLIF group), while 49 patients received the classic open posterior median incision P-TLIF (open surgery group). We collected basic demographic data including age, gender, BMI, and surgical level. Surgical-related indicators such as operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, length of hospital stay, hospital costs, and complication rates were compared between the two groups. Laboratory results [whole blood C-reactive protein (CRP), serum creatine kinase (CK)] and clinical outcomes [VAS scores for low back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), excellent and good rate according to the modified MacNab criteria, and interbody fusion rate according to the Brantigan criteria] were also evaluated.

Result

There were no significant differences in the basic demographics between the two groups. The operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital costs were also similar between the groups. However, significant differences were observed in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, and complication rates. On postoperative days 1 and 3, whole blood CRP and CK levels showed marked differences between the groups. At 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, the single-incision MIS-TLIF group had lower ODI scores and VAS scores for back pain compared to the open surgery group. The excellent and good rate according to the MacNab criteria was higher in the single-incision MIS-TLIF group. There were no significant differences in leg pain VAS scores and interbody fusion rates at 12 months postoperatively between the groups.

Conclusion

The modified single-incision posterior median approach with expandable tubular assistance lumbar interbody fusion is highly effective in treating degenerative lumbar spine diseases. It results in less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and significant improvement in postoperative functional outcomes, making it a valuable treatment option.
The method described by Czosnyka is particularly suitable for measuring CPPe in patients undergoing cerebral angiography
Authors: Liang Yunyun , Mo Pei , Chen Yonghong , Liu Xinwu , Chen Lin , Zhou Xiaomin , Wang Zijing , Fu Junyi , Xie Longchang
Published: January 2025

Background

The primary objective of this study was to estimate the effective cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPe), critical closing pressure (CrCP), and resistance-area product (RAP) of the intravascular common carotid artery using three different methods. These estimates were then compared to the reference method of linear regression (LR).

Methods

In our previous study, we employed linear regression to evaluate the values of CrCP and RAP. To assess the consistency of results obtained from alternative assessment methods (CPPe, CrCP, and RAP) with the linear regression LR, we conducted a secondary analysis of the previously collected data. We estimated the CPPe, CrCP, and RAP of the intravascular common carotid artery using three different methods: Belford's method (mean/diastolic pressure), Czosnyka's method (systolic/diastolic pressure, CZO), and Schmidt's method (systolic/diastolic pressure, SCH), and compared these estimates with LR. CPPe is calculated as the difference between mean arterial pressure and CrCP. The primary outcome was the mean differences and biases between CPPe, CrCP, and RAP of intravascular common carotid artery, the secondary outcome was correlations and agreement among these various estimates of CPPe measurements.

Results

Nineteen patients were included in this analysis. The median age was 53.5 ± 11.6 years, with 73.7% being men. There were no significant differences in CPPe, RAP and CrCP between the right common carotid artery (RCCA) and the left common carotid artery (LCCA) by using three different methods. Compared to the LR, the mean differences in CPPe and CrCP values were no significant for LCCA according to SCH, CZO and BEL method. But for RAP, the three methods are different in terms of mean differences compared with the LR. CPPe and CrCP revealed a small mean bias compared CPPCZO with CPPLR. Comparing CPPLR measurements with CPPBEL, the mean bias was higher with wider LoA. BEL and CZO showed a strong correlation with LR in Pearson correlation coefficients.

Conclusion

The CPPe, CrCP, and RAP values obtained using the CZO calculation methods are comparable to those measured using the reference method. These findings may provide valuable insights for patients undergoing digital subtraction brain angiography, aiding in the determination of the most suitable approach for individualized blood pressure management.
Microbiological effect of topically applied Weissella cibaria on equine pastern dermatitis
Authors: Styková Eva , Valocký Igor , Kačírová Jana , Fecskeová Lívia Kolesár
Published: January 2025

