bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Searching for Culture in “Cultural Capital”: The Case for a Mixed Methods Approach to Production Facility Siting
Authors: Boglioli Marc , Mueller Daniel W. , Strauss Sarah , Hoard Season , Beeton Tyler A , Budowle Rachael
Published: January 2022

Site selection modeling receives much attention in the aviation biofuels literature to ensure sustainability of the aviation biofuel supply chain. These models seek to reflect the multitude of factors and conditions necessary for supply chain success. Social factors impacting that success have received increasingly greater attention but are often excluded due to difficulties in obtaining accurate and standard measures. Some of the most promising work in this arena utilizes a “community capitals approach” to create statistically grounded decision support tools (DSTs) intended to provide rapid assessment of the social characteristics of potential facility locations. Despite the value of the community capitals approach, this methodology is still marked by inconsistent predictivity due to an inability to reliably assess the cultural and historical nuances of local communities that are so vitally important to the long-term viability of these costly projects. This paper more fully examines the Community Assets and Attributes Model (CAAM) that has been developed and applied in the Pacific Northwest to incorporate social assets in site selection modeling. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Colorado and Wyoming dealing with biomass/bioenergy facility siting, we argue that cultural capital, a key component of the CAAM, is biased to urban locations due to the measurements incorporated. As a result of this bias, current site selection modeling based on the Community Capitals Framework (CCF) does not accurately reflect rural community assets. We assert that the CAAM does not actually measure cultural capital but a product of cultural capital, namely creativity, and innovation Our mixed methods approach that combines quantitative assessment with ethnographic research highlights the limits of the CAAM by revealing that local residents in largely rural counties showed willingness to innovate in some cases but in others referred to history with similar industries that may limit support. The quantitative cultural capital measurements of the CAAM for the four counties we examine, which range in scores from −0.53 to 2, do not capture these dynamics. These scores would generally suggest moderate to high levels of support for biomass/bioenergy facilities, but the ethnographic research provides nuance for or against support that are not reflected in the quantitative capital scores. This suggests that the quantitative CAAM scores could be misleading without added qualitative context. This work demonstrates that a mixed methods approach, combining ethnographic and historical methodologies with existing quantitative community capital approaches, will produce a more effective predictive methodology for facility siting due to its heightened ability to gather critical data on place-based values, beliefs, and historical legacies relating to natural resource development in general, and the timber industry specifically.
Formulating Operational Mitigation Options and Examining Intra-Urban Social Inequality Using Evidence-Based Urban Warming Effects
Authors: Zhu Yuanhui , Myint Soe W. , Schaffer-Smith Danica , Muenich Rebecca L. , Tong Daoqin , Li Yubin
Published: January 2022

Human-induced climate change is bringing warmer conditions to the Southwestern United States. More extreme urban heat island (UHI) effects are not distributed equally, and often impact socioeconomically vulnerable populations the most. This study aims to quantify how land surface temperature (LST) changes with increasing green vegetation landscapes, identify disparities in urban warming exposure, and provide a method for developing evidence-based mitigation options. ECOSTRESS LST products, detailed land use and land cover (LULC) classes, and socioeconomic variables were used to facilitate the analysis. We examined the relationship between LST and the fractions of LULC and socioeconomic factors in the city of Phoenix, Arizona. A machine learning approach (Random Forest) was used to model LST changes by taking the LULC fractions (scenario-based approaches) as the explanatory variables. We found that vegetation features—trees, grass, and shrubs—were the most important factors mitigating UHI effects during the summer daytime. Trees tended to lower surface temperature more effectively, whereas we observed elevated daytime LST most often near roads. Meanwhile, higher summer daytime temperatures were observed on land with unmanaged soil compared to the built environment. We found that affluent neighborhoods experienced lower temperatures, while low-income communities experienced higher temperatures. Scenario analyses suggest that replacing 50% of unmanaged soil with trees could reduce average summer daytime temperatures by 1.97°C if the intervention was implemented across all of Phoenix and by 1.43°C if implemented within the urban core only. We suggest that native trees requiring little to no additional water other than rainfall should be considered. We quantify mitigation options for urban warming effect under vegetation management interventions, and our results provide some vital insight into existing disparities in UHI impacts. Future UHI mitigation strategies seriously need to consider low-income communities to improve environmental justice. These can be used to guide the development of sustainable and equitable policies for vegetation management to mitigate heat exposure impacts on communities.
Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the Ascorbate Peroxidase (APX) Gene Family of Winter Rapeseed (Brassica rapa L.) Under Abiotic Stress
Authors: Ma Li , Qi Weiliang , Bai Jing , Li Haiyun , Fang Yan , Xu Jia , Xu Yaozhao , Zeng Xiucun , Pu Yuanyuan , Wang Wangtian , Liu Lijun , Li Xuecai , Sun Wancang , Wu Junyan
Published: January 2022

