bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Framework to Support the Implementation of Digital Formative Assessment in Higher Education
Authors: Kaya-Capocci Sila , O’Leary Michael , Costello Eamon
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a framework to support the use of digital formative assessment in higher education. The framework is informed by key principles and approaches underpinning effective formative assessment and, more specifically, by approaches to formative assessment that leverage the functionalities of technology. The overall aim is to provide a structured conceptualisation of digital formative assessment that supports the planning of lectures and other teaching and learning activities in higher education classrooms. At the heart of the framework, as presented in this paper, is a 12-cell grid comprising 4 key formative assessment strategies (sharing learning intentions and success criteria, questioning and discussion, feedback, and peer- and self-assessment) crossed with 3 functionalities of technology (sending and displaying, processing and analysing, and interactive environments). These functionalities of technologies are used as the basis to integrate digital tools into formative assessment for effective teaching and learning processes. For each cell in the grid, an exemplary digital formative assessment practice is described. This paper highlights the framework’s potential for enhancing the practice of digital formative assessment and its significance in light of the ongoing digital transformation. This paper concludes with suggesting a programme of research that might be undertaken to evaluate its utility and impact in higher education contexts.
Serial Mediation Model of Social Capital Effects over Academic Stress in University Students
Authors: Castro Torres Mario Eduardo , Vargas-Piérola Pablo Marcelo , Pinto Carlos F. , Alvarado Rubén
Published: November 2022

Background: Although several studies have shown that social capital and social support decreases academic stress (AS), there has been lack of atheoretical model to explain how this occurs. This study aims to verify a model that explains the effect of bonding social capital (BSC) over academic stress psychological symptoms (PsyS), considering the multiple sequential mediation of socio-emotional support (SES), self-efficacy (sEffic) and self-esteem (sEstee). Methods: In a transversal study, 150 undergraduate volunteer students were recruited using non-probabilistic purposive sampling. Data were collected using psychological questionnaires and were processed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Results: Goodness of fit of the models (SRMR = 0.056, 0.057, <HI95) (dULS, dG < HI95), reliability and validity are adequate. The indirect effect of BSC over PsyS (β = −0.196; IC 95% [−0.297, −0.098]) is relevant and significant and is serial mediated by SES and sEffic. Conclusions: From a very precise conceptual definition, a model is generated, within which empirical evidence explains the relationship between BSC and PsyS, emphasizing the role of BSC in the development of personal resources to cope with AS. This can be applied to policies and public health programs that affect these variables.
Assessment of ‘Cool’ and ‘Hot’ Executive Skills in Children with ADHD: The Role of Performance Measures and Behavioral Ratings
Authors: Veloso Andreia S. , Vicente Selene G. , Filipe Marisa G.
Published: November 2022

Executive dysfunction is an underlying characteristic of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Therefore, this study explored which measures of executive functions (EF) may lead to a better diagnostic prediction and evaluated whether participants were adequately assigned to the ADHD group based on the identified predictors. Seventeen 6- to 10-year-old children with ADHD were matched with 17 typically developing peers (TD) by age, gender, and non-verbal intelligence. Performance-based measures and behavior ratings of ‘cool’ and ‘hot’ EF were used. As expected, there was a significant group effect on the linear combination of measures, indicating that children with ADHD showed significant difficulties with EF compared to the TD group. In fact, significant differences were found in measures of short-term and working memory, planning, delay aversion, and EF-related behaviors, as reported by parents and teachers. However, the discriminant function analysis only revealed three significant predictors: the General Executive Composite of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (Parent and Teacher Forms) and the Delay of Gratification Task, with 97.1% correct classifications. These findings highlight the importance and contribution of both behavioral ratings and ‘hot’ measures of EF for the characterization of ADHD in children.
A Single-Event Burnout Hardened Super-Junction Trench SOI LDMOS with Additional Hole Leakage Paths
Authors: Wang Yue , Wang Lixin , Li Yuanzhe , Cui Mengyao , Zheng Zhuoxuan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a novel super-junction trench silicon-on-insulator laterally-diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor (SJT SOI LDMOS) power device with additional hole leakage paths to improve single-event burnout (SEB) performance under high liner energy transfer (LET) is proposed for the first time. The electrical characteristics and SEB performance of the proposed SJT SOI LDMOS are both enhanced effectively. The replacement of a lightly doped N drift region with a heavily doped P pillar and N pillar considerably improves the tradeoff between breakdown voltage (BVDS) and specific on-resistance (Ron,sp). Compared with the conventional trench SOI LDMOS (CT SOI LDMOS), the static figures of merit (FOM, BVDS2/Ron,sp) of the SJT SOI LDMOS increases by 239%. The SEB performance of the SJT SOI LDMOS is significantly improved as the holes induced by the heavy ion can be quickly absorbed to the trench source metal through the heavily doped P+ region and P buried region rather than the base resistor of the parasitic bipolar junction transistor (BJT). The SEB threshold voltage (VSEB) of the CT SOI LDMOS is 58 V (39% of the BVDS) and that of the SJT SOI LDMOS is up to 173 V (87% of the BVDS) at high LET of 1 pC/μm.
A Broadband Power Amplifier Based on a Novel Filter Matching Network
Authors: Li Zheng , Nan Jingchang , Gao Mingming , Niu Yun
Published: November 2022

