bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and attitude factors associated with the prevalence of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) booster vaccination in healthcare workers in a large academic hospital in Southern Italy in 2022: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mercogliano Michelangelo , Fiorilla Claudio , Esposito Federica , Sorrentino Michele , Mirizzi Pasquale Domenico , Parisi Antonio , Tajani Andrea , Buonocore Gaetano , Triassi Maria , Palladino Raffaele
Published: July 2023

Introduction

In Europe, there is still suboptimal tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster coverage. This study aimed to assess coverage status, knowledge, and attitude on Tdap vaccination in healthcare workers (HcWs) of the University Hospital “Federico II” in Naples, Southern Italy, in 2022, to improve current vaccination strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous questionnaire. Knowledge and attitude were measured as scores. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were employed to identify correlates of Tdap booster and knowledge and attitude toward the vaccination, as appropriate. Models were controlled for age, sex, profession, department, and job seniority.

Results

A total of 206 questionnaires were administered among HcWs, and 143 (69.4%) were medical doctors. In total, 71 (34.47%) HcWs received the Tdap booster. Those who have worked 5–9 years at the hospital had a 78% lower likelihood of being vaccinated with the Tdap booster (5–9 years—OR: 0.22, CI: 0.06 | 0.85) as compared with newly hired HcWs. No differences in the average knowledge score were found. Other healthcare workers had a lower attitude as compared to medical doctors (Other—Coef. −2.15; CI: −4.14 | −0.15) and, as compared with those who worked in a clinical department, those who worked in a diagnostic–therapeutic department or medical management had 3.1 and 2.0 lower attitude scores, on average, respectively (diagnostic–therapeutic—Coef. −3.12, CI: −5.13 | −1.12; public health—Coef. −1.98, CI: −3.41 | −0.56).

Discussion

The study findings support the necessity to implement public health strategies and improve knowledge and attitude toward vaccinations and specifically highlight the importance of Tdap booster every 10 years as a prevention tool to protect high-risk populations.
Sequencing intact membrane proteins using MALDI mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhamungui Sánchez Edison , Hijazi Hassan , Haidar Jana , Mecarelli Enrica , Bauda Elda , Petit-Härtlein Isabelle , Teulon Jean-Marie , Pellequer Jean-Luc , Boeri Erba Elisabetta
Published: July 2023

Membrane proteins are key players in many cellular events and represent crucial drug targets. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) is a valuable approach to investigate them. To our knowledge, there are only a few reports of sequencing small membrane proteins using MALDI in-source decay (ISD). We report the successful fragmentation and sequencing of membrane proteins up to 46 kDa by MALDI-ISD. We have 1) investigated key MALDI parameters that influence the sequencing of a soluble protein; 2) used atomic force microscopy to observe our samples and correlate their topological features with MALDI data, which allowed us to optimize fragmentation conditions; 3) sequenced N- and C-termini of three membrane proteins (SpoIIIAF, TIM23, and NOX), solubilized in three different ways. Our results indicate that detergent and buffer type are of key importance for successful MALDI-ISD sequencing. Our findings are significant because sequencing membrane proteins enables the unique characterization of challenging biomolecules. The resulting fragmentation patterns provide key insights into the identity of proteins, their sequences, modifications, and other crucial information, such as the position of unexpected truncation.
Effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain relief and jaw mobility in patients with pain-related temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Shimada Akiko , Ogawa Toru , Sammour Sara Reda , Narihara Taichi , Kinomura Shiori , Koide Rie , Noma Noboru , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: July 2023

Background

Orofacial pain conditions are complex disorders that involve biological, social, and psychological factors. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) are one of the most common orofacial pain conditions, and our previous literature review indicated that exercise therapy has shown promise in reducing TMD-related pain. However, more evidence is needed to firmly establish its effectiveness.

Objectives

This systematic review aims to investigate the effectiveness of exercise therapy on pain relief and jaw mobility in patients with pain-related TMDs.

Methods

To include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) written in English, a literature search was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid, EBM reviews, and Academic Search Complete initially from 4th November 2020 until March 2022. A PICOS for this review was as follows; P: Patients with TMD myalgia or arthralgia, I: Excursion exercise, Stretch exercises, Resistance exercise, or Coordination exercise, C: No treatment or education only. O: Pain intensity and Range of Motion (ROM), S: RCTs. After title screening, a full-text assessment was done to extract data. According to Risk of Bias (RoB) 2.0, risk of bias was assessed in each included paper by 2 reviewers independently.

Results

A total of 3,388 titles were identified from the electronic database search. After the screening and full-text evaluation, only 5 studies (145 participants) were eligible to be included. Among the exercise modalities, coordination exercise showed a significant effect on pain relief and improvement of joint mobility.