Winter Brassica rapa (B. rapa) is an important oilseed crop in northern China, but the mechanism of its cold resistance remains unclear. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) plays important roles in the response of this plant to abiotic stress and in scavenging free radicals. In this study, the roles of APX proteins in the cold response and superoxide metabolism pathways in rapeseed species were investigated, and a comprehensive analysis of phylogeny, chromosome distribution, motif identification, sequence structure, gene duplication, and RNA-seq expression profiles in the APX gene family was conducted. Most BrAPX genes were specifically expressed under cold stress and behaved significantly differently in cold-tolerant and weakly cold-resistant varieties. Quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) was also used to verify the differences in expression between these two varieties under cold, freezing, drought and heat stress. The expression of five BrAPX genes was significantly upregulated in growth cones at 3 h of cold stress, while their expression was significantly lower at 24 h than at 3 h. The expression of Bra015403 and Bra003918 was significantly higher in “Longyou-7” growth cones than in other treatments. Five BrAPXs (Bra035235, Bra003918, Bra033040, Bra017120, and Bra031934) were closely associated with abiotic stress responses in B. rapa. These candidate genes may play important roles in the response of B. rapa to low temperature stress and provide new information for the elucidation of the cold resistance mechanism in B. rapa.
miRNA–mRNA Integrative Analysis Reveals the Roles of miRNAs in Hypoxia-Altered Embryonic Development- and Sex Determination-Related Genes of Medaka Fish
Authors: Lai Keng Po , Tam Nathan Yi Kan , Chen Yuelong , Leung Chi Tim , Lin Xiao , Tsang Chau Fong , Kwok Yin Cheung , Tse William Ka Fai , Cheng Shuk Han , Chan Ting Fung , Kong Richard Yuen Chong
Published: January 2022

Recent studies have shown hypoxia to be an endocrine disruptor that impairs sex differentiation and reproductive function, leading to male-biased F1 populations in fish. However, the molecular mechanisms through which hypoxia alters fish sex differentiation and therefore sex ratios remain poorly understood. In order to understand the potential role of miRNAs in mediating hypoxia-altered sex determination and differentiation in fish, we conducted small RNA sequencing and transcriptome sequencing on marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) embryos that were exposed to hypoxia (2.0 ± 0.2 mg O2 L–1) for 40 h (encompassing a critical window of sex determination). We identified dysregulated miRNAs and mRNAs in the hypoxia-exposed embryo, and bioinformatic analysis of the integrative small RNA sequencing and transcriptome sequencing results revealed hypoxia to cause alterations of genes related to embryonic development through miRNA regulation. Importantly, we have identified miRNA-mRNA pairs that were reported to play roles in gonad development (novel miR-145-col9a3 and novel miRNA-94- arid5b), in sex hormone response (novel miRNA-210-ca2, novel miRNA-106-nr2f2, nbr-miR-29c-nr4a1, and ola-miR-92b-akr1d1), and in sex characteristic development (novel miRNA-145-mns1, nle-miR-20-sord, and ipu-miR-219b-abcc8). Our findings highlighted the possible roles of miRNA–mRNA in regulation of embryonic development and sex determination in response to hypoxic stress.
Whole Body Vibration Improves Spatial Memory, Anxiety-Like Behavior, and Motor Performance in Aged Male and Female Rats
Authors: Oroszi Tamás , Geerts Eva , de Boer Sietse F. , Schoemaker Regien G. , van der Zee Eddy A. , Nyakas Csaba
Published: January 2022

Aging is a progressive process leading to functional decline in many domains. Recent studies have shown that physical exercise (PE) has a positive influence on the progression of age-related functional decline, including motor and brain functions. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a form of passive stimulation by mechanical vibration platforms, which offers an alternative for PE interventions, especially for aged individuals. WBV has been demonstrated to mimic the beneficial effects of PE on the musculoskeletal system, as well on the central nervous system. However, preclinical data with aged rodents are very limited. Hence, the purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of a 5-week WBV intervention with an aged animal model on memory functions, anxiety-related behavior, and motor performance. The 18-month old male (N = 14) and female (N = 14) Wistar rats were divided into two groups, namely, vibration and pseudo-vibration. Animals underwent a 5-week WBV intervention protocol with low intensity (frequency of 30 Hz and amplitude of 50–200 μm) stimulation. After 5 weeks, the following cognitive and motor tests were administered: open-field, novel and spatial object recognition, grip-hanging, and balance-beam. WBV-treated rats showed a decrease in their anxiety level in the open field test compared with those in the pseudo-treated controls. In addition, WBV-treated male animals showed significantly increased rearing in the open-field test compared to their pseudo controls. Spatial memory was significantly improved by WBV treatment, whereas WBV had no effect on object memory. Regarding motor performance, both grip strength and motor coordination were improved by WBV treatment. Our results indicate that WBV seems to have comparable beneficial effects on age-related emotional, cognitive, and motor decline as what has been reported for active PE. No striking differences were found between the sexes. As such, these findings further support the idea that WBV could be considered as a useful alternative for PE in case active PE cannot be performed due to physical or mental issues.
A Perspective on Nrf2 Signaling Pathway for Neuroinflammation: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases
Authors: Saha Sarmistha , Buttari Brigitta , Profumo Elisabetta , Tucci Paolo , Saso Luciano
Published: January 2022