This paper presents a new realization method of a broadband power amplifier based on a novel filter matching network. The novel matching network based on band-pass filter has an excellent frequency-selection function, which can ensure the novel matching network has excellent characteristics in the aim band and generates the out-of-band harmonic suppression. Finally, we manufactured the power amplifier and measured it. The saturated output power is greater than 40 dBm in the range of 1 to 3 GHz, limited to ±1.5 dB of the gain flatness, and the rejection of harmonic is stronger than −20 dBc.
A New Energy-Aware Method for Gas Lift Allocation in IoT-Based Industries Using a Chemical Reaction-Based Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Zanbouri Kouros , Razoughi Bastak Mostafa , Alizadeh Seyed Mehdi , Jafari Navimipour Nima , Yalcin Senay
Published: November 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) has recently developed opportunities for various industries, including the petrochemical industry, that allow for intelligent manufacturing with real-time management and the analysis of the produced big data. In oil production, extracting oil reduces reservoir demand, causing oil supply to fall below the economically viable level. Gas lift is a popular artificial lift system that is both efficient and cost-effective. If gas supplies in the gas lift process are not limited, a sufficient amount of gas may be injected into the reservoir to reach the highest feasible production rate. Because of the limited supply of gas, it is essential to achieve the sustainable utilization of our limited resources and manage the injection rate of the gas into each well in order to enhance oil output while reducing gas injection. This study describes a novel IoT-based chemical reaction optimization (CRO) technique to solve the gas lift allocation issue. The CRO algorithm is inspired by the interaction of molecules with each other and achieving the lowest possible state of free energy from an unstable state. The CRO algorithm has excellent flexibility, enabling various operators to modify solutions and a favorable trade-off between intensification and diversity. A reasonably fast convergence rate serves as a powerful motivator to use as a solution. The extensive simulation and computational study have presented that the proposed method using CRO based on IoT systems significantly improves the overall oil production rate and reduces gas injection, energy consumption and cost compared to traditional algorithms. Therefore, it provides a more efficient system for the petroleum production industry.
SlowFast Action Recognition Algorithm Based on Faster and More Accurate Detectors
Authors: Zeng Wei , Huang Junjian , Zhang Wei , Nan Hai , Fu Zhenjiang
Published: November 2022

Object detection algorithms play a crucial role in other vision tasks. This paper finds that the action recognition algorithm SlowFast’s detection algorithm FasterRCNN (Region Convolutional Neural Network) has disadvantages in terms of both detection accuracy and speed and the traditional IOU (Intersection over Union) localization loss is difficult to make the detection model converge to the minimum stability point. To solve the above problems, the article uses YOLOv3 (You Only Look Once), YOLOX, and CascadeRCNN to improve the detection accuracy and speed of the SlowFast. This paper proposes a new localization loss function that adopts the Lance and Williams distance as a new penalty term. The new loss function is more sensitive when the distance difference is smaller, and this property is very suitable for the late convergence of the detection model. The experiments were conducted on the VOC (Visual Object Classes) dataset and the COCO dataset. In the final videos test, YOLOv3 improved the detection speed by 10.5 s. CascadeRCNN improved by 3.1%AP compared to FasterRCNN in the COCO dataset. YOLOX’s performance on the COCO dataset is also mostly better than that of FasterRCNN. The new LIOU (Lance and Williams Distance Intersection over Union) localization loss function performs better than other loss functions in the VOC dataset. It can be seen that improving the detection algorithm of the SlowFast seems to be crucial and the proposed loss function is indeed effective.
Effects of Precious Tree Introduction into Moso Bamboo Forests on Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Pools
Authors: Zhao Jiancheng , Wang Bo , Yang Zhenya
Published: November 2022

Forest type conversion is an important factor affecting soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools. Planting precious trees in moso bamboo forest is an important measure taken to establish a mixed forest due to the vulnerable ecological functioning of moso bamboo forest. However, the ways in which soil C and N pools in moso bamboo forest are affected by precious tree introduction are still unclear. A pure moso bamboo forest (BF), a bamboo forest interplanted with Phoebe chekiangensis (BPC), and a bamboo forest interplanted with Taxus wallichiana var. mairei (BTW) were selected. Soil organic C (SOC), total N, microbial biomass C (MBC), microbial biomass N (MBN), water-soluble organic C (WSOC), water-soluble organic N (WSON), and litter C and N concentrations were determined. Our results showed that the concentrations of SOC and N in BF were significantly lower than those in BPC and BTW. The total SOC and N concentrations decreased with increasing soil depth, and they were significantly higher at 0–20 cm than those at 20–40 cm and 40–60 cm. The biomasses of litters and their concentrations of C and N were increased after planting precious trees in moso bamboo forest, and they were significantly lower in BF than in BPC and BTW. In addition, precious tree introduction also improved the concentrations of soil MBC, MBN, WSOC, and WSON. To conclude, planting precious trees in moso bamboo forest significantly increased SOC and N concentrations at soil depths of 0–60 cm.
Mechanical Branch Wounding Alters the BVOC Emission Patterns of Ficus Plants
Authors: Panthee Shristee , Ashton Louise A. , Tani Akira , Sharma Bimal , Nakamura Akihiro
Published: November 2022

