bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation and screening of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags degrading bacteria from Addis Ababa municipal solid waste disposal site “Koshe”
Authors: Nademo Zuriash Mamo , Shibeshi Nurelegne Tefera , Gemeda Mesfin Tafesse
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aims to screen bacterial isolates from the Addis Ababa municipal solid waste dumping site (Koshe) for the biodegradation of low-density polyethylene bags and analyzes their efficiency in degrading plastic bags.

Methods

In this study, low-density polyethylene bag-degrading bacteria were isolated from the Koshe municipal solid waste disposal area in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Screening of isolates for low-density polyethylene bag biodegradation was carried out using a clear zone method. Additionally, the efficiency of the isolates for low-density polyethylene biodegradation was evaluated using the weight loss method, scanning electron microscopy analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. Finally, molecular identification of potential low-density polyethylene degrader bacterial isolates was done by 16S rDNA sequencing.

Results

Isolates KS35, KS14, and KS119 resulted in significant weight loss of low-density polyethylene film (42.87 ± 1.91%, 37.2 ± 3.06%, and 23.87 ± 0.11% weight loss, respectively). These isolates were selected for further biodegradation study using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis. Scanning electron microscopy analysis shows the formation of pores, pits, and distortion of the plastic surface. Fourier transform infrared analysis indicates the appearance of new peaks at the surface of low-density polyethylene films. Phylogenetic analysis of the three potential bacterial isolates was also carried out, and the result indicates that the sequence of isolate KS35 had 99% similarity with sequences of Methylobacterium radiotolerans MN525302. Isolate KS119 had 100% similarity with Methylobacterium fujisawaense KT720189, and the sequence of isolate KS14 had 99% similarity with species of Lysinibacillus fusiformis.

Conclusions

Weight loss, scanning electron microscopy analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analysis results show that isolates KS35, KS14, and KS119 have high potential in degrading low-density polyethylene bags.
Dimensionally reduced machine learning model for predicting single component octanol–water partition coefficients
Authors: Kenney David H. , Paffenroth Randy C. , Timko Michael T. , Teixeira Andrew R.
Published: January 2023

MF-LOGP, a new method for determining a single component octanol–water partition coefficients ($$LogP$$

LogP

) is presented which uses molecular formula as the only input. Octanol–water partition coefficients are useful in many applications, ranging from environmental fate and drug delivery. Currently, partition coefficients are either experimentally measured or predicted as a function of structural fragments, topological descriptors, or thermodynamic properties known or calculated from precise molecular structures. The MF-LOGP method presented here differs from classical methods as it does not require any structural information and uses molecular formula as the sole model input. MF-LOGP is therefore useful for situations in which the structure is unknown or where the use of a low dimensional, easily automatable, and computationally inexpensive calculations is required. MF-LOGP is a random forest algorithm that is trained and tested on 15,377 data points, using 10 features derived from the molecular formula to make $$LogP$$

LogP

predictions. Using an independent validation set of 2713 data points, MF-LOGP was found to have an average $$RMSE$$

RMSE

= 0.77 ± 0.007, $$MAE$$

MAE

= 0.52 ± 0.003, and $${R}^{2}$$

R

2

= 0.83 ± 0.003. This performance fell within the spectrum of performances reported in the published literature for conventional higher dimensional models ($$RMSE$$

RMSE

= 0.42–1.54, $$MAE$$

MAE

= 0.09–1.07, and $${R}^{2}$$

R

2

= 0.32–0.95). Compared with existing models, MF-LOGP requires a maximum of ten features and no structural information, thereby providing a practical and yet predictive tool. The development of MF-LOGP provides the groundwork for development of more physical prediction models leveraging big data analytical methods or complex multicomponent mixtures.

Graphical Abstract
COMA: efficient structure-constrained molecular generation using contractive and margin losses
Authors: Choi Jonghwan , Seo Sangmin , Park Sanghyun
Published: January 2023

Background

Structure-constrained molecular generation is a promising approach to drug discovery. The goal of structure-constrained molecular generation is to produce a novel molecule that is similar to a given source molecule (e.g. hit molecules) but has enhanced chemical properties (for lead optimization). Many structure-constrained molecular generation models with superior performance in improving chemical properties have been proposed; however, they still have difficulty producing many novel molecules that satisfy both the high structural similarities to each source molecule and improved molecular properties.

Methods

We propose a structure-constrained molecular generation model that utilizes contractive and margin loss terms to simultaneously achieve property improvement and high structural similarity. The proposed model has two training phases; a generator first learns molecular representation vectors using metric learning with contractive and margin losses and then explores optimized molecular structure for target property improvement via reinforcement learning.

Results

We demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method by comparing it with various state-of-the-art baselines and through ablation studies. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of our method in drug discovery using an example of sorafenib-like molecular generation in patients with drug resistance.
The predictive value of deep learning-based cardiac ultrasound flow imaging for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy complicating arrhythmias
Authors: Wu Haotang , Huang Zhiyong , Liu Juanjuan , Dai Jiancheng , Zhao Yong , Luo Weiquan
Published: January 2023

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of deep learning-based cardiac ultrasound flow imaging for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) complicated by arrhythmias.

