bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spring growth of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) after different times of winter defoliation
Authors: Jones Lauren , Mills Annamaria , Moot Derrick 
Published: October 2024

The aim of this work was to determine if autumn/winter defoliation affected the time of lucerne stem extension in spring. Two experiments were established at the Field Research Centre, Lincoln University. Experiment 1 was established on 01/06/2022 using an existing two year old stand of “Force 4” lucerne. There were four canopy defoliation dates (1/06, 03/07, 17/07, 1/08). Experiment 2 repeated the treatments on the same paddock in the following year on eight defoliation dates (1/5, 15/5, 1/6, 15/6, 3/7, 17/7, 1/8 and 15/8). In both experiments, five stems were marked in each plot and stem height was measured weekly. The start of stem extension was unaffected by canopy defoliation date in either 2022 (P = 0.20) or 2023 (P = 0.17). Initiation of stem extension was triggered by a base photoperiod of 11.1 ± 0.2 h. This meant the thermal time accumulated from final defoliation to the start of stem extension differed among treatments. These results suggest the time of autumn/winter defoliation (the winter clean-up graze) will not affect the time of the first spring grazing, provided the developing basal buds are not removed. All stands reached 150 mm height by mid-September and produced 3.0 t/ha of dry matter by the end of the month. This suggests, grazing of the first paddock at Lincoln should commence in the first week of September to create a staggered start to rotational grazing that can maximise lucerne yield and quality for animal liveweight production.
Regenerative grazing practices and the sustainability of a beef production system in New Zealand
Authors: Cosgrove Gerald , Mackay Alec , Noakes Emma , Devantier Brian , Cole Rachel , Warbrick Irirangi , Hart Greg , Rosanowski Sarah 
Published: October 2024

‘Regenerative’ grazing practices are being promoted by some pastoral farmers. A study commenced in 2022 is testing if maintaining higher pre- and post-grazing cover, longer intervals between grazing and higher stocking intensity, but shorter duration of grazing, will improve nutrient use efficiency (phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N)) and carbon (C) sequestration in the soil, while maintaining or increasing pasture and animal productivity. This ‘Adaptive’ grazing practice was compared against a ‘Control’, both under rotational grazing by cattle. This paper reports baseline soil physical and chemical measurements collected in autumn and autumn and spring in 2022, and pre- and post-grazing herbage mass measured over two years through to autumn 2024. Soil baseline data indicate good nutrient fertility (Olsen-P, pH, exchangeable cations), physical condition, biological and microbial biomass and organic matter levels. The instantaneous stocking loading at grazing, a key indicator of the contrast between grazing treatments, was 15,500 and 150,400 kg liveweight/ha for the Control and Adaptive grazing treatment, respectively. The high, pre-grazing target mass (3500 – 4000 kg DM/ha) was achieved at only two of the 15 grazing cycles, with the overall mean of 2850 kg DM/ha less than target. Mean residual grazing mass was 2150 kg DM/ha. There is no evidence after two years that grazing treatments affected on pasture productivity. Changes in these soil and pasture parameters over time will be assessed against the baseline measures reported here.
Two Kings: Empire, Abolition, and the University of Aberdeen’s First African Student
Authors: Anderson Richard 
Published: October 2024

This article presents a biography and multi-generational microhistory of Nathaniel King (1847–1884), the University of Aberdeen’s first African-born student and a pioneering practitioner of Western medicine in colonial West Africa. Nathaniel’s father, Thomas King, rose from slavery to become a missionary and linguist in Sierra Leone and what would later become Nigeria. Nathaniel, born to survivors of the Middle Passage, graduated M.B., C.M. from Aberdeen in 1876, before returning to West Africa to become a prominent member of the educated elite in Victorian Lagos. The long-established historiography of Scottish ‘sojourners’ abroad has not yet explored the impact of colonial sojourners to Scotland, an itinerary travelled particularly by male students from within the empire, especially as Scotland’s universities became imperial centres of medical training. This article draws particular attention to the significance of Britain’s nineteenth-century campaign against the trans-Atlantic slave trade in the arrival of the first African-born students at Scottish universities, placing King’s history within a broader pattern of Africans born to people liberated from slave ships who ventured to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and St Andrews in the middle decades of the nineteenth century for medical training.
