bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can an Enrichment Programme with Novel Manipulative and Scent Stimuli Change the Behaviour of Zoo-Housed European Wildcats? A Case Study
Authors: Bertoni Valentina , Regaiolli Barbara , Cozzi Alessandro , Vaglio Stefano , Spiezio Caterina
Published: May 2023

Objects and semiochemicals may be used as enrichment in zoos. Domestic cats release Fraction 3 of Facial Pheromone (F3) by rubbing the muzzle to convey relational and territorial information. We aimed to evaluate whether and how the introduction of novel objects and scent stimuli could change the behaviour of one group (N = 5 subjects) of adult European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) hosted at Parco Natura Viva-Garda Zoological Park, Italy. We assessed the behavioural changes following the introduction of novel objects (blocks and rags) and scent (synthetic F3) via observations over four experimental conditions (baseline, rags, F3 rags, blocks) using continuous focal animal sampling. Our results showed that no behavioural differences were found between the different conditions and the baseline, except for the condition with blocks when significantly less exploration was observed. Between conditions, wildcats performed significantly less individual explorative, affiliative, and agonistic behaviours, but more individual inactivity, when exposed to rags after F3 administration. Our findings suggest that the enrichment programme did not substantively affect the behaviour of the zoo-housed wildcats. However, the behavioural differences recorded between conditions suggest that, while novel objects introduced as visual stimuli (blocks) do not affect the wildcat behaviour, novel manipulative objects (rags) might impact their behaviour. Moreover, the changes in affiliative and agonistic behaviours displayed during the condition with exposure to rags sprayed with F3 suggest that such semiochemical could play an appeasement role within this study group.
Valorization of Avocado Seed Wastes for Antioxidant Phenolics and Carbohydrates Recovery Using Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES)
Authors: Del-Castillo-Llamosas Alexandra , Rodríguez-Rebelo Fernando , Rodríguez-Martínez Beatriz , Mallo-Fraga Adrián , Del-Río Pablo G. , Gullón Beatriz
Published: May 2023

Avocado seeds represent the chief waste produced in avocado processing, leading not only to environmental problems regarding its elimination but to a loss of economic profitability. In fact, avocado seeds are known as interesting sources of bioactive compounds and carbohydrates, so their utilization may reduce the negative effect produced during the industrial manufacture of avocado-related products. In this sense, deep eutectic solvents (DES) are a novel greener alternative than organic solvents to extract bioactive polyphenols and carbohydrates. The study was based on a Box–Behnken experimental design to study the effect of three factors, temperature (40, 50, 60 °C), time (60, 120, 180 min) and water content (10, 30, 50% v/v) on the responses of total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity (measured as ABTS and FRAP) and xylose content in the extract. The DES Choline chloride:glycerol (1:1) was used as solvent on avocado seed. Under optimal conditions, TPC: 19.71 mg GAE/g, TFC: 33.41 mg RE/g, ABTS: 20.91 mg TE/g, FRAP: 15.59 mg TE/g and xylose: 5.47 g/L were obtained. The tentative identification of eight phenolic compounds was assayed via HPLC-ESI. The carbohydrate content of the solid residue was also evaluated, and that solid was subjected to two different processing (delignification with DES and microwave-assisted autohydrolysis) to increase the glucan susceptibility to enzymes, and was also assayed reaching almost quantitative glucose yields. These results, added to the non-toxic, eco-friendly, and economic nature of DES, demonstrate that these solvents are an efficient alternative to organic solvents to recover phenolics and carbohydrates from food wastes.
Assessment of Antidiabetic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Carissa carandas Linn Extract: In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Lailerd Manaschanok , Linn Thiri Wai , Lailerd Narissara , Amornlerdpison Duangporn , Imsumran Arisa
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the effects of aqueous fruit extracts of Carissa carandas (CCA) on inflammation and insulin resistance using an in vitro cellular model, in vivo high-fat diets, and a streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic (T2DM) rat model. CCA significantly ameliorated inflammation by decreasing nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Interestingly, CCA showed anti-insulin resistance activities, as it significantly improved glucose uptake and decreased glycerol release in LPS-induced 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In vivo studies showed that a high dose of 12-week oral supplementation of CCA (400 mg/kg BW/day) significantly reduced visceral fat, triglycerides, and cholesterol level in the blood of diabetic rats. Importantly, the metabolic parameters in both fasting and postprandial states, including fasting plasma glucose, HOMA-IR, and glucose intolerance, significantly improved, indicating its antihyperglycemic benefit in diabetic rats. Moreover, the results of the HOMA-β and histological examination suggested that pancreatic β-cell function and pancreatic morphological changes of the CCA and metformin treatments appeared to be better than those in non-treated diabetes, indicating the protective effect of CCA against pancreatic damage caused by hyperglycemia. In conclusion, the present study first reported that the C. carandas fruit extract has anti-inflammation and anti-insulin resistance, and subsequently improved glycemic control in the T2DM rat model.
Role of Physiotherapy and Physical Agent Modalities for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Present and Future
Authors: Marotta Nicola , de Sire Alessandro , Ammendolia Antonio
Published: May 2023