Tree leaves emit biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in response to mechanical wounding by insect folivores. However, BVOCs are also released from leaves in response to damage to other tree organs. In this study, we hypothesized that if trees utilize BVOCs to defend against leaf herbivory, BVOCs emitted in response to leaf wounding would be different from those emitted in response to other types of mechanical damage. To test this hypothesis, we measured BVOCs emitted from the leaves of four Ficus species in response to leaf-cutting, branch-cutting, leaf-branch-cutting, and control (constitutive BVOCs). We found that leaf-cutting triggered the emission of BVOCs, but their emission patterns were species-specific, and the overall BVOC composition did not significantly differ from that of constitutive BVOCs. In contrast, branch-cutting triggered the emission of many BVOCs, some known as parasitoid attractants and herbivore deterrents. Our study suggests that plant defense mediated by BVOCs is highly species-specific and not effective for attracting herbivore enemies when unrelated disturbances such as tree falls and windstorms occur. Additionally, we recommend avoiding ex situ BVOC sampling of cut plants, as this method alters BVOC emission patterns from both intact and damaged leaves.
The Future of Cybersecurity in the Age of Quantum Computers
Authors: Raheman Fazal
Published: November 2022

The first week of August 2022 saw the world’s cryptographers grapple with the second shocker of the year. Another one of the four post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms selected by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) in a rigorous 5-year process was cracked by a team from Belgium. They took just 62 min and a standard laptop to break the PQC algorithm to win a USD 50,000 bounty from Microsoft. The first shocker came 6 months earlier, when another of the NIST finalists (Rainbow) was taken down. Unfortunately, both failed PQC algorithms are commercially available to consumers. With 80 of the 82 PQC candidates failing the NIST standardization process, the future of the remaining two PQC algorithms is, at best, questionable, placing the rigorous 5-year NIST exercise to build a quantum-safe encryption standard in jeopardy. Meanwhile, there is no respite from the quantum threat that looms large. It is time we take a step back and review the etiology of the problem de novo. Although state-of-the-art computer security heavily relies on cryptography, it can indeed transcend beyond encryption. This paper analyzes an encryption-agnostic approach that can potentially render computers quantum-resistant. Zero-vulnerability computing (ZVC) secures computers by banning all third-party permissions, a root cause of most vulnerabilities. ZVC eliminates the complexities of the multi-layered architecture of legacy computers and builds a minimalist, compact solid-state software on a chip (3SoC) that is robust, energy-efficient, and potentially resistant to malware as well as quantum threats.
The Demographic Response of Grass Species to Fire Treatments in a Guinean Savanna
Authors: Koffi Kouamé Fulgence , N’Dri Aya Brigitte , Srikanthasamy Tharaniya , Lata Jean-Christophe , Konaté Souleymane , Konan Marcel , Barot Sébastien
Published: November 2022

Fighting tree encroachment using fire promotes C4 perennial grasses but likely affects their demography according to the fire date during the dry season. We analyzed the impact of four fire treatments (early, middle, late and no fire) on the demography of the four dominant perennial grasses (Andropogon canaliculatus, Andropogon schirensis, Hyparrhenia diplandra and Loudetia simplex) in a Guinean savanna of West Africa (Lamto, Côte d’Ivoire). We carried out a yearly demographic monitoring of each grass individual during five years (2015–2019) on three plots by treatment and parametrized a size-classified matrix model with five circumference classes. The results showed that A. schirensis, H. diplandra and L. simplex declined (λ < 1.0) under late fire and will disappear after 10 years, as did L. simplex under the middle fire. Stasis influenced the most λ values and stable class distribution was nearly achieved in all species under all treatments. The size of L. simplex should increase under early and late fires. Our results suggest that late fire is the most detrimental fire regime for grasses in this Guinean area, contrary to early and middle fires, which could be recommended to savanna managers.
The Relationship between Social Anhedonia and Perceived Pleasure from Food—An Exploratory Investigation on a Consumer Segment with Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Hyldelund Nikoline Bach , Byrne Derek Victor , Chan Raymond C. K. , Andersen Barbara Vad
Published: November 2022

