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Environmental characteristics shape macroinvertebrate community structure across spatiotemporal scales in a subtropical African river system

Pickup and delivery planning for the crowdsourced freight delivery routing problem

Pickup and delivery problem (PDP) and dynamic vehicle routing problem (DVRP) are two key components of crowdsourced freight delivery services. Although previous research has focused predominantly on static vehicle routing problems, this study formally defines the dynamic problem specific to crowdsourced freight delivery and presents a mixed-integer linear programming model based on a rolling-horizon framework. The objective is to minimize total service costs, including fixed vehicle costs, transportation costs, and penalty costs for delays, while planning routes that cover all orders. To solve this combinatorial optimization problem, we propose an improved partheno genetic algorithm (IPGA) and a simulated annealing algorithm (SA). Numerical experiments demonstrate that the IPGA outperforms the SA, reducing the total service costs by over 10% on average. In addition, a real-world case study illustrates the practical applicability of our model and algorithms, providing a solid foundation for real-world implementation.

Cyclical hybrid imputation technique for missing values in data sets

Assessing the impact of a negative air ionization system on particulate matter and gaseous pollutants in the swine farrowing environment

Air quality on swine farms has long been a concern for both human and swine health as it has been previously linked with respiratory issues; the main cause being the inhalation of small airborne particulate matter (PM) < 10 μm in diameter. Negative ionizing systems have previously been successfully used to improve air quality in human residential- and commercial buildings as well in agricultural settings. However, less is known about the efficacy of negative ionizing systems in commercial swine farrowing environments. Thus, the objective of this study was to use a swine farrowing environment to evaluate the effects of a negative air ionization system on 1) the quantity of airborne gaseous and particulate matter, and 2) swine health and production parameters. Six farrowing rooms containing 60 sows each were installed with 30 negative ionization systems per room. Three out of six rooms were randomly allocated between active ionization (L-ON) or inactive ionization (L-OFF) between farrowing rounds (N =  4). For each round, measurements of PM2.5, PM10, Ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S), temperature, and humidity were collected twice a week, in the morning and afternoon at two heights, pig level (61 cm) and human level (152 cm). Pig performance metrics (parity, number of piglets born, number of live piglets born, piglet mortality, fostered piglets, and number of weaned pigs) were collected at the end of each batch. Comparisons between L-ON and L-OFF treatments were conducted by averaging room and day specific measurements for all days when rotating rooms shared contrasting treatments. Each room-specific L-ON treatment was then compared to all other L-OFF rooms using a linear regression model. No statistically significant differences were found between treatments for PM2.5 or PM10 at the pig nor human level. However, numerical reductions in the cumulative increase of PM2.5, and PM10 for L-ON rooms compared to L-OFF rooms were found in 60% of the L-ON rooms. One out of five L-ON rooms showed statistically slower buildup of NH3 concentrations compared to L-OFF rooms (P <  0.01) and 60% of the L-ON rooms had significantly slower buildup of H2S concentrations compared to L-OFF rooms (P < 0.01). No effect on production metrics were found between treatments. In conclusion, indications of improved air quality were found in this study, but given the complexity of these types of assessments, further work is needed to conclude the efficacy of negative ionization systems in commercial farrowing systems.

Development of the autonomous lab system to support biotechnology research

Changes in energy homeostasis, gut peptides, and gut microbiota in Emiratis with obesity after bariatric surgery