Musculoskeletal disorders are believed to be the second most frequent cause of disability worldwide [...]
Stability Prediction of Soil Slopes Based on Digital Twinning and Deep Learning
Authors: Chen Gongfa , Kang Xiaoyu , Lin Mansheng , Teng Shuai , Liu Zongchao
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a slope stability prediction model based on deep learning and digital twinning methods. To establish a reliable slope database, 30 actual slopes were collected, and 100 digital twin (DT) models were generated for each actual slope by fine-tuning the slope profiles. The safety factors of all slope samples were calculated using the Limit Equilibrium Methods (LEMs). A convolutional neural network (CNN) regression model was established, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was used as the evaluation indicator. In order to find an excellent CNN model, the K-fold (K = 10) cross-validation was used to compare the predictive effect of 1D CNN and 2D CNN on the slope safety factor. On this basis, CNN models with different network depths were compared. The results showed that the 2D CNN model with six convolutional layers had the best network prediction effect for the slope dataset. To validate the generalization ability of the model, an actual slope was input into the CNN model; its prediction result was 1.0229, and the absolute error with its real safety factor (1.0197) was 0.0032. With the slope stability prediction model proposed in this paper, the safety factor of slopes can be obtained from their geological and physical data, which greatly simplifies the calculation of the safety factor and has great engineering significance.
Cold Physical Plasma Toxicity in Breast and Oral Squamous Carcinoma In Vitro and in Patient-Derived Cancer Tissue Ex Vivo
Authors: Saadati Fariba , Jahanbakhshi Fahimeh , Mahdikia Hamed , Abbasvandi Fereshteh , Ghomi Hamid , Yazdani Nasrin , Aghazadeh Keyvan , Emmert Steffen , Bekeschus Sander
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer (BC) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are among the most common types of cancer, but current clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Available therapies have limitations in terms of efficacy and may also cause severe side effects. Cold physical plasma is a promising approach for selectively eliminating cancer cells while avoiding genotoxic effects on non-malignant cells. In this study, we investigated the potential of cold physical plasma as a therapeutic intervention for BC and OSCC through in vitro and ex vivo studies on toxicity. For the in vitro study, T-47 BC cells and SCC-4 and SCC-9 OSCC cell lines were used, and we found cold plasma to be toxic in a treatment time-dependent manner. Moreover, we investigated the safety of physical plasma therapy and found no genotoxic potential in plasma-treated human keratinocytes in vitro. Finally, for the first time, 20 BC and OSCC patient-derived tumor tissues were punch biopsied and ex vivo-exposed to cold physical plasmas to study responses in the tumor microenvironment TME). Cold physical plasma caused significant apoptosis in patient-derived BC and OSCC tumor tissues, and decreased the number of CD163+ cells (e.g., tumor-associated macrophages, TAM) in BC tissue plasma-treated ex vivo. Collectively, our findings motivate the investigation of cold physical plasma as a potential adjuvant treatment in oncology.
Dynamic Characteristics of a Composite Beam with Viscoelastic Layers under Uncertain-But-Bounded Design Parameters
Authors: Łasecka-Plura Magdalena
Published: May 2023

In this study, dynamic characteristics of a composite beam with uncertain design parameters are analyzed. Uncertain-but-bounded parameters change only within certain specified limits. This study uses interval analysis to investigate a composite beam with viscoelastic layers whose behavior is described using the fractional Zener model. In general, parameters describing both elastic and viscoelastic layers can be uncertain. Several methods have been studied to determine the lower and upper bounds of the dynamic characteristics of a structure. Among them, the vertex method is a comparative method in which the lower and upper bounds of the dynamic characteristics are approximated using the first- and second-order Taylor series expansion. An algorithm to determine the critical combination of uncertain design parameters has also been described. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented methods and the possibility of applying them to the analysis of systems with numerous uncertain parameters and high uncertainties.
Thermal Control of CubeSat Electronics Using Thermoelectrics
Authors: Bennett Nick S. , Hawchar Amer , Cowley Aidan
Published: May 2023

A feasibility study is presented exploring the possibility of using thermoelectric devices for the thermal control of CubeSat on-board electronics. A simple thermoelectric architecture is devised and an empirical model for how such a system would perform is constructed, using the performance data of a commercially available thermoelectric module. This is used to calculate the temperature to which the system could cool a computer chip, as a function of thermal resistance and heat rejection. As a baseline scenario, the temperature of the system without the thermoelectric device is compared and the benefit, or otherwise, of using a thermoelectric module is calculated. Analysis shows that in some circumstances introducing a thermoelectric device would actually increase the temperature of the electronics being cooled. This is most common when the quantity of heat being removed, or the thermal resistance of the system, is high. Nevertheless, thermoelectric cooling is beneficial for a range of conditions, such as for cooling the computer chip below ambient temperature, however a good quality radiator is required. This constraint could undermine the thermoelectric device’s potential benefit in many cases, due to the need for an unrealistically large radiator.
A Review on the Prospects of Mobile Manipulators for Smart Maintenance of Railway Track
Authors: Rahman Miftahur , Liu Haochen , Cardenas Isidro Durazo , Starr Andrew , Hall Amanda , Anderson Robert
Published: May 2023