Equine pastern dermatitis (EPD) is a multifactorial disease with a change in the skin microbiome. The present study monitored the influence of Weissella cibaria Biocenol™ 4/8 D37 CCM 9015 stabilized on alginite on the skin microbiota of healthy horses and model patients with EPD. Based on clinical signs, EPD lesions were identified as exudative or proliferative forms. A comparison of the initial microbial community based on 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between healthy vs. exudative (R = 0.52, p = 0.003) and exudative vs. proliferative communities (R = 0.78, p = 0.043). The healthy skin microbiota was dominated by the families Corynebacteriaceae (19.7 ± 15.8%) and Staphylococcaceae (15.8 ± 10.7%). Streptococcus (11.7 ± 4.1%) was the dominant genus in the exudative group together with Corynebacterium (11.0 ± 3.8%), while Staphylococcus (15.6 ± 14.5%) dominated the proliferative group. The genus Staphylococcus represented only 0.5% of the exudative skin microbial community, a major difference between EPD-affected lesion types. Upon application, there was a statistically significant shift in community composition in all the groups, including the healthy community; however, the change was the most significant in the exudative community. On average, the genus Weissella represented 80.0 ± 13.3% of the exudative and 49.0 ± 30.0% of the proliferative bacterial community during treatment. One week after the application period, richness and diversity increased and were comparable in all groups. The application of the W. cibaria strain was associated with a significant decrease of the genera Staphylococcus, Moraxella, and Rothia in the proliferative group and with a decrease of Streptococcus and Clostridium in both exudative and proliferative groups. Based on our results, we conclude that a topically applied W. cibaria RIFR, stabilized on alginit, induced potentially beneficial shifts in the composition of the skin microbiota.
Abnormalities in mitochondrial energy metabolism induced by cryopreservation negatively affect goat sperm motility
Authors: Zang Shengqin , Zou Shuqi , Chen Xiangyi , Pan Bo , Ning Ao , Qin Jianpeng , Wei Yaozong , Du Kunlin , Ye Jiangfeng , Liang Qiuxia , Fang Yi , Qiongla  , Cirenlamu  , Song Tianzeng , Zhou Guangbin
Published: January 2025

The motility of sperm decreases following cryopreservation, which is closely associated with mitochondrial function. However, the alterations in mitochondrial metabolism after sperm freezing in goats remain unclear. This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of ultra-low temperature freezing on goat sperm’s mitochondrial energy metabolism and its potential correlation with sperm motility. The results revealed that goat sperm exhibited mitochondrial vacuolization, reduced matrix density, and significantly decreased levels of high-membrane potential mitochondria and adenosine triphosphate content, accompanied by a substantial increase in reactive oxygen species levels, ultimately leading to a significant decline in sperm viability. Further investigations unveiled that energy-related differential metabolites (capric acid, creatine, and D-glucosamine-6-phosphate) and differential metabolites with antioxidant effects (saikosaponin A, probucol, and cholesterol sulfate) were significantly downregulated. In addition, the activity of key rate-limiting enzymes involved in very long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis and β-oxidation—specifically acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I related to capric acid metabolism—was considerably reduced. Furthermore, supplementation of differential metabolite capric acid (500 μM) significantly enhanced the motility of frozen–thawed goat sperm. These findings indicated that the mitochondrial ultrastructure of goat sperm is damaged and energy metabolism becomes abnormal after cryopreservation, potentially affecting sperm viability. The addition of different metabolites such as capric acid to the freezing extender can alleviate the decrease in sperm motility induced by cryopreservation.
A Review on Inverse Kinematics, Control and Planning for Robotic Manipulators With and Without Obstacles via Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Calzada-Garcia Ana , Victores Juan G. , Naranjo-Campos Francisco J. , Balaguer Carlos
Published: January 2025

Robotic manipulators are highly valuable tools that have become widespread in the industry, as they can achieve great precision and velocity in pick and place as well as processing tasks. However, to unlock their complete potential, some problems such as inverse kinematics (IK) need to be solved: given a Cartesian target, a method is needed to find the right configuration for the robot to reach that point. Another issue that needs to be addressed when dealing with robotic manipulators is the obstacle avoidance problem. Workspaces are usually cluttered and the manipulator should be able to avoid colliding with objects that could damage it, as well as with itself. Two alternatives exist to do this: a controller can be designed that computes the best action for each moment given the manipulator’s state, or a sequence of movements can be planned to be executed by the robot. Classical approaches to all these problems, such as numeric or analytical methods, can produce precise results but take a high computation time and do not always converge. Learning-based methods have gained considerable attention in tackling the IK problem, as well as motion planning and control. These methods can reduce the computational cost and provide results for every situation avoiding singularities. This article presents a literature review of the advances made in the past five years in the use of Deep Neural Networks (DNN) for IK with regard to control and planning with and without obstacles for rigid robotic manipulators. The literature has been organized in several categories depending on the type of DNN used to solve the problem. The main contributions of each reference are reviewed and the best results are presented in summary tables.
Multi-Server Two-Way Communication Retrial Queue Subject to Disaster and Synchronous Working Vacation
Authors: Liu Tzu-Hsin , Hsu He-Yao , Chang Fu-Min
Published: January 2025