Degree of twist in the Achilles tendon interacts with its length and thickness in affecting local strain magnitude: a finite element analysis
Authors: Enomoto Shota , Furuuchi Shunya , Ishibashi Tatsuki , Yamada Shu , Oda Toshiaki 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe relationship between the twisting of the three subtendons of the Achilles tendon (AT) and local strain has received attention in recent years. The present study aimed to elucidate how the degree of twist in the AT affects strain using finite element (FE) analysis, while also considering other geometries (e.g., length, thickness, and width) and their combinations.MethodsA total of 59 FE models with different degrees of twist and geometries were created. A lengthening force (z-axis) of 1,000 N was applied to each subtendon (total: 3,000 N). The average value of the first principal Lagrange strain was calculated for the middle third of the total length of the model.ResultsStatistical (stepwise) analysis revealed the effects of the degree of twist, other geometries, and their combinations on AT strain. The main findings were as follows: (1) a greater degree of twist resulted in higher average strains (t = 9.28, p &lt; 0.0001) and (2) the effect of the degree of twist on the strain depended on dimensions of thickness of the most distal part of the AT (t = −4.49, p &lt; 0.0001) and the length of the AT (t = −3.82, p = 0.0005). Specifically, when the thickness of the most distal part and length were large, the degree of twist had a small effect on the first principal Lagrange strain; however, when the thickness of the most distal part and length were small, a greater degree of twist results in higher first principal Lagrange strain.ConclusionThese results indicate that the relationship between the degree of twist and local strain is complex and may not be accurately assessed by FE simulation using a single geometry.
The microbiome biomarkers of pregnant women’s vaginal area predict preterm prelabor rupture in Western China
Authors: Tang Yuanting , Wang Xia , Huang Jialing , Jiang Yongmei , Yu Fan 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionIntraamniotic infection is crucial in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes(PPROM), a clinical condition resulting from the invasion of vaginal opportunistic microbes into the amniotic cavity. Although previous studies have suggested potential associations between infection and PPROM, the role of vaginalopportunistic bacteria in PPROM has received limited attention.MethodsThis study aimed to confirm the vaginal bacterial etiology of PPROM. We investigated vaginal microbiotas using automatic analysis of vaginal discharge, microbiological tests, and 16s rRNA genehigh-throughput sequencing.ResultsThe research findings revealed that the proportion of parabasal epitheliocytes, leukocytes, toxic leukocytes, and bacteria with diameters smaller than 1.5 um was significantly higher in the PPROM group than that in the normal full-term labor (TL) group. The top three vaginal opportunistic bacterial isolates in all participants were 9.47% Escherichia coli, 5.99% Streptococcus agalactiae, and 3.57% Enterococcus faecalis. The bacterial resistance differed, but all the isolates were sensitive to nitrofurantoin. Compared with the vaginal microbiota dysbiosis (VMD) TL (C) group, the VMD PPROM (P) group demonstrated more operational taxonomic units, a high richness of bacterial taxa, and a different beta-diversity index. Indicator species analysis revealed that Lactobacillus jensenii, Lactobacillus crispatus, and Veillonellaceae bacterium DNF00626 were strongly associated with the C group. Unlike the C group, the indicator bacteria in the P group were Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae.DiscussionThese findings provide solidevidence that an abnormal vaginal microbiome is a very crucial risk factorclosely related to PPROM. There were no unique bacteria in the vaginalmicrobiota of the PPROM group; however, the relative abundance of bacteria inthe abnormal vaginal flora of PPROM pregnancies differed. Antibiotics should bereasonably selected based on drug sensitivity testing. The findings presented in this paper enhance our understanding of Streptococcus agalactiae, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli vaginal bacterial etiology of PPROM in Western China.