Inspection and repair interventions play vital roles in the asset management of railways. Autonomous mobile manipulators possess considerable potential to replace humans in many hazardous railway track maintenance tasks with high efficiency. This paper investigates the prospects of the use of mobile manipulators in track maintenance tasks. The current state of railway track inspection and repair technologies is initially reviewed, revealing that very few mobile manipulators are in the railways. Of note, the technologies are analytically scrutinized to ascertain advantages, unique capabilities, and potential use in the deployment of mobile manipulators for inspection and repair tasks across various industries. Most mobile manipulators in maintenance use ground robots, while other applications use aerial, underwater, or space robots. Power transmission lines, the nuclear industry, and space are the most extensive application areas. Clearly, the railways infrastructure managers can benefit from the adaptation of best practices from these diversified designs and their broad deployment, leading to enhanced human safety and optimized asset digitalization. A case study is presented to show the potential use of mobile manipulators in railway track maintenance tasks. Moreover, the benefits of the mobile manipulator are discussed based on previous research. Finally, challenges and requirements are reviewed to provide insights into future research.
Seismic Risk Analysis of Offshore Bridges Considering Seismic Correlation between Vulnerable Components
Authors: Ren Wenjing , Liu Aijun , Qiu Dapeng
Published: May 2023

To comprehensively evaluate the seismic performance of offshore bridges, a seismic risk analysis of an example bridge was developed based on improved two-dimensional (2D) seismic fragility analysis. Taking a simply-supported beam bridge in an offshore tidal environment as an example, the adverse effects of chloride ion erosion are considered and the seismic response process of the example bridge is simulated using the Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) method. The appropriate damage indexes are chosen for the plate rubber bearing and the pier, and the one-dimensional (1D) seismic fragility curves of single components and the entire bridge are obtained. The correlation coefficients of vulnerable components are quantitatively proposed based on the correlation analysis method, and the 2D seismic fragility curves of the entire bridge are achieved while accounting for seismic correlation between vulnerable components. The seismic risk probability of the entire bridge is finally determined after combining hazard analysis at the bridge site and seismic loss analysis. The results show that there is a significant correlation between vulnerable components and that 2D seismic fragility analysis based on the reliable correlation coefficients of vulnerable components can more comprehensively evaluate the seismic performance of the entire bridge. In the context of seismic disaster reduction research focused on slight and moderate damage caused by moderate-to-small ground motions, this research can provide scientific and technical support for seismic design and seismic risk assessment of offshore bridges.
Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from Farms Effluents: Interest of HS-SPME-GC-MS Technique for Laboratory and Field Test
Authors: Joguet Nicolas , Jing Lun , Jamois Frank , Dumargue Philippe
Published: May 2023

Livestock is an important source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause odor nuisance and pollution. The main sources of these VOCs in livestock are effluents and their management system. In this study, the applicability of headspace-solid phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) for VOC characterization in effluent samples in both laboratory and field tests was evaluated. In the laboratory test, the VOC profile of different farm effluents (cattle dung, slurry and chicken droppings) was measured as well as the influence of the presence of litter material on their release. In the field test, a comparison was made between the VOC profile of two manure pits that had undergone treatment or not to assist in effluent management. The results presented here show that the HS-SPME-GC-MS technique allows one to quantify a wide spectrum of VOCs responsible for olfactory nuisances (177 and 73 VOCs in total for the laboratory and field tests, respectively) in a simple, fast, and economic way. This technique could be further developed to monitor olfactory nuisance markers and predict the evolution of different effluent materials.
Apoptotic Changes, Oxidative Stress and Immunomodulatory Effects in the Liver of Japanese Seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) Induced by Ammonia-Nitrogen Stress during Keep-Live Transport
Authors: Guo Meijie , Yan Qi , Dong Yixuan , Ding Zhaoyang , Mei Jun , Xie Jing
Published: May 2023

This study investigated the effects of NH3-N on antioxidant responses, histoarchitecture, and immunity of Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) during keep-live transport. The findings suggest that NH3-N stress transport alters the transcription of P53, Caspase 9, Bcl2, Caspase 3 and Bax genes, demonstrating that NH3-N stress can trigger the apoptotic pathway of P53-Bax-Bcl2 and Caspase and induce apoptosis. NH3-N stress transport also evoked transcriptional upregulation of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3), nuclear factor kappa β (NF-κB), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 1β (IL-1β)) and increased complement C3, C4, lysozyme (LZM) and immunoglobulin (IgM) levels, activating the innate immunological system during keep-live transport. In addition, NH3-N stress transport altered changes in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-related enzymes, and heat shock proteins 70 and 90 in the liver, indicating that the antioxidant system and Hsp protected the cells from NH3-N-induced oxidative stress. When excess ROS were not removed, they caused the body to respond with immunological and inflammatory responses, as well as apoptosis and tissue damage. This helps towards understanding the effect of NH3-N levels on sea bass during keep-live transport.
SerpinB3 Upregulates Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein (LRP) Family Members, Leading to Wnt Signaling Activation and Increased Cell Survival and Invasiveness
Authors: Quarta Santina , Cappon Andrea , Turato Cristian , Ruvoletto Mariagrazia , Cannito Stefania , Villano Gianmarco , Biasiolo Alessandra , Maggi Maristella , Protopapa Francesca , Bertazza Loris , Fasolato Silvano , Parola Maurizio , Pontisso Patrizia
Published: May 2023