Anhedonia, the diminished ability to experience pleasure, is a key symptom of a range of mental and neurobiological disorders and is associated with altered eating behavior. This research study investigated the concept of anhedonia in relation to mental disorders and the perception of pleasure from food to better understand the link between anhedonia and eating behavior. A consumer survey (n = 1051), including the Food Pleasure Scale, the Chapman Revised Social Anhedonia Scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, was conducted to explore the perception of pleasure from food among people with anhedonic traits. Comparative analyses were performed between people with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety and people with no symptoms of these conditions. A segmentation analysis was furthermore performed based on three levels of anhedonia: Low, Intermediate and High anhedonia. Thus, insights into how food choice and eating habits may be affected by different levels of anhedonia are provided for the first time. Our findings showed that the ‘Low anhedonia’ segment found pleasure in all aspects of food pleasure, except for the aspect ‘eating alone’. ‘Eating alone’ was, however, appreciated by the ‘Intermediate anhedonia’ and ‘High anhedonia’ segments. Both the ‘Intermediate anhedonia’ and ‘High anhedonia’ segments proved that their perceptions of food pleasure in general were affected by anhedonia, wherein the more complex aspects in particular, such as ‘product information’ and ‘physical sensation’, proved to be unrelated to food pleasure. For the ‘High anhedonia’ segment, the sensory modalities of food were also negatively associated with food pleasure, indicating that at this level of anhedonia the food itself is causing aversive sensations and expectations. Thus, valuable insights into the food pleasure profiles of people with different levels of anhedonia have been found for future research in the fields of mental illness, (food) anhedonia, and consumer behaviors.
Comparative Lipidomics Profiling of Acylglycerol from Tuna Oil Selectively Hydrolyzed by Thermomyces Lanuginosus Lipase and Candida Antarctica Lipase A
Authors: Xuan Junyong , Wang Zefu , Xia Qiuyu , Luo Tingyu , Mao Qingya , Sun Qinxiu , Han Zongyuan , Liu Yang , Wei Shuai , Liu Shucheng
Published: November 2022

Lipase hydrolysis is an effective method to develop different functional types of lipids. In this study, tuna oil was partially hydrolyzed at 30% and 60% by Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TL 100 L) and Candida Antarctica lipase A (ADL), respectively, to obtain lipid-modified acylglycerols. The lipidomic profiling of the acylglycerols was investigated by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS and GC–MS to clarify the lipid modification effect of these two lipases on tuna oil. The results showed that 247 kinds of acylglycerols and 23 kinds of fatty acids were identified in the five samples. In the ADL group, the content of triacylglycerols (TAG) and diacylglycerols (DAG) increased by 4.93% and 114.38%, respectively, with an increase in the hydrolysis degree (HD), while there was a decreasing trend in the TL 100 L group. TL 100 L had a better enrichment effect on DHA, while ADL was more inclined to enrich EPA and hydrolyze saturated fatty acids. Cluster analysis showed that the lipids obtained by the hydrolysis of TL 100 L and ADL were significantly different in the cluster analysis of TAG, DAG, and monoacylglycerols (MAG). TL 100 L has strong TAG selectivity and a strong ability to hydrolyze acylglycerols, while ADL has the potential to synthesize functional lipids containing omega-3 PUFAs, especially DAG.
Extraction Systems and Analytical Techniques for Food Phenolic Compounds: A Review
Authors: Lama-Muñoz Antonio , Contreras María del Mar
Published: November 2022

Phenolic compounds are highly valuable food components due to their potential utilisation as natural bioactive and antioxidant molecules for the food, cosmetic, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. For this purpose, the development and optimisation of efficient extraction methods is crucial to obtain phenolic-rich extracts and, for some applications, free of interfering compounds. It should be accompanied with robust analytical tools that enable the standardisation of phenolic-rich extracts for industrial applications. New methodologies based on both novel extraction and/or analysis are also implemented to characterise and elucidate novel chemical structures and to face safety, pharmacology, and toxicity issues related to phenolic compounds at the molecular level. Moreover, in combination with multivariate analysis, the extraction and analysis of phenolic compounds offer tools for plant chemotyping, food traceability and marker selection in omics studies. Therefore, this study reviews extraction techniques applied to recover phenolic compounds from foods and agri-food by-products, including liquid–liquid extraction, solid–liquid extraction assisted by intensification technologies, solid-phase extraction, and combined methods. It also provides an overview of the characterisation techniques, including UV–Vis, infra-red, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry and others used in minor applications such as Raman spectroscopy and ion mobility spectrometry, coupled or not to chromatography. Overall, a wide range of methodologies are now available, which can be applied individually and combined to provide complementary results in the roadmap around the study of phenolic compounds.
Effect of White Kidney Bean Flour on the Rheological Properties and Starch Digestion Characteristics of Noodle Dough
Authors: Han Jiahui , Pang Linjiang , Bao Linxin , Ye Xiafang , Lu Guoquan
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of adding white kidney bean flour on the quality of noodles. We selected four different proportions of white kidney bean flour (10–40%) in wheat flour to make the noodles, after which the noodles were analysed for their physical and chemical properties. The statistical method of correlation analysis was used in this study. The results showed that the noodles’ sensory and textural characteristics significantly improved after adding white kidney bean flour (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, the noodles’ surface with white kidney bean flour was denser and smoother. Moreover, microstructural observations indicated that the noodles with white kidney bean flour showed a more continuous protein network. The in vitro digestion results showed that the addition of white kidney bean flour reduced the digestibility of the noodles. Low addition of the flour (10–20%) improved the quality of the noodles, whereas high amounts (30–40%) showed the opposite effect. In this study, the optimal amount of white kidney bean powder was found to be 20%.
Forecasting Daily and Weekly Passenger Demand for Urban Rail Transit Stations Based on a Time Series Model Approach
Authors: Chuwang Dung David , Chen Weiya
Published: November 2022