Background Obesity is a growing health concern worldwide, including United Arab Emirates. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option, with to date unclear weight loss mechanisms. In this prospective study, we explored post-bariatric surgery changes in energy homeostasis, gut peptides, hormones, and gut microbiota. Method We recruited 19 Emirati adults who were planning to undergo sleeve gastrectomy (SG). We assessed the energy requirements using 24-hour diet recalls, indirect calorimetry for resting energy expenditure (REE), and a questionnaire for appetite. Anthropometrics included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass, fat-free mass, and percentage of body fat. Gut peptides, including peptide YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide-1/2 (GLP-1/2), ghrelin (GHR), cholecystokinin (CCK), insulin, and leptin, were quantified using ELISA. Gut microbiota composition at phylum and genus levels, including the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio and alpha (α) and beta (β) diversity, was determined by sequencing amplicons of the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA at baseline and three months post-surgery. Comparisons used paired sample T-test, Wilcoxon, and McNemar test. QIIME 2 was used to identify taxa and their relative abundance; subsequent analyses were done in R for (α) and (β) diversity (package qiime2R) and Wilcoxon signed-rank test in R for differences in microbiota at phylum and genus levels. We conducted Spearman correlation analyses between genera and energy homeostasis, appetite, anthropometrics, hormones, and gut peptides. Results At three months post-SG, energy intake, appetite, all anthropometric indices, insulin, leptin, and GLP-1 significantly decreased; PYY and GHR significantly increased, and REE was stable. β-diversity of the gut microbiota and its composition at phylum and genus levels significantly changed post-surgery, yet F/B remained constant. Energy intake, BMI, and appetite negatively correlated with several taxa that significantly increased post-SG. Conclusion Gut peptides, hormones, and microbiota change partly account for bariatric surgery’s weight-loss benefits. Understanding these alterations can inform personalized interventions targeting obesity.

Pt-LIS1 participates nuclear deformation and acrosome formation via regulating Dynein-1 during spermatogenesis in Portunus trituberculatus

Association between neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio and risk of deep vein thrombosis in patient receiving lower extremity orthopedic surgery: A meta-analysis

Objective This meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively synthesize evidence on the association between the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery. Methods Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched for observational studies that examined the relationship between preoperative NLR and DVT risk in patients undergoing lower extremity procedures. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Results Ten studies involving 5,697 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled incidence of DVT across the studies was 13.8% (95% CI: 9.7%–19.2%). Elevated NLR was associated with a two-fold increase in the risk of DVT (odds ratio [OR] 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–3.12, p = 0.0004, I2 = 85%). Patients who developed DVT had a higher NLR than those who did not (mean difference: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.37 to 1.48, p =  0.001, I2 =  86%). Among the patient characteristics, male sex (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.12–2.03), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.06–2.41), and hypertension (OR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.06–1.93) were significantly associated with increased DVT risk. Subgroup analysis based on the timing of DVT occurrence (preoperative vs. postoperative) revealed no significant difference in the association between NLR and DVT risk. Conclusion Elevated preoperative NLR was significantly associated with increased DVT risk in patients undergoing lower extremity orthopedic surgery. NLR may serve as a useful biomarker for DVT risk stratification in this population. Prospective studies are needed to validate its predictive value and evaluate NLR-guided thromboprophylaxis strategies. Trial registration PROSPERO registration number: CRD42024577952.

Empirical model of public participation intention in biomass project based on integrated TAM-TPB model

The effect of labour hopscotch framework on maternal and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women: A randomized controlled trial

The Labour Hopscotch Framework (LHF) is a practical tool designed for women to use with the support of their birthing partners throughout labor and birth. It was specifically developed to help midwives support women in achieving a physiological birth. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the impact of the LHF on maternal and neonatal outcomes. The study took place from March 2023 to October 2023 in Ahvaz, Iran. A total of 124 primiparous women with full-term pregnancies were recruited and randomly allocated to either the intervention or control group. Eligible participants for the study included women who were 18 years of age or older, had cephalopelvic proportions within normal limits, were carrying low-risk singleton pregnancies, and had attended childbirth education classes. Women were excluded if they had contraindications for vaginal birth, were carrying a fetus with abnormalities, or had medical conditions that could complicate childbirth. Birth mode, average duration of the labor phases, maternal and neonatal outcomes, and overall childbirth satisfaction were assessed as outcomes. Women who used the LHF experienced shorter labor durations compared to the control group (d =  -1.3 min, 95% CI: -1.6 to -0.8). Women using the LHF were 10.3 times more likely to experience a vaginal birth (OR =  10.3, 95% CI: 1.3-88.5, p = 0.030). Women in the LHF group initiated breastfeeding earlier than those in the control group (OR = 20.4, 95% CI:7.7-53.3, p < 0.001), but no difference between the two groups for exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.496). Two groups did not show any significant difference in neonatal outcomes. The mean satisfaction score was higher among women with LHF compared to women in the control group (d = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.8 to 2.8), p < 0.001). The LHF can increase the rate of physiological births and reduce the duration of the labor phases. Also, women were more satisfied with their birth experiences. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov IRCT20161106030750N2