Methods

The clinical data of 158 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were retrospectively collected from July 2019 to December 2021, and additionally divided into training group 106 cases, validation group 26 cases and test group 26 cases according to the ratio of 4:1:1, and divided into concurrent and non-concurrent groups according to whether they were complicated by arrhythmia or not, respectively. General data of patients (age, gender, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HR) were collected, a deep learning model for cardiac ultrasound flow imaging was established, and image data, LVEF, LAVI, E/e', vortex area change rate, circulation intensity change rate, mean blood flow velocity, and mean EL value were extracted.

Results

The differences in general data (age, gender, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HR) between the three groups were not statistically significant, P > 0.05. The differences in age, gender, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HR between the patients in the concurrent and non-concurrent groups in the training group were not statistically significant, P > 0.05.

Conclusions

Deep learning-based cardiac ultrasound flow imaging can identify cardiac ultrasound images more accurately and has a high predictive value for arrhythmias complicating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and vortex area change rate, circulation intensity change rate, mean flow velocity, mean EL, LAVI, and E/e' are all risk factors for arrhythmias complicating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Performance of CO2-Cured Alkali-Activated Slag Pastes During Curing and Exposure
Authors: Jun Yubin , Han Seong Ho , Kim Jae Hong
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the efficiency of CO2 curing in blast-furnace slag pastes activated with three concentrations of KOH solution (3, 4, and 5 M). The CO2 curing was applied into the alkali-activated slag paste for 3 days. The CO2-cured pastes were subjected to subsequent curing in a water bath or exposed to seawater. The mechanical properties and characteristics of the reaction products were compared. Full strength can be obtained within 3 days of the early CO2 curing. The strength remained almost constant regardless of the activator concentration. The CO2-cured samples produced more CaCO3 after exposure to the seawater. The carbonates filled the micropores of the samples, and no strength reduction was observed. The hydrates Ca(OH)2 and C–S–H(I) are carbonated, forming calcite and amorphous CaCO3 during the subsequent curing and exposure to seawater as well as the CO2 curing. A less dense matrix with a lower activator concentration facilitated the diffusion of CO2 and promoted early carbonation in the paste. The polymerization of C–S–H(I) was relatively slow with low activity, and within the period of CO2 curing, more carbonates were produced in the sample prepared at a low activator concentration.
Psychometric properties of the ORTO-R in a community-based sample of women and men from Poland
Authors: Brytek-Matera Anna , Obeid Sahar , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Rogoza Marta , Marchlewska Marta , Plichta Marta , Jezewska-Zychowicz Marzena , Hallit Souheil , Rogoza Radosław
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Over the past two decades, orthorexia nervosa (ON) has been increasingly investigated. Recently, a new revision version of the ORTO-15, namely ORTO-R, was used. The main objective of the present study was to confirm the factor structure of Polish version of the ORTO-R for evaluating ON thoughts and behaviors.

Method

In three studies, a total of 3081 participants was selected by random sampling through several universities and companies. In Study 1, we used original items of ORTO-15, in Study 2 we used both, the ORTO-15 items and the revised items from ORTO-R, and in Study 3 we used only the items from the ORTO-R. Confirmatory factor analysis was used for determining the factorial structure of the Polish version of the ORTO-R. We also assessed internal consistency and convergent and criterion validity of the ORTO-R.

Results

The model composed of the revised items (ORTO-R) was characterized of good convergent and criterion validity. Furthermore, ORTO-R appeared to be more internally consistent as compared to ORTO-15.

Conclusion

The 6-item ORTO-R is valid and reliable method to assess orthorexic thoughts and behaviors among Polish-speaking population and could be applied in future research. Using revised version of the items is strongly preferred to using the items in their original ORTO-15 form.
The psychological impact of COVID-19 in a socio-politically unstable environment: protective effects of sleep and gratitude in Lebanese adults
Authors: El Khoury-Malhame Myriam , Rizk Rana , Joukayem Esperance , Rechdan Alyssa , Sawma Toni
Published: January 2023

Background

The COVID-19 global pandemic initiated an unprecedented medico-psychological turmoil. Our study investigates the psychological impact of the viral spread and austere lockdown, and focuses mostly on potential protective factors in a politically and economically unstable society.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used to evaluate rates of mental distress in a sample of 348 Lebanese adults. Participants filled questionnaires of perceived stress (PSS), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7), PTSD (IES-22), as well as sleep (PSQi) and gratitude (GQ-6) immediately after 3 months of strict quarantine. Demographics included gender, age, employment and infection statuses. Correlations and regression models were used.

Results

Results indicated a very high prevalence of mental distress, in addition to major alterations in sleep quality and quantity. Younger age and unemployment correlated with more severe symptoms. Sleep was found to be a protective factor against all studied psychological distress, and gratitude further mitigated effects of depression.

