bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of an Exhaust Thermoelectric Generator Incorporating Thermal Control Applied to a Heavy Duty Vehicle
Authors: Sousa Carolina Clasen , Martins Jorge , Carvalho Óscar , Coelho Miguel , Moita Ana Sofia , Brito Francisco P.
Published: June 2022

The road transport industry faces the need to develop its fleet for lower energy consumption, pollutants and CO2 emissions. Waste heat recovery systems with Thermoelectric Generators (TEGs) can directly convert the exhaust heat into electric energy, aiding the electrical needs of the vehicle, thus reducing its dependency on fuel energy. The present work assesses the optimisation and evaluation of a temperature-controlled thermoelectric generator (TCTG) concept to be used in a commercial heavy-duty vehicle (HDV). The system consists of a heat exchanger with wavy fins (WFs) embedded in an aluminium matrix along with vapour chambers (VCs), machined directly into the matrix, that grant the thermal control based on the spreading of local excess heat by phase change, as proposed by the authors in previous publications and patents. The TCTG concept behaviour was analysed under realistic driving conditions. An HDV with a 16 L Diesel engine was simulated in AVL Cruise to obtain the exhaust gas temperature and mass flow rate for each point of two cycle runs. A model proposed in previous publications was adapted to the new fin geometry and vapour chamber configuration and used the AVL Cruise data as input. It was possible to predict the thermal and thermoelectric performance of the TCTG along the corresponding driving cycles. The developed system proved to have a good capacity for applications with highly variable thermal loads since it was able to uncouple the maximisation of heat absorption from the regulation of the thermal level at the hot face of the TEG modules, avoiding both thermal dilution and overheating. This was achieved by the controlled phase change temperature of the heat spreader, that would ensure the spreading of the excess heat from overheated to underheated areas of the generator instead of wasting excess heat. A maximum average electrical production of 2.4 kW was predicted, which resulted in fuel savings of about 2% and CO2 emissions reduction of around 37 g/km.
Hierarchical Diagnostics and Risk Assessment for Energy Supply in Military Vehicles
Authors: Földesi Péter , Kóczy László T. , Szauter Ferenc , Csikor Dániel , Kocsis Szürke Szabolcs
Published: June 2022

Hybrid vehicles are gaining increasing global prominence, especially in the military, where unexpected breakdowns or even power deficits are not only associated with greater expense but can also cost the lives of military personnel. In some cases, it is extremely important that all battery cells and modules deliver the specified amount of capacity. Therefore, it is recommended to introduce a new measurement line of rapid diagnostics before deployment, in addition to the usual procedures. Using the results of rapid testing, we recommend the introduction of a hierarchical three-step diagnostics and assessment procedure. In this procedure, the key factor is the building up of a hierarchical tree-structured fuzzy signature that expresses the partial interdependence or redundancy of the uncertain descriptors obtained from the rapid tests. The fuzzy signature structure has two main important components: the tree structure itself, and the aggregations assigned to the internal nodes. The fuzzy signatures that are thus determined synthesize the results from the regular maintenance data, as well as the effects of the previous operating conditions and the actual state of the battery under examination; a signature that is established this way can be evaluated by “executing the instructions” coded into the aggregations. Based on the single fuzzy membership degree calculated for the root of the signature, an overall decision can be made concerning the general condition of the batteries.
Assessment of Effective Wind Loads on Individual Plantation-Grown Forest Trees
Authors: Kolbe Sven , Rentschler Felix , Frey Julian , Seifert Thomas , Gardiner Barry , Detter Andreas , Schindler Dirk
Published: June 2022

Quantifying wind loads acting on forest trees remains a major challenge of wind-tree-interaction research. Under wind loading, trees respond with a complex motion pattern to the external forces that displace them from their rest position. To minimize the transfer of kinetic wind energy, crowns streamline to reduce the area oriented toward the flow. At the same time, the kinetic energy transferred to the trees is dissipated by vibrations of all aerial parts to a different degree. This study proposes a method to estimate the effective wind load acting on plantation-grown Scots pine trees. It evaluates the hypothesis that the effective wind load acting on the sample trees can be estimated using static, non-destructive pulling tests, using measurements of stem tilt under natural wind conditions and static, non-destructive pulling tests. While the analysis of wind-induced stem displacement reconstructs the temporal tree response dynamics to the effective wind load, results from the pulling tests enable the effective wind load quantification. Since wind-induced stem displacement correlates strongly with the sample trees’ diameter at breast height, the effective wind load estimation can be applied to all other trees in the studied stand for which diameter data is available. We think the method is suitable for estimating the effective wind load acting on trees whose wind-induced response is dominated by sway in the fundamental mode.
The Effect of Temperature-Assisted High Hydrostatic Pressure on the Survival of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris Inoculated in Orange Juice throughout Storage at Different Isothermal Conditions
Authors: Sourri Patra , Argyri Anthoula A. , Nychas George-John E. , Tassou Chrysoula C. , Panagou Efstathios Z.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this work was to investigate the population dynamics of the spores and vegetative cells of A. acidoterrestris in orange juice treated with temperature-assisted HHP and stored in different isothermal conditions. For this reason, the spores of two A. acidoterrestris strains were inoculated in commercial orange juice and subjected to HHP treatment at 600 MPa/60 °C for 5 and 10 min. Inoculated samples were subsequently stored at 4, 12 and 25 °C for 60 days. During storage, the population of A. acidoterrestris was determined before and after heat shock at 80 °C for 10 min in order to estimate the quantity of spores and any remaining vegetative cells on the Bacillus acidoterrestris medium agar. Results showed that spore populations decreased by 3.0–3.5 log cycles directly after HHP treatment. Subsequently, no significant changes were observed throughout storage regardless of temperature and bacterial strain. However, at 25 °C, an increase of 0.5–1.0 log cycles was noticed. For the remaining vegetative cells, the results illustrated that HHP treatment could eliminate them during storage at 4 and 12 °C, whereas at 25 °C inactivation was strain-dependent. Therefore, temperature-assisted HHP treatment could effectively inactivate A. acidoterrestris spores in orange juice and ensure that the inhibitory effect could be maintained throughout storage at low temperatures.
The Non-Fungible Token (NFT) Market and Its Relationship with Bitcoin and Ethereum
Authors: Ante Lennart
Published: June 2022

