bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of professional life of primary healthcare nurses: A systematic review
Authors: Laserna Jiménez Cristina , Casado Montañés Isabel , Carol Marta , Guix‐ Comellas Eva Maria , Fabrellas Núria
Published: August 2021

Aims

To identify and critically appraise the available evidence on the overall quality of professional life of primary care nurses worldwide and its main influencing factors.

Background

Quality of professional life of healthcare workers is a keystone that influences the quality of healthcare services provided by healthcare organisations. Nurses have a key role as healthcare services providers given the growing shortage of doctors in primary care.

Design

A systematic review design in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

Methods

The search was conducted through MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, SCOPUS, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) and Web of Science databases. The grey literature was reviewed at OpenGrey. The search was limited to human studies published from April 2010–April 2020. No limit of original language publication was applied. Three independent reviewers analysed the methodological quality of the studies.

Results

Ten studies were included from five countries. Five studies reported nurses were satisfied with their quality of professional life and the influencing factors identified were Workload, Job autonomy, Demographic variables, Management support, Recognition, Intrinsic motivation, Interpersonal relations, Compassion fatigue, Burnout, Turnover intention, and work was reported as a component of Quality of life.

Conclusion

Primary healthcare nurses reported a high level of quality of professional life, but the scarce studies found do not provide solid consistency to assess the overall quality of professional life. Perception of high workload was the most frequently identified factor to negatively influence the quality of professional life of nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Quality of professional life of primary care nurses is a key issue because of nurses’ important relation with patient's care and satisfaction. Healthcare organisations should strive to address primary care nurses’ quality of professional life to enhance their well‐being and consequently patients’ safety and high‐quality healthcare services.
High‐fidelity simulation and nurse clinical competence—An integrative review
Authors: O’Rourke Laura A. , Morrison Megan , Grimsley Amy , Cotter Valerie T.
Published: August 2021

Aim

The aim of this review was to synthesise current knowledge of high‐fidelity simulation practices and its impact on nurse clinical competence in the acute care setting.

Background

There is no consensus or standardisation surrounding best practices for the delivery of high‐fidelity simulation in the acute care setting. This is an understudied area.

Design

An integrative review using Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence‐Based Practice Model.

Methods

Medical subject heading terms ‘Clinical Competence’, AND ‘High Fidelity Simulation Training’, AND ‘Clinical Deterioration’ were systematically searched in PubMed, CINAHL and Embase databases for peer‐reviewed literature published through September 2020. The current study was evaluated using PRISMA checklist.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Three main concepts were identified: modes of delivery, approach to learner participation and outcome measurement.

Conclusions

This review substantiated the use of high‐fidelity simulation to improve acute care nurses’ early identification and management of clinical deterioration. Global variations in course design and implementation highlight the need for future approaches to be standardised at the regional level (i.e., country‐centric approach) where differing scopes of practice and sociocultural complexities are best contextualised.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings add to the growing body of evidence of simulation science. Important considerations in course planning and design for nursing clinical educators were uncovered. This is especially relevant given the current COVID‐19 pandemic and urgent need to train redeployed nurses safely and effectively from other units and specialties to acute care.
Social integration and well‐being of North Korean migrants in South Korea
Authors: Yoon In‐Jin
Published: August 2021