Conclusions

Mental health significantly degrades post-COVID lockdown, even in the absence of direct viral threat. Yet simple behavioral and cognitive changes like sleep and attitude of gratitude could provide protective factors against these psychological distresses. Such changes should be further explored and advocated as cost-efficient self-care practices to buffer this devastating public health burden, especially in unstable socio-political environments.
Digital characterization of the surface texture of chinese classical garden rockery based on point cloud visualization: small-rock mountain retreat
Authors: Yang Chen , Han Xiaorong , Wu Hangbin , Han Feng , Wei Chaoxu , Shutter Leigh
Published: January 2023

The Rockery is often a key element of a Classical Chinese Garden. It’s exquisite detailed physical characteristics a major contributor to artistic value, aesthetic appeal, and the carrier of historical and cultural heritage values. Poets and scholars have often described the beauty of these places in classical gardens in qualitative terms but lacked the quantitative tools to provide replicable metric descriptions. The highly complex forms and surfaces, irregularity, and fragility of garden rockeries has challenged authors to accurately describe the characteristics of these qualities using traditional methods and tools. This article presents a new method of digital characterization approach based on laser scanning and point cloud visualization, which can quantitatively detect and represent the pattern of rockery surface textures. It offers a replicable accurate quantitative descriptor of the Classical Chinese rockery. The Small-Rock Mountain Retreat, a nationally protected rockery garden in China, has been used as a case study. It contains original historic elements and more recently restored areas. Two characteristics of rockery surfaces, including the well-proportioned density and space, and the proper contrast between solid and void, were analyzed by examining four attributes: (1) surface complexity; (2) contour curvature; (3) shape variation; and (4) the interweaving of lightness and darkness. The findings demonstrate that, despite some similarities between the restored portion of the rockery and the historical remnants, there are variances in the richness of the details and the balanced distribution of shape change. The digital characterization approach introduced in this article offers a new perspective for recording and in turn safeguarding Chinese garden rockeries and other irregular cultural heritage objects.
Out of the blue: the independent activity of sulfur-oxidizers and diatoms mediate the sudden color shift of a tropical river
Authors: Arce-Rodríguez Alejandro , Libby Eduardo , Castellón Erick , Avendaño Roberto , Cambronero Juan Carlos , Vargas Maribel , Pieper Dietmar H. , Bertilsson Stefan , Chavarría Max , Puente-Sánchez Fernando
Published: January 2023

Background

Río Celeste (“Sky-Blue River”) is a river located in the Tenorio National Park (Costa Rica) that has become an important hotspot for eco-tourism due to its striking sky-blue color. A previous study indicated that this color is not caused by dissolved chemical species, but by formation of light-scattering aluminosilicate particles at the mixing point of two colorless streams, the acidic Quebrada Agria and the neutral Río Buenavista.

Results

We now present microbiological information on Río Celeste and its two tributaries, as well as a more detailed characterization of the particles that occur at the mixing point. Our results overturn the previous belief that the light scattering particles are formed by the aggregation of smaller particles coming from Río Buenavista, and rather point to chemical formation of hydroxyaluminosilicate colloids when Quebrada Agria is partially neutralized by Río Buenavista, which also contributes silica to the reaction. The process is mediated by the activities of different microorganisms in both streams. In Quebrada Agria, sulfur-oxidizing bacteria generate an acidic environment, which in turn cause dissolution and mobilization of aluminum and other metals. In Río Buenavista, the growth of diatoms transforms dissolved silicon into colloidal biogenic forms which may facilitate particle precipitation.

Conclusions

We show how the sky-blue color of Río Celeste arises from the tight interaction between chemical and biological processes, in what constitutes a textbook example of emergent behavior in environmental microbiology.
The current utilization of the patient-reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) in isolated or combined total knee arthroplasty populations
Authors: Gupta Puneet , Czerwonka Natalia , Desai Sohil S. , deMeireles Alirio J. , Trofa David P. , Neuwirth Alexander L.
Published: January 2023

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are essential for clinical research and patient-centric care because they allow us to capture patient perspectives on their health condition. In knee arthroplasty, PROMs are frequently used to assess the risks and benefits of new interventions, surgical approaches, and other management strategies. A few examples of PROMs used in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) include the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) (collectively referred to as “legacy” PROMs). More recently, attention has been brought to another PROM called the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS). PROMIS was developed by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and has over 300 domains assessing various aspects of patient health, including pain, physical function, and mental health. With the use of PROMIS increasing in TKA literature, there is a need to review the advancements being made in understanding and applying PROMIS for this population. Thus, the purpose of this study is to provide insight on the utilization, advantages, and disadvantages of PROMIS within the field of knee arthroplasty and to provide a comparison to legacy PROMs.
Impact of cetuximab plus cisplatin alone and cetuximab plus cisplatin and paclitaxel regimen on humanistic outcome in head and neck cancer
Authors: Khadela Avinash , Vyas Bhavin , Mansuri Mustakim , Sureja Dipen , Bodiwala Kunjan
Published: January 2023

Background

The prevalence of head and neck cancer (HNC) is increasing rapidly, and the prognosis is poor in the advance stage. For the patient suffering from advance stage HNC, the improvement in quality of life and decrease mortality remain as the mainstay of treatment. The aim was to assess the change in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) in recurrent or metastatic HNC patients receiving cetuximab plus cisplatin and cetuximab plus cisplatin-paclitaxel.