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are transferrable rights to digital assets, such as art, in-game items, collectables, or music. The phenomenon and its markets have grown significantly since early 2021. We investigate the interrelationships between NFT sales, NFT users (unique active blockchain wallets), and the pricing of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH). Using daily data between January 2018 and April 2021, we show that a Bitcoin price shock triggers an increase in NFT sales. Also, Ether price shocks reduce the number of active NFT wallets. The results suggest that (larger) cryptocurrency markets affect the growth and development of the (smaller) NFT market, but there is no reverse effect.
Coefficient Estimates for the Functions with Respect to Symmetric Conjugate Points Connected with the Combination Binomial Series and Babalola Operator and Lucas Polynomials
Authors: El-Deeb Sheza , Alb Lupaş Alina
Published: June 2022

By using Lucas polynomials, we define a new subclass of analytic bi-univalent functions, class Σ, in the open unit disc with respect to symmetric conjugate points connected with the combination Binomial series and Babalola operator. The bounds on the initial coefficients a2 and a3 for the functions in this new subclass of Σ are investigated. Moreover, we obtain an estimation for the Fekete–Szego problem for the function subclass defined in this paper. Relevant connections of these results are presented here as corollaries.
Discrimination of Microseismic Events in Coal Mine Using Multifractal Method and Moment Tensor Inversion
Authors: Kan Jiliang , Dou Linming , Li Jiazhuo , Song Shikang , Zhou Kunyou , Cao Jinrong , Bai Jinzheng
Published: June 2022

Discrimination of various microseismic (MS) events induced by blasting and mining in coal mines is significant for the evaluation and forecasting of rock bursts. In this paper, multifractal and moment tensor inversion methods were used to investigate the waveform characteristics and focal mechanisms of different MS events in a more quantitative way. The multifractal spectrum calculation results indicate that the three types of MS waveform have different distribution ranges in the multifractal parameters of ∆α and Δf(α). The results show that the blasting schemes also have a great influence on MS waveform characteristics. Consequently, the multifractal parameters of ∆α and Δf(α) can be used to discriminate different MS events. Further, the focal mechanisms of MS events were calculated by seismic moment tensor inversion. The results show that an explosion is not the dominant mechanism of deep-hole blasting MS events, and the CLVD and DC components account for an important proportion, indicating that some additional processes occur during blasting. Moreover, the coal-rock fracture MS events are characterized by compression implosion or compression/shear implosion mixed focal mechanisms, while the overburden movement MS events are tensile explosion or tensile/shear explosion mixed focal mechanisms. The focal mechanisms and nodal plane parameters have close relationships with the inducing factors and occurrence processes of MS events.
Strategic Choice and Implementation of Workplace Wellness Programs in the United States
Authors: Weinstein Marc
Published: June 2022

Despite widespread discussion and public policy support for workplace wellness programs in the United States, their diffusion has been slow. Using data from the 2017 Workplace Health Administration Survey, this paper explored the importance of establishment characteristics, unionization, and strategic choice in the adoption of workplace health initiatives and employee participation in these programs. An ordinary least squares analysis revealed that unionization (β = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.20–1.97, p < 0.001) and management support (β = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.25–2.10, p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of the number of programs adopted by an establishment. In logistic regression analyses of nine workplace wellness programs, it was also found that unionization and management were the strongest predictors of the adoption of these programs. Management support was also correlated with employee participation of in nutrition (OR = 2.66, 95% CI = 1.23–5.71, p < 0.05) and obesity programs (OR = 3.66, 95% CI = 1.03–12.97, p < 0.05).
Characterization of Okra Species, Their Hybrids and Crossability Relationships among Abelmoschus Species of the Western Ghats Region
Authors: Sandeep Nanjundappa , Dushyanthakumar Banur Marulasiddappa , Sridhara Shankarappa , Dasaiah Lakshmana , Mahadevappa Satish Kundur , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , M Althaqafi Mohammed , Aloufi Salman , Sharma Hanoor , Alaklabi Abdullah , Elansary Hosam O.
Published: June 2022