I examined the social integration and well‐being of North Korean migrants in South Korea, guided by a modified model of migrant integration that includes indicators of both systemic integration and value integration of North Korean migrants. The level of systemic integration was measured using indicators of employment, education, housing, and health. The level of value integration was measured using indicators of a sense of belonging, a sense of trust, and multicultural acceptance. The main data for this study were collected by a telephone survey of 400 North Korean migrants aged 15 and over conducted from November 24, 2016 to December 7, 2016. Data analysis revealed a low level of systemic integration and poor health condition of North Korean migrants. The level of value integration was intermediate. North Korean migrants strongly identified as South Korean citizens and strongly believed that they could reach the same status as South Koreans. However, their North Korean culture and identity were not recognized or accepted in South Korean society and they felt strong pressure to assimilate to South Korean culture and identity.
Sleep in adults from the UK during the first few months of the coronavirus outbreak
Authors: Madrid‐Valero Juan J. , Bowling Natalie , Vafeiadou Aikaterini , Buysse Daniel J. , Banissy Michael J. , Gregory Alice M.
Published: August 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreak emerged at the end of 2019 and quickly spread around the world. Measures to counter COVID‐19, including social distancing and lockdowns, created an unusual situation that had the potential to impact a variety of behaviours, including sleep, which is crucial for health and well‐being. Data were obtained through an online survey. The total sample comprised 19,482 participants from the UK. Participants were asked several questions regarding sleep quality and quantity. Each participant completed the questionnaires once during a data collection period spanning January 20 to March 31, 2020. Data provided by different participants during different weeks (spanning time‐periods just before COVID‐19 was identified in the UK and during the early weeks following its arrival) were compared using analysis of variance tests and regressions. Regression analyses controlling for age, sex and ethnicity revealed significant associations of small magnitude between date of survey completion and sleep quality, sleep latency, number of awakenings and composite score of poor sleep quality. These analyses also indicated small increases in eveningness tendency as the study progressed. There was no change in sleep duration or time spent awake at night. The COVID‐19 outbreak did not appear to impact negatively sleep in a substantial manner during the early stages in the UK. The small increases in sleep quality variables (except for time spent awake at night and sleep duration) and eveningness are nonetheless of interest. Further research is needed to understand how best to provide support to those most in need of a good night’s sleep during this unprecedented time.
Elucidation of impact event recorded in the lherzolitic shergottite NWA 7397
Authors: Yoshida Masashi , Miyahara Masaaki , Suga Hiroki , Yamaguchi Akira , Tomioka Naotaka , Sakai Takeshi , Ohfuji Hiroaki , Maeda Fumiya , Ohira Itaru , Ohtani Eiji , Kamada Seiji , Ohigashi Takuji , Inagaki Yuichi , Kodama Yu , Hirao Naohisa
Published: August 2021

The (plagioclase) lherzolitic shergottite Northwest Africa (NWA) 7397 consists of poikilitic and non‐poikilitic lithologies. Coarse‐grained low‐Ca pyroxene oikocrysts enclose olivine and chromite grains in the poikilitic lithology. The major constituents of the non‐poikilitic lithology are olivine, Ca‐pyroxene, and plagioclase. Minor amounts of chromite, ilmenite, alkali feldspar, Ca‐phosphate, and iron‐sulfide are included in the non‐poikilitic lithology. Most plagioclase grains in the non‐poikilitic lithology have become maskelynite. A melt pocket occurs in the non‐poikilitic lithology. Plagioclase in contact with the melt pocket has dissociated into zagamiite + stishovite. Apatite and merrillite entrained in the melt pocket have transformed into tuite. Olivine in contact with the melt pocket has dissociated into bridgmanite (almost vitrified) + ferroan‐periclase. Alteration products, iron oxides and hydroxides, also occur in the dissociated olivine although it is not clear when the aqueous alteration occurred. The dissociation reactions of olivine and plagioclase into the high‐pressure polymorphs (bridgmanite, ferroan‐periclase, zagamiite, and stishovite) are found from lherzolitic shergottites for the first time. The estimated peak shock‐pressure and ‐temperature conditions recorded in melt pockets of NWA 7397 are ˜23 GPa and 2,000 °C at least, respectively, based on the high‐pressure mineral assemblages.
Functional validation of pathogenicity genes in rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani by a novel host‐induced gene silencing system
Authors: Zhao Mei , Wang Chenjiaozi , Wan Jun , Li Zanfeng , Liu Dilin , Yamamoto Naoki , Zhou Erxun , Shu Canwei
Published: August 2021