Neuroinflammation plays a pivotal role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), the leading causes of dementia. These neurological disorders are characterized by the accumulation of misfolded proteins such as amyloid-ß (Aß), tau protein and α-synuclein, contributing to mitochondrial fragmentation, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Misfolded proteins activate microglia, which induces neuroinflammation, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and subsequently facilitates synaptic damage and neuronal loss. So far, all the proposed drugs were based on the inhibition of protein aggregation and were failed in clinical trials. Therefore, the treatment options of dementia are still a challenging issue. Thus, it is worthwhile to study alternative therapeutic strategies. In this context, there is increasing data on the pivotal role of transcription factor NF- E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) on the redox homeostasis and anti-inflammatory functions in neurodegenerative disorders. Interestingly, Nrf2 signaling pathway has shown upregulation of antioxidant genes, inhibition of microglia-mediated inflammation, and improved mitochondrial function in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting Nrf2 activation could be a novel therapeutic approach to target pathogenesis. The present review will examine the correlation between Nrf2 signaling with neuroinflammation in AD and PD.
Peri-Ictal Autonomic Control of Cardiac Function and Seizure-Induced Death
Authors: Wenker Ian C. , Blizzard Elizabeth A. , Wagley Pravin K. , Patel Manoj K.
Published: January 2022

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for the deaths of 8–17% of patients with epilepsy. Although the mechanisms of SUDEP are unknown, one proposed mechanism is abnormal control of the heart by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Our objective was to determine whether the broad changes in ictal heart rate experienced by mouse models of SUDEP are (1) due to the ANS and (2) contribute to seizure-induced death. Seizures were induced by electrical stimulation of the hippocampus of a mouse carrying the human SCN8A encephalopathy mutation p.Asn1768Asp (N1768D; “D/+ mice”). Using standard autonomic pharmacology, the relative roles of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems on heart rate changes associated with seizures were determined. All induced seizures had pronounced ictal bradycardia and postictal tachycardia. Seizure susceptibility or severity were unchanged by the pharmacological agents. Administration of Atropine, a muscarinic antagonist, eliminated ictal bradycardia, while carbachol, a muscarinic agonist, had no effect on ictal bradycardia, but reduced postictal tachycardia. Sotalol, an adrenergic β-receptor antagonist, had no effect on ictal bradycardia, but did suppress postictal tachycardia. Isoproterenol, a β-receptor agonist, had no effect on either ictal bradycardia or postictal tachycardia. Administration of the α1-receptor antagonist prazosin increases the incidence of seizure-induced death in D/+ mice. Although postictal heart rate was lower for these fatal seizures in the presence of prazosin, rates were not as low as that recorded for carbachol treated mice, which all survived. Both ictal bradycardia and postictal tachycardia are manifestations of the ANS. Bradycardia is mediated by a maximal activation of the parasympathetic arm of the ANS, and tachycardia is mediated by parasympathetic inactivation and sympathetic activation. While the changes in heart rate during seizures are profound, suppression of postictal heart rate did not increase seizure mortality.
Upregulation of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule 1 and Excessive Migration of Purkinje Cells in Cerebellar Cortex
Authors: Shabanipour Shahin , Jiao Xiaodan , Rahimi-Balaei Maryam , Aghanoori Mohamad Reza , Chung Seung H. , Ghavami Saeid , Consalez G. Giacomo , Marzban Hassan
Published: January 2022

Purkinje cells (PCs) are large GABAergic projection neurons of the cerebellar cortex, endowed with elaborate dendrites that receive a multitude of excitatory inputs. Being the only efferent neuron of the cerebellar cortex, PCs project to cerebellar nuclei and control behaviors ranging from movement to cognition and social interaction. Neural cell adhesion molecule 1 (NCAM1) is widely expressed in the embryonic and postnatal development of the brain and plays essential roles in neuronal migration, axon pathfinding and synapse assembly. However, despite its high expression levels in cerebellum, little is known to date regarding the role(s) of NCAM1 in PCs development. Among other aspects, elucidating how the expression of NCAM1 in PCs could impact their postnatal migration would be a significant achievement. We analyzed the Acp2 mutant mouse (nax: naked and ataxia), which displays excessive PC migration into the molecular layer, and investigated how the excessive migration of PCs along Bergmann glia could correlate to NCAM1 expression pattern in early postnatal days. Our Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis of the whole cerebellum show that the protein and mRNA of NCAM1 in wild type are not different during PC dispersal from the cluster stage to monolayer formation. However, RT-qPCR analysis from FACS-based isolated PCs shows that Ncam1 is significantly upregulated when PCs fail to align and instead overmigrate into the molecular layer. Our results suggest two alternative interpretations: (1) NCAM1 promotes excessive PC migration along Bergmann glia, or (2) NCAM1 upregulation is an attempt to prevent PCs from invading the molecular layer. If the latter scenario proves true, NCAM1 may play a key role in PC monolayer formation.
Preoperative Hemoglobin Level, Oxygen Saturation and Postoperative Outcomes in Children With Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease: A Propensity-Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Zhou Dan , Deng Li-Jing , Ling Yun-Fei , Tang Meng-Lin
Published: January 2022

Background

The optimal preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level is difficult to define in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease (CHD) due to hypoxemia-induced secondary erythrocytosis. This retrospective study integrated preoperative Hb and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) using the product of Hb × SpO2 to predict postoperative outcomes in children with cyanotic CHD.