Impact of health literacy on healthcare outcomes in hospitalized patients in Lebanon including quality of life and antibiotic knowledge

Inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum growth in banana by silver nanoparticles: In vitro and in vivo assays

Fusarium wilt is a devastating disease that affects banana crops worldwide. In Ecuador, bananas are one of the most important commodities and staple food. Nanoparticles are emerging as innovative solutions to control fungal diseases in plant protection. In this study, in vitro and in vivo assays were carried out to validate Fusarium oxysporum growth and disease inhibition. 96-well plates experiments were used to calculate the IC50 of three different silver nanoparticle formulations (Argovit-1220, Argovit-1221, and Argovit-C) against four Ecuadorian Fusarium strains race 1 (EC15-E-GM1, EC19-LR-GM3, EC35-G-GM6, EC40-M-GM2). More than 95% inhibition rate was obtained at 25 mg L−1 concentration. Fusarium wilt in vivo assay (greenhouse conditions) was carried out with Gros Michel plants, where better control was obtained by applying silver nanoparticles to the roots, reducing disease development by an average of 68%. This study shows that silver nanoparticles have a high antifungal potential for controlling the Fusarium wilt of bananas. To our knowledge, this is the first study to test the potential of AgNPs against Fusarium oxysporum race 1 in vitro and in vivo under greenhouse conditions.

Utilizing remote sensing and field data for geological mapping and polyphase deformation analysis of Um Laseifa ophiolites, Eastern Desert, Egypt

Abstract The Wadi Um Laseifa area, located in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt, encompasses a range of Neoproterozoic rock units, including ophiolitic mélange, island arc assemblage, and granitic intrusions as well as Miocene clastic deposits. The current research attempts to analyze the structural and lithological characteristics of this area by integrating data from multisource remote sensing (Sentinel 2, Planetscope and hyperspectral PRISMA), along with field and structural relationships, geometrical analysis of structural readings, and petrographic studies. Applying various techniques of remote sensing, such as false color composite (FCC), principal component analysis (PCA), and Minimum noise fraction (MNF), enabled the identification of the structural features over various scales besides accurate lithological discrimination. Data analyses have discriminated the intricate Neoproterozoic rocks into ophiolitic mélange that includes serpentinites, meta-pyroxenites, metagabbro, chert and mélange matrix, island arc assemblage comprising metavolcanics, metavolcano-sedimentary rocks and hornblende schist, and monzogranite and granodiorite intrusions. These rocks have been affected by a thrust stack of three major faults striking NW-SE to NNW-SSE and dipping steeply to the SW. There are two prominent folds represented by a major anticline affecting the island arc metavolcano-sedimentary rocks and a major syncline affecting the ophiolitic rocks. Both folds possess axial planes striking NW-SE and gently plunging NW fold axes. The area is also intersected by E-W or ENE-WSW strike-slip faults, along with major NW-SE normal faults that controlled the distribution of the Miocene clastic deposits. Geometrical analysis has identified three ductile deformation phases: D1 is marked by NW-SE isoclinal folds; D2 produced NW-SE major folds and thrust faults that are coaxial with D1; and D3 led to the formation of NE-SW open folds. The multisource remote sensing analysis that has been carried out in this work illustrated the efficacy of the employed methodology in conducting thorough geological analyses and strongly advocates for its application in analogous studies in arid environments.

