bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Metastasis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Neophytou Christiana M. , Panagi Myrofora , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Papageorgis Panagiotis
Published: April 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates essential tumor survival and promotion functions. Interactions between the cellular and structural components of the TME allow cancer cells to become invasive and disseminate from the primary site to distant locations, through a complex and multistep metastatic cascade. Tumor-associated M2-type macrophages have growth-promoting and immunosuppressive functions; mesenchymal cells mass produce exosomes that increase the migratory ability of cancer cells; cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reorganize the surrounding matrix creating migration-guiding tracks for cancer cells. In addition, the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) exerts determinant roles in disease progression and cancer cell migration and regulates therapeutic responses. The hypoxic conditions generated at the primary tumor force cancer cells to genetically and/or epigenetically adapt in order to survive and metastasize. In the circulation, cancer cells encounter platelets, immune cells, and cytokines in the blood microenvironment that facilitate their survival and transit. This review discusses the roles of different cellular and structural tumor components in regulating the metastatic process, targeting approaches using small molecule inhibitors, nanoparticles, manipulated exosomes, and miRNAs to inhibit tumor invasion as well as current and future strategies to remodel the TME and enhance treatment efficacy to block the detrimental process of metastasis.
Defining an Ultra-Low Risk Group in Asymptomatic IgM Monoclonal Gammopathy
Authors: Moreno David F. , Pereira Arturo , Tovar Natalia , Cibeira María Teresa , Magnano Laura , Rozman María , López-Guerra Mónica , Colomer Dolors , Martín-Antonio Beatriz , Jiménez-Segura Raquel , Isola Ignacio , Rodríguez-Lobato Luis Gerardo , Oliver-Caldés Aina , Mena Mari Pau , Rosiñol Laura , Bladé Joan , Fernández de Larrea Carlos
Published: April 2021

We analyzed 171 patients with asymptomatic IgM monoclonal gammopathies (64 with IgM monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance—MGUS and 107 with smoldering Waldenström macroglobulinemia - SWM) who had a bone marrow (BM) evaluation performed at diagnosis. Abnormal free-light chain ratio (53% vs. 31%) and MYD88 mutation prevalence (66% vs. 30%) were higher in patients with SWM. No other differences were found among groups. With a median follow-up of 4.3 years, 14 patients progressed to Waldenström macroglobulinemia, 1 to amyloidosis, and 28 died without progression. The MYD88 mutation was found in 53% of patients (available in 160 patients). Multivariate analysis showed that immunoparesis (subhazard ratio—SHR 10.2, 95% confidence interval—CI: 4.2–24.8; p < 0.001) and BM lymphoplasmacytic infiltration ≥ 20% (SHR: 6, 95% CI: 1.6–22.1; p = 0.007) were associated with higher risk of progression. We developed a risk model based on these two risk factors. In the absence of both variables, an ultra-low risk group was identified (SHR 0.1, 95% CI 0.02–0.5; p = 0.004), with 3% and 6% of cumulative incidence of progression at 10 and 20 years, respectively. Bootstrap analysis confirmed the reproducibility of these results. This study finds immunoparesis and BM infiltration as biomarkers of progression as well as a low-risk group of progression in asymptomatic IgM monoclonal gammopathies.
Thermal Atomic Layer Deposition of Yttrium Oxide Films and Their Properties in Anticorrosion and Water Repellent Coating Applications
Authors: Dussarrat Christian , Blasco Nicolas , Noh Wontae , Lee Jooho , Greer Jamie , Teramoto Takashi , Kamimura Sunao , Gosset Nicolas , Ono Takashi
Published: April 2021

The thermal atomic layer deposition (ThALD) of yttrium oxide (Y2O3) was developed using the newly designed, liquid precursor, Y(EtCp)2(iPr2-amd), as the yttrium source in combination with different oxygen sources, such as ozone, water and even molecular oxygen. Saturation was observed for the growth of the Y2O3 films within an ALD window of 300 to 450 °C and a growth per cycle (GPC) up to 1.1 Å. The resulting Y2O3 films possess a smooth and crystalline structure, while avoiding any carbon and nitrogen contamination, as observed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The films showed strong resistance to fluorine-containing plasma, outperforming other resistant materials, such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride and alumina. Interestingly, the hydrophilic character exhibited by the film could be switched to hydrophobic after exposure to air, with water contact angles exceeding 90°. After annealing under N2 flow at 600 °C for 4 min, the hydrophobicity was lost, but proved recoverable after prolonged air exposure or intentional hydrocarbon exposure. The origin of these changes in hydrophobicity was examined.
Drones, Gulls and Urbanity: Interaction between New Technologies and Human Subsidized Species in Coastal Areas
Authors: Frixione Martín G. , Salvadeo Christian
Published: April 2021