External damp environment aggravates diarrhea in spleen deficiency and dampness syndrome in mice: involvement of small intestinal contents microbiota, energy metabolism, gastrointestinal and fluid functions
Authors: Yu Donglin , Xie Shiqin , Guo Mingmin , Wu Yi , Tian Qianghong , Wang Zhiyan , Zhou Sainan , Cai Ying 
Published: October 2024

ObjectivesRecent studies have increasingly demonstrated that a multiplatform water environment combined with lard gavage is an effective method for establishing a mouse model of diarrhea. However, the interactions between intestinal microorganisms and diarrhea, as well as the relationships among energy metabolism, fluid balance, and gastrointestinal function in this model, remain poorly understood.MethodsBuilding on previous research, this study aimed to optimiz and replicate a multiplatform water environment combined with a lard gavage model. Male Kunming mice, free of specific pathogens, were randomly divided into four groups: a normal control group (ZC), a standing group (ZL), a standing combined with lard group (ZLZ), and a standing combined with internal and external wet conditions group (ZLZS). The mice in the ZL, ZLZ, and ZLZS groups were subjected to 4 hours of daily standing in a custom-designed multiplatform water environment. Starting on day 8, mice in the ZLZ and ZLZS groups were gavaged with lard (0.4 mL per session, twice daily) for 7 consecutive days, while those in the ZLZS group were additionally exposed to a wet litter environment (50 g/100 mL). The ZC and ZL groups received equal volumes of sterile water via gavage. The microbiota in the small intestine, as well as serum levels of cAMP, cGMP, VIP, Gas, and D-xylose, were analyzed.ResultsCompared with the ZLZ group, the ZLZS group showed significantly lower serum levels of cAMP/cGMP (p&lt;0.01) and Gas (p&lt;0.01). D-xylose levels were lower in the ZL, ZLZ, and ZLZS groups compared to the ZC group, while VIP levels were significantly higher in the ZL and ZLZS groups (p&lt;0.01). Moverover, Corynebacterium, Empedobacter, and Pseudochrobactrum were identified as characteristic bacterial genera in the ZLZS group. The mechanism by which the small intestinal microbiota induces diarrhea was linked to the biosynthesis of secondary bile acids.ConclusionA multiplatform water environment combined with lard gavage can effectively induce diarrhea, and the addition of an external wet environment exacerbates this condition by affecting small intestinal contents microbiota and other functions.
Eliciting patient preferences and predicting behaviour using Inverse Reinforcement Learning for telehealth use in outpatient clinics
Authors: Snoswell Aaron J. , Snoswell Centaine L. , Ye Nan 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionNon-attendance (NA) causes additional burden on the outpatient services due to clinician time and other resources being wasted, and it lengthens wait lists for patients. Telehealth, the delivery of health services remotely using digital technologies, is one promising approach to accommodate patient needs while offering more flexibility in outpatient services. However, there is limited evidence about whether offering telehealth consults as an option can change NA rates, or about the preferences of hospital outpatients for telehealth compared to in-person consults. We model patient preferences with a Maximum Entropy Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL) behaviour model, allowing for the calculation of general population- and demographic-specific relative preferences for consult modality. The aim of this research is to use real-world data to model patient preferences for consult modality using Maximum Entropy IRL behaviour model.MethodsRetrospective data were collected from an immunology outpatient clinic associated with a large metropolitan hospital in Brisbane, Australia. We used IRL with the Maximum Entropy behaviour model to learn outpatient preferences for appointment modality (telehealth or in-person) and to derive demographic predictors of attendance or NA. IRL models patients as decision making agents interacting sequentially over multiple time-steps, allowing for present actions to impact future outcomes, unlike previous models applied in this domain.ResultsWe found statistically significant (α = 0.05) within-group preferences for telehealth consult modality in privately paying patients, patients who both identify as First Nations individuals and those who do not, patients aged 50–60, who did not require an interpreter, for the general population, and for the female population. We also found significant within-group preferences for in-person consult modality for patients who require an interpreter and for patients younger than 30.DiscussionUsing the Maximum Entropy IRL sequential behaviour model, our results agree with previous evidence that non-attendance can be reduced when telehealth is offered in outpatient clinics. Our results complement previous studies using non-sequential modelling methodologies. Our preference and NA prediction results may be useful to outpatient clinic administrators to tailor services to specific patient groups, such as scheduling text message consult reminders if a given patient is predicted to be more likely to NA.