Wild relatives of okra represent a good source of variation for breeding programs, particularly for traits related to biotic and abiotic stresses and fruit quality. However, wild species remain largely unexploited for okra breeding. The cultivated okra accession Abelmoschus esculentus cv. ‘Arka Anamika’ was crossed with three wild accessions: Abelmoschus manihot, Abelmoschus ficulens and Abelmoschus moschatus. The crossability was estimated based on fruit set, seed set and germination rate. The results of cross compatibility studies revealed that the crosses are compatible only when cultivated A. esculentus is used as a female, and reciprocal crosses were not successful in any of the three wild species. Higher fruit set (87.2%) and seed germination (92%) were obtained from the crosses ‘Arka Anamika’ × Abelmoschus manihot. The interspecific F1s exhibited normal growth, flowering and fruit formation, but the hybrids were completely sterile on selfing due to abnormal meiosis. Characterization of the parents and interspecific hybrids revealed that the interspecific hybrids were generally more vigorous than the parents and displayed greater alliance towards their wild parent. The sterile F1s were further treated with 0.1% colchicine to restore fertility. The three interspecific crosses showed considerable differences in mean performance and heterosis over mid parent and better parent. The cross ‘A. Anamika’ × A. manihot displayed positive heterosis over mid parent and better parent for the yield traits, viz., fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, number of primary branches per plant and plant height. The information obtained in the study on crossability relationship, phenotypic characterization and heterosis in interspecific hybrids will assist breeders in the development of prebreeding material.
The Cardiometabolic Health of African Immigrants in High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mensah Danielle , Ogungbe Oluwabunmi , Turkson-Ocran Ruth-Alma N. , Onuoha Chioma , Byiringiro Samuel , Nmezi Nwakaego A. , Mannoh Ivy , Wecker Elisheva , Madu Ednah N. , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne
Published: June 2022

In recent decades, the number of African immigrants in high-income countries (HICs) has increased significantly. However, the cardiometabolic health of this population remains poorly examined. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to examine the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors among sub-Saharan African immigrants residing in HICs. Studies were identified through searches in electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science up to July 2021. Data on the prevalence of cardiometabolic risk factors were extracted and synthesized in a narrative format, and a meta-analysis of pooled proportions was also conducted. Of 8655 unique records, 35 articles that reported data on the specific African countries of origin of African immigrants were included in the review. We observed heterogeneity in the burden of cardiometabolic risk factors by African country of origin and HIC. The most prevalent risk factors were hypertension (27%, range: 6–55%), overweight/obesity (59%, range: 13–91%), and dyslipidemia (29%, range: 11–77.2%). The pooled prevalence of diabetes was 11% (range: 5–17%), and 7% (range: 0.7–14.8%) for smoking. Few studies examined kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, and diagnosed cardiometabolic disease. Policy changes and effective interventions are needed to improve the cardiometabolic health of African immigrants, improve care access and utilization, and advance health equity.
Analysis of the Dynamic Relationship between Green Economy Efficiency and Urban Land Development Intensity in China
Authors: Hou Jiao , Lu Xinhai , Wu Shiman , Ke Shangan , Li Jia
Published: June 2022

The improvement of green economic efficiency (GEE) should be realized under reasonable urban land development intensity (ULDI). Improving GEE can also help alleviate the negative externalities of excessive or unreasonable ULDI. Clarifying the interactive response mechanism between GEE and ULDI is a key link in regional sustainable development. Therefore, this paper uses the super-efficiency slack-based model (SBM) method, panel entropy method, and panel vector auto regression model to comprehensively analyze the interactive response relationship between GEE and ULDI in 283 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2019. This paper finds that: (1) during the research period, both the GEE and ULDI showed a relatively obvious upward trend, which is manifested in the fact that ULDI increased year by year while GEE overall increased in volatility. The growth and evolution trend of ULDI and GEE has the characteristics of interaction and coordination; (2) there is a two-way interactive Granger causality between ULDI and GEE, showing a positive interactive response effect; and (3) both ULDI and GEE have positive inertial growth and self-enhancement mechanisms. In the long run, GEE has a greater impact on the change of ULDI.
Role of Ape1 in Impaired DNA Repair Capacity in Battery Recycling Plant Workers Exposed to Lead
Authors: Hernández-Franco Pablo , Maldonado-Vega María , Calderón-Salinas José Víctor , Rojas Emilio , Valverde Mahara
Published: June 2022