The use of drones has expanded the boundaries of several activities, which is expected to be utilized intensively in the near future. Interactions between urbanity and naturalness have been increasing while urban expansion amplifies the proximity between urban and natural areas. In this scenario, the interactions between drones and fauna could be augmented. Therefore, the aim of this study was to depict and evaluate the responses of the opportunistic and territorial seagull Larus livens to a small-sized drone during the non-breeding stage in urban areas and natural surroundings. The results evidenced that gulls do not react to drone sounds, coloration, or distance between them and the drone take-off spot. Clearly, the take-off vertical movement triggers an agonistic behavior that is more frequent in groups conformed by two adults, evidencing some kind of territorial response against the device, expressed as characteristic mobbing behavior. Thus, adult settled gulls in touristic and non-urbanized areas displayed agonistic behavior more frequently against the drone. Despite the coastal urban area being a free interaction environment, it evidences a low risk between drone management and territorial seabirds.
Phase-Matching Quantum Key Distribution with Discrete Phase Randomization
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxu , Wang Yang , Jiang Musheng , Lu Yifei , Li Hongwei , Zhou Chun , Bao Wansu
Published: April 2021

The twin-field quantum key distribution (TF-QKD) protocol and its variations have been proposed to overcome the linear Pirandola–Laurenza–Ottaviani–Banchi (PLOB) bound. One variation called phase-matching QKD (PM-QKD) protocol employs discrete phase randomization and the phase post-compensation technique to improve the key rate quadratically. However, the discrete phase randomization opens a loophole to threaten the actual security. In this paper, we first introduce the unambiguous state discrimination (USD) measurement and the photon-number-splitting (PNS) attack against PM-QKD with imperfect phase randomization. Then, we prove the rigorous security of decoy state PM-QKD with discrete phase randomization. Simulation results show that, considering the intrinsic bit error rate and sifting factor, there is an optimal discrete phase randomization value to guarantee security and performance. Furthermore, as the number of discrete phase randomization increases, the key rate of adopting vacuum and one decoy state approaches infinite decoy states, the key rate between discrete phase randomization and continuous phase randomization is almost the same.
Nonclassical Attack on a Quantum Key Distribution System
Authors: Pljonkin Anton , Petrov Dmitry , Sabantina Lilia , Dakhkilgova Kamila
Published: April 2021

The article is focused on research of an attack on the quantum key distribution system and proposes a countermeasure method. Particularly noteworthy is that this is not a classic attack on a quantum protocol. We describe an attack on the process of calibration. Results of the research show that quantum key distribution systems have vulnerabilities not only in the protocols, but also in other vital system components. The described type of attack does not affect the cryptographic strength of the received keys and does not point to the vulnerability of the quantum key distribution protocol. We also propose a method for autocompensating optical communication system development, which protects synchronization from unauthorized access. The proposed method is based on the use of sync pulses attenuated to a photon level in the process of detecting a time interval with a signal. The paper presents the results of experimental studies that show the discrepancies between the theoretical and real parameters of the system. The obtained data allow the length of the quantum channel to be calculated with high accuracy.
Hyperchaotic Image Encryption Based on Multiple Bit Permutation and Diffusion
Authors: Li Taiyong , Zhang Duzhong
Published: April 2021

Image security is a hot topic in the era of Internet and big data. Hyperchaotic image encryption, which can effectively prevent unauthorized users from accessing image content, has become more and more popular in the community of image security. In general, such approaches conduct encryption on pixel-level, bit-level, DNA-level data or their combinations, lacking diversity of processed data levels and limiting security. This paper proposes a novel hyperchaotic image encryption scheme via multiple bit permutation and diffusion, namely MBPD, to cope with this issue. Specifically, a four-dimensional hyperchaotic system with three positive Lyapunov exponents is firstly proposed. Second, a hyperchaotic sequence is generated from the proposed hyperchaotic system for consequent encryption operations. Third, multiple bit permutation and diffusion (permutation and/or diffusion can be conducted with 1–8 or more bits) determined by the hyperchaotic sequence is designed. Finally, the proposed MBPD is applied to image encryption. We conduct extensive experiments on a couple of public test images to validate the proposed MBPD. The results verify that the MBPD can effectively resist different types of attacks and has better performance than the compared popular encryption methods.
Physical Properties of Schwarzschild–deSitter Event Horizon Induced by Stochastic Quantum Gravity
Authors: Cremaschini Claudio , Tessarotto Massimo
Published: April 2021

A new type of quantum correction to the structure of classical black holes is investigated. This concerns the physics of event horizons induced by the occurrence of stochastic quantum gravitational fields. The theoretical framework is provided by the theory of manifestly covariant quantum gravity and the related prediction of an exclusively quantum-produced stochastic cosmological constant. The specific example case of the Schwarzschild–deSitter geometry is looked at, analyzing the consequent stochastic modifications of the Einstein field equations. It is proved that, in such a setting, the black hole event horizon no longer identifies a classical (i.e., deterministic) two-dimensional surface. On the contrary, it acquires a quantum stochastic character, giving rise to a frame-dependent transition region of radial width δr between internal and external subdomains. It is found that: (a) the radial size of the stochastic region depends parametrically on the central mass M of the black hole, scaling as δr∼M3; (b) for supermassive black holes δr is typically orders of magnitude larger than the Planck length lP. Instead, for typical stellar-mass black holes, δr may drop well below lP. The outcome provides new insight into the quantum properties of black holes, with implications for the physics of quantum tunneling phenomena expected to arise across stochastic event horizons.
Refined Young Inequality and Its Application to Divergences
Authors: Furuichi Shigeru , Minculete Nicuşor
Published: April 2021