Methods

It was a single-centric prospective-observational study. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on the chemotherapy regimens they were prescribed. Patients in cohort 1 were prescribed with cetuximab and cisplatin and in cohort 2 were prescribed with cetuximab, cisplatin, and paclitaxel. The QALYs were the primary outcome of the study, and it was calculated using EQ-5D-5L instrument. Patients were followed until the completion of the therapy, i.e., six chemotherapy cycles. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS for descriptive and inferential analysis.

Results

Amongst 175 patients screened, 100 patients were enrolled which further distributed in cohorts 1 and 2 equally. The mean QALYs were 0.016 and 0.017 at the time of diagnosis, i.e., before initiation of chemotherapy for patients in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. At every chemotherapy cycle, the QALYs were calculated. After the completion of six chemotherapy cycles, the mean QALYs were 0.029 and 0.032 for patients in cohorts 1 and 2, respectively.

Conclusion

The three-drug therapy consisting of cetuximab, cisplatin, and paclitaxel has shown significant improvement in patients’ QALYs compared to two-drug regimens of cetuximab and cisplatin. Thus, if the therapy consisted of three-drug regimen is used instead of two-drug regimen, it will have a positive impact on humanistic outcome in recurrent or metastatic HNC patients.
Prognostic value of echocardiographic indices in risk stratification of intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism
Authors: El-Morshedy Reham M. , El-kholy Maha M. , Hamad Dina A. , El-Sokkary Rofaida R. , Mohamed Marwan N.
Published: January 2023

Background

Regarding risk stratification of intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism, data are still not sufficient. Transthoracic echocardiography parameters may be useful in risk evaluation in those patients. Some novel echocardiographic indices mainly tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient (TRPG), pulmonary artery acceleration time, and tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were evaluated showing that they may be used for risk stratification of normotensive cases with acute pulmonary embolism (APE).

Results

The studied cases were subdivided into two classes:

Class I with intermediate-low-risk pulmonary embolism included 32 patients (53.3%) and class II with intermediate high-risk pulmonary embolism involved 28 cases (46.7%). Dyspnea, tachypnea, troponin level, RVD, RVD/LVD, TR velocity, and TRPG/TAPSE were statistically higher in cases of class II than that of class I (p < 0.001). On the other hand, TAPSE and PA acceleration time were markedly lower in the case of class II than that of class I (p < 0.001). Ten cases (35.7%) of group II required thrombolytic agents with a significant difference (p<0.001).

Conclusions

RVD/LVD ratio, TAPSE, TRPG/TAPSE ratio, and PA acceleration time are echocardiographic parameters that might be helpful for risk stratification of cases with moderate-risk pulmonary embolism. The addition of elevated levels of cardiac troponins to imaging and clinical findings can improve PE-related risk identification.

Trial registration

NCT04020250. Registered on 16 July 2019.
An Affirmation That Is Entirely Other
Authors: Rasmussen Mikkel Bolt
Published: January 2023

The aim of this article is to juxtapose the notion of refusal in Maurice Blanchot, Herbert Marcuse, and the Invisible Committee. The article opens by considering Blanchot's 1958 notion of a radical refusal and then turns to Marcuse's idea of a “great refusal” against one-dimensional society. It then concludes with a consideration of the Invisible Committee's theory of destitution, which aims to rethink revolution in light of an analysis of the contemporary cycle of insurrections. Although Blanchot's and Marcuse's notions of the refusal might appear dated, trapped within the agitated political climate of the 1950s and 1960s, in their time they each signaled a conscious rupture with a certain Marxist-Leninist theory of revolution that could not imagine the transformation of social relations except through the seizure of state power. For both thinkers, the proto-revolutionary gesture of refusal sought to respond to a historical conjuncture in which the integration of the working class into the circuitry of capital was a fait accompli. For Blanchot, refusal was a withdrawal from, and abandonment of, politics and representation, whereas for Marcuse it involved a transformation both of one's immediate social relations and of social relations more broadly. It is these aspects of refusal that anticipate and overlap with more recent theories of destituent power emerging from the new cycles of protests. Over the last decade, the notion of destitution has come to prominence as one of the most important reformulations of radical political action. In response to a new insurrectionary wave, characterized by new forms of action, destitution signals an attempt to reimagine the emergence of a new revolutionary force in the wake of the disappearance of Marxist dialectics and the established working-class movement.
Anthropocene Destitution
Authors: Wakefield Stephanie
Published: January 2023