Growth of Spirulina spp. at different temperatures and their impact on pigment production, oxidants and antioxidants profile

The study investigated the effect of different temperatures on the growth, pigment production, oxidative stress markers, and antioxidant profile of Spirulina spp. The results showed that the maximum growth of Spirulina was observed at 20°C, while the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents decreased at higher temperatures. Additionally, the concentration of oxidants such as MDA and H2O2 increased with temperature, while the concentration of antioxidants such as SOD, POD, and APX also increased with temperature. However, the optimal concentration of antioxidants varied with temperature, with the highest concentration of SOD and POD observed at 30°C and the highest concentration of CAT and APX observed at 20°C. Overall, the study suggests that the growth of Spirulina is temperature-dependent, with optimal growth observed at 20°C. Additionally, the study highlights the complex relationship between temperature and oxidative stress in Spirulina, with both oxidants and antioxidants increasing with temperature. However, the optimal concentration of antioxidants varies with temperature, indicating the need for further research to understand the mechanisms underlying these observations. The findings of this study have implications for the cultivation of Spirulina, particularly in regions where temperatures fluctuate significantly, and may also have implications for the use of Spirulina as a dietary supplement.

The effect of individual visual sensitivity on time perception

Protocol to establish standards for the elements infection prevention and control programs and competencies for infection control professionals in Australian residential aged care homes

The COVID-19 pandemic elucidated the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) in residential aged care homes (RACHs), both on the health and wellbeing of its residents, and the staff and clinicians who care for them. While considerable efforts have been made in Australia to improve IPC both during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these resources remain reliant on evidence originating from hospitals and acute healthcare settings. This research aims to establish the core minimum components that will populate standards for IPC programs and governance (Stream A) and for professional practice and competencies (Stream B) in RACHs. This research will be completed using a sequential three-phase design. In Phase 1, two integrative literature reviews will be completed to synthesise the elements of current global IPC programs and professional competencies in RACHs. In Phase 2, a qualitative analysis of IPC programs and professional practice in Australian RACHs using a combination of surveys and interviews will be completed. Finally, in Phase 3, an e-Delphi will be conducted to collate expert opinion and generate consensus on the minimum components of the IPC program and professionals who administer them in RACHs. The final standards and resources will be collaboratively designed with aged care partners, industry leaders, professional bodies and key Australian health policymakers. These standards seek to empower IPC and aged care staff, not only by ensuring that they are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement effective IPC programs themselves, but also that the organisation is adequately prepared to provide the resources and governance systems.

Algorithm for pixel-level concrete pavement crack segmentation based on an improved U-Net model

Abstract Cracks that occur in concrete surfaces are numerous and diverse, and different cracks will affect road safety in different degrees. Accurately identifying pavement cracks is crucial for assessing road conditions and formulating maintenance strategies. This study improves the original U-shaped convolutional network (U-Net) model through the introduction of two innovations, thereby modifying its structure, reducing the number of parameters, enhancing its ability to distinguish between background and cracks, and improving its speed and accuracy in crack detection tasks. Additionally, datasets with different exposure levels and noise conditions are used to train the network, broadening its predictive ability. A custom dataset of 960 road crack images was added to the public dataset to train and evaluate the model. The test results demonstrate that the proposed U-Net-FML model achieves high accuracy and detection speed in complex environments, with MIoU, F1 score, precision, and recall values of 76.4%, 74.2%, 84.2%, and 66.4%, respectively, significantly surpassing those of the other models. Among the seven comparison models, U-Net-FML has the strongest overall performance, highlighting its engineering value for precise detection and efficient analysis of cracks.

Longitudinal healthcare use after pediatric brain injury: A population-based birth cohort study