Patients and Methods

Children aged <18 years undergoing cardiac surgery with cyanotic CHD were included. The cutoff value of Hb × SpO2 was the age-adjusted lower limit of normal Hb (aaHb) in healthy children. The main outcomes were in-hospital death and the composite outcome of severe postoperative events. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score matching analysis were used to adjust for important confounders.

Results

The presence of preoperative Hb × SpO2 < aaHb was observed in 21.6% of cyanotic children (n = 777). Children with Hb × SpO2 < aaHb had higher in-hospital mortality (12.5% vs. 4.6%, P < 0.001) and composite outcome incidence (69.6% vs. 32.3%, P < 0.001) than those with Hb × SpO2 ≥ aaHb. After propensity score matching, 141 pairs of children were successfully matched. Multivariate analysis showed that preoperative Hb × SpO2 < aaHb was significantly associated with the composite outcome in the entire population (odds ratio = 4.092, 95% confidence interval = 2.748–6.095, P < 0.001) and the matched cohorts (odds ratio = 2.277, 95% confidence interval = 1.366–3.795, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that a preoperative Hb × SpO2 value below the lower limit of normal hemoglobin is a prognostic factor in cyanotic children undergoing cardiac surgery and is a potential criterion to evaluate preoperative anemia in this population.
Ocimum basilicum Essential Oil Modulates Hematotoxicity, Oxidative Stress, DNA Damage, and Cell Cycle Arrest Induced by β-cyfluthrin in Rat Liver
Authors: Jebur Ali B. , El-Sayed Raghda A. , El-Demerdash Fatma M.
Published: January 2022

Pesticides are used in large quantities infrequently, resulting in environmental damage and health issues. The goal of the current study was to explore the ameliorating effect of Ocimum basilicum (Basil) leaves essential oil versus the harmful effects of β-cyfluthrin in rat liver. Male Wistar rats were classified at random into four groups; negative control (corn oil), basil leaves essential oil (BEO, 3 ml/kg), β-cyfluthrin (positive control) (β-Cyf; 15 mg/kg BW, 1/25 LD50), and BEO plus β-Cyf, respectively. The rats were given their doses orally every day for a month. Results revealed that BEO yielded 6.32 mg/g with 33 identified components, representing 97% of the total oil. BEO implicated a considerable level of total phenolic contents, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ABTS activity, and FRAP. The treatment of β-Cyf dramatically elevated lipid peroxidation (TBARS and H2O2) (LPO), protein oxidation (PC, AOPP, and HYP), and considerably reduced enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST) and non-enzymatic (GSH) antioxidants. After β-Cyf treatment, hematological parameters, body and liver weights, enzyme activity (AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH), as well as protein, albumin, globulin, and total bilirubin levels were all considerably affected. Furthermore, β-Cyf increased the expression of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6) as well as DNA damage and cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and decreased the number of cells in S and G2/M phase of liver cells. Moreover, rats given BEO then intoxicated with β-Cyf showed substantial changes in the majority of the parameters tested. Finally, BEO was shown to have high antioxidant efficacy in combating β-Cyf toxicity because of its high phenolic content.
Activation of the STAT5 Signaling Pathway by Yiqi Jiedu Formula Induces Regulatory T Cell-Mediated Alleviation of Corneal Immunopathological Damage in Mice With Recurrent Herpes Simplex Keratitis
Authors: Xiao Shuyu , Yang Yang , Miao Wanhong , Lyu Chunming , Tao Jinhua , Yu Ying
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of Yiqi Jiedu (YQJD) formula on the repair of corneal lesions in mice with recurrent herpes simplex virus keratitis (HSK). Sixty female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups: a normal control group (Naive), a recurrence model group (Re), and a YQJD group. After inducing recurrence by ultraviolet irradiation, the ocular surfaces of different groups of mice were observed using a slit lamp and photographed, and ocular surface scores were calculated. The abundance of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells was determined by flow cytometry in peripheral blood and spleen cells. The CD4+Foxp3+ Tregs were assessed by immunofluorescence in the cornea. The levels of the cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β in serum and splenocyte culture supernatants were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Furthermore, the activation status of the STAT5 signaling pathway was examined by protein blotting, and the effect of YQJD on Treg cells through inhibition of the STAT5 pathway was observed in vitro. YQJD alleviated corneal inflammation by enhancing the STAT5 signaling pathway, thereby promoting the differentiation of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells, increasing the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and TGF-β, and maintaining immune tolerance. YQJD increased the proportion of CD4+Foxp3+ Treg cells; also, in the cornea, YQJD inhibited the aggregation of macrophages and CD4+ cells and reduced the proportion of Th17 cells and other pro-inflammatory cells. Moreover, YQJD promoted the secretion of IL-4 to protect the cornea, leading to the mitigation of corneal immunopathological damage. YQJD reduced corneal lesions in recurrent HSK mice by stimulating Treg cells, inducing immune tolerance, and inhibiting corneal immunopathological responses via modulation of the STAT5 signaling pathway.
Decoupling Oxygen Tension From Retinal Vascularization as a New Perspective for Management of Retinopathy of Prematurity. New Opportunities From β-adrenoceptors
Authors: Filippi Luca , Cammalleri Maurizio , Amato Rosario , Ciantelli Massimiliano , Pini Alessandro , Bagnoli Paola , Dal Monte Massimo
Published: January 2022