Abnormal activation of the Wnt-β-catenin signaling cascade is involved in tumor growth and dissemination. SerpinB3 has been shown to induce β-catenin, and both molecules are overexpressed in tumors, particularly in those with poor prognoses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of SerpinB3 to modulate the Wnt pathway in liver cancer and in monocytic cells, the main type of inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment. The Wnt cascade, Wnt co-receptors, and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) members were analyzed in different cell lines and human monocytes in the presence or absence of SerpinB3. The Wnt-β-catenin axis was also evaluated in liver tumors induced in mice with different extents of SeprinB3 expression. In monocytic cells, SerpinB3 induced a significant upregulation of Wnt-1/7, nuclear β-catenin, and c-Myc, which are associated with increased cell lifespan and proliferation. In liver tumors in mice, the expression of β-catenin was significantly correlated with the presence of SerpinB3. In hepatoma cells, Wnt co-receptors LRP-5/6 and LRP-1, implicated in cell survival and invasiveness, were upregulated by SerpinB3. The LRP pan-inhibitor RAP not only induced a decrease in LRP expression, but also a dose–dependent reduction in SerpinB3-induced invasiveness. In conclusion, SerpinB3 determines the activation of the Wnt canonical pathway and cell invasiveness through the upregulation of LRP family members.
Dynamic Analysis of a Concrete-Cored Deep Cement Mixing Pile under Horizontal Dynamic Loads
Authors: Su Gang , Liu Hongbo , Dai Guoliang , Chen Xinsheng , Deng Yaguang
Published: May 2023

Concrete-cored deep cement mixing (DCM) pile is a novel type of pile foundation, and its lateral dynamic response analysis has great practical significance. Based on the elastic dynamic theory, this study investigated the lateral dynamic response of a concrete-cored DCM pile in the single-phase viscoelastic soil using theoretical deduction and parametric analysis. Considering the special structure of the concrete-cored DCM pile, the lateral vibration equation of the concrete-cored DCM pile is first established with mechanical equilibrium, and then the dynamic behavior of the soil around the pile is described using the existing governing equations of single-phase soils. Subsequently, the solutions for the dynamic impedances at the pile top are deduced after a series of rigorous theoretical derivations. Finally, the influence of the pile and soil parameters on the dynamic impedances at the pile top is studied using calculation examples and parameter analysis. The results reveal that the radius of the concrete-cored DCM pile obviously affects the dynamic impedances at the pile top. Enhancing the elastic modulus of the concrete-cored DCM pile is beneficial for augmenting the dynamic impedances at the pile top. An improvement in the soil density will increase the stiffness factors of the dynamic impedances at the pile top but will reduce their damping factors.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: Review of Emerging Nanotherapeutics
Authors: Dissanayake Ranga , Towner Rheal , Ahmed Marya
Published: May 2023

Metastases of breast cancer (BC) are often referred to as stage IV breast cancer due to their severity and high rate of mortality. The median survival time of patients with metastatic BC is reduced to 3 years. Currently, the treatment regimens for metastatic BC are similar to the primary cancer therapeutics and are limited to conventional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, metastatic BC shows organ-specific complex tumor cell heterogeneity, plasticity, and a distinct tumor microenvironment, leading to therapeutic failure. This issue can be successfully addressed by combining current cancer therapies with nanotechnology. The applications of nanotherapeutics for both primary and metastatic BC treatments are developing rapidly, and new ideas and technologies are being discovered. Several recent reviews covered the advancement of nanotherapeutics for primary BC, while also discussing certain aspects of treatments for metastatic BC. This review provides comprehensive details on the recent advancement and future prospects of nanotherapeutics designed for metastatic BC treatment, in the context of the pathological state of the disease. Furthermore, possible combinations of current treatment with nanotechnology are discussed, and their potential for future transitions in clinical settings is explored.
Microreactor Based on Trimetallic Nano-Oxides Obtained by In Situ Growth from German Silver
Authors: Cabello Ana P. , Franco Murcia Mayra A. , Ulla María A. , Zamaro Juan M.
Published: May 2023

Nanostructured films of copper, zinc, and nickel oxides were obtained from a controlled oxidation of the ternary nickel silver (Cu-Zn-Ni) substrates through a one-pot, green, and low temperature vapor-based treatment. Brief contact of the alloy with ammonia and hydrogen peroxide vapors at room temperature originates a mixture of nanometric copper, zinc, and nickel oxides at its surface. The growths evolve with time and temperature, generating a layered film with highly dispersed copper nano-oxides/hydroxides on a base of zinc and nickel oxides. The composition, configuration, and way of obtaining these films make them green catalysts, which are highly active and stable for a carbon monoxide oxidation reaction.
Influence of Nanoscale Intimacy in Bi-Functional Catalysts for CO2-Assisted Dehydrogenation of C5-Paraffins
Authors: Numan Muhammad , Lee Gayoung , Eom Eunji , Shin Jae Won , Choi Dae-Heung , Jo Changbum
Published: May 2023