Forecasting daily and weekly passenger demand is a key fundamental process used by existing urban rail transit (URT) station authorities to diagnose operational problems and make decisions about train schedule patterns to improve operational efficiency, increase revenue management, and improve driving safety. The accuracy of the forecast results will directly affect the operation planning of urban rail transit (URT). Therefore, based on the collected inbound historical passenger data, this study used the Box–Jenkins time series with the Facebook Prophet algorithm to analyze the characteristics of urban rail transit passenger demand and achieved better computational forecasting performance accuracy. After analyzing the periodicity, correlation, and stationarity, different time series models were constructed. The Akaike information criteria (AIC), Bayesian information criteria (BIC), mean squared error (MSE), and root mean squared error (RMSE) were used to evaluate the adequacy of the best forecast model from among several tested candidates’ models for the Box–Jenkins. The parameters of the daily and weekly models were estimated using statistical software. The experimental results of this study are of both theoretical and practical significance to the urban rail transit (URT) station authorities for an effective station planning system. The forecasting results signify that the SARIMA (5, 1, 3) (1, 0, 0)24 model performs better and is more stable in forecasting the daily passenger demand, and the ARMA (2, 1) model performs better in forecasting the weekly passenger demand. When comparing the SARIMA and ARMA models with the Facebook Prophet, results show that the Facebook Prophet model is superior to the SARIMA model for the daily time series, and the ARMA model is superior to the Facebook Prophet model for the weekly time series.
New Class Up and Down
λ-Convex Fuzzy-Number Valued Mappings and Related Fuzzy Fractional Inequalities
Authors: Khan Muhammad Bilal , Zaini Hatim Ghazi , Santos-García Gustavo , Noor Muhammad Aslam , Soliman Mohamed S.
Published: November 2022

The fuzzy-number valued up and down λ-convex mapping is originally proposed as an intriguing generalization of the convex mappings. The newly suggested mappings are then used to create certain Hermite–Hadamard- and Pachpatte-type integral fuzzy inclusion relations in fuzzy fractional calculus. It is also suggested to revise the Hermite–Hadamard integral fuzzy inclusions with regard to the up and down λ-convex fuzzy-number valued mappings (U∙D λ-convex F-N∙V∙Ms). Moreover, Hermite–Hadamard–Fejér has been proven, and some examples are given to demonstrate the validation of our main results. The new and exceptional cases are presented in terms of the change of the parameters “i” and “α” in order to assess the accuracy of the obtained fuzzy inclusion relations in this study.
Ameliorative Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Tawa Masashi , Nagano Junya , Kitama Junpei , Abe Shunto , Fujita Ako , Nakagawa Keisuke , Ohkita Mamoru
Published: November 2022

Beetroot is a nitrate-rich vegetable with cardiovascular benefits. This study examined whether ingestion of beetroot juice (BRJ) protects against pulmonary hypertension (PH). Rats were injected subcutaneously with 60 mg/kg monocrotaline (MCT) and randomized to receive either drinking water, low-dose BRJ (BRJ-L, nitrate content: 1.4 mmol/L), or high-dose BRJ (BRJ-H, nitrate content: 3.5 mmol/L), which was started 1 week after MCT injection and continued until the end of the experiment. Four weeks after MCT injection, right ventricle (RV) hypertrophy, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) elevation, and pulmonary vascular remodeling were observed. These PH symptoms were less severe in rats supplemented with BRJ-L (Fulton index, p = 0.07; RVSP, p = 0.09, pulmonary arterial medial thickening, p < 0.05), and the beneficial effects were more pronounced than those of BRJ-H supplementation. Plasma and RV nitrite and nitrate levels did not change significantly, even when BRJ-L and BRJ-H were administered. There were no differences in plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), a biomarker of oxidative stress, among the groups. BRJ-L supplementation significantly decreased RV TBARS levels compared to MCT alone (p < 0.05), whereas BRJ-H supplementation did not. These findings suggest that starting BRJ supplementation from an early stage of PH ameliorates disease severity, at least partly through the inhibition of local oxidative stress. Habitual ingestion of BRJ may be useful for the management of PH.
The Black Box as a Control for Payoff-Based Learning in Economic Games
Authors: Burton-Chellew Maxwell N. , West Stuart A.
Published: November 2022

The black box method was developed as an “asocial control” to allow for payoff-based learning while eliminating social responses in repeated public goods games. Players are told they must decide how many virtual coins they want to input into a virtual black box that will provide uncertain returns. However, in truth, they are playing with each other in a repeated social game. By “black boxing” the game’s social aspects and payoff structure, the method creates a population of self-interested but ignorant or confused individuals that must learn the game’s payoffs. This low-information environment, stripped of social concerns, provides an alternative, empirically derived null hypothesis for testing social behaviours, as opposed to the theoretical predictions of rational self-interested agents (Homo economicus). However, a potential problem is that participants can unwittingly affect the learning of other participants. Here, we test a solution to this problem in a range of public goods games by making participants interact, unknowingly, with simulated players (“computerised black box”). We find no significant differences in rates of learning between the original and the computerised black box, therefore either method can be used to investigate learning in games. These results, along with the fact that simulated agents can be programmed to behave in different ways, mean that the computerised black box has great potential for complementing studies of how individuals and groups learn under different environments in social dilemmas.
Recent Advances in Raman Spectral Imaging in Cell Diagnosis and Gene Expression Prediction
Authors: Watanabe Tomonobu M. , Sasaki Kensuke , Fujita Hideaki
Published: November 2022