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an evolutive and potentially blinding eye disease that affects preterm newborns. Unfortunately, until now no conservative therapy of active ROP with proven efficacy is available. Although ROP is a multifactorial disease, premature exposition to oxygen concentrations higher than those intrauterine, represents the initial pathogenetic trigger. The increase of oxygenation in a retina still incompletely vascularized promotes the downregulation of proangiogenic factors and finally the interruption of vascularization (ischemic phase). However, the increasing metabolic requirement of the ischemic retina induces, over the following weeks, a progressive hypoxia that specularly increases the levels of proangiogenic factors finally leading to proliferative retinopathy (proliferative phase). Considering non-modifiable the coupling between oxygen levels and vascularization, so far, neonatologists and ophthalmologists have “played defense”, meticulously searching the minimum necessary concentration of oxygen for individual newborns, refining their diagnostic ability, adopting a careful monitoring policy, ready to decisively intervene only in a very advanced stage of disease progression. However, recent advances have demonstrated the possibility to pharmacologically modulate the relationship between oxygen and vascularization, opening thus the perspective for new therapeutic or preventive opportunities. The perspective of a shift from a defensive towards an attack strategy is now at hand.
Toward the Allelopathy of Peganum sp. and Related Chemical Constituents in Agriculture
Authors: Bitchagno Gabin Thierry M. , El Bouhssini Mustapha , Mahdi Ismail , Ward Jane L. , Sobeh Mansour
Published: January 2022

The genus Peganum constitutes one of the perennial groups of plants of semi-arid regions across the world. It produces diverse classes of metabolites with claimed valuable pharmacological applications. Despite the key chemical and biological properties of the genus, its allelopathy or that of one of its species has not been reviewed yet. Thus, the present survey aims to report the agricultural applications of extracts, fractions, and compounds from the genus Peganum. This work was based on the available literature related to both the Peganum genus and agriculture, which were generated from available high-impact scientific engines. The plants in this genus contain a large group of secondary metabolites including phenolic compounds, terpenes, and N-containing compounds. Alkaloids, as the main components of the extracts from plants in the genus, were identified as the major active principles. The toxicity of Peganum isolates against plants and related pest organisms was also reviewed. Extract preparations from species of Peganum were listed among insecticidal and herbicidal allelochemicals used for crop protection. The review also tried to contextualize natural products in agriculture. Peganum plant extracts and fractions have showed significant potential in weed and crops management, soil health, and biopesticide production.
Positive Youth Development and Depression: An Examination of Gender Differences in Croatia and Spain
Authors: Gomez-Baya Diego , Babić Čikeš Ana , Hirnstein Marina , Kurtović Ana , Vrdoljak Gabrijela , Wiium Nora
Published: January 2022

Depression is a major public health issue and the literature has consistently showed that the rates of depression increase dramatically during youth transition to adulthood, and gender differences merge in this period. Positive youth development (PYD) framework is focused on strengths that make young people more resistant to negative outcomes, like depression, and more capable to choose a positive life direction. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the 5Cs of PYD and depression in Croatia and Spain, as well as to analyze gender differences. This research was conducted within the PYD Cross-National Project. High school and university students from Eastern Croatia and Southern Spain participated in the study (Mage = 19.37, SD = 2.11; 62.3% female). There were 584 students from Croatia and 768 students from Spain, who filled in self-reports of PYD and depression (i.e., PYD-SF and PHQ-9, respectively). Results showed that male participants presented more Competence and Confidence, while female participants reported more Connection, Caring, Character, overall PYD, but also more depressive symptoms. Furthermore, Confidence and Connection were negative correlates of depressive symptoms, with neither Spain nor Croatia showing remarkable gender differences. These results may have some implications concerning the promotion of the 5Cs of PYD as a recommendable approach to promote youth mental health in Croatia and Spain from a gender perspective. Youth mental health services and initiatives that engage the partnership of youth contexts, such as the family, schools and neighborhoods, should not only address risk factors for mental health problems, but also protecting factors as the 5Cs, thus providing a more inclusive and sustainable support for youth well-being.
Exploring the Learning Psychology Mobilization of Music Majors Through Innovative Teaching Methods Under the Background of New Curriculum Reform
Authors: Cai Haiqin , Liu Guangliang
Published: January 2022