In this study, Pt1Sn1 intermetallic nanoparticles (NPs) on SiO2/CeO2@SiO2 composites were located either on SiO2 or on CeO2@SiO2, thereby varying the average distance (intimacy) between metal sites and CeOx sites from “closest” to “nanoscale”. The catalytic performance of these catalysts was compared to dual-bed mixtures of Pt1Sn1@SiO2 and CeO2@SiO2 powders, which provided a “milliscale” distance between sites. Several beneficial effects on the catalytic performance of CO2-assisted oxidative dehydrogenation of C5-paraffins were observed when Pt1Sn1 nanoparticles were located on SiO2 in nanoscale proximity to the CeO2 sites, as opposed to Pt and Sn species located on CeO2@SiO2 with the closest proximity and milliscale intimacy between Pt1Sn1 and CeO2. The former catalysts exhibited the highest C5-paraffin conversion of 32.8%, with a C5 total olefin selectivity of 68.7%, while the closest-proximity sample had a lower conversion of 17.4%, with a C5 total olefin selectivity of 20.9%. The FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectroscopic study of the CO adsorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results revealed that the closest proximity between Pt and Ce inhibited PtSn alloy formation due to their strong interaction. However, for the nanoscale-proximity sample, neighboring CeO2@SiO2 did not disturb Pt1Sn1 intermetallic formation. This strategy can be applied to other CO2 activation catalysts, instead of CeO2@SiO2. This paper aims to provide insights into the influence of metal–CeOx intimacy in bi-functional catalysts.
Human Milk Fatty Acid Composition and Its Effect on Preterm Infants’ Growth Velocity
Authors: Ahmed Batool , Freije Afnan , Omran Amina , Rondanelli Mariangela , Marino Mirko , Perna Simone
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to analyze the fatty acid content in human milk and to find its relationship with the growth velocity of preterm infants. Mature milk samples from 15 mothers of preterm infants were collected from three different hospitals, followed by lipid extraction, fatty acid methylation, and finally gas chromatography analysis to determine the fatty acids composition. The average total lipid content was 3.61 ± 1.57 g/100 mL with the following classes of fatty acids: saturated fatty acids 43.54 ± 11.16%, unsaturated fatty acids 52.22 ± 10.89%, in which monounsaturated fatty acids were 36.52 ± 13.90%, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were 15.70 ± 7.10%. Polyunsaturated fatty acid sub-class n-6 was 15.23 ± 8.23% and n-3 was 0.46 ± 0.18%. Oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid were the most abundant fatty acids. The n-6/n-3 ratio was 32.83:1. EPA and DHA fatty acids were not detected. As gestational age and birth weight increase, C20:2n6 content increases. The growth velocity increases with the decrement in C16 and increment in C20:2n6. The lipid profile of preterm human milk was found to be low in some essential fatty acids, which may affect the quality of preterm infants’ nutrition.
Convergent Validity of the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-Pediatric Physical Activity Instrument (PROMIS®-PA) with Wearable Devices in Adolescents
Authors: Algheryafi Reem A. , Bevans Katherine B. , Hiremath Shivayogi V. , Lai Jin-Shei , Tucker Carole A.
Published: May 2023