Normal and tumor regions within cancer tissue can be distinguished using various methods, such as histological analysis, tumor marker testing, X-ray imaging, or magnetic resonance imaging. Recently, new discrimination methods utilizing the Raman spectra of tissues have been developed and put into practical use. Because Raman spectral microscopy is a non-destructive and non-labeling method, it is potentially compatible for use in the operating room. In this review, we focus on the basics of Raman spectroscopy and Raman imaging in live cells and cell type discrimination, as these form the bases for current Raman scattering-based cancer diagnosis. We also review recent attempts to estimate the gene expression profile from the Raman spectrum of living cells using simple machine learning. Considering recent advances in machine learning techniques, we speculate that cancer type discrimination using Raman spectroscopy will be possible in the near future.
Cutaquig® Is Well Tolerated in Immunodeficient Patients Who Did Not Tolerate Other Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Products
Authors: Brownlee Sydney , Allen Crystal , Kana’an Mohammed F. , Cameron D. William , Cowan Juthaporn
Published: November 2022

Objective: Subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) treatment is generally tolerable, but some patients may experience adverse events to one or more SCIG products. We investigated whether 16.5% Cutaquig® treatment offered a tolerable and safe alternative treatment for immunodeficient patients. Methods: A one-year prospective cohort study was conducted at a single center in Ottawa, Canada. Adult immunodeficient patients who reported previous intolerability, adverse events, or other difficulty to other 20% SCIG product(s) were recruited to start on 16.5% Cutaquig®. Treatment tolerability, safety, and quality of life were observed and described. Results: Seven out of ten patients tolerated Cutaquig®. There were no serious or severe adverse events related to the treatment. Three moderate infections were reported (two urinary tract infections and one injection site infection). The mean serum IgG level at the end of the study was comparable to baseline levels recorded before the study: 9.6 ± 4.5 vs. 7.6 ± 4.3 g/L, p = 0.07. The overall health and health domain changes in the SF-36 and quality of life tests using the EQ visual analog scale improved by 21.5% (p = 0.38), 16.7% (p = 0.29), and 7.7% (p = 0.23), respectively. Conclusions: Cutaquig® may be used as an alternative treatment option for patients who did not tolerate 20% SCIG products.
Geoheritage Is Everywhere: Research Tasks and Perspectives
Authors: Ruban Dmitry A.
Published: November 2022

Since the beginning of the 2000s, geoheritage studies have changed from chiefly being applied, tentative, and ephemeral research projects to becoming a full-scale, mainstream direction of geoscience investigations [...]
Effect of Combination of KMnO4 Oxidation and UV-C Radiation on Postharvest Quality of Refrigerated Pears cv. ‘Ercolini’
Authors: Alonso-Salinas Ramiro , Acosta-Motos José Ramón , Pérez-López Antonio J. , Noguera-Artiaga Luis , Núñez-Delicado Estrella , Burló Francisco , López-Miranda Santiago
Published: November 2022

This present study proposes an improvement for the postharvest preservation of the ‘Ercolini’ pear, a fruit that is little tested in the field, using a combination of ethylene elimination methods. The techniques used were potassium permanganate filters in devices with ultraviolet radiation and constant air flow to favour the contact of ethylene with the oxidising agents. The analysis carried out included weight, diameter, firmness, soluble solids content, total acidity, maturity index, ascorbic acid concentration, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacity via the ORAC method and a descriptive sensory analysis using experts. In addition, the ethylene removal method was tested at two storage temperatures: 1 °C, near optimal temperature, and 8 °C, the standard temperature for transport and storage of fruit on a commercial scale. The results showed a marked improvement in the maintenance of postharvest physicochemical quality using the proposed combination of methods. The sensory analysis confirmed what was observed in the laboratory, with higher organoleptic quality values observed in pears treated with the complete system under study consisting of filter and machine, highlighting the greater presence of flavours and odours related to green fruit. Ultimately, this innovation could be highly relevant for the food industry.
Efficient Methods for Evaluation on Ploidy Level of Cucurbita pepo L. Regenerant Plants Obtained in Unpollinated Ovule Culture In Vitro
Authors: Domblides Elena , Ermolaev Alexey , Belov Sergey , Kan Lyudmila , Skaptsov Mikhail , Domblides Arthur
Published: November 2022