We give bounds on the difference between the weighted arithmetic mean and the weighted geometric mean. These imply refined Young inequalities and the reverses of the Young inequality. We also studied some properties on the difference between the weighted arithmetic mean and the weighted geometric mean. Applying the newly obtained inequalities, we show some results on the Tsallis divergence, the Rényi divergence, the Jeffreys–Tsallis divergence and the Jensen–Shannon–Tsallis divergence.
Perforation Optimization of Intensive-Stage Fracturing in a Horizontal Well Using a Coupled 3D-DDM Fracture Model
Authors: Cheng Wan , Lu Chunhua , Xiao Bo
Published: April 2021

Intensive-stage fracturing in horizontal wells is a potentially new technology for reservoir stimulations of deep shale oil and gas. Due to a strong stress interaction among the dense fractures, the fracture geometry and stress field are very complicated, which are the bottlenecks of this technology. Aiming at simulating the intensive-stage fracturing, a coupled three-dimensional (3D) fracture model of multiple-fracture simultaneous propagation is proposed. The dynamic behavior of the fracture propagation and stress field was analyzed using this model. The perforation parameters were optimized for improving the fracture geometry equilibrium. The results showed that the exterior fractures of the multiple fractures penetrated by the horizontal well become the main fractures, while the interior fractures are drastically restrained. The exterior fracture widths increased with increasing injection time, while the interior fracture widths decreased with increasing injection time. An extruded region was created among the multiple fractures, which restrained the propagation of the interior fractures. Only increasing the perforation cluster number did not improve the fracture geometry equilibrium in the intensive-stage fracturing. To improve the fracture geometry equilibrium, we suggest designing more perforation numbers in each perforation cluster and ensuring that both the perforation number and diameter in the interior perforation cluster are greater than those of the exterior ones.
Simulation and Injector Bench Test Validation of Different Nozzle Hole Effect on Pyrolysis Oil-Diesel Oil Mixtures
Authors: Zöldy Máté , Kondor István Péter
Published: April 2021

The tire pyrolysis oil is a waste-derived fuel with a lower cetane number and higher den-sity than diesel fuel, but this is a promising waste-based fuel for compression ignition en-gines. In the European Union, it is necessary to increase the bio-share of fuels, and the second-generation waste-derived blend components are essential for achieving the 2030 goals. The injection characteristics of tire pyrolysis oil and diesel oil were investigated on a Bosch solenoid type common rail (CR) injector. Six different premixed ratios were investi-gated, including in a low volume percentage 250 ppm and higher 10%, 20%, and 100% pyrolysis oil and 100% diesel oil. The simulation investigation was done in the AVL Fire software, the experimental investigations were done on a LDX CR injection test bench, and the videos were taken on an Olympus Ispeed 3 camera. The scope of the research was to record the flow pattern of the fuel mixture, flowing out of the high-pressure injector, from which the mixing with air and the quality of the resulting combustion can be deduced, which has a significant effect on the emissions.
Automated Fault Management System in a Photovoltaic Array: A Reconfiguration-Based Approach
Authors: Murillo-Soto Luis D. , Meza Carlos
Published: April 2021

This work proposes an automated reconfiguration system to manage two types of faults in any position inside the solar arrays. The faults studied are the short-circuit to ground and the open wires in the string. These faults were selected because they severely affect power production. By identifying the affected panels and isolating the faulty one, it is possible to recover part of the power loss. Among other types of faults that the system can detect and locate are: diode short-circuit, internal open-circuit, and the degradation of the internal parasitic serial resistance. The reconfiguration system can detect, locate the above faults, and switch the distributed commutators to recover most of the power loss. Moreover, the system can return automatically to the previous state when the fault has been repaired. A SIMULINK model has been built to prove this automatic system, and a simulated numerical experiment has been executed to test the system response to the faults mentioned. The results show that the recovery of power is more than 90%, and the diagnosis accuracy and sensitivity are both 100% for this numerical experiment.
Current Developments of Carbon Capture Storage and/or Utilization–Looking for Net-Zero Emissions Defined in the Paris Agreement
Authors: Regufe Maria João , Pereira Ana , Ferreira Alexandre F. P. , Ribeiro Ana Mafalda , Rodrigues Alírio E.
Published: April 2021