Exposure to lead in environmental and occupational settings continues to be a serious public health problem. At environmentally relevant doses, two mechanisms may underlie lead exposition-induced genotoxicity, disruption of the redox balance and an interference with DNA repair systems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the ability of lead exposition to induce impaired function of Ape1 and its impact on DNA repair capacity of workers chronically exposed to lead in a battery recycling plant. Our study included 53 participants, 37 lead exposed workers and 16 non-lead exposed workers. Lead intoxication was characterized by high blood lead concentration, high lipid peroxidation and low activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD). Relevantly, we found a loss of DNA repair capacity related with down-regulation of a set of specific DNA repair genes, showing specifically, for the first time, the role of Ape1 down regulation at transcriptional and protein levels in workers exposed to lead. Additionally, using a functional assay we found an impaired function of Ape1 that correlates with high blood lead concentration and lipid peroxidation. Taken together, these data suggest that occupational exposure to lead could decrease DNA repair capacity, inhibiting the function of Ape1, as well other repair genes through the regulation of the ZF-transcription factor, promoting the genomic instability.
Effect of Perceived Stress on Health-Related Quality of Life among Primary Caregiving Spouses of Patients with Severe Dementia: The Mediating Role of Depression and Sleep Quality
Authors: Kim Jinheum , Cha Eunjeong
Published: June 2022

Recently, there has been a rise in the number of spouses becoming primary caregivers to patients with dementia. This study identifies the mediating effects of depression and sleep quality on the relationship between perceived stress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among primary caregiving spouses of patients with severe dementia through a secondary data analysis of the 2018 Korea Community Health Survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Data from 229 primary caregiving spouses of patients with severe dementia were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank correlation or Pearson’s correlation analysis, and the lavaan R package, version 0.6-9. The association between perceived stress status (PSS) and the European Quality of Life Five Dimension (EQ-5D) index was highly significant. The direct effect of PSS observed in the model was nullified with both the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index as mediators, which implies that they mediate the effect of PSS on caregivers’ EQ-5D indexes. The mediation model accounted for 33.2% of the variance in the EQ-5D index of caregivers. The results suggest the need to develop an intervention to improve sleep quality and manage depression to mitigate a decline in HRQoL for these caregivers.
A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on Anti-Stress Effects of Nelumbinis Semen
Authors: Ye Minsook , Bae Hyunsu , Park Songyi , Lew Jaehwan , Kim Kyung Soo , Shim Insop
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Depression is a serious and common mental disease that causes low mood and loss of interest in activities. Nelumbinis semen (NS) has been widely used as a treatment for depression for hundreds of years in many Asian countries. Water extract of nelumbinis semen (WNS) is a standardized herbal medicine made from NS. Methods: The objective of the present research was to perform a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to estimate the efficacy of WNS for improving depressive and stress symptoms using Beck depression inventory (BDI) and the stress response inventory (SRI) in 45 adults diagnosed with major depression or other forms of depressive disorders. They were randomized to either a placebo-treated group, a 2.4 g per day WNS-treated group, or a 4.8 g per day WNS-treated group. BDI and SRI were determined in order to evaluate changes in depression before and after two weeks of WNS treatment. Results: The average BDI and SRI of the 2.4 g WNS-treated group were significantly (p < 0.05) improved compared to those of the placebo-treated group. Their BDI subscale A (negative attitudes towards self) and subscale C (somatic disturbances), SRI E, and depression subscale of SRI were substantially shorter (p < 0.05). In addition, an analysis of collected EEG data of participants showed a significant increase in alpha/beta activity in the 4.8 g WNS-treated group, which might be explained as an advancement of their depression symptoms (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that WNS treatment can decrease depression. Our study provides preliminary evidence for the safety of WNS and its potential to decrease depression.
The Declining Trend in Adolescent Drinking: Do Volume and Drinking Pattern Go Hand in Hand?
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Bye Elin K. , Moan Inger Synnøve
Published: June 2022

Traditionally, adolescent drinking cultures differed between Nordic and Mediterranean countries; the former being characterised by low volume and relatively frequent heavy episodic drinking (HED). Across these drinking cultures, we examined the associations between alcohol volume and HED with respect to (i) secular trends at the country level and (ii) individual-level associations over time. The data stem from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) conducted among 15–16-year-olds in Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, France and Italy, employing six cross-sectional surveys from 1999 to 2019 (n = 126,126). Both consumption volume and HED frequency decreased in all Nordic countries and displayed a curvilinear trend in France and Italy. In all countries, consumption volume and HED correlated highly over time at the country level. At the individual level, the correlation was positive but with a varying magnitude over time and between countries. In 1999/2003, the alcohol volume–HED correlation was significantly higher in the Nordic compared to the Mediterranean countries but became significantly weaker in Finland, Norway and Sweden and remained stable in France, Iceland and Italy during the period. In conclusion, while trends in consumption volume and drinking patterns went hand in hand at the aggregate level, the association at the individual level weakened over time in several Nordic countries, along with the substantial decline in adolescent drinking since 2000.
The Role of Contact Care by Adult Children in Relieving Depression in Older Adult Individuals
Authors: Hong Seo-Youn , Kim Jae-Hyun
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate how contact care by adult children influences the effect of caring for grandchildren on depression in older adult individuals. Studies have shown that caring for grandchildren either increases or decreases the symptoms of depression in older adult individuals, while other studies have shown no effect. The reason for these inconsistent results is that the key control variable, contact care by adult children, has been omitted from these previous studies. An analysis of panel data consisting of observations from 162 older adult respondents in the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging over the 2008–2016 period confirms that the positive effect of caring for grandchildren on depression in older adults increased as the number of adult children who visited their older adult parents after entrusting their children to them increased. As more of their adult children visited the older adult individuals, the latter were more likely to feel that caring for their grandchildren was healing rather than stressful.
Effects of Four Weeks of Beta-Alanine Supplementation Combined with One Week of Creatine Loading on Physical and Cognitive Performance in Military Personnel
Authors: Samadi Mohammad , Askarian Ali , Shirvani Hossein , Shamsoddini Alireza , Shakibaee Abolfazl , Forbes Scott C. , Kaviani Mojtaba
Published: June 2022

