bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences Regarding Knowledge of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Sexual Habits, and Behavior Between University Students of Medical and Nonmedical Professions in Serbia
Authors: Subotic Slobodan , Vukomanovic Vladimir , Djukic Svetlana , Radevic Svetlana , Radovanovic Snezana , Radulovic Danijela , Boricic Katarina , Andjelkovic Jelena , Tosic Pajic Jelena , Simic Vukomanovic Ivana
Published: January 2022

Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), sexual habits, and behavior among students of medical and nonmedical students in Serbia.

Methodology: The cross-sectional study of 1,273 university students of four undergraduate institutions in Serbia, two of medical and two of nonmedical orientation. A standardized questionnaire, prepared in line with the questionnaire of the European health research—the second wave (European Health Interview Survey—EHIS wave 2), according to defined internationally accepted indicators, was used as a survey instrument.

Results: Statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) between medical and nonmedical student groups was determined for the following parameters: naming four of five STIs (29.1 vs. 13.4%), knowledge about vaccines against some STIs (26.0 vs. 17.0%), relationship between HPV infection and cervical malignancy (48.2 vs. 16.7%) engaged in the sexual relations (87.9 vs. 76.4%), never used a condom (15.2 vs. 10.4%), underwent gynecological or urological examination (66.7 vs. 44.1%), and tested to one of STIs (10.5 vs. 4.9%).

Conclusion: Both student groups have limited knowledge on possible consequences that risky sexual behavior has for reproductive health. Promotion of knowledge about STIs, awareness of all complications, and consequences of these infections certainly affect the reduction of risky behavior.
Consumer Motivations for Adopting Omnichannel Retailing: A Safety-Driven Perspective in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Liu Feng , Fang Mingjie , Cai Lanhui , Su Miao , Wang Xueqin
Published: January 2022

This study aims to understand the influence of COVID-19 on consumers' fears and self-protection motivations. Furthermore, the study seeks to understand the effects of these fears and motivations on consumers' intentions to use omnichannel retailing. A modified theoretical model is proposed by integrating protection motivation theory (PMT) and extending the extended parallel process model (E-EPPM). A total of 398 valid questionnaires are collected and used for further structural equation modeling analysis. The results suggest that the perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, and health anxiety positively impact perceived fears surrounding COVID-19. Furthermore, it is found that perceived fear, self-efficacy, and response efficacy will affect the protection motivation of consumers and ultimately contribute to their behavioral intention to use omnichannel retailing. The findings theoretically enrich the research on COVID-19, PMT, and E-EPPM and empirically provide managerial implications for omnichannel retail service providers.
Mutation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Implications for Using Whole-Genome Sequencing for Investigating Recent Tuberculosis Transmission
Authors: Nelson Kristin N. , Talarico Sarah , Poonja Shameer , McDaniel Clinton J. , Cilnis Martin , Chang Alicia H. , Raz Kala , Noboa Wendy S. , Cowan Lauren , Shaw Tambi , Posey James , Silk Benjamin J.
Published: January 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) control programs use whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) for detecting and investigating TB case clusters. Existence of few genomic differences between Mtb isolates might indicate TB cases are the result of recent transmission. However, the variable and sometimes long duration of latent infection, combined with uncertainty in the Mtb mutation rate during latency, can complicate interpretation of WGS results. To estimate the association between infection duration and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) accumulation in the Mtb genome, we first analyzed pairwise SNP differences among TB cases from Los Angeles County, California, with strong epidemiologic links. We found that SNP distance alone was insufficient for concluding that cases are linked through recent transmission. Second, we describe a well-characterized cluster of TB cases in California to illustrate the role of genomic data in conclusions regarding recent transmission. Longer presumed latent periods were inconsistently associated with larger SNP differences. Our analyses suggest that WGS alone cannot be used to definitively determine that a case is attributable to recent transmission. Methods for integrating clinical, epidemiologic, and genomic data can guide conclusions regarding the likelihood of recent transmission, providing local public health practitioners with better tools for monitoring and investigating TB transmission.
Value-Based Healthcare From the Perspective of the Healthcare Professional: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: van Engen Veerle , Bonfrer Igna , Ahaus Kees , Buljac-Samardzic Martina
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Healthcare systems increasingly move toward “value-based healthcare” (VBHC), aiming to further improve quality and performance of care as well as the sustainable use of resources. Evidence about healthcare professionals' contributions to VBHC, experienced job demands and resources as well as employee well-being in VBHC is scattered. This systematic review synthesizes this evidence by exploring how VBHC relates to the healthcare professional, and vice versa.

Method: Seven databases were systematically searched for relevant studies. The search yielded 3,782 records, of which 45 were eligible for inclusion based on a two-step screening process using exclusion criteria performed by two authors independently. The quality of the included studies was appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Based on inductive thematic analysis, the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model was modified. Subsequently, this modified model was applied deductively for a second round of thematic analysis.