This article situates the concept of destituent power as a historically specific, still unfinished problematization of political thought and practice in the Anthropocene. It explores multiple, conflicting understandings and manifestations of destitution as they relate to climate change, civilizational breakdown, and political practice, suggesting that experimental practices of destitution as “exiting” are increasing in number and political potential alongside infrastructural and ecological crises. However, too often readers and theorists overemphasize this form-of-life-centric and use-centric version of the concept, thereby risking reproducing the political impasses the concept seeks to overcome, mirroring dominant counterrevolutionary depictions of life in the Anthropocene. In contrast, bringing work by Idris Robinson and Alexandre Monnin together with urban climate adaptation examples, this article explores an emergent destitution-as-negation perspective that attempts to respond to these impasses. The article concludes by asking what it might mean and require to destitute the Anthropocene, as not only an environmental matter but also one dominated by particular governmental, economic, and knowledge systems.
The Absolute Gift: Martyrdom as Destituent Power
Authors: Bolton Rodrigo Karmy
Published: January 2023

This article argues that martyrdom carries with it a destituent power. To this end, it examines the difference between martyrdom and sacrifice in five sections. The first four discuss sacrifice in French anthropology; Bataille's proposal of an “unemployed negativity”; the sacrificial question is reframed by the emergence of contemporary capitalism as a “debt without gift” ; martyrdom as a form-of-life that can destitute sacrifice by being open to the gift without the debt produced by the contemporary sacrificial machine. We call this gift absolute because it is not just any gift but one capable of destituting the gift-debt system. Drawing from Giorgio Agamben's theorization of the witness, the final section shows how the subjective structure of martyrdom is that of the witness insofar as a gesturality occurs in it that takes the form of a desubjectification.
Quinoline-Modified Phenanthroline Electron-Transporters as n-Type Exciplex Partners for Highly Efficient and Stable Deep-Red OLEDs
Authors: Saito Yu , Sasabe Hisahiro , Tsuneyama Hisaki , Abe Shoki , Matsuya Misaki , Kawano Tomoya , Kori Yuma , Hanayama Takanori , Kido Junji
Published: January 2023

Although stable deep-red organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) exhibit potential applications as unique illumination light sources for plant growth and in health monitoring systems, their electron-to-photon conversion efficiency, represented by the external quantum efficiency (EQE), is significantly lower than that of the other primary colors. Thus, to overcome this limitation, n-type exciplex host partners based on quinoline-modified phenanthroline derivatives, X-BPhen, were designed and synthesized in this study. These X-BPhen derivatives formed exciplexes on combination with a p-type host material, NPD, behaving as host materials in deep-red phosphorescent OLEDs. The corresponding devices exhibited a maximum EQE of 17.6%, with CIE coordinates of (0.71, 0.29), and an LT80 of 410 h at a constant current density of 25 mA/cm2; this is among the best performances reported for stable deep-red OLEDs.
Alkyl-Chain Bridged Acrylonitrile-Appended Anthracene Chromophore toward Mechanically-Induced Bathochromic Shift
Authors: Tanikubo Hiroki , Matsuo Takumi , Hayashi Shotaro
Published: January 2023

Designing π-conjugated molecules for mechanochromism has attracted much attention. Here, we found an approach toward mechanofluorochromic dyes, which are composed of dimeric 9-(4-methoxyphenyl)acrylonitrile-appended anthracene units bridged by an alkyl chain. The molecule in an amorphous state showed a dramatic bathochromic shift (ΔλPL = 75 nm) after grinding while a crystalline state of the monomer motif showed a small hypsochromic shift (ΔλPL = 2–20 nm).
Lessons from the International Law Commission to codify unilateral acts of the States. Problems, discussion and evolution of international law
Authors: Neals Jon
Published: January 2023

This paper seeks critically and with the jurisprudential methodology of the International Court of Justice to shed light on the work carried out for many years within the International Law Commission in relation to unilateral acts. Is this a completed work, or is the codification missing? Is there arrogance of certain States that want to follow their own interests in the codification of the work completed? Is there a non-compliant silence from other States that have not taken a concrete position during the proceedings? These are some of the topics that are presented and discussed in this work. The completed work cannot be said to be a codification work, but a work in progress for the next few years. Many gaps and many problems perhaps due to the lack of international good faith. The obligation of the participating States is to take into consideration the substance and raise awareness of the importance of this work in order to be able to speak of a work far from the Vienna Convention in the coming decades but certainly of an original codification that every international convention must have.
The indirect criteria for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments
Authors: Dauer Frank
Published: January 2023

The twenty-second diplomatic session of the Hague Conference on Private International Law closed on 2 July 2019 with the adoption of the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Decisions in Civil and Commercial Matters, also known as the Judgments Convention. The present work focused on analyzing the indirect criteria that are provided for in art. 5 of the Conference of the Hague for the recognition and enforcement of judgments. This is an ambitious project that will give rise to a global enforcement regime on the circulation of judgments. The shortcomings are still many as well as the debate between civil and common law, but the time is ripe for a concrete project of broader inspiration, more political and less juridical. The method used in our work is based on comparative doctrine and jurisprudence on a global level.
Intraocular Pressure Measured by Rebound Tonometry in Seven Raptor Species
Authors: YÖNEZ Muhammed Kaan , Erol M , Erol H , Atalan G , Doğan Z , Kibar M
Published: January 2023