Discussion

Due to the heterogeneity and small sample size of the included studies, a meta-analysis was not feasible. However, this systematic review suggested that exercise therapy, especially coordinate exercise, can be effective in managing painful TMD conditions. Further research is needed to establish optimal parameters for this patient population, as well as standardization and consistency in terminology and treatment structure.
Complicated enterocele: timely resolution with bowel resection via a vaginal approach: case report
Authors: Abis Paola , Madeddu Clelia , Magro Malosso Giovanni , Sole Gabriele , Mereu Alessia , Locci Giorgia , Macciò Antonio
Published: July 2023

Background

Enterocele is an uncommon, serious condition that requires accurate and early diagnosis to prevent complications such as intestinal obstruction, incarceration, and strangulation, with consequent intestinal ischemia, necrosis, and evisceration. We report a rare case of a patient with a voluminous enterocele and initial signs of intestinal ischemia who underwent urgent vaginal surgery.

Case description

An 80-year-old woman presented with a voluminous mass protruding from the vagina, associated abdominopelvic pain, a 10-day history of bowel sub-occlusion, and numerous episodes of profuse vaginal bleeding. She was diagnosed with an enterocele with early signs of complications. Owing to her advanced clinical condition and comorbidities, we opted for an urgent vaginal procedure. Intestinal loops with initial signs of ischemia were resected via a transvaginal approach, leading to good clinical outcomes. She was discharged on postoperative day 5.

Conclusions

This rare case highlights a surgical emergency that was managed with transvaginal resection of the intestine. Early identification of the initial signs of complications allowed for this less invasive approach, resulting in reduced morbidity and length of hospital stay.
Impact of Social Buffering and Restraint on Welfare Indicators during UK Commercial Horse Slaughter
Authors: Fletcher Katharine A. , Limon Georgina , Padalino Barbara , Hall Genevieve K. , Chancellor Natalie , Grist Andrew , Gibson Troy J.
Published: July 2023

Current legislation in the United Kingdom stipulates that horses should not be slaughtered within sight of one another. However, abattoir personnel anecdotally report that, for semi-feral horses unused to restraint, co-slaughtering alongside a conspecific could reduce distress through social buffering and improve safety, but there is a lack of evidence to support this. CCTV footage from an English abattoir was assessed retrospectively with welfare indicators from when horses entered the kill pen until they were killed. Of 256 horses analysed, 12% (32/256) were co-slaughtered (alongside a conspecific) and 88% (224/256) individually. Co-slaughtered horses moved more in the pen, but individually slaughtered horses showed more agitated behaviour, required more encouragement to enter the kill pen, and experienced more slips or falls. Unrestrained horses (40%; 102/256) showed increased agitation, movement, and agonistic behaviour towards the operator and resisted entry to the kill pen compared to restrained horses (60%; 154/256). Positive interactions between conspecifics were seen in 94% (30/32) of co-slaughtered horses, and only 6% (1/16) showed a startled response to the first horse being shot, with a median time of 15 s between shots. This study highlights the impact that both conspecific and human interactions can have on equine welfare at slaughter. Semi-feral or unrestrained horses appear to experience increased distress compared to horses more familiar with human handling, and the presence of a conspecific at slaughter mitigated this.
A Step Forward in the Characterization of Primary Brown Trout Hepatocytic Spheroids as Experimental Models
Authors: Alves Rodrigo F. , Lopes Célia , Rocha Eduardo , Madureira Tânia V.
Published: July 2023

Mammal hepatocyte spheroids have been investigated as alternative experimental models in several contexts, since three-dimensional (3D) systems have shown the potential to mimic in vivo scenarios. The description of fish hepatocyte 3D models is still minimal. This study intends to further characterize brown trout primary hepatocyte spheroids at distinct time points up to 25 days in culture. Viability, biometry, histomorphology, and basal expression of a selection of genes (metabolism and detoxification, efflux transport, and estrogenic signalling) were considered. The gene expression of whole liver samples from the same fish donor were evaluated concurrently. After 12 days in culture, the hepatocyte spheroids exhibited biometric and morphological stability. From the 12th to the 20th day in culture, the basal expression levels for most of the selected genes did not vary. The targeted mRNA levels were higher in brown trout liver samples compared to hepatocyte spheroids. Despite that, data supported that this model resembles some in vivo features. As an experimental alternative model, it showed potential to be used in a stable time window that can be exploited for exposure tests to different xenobiotics, namely, estrogenic compounds.
Study of Zoonotic Pathogens in Alien Population of Veiled Chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) in the Canary Islands (Spain)
Authors: Pino-Vera Román , Abreu-Acosta Néstor , Foronda Pilar
Published: July 2023

Veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) are native to the Arabian Peninsula that have been introduced as pets in many regions around the world, such as the Canary Islands (Spain). In this work, the gastrointestinal content from veiled chameleons of Gran Canaria island (Canary Islands) has been analyzed to determine the presence of zoonotic bacteria. Forty animals were analyzed using different selective culture media and PCR. The most isolated bacteria were Yersinia enterocolitica (52.4%), followed by Salmonella spp. (40.0%), with positive isolates for Salmonella Tyhpi and Salmonella Typhimurium. Pseudomonas spp. was found in 32.5% of the chameleons. More than half were positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus spp. was detected in six animals plus one isolate of non-resistant Staphylococcus hominis. Multiple mycobacteria species belonging to both tuberculous and non-tuberculous complexes were identified as well as Escherichia coli carrying the stx1 and eae virulence genes with 12.5% and 7.5% prevalence, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., and Vibrio spp. were found in lower proportion (<5%). The results obtained indicate that veiled chameleons in Gran Canaria could be playing a role in the maintenance and dissemination of the pathogens detected, harming public health and biodiversity.
Climbing on the La Canna Volcanic Sea Stack to Obtain First-Hand Data on the Tiniest Population of the Critically Endangered Aeolian Wall Lizard Podarcis raffonei
Authors: Salvi Daniele
Published: July 2023

Among the extant populations of the critically endangered Aeolian wall lizard, the most vulnerable is the one surviving on La Canna, a columnar volcanic stack off the Filicudi Island. Here, I report the results of the first climbing expedition by a biologist on La Canna, that contributed direct observations and updated information on the size, morphology, and genetic variability of this population. Lizard density at the sampling site (a small terrace at 50 m of elevation) was 1.7 m−2, twice of a previous estimate. Standard methods for estimating population size are unsuitable for La Canna. An educated guess of about a hundred individuals can be drawn, considering the extent of habitat available on the stack and the number of observed lizards. Lizards on La Canna were not fearless, despite what was reported by alpinists, possibly because of aggressive intraspecific interactions or high environmental temperatures during sampling. Biometric data significantly extend the body size of La Canna’s lizards and indicate that it is not smaller than other P. raffonei populations. A complete lack of genetic diversity was found at the mitochondrial nd4 gene, in line with previous allozyme data and with estimates on other microinsular Podarcis populations. The small size of the La Canna population implies severe genetic drift and an extremely high level of inbreeding, as supported by low heterozygosity found across the genome. Detrimental effects of inbreeding depression are evident as cephalic malformations observed in all captured lizards of La Canna and might represent the more immediate threat to the persistence of this population.
Breast Reconstruction Use and Impact on Surgical and Oncologic Outcomes Amongst Inflammatory Breast Cancer Patients—A Systematic Review
Authors: Nair Ananya Gopika , Ko Gary Tsun Yin , Semple John Laurie , Lim David Wai
Published: July 2023

Breast reconstruction is generally discouraged in women with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) due to concerns with recurrence and poor long-term survival. We aim to determine contemporary trends and predictors of breast reconstruction and its impact on oncologic outcomes among women with IBC. A systematic literature review for all studies published up to 15 September 2022 was conducted via MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies comparing women diagnosed with IBC undergoing a mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction were evaluated. The initial search yielded 225 studies, of which nine retrospective cohort studies, reporting 2781 cases of breast reconstruction in 29,058 women with IBC, were included. In the past two decades, immediate reconstruction rates have doubled. Younger age, higher income (>USD 25,000), private insurance, metropolitan residence, and bilateral mastectomy were associated with immediate reconstruction. No significant difference was found in overall survival, breast cancer-specific survival or recurrence rates between women undergoing versus not undergoing (immediate or delayed) reconstruction. There is a paucity of data on delayed breast reconstruction following IBC. Immediate breast reconstruction may be a consideration for select patients with IBC, although prospective data is needed to clarify its safety.
Species in Disguise: A New Species of Hornshark from Northern Australia (Heterodontiformes: Heterodontidae)
Authors: White William T. , Mollen Frederik H. , O’Neill Helen L. , Yang Lei , Naylor Gavin J. P.
Published: July 2023

A new species of hornshark is described from northwestern Australia based on six whole specimens and a single egg case. Heterodontus marshallae n. sp. was previously considered to be conspecific with H. zebra from the Western Pacific. The new species differs from H. zebra in the sequence of its NADH2 gene, several morphological characters, egg case morphology and key coloration features. Despite the coloration being similar between H. marshallae n. sp. and H. zebra, i.e., pale background with 22 dark brown bands and saddles, they differ consistently in two key aspects. Firstly, the snout of H. marshallae n. sp. has a dark semicircular bar, usually bifurcated for most of its length vs. a pointed, triangular shaped dark marking in H. zebra. Secondly, H. zebra has a dark bar originating below the posterior gill slits and extending onto anterior pectoral fin, which is absent in H. marshallae n. sp. The Heterodontus marshallae n. sp. is endemic to northwestern Australia and occurs in deeper waters (125–229 m) than H. zebra (0–143 m).
A Novel Framework to Address the Complexities of Housing Insecurity and Its Associated Health Outcomes and Inequities: “Give, Partner, Invest”
Authors: Bhatnagar Sonika , Lovelace John , Prushnok Ray , Kanter Justin , Eichner Joan , LaVallee Dan , Schuster James
Published: July 2023