An important stage in doubled haploid (DH) production is to evaluate and to differentiate the ploidy level of regenerant plants at least two–three times during the technology. Therefore, rapid and reliable methods are necessary for particular species taken into the technology. In this study, Cucurbita pepo regenerants obtained through unpollinated ovule culture in vitro were evaluated including three different methods: direct chromosome counting in apical meristems, flow cytometry of the cell nucleus, and estimation of morphological parameters of the abaxial epidermis. Methods were optimized for each of three evaluations, and main criteria were determined for ploidy level differentiation. As a result, four ploidy levels, namely, 2n, 3n, 4n, and 8n, were defined among regenerant plants adapted to ex vitro conditions, while true haploids were only found among plants that remained in the in vitro culture. In total, 32.35%, 26.47%, 33.82%, 4.41%, and 2.94% of regenerant plants of courgette and patisson were diploid, triploid, tetraploid, octaploid, and aneuploid, respectively. According to results of flow cytometry of the cell nucleus, two cytotypes in diploid samples with DNA content of 2C = 1.07 ± 0.03 pg for courgette belonging to subsp. pepo and 2C = 0.95 ± 0.03 pg for patisson samples belonging to subsp. ovifera were revealed. The images of metaphase chromosomes of haploid, triploid, and tetraploid C. pepo specimens obtained using the propion–lacmoid chromosome staining method were presented for the first time. Parameters of abaxial epidermis in diploid samples of courgette and patisson grown in open-field and greenhouse conditions were described and compared. It was shown that the most robust parameter not depending on external factors was the number of chloroplasts in stomatal guard cells, which contained 9.41 to 11.31, 14.84 to 16.3, and up to 17.58 chloroplasts in diploid, triploid, and tetraploid samples, respectively. The application of several methods for estimation enables avoiding the misidentification of ploidy levels in adapted regenerant plants produced with the use of DH technology.
Evaluation of Antibiotic Prescribing Pattern and Appropriateness among Hospitalized Pediatric Patients: Findings from a Malaysian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Akkawi Muhammad Eid , Taffour Randa Mahmoud , AL-Shami Abdulkareem Mohammed
Published: November 2022

Background: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for hospitalized children. However, only a limited number of studies have evaluated antibiotic use in this population. The current work assessed the indication, prescribing pattern and appropriateness of antibiotics among pediatric inpatients. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the pediatric wards of a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Electronic charts of inpatients (≤12 years old) admitted in 2019 were reviewed. Antibiotic indication, selection, dosing regimen, route of administration and duration of treatment were evaluated using the national antibiotic guidelines (NAG). A binomial logistic regression was applied to test potential predictors of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing (IAP) incidence. Results: Out of 702 pediatric inpatients, 292 (41.6%) patients were given antibiotics and met the inclusion criteria. More than half of the patients (57.9%) were males, with a median age of 2.5 years. A total of 385 and 285 antibiotics were prescribed during hospitalization and at discharge, respectively. Azithromycin, co-amoxiclav and cefuroxime were the top three prescribed agents. Out of 670 prescriptions, IAP was identified in 187 (28%) prescriptions that were issued for 169 (57.9%) out of the 292 patients included in the study. Improper antibiotic selection, wrong dose and unnecessary antibiotic prescribing accounted for 41%, 34% and 10% of the identified IAP, respectively. Giving lower-than-recommended doses (28%) was more prevalent than prescribing higher doses (5%). The use of two antibiotics and treating upper respiratory tract infections were independent risk factors for IAP incidence. Conclusions: Prescribers did not adhere to the NAG in more than one quarter of the prescriptions. This may increase the risk of treatment failure, adverse drug reactions and the development of antibiotic resistance.
Cost-Effective Healthcare in Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy for Total Endoprosthesis Surgeries from Prehabilitation to Function Restoration
Authors: Szilágyiné Lakatos Tünde , Lukács Balázs , Veres-Balajti Ilona
Published: November 2022

Knee and hip joint replacements for the elderly are increasingly placing a burden on healthcare. Our aim was to verify the efficiency of the prehabilitation program among patients with knee arthroplasty (TKA) and hip arthroplasty (THA), taking into account the length and cost of postoperative rehabilitation and the restoration of function. We introduced a two-week preoperative physiotherapy program for patients awaiting knee and hip replacement surgery. We measured the duration and costs of the hospital stays, the active and passive range of motion of the hip and knee joints, and the quality of life. In the study, 99 patients participated (31 male, 68 female), with a mean age of 69.44 ± 9.69 years. We showed that, as a result of the prehabilitation program, the length of postoperative hospital stay decreased (THA: median 31.5 (IQR 26.5–32.5) vs. median 28 (IQR 21–28.5), TKA: median 36.5 (IQR 28–42) vs. median 29 (IQR 26–32.5)), and the patients’ quality of life showed a significant improvement (TKA: median 30.5 (IQR 30–35) vs. median 35 (IQR 33–35), THA: median 25 (IQR 25–30) vs. median 33 (IQR 31.5–35)). The flexion movements were significantly improved through prehabilitation in both groups. Based on our positive results, we recommend the introduction of prehabilitation into TKA- and THA-related care.
Sexual Harassments Related to Alcohol and Drugs Intake: The Experience of the Rape Centre of Turin
Authors: Mognetti Barbara , Bo Marco , Berta Giovanni Nicolao , Canavese Antonella , Castagna Paola , Collini Federica , Santa Veronica , Salomone Alberto , Gino Sarah
Published: November 2022

