bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron bioavailability of maize (Zea mays L.) after removing the germ fraction
Authors: Keigler Johanna I. , Wiesinger Jason A. , Flint-Garcia Sherry A. , Glahn Raymond P.
Published: March 2023

Maize is a staple food for many communities with high levels of iron deficiency anemia. Enhancing the iron concentrations and iron bioavailability of maize with traditional breeding practices, especially after cooking and processing, could help alleviate iron deficiency in many of these regions. Previous studies on a small number of maize genotypes and maize flour products indicated that degermination (germ fraction removed with processing) could improve the iron bioavailability of maize. This study expanded upon this research by evaluating the iron bioavailability, mineral concentrations, and phytate concentrations of 52 diverse maize genotypes before (whole kernels) and after degermination. Whole and degerminated maize samples were cooked, dried, and milled to produce corn flour. Iron bioavailability was evaluated with an in vitro digestion Caco2 cell bioassay. In 30 of the maize genotypes, bioavailable iron increased when degerminated, thus indicating a higher fractional iron uptake because the iron concentrations decreased by more than 70% after the germ fraction was removed. The remaining 22 genotypes showed no change or a decrease in iron bioavailability after degermination. These results confirm previous research showing that the germ fraction is a strong inhibitory component for many maize varieties. Phytate concentrations in maize flours were greatly reduced with degermination. However, the relationship between phytate concentrations and the iron bioavailability of processed maize flour is complex, acting as either inhibitor or promoter of iron uptake depending on the color of the maize kernels and processing method used to produce flour. Other factors in the maize endosperm fractions are likely involved in the effects of degermination on iron bioavailability, such as vitreous or floury endosperm compositions and the polyphenol content of the bran. This study demonstrates that iron nutrition from maize can be enhanced by selecting genotypes where the inhibitory effect of the bran color and endosperm fraction are relatively low, especially after processing via degermination.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the crucial function of hyperoside in inhibiting anthocyanin accumulation in grape (Vitis vinifera L.) fruits by inducing VvMYB62
Authors: Su Ling , Zhang Man , Zhang Yudie , Chen Yingchun , Yang Liying , Wang Yongmei , Song Yangbo , Gong Lei
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The formation of color in plants is significantly dependent on anthocyaninpigments. Grape species vary in color due to the differences in anthocyanin accumulation. It is widely recognized that both biotic and abiotic conditions may have an impact on anthocyanin synthesis in plants. The underlying molecular mechanisms by which external application of hyperoside impacts anthocyanin formation in grapes, however, have received little attention.

Methods

In the current study,the transcriptome of Gemstone seedless grape was examined using high-throughput RNA sequencing at various developmental stages reply to both control and hyperoside treatments.

Results

The results of this study suggested that the major genes controlling anthocyanin accumulation in response to the externalinjection of hyperoside could be VvMYB62, VvPAL, VvCHS, and VvF3’5’H.Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) results were used to confirm the changes in the expression levels of the genes encoding the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway under the control and hyperoside treatments. Using a transient transformation system, it was discovered that VvMYB62 was shown to regulate the anthocyanin accumulation at both the transcriptional and posttranslational levels and could be influenced by the external administration of hyperoside. In grape embryogenic calli, hyperoside could specifically suppress theexpression of VvMYB62 and anthocyanin accumulation. In this instance, the VvMYB62 characterisation brought attention to the significance of exogenous hyperoside-induced anthocyanin accumulation. Therefore, the results demonstrated that VvMYB62 could be hindered in the process of grape during anthocyanin accumulation caused by hyperoside.

Discussion

These findings offer excellent candidate genes in the future breeding of novel grape varieties in addition to serving as a crucial reference for understanding the underlying molecular processes of hyperoside suppression of anthocyanin formation in plants.
Research progress on the roles of lncRNAs in plant development and stress responses
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Fan Hai , Wang Baoshan , Yuan Fang
Published: March 2023

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs of more than 200 nucleotides in length that are not (or very rarely) translated into proteins. In eukaryotes, lncRNAs regulate gene expression at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic levels. lncRNAs are categorized according to their genomic position and molecular mechanism. This review summarized the characteristics and mechanisms of plant lncRNAs involved in vegetative growth, reproduction, and stress responses. Our discussion and model provide a theoretical basis for further studies of lncRNAs in plant breeding.
Genetic regulatory networks of soybean seed size, oil and protein contents
Authors: Duan Zongbiao , Li Qing , Wang Hong , He Xuemei , Zhang Min
Published: March 2023