In the present study, intraocular pressures (IOP) of 66 Buzzards (132 eyes), 20 Hawks (40 eyes), 13 Owls (26 eyes), 6 Eagles (12 eyes), 6 Kestrels (12 eyes), 4 Falcons (8 eyes), 2 Vultures (4 eyes), which referred to Erciyes University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Surgery Clinic were evaluated. In the ophthalmologic examination there was no lesion detected related to eyes. The mean body weight raptors was 1.10±0.23 kg (Buzzards), 0.23±0.06 kg (Hawks), 0.27±0.10 (Owls), 3.30±0.80 kg (Eagles), 0,18±0.04 kg (Kestrels), 0,64±0,28 kg (Falcons) and 2.28±0.43 kg (Vultures). Rebound tonometer (Tonovet) was used for measurement of IOP. Mean intraocular pressures of right and left eyes were in Buzzards 25.87±0.62-26.61±0.71, Hawks 11.90±0.40-12.05±0.41, Owls 12.00±0.63-12.61±0.57, Eagles 29.00±2.89-30.33±2.87, Kestrels 11.75±0.17-10.83±0.47, Falcons 14.75±1.10-14.25±0.85 and Vultures 15.00±1.00-14.50±0.50. As a result of the study, repeated intraocular pressure measurements of raptors can be made by using rebound tonometer. In addition, the application of rebound tonometer is very easy to application do not require local anaesthetic. Therefore, raptors may be able to tolerate the application easily. The present data are considered to contribute to the literature.
First isolation of a trh positive V. alginolyticus from Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) farmed in Turkey
Authors: Avsever Meriç Lutfi
Published: January 2023

Popularity of sushi-sashimi (raw-almost raw fish service) is increasing around the globe, and Atlantic bluefin tuna is among the most frequently used fish in these dishes. In this study, trh (Thermostable direct hemolysin-related hemolysin gene) positive Vibrio alginolyticus was isolated from the internal organs of two tuna sent to the laboratory from a farm in Aegean region of Turkey in 2014. Isolation was done by conventional microbiological methods and Vitek 2 Compact fully automatic identification device was used for identification. Isolate confirmation and investigation of trh-tdh (Thermostable direct hemolysin) gene existence were carried out by a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method. Two V.alginolyticus isolates from two tuna were found to be trh positive and tdh negative. trh is one of the important genes associated with pathogenicity in the Vibrio genus, and  raw consumption of tuna infected with trh positive V.alginolyticus can cause serious food poisoning. The aim of this study is to report first isolation of trh positive Vibrio alginolyticus from two bluefin tuna cultured in the Aegean sea, to draw attention to possible dangers in raw-almost raw fish consumption and supply information for further epidemiological studies. However, more samples are necesary for mentioning the prevalence of high virulence food pathogens in tuna. However, due to their economic value, multiple tuna samples are rarely sent to laboratories for diagnostic purposes.
A Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Different Anatomical Regions Plate osteosynthesis in Cats with Body of Ilium Fractures
Authors: Arıcan Mustafa , Zamirbekova N , Uzunlu EO , Ozdil B , Gümüş F
Published: January 2023

Pelvis fractures in cats are one of the most common orthopedic problems that cause serious injuries. Pelvic fractures are between 20-32% out of all fractures in cats. Os Ilium fractures constitute 18-46% of pelvic fractures. In the presented study, the post-operative clinical and radiological results of placing the plate on the dorsal, ventral and lateral of the corpus ossis ilii in cats with os ilium fractures were evaluated.Twenty three cats (different races, ages and sex) with corpus ossis ilium and multiple fractures (sacro-iliac joint luxation, acetabulum fractures, os ischium fractures) were used as a materials. Anamnesis, clinical and neurological examinations of patients were taken and 3 groups were formed for this study. Group 1; In 7 cases, the plate was placed in the dorsal of the body of ilium, in group 2, 7 cases in the lateral of body of ilium and in Group 3; in 6 cases, in the ventral of the body of ilium. Operations were performed under general anesthesia. LC-DCP plate or reconstruction plates were used for fixation. There was no narrowing in the pelvic canal and no screw loosening in cases applied dorsally and ventrally. In 6 (85.7%) of 7 cases, there was no narrowing in the pelvic canal in lateral application. Only one case had problem. Recovery rate (85.7%) in all cases.In conclusion, in cases of os ilium fracture in cats, no difference was observed between the clinical and radiological (narrowing in the pelvic canal) results of placing LC-DCP or reconstruction plates on the dorsal, lateral and ventral of the bone in the post-operative period. Thus, screw loosening did not occur. But, case selection is important in the lateral, dorsal or ventral application of the plate in os ilium fractures. If the surgical intervention has passed 5-6 days, double plate application provides a better prognosis. Dorsale plate application provides ease of manipulation when compared to ventral application. Also, if the fracture line close to the acetabulum, lateral application should be preferred.
The prediction of lambing rate in Awassi sheep using a rapid visual PAG ELISA test
Authors: AKKÖSE Mehmet , ÇEBİ-ŞEN Çiğdem , POLAT Yadigar
Published: January 2023

