bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant disease detection model for edge computing devices
Authors: Khan Ameer Tamoor , Jensen Signe Marie , Khan Abdul Rehman , Li Shuai
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we address the question of achieving high accuracy in deep learning models for agricultural applications through edge computing devices while considering the associated resource constraints. Traditional and state-of-the-art models have demonstrated good accuracy, but their practicality as end-user available solutions remains uncertain due to current resource limitations. One agricultural application for deep learning models is the detection and classification of plant diseases through image-based crop monitoring. We used the publicly available PlantVillage dataset containing images of healthy and diseased leaves for 14 crop species and 6 groups of diseases as example data. The MobileNetV3-small model succeeds in classifying the leaves with a test accuracy of around 99.50%. Post-training optimization using quantization reduced the number of model parameters from approximately 1.5 million to 0.93 million while maintaining the accuracy of 99.50%. The final model is in ONNX format, enabling deployment across various platforms, including mobile devices. These findings offer a cost-effective solution for deploying accurate deep-learning models in agricultural applications.
Inheritance pattern of tetraploids pummelo, mandarin, and their interspecific hybrid sour orange is highly influenced by their phylogenomic structure
Authors: Aleza Pablo , Garavello Miguel Fernando , Rouiss Houssem , Benedict Ana Cristina , Garcia-Lor Andres , Hernández Maria , Navarro Luis , Ollitrault Patrick
Published: December 2023

Citrus polyploidy is associated with a wide range of morphological, genetic, and physiological changes that are often advantageous for breeding. Citrus triploid hybrids are very interesting as new seedless varieties. However, tetraploid rootstocks promote adaptation to different abiotic stresses and promote resilience. Triploid and tetraploid hybrids can be obtained through sexual hybridizations using tetraploid parents (2x × 4x, 4x × 2x, or 4x × 4x), but more knowledge is needed about the inheritance pattern of tetraploid parents to optimize the efficiency of triploid varieties and tetraploid rootstock breeding strategies. In this work, we have analyzed the inheritance pattern of three tetraploid genotypes: ‘Chandler’ pummelo (Citrus maxima) and ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin (Citrus reticulata), which represent two clear examples of autotetraploid plants constituted by the genome of a single species, and the ‘Sevillano’ sour orange, which is an allotetraploid interspecific hybrid between C. maxima and C. reticulata. Polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to estimate parental heterozygosity restitution, and allele frequencies for centromeric loci were used to calculate the preferential pairing rate related to the proportion of disomic and tetrasomic segregation. The tetraploid pummelo and mandarin displayed tetrasomic segregation. Sour orange evidenced a clear intermediate inheritance for five of the nine chromosomes (1, 2, 5, 7, and 8), a slight tendency toward tetrasomic inheritance on chromosome 3, and intermediate inheritance with a tendency toward disomy for chromosomes 4, 6, and 9. These results indicate that the interspecific versus intraspecific phylogenomic origin affects preferential pairing and, therefore, the inheritance patterns. Despite its high level of heterozygosity, the important preferential chromosome pairing observed in sour orange results in a limited diversity of the genotypic variability of its diploid gametes, and consequently, a large part of the genetic value of the original diploid sour orange is transferred to the tetraploid progenies.
Effects of memory cue and interest in remembering and forgetting of gist and details
Authors: Hu Zhongyu , Yang Jiongjiong
Published: December 2023

The gist and details of an event are both important for us to establish and maintain episodic memory. On the other hand, episodic memory is influenced by both external and internal factors, such as memory cue and intrinsic motivation. To what extent these factors and their interaction modulate memory and forgetting of gist and detailed information remains unclear. In this study, 29 participants watched film clips accompanied by either gist or detailed cues and rated their interest in these clips. Their memories of gist and detailed information were tested after 10 min, 1 day, and 1 week. The results showed that memory cue modulated the forgetting of gist and detailed memories. Specifically, when gist cues were used, gist memory was forgotten more slowly than detailed memory. When detailed cues were used, detailed memory was forgotten more slowly than gist memory. Differently, the subjective interest in the clips enhanced memory accuracy irrespective of memory type but did not influence the forgetting of gist and detailed memories. Moreover, there was a significant interaction between memory cue and interest, showing that gist cues enhanced memory than detailed cues only for low-interest clips. These results suggest that external and internal factors have differential effects on memory and forgetting, and the effectiveness of external factors depends on the state of intrinsic motivation. The significant interplay of different factors in influencing the remembering or forgetting of gist and detailed memories provides potential ways to enhance memory and retention of gist and detailed information.
NutriColoring: designing a doodling toolkit to support daily self-reported dietary assessment among office workers
Authors: Pan Sibo , Ren Xipei , Vos Steven , Brombacher Aarnout
Published: December 2023