The research expects to explore the psychological mobilization of innovative teaching methods of Music Majors under the new curriculum reform. The relevant theories of college students’ innovative teaching methods are analyzed under deep learning together with the innovation and construction of music courses. Thereupon, college students’ psychological mobilization is studied. Firstly, the relationship between innovation and entrepreneurship teaching and deep learning is obtained through a literature review. Secondly, the music classroom model is designed based on the deep learning theory, and the four dimensions of the music curriculum are defined to innovate and optimize the music teaching model. Finally, the Questionnaire Survey (QS) is used to analyze the design classroom model. Only 15% of the 180 respondents understand the concept of deep learning, 32% like interactive music learning, and 36% like competitive comparative music classroom learning. And the students who study instrumental music have higher significant differences in learning motivation than those who study vocal music. In addition to classroom learning, 16% of people improve their music skills through music equipment. College students like interactive music classes and competitive comparison classes that can give more play to their subjective initiative. After the new curriculum reform, the music curriculum based on deep learning can stimulate students’ interest in learning and participate in the mobilization of students’ learning psychology. Therefore, in the future of music education and teaching, there is a need to pay more attention to students’ psychological status. The research results can provide references and practical significance for the innovative teaching activities of music classrooms after the new curriculum reform.
Correlation Between iXip and Final Pathology in Patients Affected by Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy: A Multicenter Prospective Trial (PROXIMA—PROstate iXip Index Multicenter Analysis)
Authors: Francavilla Simone , Lonati Chiara , Sandri Marco , Abate Andrea , De Marzo Enrico , Palumbo Carlotta , Aretano Lucia , Belotti Stefano , Peroni Angelo , Peviani Alessandro , Ferretti Stefania , Da Pozzo Luigi Filippo , Roscigno Marco , Calza Stefano , Guerini Agostino , Sigala Sandra , Simeone Claudio , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The Immune compleX Predictive Index (iXip) is a predictive tool for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis that integrates PSA, PSA-IgM, prostate volume, and patient age. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between iXip and clinically significant PCa in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy.

Material and Methods

A prospective multicenter study was conducted from February 2018 to August 2019 enrolling 235 patients. Stepwise-selected predictors were used to estimate multivariate regression models for each outcome, the reference model with only the set of predictors and the same model with the addition of iXip. The prediction accuracy of the two models was assessed calculating the partial area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results

The ROC curve analysis showed significant differences in terms of partial area under the curve between iXip and pathological Gleason Score ≥ 7 and between iXip and tumor volume ≥ 2.5 mm3. The scatter plot analysis showed a positive linear correlation between iXip and tumor volume (considered as a continuous variable). The subpopulations with pT3–4 disease and cT3 disease and with positive surgical margins showed a significant linear relationship between iXip and tumor volume.

Conclusion

We found elements supporting a possible correlation between iXip and aggressive PCa in terms of Gleason Score ≥ 7 and tumor volume ≥ 2.5 mm3.
Application of Neural Networks and Transfer Learning to Turbomachinery Heat Transfer
Authors: Baumann Markus , Koch Christian , Staudacher Stephan
Published: January 2022

Model-based predictive maintenance using high-frequency in-flight data requires digital twins that can model the dynamics of their physical twin with high precision. The models of the twins need to be fast and dynamically updatable. Machine learning offers the possibility to address these challenges in modeling the transient performance of aero engines. During transient operation, heat transferred between the engine’s structure and the annulus flow plays an important role. Diabatic performance modeling is demonstrated using non-dimensional transient heat transfer maps and transfer learning to extend turbomachinery transient modeling. The general form of such a map for a simple system similar to a pipe is reproduced by a Multilayer Perceptron neural network. It is trained using data from a finite element simulation. In a next step, the network is transferred using measurements to model the thermal transients of an aero engine. Only a limited number of parameters measured during selected transient maneuvers is needed to generate suitable non-dimensional transient heat transfer maps. With these additional steps, the extended performance model matches the engine thermal transients well.
Carcass Lesion Severity and Pre-Slaughter Conditions in Heavy Pigs: A Prospective Study at a Commercial Abattoir in Northern Italy
Authors: Zappaterra Martina , Padalino Barbara , Menchetti Laura , Arduini Agnese , Pace Vincenzo , Nanni Costa Leonardo
Published: January 2022

Pre-slaughter conditions and their effects on carcass quality have been largely addressed for pigs of 90–100 kg live weight, while few studies consider the effects of pre-slaughter conditions on the quality of the carcasses obtained from heavy pigs intended for Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) production. A total of 1680 heavy pigs were transported in 72 batches from a farm to a commercial abattoir on 16 different days, avoiding mixing unfamiliar animals. Slaughterhouse conditions, animal behaviors, and human–animal interactions were annotated at unloading and during the race toward the stunning cage. Carcass lesions on the rear, middle, and shoulder parts of the carcasses were scored. The prevalence of carcasses with severe lesions was 6.92%, 11.87%, and 6.83%, for the rear, middle, and shoulder parts, respectively. Among the pre-slaughter events, waiting before unloading and improper handling practices at the abattoir were the major factors affecting carcass lesion severity. Lairage pen space allowance was also found to affect severe rear and shoulder lesions, and the batches that were transported in the trailer had an increased prevalence of severe shoulder lesions. Our results suggest waiting time before unloading should be shortened as much as possible, and educational programs to train operators for more careful management of animals in the abattoir are greatly required to avoid improper animal handling practices.
Artificial Light at Night, Higher Brain Functions and Associated Neuronal Changes: An Avian Perspective
Authors: Taufique S. K. Tahajjul
Published: January 2022