Results: Ten behaviors of healthcare professionals to enhance value in care were identified. These behaviors and associated changes in professionals' work content and work environment impacted the experienced job demands and resources and, in turn, employee well-being and job strain. This review revealed 16 constructs as job demand and/or job resource. Examples of these include role strain, workload and meaning in work. Four constructs related to employee well-being, including engagement and job satisfaction, and five constructs related to job strain, including exhaustion and concerns, were identified. A distinction was made between job demands and resources that were a pure characteristic of VBHC, and job demands and resources that resulted from environmental factors such as how care organizations shaped VBHC.

Conclusion and Discussion: This review shows that professionals experience substantial job demands and resources resulting from the move toward VBHC and their active role therein. Several job demands are triggered by an unsupportive organizational environment. Hence, increased organizational support may contribute to mitigating or avoiding adverse psychosocial factors and enhance positive psychosocial factors in a VBHC context. Further research to estimate the effects of VBHC on healthcare professionals is warranted.
Spillover Effect of the Internet on Trade Performance Based on a Vision of the Public's Sleep Health: A Spatial Study of the Global Network
Authors: Zhang Xiaotao , Huo Da , Meng Shuang , Li Junhang , Cai Zhicheng
Published: January 2022

This is the first study to analyze the spatial spillover effect of the internet on trade performance based on a vision of the public's sleep health. The internet's effect on trade performance has been enhanced in a new economy consisting of larger global markets. An overall improvement in health gradually impacts economic development. In this study, hierarchical modeling is applied to reveal the effect of the internet on trade performance at a fundamental level, and the effect of sleep health on trade performance at general level. The global network is structured by a spatial weight matrix based on the Mahalanobis distance of the internet and sleep health. Furthermore, spatial autoregressive modeling is applied to study the effect of the spatial weight matrix based on the Mahalanobis distance matrix of the internet and sleep health on trade performance. The spatial Durbin modeling is applied to further analyze the interaction effect of the spatial weight matrix and countries' factors on trade performance. It was found that the internet has a positive effect on trade performance, and good sleep health can be helpful to the spillover effect of the internet on trade performance. The interaction of the spatial weight matrix and gross domestic product (GDP) can further enhance the effect. This research can assist global managers to further understand the spatial spillover effect of the internet on trade performance based on a vision of the public's sleep health.
Nexus Between Foreign Direct Investment Inflow, Renewable Energy Consumption, Ambient Air Pollution, and Human Mortality: A Public Health Perspective From Non-linear ARDL Approach
Authors: Shah Muhammad Haroon , Salem Sultan , Ahmed Bilal , Ullah Irfan , Rehman Alam , Zeeshan Muhammad , Fareed Zeeshan
Published: January 2022

A huge foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow has been witnessed in China, though on the one hand, it brings a significant contribution to economic growth. On the other hand, it adversely affects the ambient air pollution that may affect human mortality in the country. Renewable energy (RE) usage meets the country's energy needs with no adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, this study is trying to empirically analyze the effect of FDI inflow on human morality and RE consumption in China. We used time-series data for 1998–2020 and applied a non-linear ARDL approach for the estimations. The empirical outcomes suggest that FDI inflow positively affects mortality and RE. There is also unidirectional causality running from RE and pollution to mortality. In addition, the relationship among the variable verifies the existence of a non-linear relationship. The government needs policy guidelines to further boost FDI inflow due to its positive aspects. However, to reduce the negative effect on the environment and human morality, the extensive usage of RE should be adopted. Indeed, proper legislation for foreign firms might be a good step toward quality environmental and longevity of human health in society.
Europan Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) for a Future Europa Lander Mission
Authors: Brinckerhoff William B. , Willis Peter A. , Ricco Antonio J. , Kaplan Desmond A. , Danell Ryan M. , Grubisic Andrej , Mora Maria F. , Creamer Jessica S. , Noell Aaron , Stern Jennifer , Szopa Cyril , Freissinet Caroline , Kehl Florian , Zamuruyev Konstantin , Castle Conner , Spring Justin , Drevinskas Tomas , Badescu Mircea , Ferreira Santos Mauro S. , Jaramillo Elizabeth A. , van Amerom Friso , Li Xiang , Castillo Marco , Eigenbrode Jennifer , Theiling Bethany , Quinn Richard C. , Stalport Fabien , Buch Arnaud , Zacny Kris
Published: January 2022