This study was motivated by a desire to help working-age individuals gain a better understanding of their daily nutritional intakes with a new self-reported dietary assessment method because an unhealthy eating behavior increases the risks of developing chronic diseases. In this study, we present the design and evaluation of NutriColoring, a food diary that leverages doodling on sketches to report and reflect on everyday diet in the working context. Through a 2-week field study involving 18 participants, the usefulness of NutriColoring in facilitating dietary assessment was tested by making comparisons with the typical bullet diary method. Our quantitative results showed that NutriColoring provided users with improved dietary assessment experience and intrinsic motivations, with significantly low task frustration and high enjoyment. Because of the freedom and playfulness in reporting intakes at work, the interview findings showed a high acceptance of employing NutriColoring at work. This article is concluded with a set of implications for the design and development of a Doodling toolkit to support healthy eating behaviors among office workers.
DSM-5 non-suicidal self-injury disorder in a community sample: comparing NSSI engagement, recency and severity among emerging adults
Authors: Dierickx Serafine , Claes Laurence , Buelens Tinne , Smits Dirk , Kiekens Glenn
Published: December 2023

Up to one in five emerging adults engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Providing a better understanding of factors that differentiate between who engages in lifetime NSSI and who is more likely to engage in recent and clinically severe NSSI can provide meaningful information for prevention and intervention of NSSI. The present study (n = 669) considered NSSI lifetime engagement (no prior history of NSSI vs. lifetime NSSI), recency [past NSSI (>12 months ago) vs. recent (≤12-month) NSSI], and clinical severity among those with recent NSSI (subthreshold vs. DSM-5 NSSI disorder). The prevalence of NSSI disorder was 8.4% in emerging adults aged 18 to 26 years old. Higher anxiety levels were related to NSSI engagement, but only depressive symptoms and NSSI versatility were consistently associated with more recent NSSI and NSSI disorder. A stepped-care approach may be required in addressing NSSI among emerging adults.
Nudging oral habits; application of behavioral economics in oral health promotion: a critical review
Authors: Kazemian Ali , Hoseinzadeh Melika , Banihashem Rad Seyed Ahmad , Jouya Anahid , Tahani Bahareh
Published: December 2023

Background

Oral health disorders significantly contribute to the global incidence of chronic diseases. Nudge interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing people’s decision-making and self-management capacities in a cost-efficient manner. As a result, these interventions could be valuable tools for fostering improved oral care habits. This critical review explores potential behavioral nudges applicable to promoting oral health.

Methods

A thorough electronic literature search was conducted on Scopus, Embase, and PubMed databases for papers published post-2008. The search focused on empirical evidence concerning the direct and indirect application of Nudge theory in oral health enhancement. In addition, the investigation included the nudge intervention’s role in managing common non-communicable disease risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, and sugar) and their use in other health sectors.

Results and conclusion

There is a dearth of studies on behavioral economics, particularly those involving reward and reminder techniques. However, various successful nudge interventions have been identified in other sectors that aim to improve health decisions. These include strategies encouraging healthier nutritional choices, tobacco and alcohol cessation, medication compliance, routine physical activity, and regular health check-ups. Such interventions can also have direct or indirect positive impacts on oral health. Implementing these interventions within an oral care framework could promote oral health due to similar underlying cognitive mechanisms. However, different types of nudge interventions have varying degrees of effectiveness. Furthermore, factors such as the method of delivery and the characteristics of the targeted population significantly influence the outcome of the intervention. Hence, it is imperative to conduct extensive studies in diverse socioeconomic settings to fully understand the potentials, limitations, and impacts of nudge interventions in promoting oral health.
Beyond the single norm: how social perceptions connect in a norm network
Authors: Sparkman Gregg , Weber Elke U.
Published: December 2023

Our actions may be influenced not just by one norm, but by many interconnected norm perceptions. If so, how are such norm networks structured and how do they operate? Are norm prevalence perceptions in a population connected by similarity of content? Does influencing the perceived prevalence of one norm affect related norms, perhaps in a hierarchical fashion? And, for intervention purposes, are some norms more readily influenced than others? Over three studies (total N = 3,872), we examine dozens of norms in the context of environment and renewable energy and introduce a method to visualize norm networks, illustrating connections between many norms and personal attitudes. We find that norms are connected via similar perceived prevalence and similar content—two features that are highly interrelated—and that norm perceptions vary in terms of plasticity and content broadness. Further, norm updating spreads through networks: manipulating the perceived prevalence of one norm influences connected norms. The norm network approach represents a new way to conceptualize social influence and inform norm-based interventions, one that can go beyond a single norm and may help us better understand and harness the influence of social norms via a broader social reality.
The Importance of Dwarfs in an Ocean of Giants
Authors: van Leeuwe Maria , Rintala Janne-Markus , Stefels Jacqueline
Published: December 2023

The sea-ice and the oceans of Antarctica are full of life. The smallest organisms are tiny plants that consist of only one cell. These small cells come in large numbers: a single droplet of seawater may contain thousands of tiny plant cells called microalgae. Like all plants, they use carbon dioxide and produce oxygen when they grow. Together, the microalgae in the oceans produce 50% of the oxygen in the atmosphere. They also influence the global climate by producing a gas that causes clouds to form. In the oceans, especially along the underside of sea ice, microalgae make a colorful meal for plant-eating ocean animals. In this article, we will show you not only how beautiful microalgae can be in color and shape, but also how important these tiny organisms are for all life on Earth—from the small shrimps and large whales that feed on them to the humans that need oxygen to breathe.
New Scientific Technologies: Navigating the Path of Right and Wrong
Authors: Debad Susan J. , Enriquez Juan
Published: December 2023