This research analyzes a multi-server retrial queue with two types of calls: working vacation and working breakdown. The incoming call may enter the retrial queue and attempt to seize a server after a random delay if all the servers are unavailable upon arrival. In its idle time, the server makes outgoing calls. All the servers take a synchronous working vacation when the system empties after regular service. The system may fail at any time due to disasters, forcing all the calls within the service area to leave the system and causing all the main servers to fail. When the main servers fail, the repair process begins immediately. The standby servers serve arriving customers at a lower level of service during the working breakdown or working vacation. For this model, we derive an explicit expression for the stationary distribution with the help of the quasi-birth-and-death process and the matrix geometric method. Further, the formulas of various system performance indices are developed. An application example is given and several numerical experiments are performed to verify the analytical results. We also perform the comparative analysis of retrial queues with/without two-way communication and two-way communication retrial queues with/without disasters. The results reveal that the proper consideration of outgoing calls to the server can reduce the average time spent in the buffer. Furthermore, a more reliable server reduces the server idle rate.
Torque Differential-Based Dynamic Modeling, Validation, and Steering Characteristics Analysis of Multi-Axial Skid-Steered Wheeled Vehicle
Authors: Zhu Yuzheng , Yuan Shihua , Li Xueyuan , Li Ao , Gao Xin
Published: January 2025

Skid-steered technology has been widely applied to wheeled vehicles due to its advanced pivot steering capabilities and adaptable power transmission systems. To better understand the steering characteristics of skid-steered wheeled vehicles and derive general conclusions, a torque differential-based (TD-based) two-degree-of-freedom (2-DOF) dynamic model was developed. This model is grounded in the vehicle’s steering mechanism and the single-wheel dynamics model, and a steering radius model based on TD input was established using the concept of the instantaneous center of rotation (ICR). Additionally, an expression for the stability factor was derived, and both the steady-state and transient steering characteristics were analyzed. Finally, the real vehicle tests demonstrated that the TD-based dynamic model responds quickly, maintains high precision, and remains stable across different steering input frequencies. Compared with the SD-based dynamic model, the TD-based dynamic model has a 2.553% higher calculation accuracy for the steering radius, a 6.251% higher comprehensive response accuracy for the steering input, and a response speed advantage of 1.035%.
Neural Network for Enhancing Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alam Nafizul , Hasan Sk , Mashud Gazi Abdullah , Bhujel Subodh
Published: January 2025

The integration of neural networks into robotic exoskeletons for physical rehabilitation has become popular due to their ability to interpret complex physiological signals. Surface electromyography (sEMG), electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG), and other physiological signals enable communication between the human body and robotic systems. Utilizing physiological signals for communicating with robots plays a crucial role in robot-assisted neurorehabilitation. This systematic review synthesizes 44 peer-reviewed studies, exploring how neural networks can improve exoskeleton robot-assisted rehabilitation for individuals with impaired upper limbs. By categorizing the studies based on robot-assisted joints, sensor systems, and control methodologies, we offer a comprehensive overview of neural network applications in this field. Our findings demonstrate that neural networks, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Radial Basis Function Neural Networks (RBFNNs), and other forms of neural networks significantly contribute to patient-specific rehabilitation by enabling adaptive learning and personalized therapy. CNNs improve motion intention estimation and control accuracy, while LSTM networks capture temporal muscle activity patterns for real-time rehabilitation. RBFNNs improve human–robot interaction by adapting to individual movement patterns, leading to more personalized and efficient therapy. This review highlights the potential of neural networks to revolutionize upper limb rehabilitation, improving motor recovery and patient outcomes in both clinical and home-based settings. It also recommends the future direction of customizing existing neural networks for robot-assisted rehabilitation applications.
An Innovative Aircraft Skin Damage Assessment Using You Only Look Once-Version9: A Real-Time Material Evaluation System for Remote Inspection
Authors: Liao Kuo-Chien , Lau Jirayu , Hidayat Muhamad
Published: January 2025