The association between housing insecurity and reduced access to healthcare, diminished mental and physical health, and increased mortality is well-known. This association, along with structural racism, social inequities, and lack of economic opportunities, continues to widen the gap in health outcomes and other disparities between those in higher and lower socio-economic strata in the United States and throughout the advanced economies of the world. System-wide infrastructure failures at municipal, state, and federal government levels have inadequately addressed the difficulty with housing affordability and stability and its associated impact on health outcomes and inequities. Healthcare systems are uniquely poised to help fill this gap and engage with proposed solutions. Strategies that incorporate multiple investment pathways and emphasize community-based partnerships and innovation have the potential for broad public health impacts. In this manuscript, we describe a novel framework, “Give, Partner, Invest,” which was created and utilized by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Insurance Services Division (ISD) as part of the Integrated Delivery and Finance System to demonstrate the financial, policy, partnership, and workforce levers that could make substantive investments in affordable housing and community-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of our communities. Further, we address housing policy limitations and infrastructure challenges and offer potential solutions.
“Seems Like There Is No Stopping Point at All Whatsoever”: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Public Health Workforce Perception on COVID-19 Pandemic Management and Future Needs
Authors: Lee Tony , Becerra Benjamin J. , Becerra Monideepa B.
Published: July 2023

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by a highly contagious novel virus called SARS-CoV-2, has led to significant global morbidity and mortality, with disproportionate burden among frontline workers. While the current empirical body of evidence highlights reported depression, burnout, moral injury, compassion fatigue, and post-traumatic stress among healthcare workers, similar assessment among the public health workforce is limited. Given work-related pressure of rapid pandemic management strategies, risk of exposure, potential fatigue, etc., understanding the caregiver burden of the public health workforce is critical. Methods: This study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Participants were recruited using a mix of both convenience and snowball sampling. All data were collected virtually and kept anonymous. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 28, and all qualitative results were thematically analyzed using the grounded theory approach. Results: Among the study participants, nearly 65% reported that their personal lives were impacted due to providing COVID-19 related services. Furthermore, a majority (88%) reported poor sleep health, including low daytime wakefulness, while 24% reported serious psychological distress. Qualitative analysis demonstrated several emergent themes, with central themes indicative of the need for paradigm shift in capacity building for public health emergency preparedness that integrates caregiver support. Conclusions: Results highlight the importance of addressing the caregiver burden experienced by public health and related workforces during public health emergencies.
The Role of ARHGAP1 in Rho GTPase Inactivation during Metastasizing of Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7 after Treatment with Doxorubicin
Authors: Géci Imrich , Bober Peter , Filová Eva , Amler Evžen , Sabo Ján
Published: July 2023

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer type in women worldwide. It proliferates rapidly and can metastasize into farther tissues at any stage due to the gradual invasiveness and motility of the tumor cells. These crucial properties are the outcome of the weakened intercellular adhesion, regulated by small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases), which hydrolyze to the guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound conformation. We investigated the inactivating effect of ARHGAP1 on Rho GTPases involved signaling pathways after treatment with a high dose of doxorubicin. Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis of the proteome isolated from the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line, treated with 1 μM of doxorubicin, identified RAC1, CDC42, and RHOA GTPases that were inactivated by the ARHGAP1 protein. Upregulation of the GTPases involved in the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling pathway initiated epithelial–mesenchymal transitions. These findings demonstrate a key role of the ARHGAP1 protein in the disruption of the cell adhesion and simultaneously allow for a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the reduced cell adhesion leading to the subsequent metastasis. The conclusions of this study corroborate the hypothesis that chemotherapy with doxorubicin may increase the risk of metastases in drug-resistant breast cancer cells.
3-(4-(Benzyloxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine
Authors: Doherty Katrina E. , León Sandoval Arturo , Mercier Ethan T. , Leadbeater Nicholas E.
Published: July 2023

The [1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine derivative 3-(4-(benzyloxy)-3-methoxyphenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]pyridine was prepared in a 73% isolated yield by means of an oxidative ring closure of a hydrazine intermediate. Sodium hypochlorite was used as the oxidant and ethanol as a solvent, making the process a clean, green approach. The reaction was performed at room temperature for 3 h, and then the heterocycle was isolated in an analytically pure form by extraction, followed by passing the crude product mixture through a small plug of alumina.
Editorial for Special Issue “Pollutants in Acid Mine Drainage”
Authors: Valente Teresa
Published: July 2023

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is among the major environmental concerns related to mining activity and often causes the complete degradation of affected ecosystems during and/or after mine closure [...]
An Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Porous Biochar/Cuprous Oxide (BC/Cu2O) Composite for the Determination of Hg(II)
Authors: Zou Jin , Liu Jiawei , Peng Guanwei , Huang Haiyan , Wang Linyu , Lu Limin , Gao Yansha , Hu Dongnan , Chen Shangxing
Published: July 2023