To guide our decisions and actions in our daily lives, we often rely on our internal sense of right and wrong, called ethics. Our ethics help us to be kind, truthful, and fair. Scientists also have ethical “rules” to follow to ensure that their research—and the powerful technologies that spring from it—are used to help people, not harm them. Ethical guidelines for scientists include respecting human rights, limiting harm to animals, keeping the public safe, and being honest and truthful about their work. In this article, we will explain what scientific ethics are and why strong ethics are particularly important as powerful new technologies develop more quickly. We will give examples of what can happen if scientists do not follow ethical rules and explain how these situations are not always simple. Finally, we will describe how new technologies may change which behaviors societies consider ethical. Join us in an exploration of the “conscience” of science!
Chronomobility of international students under COVID-19 Australia
Authors: Dhanji Surjeet D. , Ohashi Jun , Song Jay
Published: December 2023

This article investigates the chronomobility of international students in Australia going through COVID-19. Existing literature on international students approaches them largely in two manners: a market or victims. Using Shanti Robertson’s chronomobility, the study focuses on international students’ coping mechanisms and strategies for their next moves. Drawing from 15 in-depth interviews with international students formally enrolled in Australian institutions in Melbourne, the longest lockdown city during the pandemic, the authors find various ways of short-term coping mechanisms through meditation, physical exercises, virtual escapism and counselling. Furthermore, despite pandemic immobility, students presented a high level of resilience in making future decisions for post-pandemic mobilities. We conclude that family support and social networks are key to realise full potentials of international students as skilled migrants and valued members of society. Our manuscript contributes to the field of migration and mobility by enriching Robertson’s concept of chrono-mobility and adding the empirical case study from international students in Australia during the latest pandemic in 2020–2021.
Insights into the first and second hydrostatic core stages from numerical simulations
Authors: Young Alison K.
Published: December 2023

The theory of how low mass stars form from the collapse of a dense molecular cloud core has been well-established for decades. Thanks to significant progress in computing and numerical modelling, more physical models have been developed and a wider parameter space explored to understand the early stages of star formation more fully. In this review, I describe the expected physical properties of the first and second core stages and how the inclusion of different physics affects those predicted characteristics. I provide an overview of chemical models and synthetic observations, looking towards the positive identification of the first core in nature, which remains elusive. However, there are a few likely candidate first cores, which are listed, and I briefly discuss the recent progress in characterising the youngest protostellar sources. Chemistry will be instrumental in the firm identification of the first core so we require robust theoretical predictions of the chemical evolution of protostellar cores, especially of the first and second core outflows. Looking ahead, simulations can shed light on how the protostellar collapse phase shapes the evolution of the protostellar disc. Simulations of dust evolution during protostellar core collapse show there is significant enhancement in grain size and abundance towards the centre of the core. Chemical models show that the warm, dense conditions of the first core drive chemical evolution. There is a wide scope for further study of the role that the first and second core stages play in determining the structure and composition of the protostellar disc and envelope and, of course, the eventual influence on the formation of planets.
Evaluating the onset conditions of a thermoacoustic Stirling engine loaded with an audio loudspeaker
Authors: Hsu Shu-Han , Lai Chuan-Heng
Published: December 2023

This paper aims to evaluate the onset conditions of a thermoacoustic Stirling engine loaded with a commercially available audio loudspeaker. The thermoacoustic engine converts supplied heat power into mechanical power in the form of sound, without any mechanical moving parts. The simplicity of the acoustical heat engine holds great promise for high reliability and low cost. By utilizing a readily available electromagnetic device, the engine can serve as a durable solution for practical applications. In this study, we assembled a commercially available moving-coil loudspeaker as a low-cost linear alternator for the thermoacoustic Stirling engine, enabling electric generation from supplied heat. We modeled the loudspeaker using linear control equations and experimentally calibrated its acoustic impedances to estimate the acoustic load. For the part of the thermoacoustic engine, we estimated its acoustic characteristics within the framework of the linear thermoacoustic theory. By solving the characteristic equation resulting from the engine loaded with the audio speaker, we estimated the operational point of self-sustained oscillations excited by the coupling of the loudspeaker and the thermoacoustic engine system. To validate the estimations, we tested a prototype of the combined system, comprising the loudspeaker and the thermoacoustic engine. The results highlight the necessity of precise calibration and accounting for complex geometries within the acoustic load for accurate theoretical estimations, especially when incorporating a commercially available loudspeaker into a thermoacoustic engine.
Prediction and assessment of xenoestrogens mixture effects using the in vitro ERα-CALUX assay
Authors: Elskens Marc , Boonen Imke , Eisenreich Steven
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Many natural or synthetic compounds used in foods, dietary supplements, and food contact materials (FCMs) are suspected endocrine disruptors (EDs). Currently, scientific evidence to predict the impacts on biological systems of ED mixtures is lacking. In this study, three classes of substances were considered: i) phytoestrogens, ii) plant protection products (PPP) and iii) substances related to FCMs. Fourteen compounds were selected based on their potential endocrine activity and their presence in food and FCMs.