As a leading oilseed crop that supplies plant oil and protein for daily human life, increasing yield and improving nutritional quality (high oil or protein) are the top two fundamental goals of soybean breeding. Seed size is one of the most critical factors determining soybean yield. Seed size, oil and protein contents are complex quantitative traits governed by genetic and environmental factors during seed development. The composition and quantity of seed storage reserves directly affect seed size. In general, oil and protein make up almost 60% of the total storage of soybean seed. Therefore, soybean’s seed size, oil, or protein content are highly correlated agronomical traits. Increasing seed size helps increase soybean yield and probably improves seed quality. Similarly, rising oil and protein contents improves the soybean’s nutritional quality and will likely increase soybean yield. Due to the importance of these three seed traits in soybean breeding, extensive studies have been conducted on their underlying quantitative trait locus (QTLs) or genes and the dissection of their molecular regulatory pathways. This review summarized the progress in functional genome controlling soybean seed size, oil and protein contents in recent decades, and presented the challenges and prospects for developing high-yield soybean cultivars with high oil or protein content. In the end, we hope this review will be helpful to the improvement of soybean yield and quality in the future breeding process.
Students' boredom in English language classes: Voices from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali El Deen Abdul Aziz Mohamed Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Although academic research on English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) emotion has recently increased, there is a paucity of studies related to boredom in the Saudi context. To address this issue, the present study aimed to identify the causes of students' boredom in English classes in the Saudi context and the fluctuations of boredom experienced by students while taking language skill courses. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, the study drew upon a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The questionnaire was completed by 356 participants from different EFL programs in Saudi universities, and the interviews were conducted with 20 students. The results of this study provided a detailed account of the causes of boredom in the Saudi EFL environment. Specifically, an exploratory factor analysis revealed the following seven factors that account for boredom: demotivation, low language learning ability, type of skills-based courses and over-challenging tasks, unfamiliar instructional techniques, teacher feedback areas, under-challenging tasks, and classroom mode, permanent correction, and redundancy. The study also highlighted boredom fluctuations in courses based on language skills via the use of descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, and percentages). Compared to other courses/lessons, the students of EFL programs were found to have the highest boredom levels in grammar and writing. The study ends with a discussion on the implications of the results and provides suggestions for future research.
Understanding the role of fear of missing out and deficient self-regulation in sharing of deepfakes on social media: Evidence from eight countries
Authors: Ahmed Saifuddin , Ng Sheryl Wei Ting , Bee Adeline Wei Ting
Published: March 2023

Deepfakes are a troubling form of disinformation that has been drawing increasing attention. Yet, there remains a lack of psychological explanations for deepfake sharing behavior and an absence of research knowledge in non-Western contexts where public knowledge of deepfakes is limited. We conduct a cross-national survey study in eight countries to examine the role of fear of missing out (FOMO), deficient self-regulation (DSR), and cognitive ability in deepfake sharing behavior. Results are drawn from a comparative survey in seven South Asian contexts (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) and compare these findings to the United States, where discussions about deepfakes have been most relevant. Overall, the results suggest that those who perceive the deepfakes to be accurate are more likely to share them on social media. Furthermore, in all countries, sharing is also driven by the social-psychological trait – FOMO. DSR of social media use was also found to be a critical factor in explaining deepfake sharing. It is also observed that individuals with low cognitive ability are more likely to share deepfakes. However, we also find that the effects of DSR on social media and FOMO are not contingent upon users’ cognitive ability. The results of this study contribute to strategies to limit deepfakes propagation on social media.
Global caregiver perspectives on COVID-19 immunization in childhood cancer: A qualitative study
Authors: Silverstein Allison , Gumy Julia M. , Bate Jessica , Kaye Erica C.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2 has led to an unprecedented pandemic where vulnerable populations, such as those with childhood cancer, face increased risk of morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 vaccines are a critical intervention to control the pandemic and ensure patient safety. This study explores global caregiver's perspectives related to COVID-19 immunization in the context of pediatric cancer management.

Methods

A mixed methods survey was developed based on consensus questions with iterative feedback from global medical professional and caregiver groups and distributed globally to caregivers of childhood cancer via electronic and paper routes. We present qualitative findings through inductive content analysis of caregiver free-text responses.

Results

A total of 184 participants provided qualitative responses, 29.3% of total survey respondents, with a total of 271 codes applied. Codes focused on themes related to safety and effectiveness (n = 95, 35.1%), logistics (n = 69, 25.5%), statements supporting or opposing vaccination (n = 55, 20.3%), and statements discussing the limited availability of information (n = 31, 11.4%). Within the theme of safety and effectiveness, safety itself was the most commonly used code (n = 66, 24.4% of total segments and 69.5% of safety and effectiveness codes), followed by risks versus benefits (n = 18, 18.9% of safety and effectiveness codes) and efficacy (n = 11, 11.6%).