An essential line of worldwide research towards a sustainable energy future is the materials and processes for carbon dioxide capture and storage. Energy from fossil fuels combustion always generates carbon dioxide, leading to a considerable environmental concern with the values of CO2 produced in the world. The increase in emissions leads to a significant challenge in reducing the quantity of this gas in the atmosphere. Many research areas are involved solving this problem, such as process engineering, materials science, chemistry, waste management, and politics and public engagement. To decrease this problem, green and efficient solutions have been extensively studied, such as Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) processes. In 2015, the Paris Agreement was established, wherein the global temperature increase limit of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels was defined as maximum. To achieve this goal, a global balance between anthropogenic emissions and capture of greenhouse gases in the second half of the 21st century is imperative, i.e., net-zero emissions. Several projects and strategies have been implemented in the existing systems and facilities for greenhouse gas reduction, and new processes have been studied. This review starts with the current data of CO2 emissions to understand the need for drastic reduction. After that, the study reviews the recent progress of CCUS facilities and the implementation of climate-positive solutions, such as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage and Direct Air Capture. Future changes in industrial processes are also discussed.
Towards Deep Decarbonisation of Energy-Intensive Industries: A Review of Current Status, Technologies and Policies
Authors: Nurdiawati Anissa , Urban Frauke
Published: April 2021

Industries account for about 30% of total final energy consumption worldwide and about 20% of global CO2 emissions. While transitions towards renewable energy have occurred in many parts of the world in the energy sectors, the industrial sectors have been lagging behind. Decarbonising the energy-intensive industrial sectors is however important for mitigating emissions leading to climate change. This paper analyses various technological trajectories and key policies for decarbonising energy-intensive industries: steel, mining and minerals, cement, pulp and paper and refinery. Electrification, fuel switching to low carbon fuels together with technological breakthroughs such as fossil-free steel production and CCS are required to bring emissions from energy-intensive industry down to net-zero. A long-term credible carbon price, support for technological development in various parts of the innovation chain, policies for creating markets for low-carbon materials and the right condition for electrification and increased use of biofuels will be essential for a successful transition towards carbon neutrality. The study focuses on Sweden as a reference case, as it is one of the most advanced countries in the decarbonisation of industries. The paper concludes that it may be technically feasible to deep decarbonise energy-intensive industries by 2045, given financial and political support.
Double-String Battery System with Reconfigurable Cell Topology Operated as a Fast Charging Station for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Engelhardt Jan , Zepter Jan Martin , Gabderakhmanova Tatiana , Rohde Gunnar , Marinelli Mattia
Published: April 2021

This paper introduces a novel design of an electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station, consisting of a battery energy storage system (BESS) with reconfigurable cell topology. The BESS comprises two battery strings that decouple the power flow between EV and grid, to enable charging powers above the grid capacity. The reconfigurable design is achieved by equipping the battery cells with semiconductor switches and serves two main purposes. First, it aims at solving cell unbalance issues to increase safety, reliability, and lifetime of the battery. Second, it enables the BESS to actively control the EV charging process by changing its cell configuration in a real-time fashion, making a DC-DC converter redundant. The paper presents a modelling approach that captures the reconfigurable design including the controlling algorithm used for cell engagement. The simulation results show that the BESS is able to fulfil the EV request with sufficient accuracy for most of the fast charging process. However, the switching of cells leads to variations in the charging current that can potentially exceed the tolerance band defined in IEC61851-23. Therefore, complementary measures are suggested to achieve a suitable current control during all phases of the charging process. The estimated BESS efficiency during the EV fast charging process is 93.3%. The losses caused by the reconfigurable design amount to 1.2% of the provided energy. It is demonstrated that the proposed design has a competitive efficiency compared to a battery buffered fast charging station with DC-DC converter.
Pressure Drops in Two-Phase Gas–Liquid Flow through Channels Filled with Open-Cell Metal Foams
Authors: Dyga Roman , Brol Sebastian
Published: April 2021

This paper describes experimental investigations of single-phase and two-phase gas–liquid flow through channels with a diameter of 20 mm and length of 2690 mm, filled with metal foams. Three types of aluminium foams with pore densities of 20, 30 and 40 PPI and porosities ranging from 29.9% to 94.3% were used. Air, water and oil were pumped through the foams. The tests covered laminar, transitional and turbulent flow. We demonstrated that the Reynolds number, in which the hydraulic dimension should be defined based on foam porosity and pore diameter de = ϕdp/(1 − ϕ), can be used as a flow regime assessment criterion. It has been found that fluid pressure drops when flowing through metal foams significantly depends on the cell size and porosity of the foam, as well as the shape of the foam skeleton. The flow patterns had a significant influence on the pressure drop. Among other things, we observed a smaller pressure drop when plug flow changed to stratified flow. We developed a model to describe pressure drop in flow through metal foams. As per the proposed methodology, pressure drop in single-phase flow should be determined based on the friction factor, taking into account the geometrical parameters of the foams. We propose to calculate pressure drop in gas–liquid flow as the sum of pressure drops in gas and liquid pressure drop corrected by the drop amplification factor.
Influence of Temperature and Moisture Content on Thermal Performance of Green Roof Media
Authors: Shao Bohan , Valeo Caterina , Mukhopadhyaya Phalguni , He Jianxun
Published: April 2021