Methods: These compounds were evaluated using an in vitro gene expression assay, the ERα-CALUX, to characterize their responses on the estrogen receptor alpha. Cells were exposed to fixed ratio mixtures and non-equipotent mixtures of full and partial agonists. The concentration-response curves measured for the three classes of compounds were characterized by variable geometric parameters in terms of maximum response (efficacy), sensitivity (slope) and potency (median effective concentration EC50). To account for these variations, a generic response addition (GRA) model was derived from mass action kinetics.

Results: Although GRA does not allow us to clearly separate the concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models, it was possible to determine in a statistically robust way whether the combined action of the chemicals in the mixture acted by interaction (synergy and antagonism) or by additive behavior. This distinction is crucial for assessing the risks associated with exposure to xenoestrogens. A benchmark dose approach was used to compare the response of phytoestrogen blends in the presence and absence of the hormone estradiol (E2). At the same time, 12 mixtures of 2–5 constituents including phytoestrogens, phthalates and PPPs in proportions close to those found in food products were tested. In 95% of cases, the response pattern observed showed a joint and independent effect of the chemicals on ER.

Discussion: Overall, these results validate a risk assessment approach based on an additive effects model modulated by intrinsic toxicity factors. Here, the CA and IA approaches cannot be distinguished solely based on the shape of the concentration response curves. However, the optimized GRA model is more robust than CA when the efficacy, potency, and sensitivity of individual chemical agonists show large variations.
Case report: A severe case of generalized tetanus in a young cat
Authors: Zilli Jessica , Häußler Thomas C. , Ives Edward J. , Schmidt Martin J.
Published: December 2023

A 10-month-old, 3 kg, female spayed Domestic Shorthair cat was presented with a chronic, infected wound at the level of the proximo-lateral left pelvic limb. General physical examination revealed a weight-bearing lameness of the left pelvic limb, which was moderately and circumferentially swollen and edematous proximal to the tarsal joint. On the lateral aspect of the proximal thigh, there was a chronic wound of 1 cm in diameter and an additional exudative skin lesion was present throughout the whole length of the caudo-lateral thigh. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry profile revealed mild anemia, increased serum amyloid A, hyponatraemia, hypochloraemia, hypocalcaemia, hyperkalaemia, hypermagnesaemia, hyperglycaemia, increased creatine kinase, and increased liver parameters. Surgical exploration of the wound was performed, and necrotizing fasciitis was suspected. The affected limb was amputated and swabs for bacterial culture were taken from both the skin lesions and surgical site before wound closure. One day after surgery, mild muscular contractions on the forehead and an increased muscle tone of the right pelvic limb were evident. One day later, the cat developed a generalized increase in extensor tone, with intermittent opisthotonos, resulting in lateral recumbency. Based on these clinical signs, a diagnosis of generalized tetanus was made and treatment with midazolam, methocarbamol, and metronidazole was started. Despite an improvement of all blood parameters, the cat progressively deteriorated and 4 days after surgery, it developed episodes of tetanic convulsions, associated with hyperthermia and ventricular arrhythmias. Despite intensive care and medical management, the cat died following a cardio-respiratory arrest 3 days later. This case report describes a rare case of severe generalized tetanus in a young cat.
Soft Coiled Pneumatic Actuator with Integrated Length-Sensing Function for Feedback Control
Authors: Greenwood Jacob R. , Felt Wyatt
Published: December 2023

SPIRA Coil actuators are formed from thin sheets of PET plastic laminated into a coil shape that unfurls like a “party horn” when inflated, while many soft actuators require large pressures to create only modest strains, SPIRA Coils can easily be designed and fabricated to extend over dramatic distances with relatively low working pressures. Internal metalized PET strips separate in the extended portion of the actuator, creating an electrical circuit with a resistance that corresponds to the actuator length. This paper presents and experimentally validates easy-to-use design models for the actuators’ self-retracting spring stiffness, its pneumatic extension force, and its internal length-sensing electrical resistance. Testing of the self-sensing capabilities demonstrates that the embedded sensor can be used to determine the actuator length with virtually no hysteresis. Feedback control with the resistance-based sensing resulted in length-control errors within 5% of the extended actuator length (i.e., 3 cm of 60 cm).
The Impact of Marasmius tricolor 310b on the Degradation of Cellulose in Rapeseed Straw Composting
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Shi Dejun , Lu Guangxin
Published: December 2023