Discussion

This study provides insights to guide healthcare professionals and caregiver peers in supporting families during the complex decision-making process for COVID-19 vaccination. These findings highlight the multidimensionality of concerns and considerations of caregivers of children with cancer regarding COVID-19 vaccination and suggest that certain perspectives transcend borders and cultures.
The association between health costs and physical inactivity; analysis from the Physical Activity at Work study in Thailand
Authors: Akksilp Katika , Isaranuwatchai Wanrudee , Teerawattananon Yot , Chen Cynthia
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Physical inactivity increases the risks of several common yet serious non-communicable diseases, costing a tremendous amount of health expenditure globally. This study aimed to estimate the association between health costs and physical inactivity in Thailand.

Methods

Data from the Physical Activity at Work cluster randomized controlled trial participants with valid objective physical activity data were extracted. Health costs were collected using the Health and Welfare Survey and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire and were categorized into past-month outpatient illness, past-year inpatient illness, and past-week presenteeism and absenteeism. Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was used to determine the activity level according to the current guideline (i.e., ≥150 minutes moderate-intensity or ≥75 minutes vigorous-intensity equivalent physical activity per week). The primary analysis evaluated the association between direct cost (treatment and travel costs) and societal cost (direct cost plus absenteeism due to the illness) of past-month outpatient illness and physical inactivity using a two-part model.

Results

In total, 277 participants with a mean age of 38.7 were included. Average direct and societal cost due to past-month outpatient illness were 146 THB (3.99 USD) (SD = 647 THB) and 457 THB (12.5 USD) (SD = 1390 THB), respectively. Compared to active participants, direct and societal cost of past-month outpatient illness were 153 THB (4.18 USD) (95%CI: –54.7 to 360 THB) and 426 THB (11.7 USD) (95%CI: 23.3 to 829 THB) higher in physically inactive individuals, respectively, adjusted for covariates. The additional societal cost of past-month outpatient illness was 145% higher in physically inactive participants compared to active participants. On the other hand, there was no significant association in direct and societal cost of past-year inpatient illness nor past-week indirect costs between physically active and non-active participants.

Discussion

Results were similar to recent findings in different countries. However, the findings should be generalized with caution due to the small sample size and potential bias from reverse causation. Future research is crucial for clarifying the health costs of physical inactivity in Thailand and other countries.
One Health activities to reinforce intersectoral coordination at local levels in India
Authors: Taaffe Jessica , Sharma Rajnish , Parthiban Aravindh Babu R. , Singh Jaswinder , Kaur Paviter , Singh Balbir B. , Gill Jatinder P. S. , Gopal Dhinakar Raj , Dhand Navneet K. , Parekh Falgunee K.
Published: March 2023

India's dense human and animal populations, agricultural economy, changing environment, and social dynamics support conditions for emergence/re-emergence of zoonotic diseases that necessitate a One Health (OH) approach for control. In addition to OH national level frameworks, effective OH driven strategies that promote local intersectoral coordination and collaboration are needed to truly address zoonotic diseases in India. We conducted a literature review to assess the landscape of OH activities at local levels in India that featured intersectoral coordination and collaboration and supplemented it with our own experience conducting OH related activities with local partners. We identified key themes and examples in local OH activities. Our landscape assessment demonstrated that intersectoral collaboration primarily occurs through specific research activities and during outbreaks, however, there is limited formal coordination among veterinary, medical, and environmental professionals on the day-to-day prevention and detection of zoonotic diseases at district/sub-district levels in India. Examples of local OH driven intersectoral coordination include the essential role of veterinarians in COVID-19 diagnostics, testing of human samples in veterinary labs for Brucella and leptospirosis in Punjab and Tamil Nadu, respectively, and implementation of OH education targeted to school children and farmers in rural communities. There is an opportunity to strengthen local intersectoral coordination between animal, human and environmental health sectors by building on these activities and formalizing the existing collaborative networks. As India moves forward with broad OH initiatives, OH networks and experience at the local level from previous or ongoing activities can support implementation from the ground up.
Exploring Canadian perceptions and experiences of stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fahim Christine , Cooper Jeanette , Theivendrampillai Suvabna , Pham Ba' , Straus Sharon E.
Published: March 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to stigmatization of individuals based on race/ethnicity, age, gender, and occupation, among other factors. We canvassed Canadian residents to explore perceptions of and experiences with stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted an online survey between June 10 and December 31 2020. The survey was rooted in the Health Stigma and Discrimination Framework and included multiple choice, Likert and open-ended questions related to perceived and experienced stigma. Residents of Ontario, Canada were eligible to participate and we aimed to recruit a sample that was diverse by race/ethnicity and age.