Aircraft safety is the aviation industry’s primary concern. Inspections must be conducted before each flight to ensure the integrity of the aircraft. To meet the increasing demand for engineers, a system capable of detecting surface defects on aircraft was designed to reduce the workload of the inspection process. The system utilizes the real-time object detection capabilities of the you only look once-version 9 (YOLO v9) algorithm, combined with imagery captured from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based aerial platform. This results in a system capable of detecting defects such as cracks and dents on the aircraft’s surface, even in areas that are difficult to reach, such as the upper surfaces of the wings or the higher parts of the fuselage. With the introduction of a Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP) server, the results can be monitored via artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in real time for further evaluation. The experimental results confirmed an effective recognition of defects, with a mean average precision (mAP@0.5) of 0.842 for all classes, the highest score being 0.938 for dents and the lowest value 0.733 for the paint-off class. This study demonstrates the potential for developing image detection technology with AI for the aviation industry.
Research on the Control System for the Conveying and Separation Experimental Platform of Tiger Nut Harvester Based on Sensing Technology and Control Algorithms
Authors: Chen Sirui , Qi Jiangtao , Gao Jianping , Chen Wenhui , Fei Jiaming , Meng Hewei , Ma Zhen
Published: January 2025

Enhancing the intelligence of Tiger nut harvesting equipment with the advancement of agricultural machinery is imperative. Mismatches between excavation feed rate and conveying-separating capacities hinder the efficiency of Tiger nut harvesters. A visualized Tiger nut harvesting platform was designed to address this, incorporating parameters like conveying speed, torque, vibration frequency, and excavation depth. The platform features a mechanical execution part and an automatic control system with speed, torque, frequency, and depth control modules. Mechanical design analysis defined control parameters and methods for each module. An adaptive B-PID controller was proposed for trajectory tracking, combining backstepping and PID. A control model accounting for motion damping and error compensation was derived. Simulink simulations compared B-PID with backstepping controllers, showing B-PID’s robustness and effective trajectory tracking. Actual experiments assessed mechanical-control coordination using relative error metrics. The results showed that the maximum relative error of rotation speed was 3.8%, the maximum relative error of frequency was 3.67%, and the maximum relative error of excavation depth was 1.5%. Correction models for excavation depth and excitation frequency parameters were established. This study offers a theoretical framework to advance the intelligent design of tiger nut harvesting machinery.
Diseases of Economic Importance in Feedlot Cattle in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review with a Focus on Existing and Potential Options for Control
Authors: Mwacalimba Kennedy , Kimeli Peter , Tiernan Raymond , Mijten Erik , Miroshnychenko Tetiana , Poulsen Nautrup Barbara
Published: January 2025

A large number of livestock are found in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including 20–25% of the world’s ruminants [...]
Dietary Tryptophan Requirement of Juvenile Hybrid Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂)
Authors: Chen Jiaxian , Dong Xiaohui , Yang Qihui , Chi Shuyan , Zhang Shuang , Tan Beiping , Deng Junming
Published: January 2025

A 10-week feeding study was conducted to examine the effects of dietary tryptophan (Trp) levels on the growth performance and protein metabolism of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × E. lanceolatus♂) with the aim of determining the optimal Trp requirement. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated, containing varying levels of Trp (0.26%, 0.32%, 0.42%, 0.46%, 0.58%, and 0.62% of diet). Each diet was administered to 90 hybrid groupers with an initial average weight of 10.52 ± 0.02 g. Dietary levels of 0.32–0.62% Trp generally promoted growth performance and feed utilization in hybrid grouper, with the 0.46% Trp level demonstrating the highest weight gain and protein efficiency ratio. Furthermore, fish fed with 0.46% Trp exhibited higher activities of intestinal lipase and amylase compared to other groups. Furthermore, the activities of Trp metabolism-related enzymes in the liver were markedly elevated by this Trp level, including indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase, and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase. Additionally, a dietary level of 0.46% Trp resulted in a substantial increase in the activities of protein metabolism-related enzymes such as adenosine monophosphate deaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase in the liver. Dietary levels of 0.32–0.46% Trp activated the hepatic mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, while a dietary 0.46% Trp level inhibited the hepatic amino acid response signaling pathway. In summary, suitable dietary Trp levels enhanced intestinal digestive enzyme activities, facilitated both protein synthesis and catabolism, and ultimately improved growth performance in hybrid grouper. Analysis using a second-order regression curve of weight gain and protein efficiency ratio indicated that the optimal dietary Trp requirement for hybrid grouper ranged from 0.41–0.46% of diet (0.82–0.92% of dietary protein).
Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care Medicine: A Clinical Review
Authors: Armenise Andrea
Published: January 2025