The influence of moisture content on substrate thermal conductivity at different temperatures was investigated for four different commercially available substrates for green roofs. In the unfrozen state, as moisture content increased, thermal conductivity increased linearly. In the phase transition zone between +5 and −10 °C, as temperature decreased, thermal conductivity increased sharply during the transition from water to ice. When the substrate was frozen, thermal conductivity varied exponentially with substrate moisture content prior to freezing. Power functions were found between thermal conductivity and temperature. Two equally sized, green roof test cells were constructed and tested to compare various roof configurations including a bare roof, varying media thickness for a green roof, and vegetation. The results show that compared with the bare roof, there is a 75% reduction in the interior temperature’s amplitude for the green roof with 150 mm thick substrate. When a sedum mat was added, there was a 20% reduction in the amplitude of the inner temperature as compared with the cell without a sedum mat.
Simulating the Feasibility of Dual Use Switchgrass on Cow-Calf Operations
Authors: Popp Michael P. , Ashworth Amanda J. , West Charles P.
Published: April 2021

Meeting biorefineries’ demands for lignocellulosic biomass will require sourcing feedstock without affecting the food or animal-feed supply. A decision-aid model can assess the dual use of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) to maintain animal production while providing biomass. We simulated a mixed-farm operation with 156 ha of hay+pasture, 96 beef cows (Bos spp.), and poultry (Gallus gallus L.) production wherein the hay land was converted to switchgrass for dual use as biomass and forage. The cow-calf simulator tracked changes in forage and cattle production, economic returns, and net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Dual use of switchgrass consisted of harvesting the first cutting (mid-June) for hay and the second cutting (October-November) for biomass. Dual use required a modest increase in fertilizer application and supplementing cows with corn grain to meet nutritional requirements. Converting hay land to dual-use switchgrass produced 122 Mg of switchgrass, reduced net GHG emissions for autumn- and spring-calving operations by 3.4 and 3.6%, respectively, and increased the farm profit by approximately $1500 when priced at $50 Mg−1 regardless of the calving season. This simulation provided evidence that conversion of hay lands (in a beef cow-calf and poultry farm) to dual-use switchgrass can avoid displacing food production, while supplying bioenergy feedstock and reducing climate-forcing gases.
Understanding the Impact of Different Landscape-Level Fuel Management Strategies on Wildfire Hazard in Central Portugal
Authors: Benali Akli , Sá Ana C. L. , Pinho João , Fernandes Paulo M. , Pereira José M. C.
Published: April 2021

The extreme 2017 fire season in Portugal led to widespread recognition of the need for a paradigm shift in forest and wildfire management. We focused our study on Alvares, a parish in central Portugal located in a fire-prone area, which had 60% of its area burned in 2017. We evaluated how different fuel treatment strategies may reduce wildfire hazard in Alvares through (i) a fuel break network with different extents corresponding to different levels of priority and (ii) random fuel treatments resulting from a potential increase in stand-level management intensity. To assess this, we developed a stochastic wildfire simulation system (FUNC-SIM) that integrates uncertainties in fuel distribution over the landscape. If the landscape remains unchanged, Alvares will have large burn probabilities in the north, northeast and center-east areas of the parish that are very often associated with high fireline intensities. The different fuel treatment scenarios decreased burned area between 12.1–31.2%, resulting from 1–4.6% increases in the annual treatment area and reduced the likelihood of wildfires larger than 5000 ha by 10–40%. On average, simulated burned area decreased 0.22% per each ha treated, and cost-effectiveness decreased with increasing area treated. Overall, both fuel treatment strategies effectively reduced wildfire hazard and should be part of a larger, holistic and integrated plan to reduce the vulnerability of the Alvares parish to wildfires.
A Pattern Mining Method for Teaching Practices
Authors: Standl Bernhard , Schlomske-Bodenstein Nadine
Published: April 2021

When integrating digital technology into teaching, many teachers experience similar challenges. Nevertheless, sharing experiences is difficult as it is usually not possible to transfer teaching scenarios directly from one subject to another because subject-specific characteristics make it difficult to reuse them. To address this problem, instructional scenarios can be described as patterns, which has already been applied in educational contexts. Patterns capture proven teaching strategies and describe teaching scenarios in a unified structure that can be reused. Since priorities for content, methods, and tools are different in each subject, we show an approach to develop a domain-independent graph database to collect digital teaching practices from a taxonomic structure via the intermediate step of an ontology. Furthermore, we outline a method to identify effective teaching practices from interdisciplinary data as patterns from the graph database using an association rule algorithm. The results show that an association-based analysis approach can derive initial indications of effective teaching scenarios.
Genome-Wide Identification and Expansion Patterns of SULTR Gene Family in Gramineae Crops and Their Expression Profiles under Abiotic Stress in Oryza sativa
Authors: Yuan Zhengqing , Long Weixiong , Hu Haifei , Liang Ting , Luo Xiaoyun , Hu Zhongli , Zhu Renshan , Wu Xianting
Published: April 2021