The purpose was to investigate the effects of a 7-day creatine (Cr) loading protocol at the end of four weeks of β-alanine supplementation (BA) on physical performance, blood lactate, cognitive performance, and resting hormonal concentrations compared to BA alone. Twenty male military personnel (age: 21.5 ± 1.5 yrs; height: 1.78 ± 0.05 m; body mass: 78.5 ± 7.0 kg; BMI: 23.7 ± 1.64 kg/m2) were recruited and randomized into two groups: BA + Cr or BA + placebo (PL). Participants in each group (n = 10 per group) were supplemented with 6.4 g/day of BA for 28 days. After the third week, the BA + Cr group participants were also supplemented with Cr (0.3 g/kg/day), while the BA + PL group ingested an isocaloric placebo for 7 days. Before and after supplementation, each participant performed a battery of physical and cognitive tests and provided a venous blood sample to determine resting testosterone, cortisol, and IGF-1. Furthermore, immediately after the last physical test, blood lactate was assessed. There was a significant improvement in physical performance and mathematical processing in the BA + Cr group over time (p < 0.05), while there was no change in the BA + PL group. Vertical jump performance and testosterone were significantly higher in the BA + Cr group compared to BA + PL. These results indicate that Cr loading during the final week of BA supplementation (28 days) enhanced muscular power and appears to be superior for muscular strength and cognitive performance compared to BA supplementation alone.
The Impact of Rationalization and Upgrading of Industrial Structure on Carbon Emissions in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration
Authors: Gu Runde , Li Chunfa , Li Dongdong , Yang Yangyang , Gu Shan
Published: June 2022

Carbon dioxide mainly comes from industrial economic activities. Industrial structure optimization is an effective way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This paper uses the panel data of 13 cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration from 2006 to 2019, uses the Theil index to calculate the industrial structure rationalization index, and uses the proportion of industrial added value to calculate the industrial structure upgrade index. By constructing the STIRPAT model, this paper quantitatively analyzes the impact of industrial structure rationalization and upgrade on carbon emissions. The results show that the rationalization and upgrading of industrial structure in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration significantly inhibit carbon emissions. Compared with the rationalization of the industrial structure, the upgrading of industrial structure in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration has a better effect on carbon emission reduction. For the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration, government expenditure on science and technology can promote the upgrading of industrial structure to a certain extent, thereby reducing carbon emissions. There is a big gap between the industrial structure development level of Hebei province and that of Beijing and Tianjin. Finally, based on the conclusion, this paper puts forward the policy enlightenment of promoting the optimization process of industrial structure and reducing carbon emissions of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration.
Gamification in Initial Teacher Training to Promote Inclusive Practices: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Manzano-León Ana , Aguilar-Parra José Manuel , Rodríguez-Moreno Javier , Ortiz-Colón Ana María
Published: June 2022