Composting, a vital process for organic waste management, hinges on intricate microbial dynamics. The role of specific microbial inoculants, such as fungi, in shaping these dynamics remains an area of keen interest. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of the fungal inoculant Marasmius tricolor 310b on composting dynamics, with a focus on temperature variations and the degradation of lignocellulosic components. We conducted a comprehensive composting experiment with four treatments: pure rapeseed straw, rapeseed straw with Marasmius tricolor 310b, a combination of rapeseed straw and pig manure, and the combination with Marasmius tricolor 310b. Temperature dynamics, lignocellulosic degradation rates, and fungal community structures were meticulously analyzed. While Marasmius tricolor 310b did not significantly alter the temperature profile, its presence markedly enhanced the degradation rates of cellulose and lignin. With the introduction of Marasmius tricolor 310b, the degradation rate of cellulose in the rapeseed straw compost increased from 0.0319 (ST) to 0.0419 (STM). In the combined rapeseed straw and pig manure compost, this rate rose from 0.0422 (STPM) to 0.045 (STPMM). For hemicellulose, the degradation rate in the rapeseed straw compost increased from 0.0103 (ST) to 0.014 (STM). However, in the combined compost, it slightly decreased from 0.0146 (STPM) to 0.013 (STPMM). As for lignin, its degradation rate in the rapeseed straw compost saw an increase from 0.0024 (ST) to 0.00366 (STM). In the combined compost, the rate rose from 0.00302 (STPM) to 0.00402 (STPMM). Fungal community analyses revealed discernible shifts in structure and diversity upon the fungus’s introduction. Network analyses further highlighted a highly interconnected microbial community, suggesting its robustness against perturbations. Temporal dynamics underscored the intricate interplay of microbial interactions, substrate availability, and external inoculants. The introduction of Marasmius tricolor 310b profoundly influences composting dynamics, offering valuable insights into microbial community interactions and presenting potential avenues for optimizing composting strategies.
Effects of Different Exogenous Organic Substrates on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization and Their Priming Effects
Authors: Sun Chaoran , Tan Shaohui , Qiu Zhihua , Sun Songlin , Jiang Ping , Chen Limei
Published: December 2023

The input of exogenous organic matter could affect the transformation of soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), and their C- and N-priming effects (CPE and NPE) play a key role in the balance of soil C and N. However, little is known about how the interaction effect between straw and straw biochar regulates CPE and NPE. Therefore, we conducted a 90-day incubation experiment, which included five treatments: no straw and straw biochar (CK), 1.5% straw (S), 0.53% straw biochar (B), 1.5% straw + 0.53% straw biochar (SB), and 1.5% straw + 1.06% straw biochar (SB1). Our findings revealed that cumulative soil CO2 emissions were increased by 95.52–216.53% through the short-term input of exogenous organic matter input; however, this trend gradually weakened with decreasing dissolved organic C (DOC) content. The cumulative NPE generated by the addition of exogenous organic matter was much smaller than the cumulative CPE. Under the B and S treatments, the cumulative CPE and NPE were negative throughout the entire incubation period. The SB treatment remarkably boosted the microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) content; however, the SB1 treatment was more effective in inhibiting soil C and N mineralization processes than SB treatment. Moreover, the cumulative CPE and NPE were mainly regulated by N. We conclude that the combination of straw and straw biochar preferentially stimulated soil C mineralization, but that this effect decreased with time, which may be due to the consumption of labile DOC caused by the initial positive CPE, while soil N mineralization had a lag effect.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Properties and Their Mechanisms in Relation to Reactive Oxygen Species of Canine Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Authors: Warin Ravisa , Vongchan Preeyanat , Suriyasathaporn Witaya , Hall David C. , Boripun Ratchadaporn , Suriyasathaporn Wanna
Published: December 2023

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), which has been shown to promote wound and bone regeneration, has demonstrated antimicrobial properties against periodontal pathogens. However, in veterinary medicine, no study has determined the antimicrobial effects of canine platelet-rich fibrin (cPRF). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antimicrobial effect of cPRF against E. coli and S. pseudintermedius found in dogs’ wounds and against the standard strain S. aureus. Additionally, the mechanism of the existing antibacterial activity of cPRF, which involves the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), was tested. Blood samples from six dogs were processed for cPRF. The antimicrobial properties of three groups (growth control, cPRF, and drug control) were evaluated at 0.5, 4, 8, and 24 h using a time–kill assay. The killing mechanisms involving ROS were evaluated using horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to suppress ROS production in PRF (PRF-SR). Subsequently, tests for antimicrobial properties and ROS generation were compared to those of the growth control and cPRF groups. The results showed that cPRF had significant antimicrobial properties against E. coli but no antimicrobial properties against S. pseudintermedius. After the ROS suppression, PRF-SR did not show an antimicrobial property against E. coli. Moreover, cPRF-treated bacteria exhibited significantly greater intracellular ROS than PRF-SR. In conclusion, canine PRF showed an antimicrobial effect against E. coli, and its antibacterial mechanism was related to releasing ROS.
Ameliorative Effect of Pomegranate Peel Powder on the Growth Indices, Oocysts Shedding, and Intestinal Health of Broilers under an Experimentally Induced Coccidiosis Condition
Authors: Hafeez Abdul , Piral Qambar , Naz Shabana , Almutairi Mikhlid H. , Alrefaei Abdulwahed Fahad , Ayasan Tugay , Khan Rifat Ullah , Losacco Caterina
Published: December 2023