Sulfate transporters (SULTRs), also known as H+/SO42− symporters, play a key role in sulfate transport, plant growth and stress responses. However, the evolutionary relationships and functional differentiation of SULTRs in Gramineae crops are rarely reported. Here, 111 SULTRs were retrieved from the genomes of 10 Gramineae species, including Brachypodium disachyon, Hordeum vulgare, Setaria italica, Sorghum bicolor, Zea mays, Oryza barthii, Oryza rufipogon, Oryza glabbermia and Oryza sativa (Oryza sativa ssp. indica and Oryza sativa ssp. japonica). The SULTRs were clustered into five clades based on a phylogenetic analysis. Syntheny analysis indicates that whole-genome duplication/segmental duplication and tandem duplication events were essential in the SULTRs family expansion. We further found that different clades and orthologous groups of SULTRs were under a strong purifying selective force. Expression analysis showed that rice SULTRs with high-affinity transporters are associated with the functions of sulfate uptake and transport during rice seedling development. Furthermore, using Oryza sativa ssp. indica as a model species, we found that OsiSULTR10 was significantly upregulated under salt stress, while OsiSULTR3 and OsiSULTR12 showed remarkable upregulation under high temperature, low-selenium and drought stresses. OsiSULTR3 and OsiSULTR9 were upregulated under both low-selenium and high-selenium stresses. This study illustrates the expression and evolutionary patterns of the SULTRs family in Gramineae species, which will facilitate further studies of SULTR in other Gramineae species.
Strategies to Enhance Knowledge and Practical Skills of Triage amongst Nurses Working in the Emergency Departments of Rural Hospitals in South Africa
Authors: Phukubye Thabo Arthur. , Mbombi Masenyani Oupa. , Mothiba Tebogo Maria.
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Lack of knowledge and practical skills on triage remains a global problem, especially within rural hospitals, and very little is known about enhancing the knowledge and skills of emergency nursing staff in rural hospitals of South Africa. The objective was to describe the perceived strategies for enhancing knowledge and practices of triage among nurses working in the emergency departments (EDs) of rural hospitals in South Africa. Research methods: A descriptive qualitative research design was applied to achieve the research objective. A non-probability sampling method was applied to select 17 professional nurses from rural hospitals. An unstructured face-to-face interview method was used to collect data. Data collected were analyzed using Tesch’s method of data analysis. Results: The study findings highlighted the academic needs of nurses working in the ED of rural hospitals. Two themes emerged from this study; (1) The consistent description of the importance of triage training for emergency unit staff, and (2) The description of measures to enhance triage practices amongst emergency unit staff. Findings indicated that triage knowledge and practice remains a challenge, but with formulated strategies like continuous training by workshops, refresher courses, and offering a training module on triage, evaluation of developed guidelines and benchmarks is often enhanced. Conclusions: The study describes the strategies to enhance the conversion of knowledge and practice of triage amongst nurses working in the ED of rural hospitals. The paper argues that the knowledge and practical skills of nurses working in ED are enhanced through the provision of continuous training as workshops, triage module, evaluating the developed guidelines to implement triage, and benchmarking with other hospitals.
Children’s Independent Mobility and Physical Activity during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study with Families
Authors: Pelletier Chelsea A. , Cornish Katie , Sanders Caroline
Published: April 2021

Children’s independent mobility (CIM) is the freedom of children to move around their neighbourhood without adult supervision and is closely related to overall physical activity participation. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted movement behaviours for children, with evidence indicating a decrease in physical activity. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of CIM and physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of children and their parents. We completed 21 family (at least one parent and one child aged 7–12) semi-structured interviews with 45 participants living in small urban and rural areas of British Columbia, Canada. Three themes were identified through a reflexive thematic analysis: (1) keeping everyone safe from COVID-19; (2) change in pattern and types of activity; (3) social impacts with family, friends, and community. Participants expressed a perceived increase in unstructured activity and a decrease in structured physical activity during the pandemic, which many parents viewed as a positive change. Parents and children indicated negative feelings due to spending less time with peers and reflected positively about spending more time with family. Parents and children expressed fear and anxiety in trying to keep their families safe from virus spread and creativity in adapting play behaviours. Findings highlight the impact of the pandemic on social friendship networks for families and a shift in activity patterns for children toward unstructured play.
The Tipping Effect of Delayed Interventions on the Evolution of COVID-19 Incidence
Authors: Rypdal Kristoffer
Published: April 2021