Rice sheath blight, caused by the soilborne fungus Rhizoctonia solani, causes severe yield losses worldwide. Elucidation of the pathogenic mechanism of R. solani is highly desired. However, the lack of a stable genetic transformation system has made it challenging to examine genes' functions in this fungus. Here, we present functional validation of pathogenicity genes in the rice sheath blight pathogen R. solani by a newly established tobacco rattle virus (TRV)–host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) system using the virulent R. solani AG‐1 IA strain GD‐118. RNA interference constructs of 33 candidate pathogenicity genes were infiltrated into Nicotiana benthamiana leaves with the TRV‐HIGS system. Of these constructs, 29 resulted in a significant reduction in necrosis caused by GD‐118 infection. For further validation of one of the positive genes, trehalose‐6‐phosphate phosphatase (Rstps2), stable rice transformants harbouring the double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) construct for Rstps2 were created. The transformants exhibited reduced gene expression of Rstps2, virulence, and trehalose accumulation in GD‐118. We showed that the dsRNA for Rstps2 was taken up by GD‐118 mycelia and sclerotial differentiation of GD‐118 was inhibited. These findings offer gene identification opportunities for the rice sheath blight pathogen and a theoretical basis for controlling this disease by spray‐induced gene silencing.
Ecology of fleas and their hosts in the trifinio of north‐east Argentina: first detection of Rickettsia asembonensis in Ctenocephalides felis felis in Argentina
Authors: Urdapilleta M. , Pech‐May A. , Lamattina D. , Burgos E. F. , Balcazar D. E. , Ferrari W. A. O. , Lareschi M. , Salomón O. D.
Published: August 2021

Fleas are important in public health due to their role as parasites and vectors of pathogens, including Rickettsia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity, abundance and prevalence of fleas and the presence of Rickettsia in the trifinio of north‐east Argentina. Fleas from household and synanthropic animals were obtained from urban and periurban areas. They were taxonomically identified and samples of 227 fleas in 86 pools were analysed by polymerase chain reaction targeting the gltA and ompB genes of Rickettsia spp. The study revealed that Ctenocephalides felis felis was dominant on dogs, cats and opossums, with higher prevalence in the periurban area. The Shannon–Wiener and Morisita–Horn indices expressed differences in the diversity and similarity values of the absolute abundances of the species between the areas compared. DNA amplifications revealed 30.8% C. f. felis pools positive for Rickettsia spp. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the haplotype obtained was identical to Rickettsia asembonensis from Peru and Brazil. This is the first detection in Argentina of R. asembonensis that infects C. f. felis, and we emphasize the importance of conducting research from a ‘One Health’ perspective on the role of opossums and rodents in the integration of the transmission cycles of rickettsial bacteria.
Psychometric properties of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life‐36 instrument: A systematic review using COSMIN methodology
Authors: Yangöz Şefika Tuğba , Turan Kavradim Selma , Özer Zeynep , Boz İlkay
Published: August 2021

The Kidney Disease Quality of Life‐36 (KDQOL‐36) is a multidimensional measure of the quality of life regarding physical and mental functions, kidney disease burden, symptoms and problems, and the effects of kidney disease on daily life, which is commonly used in clinical evaluations of patients with chronic kidney disease. We conducted a systematic review of the psychometric properties of the KDQOL‐36, searching databases from 1994 to December 2020 and selecting 15 studies for independent assessments of methodological quality, measurement properties, and quality of evidence according to COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) criteria. The KDQOL‐36 demonstrated inconsistent, very low quality evidence for structural validity, internal consistency, reliability, and responsiveness, and inconsistent, low quality evidence for content validity and hypothesis testing. There was no evidence for cross‐cultural validity or measurement error due to lack of relevant data. The findings indicate that this instrument is categorized as B according to COSMIN, and thus can be recommended for assessing the quality of life for patients with chronic kidney disease, but should be evaluated with further psychometric studies.
Problematising assumptions about ‘centredness’ in patient and family centred care research in acute care settings
Authors: Judge Harkeert , Ceci Christine
Published: August 2021

Over the last two decades significant efforts have been made to implement patient and family ‘centred’ care as both a practical and moral imperative for adult acute care delivery. Although many resources have been developed and adopted by institutions, research suggests persistent and diverse barriers to implementing and achieving patient and family ‘centred’ care in adult acute care practice settings. These issues in implementation suggest re‐examining the nature of ‘centredness’ in care may be useful. A structured problematisation method, as outlined by Alvesson and Sandberg, is utilised to identify and analyse assumptions about the central notions of ‘centring’ that inform patient and family centred care intervention research. From our analysis, we highlight three predominant areas within ‘centring’ intervention research that may benefit from rethinking: Vitruvian spatiality, democratising care, and ‘centring’ positioned as primarily a problem and accomplishment for nursing. As a challenge to these assumptions, we argue for the adoption of theoretical lenses that ‘de‐centre’ individual actors to better account for complex relations among multiple actors, both human and nonhuman, which work to involve patients and families in care practices.
One microRNA‐like small RNA – two silencing pathways?
Authors: Thieron Hannah , Singh Mansi , Panstruga Ralph
Published: August 2021