Coccidiosis stands as one of the most prevalent enteric parasitic diseases in broilers. While antibiotics have traditionally been used for the control of coccidiosis, concerns related to drug residues and the emergence of resistance in chickens have prompted consumer apprehensions. In this study, 600 Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly divided into five groups: a control group without specific treatments (NC), broilers deliberately exposed to Eimeria tenella (positive control), broilers challenged with E. tenella but dosed with antibiotics (AT), and two groups experimentally exposed to E. tenella while simultaneously receiving pomegranate peel powder (PPE) at dosages of 3 g/kg (3PPP) and 6 g/kg (6PPP). The results revealed that all Eimeria-treated birds exhibited significantly worse growth performance compared to the NC. Notably, a marked improvement was observed in birds infected with E. tenella when supplemented with 6PPP. Both 3PPP and 6PPP supplementation significantly reduced lesion scores, mortality, and oocysts per gram (OPG). Furthermore, histological examination of the cecum indicated that the villus dimensions were restored by PPP supplementation in infected birds. In conclusion, Eimeria-infected birds supplemented with 6PPP experienced an enhanced growth rate, lowered lesion scores, alleviated oocyst shedding, and improved intestinal histological dimensions.
Animals in Mortuary Practices of Bronze-Age Pastoral Societies: Caprine Use at the Site of Dunping in Northwestern China
Authors: Li Yue , Cheng Ruoxin , Huang Zexian , Mao Xiaolu , Liu Kexin , Wang Qianwen , Hou Furen , Mao Ruilin , Zhang Chengrui
Published: December 2023

The late second and first millennium BC witnessed extensive economic, cultural, and political exchanges between pastoralists and sedentary farming states in East Asia. Decades of archaeological fieldwork across northern China have revealed a large number of burial sites associated with pastoralists during the first millennium BC. These sites were characterized by the inhumation of specific animal parts in burials, predominantly the skulls and hooves of sheep, goats, cattle, and horses. However, the selection preference for these animals and how they were integrated into the mortuary contexts of these pastoral societies remain poorly investigated. Here, we report a preliminary analysis of caprine remains from 70 burials at the site of Dunping in the southern Gansu region of northwestern China, dated to approximately the seventh to fourth centuries BC. Based on an examination of species composition, post-depositional effects, traces of human alteration, skeletal element representation, and age at death, we discussed the selection, slaughtering, and inhumation of caprines concerning the mortuary practices at the site. Comparisons between Dunping and several other contemporaneous burial sites in neighboring regions, specifically in terms of the mortality profiles, further highlight distinct patterns in the selection of caprines for mortuary purposes among pastoral societies. These differences suggest varying degrees of emphasis placed on the economic and social significance attributed to caprines. Our findings provide new insights into the roles that caprines played in both ritual performances and subsistence practices among pastoralists in East Asia during the first millennium BC.
The Complex of p-Tyr42 RhoA and p-p65/RelA in Response to LPS Regulates the Expression of Phosphoglycerate Kinase 1
Authors: Dogsom Oyungerel , Hamza Amir , Mahmud Shohel , Min Jung-Ki , Lee Yoon-Beom , Park Jae-Bong
Published: December 2023

Inflammation plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis, primarily mediated by NF-κB. RhoA GTPases are instrumental in regulating the activation of NF-κB. Specifically, the phosphorylation of Tyrosine 42 on RhoA ensures the activation of NF-κB by directly activating the IKKβ associated with IKKγ (NEMO). This study aimed to uncover the molecular mechanism through which p-Tyrosine 42 RhoA, in conjunction with NF-κB, promotes tumorigenesis. Notably, we observed that p-Tyrosine 42 RhoA co-immunoprecipitated with the p-Ser 536 p65/RelA subunit in NF-κB in response to LPS. Moreover, both p-Tyrosine 42 RhoA and p-p65/RelA translocated to the nucleus, where they formed a protein complex associated with the promoter of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) and regulated the expression of PGK1. In addition, p-p65/RelA and p-Tyr42 RhoA co-immunoprecipitated with p300 histone acetyltransferase. Intriguingly, PGK1 exhibited an interaction with β-catenin, PKM1 and PKM2. Of particular interest, si-PGK1 led to a reduction in the levels of β-catenin and phosphorylated pyruvate dehydrogenase A1 (p-PDHA1). We also found that PGK1 phosphorylated β-catenin at the Thr551 and Ser552 residues. These findings discovered that PGK1 may play a role in transcriptional regulation, alongside other transcription factors.
Modeling of Fuzzy Systems Based on the Competitive Neural Network
Authors: Barraza Juan , Melin Patricia , Valdez Fevrier , Gonzalez Claudia I.
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a method to dynamically model Type-1 fuzzy inference systems using a Competitive Neural Network. The aim is to exploit the potential of Competitive Neural Networks and fuzzy logic systems to generate an intelligent hybrid model with the ability to group and classify any dataset. The approach uses the Competitive Neural Network to cluster the dataset and the fuzzy model to perform the classification. It is important to note that the fuzzy inference system is generated automatically from the classes and centroids obtained with the Competitive Neural Network, namely, all the parameters of the membership functions are adapted according to the values of the input data. In the approach, two fuzzy inference systems, Sugeno and Mamdani, are proposed. Additionally, variations of these models are presented using three types of membership functions, including Trapezoidal, Triangular, and Gaussian functions. The proposed models are applied to three classification datasets: Wine, Iris, and Wisconsin Breast Cancer (WDBC). The simulations and results present higher classification accuracy when implementing the Sugeno fuzzy inference system compared to the Mamdani system, and in both models (Mamdani and Sugeno), better results are obtained when the Gaussian membership function is used.
Purines and Adenosine Receptors in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Cronstein Bruce N. , Angle Siddhesh R.
Published: December 2023