We combine infectious disease transmission and the non-pharmaceutical (NPI) intervention response to disease incidence into one closed model consisting of two coupled delay differential equations for the incidence rate and the time-dependent reproduction number. The model contains three parameters, the initial reproduction number, the intervention strength, and the response delay. The response is modeled by assuming that the rate of change of the reproduction number is proportional to the negative deviation of the incidence rate from an intervention threshold. This delay dynamical system exhibits damped oscillations in one part of the parameter space, and growing oscillations in another, and these are separated by a surface where the solution is a strictly periodic nonlinear oscillation. For the COVID-19 pandemic, the tipping transition from damped to growing oscillations occurs for response delays of about one week, and suggests that, without vaccination, effective control and mitigation of successive epidemic waves cannot be achieved unless NPIs are implemented in a precautionary manner, rather as a response to the present incidence rate. Vaccination increases the quiet intervals between waves, but with delayed response, future flare-ups can only be prevented by establishing a post-pandemic normal with lower basic reproduction number.
Climate Change and Mental Health: A Scoping Review
Authors: Charlson Fiona , Ali Suhailah , Benmarhnia Tarik , Pearl Madeleine , Massazza Alessandro , Augustinavicius Jura , Scott James G.
Published: April 2021

Climate change is negatively impacting the mental health of populations. This scoping review aims to assess the available literature related to climate change and mental health across the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) five global research priorities for protecting human health from climate change. We conducted a scoping review to identify original research studies related to mental health and climate change using online academic databases. We assessed the quality of studies where appropriate assessment tools were available. We identified 120 original studies published between 2001 and 2020. Most studies were quantitative (n = 67), cross-sectional (n = 42), conducted in high-income countries (n = 87), and concerned with the first of the WHO global research priorities—assessing the mental health risks associated with climate change (n = 101). Several climate-related exposures, including heat, humidity, rainfall, drought, wildfires, and floods were associated with psychological distress, worsened mental health, and higher mortality among people with pre-existing mental health conditions, increased psychiatric hospitalisations, and heightened suicide rates. Few studies (n = 19) addressed the other four global research priorities of protecting health from climate change (effective interventions (n = 8); mitigation and adaptation (n = 7); improving decision-support (n = 3); and cost estimations (n = 1)). While climate change and mental health represents a rapidly growing area of research, it needs to accelerate and broaden in scope to respond with evidence-based mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Mediator of the Relationship of Recreational Screen Time on Mediterranean Diet Score in Schoolchildren
Authors: López-Gil José Francisco , García-Hermoso Antonio , Brazo-Sayavera Javier , Tárraga López Pedro Juan , Yuste Lucas Juan Luis
Published: April 2021

Background: Studies have reported the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet as well as lower recreational screen time. Similarly, higher screen time has been negatively linked to a lower adherence to the Mediterranean diet. However, the mediator effect of cardiorespiratory fitness on the influence of screen time on adherence to the Mediterranean diet is still unknown. The aim of this study was two-fold: first, to assess the combined association of recreational screen time and cardiorespiratory fitness with adherence to Mediterranean diet among Spanish schoolchildren, and second, to elucidate whether the association between recreational screen time and adherence to the Mediterranean diet is mediated by cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 370 schoolchildren aged 6–13 years from six schools in the Region of Murcia (Spain) were included. Results: The mediation analysis showed that once screen time and cardiorespiratory fitness were included together in the model, cardiorespiratory fitness was positively linked to adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p = 0.020) and although screen time remained negatively related to adherence to the Mediterranean diet, this association was slightly attenuated (indirect effect = −0.027; 95% CI = (−0.080, −0.002)). Conclusions: This research supports that cardiorespiratory fitness may reduce the negative association between screen time and Mediterranean dietary patterns.
Needs of Alzheimer’s Charges’ Caregivers in Poland in the Covid-19 Pandemic—An Observational Study
Authors: Rusowicz Jagoda , Pezdek Krzysztof , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna
Published: April 2021

In Poland, 92% of elderly people with dementia are cared for at home from diagnosis until death, and 44% of caregivers provide care on their own, without any support from other people. The aim of this study was to identify the needs, created because of the Covid-19 pandemic, of caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The study group consisted of 85 caregivers in the age range from 23 to 78 years and 80 (91.1%) were women. The questionnaire on the life situation of the caregiver and 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were used. High levels of stress were found in 75 of the 85 subjects, representing 88% of the total. The greatest difficulties were identified in health care and in finding additional care for the charge. PSS-10 correlated with the deterioration of illness during Covid-19, changes in daily functioning, and concerns about both the health of the charge and caregiver. The level of stress severity in the caregiver group of charges with mild AD was higher than in the caregiver group of charges with moderate AD. The provision of extra care and professional psychological support for caregivers were identified as the greatest needs.
Model of Organizational Commitment Applied to Health Management Systems
Authors: Rodríguez-Fernández Mercedes , Herrera Juan , de las Heras-Rosas Carlos
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we try to build on the problems surrounding the management of human resources in health care organizations worldwide. After the analysis of the reviewed literature, we detected that the scientific community considers several recurring themes that need attention: stress, burnout, and turnover intention. Based on this, we developed a model of organizational commitment that aims to achieve performance and health quality, its main result the establishment of the appropriate management policies in order to avoid the abandonment of the organization through the search for commitment and job satisfaction. Amongst our main conclusions, we highlight the need to implement a human resources model for hospital administrators based on the relationships with “patients” not “clients” through the maintenance of a positive and strong atmosphere of staff participation. It is important to develop innovative practices related to clear job design that eliminate reasons for ambiguity and stress in executing the tasks of the healthcare system. Finally, we urge training programs in transformational leadership to promote the well-being and organizational commitment of employees.
Prevalence of Skin Reactions and Self-Reported Allergies in 5 Countries with Their Social Impact Measured through Quality of Life Impairment
Authors: Salah Samir , Taieb Charles , Demessant Anne’ Laure , Haftek Marek
Published: April 2021