The study was conducted mainly to examine the convergent validity of the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System-Pediatric Physical Activity instrument (PROMIS®®®-PA) with step counts from wearable devices and another validated self-reported outcome measure. As a secondary aim, we explored the effect of different recall time frames (7-day, end-of-day [EoD], and ecological momentary assessment [EMA] time frames during the day) in terms of their feasibility and associations with each other and with step counts. This was a prospective cohort study that examined the associations between measures of PA in school-age children and adolescents (n = 84, aged 10–20). The participants wore Fitbit devices for 7 consecutive days, and then completed the 7-day-recall PROMIS-PA short form and Youth Activity Profile (YAP). Additional analyses were completed in a sub-sample (n = 25, aged 11–18 years) using the PROMIS-PA for the EMA at five intervals during the day (shorter form) and at the EoD. In the total sample, the PROMIS-PA results showed positive moderate correlations with the YAP and average daily steps (r = 0.533, p < 0.001 and r = 0.346, p = 0.002, respectively). In the sub-sample, the 7-day PROMIS-PA was highly correlated with the averaged EMA or EoD ratings for the week, and moderately correlated with the daily step counts. These findings support the validity of the PROMIS-PA as a measure of self-reported physical activity. Adolescents demonstrated higher compliance rates and preference for the 7-day recall and EoD assessments compared to more frequent EMA reporting.
The Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on the Sleep Quality of Children
Authors: Lopez-Iracheta Roberto , Moreno-Galarraga Laura , Moreno-Villares Jose Manuel , Bueso-Asfura Oscar Emilio , Martinez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel , Martin-Calvo Nerea
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The COVID-19 lockdown has caused important changes in children’s routines, especially in terms of nutrition, physical activity, screen time, social activity, and school time. Regarding these changes, recent studies show that the COVID-19 lockdown is associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression in children. The objective of this study was to assess changes in sleep quality in Spanish children during the lockdown decreed by the Spanish government between March and June 2020. Methodology: We compared the BEAR (bedtime, excessive daytime sleepiness, awakening during the night, and regularity and duration of sleep) scores of 478 participants (median age = 7.5 years; 48% girls) in the SENDO project during the periods before, during, and after lockdown. The questionnaires were filled out by one of the parents. We used hierarchical models with two levels of clustering to account for the intra-cluster correlation between siblings. The interaction of time with a set of a priori selected variables was assessed by introducing the interaction term into the model and calculating the likelihood ratio test. Results: The mean scores in the BEAR questionnaire referred to the periods before, during, and after lockdown were 0.52 (sd 1.25), 1.43 (sd 1.99), and 1.07 (sd 1.55), respectively. These findings indicate a deterioration in sleep quality during the period of confinement. Parental level of education was found to be an effect modifier (p for interaction = 0.004). Children whose parents had higher education (university graduates or higher) showed a smaller worsening than those without. Conclusion: Our study shows that the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with a significant worsening of sleep quality. Moreover, although the end of the lockdown brought about a slight improvement, mean scores on the BEAR scale remained significantly higher than before the lockdown, suggesting that the consequences for sleep quality could persist over time. This worsening was higher in children whose parents had lower educational degrees. Helping children maintain healthy sleeping habits despite the circumstances and providing early psychological support when needed is important to prevent negative psycho-physical symptoms due to lockdown that could persist over the years.
Extraversion in COVID-19 Coping and Actionable Insights from Considering Self-Directed Learning
Authors: Nash Carol
Published: May 2023

Extraversion, of the Big Five personality traits, has been identified as the most socially relevant of the traits with respect to positive COVID-19 coping—yet relevant research is found conflicting. Studies assessing this discrepancy have not situated the influence of extraversion within a geographical and historical context. Thus, a likely contributor has been missed. Furthermore, extraversion is based on other-directed learning with respect to COVID-19 coping, and this has not been considered regarding its contrast to self-directed learning. To provide context, an examination of high-ranking Google Scholar results on extraversion and COVID-19 coping from different countries during the pandemic’s various waves is undertaken, including the introduction of vaccines as a factor in decreasing COVID-19’s perceived threat. These are then examined for relationships regarding public opinion. Following, extraversion is compared with other-directed learning and differentiated from self-directed learning. An understanding is thus presented for assessing when extraversion will be an effective personality trait for positive COVID-19 coping and when it will not. Extraversion’s effect is found inherently inconsistent for identifying positive COVID-19 coping because of its dependence on other-directed learning. The conclusion: stability in positive COVID-19 coping is contingent on personal values that guide self-directed learning rather than extraversion’s other-directed learning.
Rabbits or Refuse? Landfill Use and Relevance as a Food Source for an Increasing Wintering Population of the Red Kite
Authors: Vicente-Hernández Íñigo , Martínez Félix , Blanco Guillermo
Published: May 2023

Household waste landfills represent a huge source of trophic resources for opportunistic and versatile wildlife species. Among them, the red kite (Milvus milvus) is one of the most endangered in Europe. Several studies have pointed out the importance of landfills as a source of food for this species during the wintering season, but the information on the frequency, seasonal and daily patterns of use, and age of red kites that exploit this food source is still insufficient to understand their actual role in conservation. In this study, we evaluated the patterns of use of household waste by overwintering red kites in southeastern Madrid, central Spain. The results showed the constant presence of relatively low numbers (<30 on average) and a reduced hourly inflow and outflow of red kites throughout the day and during the whole winter period in the studied landfill. A higher proportion of juveniles was found in the landfill than in the overall wintering population. Pellet analysis clearly shows that the diet of red kites is dominated by the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), which is quantitatively very relevant compared to household waste obtained from the landfill. This suggests a relatively low quantitative importance of landfills as foraging grounds for the increasing population of wintering red kites in the study area. Instead, the high regional density of wild rabbits attracts large numbers of red kites that can eventually use landfills as a non-optimal last-resort foraging option, owing to the predictability of household waste, especially for juveniles. The continuous presence of red kites in landfills likely influences an uninformed positive perception about their relevance to the conservation of the wintering population, despite risks there faced, such as collision, electrocution, and intoxication. Future research is needed to assess in depth the influence of wild rabbits in Spain on the habitat use and global population dynamics of red kites.
Rediscovery of Five Rinodina Species Originally Described from Southwest China and One New Species
Authors: Zhong Qiuyi , Ai Min , Worthy Fiona Ruth , Yin Ancheng , Jiang Yi , Wang Lisong , Wang Xinyu
Published: May 2023