Thoracic point-of-care ultrasound (T-POCUS) has grown in popularity and usage in small animal emergencies and critical care settings due to its non-invasive nature, mobility, and ability to acquire images in real time. This review summarizes current understanding about T-POCUS in dogs and cats with respiratory illnesses, including normal thoracic ultrasonography appearance and numerous pathological situations. The basics of T-POCUS are covered, including equipment, scanning procedures, and picture settings. Practical applications in patients with respiratory distress are discussed, with an emphasis on pleural space abnormalities and lung diseases. Ultrasound results define pulmonary disorders such as pneumonia, atelectasis, cardiogenic and non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, lung lobe torsion, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary thromboembolism, pulmonary neoplasms, and pulmonary bleeding. The evaluation focuses on T-POCUS diagnostic skills in a variety of clinical settings. Limitations and the need for more study to standardize techniques, establish agreed terminology, and create specialized educational routes are highlighted.
Performance of Culture Using a Semi-Automatic Needle as a Novel Tool for Collecting Lymph Node Samples for the Diagnosis of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Mendes Júnior Artur Augusto Velho , Figueiredo Fabiano Borges , Ferreira Luiz Cláudio , Keidel Lucas , Ornellas Renato Orsini , Almeida Adilson Benedito , Santos Fernanda Nunes , Miranda Luciana de Freitas Campos , Marcelino Andreza Pain , Pereira Sandro Antonio , Menezes Rodrigo Caldas
Published: January 2025

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum and dogs are the main domestic reservoir. This study compared the performance of parasitological tests using semi-automatic needle puncture (SANP) for collecting popliteal lymph node samples with samples collected from the same lymph node by fine needle aspiration puncture (FNAP) and by necropsy for the diagnosis of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL). Popliteal lymph node samples were collected from 30 CVL-seropositive dogs from an endemic region in Brazil. After clinical examination and euthanasia, samples were collected from the same lymph node by SANP, FNAP, and necropsy. The reference tests were culture, immunohistochemistry, and histopathology. Positivity for Leishmania spp. was 70% for immunohistochemistry and 33.3% for histopathology. Culture positivity using the different sampling techniques was 77% for necropsy (87% in the first week), 73% for FNAP (82% in the first week), and 63% for SANP (95% in the first week). The combination of SANP and culture proved to be an alternative for the diagnosis of Leishmania spp. in the lymph node samples of dogs because of its high positivity rate and because it is more practical and faster and has a shorter time to positivity by culture when compared to FNAP and necropsy sampling.
Identification of Two Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Ecotypes in the Guadeloupe Archipelago, Eastern Caribbean
Authors: Haderlé Rachel , Bouveret Laurent , Serranito Bruno , Méndez-Fernandez Paula , Adam Olivier , Penel Mélodie , Couvat Jérôme , Le Berre Iwan , Jung Jean-Luc
Published: January 2025

The common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) exhibits significant intraspecific diversity globally, with distinct ecotypes identified in various regions. In the Guadeloupe archipelago, the citizen science NGO OMMAG has been monitoring these dolphins for over a decade, documenting two distinct morphotypes. This study investigates whether these morphotypes represent coastal and oceanic ecotypes, which have not been previously identified in the region. We characterized morphological differences between the two morphotypes, analyzed genetic variation in individuals stranded around Guadeloupe over the past ten years, and modeled their habitats. Results revealed that these morphotypes align with the ecotypes described in the Atlantic Ocean, forming two distinct genetic groups corresponding to Caribbean ecotypes. Habitat modeling showed differences in habitat preferences between the morphotypes. These findings provide strong evidence for the existence of two distinct ecotypes of T. truncatus in Guadeloupe. Considering the varied risks of exposure to maritime traffic, our study suggests that these ecotypes should be managed as separate units within the species to better inform conservation strategies in the region.
Telomere Length in Neonatal Dairy Calves in Relation to Lifetime Parameters
Authors: Dewulf Manon , Duchateau Luc , Meesters Maya , Martens Dries S. , Nawrot Tim S. , Van Eetvelde Mieke , Opsomer Geert
Published: January 2025