OA is a common and debilitating condition that restricts mobility and diminishes the quality of life. Recent work indicates that the generation of adenosine at the cell surface is an important mediator of chondrocyte homeostasis, and topical application of adenosine in a slow-release form (liposomes) can halt the progression of OA and diminish the pain associated with OA. Here, we review the evidence indicating that adenosine, acting at A2A receptors, plays a critical role in endogenous and exogenous treatment and reversal of OA.
The Role of Augmented Reality Neuronavigation in Transsphenoidal Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Campisi Benedetta Maria , Costanzo Roberta , Gulino Vincenzo , Avallone Chiara , Noto Manfredi , Bonosi Lapo , Brunasso Lara , Scalia Gianluca , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Maugeri Rosario
Published: December 2023

In the field of minimally invasive neurosurgery, microscopic transsphenoidal surgery (MTS) and endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (ETS) have been widely accepted as a safe approach for pituitary lesions and, more recently, their indications have been extended to lesions at various skull base regions. It is mandatory during transsphenoidal surgery (TS) to identify key anatomical landmarks in the sphenoid sinus and distinguish them from the lesion. Over the years, many intraoperative tools have been introduced to improve the neuronavigation systems aiming to achieve safer and more accurate neurosurgical interventions. However, traditional neuronavigation systems may lose the accuracy of real-time location due to the discrepancy between the actual surgical field and the preoperative 2D images. To deal with this, augmented reality (AR)—a new sophisticated 3D technology that superimposes computer-generated virtual objects onto the user’s view of the real world—has been considered a promising tool. Particularly, in the field of TS, AR can minimize the anatomic challenges of traditional endoscopic or microscopic surgery, aiding in surgical training, preoperative planning and intra-operative orientation. The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the potential future role of augmented reality, both in endoscopic and microscopic transsphenoidal surgeries.
The Psychometric Structure of Executive Functions: A Satisfactory Measurement Model? An Examination Using Meta-Analysis and Network Modeling
Authors: Rosales Kevin P. , Wong Eugene H. , Looney Lisa
Published: December 2023

A long-standing debate among cognitive scientists has focused on describing the underlying nature of executive functions, which has important implications for both theoretical and applied research. Miyake et al.’s three-factor model has often been considered the gold-standard representation of executive functions and has driven much research in the field. More recently, however, there have been increasing concerns that the three-factor model does not adequately describe a highly complex construct such as executive functions. The current project presents two studies that examine the veracity of Miyake et al.’s model and propose a new approach (i.e., network modeling) for detecting the underlying nature of executive functions. The current results raise questions about the psychometric strength and adequacy of the three-factor model. Further, the studies presented here provide evidence that network modeling provides a better understanding of executive functions as it better captures (relative to latent variable modeling) the complexity of cognitive processes. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.
Taking a Break: The Effects of Partaking in a Two-Week Social Media Digital Detox on Problematic Smartphone and Social Media Use, and Other Health-Related Outcomes among Young Adults
Authors: Coyne Paige , Woodruff Sarah J.
Published: December 2023

Despite their increasing popularity, especially among young adults, there is a dearth of research examining the effectiveness of digital detoxes focused on restricting or limiting social media use. As such, the purpose of this exploratory study was to create and carry out a social media digital detox among young adults and evaluate its effectiveness with regards to smartphone and social media addiction, as well as several health-related outcomes. Additionally, the study also sought to obtain an understanding of participants’ experiences and perceptions regarding the digital detox via semi-structured exit interviews in order to improve and maximize the effectiveness of future social media digital detox interventions. Thirty-one young adults completed a two-week social media digital detox (preceded by a two-week baseline period and followed up by a two-week follow-up period), whereby their social media use was limited to 30 min per day. A series of one-way repeated measures analyses of variance revealed that a two-week social media detox improved smartphone and social media addiction, as well as sleep, satisfaction with life, stress, perceived wellness, and supportive relationships. Thematic analysis of exit interviews also revealed eight themes: feelings, effort to detox, adjustment period, the Goldilocks effect, screen to screen, post-detox binge, progress not perfection, and words of wisdom, all of which provide contextualization of the quantitative findings and valuable insights for future detoxes. In conclusion, the findings of this exploratory study provide initial support for the use of social media digital detoxes, suggesting that limiting usage can have beneficial effects with regards to smartphone and social media addiction, as well as many other health-related outcomes.
Analysis and Application of Double Steel Plate Concrete Composite Shear Wall in the R&D Building of Zhanjiang Bay Laboratory
Authors: Lan Tao , Wang Xiaopeng , Cui Yuansheng , Liu Xin , You Yong
Published: December 2023