Mercuric ion (Hg2+) in aqueous media is extremely toxic to the environment and organisms. Therefore, the ultra-trace electrochemical determination of Hg2+ in the environment is of critical importance. In this work, a new electrochemical Hg2+ sensing platform based on porous activated carbon (BC/Cu2O) modified with cuprous oxide was developed using a simple impregnation pyrolysis method. Differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) was used to investigate the sensing capability of the BC/Cu2O electrode towards Hg2+. Due to the excellent conductivity and large specific surface area of BC, and the excellent catalytic activity of Cu2O nanoparticles, the prepared BC/Cu2O electrode exhibited excellent electrochemical activity. The high sensitivity of the proposed system resulted in a low detection limit of 0.3 ng·L−1 and a wide linear response in the ranges from 1.0 ng·L−1 to 1.0 mg·L−1. In addition, this sensor was found to have good accuracy, acceptable precision, and reproducibility. All of these results show that the BC/Cu2O composite is a promising material for Hg2+ electrochemical detection.
Investigation of Bioactive Complexes of Chitosan and Green Coffee Bean or Artichoke Extracts
Authors: Rosliuk Deimante , Jakstas Valdas , Ivanauskas Liudas , Liudvinaviciute Dovile , Coma Veronique , Rutkaite Ramune
Published: July 2023

The formation of water-insoluble complexes between chitosan (ChS) and caffeoylquinic acid (CQ) derivatives present in artichoke (AE) and green coffee bean (GCBE) extracts was investigated by the equilibrium adsorption method. The UPLC/HPLC analysis revealed that the phenolic compounds accounted for 8.1% and 74.6% of AE and GCBE respectively, and CQ derivatives were the predominant compounds. According to the applied Langmuir adsorption model, anionic compounds present in natural extracts were adsorbed onto the active centers of ChS, i.e., primary amino groups. The driving forces of adsorption were electrostatic interactions between cationic groups of ChS and anionic compounds of natural extracts. Chromatographic analysis revealed that not only CQ derivatives, but also other phenolic compounds of natural extracts were attached to ChS. The release of adsorbed compounds into different media as well as the bioactive properties of complexes were also studied. With the immobilization of bioactives onto ChS, increased and prolonged ABTS•+ radical scavenging activity and decreased antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum and Botrytis cinerea were observed compared to those of ChS. The findings of the current study highlight that the adsorption approach could be used to successfully prepare water-insoluble complexes of ChS and components of natural extracts with prolonged antioxidant activity.
Assessment of Residual Chlorine Interaction with Different Microelements in Stormwater Sediments
Authors: Valentukeviciene Marina , Andriulaityte Ieva , Chadysas Viktoras
Published: July 2023

One consequence of intensive outdoor disinfection using chlorinated compounds is environmental pollution. It has been found that disinfectants are the most effective tool to avoid the spread of infections and viruses. Studies have shown that the use of chlorine-based disinfectants (sodium hypochlorite) leaves residual chlorine and other disinfection byproducts in the environment. They also have harmful effects on, inter alia, water quality, ecosystems, as well as exacerbating the corrosion of surfaces. To meet regulatory standards, monitoring of the presence of residual chlorine in the environment is vitally important. The aim of this study is to analyse the occurrence of residual chlorine in stormwater after outdoor disinfection using sodium hypochlorite and to investigate its interaction with different microelements as well their possible impacts. Stormwater samples collected at permanently disinfected locations were analysed via X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The concentrations of Cl and the following elements Na, Si, K, Ca, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn were detected and their relationship with chlorine was determined using the Python programming language. The research presents Cl concentration values (%) that vary from 0.02 to 0.04. The results of the modelling revealed strong correlations between Cl and Fe (value 0.65) and Ca (value −0.61) and the occurrence of CaCl2 and FeCl3. The strong relationship between Cl and Fe explains the significant increase in surface corrosion after disinfection with chlorine-based substances.
Development of Quality Indicators for Geriatric Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) Services
Authors: Jukic Peladic Nikolina , Orlandoni Paolo
Published: July 2023

The evidence on the safety, efficacy and patient centeredness of Home Enteral Nutrition (HEN) services is scarce. In 2015, we carried out a search of the literature to identify specific indicators for HEN services as tools to be used to assess the quality of INRCA HEN services. No specific indicators for HEN services were found. Through a subsequent search of the literature, we have identified the appropriate methodology to define quality indicators and developed eight (8) specific indicators to track the quality of our HEN service for geriatric patients. Following Donabiedan’s classification, we have defined two structure indicators, two process indicators and four outcome indicators that are presented in this manuscript. Though they may be used to make a comparison of HEN services for geriatric patients and to monitor the quality of therapy provided at patients’ homes, the definition of quality system indicators for HEN services requires the additional joint efforts of experts in the field of nutrition and the scientific community for their validation.
The Question of Heroism and Heroic Virtue in the Philosophy of Education of Josef Pieper
Authors: Blaščíková Andrea , Nemec Rastislav
Published: July 2023