Results

A total of 1,823 individuals participated in the survey (54% women, 39% men; 54% 18–40 years old, 28% 41–60 years old, 12% 61+ years old; 33% White, 26% East/SouthEast Asian, 14% Black, 12% South Asian). Fifty-one percent of participants agreed/strongly agreed that racist views had increased toward certain racial/ethnic groups in Canada during the pandemic. Participants perceived that people in Canada were stigmatized during the pandemic because of race/ethnicity (37%), political beliefs (26%), older age (24%), being a healthcare worker (23%), younger age (22%), being an essential worker (21%), and gender (11%). Thirty-nine percent of respondents feared experiencing and 37% experienced stigmatization during the pandemic. Men, individuals aged 18–40, and racialized participants were more likely to fear or experience stigma. With respect to health behaviors, 74, 68, and 59% of respondents were comfortable masking in public, seeking medical care if they became ill, and getting tested for COVID-19, respectively. Men were less likely to indicate comfort with mask wearing or seeking medical care. Participants aged 18–40 and Black participants were less likely to indicate comfort with all three behaviors compared to those over age 41 and White participants, respectively. South Asian participants were less likely to be comfortable seeking medical care compared to White Participants.

Discussion

Participants feared or experienced stigmatization towards various demographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical that the factors driving stigma during health emergencies in Canada be better understood in order to develop effective public health messaging and interventions.
Measuring the efficiency of public hospitals: A multistage data envelopment analysis in Fujian Province, China
Authors: Sun Mengya , Ye Yaojun , Zhang Guangdi , Xue Yuan , Shang Xiuling
Published: March 2023

Objective

The present study aimed to evaluate the operational efficiency of public hospitals in Fujian Province and the factors responsible for the inefficiency of these hospitals and provide relevant suggestions for health policymakers in allocating service resources.

Method

In the first stage of the research, the variables affecting the efficiency of hospitals were extracted by qualitative and quantitative methods, including literature optimization, gray related analysis and gray clustering evaluation. In the second stage, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method was used to evaluate the operational efficiency of 49 hospitals of different levels and types selected by sampling in 2020. Finally, a Tobit regression model with introduced institutional factors and background factors was established to study the main influencing factors of hospital inefficiency.

Results

In the first stage, 10 input variables and 10 output variables necessary from the mangers' point of view were identified to test efficiency. In the second stage, the average comprehensive TE, PTE, and SE of 49 sample hospitals was 0.802, 0.888, and 0.902, respectively. 22.45% of these hospitals met the effective criteria, i.e., the overall effective rate was 22.45%. The low SE value of the hospital was the main reason hindering the improvement of the comprehensive efficiency value. The overall effective rate of secondary public hospitals (30.77%) was higher than that of tertiary public hospitals (19.44%), and the overall effective rate of public specialized hospitals (30%) was higher than that of general public hospitals (18.92%). Based on the third stage results, the bed occupancy rate (BOR) and the proportion of beds (POB) were major factors affecting the operation efficiency of grade III hospitals (p < 0.01). However, the operating efficiency of grade II hospitals was significantly affected by POB and regional per capita GDP(GDPPC) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the impact of BOR and GDPPC was positive, and POB was negatively correlated with hospital operation efficiency.

Conclusions

The study results indicated that the overall operation efficiency of public hospitals in Fujian Province is low. This study revealed that intervention should be strengthened from a policy and management perspective to improve the operation efficiency of public hospitals.
Co-occurrence of PTSD and affective symptoms in a large sample with childhood trauma subtypes: A network analysis
Authors: Jin Yu , Xu Shicun , Hu Zhishan , Li Jiaqi , Li Hui , Wang Xiaofeng , Sun Xi , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: March 2023

Background

Exposure to childhood trauma (CT) is associated with various deleterious mental health outcomes, increasing the risk of suicidal behaviors. The objective of this study is to investigate the different effects of three forms of CT, including emotional abuse (EA), physical abuse (PA), and sexual abuse (SA), on potential psychopathological symptoms among college students.

Methods

A total of 117,769 students from 63 Chinese colleges participated in this study. There were 1,191 participants in the EA group (1.24%; 95% CI: 1.17–1.31%), 1,272 participants in the PA group (1.32%; 95% CI: 1.25–1.40%), and 3,479 participants in the SA group (3.62%; 95% CI: 3.50–3.73%). CT was measured by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form. Psychopathological symptoms (i.e., depression, anxiety, and PTSD) were measured by the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and Trauma Screening Questionnaire, respectively. Network analysis was applied to analyze psychopathological symptoms between three CT subgroups (EA, PA, and SA). The associations and centralities of the networks were calculated, and the network characteristics of the three subgroups were contrasted.