Gamification consists of the use of ludic elements in non-ludic contexts. It is becoming an educational trend, due to its ability to work on curriculum skills in a fun and motivating way. This article exposes a program of gamified university practices, “Super-Profes”, for the subject of Developmental Disorders. To gain an understanding of student impressions about this methodology, a qualitative study was carried out, based on a survey with open questions, and, subsequently, analyzed with the Atlas.ti 8.4 program. In total, 63 s-year students taking the Early Childhood Education degree participated. Two main categories emerged from the study: gamification as a fun and motivating educational experience, and knowledge and skills acquired after studying a gamified subject. The research concluded with an assessment of educational gamification as a motivating and effective methodology for the acquisition of content and skills necessary for future teaching.
Temporal and Spatial Evolution of the African Swine Fever Epidemic in Vietnam
Authors: Shao Qihui , Li Rendong , Han Yifei , Han Dongfeng , Qiu Juan
Published: June 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is a severe infectious disease affecting domestic and wild suids. Spatiotemporal dynamics analysis of the ASF is crucial to understanding its transmission. The ASF broke out in Vietnam in February 2019. The research on the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of ASF in Vietnam is lacking. Spatiotemporal statistical methods, including direction analysis, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and spatiotemporal scan statistics were used to reveal the dynamics of the spatial diffusion direction and spatiotemporal aggregation characteristics of ASF in Vietnam. According to the cessation of the epidemic, it was divided into three phases: February to August 2019 (phase 1), April to December 2020 (phase 2), and January 2021 to March 2022 (phase 3). The ASF showed a significant spread trend from north to south in phase 1. The occurrence rate of the ASF aggregated spatially in phase 1 and became random in phases 2 and 3. The high−high ASF clusters (the province was a high cluster and both it and its neighbors had a high ASF occurrence rate) were concentrated in the north in phases 1 and 2. Four spatiotemporal high-risk ASF clusters were identified with a mean radius of 121.88 km. In general, there were significant concentrated outbreak areas and directional spread in the early stage and small-scale, high-frequency, and randomly scattered outbreaks in the later stage. The findings could contribute to a deeper understanding of the spatiotemporal spread of the ASF in Vietnam.
Prevalence of HIV and Selected Disease Burden in Outpatients of Primary Health Care (PHC) Facilities in Rural Districts of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Nxasana Ntombizodumo , Oladimeji Kelechi E. , Pulido-Estrada Guillermo-Alfredo , Apalata Teke R.
Published: June 2022

Assessing underlying illnesses can inform health stakeholders about chronic conditions for targeted enhanced prevention and treatment strategies. Since the Eastern Cape Province has a high disease burden, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and selected disease burden of outpatients from primary health care (PHC) facilities in the districts. From February 2019 to February 2021, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap)-enabled tablets were used to collect data from consenting outpatients over the age of 18 years using an interviewer-administered WHO core and expanded stepwise questionnaire. The statistical analysis was mainly descriptive with the use of counts, frequencies, and summary measures. The study population was predominantly female (86.5%). Prevalent diseases included HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and cardiometabolic diseases. HIV prevalence was 52% and highest in the age group of 30–59 years. In people living with HIV, the nonsuppressed viral load (VL 1000 copies/mL) was highest in the age group of 40–49 years (34.6%). Prevalence of diabetes was highest at the Mhlontlo subdistrict (42.3%), while the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) subdistrict had the highest prevalence of HBV infections (39.1%). Based on the findings, we advocate for intermittent assessments of disease burden in certain settings, such as rural areas, to improve PHC practice and outcomes, especially in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Managing Minds at Work: Development of a Digital Line Manager Training Program
Authors: Blake Holly , Vaughan Benjamin , Bartle Craig , Yarker Jo , Munir Fehmidah , Marwaha Steven , Daly Guy , Russell Sean , Meyer Caroline , Hassard Juliet , Thomson Louise
Published: June 2022

Mental ill-health is the leading cause of sickness absence, creating a high economic burden. Workplace interventions aimed at supporting employers in the prevention of mental ill-health in the workforce are urgently required. Managing Minds at Work is a digital intervention aimed at supporting line managers in promoting better mental health at work through a preventative approach. This intervention was developed as part of the Mental Health and Productivity Pilot, a wider initiative aimed at supporting employers across the Midlands region of the United Kingdom to improve the future of workplace mental health and wellbeing. The aim of the study is to describe the design and development of the Managing Minds at Work digital training program, prior to feasibility testing. We adopted a collaborative participatory design involving co-design (users as partners) and principles of user-centred design (pilot and usability testing). An agile methodology was used to co-create intervention content with a stakeholder virtual community of practice. Development processes were mapped to core elements of the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing and evaluating complex interventions. The program covers five broad areas: (i) promoting self-care techniques among line managers; (ii) designing work to prevent work-related stress; (iii) management competencies to prevent and reduce stress; (iv) having conversations with employees about mental health; (v) building a psychologically safe work environment. It was considered by stakeholders to be appropriate for any type of organization, irrespective of their size or resources. Pilot and usability testing (n = 37 surveys) aligned with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) demonstrated that the program was perceived to be useful, relevant, and easy to use by managers across sectors, organization types, and sizes. We identified positive impacts on manager attitudes and behavioral intentions related to preventing mental ill-health and promoting good mental wellbeing at work. The next step is to explore the feasibility and acceptability of Managing Minds at Work with line managers in diverse employment settings.
How Stable, Really? Traditional and Nonlinear Dynamics Approaches to Studying Temporal Fluctuations in Personality and Affect
Authors: Gori Alessio , Dewey Daniel , Topino Eleonora , Giannini Marco , Schuldberg David
Published: June 2022