The Europan Molecular Indicators of Life Investigation (EMILI) is an instrument concept being developed for the Europa Lander mission currently under study. EMILI will meet and exceed the scientific and technical/resource requirements of the organic composition analyzer identified as a core instrument on the Lander. EMILI tightly couples two complementary analytical techniques, based on 1) liquid extraction and processing with capillary electrophoresis and 2) thermal and chemical extraction with gas chromatography, to robustly detect, structurally characterize, and quantify the broadest range of organics and other Europan chemicals over widely-varying concentrations. Dual processing and analysis paths enable EMILI to perform a thorough characterization of potential molecular biosignatures and contextual compounds in collected surface samples. Here we present a summary of the requirements, design, and development status of EMILI with projected scientific opportunities on the Europa Lander as well as on other potential life detection missions seeking potential molecular biosignatures in situ.
Predictors of Social Media Use in Two Family Generations
Authors: Tammisalo Kristiina , Danielsbacka Mirkka , Andersson Emilia , Tanskanen Antti O.
Published: January 2022

Older adults have recently begun to adopt social media in increasing numbers. Even so, little is known about the factors influencing older adults’ social media adoption. Here, we identify factors that predict the use of social media among older adults (aged 68–73) and compare them to those of their adult children (aged 19–56) using population-based data from Finland. As predictors for social media use, we utilized demographic factors as well as characteristics of the respondents’ social lives. In addition, we test whether social media use in older adults is predicted by the social media use of their adult children. The data used in this study uniquely enable the study of this question because actual parent-child dyads are identifiable. In both generations, women and those with higher education were more likely to use social media. Predictors specific to men of the older generation were being divorced and younger, and predictors specific to women of the older generation were having better health and more frequent contact with friends. A higher number of children predicted use in both men and women in the older generation. As for the younger generation, specific predictors for social media use in women were younger age, divorce, higher number of children, and more frequent contact with friends. For men in the younger generation, there were no significant predictors for social media use besides higher education, which predicted social media use in all groups. Finally, social media use in a parent representing the older generation was predicted by the social media use of their adult children. This study provides novel information on the predictors of the use of social media in two family generations.
Sleep Characteristics in Esport Players and Associations With Game Performance: Residual Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Moen Frode , Vatn Marte , Olsen Maja , Haugan Jan Arvid , Skalicka Vera
Published: January 2022

The current study aimed to examine sleep characteristics of esport players and the stipulated effects of game performance on consecutive sleep characteristics using residual dynamic structural equation modeling (RDSEM). A sample of 27 Counterstrike players with a mean age of 18½ years participated in the current study. Sleep was detected over a period of 56 days with a Somnofy sleep monitor that utilizes an impulse radio ultra-wideband puls radar and Dopler technology, and weekly game performance was reported by the players. The results showed that esport players' sleep characteristics were in the lower levels of recommended guidelines and that sleep onset started later and sleep offset ended later in the morning compared with athletes from other traditional sports. The esport players displayed stable patterns in sleep onset, sleep offset, time in bed, sleep efficiency and non-REM respiration rates per minute (NREM RPM). On the between-person level, esport players with better game performance spent more time sleeping (r = 0.55) and scored lower on NREM RPM (r = −0.44). Unstandardized within-person cross-lagged paths showed that better game performance predicted subsequent earlier sleep offset. The within-level standardized estimates of the cross-lagged paths revealed that participants with better game performance spent subsequently more time in deep sleep (0.20), less time in light sleep (−0.14), less time in bed (−0.16), and displayed lower NREM RPM (−0.21), earlier sleep offset (−0.21), and onset (−0.09). The findings of better game performance being related to better sleep are discussed in terms of existing knowledge on how stress responses elicitated by poor performance might impact on non-REM respiration rates and sleep.
Factors Associated With the Accuracy of Depth Gauge Measurements
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Xiao Joanna Xi , Zhao Chen , Li Xiaodong , Sun Guantong , Yang Fei , Wang Xiaoqing
Published: January 2022

Background: It is important to select appropriate screws in orthopedic surgeries, as excessively long or too short a screw may results failure of the surgeries. This study explored factors that affect the accuracy of measurements in terms of the experience of the surgeons, passage of drilled holes and different depth gauges.

Methods: Holes were drilled into fresh porcine femurs with skin in three passages, straight drilling through the metaphysis, straight drilling through the diaphysis, and angled drilling through the diaphysis. Surgeons with different surgical experiences measured the holes with the same depth gauge and using a vernier caliper as gold standard. The length of selected screws, and the time each surgeon spent were recorded. The measurement accuracy was compared based on the experiences of the surgeons and the passage of drilled holes. Further, parameters of depth gauges and 12-mm cortical bone screws from five different manufacturers were measured.

Results: A total of 13 surgeons participated in 585 measurements in this study, and each surgeon completed 45 measurements. For the surgeons in the senior, intermediate, and junior groups, the average time spent in measurements was 689, 833, and 785 s with an accuracy of 57.0, 42.2, and 31.5%, respectively. The accuracy and measurement efficiency were significantly different among the groups of surgeons (P < 0.001). The accuracy of measurements was 45.1% for straight metaphyseal drilling, 43.6% for straight diaphyseal drilling, and 33.3% for angled diaphyseal drilling (P = 0.036). Parameters of depth gauges and screws varied among different manufacturers.