The question of heroism and heroic virtue belongs among the most discussed topics in history. It emerges as a recurring theme, mainly in the context of an imminent military danger provoking horror and fear which an individual must resist. This is precisely why heroism was a subject of Nazi propaganda in the past, when it was associated with an irrational willingness to sacrifice one’s own life for any value. In the context of the current war turmoil and tenebrous scenarios regarding the future of the humanity, this article poses the following question: what exactly is heroic virtue? In particular, it focuses on the image of heroism presented by Josef Pieper, who followed the line of thinking of Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas. He wanted to demonstrate how the courage to face injustice, in spite of imminent danger, develops into heroism when the power of hope is mobilised within individuals. This refers not only to the natural hope associated with our common expectations, but also a mystical hope that helps a hero maintain justice even when face-to-face with the predominance of evil until the end. The article concludes by proposing several motives that might be considered in the process of education to heroic virtue.
A CatBoost-Based Model for the Intensity Detection of Tropical Cyclones over the Western North Pacific Based on Satellite Cloud Images
Authors: Zhong Wei , Zhang Deyuan , Sun Yuan , Wang Qian
Published: July 2023

A CatBoost-based intelligent tropical cyclone (TC) intensity-detecting model was built to quantify the intensity of TCs over the Western North Pacific (WNP) with the cloud-top brightness temperature (CTBT) data of Fengyun-2F (FY-2F) and Fengyun-2G (FY-2G) and the best-track data of the China Meteorological Administration (CMA-BST) in recent years (2015–2018). The CatBoost-based model was featured with the greedy strategy of combination, the ordering principle in optimizing the possible gradient bias and prediction shift problems, and the oblivious tree in fast scoring. Compared with the previous studies based on the pure convolutional neural network (CNN) models, the CatBoost-based model exhibited better skills in detecting the TC intensity with the root mean square error (RMSE) of 3.74 m s−1. In addition to the three mentioned model features, there are also two reasons for the model’s design. On one hand, the CatBoost-based model used the method of introducing prior physical factors (e.g., the structure and shape of the cloud, deep convections, and background fields) into its training process. On the other hand, the CatBoost-based model expanded the dataset size from 2342 to 13,471 samples through hourly interpolations of the original dataset. Furthermore, this paper investigated the errors of this model in detecting the different categories of TC intensity. The results showed that the deep learning-based TC intensity-detecting model proposed in this paper has systematic biases, namely, the overestimation (underestimation) of intensities in TCs which were weaker (stronger) than at the typhoon level, and the errors of the model in detecting weaker (stronger) TCs were smaller (larger). This implies that more factors than the CTBT should be included to further reduce the errors in detecting strong TCs.
The New Digital Economy and Sustainability: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Rosário Albérico Travassos , Dias Joana Carmo
Published: July 2023

This study aims to analyze the interconnection between the concepts of digital economy and sustainability. These concepts have become popular due to awareness of climate change and the increased development and adoption of technologies. Researchers, business leaders and policymakers are exploring the many ways digital technologies can be used to address sustainability issues. Using a systematic literature review with a bibliometric analysis, we examined a sample of 92 studies indexed in SCOPUS to identify research activity on this topic up until April 2023. We found that 2022 had the highest number of peer-reviewed articles, with 31 publications. During the research, we identified multiple opportunities for this interconnection, such as developing renewable energies and sustainable technological solutions, smart cities and sustainable urbanization, and sustainable consumption. These opportunities enabled by digital technologies allow companies to adopt sustainable business strategies and develop sustainable products. Despite these opportunities, the digital economy presents several challenges that can hinder efforts to achieve sustainability goals, such as increasing e-waste, high energy consumption and rising carbon emissions, the digital divide, job insecurity, growing monopolies, and data protection. These issues must be addressed to enable the optimal use of the opportunities presented in the digital economy to promote sustainability.
Analysis of Carbon Emission Reduction at the Port of Integrated Logistics: The Port of Shanghai Case Study
Authors: Zeng Yilin , Yuan Xiang , Hou Bing
Published: July 2023