Results

The main symptoms across all three groups are uncontrollable worry, sad mood, irritability, and fatigue, which indicates these core symptoms play essential roles in maintaining the whole psychological symptoms network. Furthermore, there are significant differences in symptom associations between the three groups. The comparison of network structures of the three groups shows that the SA group reports more PTSD symptoms, the EA group reports more suicide-related symptoms, and the PA group reports more anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

Specific symptoms were disclosed across each group by the distinctive core psychopathological symptoms found in the CT subgroup networks. The present study's findings show different associations between CT and psychopathology and may help classify potential diagnostic processes. Therefore, local governments and academic institutions are recommended for early intervention to promote the psychological well-being of CT survivors.
Comparison of the methods for isolation and detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in municipal wastewater
Authors: Lucansky Vincent , Samec Marek , Burjanivova Tatiana , Lukacova Eva , Kolkova Zuzana , Holubekova Veronika , Turyova Eva , Hornakova Andrea , Zaborsky Tibor , Podlesniy Petar , Reizigova Lenka , Dankova Zuzana , Novakova Elena , Pecova Renata , Calkovska Andrea , Halasova Erika
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a causative agent responsible for the current global pandemic situation known as COVID-19. Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 include a wide range of symptoms from mild (i.e., cough, fever, dyspnea) to severe pneumonia-like respiratory symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated to be detectable in the stool of COVID-19 patients. Waste-based epidemiology (WBE) has been shown as a promising approach for early detection and monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in the local population performed via collection, isolation, and detection of viral pathogens from environmental sources.

Methods

In order to select the optimal protocol for monitoring the COVID-19 epidemiological situation in region Turiec, Slovakia, we (1) compared methods for SARS-CoV-2 separation and isolation, including virus precipitation by polyethylene glycol (PEG), virus purification via ultrafiltration (Vivaspin®) and subsequent isolation by NucleoSpin RNA Virus kit (Macherey-Nagel), and direct isolation from wastewater (Zymo Environ Water RNA Kit); (2) evaluated the impact of water freezing on SARS- CoV-2 separation, isolation, and detection; (3) evaluated the role of wastewater filtration on virus stability; and (4) determined appropriate methods including reverse transcription-droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) (targeting the same genes, i.e., RdRp and gene E) for quantitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples.

Results

(1) Usage of Zymo Environ Water RNA Kit provided superior quality of isolated RNA in comparison with both ultracentrifugation and PEG precipitation. (2) Freezing of wastewater samples significantly reduces the RNA yield. (3) Filtering is counterproductive when Zymo Environ Water RNA Kit is used. (4) According to the specificity and sensitivity, the RT-ddPCR outperforms RT-qPCR.

Discussion

The results of our study suggest that WBE is a valuable early warning alert and represents a non-invasive approach to monitor viral pathogens, thus protects public health on a regional and national level. In addition, we have shown that the sensitivity of testing the samples with a nearer detection limit can be improved by selecting the appropriate combination of enrichment, isolation, and detection methods.
Red blood cells from patients with sitosterolemia exhibit impaired membrane lipid composition and distribution and decreased deformability
Authors: Cloos Anne-Sophie , Rab Minke A. E. , Van Der Smissen Patrick , van Oirschot Brigitte A. , Mignolet Eric , van der Net Jeroen B. , Koster Ad , Kleinen Kelly , Larondelle Yvan , Terrasi Romano , Muccioli Giulio G. , van Wijk Richard , Tyteca Donatienne
Published: March 2023

Sitosterolemia is a metabolic disorder leading to excessive accumulation of phytosterols. Hemolytic stomatocytosis and macrothrombocytopenia are part of the clinical picture. However, the impact of phytosterols on red blood cell (RBC) deformability, membrane lipid composition and distribution and the efficiency of the reference treatment, Ezetimibe, are largely unknown. This study addresses these issues using RBCs from three patients with sitosterolemia and healthy RBCs exposed to β-sitosterol. Patients presented an increased proportion of stomatocytes, decreased RBC deformability and increased RBC hydration and osmotic fragility compared to healthy donors. At the membrane level, patient RBCs showed (i) very high content in β-sitosterols, (ii) increased proportions of saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acid species with long and unsaturated carbon chains, and (iii) decreased content in phosphatidylethanolamine species. These lipid changes were accompanied by an almost complete abrogation of cholesterol-enriched domains, which could result from: (i) the reduced phosphatidylethanolamine content which positively correlated with domain abundance; and (ii) the fatty acid modifications and increased phytosterol content, both compatible with higher membrane stiffness. The role of β-sitosterol was supported by comparable changes in RBC morphology and cholesterol-enriched domains upon β-sitosterol integration at the healthy RBC membrane. Finally, Ezetimibe treatment combined with a sterol restricted diet lowered phytosterols and improved anemia and RBC deformability and hydration. However, this treatment had no or limited effect on RBC morphology and cholesterol-enriched domain abundance. This study reveals for the first time that phytosterols affect RBC membrane lipid composition and distribution but also RBC morphology, hydration, deformability and fragility.
The geopolitics of the European super league: A historiographical approach and a media analysis of the failed project in 2021
Authors: Ginesta Xavier , Viñas Carles
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The main objective of this article is to analyse the reasons why the 2021 European Super League project failed. The authors ask whether, in addition to the popular clamour against a semi-closed competition, it was the combination of geopolitical interests of the different actors currently involved in European elite football that prevented the project from going ahead.