Conclusion: Both observer factor and objective factors could affect the accuracy of depth gauge measurement. Increased surgeon's experience was associated with improvements in the accuracy rate and measurement efficiency of drilled holes based on the depth gauge. The accuracy rate varied with hole passages, being the lowest for angled drilled holes.
Similar Efficacy of Arthroscopy and Arthrotomy in Infection Eradication in the Treatment of Septic Knee: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Zhimin , Deng Xiaofan , Li Lingli , Wang Jing
Published: January 2022

Aim: To compare the arthroscopy vs. arthrotomy for the treatment of native knee septic arthritis.

Methods: Electronic databases of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies. Retrospective comparative studies comparing arthroscopy or arthrotomy for patients with septic arthritis of the native knee were eligible for this review. The primary outcome was recurrence of infection after first procedure. The secondary outcomes included hospital length of stay, operative time, range of motion of the involved knee after surgery, overall complications and mortality rate,

Results: Thirteen trials were included in this study. There were a total of 2,162 septic arthritis knees treated with arthroscopic debridement and irrigation, and 1,889 septic arthritis knees treated with open debridement and irrigation. Arthroscopy and arthrotomy management of the knee septic arthritis showed comparable rate of reinfection (OR = 0.85; 95% CI, 0.57–1.27; P = 0.44). No significant difference was observed in hospital length of stay, operative time and mortality rate between arthroscopy and arthrotomy management group, while arthroscopy treatment was associated with significantly higher knee range of motion and lower complication rate when compared with arthrotomy treatment.

Conclusion: Arthroscopy and arthrotomy showed similar efficacy in infection eradication in the treatment of native septic knee. However, arthroscopy treatment was associated with better postoperative functional recovery and lower complication rate.
Genetic Diversity in the Italian Holstein Dairy Cattle Based on Pedigree and SNP Data Prior and After Genomic Selection
Authors: Ablondi Michela , Sabbioni Alberto , Stocco Giorgia , Cipolat-Gotet Claudio , Dadousis Christos , Kaam Jan-Thijs van , Finocchiaro Raffaella , Summer Andrea
Published: January 2022

Genetic diversity has become an urgent matter not only in small local breeds but also in more specialized ones. While the use of genomic data in livestock breeding programs increased genetic gain, there is increasing evidence that this benefit may be counterbalanced by the potential loss of genetic variability. Thus, in this study, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity in the Italian Holstein dairy cattle using pedigree and genomic data from cows born between 2002 and 2020. We estimated variation in inbreeding, effective population size, and generation interval and compared those aspects prior to and after the introduction of genomic selection in the breed. The dataset contained 84,443 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and 74,485 cows were analyzed. Pedigree depth based on complete generation equivalent was equal to 10.67. A run of homozygosity (ROH) analysis was adopted to estimate SNP-based inbreeding (FROH). The average pedigree inbreeding was 0.07, while the average FROH was more than double, being equal to 0.17. The pattern of the effective population size based on pedigree and SNP data was similar although different in scale, with a constant decrease within the last five generations. The overall inbreeding rate (ΔF) per year was equal to +0.27% and +0.44% for Fped and FROH throughout the studied period, which corresponded to about +1.35% and +2.2% per generation, respectively. A significant increase in the ΔF was found since the introduction of genomic selection in the breed. This study in the Italian Holstein dairy cattle showed the importance of controlling the loss of genetic diversity to ensure the long-term sustainability of this breed, as well as to guarantee future market demands.
An Improved Synthetic Eddy Method for Generating Inlet Turbulent Boundary Layers
Authors: Xiong Dapeng , Yang Yinxin , Wang Yanan
Published: January 2022

An improved synthetic eddy method (SEM) is proposed in this paper for generating the boundary layer at the inlet of a computational domain via direct numerical simulation. The improved SEM modified the definition of the radius and the velocities of the eddies according to the distance of the eddies from the wall in the synthetic region. The regeneration location of the eddies is also redefined. The simulation results show that the improved SEM generates turbulent fluctuations that closely match the DNS results of the experiments. The skin friction coefficient of the improved SEM recovers much faster and has lower dimensionless velocity at the outer of the boundary layer than that of the traditional SEM.
OTUD7A Regulates Inflammation- and Immune-Related Gene Expression in Goose Fatty Liver
Authors: Zhao Minmeng , Wen Kang , Fan Xiang , Sun Qingyun , Jauregui Diego , K. Khogali Mawahib , Liu Long , Geng Tuoyu , Gong Daoqing
Published: January 2022