With the goal of achieving carbon neutrality in the shipping industry, the issue of sustainable port development is becoming more and more valued by the port authorities. The shipping industry requires more effective carbon emission reduction analysis frameworks. This paper takes China’s Shanghai Port as the research object and analyzes it from the perspective of port-integrated logistics. Combined with the port data of Shanghai Port from 2008 to 2022, the principal component analysis gray correlation analysis model was used to screen the factors affecting the port’s carbon emissions, and three calculation models for Shanghai Port’s carbon emission sources were proposed. In addition, an expanded stochastic impact model based on the regression of population, affluence, and technology (STIRPAT) was constructed for the influencing factors of Shanghai Port’s carbon dioxide emissions and combined with the method of ridge regression to further identify important influencing factors. At the same time, a gray neural network model was established to predict the carbon emissions of Shanghai Port from 2021 to 2030 and compare them with their real value. The conclusion shows that there is a close relationship between Shanghai Port carbon emissions and container throughput, throughput energy consumption, number of berths, total foreign trade import and export, and net profit attributable to the parent company. Gray neural network model data calculations show that the growth rate of Shanghai Port’s carbon emissions will gradually slow down in the next ten years until the carbon peak is completed around 2033. The study can provide a reference for the sustainable development of other ports.
Novel Synthesis of Carbon Dots from Coconut Wastes and Its Potential as Water Disinfectant
Authors: Rajkishore Subramani Krishnaraj , Devadharshini Krishnagounder Padmanaban , Sathya Moorthy Ponnuraj , Reddy Kiran Kalyan Vanniya Sreeramulu , Sunitha Rajkishore , Prasanthrajan Mohan , Maheswari Muthunalliappan , Subramanian Kizhaeral Sevathapandian , Sakthivel Nalliappan , Sakrabani Ruben
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a facile and effective method for the large-scale production of carbon dots (CDs) from diverse coconut wastes (fronds, husk and shell). On comparing two different methods, namely (i) hydrothermal carbonization and (ii) novel sequential synthesis processes (pyrolysis followed by sonication), the latter procedure recorded a higher recovery of CDs (14.0%) over the hydrothermal method (2.33%). Doping agents such as urea, polyethyleneimine (PEI) and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) were chosen at varying concentrations to synthesize surface-modified CDs (SMCDs) for enhanced antibacterial properties. Among these SMCDs, urea-doped CDs (1:1) @ 1000 ppm registered significantly higher cytotoxicity (20.6%) against Escherichia coli (E. coli). Subsequently, to assess the applicability of CDs as a disinfectant in water purification systems, two products, namely (i) CD-infused chitosan beads and (ii) pelletized CDs, were developed to ensure the immobilization of CDs. Studies with lab-scale prototypes have revealed that CDs infused chitosan beads reduced the colonies of E. coli from 5.41 × 102 CFU/mL (control group) to 2.16 × 102 CFU/mL, in comparison with pelletized CDs that decreased to 3.30 × 102 CFU/mL. The biosafety of CDs was assessed against Eisenia fetida for 21 days, and the observations revealed no mortality, even at 2000 ppm. Overall, this research demonstrated that a waste biomass can be effectively transformed into a novel water disinfectant. Furthermore, this scientific endeavor opens up research avenues to evolve advanced water purifiers using low-cost and eco-friendly nanomaterials.
Internet Use, Subjective Well-Being, and Environmentally Friendly Practices in Rural China: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Lei Shuo , Zhang Lu , Hou Chunfei , Han Yongwei
Published: July 2023

Expanding internet connectivity to rural areas requires a comprehensive understanding of the influence path among internet usage, subjective well-being (SWB), and environmentally friendly agricultural practices (EAPs) of farmers. This study aimed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of internet use by employing structural equation modeling. Farmers with improved internet access adopted more EAPs, resulting in output loss (EAPOs) and increased time investment (EAPTs). However, increased internet function utilization negatively affected EAPs involving additional expenses (EAPEs). Although SWB increased EAP engagement, income satisfaction could decrease EAPEs and EAPTs. The impact of internet use on SWB initially increased but later declined with increased internet usage, indirectly affecting EAPs. This may strengthen the positive total effect or alleviate the negative total effect. Young individuals, higher-income households, educated individuals, and members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) were more inclined to adopt EAPs, as they helped mitigate the adverse influence of negative online information and enhance overall well-being. Consequently, it is imperative to provide internet usage education and training, utilize more internet features, including e-commerce or microcredit, to incentivize EAP adoption, address and alleviate negative emotions from the internet promptly, prioritize providing education to young rural residents, and empower CPC members in advocating for sustainable practices.
The Greener the Hotel, the Better Operating Efficiency It Has? A Sustainable Tourism Perspective
Authors: Lin Cheng-Sheng , Shyu Chin-Shyang , Li Cheng-Ping
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was mainly to analyze the operating efficiency of Green Hotels during the epidemic, and to explore whether hotels that pay more attention to green energy and saving energy would be more economically efficient. The object of this study is the top 20 Green Hotels voted on the European Union Internet Forum from 2018 to 2022. According to the empirical results, all Green Hotels were affected by COVID-19, and their operating efficiency became worse. This study further used Tobit regression to find out the factors that affect the operating efficiency, and performs regression analysis on the efficiency values of the green energy environment variables. The findings showed that the green energy equipment of EU-certified Green Hotels had a negative effect on the operating efficiency, with a coefficient value of −0.362, indicating that the investment in green energy equipment cannot be achieved in a short period of time. In addition, the education level of managers and hotel green energy licenses have positive effects on the operating efficiency of Green Hotels. In particular, when the Green Hotel licenses are the most important, they have the highest coefficient value of the efficiency of Green Hotels at 0.484. This means that the higher the education level of Green Hotel managers and the higher the level of the Green Hotel license, the higher the operating efficiency. These findings suggest that Green Hotel management should pay attention to its green certificate level and the education knowledge of managers, so as to achieve sustainable energy saving and to improve operating efficiency.
A Statistical Prediction Model for Summer Precipitation in China Based on TSD Method and EOF Modes’ Time Coefficients
Authors: Xie Zihuang , Zhu Yimin , Hu Yijia , Ha Yao , Zhong Zhong
Published: July 2023