Background: The prevalence of allergies increases worldwide. Allergies may increase the risk of skin reactions. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of allergies and skin reactions in the adult population, the strength of their relationship, and their impact on the quality of life. Methods: An online survey was conducted in a representative population of 11,067 adults from China, USA, Brazil, Russia, and France. Results: Overall, 35.6% of respondents reported having allergies, they were predominantly fair-skinned women, and younger than responders reporting no allergy. Among patients reporting allergies, 68.6% declared that their allergy makes their skin reacts. A strong association between allergy and major skin reactions was observed, which were associated with skin discomforts such as itching, burning, and pain. Skin discomforts were associated with an increased risk of quality of life alteration. Conclusions: Quantifying the prevalence and the association of allergies with skin reactions and discomfort sensations is critical to evaluating the impact on quality of life. Since skin barrier alteration is hypothesized as a risk factor and a route of sensitization for allergy development, the daily use of topical treatments, such as moisturizers, could help prevent allergic skin reactions, discomfort and impaired quality of life in individuals with an altered skin barrier.
Current Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice among Health Care Providers in OSCC Awareness: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Coppola Noemi , Mignogna Michele Davide , Rivieccio Immacolata , Blasi Andrea , Bizzoca Maria Eleonora , Sorrentino Roberto , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Leuci Stefania
Published: April 2021

OSCC remain a global health problem. Lack of awareness leads to inadequate watchfulness regarding early signs/symptoms despite the ease of visual oral inspection. What clinicians know and feel, and how they behave on OSCC is crucial to understand the feasibility and effectiveness of screening programs. The aim of this systematic review was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) regarding OSCC among health care providers (HCPs). Therefore, a systematic review was conducted with SPIDER and PICO as major tools. A meta-analysis was structured through common items in two comparison groups of medical and dental practitioners. Descriptive statistics and a Mantel–Haenszel test were used to validate data. Sixty-six studies were selected for systematic review, eight of which are useful for meta-analysis. A statistically significant difference was recorded between dentists and medical practitioners for questions regarding: Alcohol (p < 0.001); Elderly (p < 0.012); Sun exposure (p < 0.0001); Erythroplakia (p < 0.019); Red patch (p < 0.010); White patch (p < 0.020); Tobacco consultation (p < 0.0001); Intraoral examination (p < 0.0001) and Up-to-date knowledge (p < 0.002). Overall, the incidence of OSCC screening is low. Most HCPs feel the need to increase KAP. Data confirmed gaps in KAP, highlighting the need for a more efficient pre- and post-graduation training, necessary to increase competence worldwide.
Gene Coexpression Network Analysis Indicates that Hub Genes Related to Photosynthesis and Starch Synthesis Modulate Salt Stress Tolerance in Ulmus pumila
Authors: Chen Panfei , Liu Peng , Zhang Quanfeng , Bu Chenhao , Lu Chunhao , Srivastava Sudhakar , Zhang Deqiang , Song Yuepeng
Published: April 2021

Ulmus pumila L. is an excellent afforestation and biofuel tree that produces high-quality wood, rich in starch. In addition, U. pumila is highly adaptable to adverse environmental conditions, which is conducive to its utilization for vegetating saline soils. However, little is known about the physiological responses and transcriptional regulatory network of U. pumila under salt stress. In this study, we exposed five main cultivars in saline–alkali land (Upu2, 5, 8, 11, and 12) to NaCl stress. Of the five cultivars assessed, Upu11 exhibited the highest salt resistance. Growth and biomass accumulation in Upu11 were promoted under low salt concentrations (<150 mM). However, after 3 months of continuous treatment with 150 mM NaCl, growth was inhibited, and photosynthesis declined. A transcriptome analysis conducted after 3 months of treatment detected 7009 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs). The gene annotation indicated that these DEGs were mainly related to photosynthesis and carbon metabolism. Furthermore, PHOTOSYNTHETIC ELECTRON TRANSFERH (UpPETH), an important electron transporter in the photosynthetic electron transport chain, and UpWAXY, a key gene controlling amylose synthesis in the starch synthesis pathway, were identified as hub genes in the gene coexpression network. We identified 25 and 62 unigenes that may interact with PETH and WAXY, respectively. Overexpression of UpPETH and UpWAXY significantly increased the survival rates, net photosynthetic rates, biomass, and starch content of transgenic Arabidopsis plants under salt stress. Our findings clarify the physiological and transcriptional regulators that promote or inhibit growth under environmental stress. The identification of salt-responsive hub genes directly responsible for photosynthesis and starch synthesis or metabolism will provide targets for future genetic improvements.