OTU deubiquitinase 7A (OTUD7A) can suppress inflammation signaling pathways, but it is unclear whether the gene can inhibit inflammation in goose fatty liver. In order to investigate the functions of OTUD7A and identify the genes and pathways subjected to the regulation of OTUD7A in the formation of goose fatty liver, we conducted transcriptomic analysis of cells, which revealed several genes related to inflammation and immunity that were significantly differentially expressed after OTUD7A overexpression. Moreover, the expression of interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5 (IFIT5), tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 8 (TNFSF8), sterile alpha motif domain-containing protein 9 (SAMD9), radical S-adenosyl methionine domain-containing protein 2 (RSAD2), interferon-induced GTP-binding protein Mx1 (MX1), and interferon-induced guanylate binding protein 1-like (GBP1) was inhibited by OTUD7A overexpression but induced by OTUD7A knockdown with small interfering RNA in goose hepatocytes. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of IFIT5, TNFSF8, SAMD9, RSAD2, MX1, and GBP1 was downregulated, whereas OTUD7A expression was upregulated in goose fatty liver after 12 days of overfeeding. In contrast, the expression patterns of these genes showed nearly the opposite trend after 24 days of overfeeding. Taken together, these findings indicate that OTUD7A regulates the expression of inflammation- and immune-related genes in the development of goose fatty liver.
Automatic Classification of the Ripeness Stage of Mango Fruit Using a Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Worasawate Denchai , Sakunasinha Panarit , Chiangga Surasak
Published: January 2022

Most mango farms classify the maturity stage manually by trained workers using external indicators such as size, shape, and skin color, which can lead to human error or inconsistencies. We developed four common machine learning (ML) classifiers, the k-mean, naïve Bayes, support vector machine, and feed-forward artificial neural network (FANN), all of which were aimed at classifying the ripeness stage of mangoes at harvest. The ML classifiers were trained on biochemical data and then tested on physical and electrical data.The performance of the ML models was compared using fourfold cross validation. The FANN classifier performed the best, with a mean accuracy of 89.6% for unripe, ripe, and overripe classes, when compared to the other classifiers.
Marketing and Distribution System Foster Misuse of Antibiotics in the Community: Insights from Drugs Wholesalers in India
Authors: Kotwani Anita , Bhanot Arti , Singal Girdhari Lal , Gandra Sumanth
Published: January 2022

Antibiotic misuse is one of the major drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In India, evidence of antibiotic misuse comes largely from retailers as well as formal and informal healthcare providers (IHCPs). This paper presents the practices and perspectives of drug wholesalers, a critical link between manufacturers and last-mile dispensers. Four experienced wholesalers and an ex-State Drug Controller (ex-SDC) were interviewed in depth, using semi-structured guides in the National Capital Region of Delhi, India, between November 2020 and January 2021. Four main findings were that wholesalers (i) have limited knowledge about wholesale licensing and practice regulations, as well as a limited understanding of AMR; (ii) directly supply and sell antibiotics to IHCPs; (iii) facilitate medical representatives (MRs) of pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers in their strategies to promote antibiotics use in the community; and (iv) blame other stakeholders for unlawful sale and overuse of antibiotics. Some of the potential solutions aimed at wholesalers include having a minimum education qualification for licensing and mandatory Good Distribution Practices certification programs. Decoupling incentives by pharmaceutical companies from sales targets to improve ethical sales practices for MRs and optimize antibiotic use by IHCPs could alleviate wholesalers’ indirect actions in promoting antibiotic misuse.
Factors Affecting Antibiotic Prescription among Hospital Physicians in a Low-Antimicrobial-Resistance Country: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Christensen Ingrid , Haug Jon Birger , Berild Dag , Bjørnholt Jørgen Vildershøj , Skodvin Brita , Jelsness-Jørgensen Lars-Petter
Published: January 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a threat to hospital patients. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) can counteract AMR. To optimize ASPs, we need to understand what affects physicians’ antibiotic prescription from several contexts. In this study, we aimed to explore the factors affecting hospital physicians’ antibiotic choices in a low-resistance country to identify potential targets for future ASPs. We interviewed 14 physicians involved in antibiotic prescription in a Norwegian hospital. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The main factors affecting antibiotic prescription were a high work pressure, insufficient staff resources, and uncertainties regarding clinical decisions. Treatment expectations from patients and next of kin, benevolence towards the patients, suboptimal microbiological testing, and limited time for infectious disease specialists to offer advisory services also affected the antibiotic choices. Future ASP efforts should evaluate the system organization and prioritizations to address and manage potential time-pressure issues. To limit the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, improving microbiology testing and the routines for consultations with infectious disease specialists seems beneficial. We also identified a need among the prescribing physicians for a debate on ethical antibiotic questions.
The Role of H2O2-Scavenging Enzymes (Ascorbate Peroxidase and Catalase) in the Tolerance of Lemna minor to Antibiotics: Implications for Phytoremediation
Authors: Gomes Marcelo Pedrosa , Kitamura Rafael Shinji Akiyama , Marques Raizza Zorman , Barbato Marcello Locatelli , Zámocký Marcel
Published: January 2022