Methods

The main methodological framework is based on a case study, which follows an Stakian approach. To do so, on the one hand, a historiographical analysis of the case has been done; on the other hand, authors have complemented this case study with an analysis of 23 pieces of news published on the website of five mainstream newspapers (from April to June 2021) from those countries with the most significant European football leagues: The United Kingdom (The Guardian), Spain (El País), France (Le Monde), Italy (La Repubblica) and Germany (Der Spiegel). To supplement the analysis of this phenomenon, authors have also considered other relevant news published in other mainstream press or news agencies (such as The New York Times, Politico, The Yorkshire Post, The Times, Marca, Bloomberg and Reuters).

Results and Discussion

The authors conclude that, while financially the Super League debate has not been closed, in defending the current business and competition model of European football, UEFA has had the complicity of owners and shareholders of the founding clubs outside of their traditional historical roots, as well as governments that have made football an asset because of their geopolitical positioning, such as Qatar and the UK post-Brexit.
Community gardens as a response to the contradictions of sustainable urban policy: Insights from the Swiss cities of Zurich and Lausanne
Authors: Jahrl Ingrid , Ejderyan Olivier , Salomon Cavin Joëlle
Published: March 2023

In this paper we explore how policy discourses on urban sustainability impact the governing of urban food gardening in favoring community gardens. Our main hypothesis is that community gardens better accommodate the tensions created by the discourses of the compact and green city compared to other types of food gardening, especially allotment gardens. In the context of the Swiss cities of Lausanne and Zurich, analysis of policy documents confirms this hypothesis by identifying four frames that orient policies toward favoring community gardening: (i) Adapting green space planning to densification favors community gardening with their modest, flexible and multifunctional design, (ii) Revaluating the role of urban food gardening in urban sustainability represents community gardening as a new multifunctional benchmark, (iii) Reorganizing urban food gardening fosters diversity in gardening opportunities which in turn supports a variety of forms of community gardening, (iv) Justifying urban food gardening through public values and needs supports community gardening with their cost-efficient green space management, lower land management and more active citizen participation. In this vein, urban policymakers continually turn to community gardens as a strategic urban planning tool that gives urban green space greater legitimacy in the wake of the densifying city. Overall, urban food gardens continue to be negotiated between space-related marginalization and socio-political significance serving different needs to urban citizens. This results in the need of a more sophisticated planning approach considering different types of urban gardens related to their location in the built city, associated functions, and user groups.
Application of the advance incision in robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection
Authors: Qiu Yuhao , Li Ying , Chen Zhenzhou , Chai Ninghui , Liang Xianping , Zhang Dahong , Wei Zhengqiang
Published: March 2023

Background

The incidence of rectal cancer is increasing each year. Robotic surgery is being used more frequently in the surgical treatment of rectal cancer; however, several problems associated with robotic surgery persist, such as docking the robot repeatedly to perform auxiliary incisions and difficulty exposing the operative field of obese patients. Herein we introduce a new technology that effectively improves the operability and convenience of robotic rectal surgery.

Objectives

To simplify the surgical procedure, enhance operability, and improve healing of the surgical incision, we developed an advance incision (AI) technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection, and compared its safety and feasibility with those of intraoperative incision.

Methods

Between January 2016 and October 2021, 102 patients with rectal cancer underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection with an AI or intraoperative incision (iOI) incisions. We compared the perioperative, incisional, and oncologic outcomes between groups.

Results

No significant differences in the operating time, blood loss, time to first passage of flatus, time to first passage of stool, duration of hospitalization, and rate of overall postoperative complications were observed between groups. The mean time to perform auxiliary incisions was shorter in the AI group than in the iOI group (14.14 vs. 19.77 min; p < 0.05). The average incision length was shorter in the AI group than in the iOI group (6.12 vs. 7.29 cm; p < 0.05). Postoperative incision pain (visual analogue scale) was lower in the AI group than in the iOI group (2.5 vs. 2.9 p = 0.048). No significant differences in incision infection, incision hematoma, incision healing time, and long-term incision complications, including incision hernia and intestinal obstruction, were observed between groups. The recurrence (AI group vs. iOI group = 4.0% vs. 5.77%) and metastasis rates (AI group vs. iOI group = 6.0% vs. 5.77%) of cancer were similar between groups.