This article is a Commentary on Ji et al. (2021), 232: 705–718.
Disturbed habitats locally reduce the signal of deep evolutionary history in functional traits of plants
Authors: Prinzing Andreas , Pavoine Sandrine , Jactel Hervé , Hortal Joaquin , Hennekens Stephan M. , Ozinga Wim A. , Bartish Igor V. , Helmus Matthew R. , Kühn Ingolf , Moen Daniel S. , Weiher Evan  , Brändle Martin , Winter Marten , Violle Cyrille , Venail Patrick , Purschke Oliver , Yguel Benjamin
Published: August 2021

The functioning of present ecosystems reflects deep evolutionary history of locally cooccurring species if their functional traits show high phylogenetic signal (PS). However, we do not understand what drives local PS. We hypothesize that local PS is high in undisturbed and stressful habitats, either due to ongoing local assembly of species that maintained ancestral traits, or to past evolutionary maintenance of ancestral traits within habitat species‐pools, or to both.

We quantified PS and diversity of 10 traits within 6704 local plant communities across 38 Dutch habitat types differing in disturbance or stress.

Mean local PS varied 50‐fold among habitat types, often independently of phylogenetic or trait diversity. Mean local PS decreased with disturbance but showed no consistent relationship to stress. Mean local PS exceeded species‐pool PS, reflecting nonrandom subsampling from the pool. Disturbance or stress related more strongly to mean local than to species‐pool PS.

Disturbed habitats harbour species with evolutionary divergent trait values, probably driven by ongoing, local assembly of species: environmental fluctuations might maintain different trait values within lineages through an evolutionary storage effect. If functional traits do not reflect phylogeny, ecosystem functioning might not be contingent on the presence of particular lineages, and lineages might establish evolutionarily novel interactions.
Galizisches Europa und europäisches Galizien
Authors: Beck Michael
Published: August 2021

Jurij Andruchowytsch entfaltet in Mein Europa (Moя eвpoпa) unter dem Titel „Mittelöstliches Memento“ („Цeнтpaльнo‐cxiднa peвiзiя“) einen Blick auf Europa aus galizischer Sicht. Europa wird hier nicht primär als geografisches oder politisches Konstrukt verstanden, sondern als Konglomerat verschiedener Erinnerungsfiguren. Mit Assmanns Theorie des kulturellen Gedächtnisses können diese Gedächtnisfiguren identifiziert und beschrieben und mit Giesens Theorie von Codes kollektiver Identität können die von Andruchowytsch beschriebenen Identitäten als traditionelle und universalistische Codes kollektiver Identität differenziert werden. „Mittelöstliches Memento“ zeichnet ein dichotomes Bild von Europa, in dem der Eiserne Vorhang Europa insofern weiterhin teilt, als westeuropäische Codes kollektiver Identität als universalistisch identifiziert werden können, osteuropäische Codes kollektiver Identität dagegen als traditionell. Dementsprechend neigen westeuropäische Kulturen dazu, ihre Vorstellung von einer besseren Zukunft zu verbreiten, osteuropäische Kulturen suchen im Gegenteil eher nach einem gemeinsamen historischen Hintergrund. Andruchowytsch beschreibt die Spannung, die aus diesem Verhältnis resultiert, und wie gesamteuropäische historische Ereignisse in das galizische Kulturgedächtnis aufgenommen wurden. Auf diese Weise schafft Andruchowytschs Essay ein diachrones Netzwerk europäisch‐galizischer Erinnerungsfiguren.
Device nurse intervention facilitates the patients’ adaptation to cardiac shock devices in the remote monitoring era
Authors: Ogawa Tomomi , Saito Nao , Fukuzawa Koji , Kiuchi Kunihiko , Takami Mitsuru , Hayashi Megumi , Tanioka Ryo , Ota Masaya , Komoriya Keizo , Miyawaki Ikuko , Hirata Ken‐ichi
Published: August 2021

Background

A substantial number of patients with shock devices (implantable cardioverter defibrillators [ICDs] or ICDs with resynchronization [CRTDs]) experience psychological distress.