We investigated the individual and combined contributions of two distinct heme proteins namely, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) on the tolerance of Lemna minor plants to antibiotics. For our investigation, we used specific inhibitors of these two H2O2-scavenging enzymes (p-aminophenol, 3-amino,1,2,4-triazole, and salicylic acid). APX activity was central for the tolerance of this aquatic plant to amoxicillin (AMX), whereas CAT activity was important for avoiding oxidative damage when exposed to ciprofloxacin (CIP). Both monitored enzymes had important roles in the tolerance of Lemna minor to erythromycin (ERY). The use of molecular kinetic approaches to detect and increase APX and/or CAT scavenging activities could enhance tolerance, and, therefore, improve the use of L. minor plants to reclaim antibiotics from water bodies.
Application of Infrared Thermography in an Adequate Reusability Analysis of Photovoltaic Modules Affected by Hail
Authors: Glavaš Hrvoje , Žnidarec Matej , Šljivac Damir , Veić Nikola
Published: January 2022

Infrared thermography, in the analysis of photovoltaic (PV) power plants, is a mature technical discipline. In the event of a hailstorm that leaves the PV system without the support of the power grid (and a significant portion of the generation potential), thermography is the easiest way to determine the condition of the modules and revive the existing system with the available resources. This paper presents research conducted on a 30 kW part of a 420 kW PV power plant, and demonstrates the procedure for inspecting visually correct modules that have suffered from a major natural disaster. The severity of the disaster is shown by the fact that only 14% of the PV modules at the test site remained intact. Following the recommendations of the standard IEC TS 62446-3, a thermographic analysis was performed. The thermographic analysis was preceded by an analysis of the I-V curve, which was presented in detail using two characteristic modules as examples. I-V curve measurements are necessary to relate the measured values of the radiation and the measured contact temperature of the module to the thermal patterns. The analysis concluded that soiled modules must be cleaned, regardless of the degree of soiling. The test results clearly indicated defective module elements that would result in a safety violation if reused. The research shows that the validity criterion defined on the basis of the analysis of the reference module can be supplemented, but can also be replaced by a statistical analysis of several modules. The comparison between the thermographic analysis and the visual inspection clearly confirmed thermography as a complementary method for testing PV-s.
Identifying Key Characteristics of Business Rules That Affect Software Project Success
Authors: Vavpotič Damjan , Kalibatiene Diana , Vasilecas Olegas , Hovelja Tomaž
Published: January 2022

Today, businesses need to continuously adjust to a dynamic environment. Enterprises have to deal with global competition and technological advances, meet government regulations, and keep their expenses under control. Under these pressures, enterprises need to implement and improve software that supports and helps to evolve their business. However, as practice shows, software implementation projects are complex, and a considerable percentage of them do not meet business requirements. Therefore, a business needs to manage software implementation properly. Existing research shows that using business rules (BR) in software implementation projects helps to ensure its success. The purpose of our study is to advance the understanding of how BR affect software implementation success, namely, which key characteristics of BR are the most important. To achieve this goal, the top thousand enterprises in Slovenia, by added value, facing typical software implementation projects were surveyed. The obtained results show that BR that are specifically prepared for a particular project and easy to understand have a statistically significant positive effect on software implementation project success.
Complex Variable Solution for Stress and Displacement of Layered Soil with Finite Thickness
Authors: Sha Xiangyu , Lu Aizhong , Cai Hui , Yin Chonglin
Published: January 2022

The static problem of a layered isotropic elastic body is a very useful research subject in relation to the analysis and design of foundation works. Due to the complexity of the problem, there is no analytical solution to the problem so far. This study provides an efficient analytical approach to accurately calculate the displacement and stress fields of the soil. The constraints of bedrock on soil, different soil layer thickness and the shear stress of the foundation on soil were all taken into account in the analysis. In this study, each layer is regarded as an isotropic elastomer with infinite width, and the layers are in complete contact. By using conformal mapping, each layer is mapped to a unit circle, and the two complex potential functions are expanded into Taylor series with unknown coefficients. These unknown coefficients are obtained by satisfying boundary conditions and continuity conditions. The boundary and continuity conditions were verified in this paper. As a validation step, we compared the analytical results for the settlement with the results of the ANSYS numerical simulations and found good agreement. Parametric analyses were also carried out to investigate the influence of different distribution forms of base pressure on surface settlement, and the effects of layered properties on the surface settlement and stress field.
Gain Equalization for Few-Mode Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers via Strong Mode Coupling
Authors: Liu Yaping , Yang Zhiqun , Wang Xutao , Jung Yongmin , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2022