Rinodina is a lichenized fungal genus belonging to the Physciaceae, with c. 300 species worldwide. Nearly a century ago, Zahlbruckner described five species of the genus Rinodina from Southwest China. The type collections were the only records for these species. In the present study, new records for four of these species: Rinodina cornutula, R. globulans, R. handelii, and R. setschwana, and a recently described species, R. pluriloculata, are documented based on specimens collected from the holotype localities. Furthermore, one new species was discovered: Rinodina hengduanensis, characterized by areolate to subsquamulose thallus, jigsaw-like areoles, lecanorine apothecium, and Dirinaria-type ascospores. Rinodina setschwana is transferred to the genus Buellia based on its morphology, chemistry, and phylogeny and proposed as Buellia setschwana. We provide detailed morphological descriptions, pictures, and molecular phylogenetic analyses.
Two New Species of Encotyllabe (Monogenea: Capsalidae) from Brazil: Morphological and Molecular Evidence
Authors: Taborda Naraiana , Sepulveda Fabiola A. , Luque Jose L. , Escribano Rubén , Oliva Marcelo E.
Published: May 2023

Currently, 24 species of Encotyllabe Diesing, 1850 (Monogenea: Capsalidae), are recorded as parasites on teleost fishes, but the validity of many species has been questioned due to deficient or incomplete descriptions. Almost all species in the genus have been described from one host species or closely related host species, suggesting host specificity, but some species, specifically Encotyllabe spari Yamaguti, 1934, have been reported from at least 19 species belonging to nine families in two orders (Perciformes and Scorpaeniformes) from Japan, Arabian Gulf and Brazil. Concerning Brazilian records of Encotyllabe spari and Encotyllabe cf. spari, seven species belonging to four families and two orders have been reported as hosts for this species. The aim of this study was to describe two new species of Encotyllabe from Brazil, previously considered as E. spari. Morphological and morphometric (multivariate analysis of proportional measurements standardized by total length) and molecular analysis (LSU rRNA and cox1 gene) were performed in order to identify the collected monogeneans. The description of two new species, namely Encotyllabe bifurcatum n. sp. and Encotyllabe parvum n. sp., parasitizing Pagrus pagrus and Orthopristis ruber, respectively, is the result of the three approaches. The main morphological differences from the most related species include a combination of body size, shape of the male copulatory organ, size and position of the testes. Our results suggest host specificity for members of Encotyllabe and specimens previously recorded as E. spari, other than those from the original description, must be revisited.
Identification of Basement Membrane-Related Signatures in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Jinyun , Liu Dingwei , Wang Qixuan , Xie Yong
Published: May 2023

Background: The basement membrane (BM) serves as a major barrier to impede tumor cell invasion and extravasation during metastasis. However, the associations between BM-related genes and GC remain unclear. Methods: RNA expression data and corresponding clinical information of STAD samples were downloaded from the TCGA database. We identified BM-related subtypes and constructed a BM-related gene prognostic model using lasso-Cox regression analysis. We also investigated the single-cell properties of prognostic-related genes and the TME characteristic, TMB status, and chemotherapy response in high- and low-risk groups. Finally, we verified our results in the GEPIA database and human tissue specimens. Results: A six-gene lasso Cox regression model (APOD, CAPN6, GPC3, PDK4, SLC7A2, SVEP1) was developed. Activated CD4+ T cells and follicular T cells were shown to infiltrate more widely in the low-risk group. The low-risk group harbored significantly higher TMB and better prognosis, favoring immunotherapy. Conclusions: We constructed a six-gene BM-related prognostic model for predicting GC prognosis, immune cell infiltration, TMB status, and chemotherapy response. This research provides new ideas for developing more effective individualized treatment of GC patients.
Diagnosis and Clinical Implication of Left Ventricular Aneurysm in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Perillo Errico Federico , Canciello Grazia , Borrelli Felice , Todde Gaetano , Imbriaco Massimo , Ordine Leopoldo , Di Napoli Salvatore , Lombardi Raffaella , Esposito Giovanni , Losi Maria-Angela
Published: May 2023

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disease with heterogeneous clinical presentation and prognosis. Within the broad phenotypic expression of HCM, there is a subgroup of patients with a left ventricular (LV) apical aneurysm, which has an estimated prevalence between 2% and 5%. LV apical aneurysm is characterized by an area of apical dyskinesis or akinesis, often associated with regional scarring. To date, the most accepted pathomechanism of this complication is, in absence of coronary artery disease, the high systolic intra-aneurysmal pressure, which, combined with impaired diastolic perfusion from lower stroke volume, results in supply–demand ischemia and myocardial injury. Apical aneurysm is increasingly recognized as a poor prognostic marker; however, the efficacy of prophylactic anticoagulation and/or intracardiac cardioverted defibrillator (ICD) in improving morbidity and mortality is not yet clearly demonstrated. This review aims to elucidate the mechanism, diagnosis and clinical implication of LV aneurysm in patients with HCM.
A Case Study of Responsive Middle Grades Education in a Laboratory Middle School in the USA
Authors: Virtue David C. , Pinter Holly H.
Published: May 2023