Objective

We investigated the device nurse telephone intervention's effect on improving the patient's adaptation to shock devices, quality of life (QOL), and anxiety in the remote monitoring era.

Methods

The patient's adaptation to the device, health‐related QOL, and anxiety were investigated by the modified Implanted Devices Adjustment‐Japan score (IDAS), Short Form‐36, and State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and 1‐year after the device nurse telephone intervention, performed every 3 months. A total of 95 patients (median age 69 years and 25 females) participated. Sixty patients had ICDs and 35 CRTDs. Structural heart disease was observed in 72 patients, and idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias in the others. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 46% ± 15%. The median duration since the device implantation was 5.2 years.

Results

The total IDAS score significantly improved from 28.42 ± 7.11 at baseline to 26.77 ± 7.68 (p = 0.0076) at 1 year. Both the state and trait anxiety significantly improved (from 38.9 ± 9.6 to 35.3 ± 9.0 [<0.0001] and 38.8 ± 10.3 to 36.2±9.8 [p = 0.0044], respectively). The prevalence of patients with a state and trait anxiety of more than 40 decreased from 44 (46%) and 38 (40%) patients before the study to 27 (28 %) and 32 (34 %) at 1 year. The SF‐36 mental component summary score significantly increased (50.8 ± 8.3 at baseline to 53.1 ± 7.7 at 1 year, p = 0.0031).

Conclusions

The device nurse intervention facilitated the patient's adaptation to the shock device, increased the health‐related QOL, and reduced the patient's anxiety.
Genetic variation of avirulence genes (AVR‐Pi9, AVR‐Pik, AVR‐Pita1) and genetic diversity of rice blast fungus, Pyricularia oryzae, in Thailand
Authors: Sutthiphai Thanathip , Damchuay Katanyutita , Neupane Ram Chandra , Longya Apinya , Sriwongchai Tanee , Songkumarn Pattavipha , Parinthawong Nonglak , Darwell Kulchana , Jantasuriyarat Chatchawan
Published: August 2021

Genetic variation of the rice blast (Pyricularia oryzae) population in Thailand was investigated based on the nucleotide sequence of three avirulence genes, AVR‐Pi9, AVR‐Pik, and AVR‐Pita1. Sixty rice blast isolates were collected from rice‐growing areas around Thailand. Gene‐specific primers were used to amplify these AVR genes and AVR‐Pi9, AVR‐Pik, and AVR‐Pita1 were detected in 60, 57, and 23 isolates, respectively. Based on the AVR‐Pi9 sequences, we identified one rice blast isolate containing an amino acid change from glutamic acid to aspartic acid. Moreover, two rice blast isolates had identical sequences to the rice blast strain originating in Japan, indicating a potential movement of this isolate from Japan to Thailand. Three AVR‐Pik alleles were found, including AVR‐PikA (3.51%), AVR‐PikD (71.93%), and isolates with two copies of AVR‐PikD and AVR‐PikF (24.56%). AVR‐PikA and AVR‐PikF are virulent to Thai rice variety Jao Hom Nin. Six haplotypes of AVR‐Pita1 were identified with one deletion and 12 amino acid substitutions. This study revealed that different AVR genes in Thai rice blast populations have different levels of genetic variation: AVR‐Pi9 and AVR‐Pik genes have a relatively low genetic diversity, while the AVR‐Pita1 gene has high genetic diversity. We found AVR‐Pi9 was not under selection pressure, while AVR‐Pita1 was under purifying selection pressure. In addition, geographic location has influenced the distribution of genetic variation of AVR‐Pita1. The information obtained from this study is valuable for the future development of breeding strategies for rice blast resistance in Thailand.
Citrus black spot severity related to premature fruit drop in sweet orange orchards
Authors: Machado Franklin Jackson , Lanza Fabrício Eustáquio , Ferretti Marcela Olivetti , Fialho Régis Oliveira , Behlau Franklin , Silva‐Junior Geraldo José
Published: August 2021