Few-mode erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (FM-EDFAs) are one of the most important optical subsystems for successful space division multiplexed transmission systems. In this paper, we propose a new FM-EDFA designed to achieve significantly reduced differential modal gain (DMG) via strong mode coupling. Using a new numerical model based on a fiber transfer matrix, the DMGs of FM-EDFAs are systematically investigated and two different types of six-mode fiber amplifiers are analyzed, as exemplar demonstrations. In a uniformly doped step-index fiber, the DMG can be reduced from 9.3 to 1.1 dB (i.e., 8.2 dB reduction) and further reduced to 0.5 dB in a dual-layer doping structure.
A Simple Technique Using a Modified Nance Appliance as Anchorage for Maxillary Molar Distalization—Two Case Reports
Authors: Li Chenshuang , Chung Chun-Hsi
Published: January 2022

Maxillary molar distalization to correct a dental Class II molar relationship and to create space to relieve crowding has been a long-lasting subject of debate in orthodontics. Generally, to distalize maxillary molars, an intra-arch distalization appliance is favored over an inter-arch appliance since it does not utilize mandibular dentition as an anchorage, so some unwanted side effects on mandibular incisors can be avoided. A variety of intra-arch appliances have been developed to distalize maxillary molars, such as the pendulum, Jones jig, first class appliance, distal jet, and modified C-palatal plate. Although they could achieve efficient molar distalization, the learning curve of proper appliance insertion and activation is relatively long. In addition, the appliances are not comfortable for the patients due to the bulky activation units, especially when the activation units are designed in the palatal area. The current manuscript describes a novel and effective maxillary intra-arch molar distalization appliance—a modified Nance appliance technique, which consists of: (1) palatally, a big acrylic button against the palatal rugae and connected to the premolars with wide mesh pads; (2) buccally, regular brackets on maxillary premolars and first molars with sectional round stainless steel archwires and open coil springs between the second premolar and first molar. Either bilateral or unilateral maxillary molar distalization can be achieved with this appliance, and the Class II elastics are not needed. It is simple to be fabricated, delivered, and activated, and it is comfortable for patients.
Biocompatibility and Antioxidant Capabilities of Carbon Dots Obtained from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Rodríguez-Varillas Sandra , Fontanil Tania , Obaya Álvaro J. , Fernández-González Alfonso , Murru Clarissa , Badía-Laíño Rosana
Published: January 2022

Since their discovery in 2004, carbon dots have attracted strong interest in the scientific community due to their characteristic properties, particularly their luminescence and their ease of synthesis and derivatization. Carbon dots can be obtained from different carbon sources, including natural products, resulting in a so-called ’green synthesis’. In this work, we obtain carbon dots from tomato juice in order to obtain nanoparticles with the antioxidant capabilities of the natural antioxidants present in that fruit. The obtained material is characterized regarding nanoparticle size distribution, morphology, surface functional groups and optic properties. Antioxidant properties are also evaluated through the DPPH method and their cytotoxicity is checked against human dermal fibroblast and A549 cell-lines. The results indicate that carbon dots obtained from tomato have a higher antioxidant power than other already-published antioxidant carbon dots. The bandgap of the synthesized materials was also estimated and coherent with the literature values. Moreover, carbon dots obtained from tomato juice are barely toxic for healthy cells up to 72 h, while they induce a certain cytotoxicity in A549 lung carcinoma cells.
How Does the Addition of Biostimulants Affect the Growth, Yield, and Quality Parameters of the Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)? How Is This Reflected in Its Nutritional Value?
Authors: El Sheikha Aly Farag , Allam Ayman Younes , Taha Mohamed , Varzakas Theodoros
Published: January 2022

Recently, the use of biostimulants as natural and eco-friendly fertilizers has received increasing attention because of their efficiency in terms of improving crops’ qualitative and quantitative parameters, i.e., growth, yield, and chemical composition. We studied the effect of four biostimulants—humic acid (20 g/L), vermicompost tea (15 mL/L), moringa leaf extract (1:30 v/v), and yeast extract (5 g/L), with tap water as a control treatment—on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of snap beans. The experiment was designed using a complete randomized block with triplicates. The results showed a significant improvement in treated plant performance (growth and yield), chlorophyll, and chemical composition compared to untreated plants. Using moringa leaf extract increased the plant height, number of leaves and branches/plant, and fresh and dry weight. Additionally, the diameter of the treated plant stems and the quality of the crop and pods were also significantly higher than those of plants treated with vermicompost or humic acid extract. It is also noted that the profile of amino acids was improved using all tested biostimulants. This leads to the conclusion that the addition of moringa leaf extract and vermicompost tea not only positively affects the qualitative and quantitative properties of snap bean but is also reflected in its nutritional value as a plant-based food.
Nosemosis Prevention and Control
Authors: Formato Giovanni , Rivera-Gomis Jorge , Bubnic Jernej , Martín-Hernández Raquel , Milito Marcella , Croppi Sofia , Higes Mariano
Published: January 2022