Telomere length (TL) has gained attention as a biomarker for longevity and productivity in dairy cattle. This study explored the association between neonatal TL in Holstein calves and lifetime parameters (lifespan, milk production, and reproduction). Blood samples were collected from 210 calves (≤10d old) across four dairy farms in Flanders, Belgium. Telomere length was measured using qPCR and analyzed as a continuous variable and across three groups: the 10% shortest, the 10% longest, and the remaining 80%. Survival analyses showed no association between TL and lifespan (p = 0.1) or TL groups (p = 0.8). Similarly, TL showed no significant association with production traits. However, categorical analyses revealed that calves with the longest TL had lower lifetime fat (p = 0.01) and protein yields (p = 0.01) than those with the shortest TL. Reproductive analyses showed cows in the long TL group required fewer inseminations per lactation (p = 0.02) and exhibited longer calving intervals (p = 0.05). These findings suggest that while neonatal TL may not predict productive lifespan, it may provide insight into reproductive efficiency. Future studies should prioritize longitudinal assessments of TL dynamics to better understand their interactions with management practices and application in herd improvement.
Chronic Dexamethasone Disturbs the Circadian Rhythm of Melatonin and Clock Genes in Goats
Authors: Cai Liuping , Chen Qu , Hua Canfeng , Niu Liqiong , Kong Qijun , Wu Lei , Ni Yingdong
Published: January 2025