A pair of quantitative case studies is presented to demonstrate how different approaches to quantifying temporal variability in ratings of traits and affect can provide rich information for personality researchers. Data are presented and analyzed from two college students who completed an Ecological Momentary Assessment protocol sampling ratings of affect and traits up to 24 times daily for one week. Both classical and nonlinear data analytic techniques were applied to the data to summarize and examine the temporal dynamics of both traits and affect. For the purposes of exposition, one Big Five trait rating, extraversion, and the PANAS positive and negative affects, are discussed. The results support previous research demonstrating a high degree of variability in ratings of both traits and affect over time. Analyses using nonlinear and complexity expand on these findings and suggest temporal patterning as well as disorder; implications of phase portraits for understanding variability are discussed. The findings are discussed in light of a processing dynamics approach to resolving the role of variability in understanding personality.
Searching for Factors Influencing the Severity of the Symptoms of Long COVID
Authors: Mińko Alicja , Turoń-Skrzypińska Agnieszka , Rył Aleksandra , Tomska Natalia , Bereda Zuzanna , Rotter Iwona
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease. Infection with the virus can occur with differing symptom severity, from mild and moderate to severe cases, but the long-term consequences of infection have not been fully identified or studied. Long COVID is defined as occurring in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, and symptoms persisting for at least two months within three months of onset that cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to look for factors that influence the type and severity of Long COVID symptoms. In total, 932 individuals with a history of COVID-19 were qualified for the study using an original questionnaire based on the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehab Screen (C19-YRS) questionnaire. Older adults were more likely to report problems with mobility (p < 0.001) and in performing daily activities (p = 0.014). Those with a higher BMI showed significantly more symptoms such as dyspnea at rest (p < 0.001) and on exertion (p < 0.001), feelings of chronic fatigue (p = 0.023), problems with mobility (p < 0.001), and in performing daily activities (p = 0.002). The data show that those with Long COVID should receive multidisciplinary help including additional medical and psychological support. Particular attention should be paid to elderly and obese persons, who should be included in rehabilitation programs after COVID-19 in the first place.
Parental Stressors in Sports Influenced by Attributes of Parents and Their Children
Authors: Kovács Krisztina , Földi Rita F. , Géczi Gábor , Gyömbér Noémi
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: Although parental behavior is known to be an important source of influence, relatively few studies have examined the factors possibly contributing parental stressors as being directly related to their children’s sport socialization. The present study explored the relative importance of related parental stressors and the associations between these stressors and various types of parental involvement. (2) Method: A total of 1260 parents completed an online form including demographic questions, questions on their children’s sport participation, and three self-report measures (PSSS, PISQ, and PASSES). (3) Results: The results revealed that the multiple linear regression models for overall parental stress were statistically significant. The significant predictors were the parent’s educational level, the child’s current stage of sports participation, and the child’s sport injury (or the lack thereof). Furthermore, the stressors perceived by parents were positively associated with parental direct behavior and pressure. (4) Conclusions: Parents are under more stress as their child’s stages of sport development increases, if their child has already had a sports injury, and the parents’ directive behavior and experienced stress were significantly associated. The obtained results expand the existing knowledge of the complexity of parents’ importance in children’s sports careers.
T Cells in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Have a Predominant CD4+ T Helper Response to SARS-CoV-2 Peptides and Numerous Virus-Specific CD4− CD8− Double-Negative T Cells
Authors: Hsieh Li-En , Song Jaeyoon , Grifoni Alba , Shimizu Chisato , Tremoulet Adriana H. , Dummer Kirsten B. , Burns Jane C. , Sette Alessandro , Franco Alessandra
Published: June 2022

We studied SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in 22 subacute MIS-C children enrolled in 2021 and 2022 using peptide pools derived from SARS-CoV-2 spike or nonspike proteins. CD4+ and CD8+ SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were detected in 5 subjects, CD4+ T helper (Th) responses alone were detected in 12 subjects, and CD8+ cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses alone were documented in 1 subject. Notably, a sizeable subpopulation of CD4− CD8− double-negative (DN) T cells out of total CD3+ T cells was observed in MIS-C (median: 14.5%; IQR 8.65–25.3) and recognized SARS-CoV-2 peptides. T cells bearing the Vβ21.3 T cell receptor (TcRs), previously reported as pathogenic in the context of MIS-C, were detected in high frequencies, namely, in 2.8% and 3.9% of the CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, respectively. However, Vβ21.3 CD8+ T cells that responded to SARS-CoV-2 peptides were detected in only a single subject, suggesting recognition of nonviral antigens in the majority of subjects. Subjects studied 6–14 months after MIS-C showed T cell epitope spreading, meaning the activation of T cells that recognize more SARS-CoV-2 peptides following the initial expansion of T cells that see immunodominant epitopes. For example, subjects that did not recognize nonspike proteins in the subacute phase of MIS-C showed good Th response to nonspike peptides, and/or CD8+ T cell responses not appreciable before arose over time and could be detected in the 6–14 months’ follow-up. The magnitude of the Th and CTL responses also increased over time. In summary, patients with MIS-C associated with acute lymphopenia, a classical feature of MIS-C, showed a physiological response to the virus with a prominent role for virus-specific DN T cells.
Antibiofilm Activities of Cinnamaldehyde Analogs against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Kim Yeseul , Kim Sanghun , Cho Kiu-Hyung , Lee Jin-Hyung , Lee Jintae
Published: June 2022