Conclusion

The advance incision is a safe and effective technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic rectal anterior resection, which simplifies the surgical procedure, enhances operability, and improves healing of the surgical incision.
A workflow for automatic, high precision livestock diagnostic screening of locomotor kinematics
Authors: Mielke Falk , Van Ginneken Chris , Aerts Peter
Published: March 2023

Locomotor kinematics have been challenging inputs for automated diagnostic screening of livestock. Locomotion is a highly variable behavior, and influenced by subject characteristics (e.g., body mass, size, age, disease). We assemble a set of methods from different scientific disciplines, composing an automatic, high through-put workflow which can disentangle behavioral complexity and generate precise individual indicators of non-normal behavior for application in diagnostics and research. For this study, piglets (Sus domesticus) were filmed from lateral perspective during their first 10 h of life, an age at which maturation is quick and body mass and size have major consequences for survival. We then apply deep learning methods for point digitization, calculate joint angle profiles, and apply information-preserving transformations to retrieve a multivariate kinematic data set. We train probabilistic models to infer subject characteristics from kinematics. Model accuracy was validated for strides from piglets of normal birth weight (i.e., the category it was trained on), but the models infer the body mass and size of low birth weight (LBW) piglets (which were left out of training, out-of-sample inference) to be “normal.” The age of some (but not all) low birth weight individuals was underestimated, indicating developmental delay. Such individuals could be identified automatically, inspected, and treated accordingly. This workflow has potential for automatic, precise screening in livestock management.
Association Between Smoking and Pain, Functional Disability, Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Yang Qi-Hao , Zhang Yong-Hui , Du Shu-Hao , Wang Yu-Chen , Wang Xue-Qiang
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) accounts for a majority of the disability associated with LBP, which can produce long-term negative effects. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association between smoking and pain, dysfunction and psychological status in patients with CLBP.

Methods: The 54 patients with CLBP were recruited and divided into smoking and non-smoking groups. Their pain, dysfunction, anxiety, depression, fear and quality of life were evaluated. The amount of cigarettes smoked daily was recorded.

Results: Significant differences in VAS, ODI, RMDQ and FABQ and the impact of LBP on life and work were found between smoking and non-smoking patients. In addition, a correlation was found between the daily cigarette smoking amount and VASmax, FABQtotal, SDS and FABQ-W. Moreover, a correlation was observed between the amount of cigarettes smoked daily and the degree of impact of low back pain on work.

Conclusion: The study found that smoking affected the aggravation of symptoms in patients with CLBP, which indicated that patients with CLBP and people at risk of LBP should be aware of the harm caused by smoking.
The Heterogeneous Impact of Internet Use on Older People’s Mental Health: An Instrumental Variable Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Zhu Huoyun , Li Zhaoqi , Lin Wenyi
Published: March 2023

Objectives: Whether Internet use improves older people’s health is an open question. This study empirically investigated the impact of Internet use on older people’s mental health with a focus on the heterogeneity among subgroups.

Method: Data come from the 2018 China Health Retirement Longitudinal Study (n = 8,505). An instrumental variable quantile regression method (IVQR) combines the instrumental variable and quantile regression to resolve the endogeneity and heterogeneity generally challenged in ordinary least squares (OLS).

Results: Although Internet use generally improves older people’s mental health, there is enormous heterogeneity in the effects on older adults with different mental health conditions. Specifically, Internet use only has a mitigating impact on older adults with poor mental health. Those heterogeneities are also found between rural and urban residents but not between genders.

Conclusion: Our findings shed light on active and healthy aging strategies. Two policy priorities include, on the one hand, the Internet user environment should be improved in parallel with Internet technology; on the other hand, multiple measurements are urgent to be developed to deal with the heterogeneity and unevenness of the impact of Internet technology on older people.
Expansion Lemma—Variations and Applications to Polynomial-Time Preprocessing
Authors: Jacob Ashwin , Majumdar Diptapriyo , Raman Venkatesh
Published: March 2023

In parameterized complexity, it is well-known that a parameterized problem is fixed-parameter tractable if and only if it has a kernel—an instance equivalent to the input instance, whose size is just a function of the parameter. The size of the kernel can be exponential or worse, resulting in a quest for fixed-parameter tractable problems with polynomial-sized kernels. The developments in machinery (showing lower bounds for the sizes of the kernels) have led researchers to question what are the asymptotically optimum sizes for the kernels of fixed-parameter tractable problems. In this article, we surveyed a tool called expansion lemma that helps in reducing the size of the kernel. Its early origin was in the form of crown decomposition, i.e., to obtain the linear kernel for the Vertex Cover problem; the specific lemma was identified as the tool behind the optimal O(k2) kernel for the undirected feedback vertex set problem. Since then, several variations and extensions of the tool have been discovered. We surveyed them along with their applications in this article.
The Bacinete Main Shelter: A Prehistoric Theatre?
Authors: Alvarez-Morales Lidia , Santos da Rosa Neemias , Benítez-Aragón Daniel , Fernández Macías Laura , Lazarich María , Díaz-Andreu Margarita
Published: March 2023