In recent times, there has been an unprecedented increase in usage of electrical lightning. This has led to increase in artificial light at night (ALAN), and it has been suggested as a source of environmental pollution. ALAN exposure has been reported to be associated with disruption of daily rhythms and serious health consequences, such as immune, metabolic, and cognitive dysfunctions in both birds and mammals. Given the worldwide pervasiveness of ALAN, this research topic is also important from an ecological perspective. In birds, daily timings and appropriate temporal niches are important for fitness and survival. Daily rhythms in a wide array of functions are regulated by the circadian clock(s) and endogenous oscillators present in the body. There is accumulating evidence that exposure to ALAN disrupts clock-regulated daily rhythms and suppresses melatonin and sleep in birds. Circadian clock, melatonin, and sleep regulate avian cognitive performance. However, there is limited research on this topic, and most of the insights on the adverse effects of ALAN on cognitive functions are from behavioural studies. Nevertheless, these results raise an intriguing question about the molecular underpinning of the ALAN-induced negative consequences on brain functions. Further research should be focused on the molecular links between ALAN and cognitive performance, including the role of melatonin, which could shed light on the mechanism by which ALAN exposures lead to negative consequences.
A Model of Scientific Data Reasoning
Authors: Masnick Amy M. , Morris Bradley J.
Published: January 2022

Data reasoning is an essential component of scientific reasoning, as a component of evidence evaluation. In this paper, we outline a model of scientific data reasoning that describes how data sensemaking underlies data reasoning. Data sensemaking, a relatively automatic process rooted in perceptual mechanisms that summarize large quantities of information in the environment, begins early in development, and is refined with experience, knowledge, and improved strategy use. Summarizing data highlights set properties such as central tendency and variability, and these properties are used to draw inferences from data. However, both data sensemaking and data reasoning are subject to cognitive biases or heuristics that can lead to flawed conclusions. The tools of scientific reasoning, including external representations, scientific hypothesis testing, and drawing probabilistic conclusions, can help reduce the likelihood of such flaws and help improve data reasoning. Although data sensemaking and data reasoning are not supplanted by scientific data reasoning, scientific reasoning skills can be leveraged to improve learning about science and reasoning with data.
Sensitivity Improvement of Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensors with GeS-Metal Layers
Authors: Jia Yue , Liao Yunlong , Cai Houzhi
Published: January 2022

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors, with germanium sulfide (GeS) as a sensitive medium and Al/Ag/Au as the metal layers, are reported as we aim to improve the sensitivities of the biosensors. The sensitivities in conventional SPR biosensors, consisting of only metal Al, Ag, and Au layers, are 111°/RIU, 117°/RIU, 139°/RIU, respectively. Additionally, these sensitivities of the SPR biosensors based on the GeS-Al, GeS-Ag, and GeS-Au layers have an obvious improvement, resultant of 320°/RIU, 295°/RIU, and 260°/RIU, respectively. We also discuss the changing sensing medium GeS thickness using layer number to describe the scenario which brought about the diversification on the figure of merit (FOM) and optical absorption (OA) performance of the biosensors. These biosensors show obvious improvement of sensitivity and have strong SPR excitation to analytes; we believe that these kind biosensors could find potential applications in biological detection, chemical examination, and medical diagnosis.
A Systematic Review of the Design and Heat Transfer Performance of Enhanced Closed-Loop Geothermal Systems
Authors: Budiono Andres , Suyitno Suyitno , Rosyadi Imron , Faishal Afif , Ilyas Albert Xaverio
Published: January 2022

Geothermal energy is one of the primary sources of clean electricity generation as the world transitions away from fossil fuels. In comparison to enhanced geothermal methods based on artificial fracturing, closed-loop geothermal systems (CLGSs) avoid seismicity-induced risk, are independent of reservoir permeability, and do not require the direct interaction between the fluid and the geothermal reservoir. In recent years, the development of CLGS technologies that offer high energy efficiencies has been explored. Research on coaxial closed-loop geothermal systems (CCLGS) and U-shaped closed-loop geothermal system (UCLGS) systems were reviewed in this paper. These studies were categorized based on their design, modeling methods, and heat transfer performance. It was found that UCLGSs had superior heat transfer performances compared to CCLGS. In addition, UCLGSs that utilized CO2 as a working fluid were found to be promising technologies that could help in addressing the future challenges associated with zero-emission compliance and green energy demand. Further research to improve the heat transfer performance of CLGS, especially with regards to improvements in wellbore layout, equipment sizing, and its integration with CO2 capture technologies is critical to ensuring the feasibility of this technology in the future.
Design and Implementation of Input AC Filters and Predictive Control for Matrix-Converter Based PMSM Drive Systems
Authors: Liu Tian-Hua , Li Jia-Han
Published: January 2022