The R&D Building of Zhanjiang Bay Laboratory is a high-rise structure with multiple irregular items exceeding the specification limit, employing a steel frame-shear wall structural system. The outer frame consists of square steel tube concrete columns and solid-web steel beams, while the core shear wall uses a double steel plate concrete composite shear wall. This paper employs the architectural structural calculation software YJK-EP to perform a dynamic elastic-plastic time-history analysis under rare earthquake action. The shear and bending resistance of the shear wall at the maximum shear force and bending moment are checked to meet the requirements of the “Technical Specifications for Concrete Structures of High-rise Buildings”. The maximum inter-story displacement angle meets the requirements of the “Code for Seismic Design of Buildings”. The double steel plate concrete composite shear wall Wall-1, connected to a large-span and heavy-load transfer truss, was verified under significant seismic action using the ABAQUS software. The results indicate that Wall-1 can meet the design target requirements under major earthquake conditions. Finally, a dynamic nonlinear analysis method was employed using MIDAS-GEN software to study the structure’s anti-progressive collapse performance. The results show that under seven different scenarios, the maximum rotational angle of the remaining structural horizontal members is 2.02°, far less than the limit set by GSA, indicating that a progressive collapse did not occur. In the scenario where the corner column is removed, both the maximum shear and bending moment values for Wall-1 are far below its shear and bending resistance capacities, satisfying the load-bearing requirements. The removal of the corner column has a significant impact on the displacement of the columns on the same level nearby, with the peak displacement change rate reaching 702.65%.
EWSR1::ATF1 Orchestrates the Clear Cell Sarcoma Transcriptome in Human Tumors and a Mouse Genetic Model
Authors: Ozenberger Benjamin B. , Li Li , Wilson Emily R. , Lazar Alexander J. , Barrott Jared J. , Jones Kevin B.
Published: December 2023

Clear cell sarcoma (CCS) is a rare, aggressive malignancy that most frequently arises in the soft tissues of the extremities. It is defined and driven by expression of one member of a family of related translocation-generated fusion oncogenes, the most common of which is EWSR1::ATF1. The EWSR1::ATF1 fusion oncoprotein reprograms transcription. However, the binding distribution of EWSR1::ATF1 across the genome and its target genes remain unclear. Here, we interrogated the genomic distribution of V5-tagged EWSR1::ATF1 in tumors it had induced upon expression in mice that also recapitulated the transcriptome of human CCS. ChIP-sequencing of V5-EWSR1::ATF1 identified previously unreported motifs including the AP1 motif and motif comprised of TGA repeats that resemble GGAA-repeating microsatellites bound by EWSR1::FLI1 in Ewing sarcoma. ChIP-sequencing of H3K27ac identified super enhancers in the mouse model and human contexts of CCS, which showed a shared super enhancer structure that associates with activated genes.
Guidelines for the Use and Reporting of Patient-Reported Outcomes in Multiple Myeloma Clinical Trials
Authors: Laane Edward , Salek Sam , Oliva Esther Natalie , Bennink Christine , Clavreul Solène , Richardson Paul G , Scheid Christof , Weisel Katja , Ionova Tatyana
Published: December 2023

In the era of personalized medicine there is an increasing need for the assessment of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to become a standard of patient care. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) are important in assessing significant and meaningful changes as a result of an intervention based on a patient’s own perspective. It is well established that active multiple myeloma (MM) can be characterized by a high burden of disease and treatment-related symptoms, with considerable worsening of quality of life (QoL). In general, and over the past decade, the focus has shifted to obtaining the most durable remissions with the best QoL as primary goals for MM treatment. Patients place considerable value on their QoL and communicating about QoL data prior to treatment decisions allows them to make informed treatment choices. Consequently, optimization of QoL of patients with MM is an important therapeutic goal and the incorporation of PROs into clinical trials has the potential of improving treatment outcomes. In this regard, guidance for the use and reporting of PROMs in MM in clinical trials is warranted. Under the auspices of the European Hematology Association, evidence-based guidelines for the use and reporting of PROs in patients with MM have been developed according to the EHA’s core Guidelines Development Methodology. This document provides general considerations for the choice of PROMs in MM clinical trials as well as a series of recommendations covering a selection of PROMs in MM clinical trials; the mode of administration; timing of assessments; strategies to minimize missing data; sample size calculation; reporting of results; and interpretation of results.