Bacterial biofilm formation is a major cause of drug resistance and bacterial persistence; thus, controlling pathogenic biofilms is an important component of strategies targeting infectious bacterial diseases. Cinnamaldehyde (CNMA) has broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. In this study, we investigated the antibiofilm effects of ten CNMA derivatives and trans-CNMA against Gram-negative uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Among the CNMA analogs tested, 4-nitrocinnamaldehyde (4-nitroCNMA) showed antibacterial and antibiofilm activities against UPEC and S. aureus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for cell growth of 100 µg/mL, which were much more active than those of trans-CNMA. 4-NitroCNMA inhibited UPEC swimming motility, and both trans-CNMA and 4-nitroCNMA reduced extracellular polymeric substance production by UPEC. Furthermore, 4-nitroCNMA inhibited the formation of mixed UPEC/S. aureus biofilms. Collectively, our observations indicate that trans-CNMA and 4-nitroCNMA potently inhibit biofilm formation by UPEC and S. aureus. We suggest efforts be made to determine the therapeutic scope of CNMA analogs, as our results suggest CNMA derivatives have potential therapeutic use for biofilm-associated diseases.
Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging of Renal Cell Carcinoma with ASP5354 in a Mouse Model for Intraoperative Guidance
Authors: Teranishi Katsunori
Published: June 2022

Renal cell carcinoma is a prevalent disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Partial nephrectomy is a first-line surgical option because it allows the preservation of renal function. Clear differentiation between normal and cancerous tissues is critical for increasing the negative margin rates. This study investigated the capability of the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent imaging agent ASP5354 for in vivo fluorescence imaging of renal cell carcinoma. ASP5354 at a single dose of 12 nmol (0.037 mg)/kg body weight was intravenously administered to healthy and orthotopic renal cell carcinoma mice under anesthesia. NIR images of the abdominal cavity were obtained using a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) camera system. In addition, the cancerous kidneys were harvested, and the NIRF in their sections was measured using an NIRF microscope. Normal renal tissue emitted strong NIRF but the cancer tissue did not. The difference in NIRF intensity between the normal and cancer tissues clearly presented the boundary between the normal and cancer tissues in macro and micro NIRF imaging. ASP5354 can distinguish cancer tissue from normal tissue using NIRF. Thus, ASP5354 is a promising agent for renal cell carcinoma tissue imaging in partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma patients.
Utilization of AlphaFold2 to Predict MFS Protein Conformations after Selective Mutation
Authors: Xiao Qingjie , Xu Mengxue , Wang Weiwei , Wu Tingting , Zhang Weizhe , Qin Wenming , Sun Bo
Published: June 2022

The major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is the largest secondary transporter family and is responsible for transporting a broad range of substrates across the biomembrane. These proteins are involved in a series of conformational changes during substrate transport. To decipher the transport mechanism, it is necessary to obtain structures of these different conformations. At present, great progress has been made in predicting protein structure based on coevolutionary information. In this study, AlphaFold2 was used to predict different conformational structures for 69 MFS transporters of E. coli after the selective mutation of residues at the interface between the N- and C-terminal domains. The predicted structures for these mutants had small RMSD values when compared to structures obtained using X-ray crystallography, which indicates that AlphaFold2 predicts the structure of MSF transporters with high accuracy. In addition, different conformations of other transporter family proteins have been successfully predicted based on mutation methods. This study provides a structural basis to study the transporting mechanism of the MFS transporters and a method to probe dynamic conformation changes of transporter family proteins when performing their function.
Breast Milk MicroRNAs Related to Leptin and Adiponectin Function Can Be Modulated by Maternal Diet and Influence Offspring Phenotype in Rats
Authors: Alonso-Bernáldez Marta , Asensio Antoni , Palou-March Andreu , Sánchez Juana , Palou Andreu , Serra Francisca , Palou Mariona
Published: June 2022

There is evidence of the role of milk components in the metabolic programming of offspring. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of a diet during lactation on breast milk leptin, adiponectin, and related miRNAs’ expression, and their impact on dams and their offspring. Dams were fed a control diet (controls) or a diet enriched with oleic acid, betaine, and leucine (TX) throughout lactation. A TX diet promoted higher leptin at lactation day (LD) five and lower adiponectin on LD15 (vs. controls) in milk, resulting in increased leptin to adiponectin (L/A) ratio throughout lactation. Moreover, TX diet reduced milk levels of miR-27a, miR-103, miR-200a, and miR-222. Concerning TX offspring, higher body fat was early observed and maintained into adult life, accompanied by higher HOMA-IR than controls at three months of age. Offspring body fat content in adulthood correlated positively with milk L/A ratio at LD15 and negatively with miRNAs modulated by the TX diet. In conclusion, maternal diet during lactation can modulate leptin and adiponectin interplay with miRNAs in milk, setting up the metabolic programming of the offspring. Better knowledge about the influence of diet on this process is necessary to promote a healthy adult life in the progeny.