Matrix converters have many advantages, including high-efficiency, single-stage AC/AC energy conversion, bidirectional power flow, a near-unity input power factor, sinusoidal three-phase input currents, and sinusoidal three-phase output currents. However, matrix converters have 360 Hz voltage pulsations at the virtual DC-bus, which produce input harmonic currents and output harmonic currents, which cause unsatisfactory responses. To solve the problem of the input harmonic currents, a systematic design of an input three-phase current modulation method and an input three-phase AC filter that uses two different design methods are proposed. In addition, to improve dynamic responses, two predictive speed controllers are investigated and compared, and a predictive current controller is studied to reduce the output harmonic currents. A digital signal processor and an FPGA are used to execute the control algorithms. Several experimental results validate the theoretical analysis and show that the proposed methods effectively improve the power quality of the PMSM drive system and its input power-source quality.
Economic Evaluation of Energy-Saving Retrofit of Existing Hotels
Authors: Wang Yu , Dong Ling , Li Hongxian
Published: January 2022

With the improvement of China’s economic strength, the energy consumption of public buildings is continually increasing, notably for hotels. The energy consumptin of a hotel accounts for more than 15% of its revenue, and the average energy consumption per floor area is more than 10 times that of urban residents. Therefore, the energy-saving retrofit of existing hotels is imperative. This study investigates the economic evaluation methods for existing hotel retrofit projects, and constructs an economic evaluation model using economic evaluation and cost-effectiveness ratio as the base. The energy-saving retrofit measures of 15 existing hotels in Jiangsu Province, China, are used as a case study to demonstrate the research framework. The results indicate that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, monitoring system, lighting system, domestic hot water system, and building envelope system are the five energy-saving retrofit technical measures with the highest application ratio. The average dynamic investment payback period of hotels in Jiangsu Province is 2.96 years, which meets the requirement of no more than 10 years specified in the energy-saving building standard. The cost-effectiveness ratio of different technologies differs significantly. Lighting and kitchen systems have the highest energy-saving efficiency, followed by monitoring systems, while HVAC and domestic hot water systems have the lowest. The research presented in this paper contributes to the economic evaluation of the energy-saving retrofit of hotels.
Influence of Ester Liquids on Dielectric Strength of Cellulose Kraft Paper
Authors: Naidu Gottapu Tirupati , Rao Ungarala Mohan , Suresh Sudabattula
Published: January 2022

Generally, impregnation of solid insulation is performed to increase the dielectric strength and reduce the dielectric losses of solid insulants. This increase in dielectric strength depends on the oil’s diffusion and dielectric properties. This paper investigates the diffusion behavior of mineral oil and ester fluids (synthetic, natural, and mixed) to understand the influence of oil diffusion on paper breakdown voltage. To better understand this phenomenal influence, cellulose insulation paper of different thicknesses has been considered. Wetting characteristics of various oil-paper insulation systems were investigated with and without thermal stressing. Thermal aging was carried out as per modified ASTM D1934 at 110 °C, 140 °C, 160 °C, and 185 °C respectively for 2 weeks. The wetting characteristics and influence of different oils on paper breakdown voltage were explicitly reported. It is inferred that paper wetting characteristics are attributable to the type of oil, the thickness of paper, and the aging factor of oil-paper insulation. Importantly, the increase in paper dielectric strength and diffusion behavior for ester fluids is found to be superior to that of the mineral insulating oils.
Power Flows and Losses Calculation in Radial Networks by Representing the Network Topology in the Hierarchical Structure Form
Authors: Gulakhmadov Aminjon , Asanova Salima , Asanova Damira , Safaraliev Murodbek , Tavlintsev Alexander , Lyukhanov Egor , Semenenko Sergey , Odinaev Ismoil
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a structured hierarchical-multilevel approach to calculating the power flows and losses of electricity in radial electrical networks with different nominal voltages at given loads and voltages of the power source. The researched electrical networks are characterized by high dimensionality, dynamism of development, but also insufficient completeness and reliability of state information. The approach is based on the representation of the initial network graph in the form of a hierarchical-multilevel structure, divided into two stages with rated voltages Unom≤35 kV and Unom≥35 kV, and using the traditional (manual) engineering two-stage method, where the calculation is performed in a sequence from bottom to top (stage 1) and from top to bottom (stage 2), moving along the structure of the network. The application of the above approach makes it possible to obtain an algorithm for implementation on a computer, which is characterized by universality (for an arbitrary configuration and complexity of the network), high performance and low requirements for the computer memory.
Non-Intrusive Delay-Based Model Partitioning for Distributed Real-Time Simulation
Authors: Bogdanovic Milica , Stevic Marija , Monti Antonello
Published: January 2022

The work in this article analyses the impact of time-delays on distributed real-time simulation stability and accuracy with respect to different decoupling points as well as the impact of decoupling point selection on system modes. We perform analysis of the system modes and participation matrix of the system and determine suitable points that negligibly modify the system modes to decouple the original system. From this analysis, a non-intrusive delay-based model partitioning method for distributing real-time simulations that exploits the flexibility in the context of selecting decoupling points is developed.