It is a challenge to improve the skill of seasonal precipitation prediction, because there are many factors affecting summer precipitation in China, which are found on different time scales and have complex interactions with each other. For these reasons, we establish a prediction model with the time-scale decomposition (TSD) method to investigate whether the TSD has an improving effect on the prediction skill of summer precipitation in China. Using this statistical model, the predictors and predictands will be separated into interannual and interdecadal time scales, after which Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) decomposition is performed on these two components, and their time coefficients are predicted, respectively. The hindcast cross-validation results show that the model without TSD has prediction skills only in some regions of East China and South China. Compared with the model without TSD, surprisingly, the model with TSD can significantly improve the prediction performance in more regions in China, such as Xinjiang Province and Northeast China. The anomaly correlation coefficients (ACC) between hindcast precipitation with TSD and observation are higher in most years than that without TSD. The results of the independent sample test show that the forecast model with TSD has a stable and gratifying prediction skill, and the averaged ACC is increased by more than 0.1.
Impact of Built Environment on Carbon Emissions from Cross-District Mobility: A Social Network Analysis Based on Private Vehicle Trajectory Big Data
Authors: Chen Wenjie , Wu Xiaogang , Xiao Zhu
Published: July 2023

The realization of the “double carbon” goals and the development of green transportation require a focused approach to reducing carbon emissions from private cars. Starting from the perspective of social network analysis, this paper constructs the carbon emission network of private car cross-district mobility based on vehicle trajectory big data in Guangzhou and Foshan and analyzes its spatial network characteristics. Next, the MRQAP model is constructed to examine the impact of built environment factors on carbon emissions from private cars. Furthermore, the paper explores the moderating effect of private car mobility in the central urban area. The results indicate the following: (1) Private vehicle cross-district mobility in the Guangzhou and Foshan region are closely interconnected and exhibit a phenomenon of central clustering. (2) Both population density and the number of road intersections have a positive relationship with private car carbon emissions, and after a series of robustness tests, the results are still valid. (3) Private vehicle mobility in central urban areas contributes to an increase in carbon emissions, and the positive impact is reinforced by population density, while road intersections and private car mobility in central urban areas have a substitutive effect on private car carbon emissions.
A Comparative Study of Optimal Individual Pitch Control Methods
Authors: Routray Abhinandan , Sivakumar Nitin , Hur Sung-ho , Bang Deok-je
Published: July 2023

Wind turbines are subjected to asymmetric loads and fatigue with subsequent increases in their dimension and capacity, leading to a reduction in their lifetime. To address this problem, the individual pitch control (IPC) technique is quite familiar in the control of wind turbines. IPC is used to reduce the tilt and yaw moments, simultaneously alleviating the turbine blade-root bending moments (BRBMs). This study discusses the performance of model predictive control (MPC), H-infinity (H∞), and proportional and integral (PI)-based IPC strategies integrated with collective pitch control. The performance of the reported controllers has been validated using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) 5 MW full nonlinear reference wind turbine. Simulation studies are conducted at varying wind speeds and turbulent intensities as per international electrotechnical commission (IEC) norms. Comparative results in the time and frequency domains indicate that the H∞ based IPC achieves enhanced control performance in terms of reduction in BRBMs and damage equivalent load compared to MPC and PI-based control strategies.
Self-Transcendence Values Influence Meaningful Sports Consumption Behavior: The Chain Mediator of Team Identification and Eudaimonic Motivation
Authors: Guo Kai , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Lei , Li Chenya
Published: July 2023

With the improvement of people’s material conditions and the change of their values, sports consumption has shifted from hedonistic consumption, which simply pursues pleasurable experiences, to meaningful consumption, which seeks self-growth and life values. Meaningful sports consumption behavior has also received attention from scholars. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the mechanisms of meaningful sports consumption behavior from the perspective of individual values. Using self-transcendence values as the independent variable, team identification, and eudaimonic motivation as mediators, and introducing subjective on-field performance and hypo-egoic mindset as moderating variables, this study explores how self-transcendence values influence meaningful sports consumption behavior. The empirical analysis based on 910 questionnaire data in China revealed that self-transcendence values have a significant positive impact on meaningful sports consumption behavior through the chain mediating role of team identification and eudaimonic motivation. Subjective on-field performance and hypo-egoic mindset play a moderating role in this influence. This study enriches the study of sports consumption behavior, deepens the research on meaningful sports consumption behavior, and introduces a new research perspective to sports consumption behavior. The results of this study provide new management ideas for sports marketers to attract and increase consumer stickiness.