Citrus black spot (CBS) may cause substantial yield loss in sweet orange orchards. Severity and distribution of CBS symptoms on fruit may be variable and not all affected fruit may fall. However, the relationship between CBS symptoms and yield loss has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to determine CBS characteristics associated with premature fruit drop. A set of fruit was removed from the tree to measure the detachment force and another set of dropped fruit was collected from Pera and Valencia sweet orange orchards in three municipalities in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. CBS severity, distance of the nearest lesion from the peduncle, and fruit peel colour were assessed in both fruit sets. CBS severity was consistently related with the force to remove fruit and hence associated to the premature fruit drop, irrespective of the cultivar and location. The segmented linear regression showed that the fruit detachment force was reduced abruptly, at a rate of 7% for every 1% increase in disease severity up to 4.2 ± 1.0% CBS severity and, above this breakpoint, the force decreased slightly at a rate of 1.5%. Taking into account all orchards, the proportion of dropped fruit with CBS severity higher than the breakpoint was approximately 90%. This study provides a better understanding of the relationship between CBS severity and premature fruit drop of sweet orange. CBS severity breakpoint may be used as a reference to anticipate harvest and reduce CBS‐related yield loss in orchards intended for juice processing.
Protease activity is maintained in Nepenthes ampullaria digestive fluids depleted of endogenous proteins with compositional changes
Authors: Ravee Rishiesvari , Baharin Anis , Cho Weng‐Tim , Ting Tiew‐Yik , Goh Hoe‐Han
Published: August 2021

Nepenthes ampullaria is a unique carnivorous tropical pitcher plant with the detritivorous capability of sequestering nutrients from leaf litter apart from being insectivorous. The changes in the protein composition and protease activity of its pitcher fluids during the early opening of pitchers (D0 and D3C) were investigated via a proteomics approach and a controlled protein depletion experiment (D3L). A total of 193 proteins were identified. Common proteins such as pathogenesis‐related protein, proteases (Nep [EC:3.4.23.12], SCP [EC:3.4.16.‐]), peroxidase [EC:1.11.1.7], GDSL esterase/lipase [EC:3.1.1.‐], and purple acid phosphatase [EC:3.1.3.2] were found in high abundance in the D0 pitchers and were replenished in D3L samples. This reflects their importance for biological processes upon pitcher opening. Meanwhile, prey‐inducible chitinases [EC:3.2.1.14] were found in D0 but not in D3C and D3L samples, which suggests their degradation in the absence of prey. Protease activity assays demonstrated the replenishment of proteases in D3L with similar levels of proteolytic activities to that of D3C samples. This supports a feedback mechanism and signaling in the molecular regulation of endogenous protein secretion, turnover, and activity in Nepenthes pitcher fluids. Furthermore, we also discovered several new enzymes (XTH [EC:2.4.1.207], PAE [EC:3.1.1.98]) with possible functions in cell wall degradation that could contribute to the detritivory habit of N. ampullaria.
LpNOL‐knockdown suppression of heat‐induced leaf senescence in perennial ryegrass involving regulation of amino acid and organic acid metabolism
Authors: Lei Shuhan , Yu Guohui , Rossi Stephanie , Yu Jinjing , Huang Bingru
Published: August 2021

The nonyellow COLORING 1‐like gene (NOL) is known for its roles in accelerating leaf senescence, but the underlying metabolic mechanisms for heat‐induced leaf senescence remain unclear. The objectives of this study were to identify metabolites and associated metabolic pathways regulated by knockdown of NOL in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and to determine the metabolic mechanisms of NOL controlling heat‐induced leaf senescence. Wild‐type (WT; cv. “Pinnacle”) and two lines (Noli‐1 and Noli‐2) of perennial ryegrass with LpNOL knockdown were exposed to heat stress at 35/33°C (day/night) or nonstress control temperatures at 25/22°C (day/night) for 30 days in growth chambers. Leaf electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll (Chl) content, photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm), and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) were measured as physiological indicators of leaf senescence, while gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was performed to identify metabolites regulated by LpNOL. Knockdown of LpNOL suppressed heat‐induced leaf senescence and produced a stay‐green phenotype in perennial ryegrass, as manifested by increased Chl content, photochemical efficiency, net photosynthetic rate, and cell membrane stability in Noli‐1 and Noli‐2. Five metabolites (valine, malic acid, threonic acid, shikimic acid, chlorogenic acid) were uniquely upregulated in LpNOL plants exposed to heat stress, and six metabolites (aspartic acid, glutamic acid, 5‐oxoproline, phenylalanine, proline, tartaric acid) exhibited more pronounced increases in their content in LpNOL plants than the WT. LpNOL could regulate heat‐induced leaf senescence in perennial ryegrass through metabolic reprogramming in the pathways of respiration, secondary metabolism, antioxidant metabolism, and protein synthesis.
Recent advances on the roles of flavonoids as plant protective molecules after UV and high light exposure
Authors: Ferreyra María Lorena Falcone , Serra Paloma , Casati Paula
Published: August 2021