This case study describes responsive approaches to middle grades education and teacher education at Laboratory Middle School (LMS), a subunit of the college of education in a public university in the southeastern USA. LMS was established with a mission to serve rural students who had experienced struggles in the regular school system and to serve as a clinical site for the preparation of middle grades teachers, counselors, and school nurses. Many students at LMS have faced challenges due to physical or cognitive exceptionalities or because of traumatic experiences. Thus, programs and practices in the school must respond to the developmental stage of the young adolescents whom it serves, as well as the many varied individual needs of the learners. The conceptual frame for the study is “responsiveness” as defined by seminal middle-level literature (e.g., This We Believe), and the theoretical underpinnings are constructed from theories of stage–environment fit and human ecology. The study employs a case study design and qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. The case report describes the LMS context and details manifestations of responsiveness at LMS organized in three categories: (a) culture and community; (b) curriculum, instruction, and assessment; and (c) leadership and organization. The authors offer four sets of implications for the design and delivery of responsive programming in middle-level schools: (a) a holistic approach to young adolescent education; (b) commitment to continuous improvement; (c) theoretical pragmatism in pedagogical practices, programs, and policies; and (d) engagement of preservice teachers in immersive field experiences.
Development of a Robot for Decontamination of High Places and Decommissioning Work That Can Cope with Slopes and Steps
Authors: Ogake Shuichiro , Yoshimura Yu , Inoue Koki , Kobayashi Shu , Kobayashi Kazuma , Mitsui Satoshi , Satake Toshifumi , Igo Naoki
Published: May 2023

In this study, a robot was created to compete in the “7th Decommissioning Creative Robot Contest. The “Decommissioning Creative Robot Contest” is a robot contest in which the fields and tasks are set based on the assumption of decommissioning work at TEPCO’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The theme of this year’s competition is 3D decontamination of a highly contaminated area inside a nuclear reactor building. To solve the competition problem, we propose a robot for decommissioning work equipped with “an undercarriage mechanism that can cope with slopes and steps”, “a decontamination mechanism with two types of rotation trajectories”, and “a lifting mechanism with a high deformation rate. The undercarriage mechanism uses a four-wheel drive with infinite orbit to cope with slopes and steps. The decontamination mechanism uses two different types of orbits for decontamination: a circular rotating orbit and a longitudinal rotating orbit for rotation. For the lifting mechanism, three pantograph mechanisms were used. This study realized a control and mechanism to overcome steps and slopes, a deployment mechanism to high places, and a mechanism with two types of orbits to carefully decontaminate a large area.
Distributed Goppa-Coded Generalized Spatial Modulation: Optimized Design and Performance Study
Authors: Zhao Chunli , Yang Fengfan , Waweru Daniel Kariuki , Chen Chen , Xu Hongjun , Luo Lin
Published: May 2023

The distributed Goppa-coded generalized spatial modulation (DGC-GSM) scheme with the source, relay, and destination in cooperative communications is proposed, where the source and relay adopt different Goppa codes. Goppa codes have many advantages such as the flexible codeword length, excellent code construction, and easy encoding and decoding complexity. At the relay, we select portions of the source information bits for further encoding. For each selection, the destination constructs a channel code. To obtain the best code in the destination, we propose the optimal information bit selection algorithm at the relay to choose the source information. However, Goppa codes with a large block length will impose high complexity on the optimal algorithm. Thus, the locally optimized selection algorithm is further proposed. At the destination, the joint decoding algorithm is adopted to recover the source information. Our simulated results indicate that the two selection algorithms proposed achieve better performance than the random selection method. This is because the optimized algorithms can generate the code with a larger minimum distance at the destination. Moreover, the proposed DGC-GSM scheme outperforms the non-cooperative system. Moreover, the DGC-GSM scheme can obtain the approximate performance with the distributed Goppa-coded spatial modulation (DGC-SM) scheme but has a significantly reduced transmit antenna number.
Compact Single-Unit Two-Bit Reflection-Type Phase Shifters with Large Phase Shift Range
Authors: Amin Faisal , Liu Lingyun , Liu Yun , Zhao Yongjiu
Published: May 2023

Multi-bit phase shifters are typically implemented by cascading multiple phase-shifting units, therefore incurring large dimensions and higher insertion losses. This paper presents highly compact single-unit two-bit reflection-type phase shifters (SUTBRTPSs), with large phase shifts range and lower insertion loss by using only one 3-dB hybrid coupler, unlike traditional multi-bit reflection-type phase shifters. To achieve this, two identical dual-voltage controlled reactance blocks (DVCRBs) are loaded to the 3-dB hybrid directional coupler at through and coupled ports, and 04 states of phase shifts are obtained between the input and isolated ports. Each DVCRB consists of 03 open-circuited transmission lines and switching p-i-n diodes and provides half of the required susceptance to achieve the desired phase shifts. Design theory is presented in detail, and for validation and demonstration, two typical SUTBRTPSs (0°/45°/90°/135° and 0°/22.5°/180°/202.5°) are designed, fabricated and measured. Being implemented in a single-unit structure, the proposed method yields highly compact dimensions of 0.44 λg × 0.46 λg and 0.54 λg × 0.46 λg, respectively. The simulation and measurements results are in good agreement and indicate maximum insertion losses of 1.7 and 2.1 dB with a return loss better than 20 dB and phase error of less than 1.5°.