The accurrate diagnosis of pregnancy and prediction of lambing rate are important tools that ensure the proper nutrition of pregnant ewes, optimize the birth weight of offspring and decrease the occurrence of pregnancy toxemia in sheep production. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the reliability of the rapid visual PAG ELISA test in predicting the lambing rate, when performed in two different stages of pregnancy in Awassi sheep. A total of 210 ewes, belonging to a commercial flock, were assigned to two groups according to their mating date. Group 1 comprised 120 ewes, which were in the period from 28 to 38 days post-mating, and Group 2 comprised 90 ewes, which were in the period from 40 to 59 days post-mating. The rapid visual PAG ELISA test was performed on the serum samples of the ewes, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The diagnostic test characteristics of the rapid visual PAG ELISA test were assessed for the prediction of lambing rate, using the lambing records as a gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the rapid visual PAG ELISA test were 95.79%, 52.38%, 90.10%, 73.33%, and 87.93%, respectively, in G1 and 92.75%, 70.00%, 91.43%, 73.68%, and 87.64%, respectively, in G2. The McNemar analysis showed that there was no difference between the rapid visual PAG ELISA test and lambing records in the two groups. Eighty per cent all of the ewes exposed to rams lambed. While the rapid visual PAG ELISA test predicted that 83.4% of the ewes exposed to rams would lamb, in reality it achieved that 75.6% of them lambed. The differences between the predicted and achieved lambing rates of rapid visual PAG ELISA (7.8%) indicate embriyonic/fetal mortality. The results of this study indicated that the lambing rate can be predicted with a high sensitivity from the 28th day of pregnancy, using the rapid visual PAG ELISA test.
Evaluation of immunostimulatory effects of a commercial herbal extract on avian influenza subtype H9N2 and Newcastle disease vaccination in chickens
Authors: Talazadeh Forough , Mayahi M , Fathi M
Published: January 2023

Contrary to several vaccination programs to protect against bird flu and Newcastle disease (ND), these diseases remain a significant threat to the poultry industry. Improving the immune responses is important for many reasons such as vaccine failure, immunosuppressive diseases, and antibiotics misuse. Nowadays, research on materials likely to have immune-enhancing effects is increasing. Factors, substances, or compounds that can regulate different functions of the immune system can be used to enhance specific and even nonspecific responses to vaccines. The ability of herbal extracts to improve the immune system supports their use as immune stimulants. The present study aimed to examine the effects of barley malt extract in drinking water on humoral immunity of broiler chickens against ND and Avian Influenza (AI) disease subtype H9N2 vaccines. A total of 225 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross strain) were divided into 5 groups of 3 subgroups and each subgroup had 15 chicks. Group A, B, and C chickens received 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.5% of malt extract respectively in drinking water. Group D chickens did not get malt extract. Group E chickens did not receive malt extract and Newcastle and AI vaccines as the control group. All groups except group E were vaccinated with live Newcastle vaccine (B1 strain) intraocularly and AI-ND subtype H9N2 killed vaccine subcutaneously on the 7th day. Antibody titer against NDs and AI vaccines was considered by the Hemagglutination Inhibition test (HI test).  Malt extract at 0.5% concentration, at all periods after vaccination, enhanced the systemic antibody response to ND vaccine in broiler chickens, but this extract had no significant effect on antibody response against the AI vaccine.Conclusion:  Inoculation of ND vaccines with barley malt extract as an immune-boosting agent induces extensive immune responses involved in HI-NDV Ab titers.
Detection of antimicrobial residues in bovine meat marketed at Tizi-Ouzou area (Algeria), by a microbial screening assay
Authors: TITOUCHE Yacine , Akkou M , Houali K
Published: January 2023

To determine the incidence of antimicrobial residues in bovine meat using a microbiological method, 209 samples of bovine meat (imported: 153; 56 locals: 56) were collected through various retail outlets in Tizi-Ouzou area, Algeria. The collected samples were tested according to the European Union four-plates method (EU4pt), using Bacillus subtilis and Micrococcus luteus ATCC 9341. Only 60 (34/56 local meat and 26/153 imported meat) samples were free from antibiotics residues. Higher prevalence of residues was observed in imported bovine meat (83.01%) than local produced bovine meat (39.29%). High frequencies of contamination for all classes of antibiotics were observed in imported meat rather than local produced meat. From this latter, contamination with β-lactams and/or tetracyclines and sulfonamides was observed in 23.21% and 19.64% respectively. Sulfonamides were the most detected residues in the imported meat with 81.05%. 59.73% of samples were contaminated at least with two families of antibiotics residues, but in proportion that significantly (p<0.05) differ between imported (67.71%) and local produced meat (13.64%). Besides, one antibiotic residue family was detected in most (86.36%) of the contaminated bovine meat produced in Algeria. Our results confirm the non-respect of the withdrawal period between the treatment and slaughter of bovines. For this, further procedures for rational use of antibiotics in livestock and food quality control are required.
Grazing behaviour, intake, digestion, performance and endoparasitic infection of lambs raised at different stocking rates under low-input farming systems
Authors: Kantzoura Vaia , Hadjigeorgiou Ioannis , Goulas Christos , Zabeli Georgia , Sotiraki Smaragda , Zervas Georgios
Published: January 2023