Nosemosis is a serious microsporidian disease of adult European honey bees caused by the spore-forming unicellular fungi Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. In this paper we describe the currently known techniques for nosemosis prevention and control including Good Beekeeping Practices (GBPs) and biosecurity measures (BMBs). Topics such as queen renewal, nosema-resistant bees and hygienic and control methods are described. Strong efforts are currently provided to find more a sustainable solution than the use of antibiotics. So far, it seems that the best way to approach nosemosis is given by an “integrated pest management strategy”, which foresees the contemporary application of different, specific GBPs and BMBs.
The Urban CoCreation Lab—An Integrated Platform for Remote and Simultaneous Collaborative Urban Planning and Design through Web-Based Desktop 3D Modeling, Head-Mounted Virtual Reality and Mobile Augmented Reality: Prototyping a Minimum Viable Product and Developing Specifications for a Minimum Marketable Product
Authors: Imottesjo Hyekyung , Kain Jaan-Henrik
Published: January 2022

Both policy and research highlight the importance of diverse stakeholder input in urban development processes but visualizing future built environments and creating two-way design communication for non-expert stakeholders are challenging. The present study develops an intuitive and simplified 3D modeling platform that integrates web-based desktop, virtual reality and mobile augmented reality technologies for remote simultaneous urban design collaboration. Through iterative prototyping, based on two series of workshops with stakeholders, the study resulted in such an integrated platform as a minimum viable product as well as specifications for a minimum marketable product to be used in real projects. Further study is required to evaluate the minimum level of detail in the 3D modeling necessary for good perception of scale and environmental impact simulation.
Design and Development of Maritime Data Security Management Platform
Authors: Zhang Yunong , Zhang Anmin , Zhang Dianjun , Kang Zhen , Liang Yi
Published: January 2022

Since the e-Navigation strategy was put forward, various countries and regions in the world have researched e-Navigation test platforms. However, the sources of navigation data are multi-source, and there are still difficulties in the unified acquisition, processing, analysis and application of multi-source data. Users often find it difficult to obtain the required comprehensive navigation information. The purpose of this paper is to use e-Navigation architecture to design and develop maritime data security management platform, strengthen navigation safety guarantee, strengthen Marine environment monitoring, share navigation and safety information, improve the ability of shipping transportation organizations in ports, and protect the marine environment. Therefore, this paper proposes a four-layer system architecture based on Java 2 Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE) technology, and designs a unified maritime data storage, analysis and management platform, which realizes the intelligent, visualized and modular management of maritime data at shipside and the shore. This platform can provide comprehensive data resource services for ship navigation and support the analysis and mining of maritime big data. This paper expounds on the design, development scheme and demonstration operation scheme of the maritime data security management platform from the system structure and data exchange mode.
Analysis and Prediction Model of Fuel Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emissions of Light-Duty Vehicles
Authors: Hien Ngo Le Huy , Kor Ah-Lian
Published: January 2022

Due to the alarming rate of climate change, fuel consumption and emission estimates are critical in determining the effects of materials and stringent emission control strategies. In this research, an analytical and predictive study has been conducted using the Government of Canada dataset, containing 4973 light-duty vehicles observed from 2017 to 2021, delivering a comparative view of different brands and vehicle models by their fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Based on the findings of the statistical data analysis, this study makes evidence-based recommendations to both vehicle users and producers to reduce their environmental impacts. Additionally, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) and various regression models have been built to estimate fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for future vehicle designs. This study reveals that the Univariate Polynomial Regression model is the best model for predictions from one vehicle feature input, with up to 98.6% accuracy. Multiple Linear Regression and Multivariate Polynomial Regression are good models for predictions from multiple vehicle feature inputs, with approximately 75% accuracy. Convolutional Neural Network is also a promising method for prediction because of its stable and high accuracy of around 70%. The results contribute to the quantifying process of energy cost and air pollution caused by transportation, followed by proposing relevant recommendations for both vehicle users and producers. Future research should aim towards developing higher performance models and larger datasets for building APIs and applications.
Simulation Model of PV Module Built from Point-Focusing Fresnel Radiation Concentrators and Three-Junction High-Performance Cells
Authors: Sarniak Mariusz T.
Published: January 2022

The silicon photovoltaic modules that dominate the market today are constantly being modified, but at the same time, the search for new, more efficient design solutions is underway. The study examined a less popular photovoltaic module built from point-focusing Fresnel radiation concentrators and high-efficiency three-junction cells. The advantage of this type of module is its high overall efficiency, exceeding 30%. The disadvantage is that they require biaxial precision tracking mechanisms because even a small deviation of the direction of direct solar radiation from the perpendicular to the module’s surface causes a large and abrupt drop in efficiency. This type of photovoltaic module structure is often also marked with the symbol C3PV. A mathematical model and simulation calculations were carried out in the Matlab/Simulink package for the C3PV module—the CX-75/200 model based on the “Solar Cell” component. The concentration of direct solar radiation was taken into account. For the module under consideration, experimental and simulation results show the necessity of accurate positioning concerning the direction of solar radiation—deviation of the radiation angle by about 5° causes a very high power loss (by about 92%).