Dex is a drug commonly used as an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agent in humans and animals. GCs have a profound impact on melatonin expression and biological rhythm. However, the effect of chronic exposure to Dex on melatonin secretion and biological clock gene expression in ruminants is still unclear. Ten goats were randomly divided into two groups: the control group was injected with saline, and the Dex-treated group was intramuscularly injected daily for 21 d with 0.2 mg/kg Dex. The rhythm of melatonin secretion in the plasma was disturbed in the Dex group, and the plasma and colon levels of melatonin were lower in the Dex group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Dex leads to a significant decrease in the expression of Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), a key melatonin synthase, in the pineal gland and colon. Detecting intestinal leakage-related indices showed that diamine oxidase (DAO) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) content increased significantly in the Dex group (p < 0.05). We also detected genes associated with biological rhythms in the plasma. In the control group, the five tested genes showed circadian rhythms, but the circadian rhythms of Clock, Cry1, Cry2, and Per2 were abolished or blunted by the Dex (p < 0.05). Protein levels of CLOCK and BMAL1 in the colon changed significantly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the above experimental results show that chronic exposure to Dex leads to the disorder of the circadian rhythms of melatonin secretion and clock genes.
From Guidelines to Action: Tackling Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections
Authors: Rizzo Caterina Elisabetta , Venuto Roberto , Tripodi Paola , Bartucciotto Linda , Ventura Spagnolo Elvira , Nirta Antonio , Genovese Giovanni , La Spina Isabella , Sortino Sabrina , Nicita Alessandro , Loddo Francesco , Romeo Bruno , Squeri Raffaele , Genovese Cristina
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Surgical site infections are a serious public health concern, representing a significant burden on healthcare systems and society. Their occurrence is influenced by several factors, including patient demographics, healthcare facilities and the specific circumstances surrounding surgery. The use of prophylactic antibiotics in this context carries both potential benefits and risks. The aim of this study is to investigate potential risk factors that may adversely affect the development of SSIs, as well as to assess the appropriateness and adherence to perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Methods: This observational study was conducted from October 2023 to October 2024 at the University Hospital of Messina, Italy, a hospital performing both thoracic and vascular surgery. Data were collected using a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic data, risk factors, clinical and surgical data and details regarding the administration of antibiotics. Results: This study included 117 patients with an average age of 63 ± 12.36 SD years, 70.9% from the Thoracic Surgery Unit and 29.1% from the Vascular Surgery Unit. The most administered antibiotic was cefazolin, and antibiotic administration time was in compliance with the guidelines. Conclusions: Our data show that the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, healthcare professionals’ education and correct antibiotic use can reduce the burden of SSIs by improving patient care.
Characterizing Antimicrobial Effects of Radiation and Antibiotic Interactions on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Using MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Haider Ali , Homlok Renáta , Farkas Csilla Mohácsiné , Kocsis Tamás
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a major challenge in human and veterinary medicine, as well as in food processing. Methods: In this study, the protein diversity in antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was investigated by exposing them to varying doses of gamma irradiation, with and without antibiotic presence. Changes in bacterial protein profiles were characterized using MALDI-TOF MS to reveal dose-dependent adaptations and potentiation effects under combined irradiation and antibiotic treatments. Results: The results indicate that MALDI-TOF MS effectively differentiates between sensitive and resistant strains, particularly at lower radiation doses (0, 0.2, and 0.4 kGy), with distinct separation in protein spectra. However, at 0.6 kGy, protein profiles plateaued, suggesting a potential threshold effect in radiation response. In 24-h cultures from irradiated Staphylococcus aureus, significant differences emerged in the resistant strain at 0.6 kGy in the presence of antibiotics, with further generational divergence dependent on initial antibiotic exposure. In the case of the sensitive strain, profiles were notably distinct at the 0.4 and 0.6 kGy doses, revealing dose- and treatment-specific responses. For Escherichia coli, generational differences between resistant and sensitive strains were apparent, though antibiotic effects on protein profiles were limited to the 0.6 kGy dose. Conclusions: The results underscore a potentiation interaction between irradiation and antibiotic exposure, affecting protein diversity and adaptation. Sensitive strains displayed heightened proteomic responses to minor treatment variations, while resistant strains exhibited more stable profiles across conditions. The findings highlight MALDI-TOF MS as a valuable tool in detecting proteomic biomarkers linked to bacterial resistance and stress adaptation.
Logistic Stewardship: Supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs Based on Antibiotics Goods Flow
Authors: Leistner Bianca , Rauschning Dominic , Hagen Ralf Matthias , Srečec Franziska , Mutters Nico Tom , Weppler Ruth , Mutschnik Christina , Döhla Manuel
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat to safe health care, and a reduction in antibiotic consumption seems to be an appropriate preventive measure. In Germany, the reporting of hospital antibiotics consumption to an independent institution is only voluntary. Although a high level of willingness to improve can be assumed in the case of participation, the median consumptions of reporting hospitals change only slightly. This study examines the question of whether the logistical consumption figures adequately reflect real consumption, and if not, how to optimize the use of logistical data for clinical decisions. Methods: Four selected wards were analyzed during six months. A retrospective analysis of patient case files was performed to receive “prescribed daily doses” (PDDs). These were compared to “defined daily doses” (DDDs) from logistical data. Additional inventories were performed to calculated stored antibiotics. Antibiotics goods flows were presented via waterfall diagrams to identify logistic patterns that could explain PDD/DDD quotients. Antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) quality indicators were analyzed to give advice for optimized clinical AMS measures. Results: The total PDD/DDD quotient was 0.69. Four logistical patterns were identified. Optimized prophylaxis, AMS consultations and reevaluation of therapy seem to be the most useful measures to reduce PDDs. Conclusions: If AMS programs rely solely on DDDs, measures cannot be optimal. A complete consideration of antibiotic goods flows supports clinical decisions, but is very costly in terms of data collection. The consideration of logistical data can help to identify areas of focus for AMS programs. Therefore, specialists of antibiotics logistics should complement clinical AMS teams.
Reliability of Critical Fitness Tests for Police Officers
Authors: Freitas João Daniel , Ramos Sérgio Antunes , Massuça Luís Miguel
Published: January 2025

Police officers in training (cadets and provisional officers) are the population most tested in fitness attributes compared to police officers already in operational service. As such, this study aims (i) to validate a fitness assessment protocol for police officers, and (ii) to confirm the effect of sex on fitness performance. In this methodological study, 122 cadets from the Portuguese Police Academy participated and carried out the fitness protocol (horizontal jump, handgrip strength, 60 s of sit-ups, and 20 m shuttle run tests) in two moments (test–retest), separated by one week (seven days). Complementarily, the results of the first assessment were used to study the effect of sex on fitness performance. Superior fitness performances were observed on the retest, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.89 and a standard error of the mean of 0.45 in the fitness assessment protocol and significantly higher values (in all fitness assessments) in male participants. In conclusion, the fitness assessment protocol achieved high reliability in terms of reproducibility (which indicates that it is a valid and reliable protocol), and the influence of sex on the police officers’ fitness profile was confirmed.
Based on the Integration of the Improved A* Algorithm with the Dynamic Window Approach for Multi-Robot Path Planning
Authors: Han Yong , Li Changyong , An Zhaohui
Published: January 2025