Twenty-four Boutsiko breed lambs were allocated to three groups of equal average live weight (LW: 20.8 kg) and pastured at three stocking rates: SR1, SR2 and SR3 (representing 60, 80 and 100 lambs/ha respectively) under low-input farming practices. Animals were grazed on a semi natural sward daily, during a 60 days period. Sward height in all treatments remained above 7 cm during the trial and the herbage gross chemical composition was similar between treatments. On average, the lambs grazed 372 min, ruminated 140 min and spent 88 min on other non-feeding activities during the daily pasturing. Lambs consumed at the start and the finish of the trial 714 g and 1014 g of herbage DM/day, or 70.5 and 99.0 g/kgW0.75/day respectively. Herbage DM digestibility (in vivo) was moderate averaging 61% and no differences were observed between the three groups of lambs. The daily live weight gain of lambs (DLWG) was different (p<0.01) between the stocking rates, where lambs on plot SR1 had the highest gain (0.0918 kg LW/day) and lambs on SR2 and SR3 plots the lowest gain (0.0344 and 0.0531 kg LW/day respectively). Faecal egg counts (FEC) for gastrointestinal parasites (GIN) from lambs grazing plot SR3 were low, while high numbers of Moniezia spp. eggs were present in faecal samples of all groups of lambs at the end of the experiment. It is concluded that lamb fattening on pasture can be achieved at reasonable stocking rates, without the use of anthelmintics, if a local hardy breed is used.
Does supplementation of boron with yeast or humate substances have a better chance at modulating rumen fermentation in yearling rams?
Authors: Sizmaz O , Koksal BH , Ramay MS , Yildiz G
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to determine the effects of boron fed alone or with yeast culture or liquid humate on ruminal pH, ammonia-N, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration, protozoa counts and some nutrients’ apparent digestibility in yearling rams. Therefore, four Merino rams were allocated to 4×4 Latin square design and were randomly assigned to one of four treatments to basal diet: negative control with no supplements (NC), positive control (PC) with 30 ppm (Dry matter basis) boric acid alone, combinations of 30 ppm boric acid and 3 g/kg yeast culture (YC) and 30 ppm boric acid and 5 ml/kg liquid humate (LH). There were no negative effects of additives’ supplementation on animals daily feed consumption. No significant differences were observed among treatments for rumen parameters investigated, however, numerically lowest values for pH & ammonia-N in LH while highest SCFA concentrations in YC and LH groups were observed. Apparent nutrient digestibility was altered with boron addition to diets. Boron analysis of blood serum and fecal samples showed non-significant changes, except higher serum concentration of boron in YC compared to PC. It can be concluded that tested dosage of boron was not enough to considerably modify rumen fermentation characteristics in yearling rams. Better modulation of rumen fermentative characteristics might be possible when boron is supplemented with yeast or liquid humate, however, this possibility should be verified in the large-scale experiment.
The Relationship of Clinicopathological Parameters and Formula for Predicting Malondialdehyde Level in Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - infected Cats
Authors: Sakundech Kanissarinn , Aengwanich Worapol
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate clinicopathological parameters, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant power for analyzing correlation and predicting malondialdehyde in plasma of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-infected cats. Body condition score (BCS), mucous membrane color score (MMCS), vital signs, hematological parameters, malondialdehyde and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of 20 FIV-infected cats were examined. The correlation and multiple regression model were then analyzed. The results revealed the following. The correlation between hemoglobin vs. packed cell volume (PCV), total red blood cell (TRBC) vs. PCV, TRBC vs. hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) vs. mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) vs. MCH, body temperature vs. eosinophil, total white blood cell (TWBC) vs. eosinophil, MMCS vs.  platelet, eosinophil vs. malondialdehyde, PCV vs. FRAP, hemoglobin vs. FRAP, TRBC vs. FRAP and TRBC vs. FRAP were significantly positive correlated between pairs of these parameters (P<0.05), while body temperature vs. MCV, TRBC vs. MCV, heart rate vs. platelet, heart rate vs. platelet were significantly negatively correlated between pairs of parameters (P<0.05). A formula for predicting malondialdehyde was Heart Rate (beats/minute) = 166.341 + 5.438*Hemoglobin (g/dl) + 0.0009*Total White Blood Cell (cell/ml) - 1152.48*Malondialdehyde (µmol/ml) (MSE=132.2540; r2=0.85). These results indicated that there were correlations between some clinicopathological parameters, malondialdehyde and total antioxidant power and a formula for predicting malondialdehyde levels in plasma of FIV-infected cat was obtained.