In the last few years, archaeoacoustic studies of rock art sites and landscapes have undergone significant growth as a result of renewed interest in the intangible aspects of the archaeological record. This article focuses on the acoustic study carried out in the rock art complex of Bacinete, Cádiz (Spain). After describing the archaeological site and its importance, a representative set of monaural and spatial IRs gathered onsite is thoroughly analysed to explore the hypothesis that the sonic component of the site played an important role in how prehistoric people interacted with it. Additionally, we briefly discuss the challenges of analysing the acoustics of open-air spaces following the recommendations of the ISO 3382-1 guidelines, a standard developed not for open-air spaces, but for room acoustics. The results obtained confirm the favourable acoustic conditions of the Bacinete main shelter for speech transmission. The different subjective acoustic impressions obtained in a somewhat similar shelter located nearby, Bacinete III, are also explained, alluding to a lesser degree of intimacy felt in the latter.
Radial Basis Function Model-Based Adaptive Model Predictive Control for Trajectory Tracking of a Clapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle
Authors: Zhang Yanwei , Zheng Hao , Xu Jing , Wang Zhonglai
Published: March 2023

Clapping-wing micro air vehicles (CWMAVs) face many control problems due to their lightweight design and susceptibility to disturbances. This study proposes a radial basis function (RBF) model-based adaptive model predictive control (AMPC) for trajectory tracking to solve the control problem in the presence of internal uncertainties and external disturbances. First, a method for calculating the desired attitude is given. Second, a control optimization model is used by adjusting future control inputs to minimize the difference between the future and desired outputs. Third, a nonlinear predictive linearization is used to transform the nonlinear optimization model into a quadratic programming problem. Two observers are introduced to estimate the internal uncertainties and the external disturbances. Finally, the control assignment method is combined with the trajectory tracking method to obtain the design variables of actuators (flapping frequency, pitch angle, and yaw angle). Validation studies were performed to verify the effectiveness and accuracy in the presence of constant and time-dependent disturbances. The comparison of RAMPC with classical methods shows that RAMPC has better control performance with smaller errors. The proposed RAMPC framework can be well used for CWMAV control and provides an excellent basis for accurate navigation and autonomous obstacle avoidance.
Development and Evaluation of a Deep Learning Based System to Predict District-Level Maize Yields in Tanzania
Authors: Tende Isakwisa Gaddy , Aburada Kentaro , Yamaba Hisaaki , Katayama Tetsuro , Okazaki Naonobu
Published: March 2023

Prediction of crop yields is very helpful in ensuring food security, planning harvest management (storage, transport, and labor), and performing market planning. However, in Tanzania, where a majority of the population depends on crop farming as a primary economic activity, the digital tools for predicting crop yields are not yet available, especially at the grass-roots level. In this study, we developed and evaluated Maize Yield Prediction System (MYPS) that uses a short message service (SMS) and the Web to allow rural farmers (via SMS on mobile phones) and government officials (via Web browsers) to predict district-level end-of-season maize yields in Tanzania. The system uses LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) deep learning models to forecast district-level season-end maize yields from remote sensing data (NDVI on the Terra MODIS satellite) and climate data [maximum temperature, minimum temperature, soil moisture, and precipitation (rainfall)]. The key findings reveal that our unimodal and bimodal deep learning models are very effective in predicting crop yields, achieving mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) scores of 3.656% and 6.648%, respectively, on test (unseen) data. This system will help rural farmers and the government in Tanzania make critical decisions to prevent hunger and plan better harvesting and marketing of crops.
Delineating Natural Terroir Units in Wine Regions Using Geoinformatics
Authors: Karapetsas Nikolaos , Alexandridis Thomas K. , Bilas George , Theocharis Serafeim , Koundouras Stefanos
Published: March 2023

The terroir effect refers to the interactions between the grapes and their natural surroundings and has been recognized as an important factor in wine quality. The identification and mapping of viticultural terroir have long been relying on expert opinion coupled with land classification and soil/climate mapping. In this study, the data-driven approach has been implemented for mapping natural terroir units based on spatial modeling of public-access geospatial information regarding the three most important environmental factors that make up the terroir effect on different scales, climate, soil, and topography. K-means cluster analysis was applied to the comprehensive databases of relevant spatial information, and the optimum number of clusters was identified by the Dunn and CCC indices. The results have revealed ten clusters that cover the agricultural area of Drama (Greece), where it was applied, and displayed variable conditions on the climate, soil, and topographic factors. The implications of the resulting natural terroir units on the vini-viticultural management of the most common vine varieties are discussed. As more accurate and detailed input spatial data become available, the potential of such an approach is highlighted and paving the way toward a true understanding of the drivers of terroir.