Centering equity, diversity, and inclusion in youth digital mental health: findings from a research, policy, and practice knowledge exchange workshop
Authors: Adu Medard , Banire Bilikis , Dockrill Mya , Ilie Alzena , Lappin Elizabeth , McGrath Patrick , Munro Samantha , Myers Kady , Obuobi-Donkor Gloria , Orji Rita , Pillai Riddell Rebecca , Wozney Lori , Yisa Victor 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundYouth mental health service organizations continue to rapidly broaden their use of virtual care and digital mental health interventions as well as leverage artificial intelligence and other technologies to inform care decisions. However, many of these digital services have failed to alleviate persistent mental health disparities among equity-seeking populations and in some instances have exacerbated them. Transdisciplinary and intersectional knowledge exchange is greatly needed to address structural barriers to digital mental health engagement, develop and evaluate interventions with historically underserved communities, and ultimately promote more accessible, useful, and equitable care.MethodsTo that end, the Digital, Inclusive, Virtual, and Equitable Research Training in Mental Health Platform (DIVERT), the Maritime Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR) SUPPORT (Support for People and Patient-Oriented Research and Trials) Unit and IWK Mental Health Program invited researchers, policymakers, interprofessional mental health practitioners, trainees, computer scientists, health system administrators, community leaders and youth advocates to participate in a knowledge exchange workshop. The workshop aimed to (a) highlight local research and innovation in youth-focused digital mental health services; (b) learn more about current policy and practice issues in inclusive digital mental health for youth in Canada, (c) participate in generating action recommendations to address challenges to inclusive, diverse and equitable digital mental health services, and (d) to synthesize cross-sector feedback to inform future training curriculum, policy, strategic planning and to stimulate new lines of patient-oriented research.ResultsEleven challenge themes emerged related to white-colonial normativity, lack of cultural humility, inaccessibility and affordability of participating in the digital world, lack of youth and community involvement, risks of too much digital time in youth's lives, and lack of scientific evidence derived from equity-deserving communities. Nine action recommendations focused on diversifying research and development funding, policy and standards, youth and community led promotion, long-term trust-building and collaboration, and needing to callout and advocate against unsafe digital services and processes.ConclusionKey policy, training and practice implications are discussed.
Designing a gamified approach for digital design education aligned with Education 4.0
Authors: Cal Y. Mayor-Peña Francisco , Barrera-Animas Ari Y. , Escobar-Castillejos Daisy , Noguez Julieta , Escobar-Castillejos David 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionGamification integrates game-like elements, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, into the educational process. This study examines the influence of a gamified approach on improving graphic design education. By implementing this methodology, we aim to create a more dynamic learning environment that could lead to better academic outcomes.MethodsA quasi-experimental design was employed to compare students' average grades and academic achievements using the gamified technique with those taught using conventional methods. Thirty-two students participated in the study, with these students enrolled in three different terms. Data collection involved tracking students' grades, participation, and completion rates of gamified activities.ResultsParticipants in the August—December 2023 semester (Experimental 2 group) who experienced the gamified approach with the proposed platform showed significant improvement, with a p-value of 0.033, compared to those in the August—December 2022 semester (Control group), which used only conventional approaches. Furthermore, better learning outcomes were obtained when the Experimental 2 group was compared with the January-May 2023 semester (Experimental 1 group), which used only the gamification methodology (p-value = 0.025). Additionally, out of 15 students in the Experimental 2 group, 10 achieved certification in Adobe Illustrator and 13 in Photoshop, suggesting that gamification elements applied through a digital platform can improve academic performance and enhance students' practical skills and readiness for professional challenges in graphic design.DiscussionResults indicate that the gamified methodology can improve learning outcomes. Nevertheless, the proposed approach also has limitations and areas for improvement. Manual data capture, integration with external tools, the amount of teachers applying the approach, and the sample size of participants are limitations of the study that could have affected the accuracy of the results. Future work will focus on developing a proprietary platform that integrates course content and automates the tracking system to improve efficiency and accuracy. Moreover, a subsequent study will include a larger sample of students and professors to validate the present study's findings.
An analysis of virtual triage utilization by pregnant women prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jaszczak Jakub , Gellert George A. , Gellert Gabriel L. , Suwińska Aleksandra 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveThis analysis describes the use patterns of web-based virtual triage (VT) by pregnant patients before and during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the pandemic influenced frequency of VT use, nature of symptoms reported, and the associated implications for maternal healthcare delivery.MethodsAn online survey of 36,910 patients who reported pregnancy was completed between January 1, 2019 and June 30, 2022. The data were segmented into six month periods to allow comparative analyses of usage frequency and changes in initial complaints over the study period, with particular emphasis on the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics and trend analyses were used to identify significant shifts in symptom reporting and user demographics.ResultsA marked increase in the utilization of VT by pregnant women during the pandemic occurred. The percentage of pregnant users grew from 0.32% in the first half of 2019 to 0.85% in late 2021, with the greatest rise (213%) in the first six months of 2020. The most common symptoms reported were abdominal pain, headache, nausea, back pain, fatigue and cough. Pre-pandemic, VT use focused on prospective mothers learning about the potential causes of typical symptoms occurring during pregnancy, but during the pandemic there was a substantial increase in reporting symptoms associated with acute respiratory infections such as cough, nasal congestion, and dyspnea.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced the use of VT by pregnant women, with a shift towards addressing concerns related to respiratory symptoms and potential COVID-19 exposure. These findings underline the significant role of digital health tools in maintaining access to health information during times of crisis and highlight the evolving needs of pregnant patients in such settings.