Flavonoids are plant specialized metabolites that consist of one oxygenated and two aromatic rings. Different flavonoids are grouped according to the oxidation degree of the carbon rings; they can later be modified by glycosylations, hydroxylations, acylations, methylations, or prenylations. These modifications generate a wide collection of different molecules which have various functions in plants. All flavonoids absorb in the UV wavelengths, they mostly accumulate in the epidermis of plant cells and their biosynthesis is generally activated after UV exposure. Therefore, they have been assumed to protect plants against exposure to radiation in this range. Some flavonoids also absorb in other wavelengths, for example anthocyanins, which absorb light in the visible part of the solar spectrum. Besides, some flavonoids show antioxidant properties, that is, they act as scavengers of reactive oxygen species that could be produced after high fluence UV exposure. However, to date most reports were based on in vitro studies, and there is very little in vivo evidence of how their roles are carried out. In this review we first summarize the biosynthetic pathway of flavonoids and their characteristics, and we describe recent advances on the investigation of the role of three of the most abundant flavonoids: flavonols, flavones, and anthocyanins, protecting plants against UV exposure and high light exposure. We also present examples of how using UV‐B supplementation to increase flavonoid content, is possible to improve plant nutritional and pharmaceutical values.
Late Holocene stratigraphic evolution and sedimentary facies of an active to abandoned tide‐dominated distributary channel and its mouth bar
Authors: Gugliotta Marcello , Saito Yoshiki , Ta Thi Kim Oanh , Nguyen Van Lap , La Croix Andrew D. , Wang Zhanghua , Tamura Toru , Nakashima Rei , Lieu Kim Phuong
Published: August 2021

To better understand the sedimentary facies of tide‐dominated deltas, a core dataset from the Ba Lai palaeochannel in the Mekong River Delta was obtained and studied. Nine sedimentary facies were identified and interpreted as representing the Late Holocene evolution of the Ba Lai palaeochannel, including its pre‐abandonment and post‐abandonment phases, as well as pre‐channel phases. The channel formed at 2.6 ka as a distributary channel connected to the deltaic network and was abruptly abandoned and rapidly infilled with sediment at 0.7 ka. The channel deposits are up to ca 11 m thick and overlie shelfal shell layers, which, in turn, overlie Mid‐Holocene and Pleistocene deposits. The active‐channel fill and mouth‐bar deposits consist of sand and mud with cyclical patterns, bidirectional lenses and abundant mud layers, suggesting deposition mainly driven by river and tidal processes. The abandoned‐channel fill consists entirely of organic‐rich mud, suggesting a predominance of tidal processes. Other sedimentary facies include tidal‐flat and marsh deposits; they mostly consist of mud and formed in shallow to subaerial areas near the channel margins or on barforms. Depending on the exact location of the core in this depositional setting, three possible stratigraphic successions and facies models are presented herein. Near channel margins, the deposits show an upward gradual change from heterolithic to mud with a well‐developed fining‐upward trend. Away from the channel margins, the deposits show an upward sharp change from heterolithic to mud due to the channel abandonment. The mouth‐bar‐area facies model shows an upward gradual change from heterolithic to heterolithic/sand to mud deposits with a coarsening‐upward to fining‐upward trend. Although differences among systems likely exist, the authors suggest that the sedimentary facies described in this study and the resulting facies models should be used to better understand tide‐dominated deltaic systems and to improve their interpretation in the geological record.
Suicidal risk and impulsivity‐related traits among young Argentinean college students during a quarantine of up to 103‐day duration: Longitudinal evidence from the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: López Steinmetz Lorena Cecilia , Fong Shao Bing , Godoy Juan Carlos
Published: August 2021