Background Traumatic brain injury is a chronic disease with lifelong consequences. In children, it can affect developmental milestones. Longitudinal data on brain injury and long-term healthcare use is limited, with lack of clarity on social determinants of health and its effects on healthcare use. This study explores rates of healthcare use, from birth, and up to 10 years after a childhood traumatic brain injury-related healthcare visit. Methods and findings This study uses a population-based birth cohort of individuals born between April 1, 2002 and March 31, 2020 from Ontario, Canada. A case cohort (TBI cohort) was created using a sample of individuals who had at least one traumatic brain injury-related healthcare visit between the ages of 0 and 4 years, inclusive (n = 26,988). Controls were generated from a sample of individuals who did not have any traumatic brain injury-related healthcare visit during the study period (n = 193,253 for emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and n = 19,313 for primary care physician visits). The primary outcome is rates of primary care physician visits, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations for each year prior to and up to 10 years after the index traumatic brain injury-related healthcare visit, calculated using standard life table methods. Rates and 95% confidence intervals were further calculated and stratified by rurality of residence, and the following Ontario Marginalization Index metrics: neighbourhood income quintile and neighbourhood racialized and newcomer populations. Rates of healthcare use remained consistently higher in the TBI cohort compared to controls both prior to and after the index TBI-related healthcare visit. Rates also varied across social determinants of health. Overall, rates were higher in males compared to females across all healthcare settings. Rates of primary care physician visits were higher among those living in urban (vs. rural) settings. However, rates of emergency department visits were higher among those living in rural (vs. urban) settings. Rates of emergency department visits and hospitalizations were higher among those living in the lowest (vs. highest) income quintile neighbourhoods. Rates of primary care physician visits were higher among those living in areas with the most (vs. least) racialized and newcomer populations. However, rates of emergency department and hospitalizations were higher among those living in areas with the least (vs. most) racialized and newcomer populations. This study is limited to change in rates of healthcare use over time and does not quantify the magnitude of these changes. Conclusions Research on longitudinal healthcare use is needed to explore the causes of sustained and increased healthcare use post-injury, to inform opportunities for targeted health and social care interventions. Findings also suggest that a lifespan perspective is critical to understand how early life events can impact post-injury outcome.

Relative improvement in language vs. motor functions with reperfusion therapies for large vessel occlusion

Abstract When weighing potential risks versus benefits of reperfusion therapy, the functions likely to recover if blood flow can be restored should be considered. Because deep and motor areas often infarct relatively early in acute stroke, we hypothesized that reperfusion therapies improve predominantly cortical functions more than motor function. In this retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patients with acute stroke due to large vessel occlusion, we evaluated percent improvement (mean change in score/maximum score) for different items of the National Institutes of Health Score Scale with and without endovascular thrombectomy (EVT), and/or intravenous thrombolysis. In total, 290 patients met the inclusion criteria. For all outcome measures there were significant effects of treatment group (p < 0.0001 for all), with the greatest change in the EVT + thrombolysis group, then EVT only group, followed by thrombolysis only, followed by no intervention. Differences between EVT + thrombolysis and EVT only were not significant (p = 0.30 to 0.79 across outcomes). For patients with aphasia and/or right sided weakness before treatment, the percent change in language was significantly greater than the percent change in weakness (29.8% vs. 12.7%; t(93) = 5.3;p < 0.0001). Greater percent improvement in language was observed in all treatment groups (p = 0.0003 to 0.03 across treatment groups). After acute ischemic stroke due to LVO, improvements occur in all neurological functions with intervention. However, gains in language are even greater than gains in motor function in the same patients. Few patients had neglect before treatment, but of those who did, the majority improved, and most (92.8%) with EVT.

Research on three-dimensional path planning of unmanned aerial vehicle based on improved Whale Optimization Algorithm

Addressing the insufficient optimization performance in drone 3D path planning and the issues of inadequate optimization precision and tendency to fall into local optima in the existing Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), this paper proposes a drone 3D path planning method based on an improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (CSRD-WOA). Firstly, to enhance the search efficiency and fitness accuracy of the Whale Algorithm, the Cuckoo Search and Random Differential Strategy were introduced and compared with the traditional Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm, Whale Algorithm, and Cuckoo Search Algorithm. Experimental results demonstrate that the CSRD-WOA algorithm improves global search capabilities and prevents premature convergence, significantly enhancing optimization precision and convergence speed. Secondly, applying the CSRD-WOA algorithm to drone 3D path planning issues, the simulation results show that the CSRD-WOA algorithm can effectively manage path planning in complex terrains, showcasing its application potential in drone path planning.