A cross-sectional study was conducted that describes the characteristics of sexual violence episodes related to the intake of alcohol and drugs observed among women that turned to the “Centro Soccorso Violenza Sessuale” (SVS) of the Sant’Anna Hospital in Turin between 1 January 2008, and 31 December 2017. Two hundred twenty-two patients were enrolled, 25 of which were minors, 141 were Italians, and most of them knew their aggressor and were raped in a private home. One hundred and fifty-five of them declared to the healthcare personnel to have taken alcoholic substances and/or drugs in conjunction with the event (86 reported having drunk alcohol, 36 having taken drugs and 33 disclosed both alcohol and drug abuse). If the woman knew her abuser, alcohol consumption was described as voluntary in more than 80% of cases, while in relation to drugs the consumption was equally voluntary or fraudulent. About 73% of women who reported having drunk alcohol just had amnesia or amnesia related to other symptoms, while amnesia was present in about 63% of women who reported only drug use. Physicians observed physical injuries on 156 women. Patients who reported to have assumed alcohol presented a significantly higher risk to suffer any physical injury and have a significantly increased risk to suffer injuries to their head and/or neck. The results obtained underline how even in Northern Italy alcohol intake represents the most widespread psychoactive substance in case of drug-facilitated sexual assault. There is therefore a need to promote education and prevention campaigns among citizens, especially among the youngest.
Psychological Network of Stress, Coping and Social Support in an Aboriginal Population
Authors: Santiago Pedro Henrique Ribeiro , Soares Gustavo Hermes , Smithers Lisa Gaye , Roberts Rachel , Jamieson Lisa
Published: November 2022

Over the past decades, increasing research interest has been directed towards the psychosocial factors that impact Aboriginal health, including stress, coping and social support. However, there has been no study that examined whether the behaviours, cognitions and emotions related to stress, coping and social support constitute a psychological network in an Aboriginal population and that examined its properties. To address this gap, the current study employed a new methodology, network psychometrics, to evaluate stress, coping and social support in an Aboriginal Australian population. This study conducted a secondary analysis of the South Australian Aboriginal Birth Cohort (SAABC) study, a randomised controlled trial in South Australia, which included 367 pregnant Aboriginal women at study baseline. The Gaussian Graphical Model was estimated with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO). Node centrality was evaluated with eigencentrality, strength and bridge centrality. Network communities were investigated with the walktrap algorithm. The findings indicated that stress, coping and social support constituted a connected psychological network in an Aboriginal population. Furthermore, at the centre of the network were the troubles experienced by the Aboriginal pregnant women, bridging their perceptions of stress and coping and constituting a potential target for future interventions.
A Comparison of 5v5 and 3x3 Men’s Basketball Regarding Shot Selection and Efficiency
Authors: Boros Zoltan , Toth Kata , Csurilla Gergely , Sterbenz Tamas
Published: November 2022

Background: Both in 5v5 and 3x3 basketball, the goal of the players is to score more points than the opponent. However, the differences in rules between two basketball disciplines can affect thinking, behaviour, and decisions of the players. A core difference between two disciplines is the value of the shots. In 5v5, long-range shots are worth three points and close-range two, while in 3x3, their values are two and one points, respectively. As the value ratio of the close and long-range shots is greater in 3x3, we assume that players make different decisions about their shot selection in 3x3 than in 5v5, which can affect offensive efficiency. Methods: We analysed game statistics of the 2019 men’s 5v5 and 3x3 Basketball World Cups. Besides regular statistical indicators, we applied relative offensive rating to be able to compare the two disciplines. Results: The analysis of relative offensive rating showed that offences are more effective in 5v5 than in 3x3. We also found significant difference in shot selection and efficiency. In 3x3, there is a higher proportion of the shots than in 5v5, but long-range shots are more successful in 5v5. Conclusions: For rule differences that affect player’s shot selection and affect offensive efficiency, their decisions are characterized by ecological dynamics and naturalistic decision-making.
Spanish Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Rasch Analysis and Validation of the Ocular Comfort Index (OCI) Questionnaire
Authors: Barrio Ana Rosa , González-Pérez Mariano , Heredia-Pastor Clara , Enríquez-Fuentes Jacobo , Antona Beatriz
Published: November 2022

The Ocular Comfort Index (OCI) assesses ocular surface irritation and grades the severity of dry eye disease. This study sought to adapt the OCI questionnaire into Spanish, and then to assess the psychometric performance and validity of the new adapted version (OCI-versión española, OCIVE). The questionnaire was translated, back translated, and then cross-culturally adapted for use with Spanish-speaking individuals. The OCIVE was completed by 450 participants, including 53 subjects that were diagnosed with dry eye disease. Through a Rasch analysis, the psychometric properties of item fit, targeting, person separation, reliability, and differential item functioning (DIF) were assessed. To test the convergent validity, we examined the correlation between the OCIVE and the Computer Vision Symptom Scale (CVSS17). Validity was tested in a subgroup of participants with and without dry eye, and test-retest repeatability was determined in a subset of 151 individuals. We also compared, via DIF, the performance of the OCIVE with that of the original OCI. Our Rasch analysis revealed a good model fit, high accuracy, good targeting, unidimensionality, and no DIF according to gender. The validity and repeatability were good. The OCIVE shows comparable psychometric properties to the original English version, making it a valid tool for measuring dry eye symptoms in Spanish adults.