With the escalating demand for automation in chemical laboratories, multi-robot systems are assuming an increasingly prominent role in chemical laboratories, particularly in the task of transporting reagents and experimental materials. In this paper, we propose a multi-robot path planning approach based on the combination of the A* algorithm and the dynamic window algorithm (DWA) for optimizing the efficiency of reagent transportation in chemical laboratories. In environments like chemical laboratories, dynamic obstacles (such as people and equipment) and transportation tasks that demand precise control render traditional path planning algorithms challenging. To address these issues, in this paper, we incorporate the cost information from the current point to the goal point into the evaluation function of the traditional A* algorithm to enhance the search efficiency and add the safety distance to extract the critical points of the paths, which are utilized as the temporary goal points of the DWA algorithm. In the DWA algorithm, a stop-and-wait mechanism and a replanning strategy are added, and a direction factor is included in the evaluation function to guarantee that the robots can adjust their paths promptly in the presence of dynamic obstacles or interference from other robots to evade potential conflicts or traps, thereby reaching the goal point smoothly. Additionally, regarding the multi-robot path conflict problem, this paper adopts a dynamic prioritization method, which dynamically adjusts the motion priority among robots in accordance with real-time environmental changes, reducing the occurrence of path conflicts. The experimental results highlight that this approach effectively tackles the path planning challenge in multi-robot collaborative transportation tasks within chemical laboratories, significantly enhancing transportation efficiency and ensuring the safe operation of the robots.
High-Performance Digital Devices Design by the ASMD-FSMD Technique for Implementation in FPGA
Authors: Salauyou Valery , Klimowicz Adam , Grzes Tomasz
Published: January 2025

The paper presents an application of the ASMD-FSMD technique for designing high-performance digital circuits on the example of an implementation of sequential multipliers in reconfigurable FPGA devices. The method primarily enables multiple operations on the same variable within a single clock cycle. The experiments were conducted using the QuartusPrime tool and Cyclone 10 LP devices, as well as Vivado tools and the Kintex UltraScale family device. The bit size of multiplicands varied from 4 to 128. A comparison of the ASMD-FSMD technique with the traditional approach using datapath with the controller has shown that the performance of the sequential multipliers increases by a factor of 2 and, for some examples, by a factor of 3. Practical recommendations for using the ASMD-FSMD technique to improve the performance of digital devices, as well as directions for further studies, are given in the conclusion.
Chemical Profile and Alcoholic Fermentation Analysis of the Ethiopian Wild Edible Fruit Physalis peruviana L.
Authors: Zereahannes Tesfom Zeru , Esho Tarekegn Berhanu , Teklie Alayu Woldtensay , Woldemariam Henock Woldemichael , Satheesh Neela , Wotango Aselefech Sorsa
Published: January 2025

Physalis peruviana Linnaeus, also called Cape gooseberry, has been used extensively as a medicinal herb since ancient times. The current study is the very first investigation into the nutrient characteristics of Physalis peruviana L. fruits found in Ethiopia. Its main objective is to investigate the nutritional, antinutritional, and antioxidant capacity of the edible fruit of Physalis peruviana L. Three different drying conditions (shade, sun, and oven drying) were investigated to observe their effects on the chemical composition of the fruit. The antioxidant activities were quantified using DPPH (2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. Total flavonoid and total phenol contents were also determined for all dried samples. The shade-dried sample exhibited a better composition with regard to most of the characterized constituents than the other dried samples. From all of the results obtained, the shade-dried sample showed higher antioxidant activity, and, among the investigated minerals, its K content was found to be the highest (313.66 ± 0.05 g/100 g). However, the Fe content (in the oven-dried sample) was found to be the lowest (0.06 ± 0.10 g/100 g) of the investigated minerals. Through fermentation using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the alcoholic content of the fruit was 9.11%, 9.90%, and 12.34% after 24, 48, and 72 h of fermentation time, respectively. It was also observed that the high temperature used in the drying process led to content loss in the fruit samples. This was evident in the oven-dried samples. It is expected that the analysis of the effects of drying on fruit composition can contribute to a better understanding of fruit storage/preparation and provide useful information on fruit product formulations.