Aim

This study aimed to examine longitudinal changes on suicidal risk levels, adjusting for impulsivity‐related traits, quarantine duration, main demographic factors, mental disorder history, and loneliness, in young Argentinean college students with (ideation; attempt) and without suicidal behavior history, during a quarantine of up to 103‐day duration of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

A longitudinal design with two‐repeated measures was used (N = 1202). Follow‐up was a month later from the first measurement. Three groups were analyzed: with suicidal ideation history, with suicide attempt history, and without suicidal behavior history.

Results

Percentages of college students with high or moderate suicidal risk were alarming (accumulated: 62.23% first measurement, 57.65% second measurement). Multilevel analysis on the three groups showed that suicidal risk diminished from the first measurement to the follow‐up, having mental disorder history predicted higher suicidal risk, and negative urgency had the largest increasing effects on suicidal risk which persisted over time.

Conclusions

Suicidal risk widely affects college students during lengthy quarantines of the COVID‐19 pandemic and it should be tracked in those having pre‐existing vulnerabilities, but also in those without. Education on managing negative emotions may help decrease suicide risk in college students during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Manipulating diversity: How diversity regimes at US universities can reinforce whiteness
Authors: Petts Amy L. , Garza Alma Nidia
Published: August 2021

As US universities attempt to accommodate a growing multicultural society, the task of racially diversifying entering cohorts and retaining a racially diverse student demographic has taken on a leading role in recruitment, college admissions, and campus programming. But, we ask, what definitions of racial diversity are fueling these changes and how have existing racial diversity regimes impacted racial/ethnic hierarchies? We analyze two widespread applications of racial diversity—racial diversity as benefit for all and racial diversity as status marker—to illustrate how racial diversity regimes can be manipulated in ways that undermine the contributions of racially/ethnically minoritized groups and reinforce a racial order that privileges Whiteness—particularly when framed around interest convergence. We conclude by discussing the importance of articulating more concrete racial diversity objectives, addressing structural contributors to racial inequity, and measuring diversity outcomes.
Antiwrinkle efficacy of 1‐ethyl‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminide, an inducer of epidermal hyaluronan production
Authors: Endo Yoko , Yoshida Hiroyuki , Akazawa Yumiko , Yamazaki Kohei , Ota Yukiko , Sayo Tetsuya , Takahashi Yoshito
Published: August 2021

Background

Hyaluronan (HA) has a unique hydration capacity that contributes to firmness and bounciness of the skin. Epidermal HA declines with skin aging, which may lead to clinical signs of aging including skin wrinkles and loss of hydration and elasticity. Recently, we developed a new cosmetic agent 1‐ethyl‐β‐N‐acetylglucosaminide (β‐NAG2), which enhances HA production in cultured human keratinocytes. The aim of this study was to explore antiaging potential of β‐NAG2 in reconstructed human epidermal models and human clinical trial.

Materials and methods

The amount of HA in β‐NAG2‐treated epidermal models by topical application was analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)‐like assay. A randomized, double‐blind and placebo‐controlled study was conducted in Japanese females (n = 33) by topically treating each side of the face with a lotion formulated with β‐NAG2 or placebo for 8 weeks.

Results

Topically applied β‐NAG2 dose dependently increased HA production in epidermal models. Treatment with β‐NAG2‐formulated lotion significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity and reduced skin wrinkling in crow's foot areas when compared to the placebo formulation.

Conclusion

Topically applied β‐NAG2 promoted epidermal HA production in vitro and showed antiwrinkle activity in vivo accompanying the improvement in skin hydration and elasticity. Our study provides a novel strategy for antiwrinkle care through β‐NAG2‐induced epidermal HA production.
Dynamics of Epstein–Barr virus on post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after antithymocyte globulin‐conditioned allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant
Authors: Lindsay Julian , Othman Jad , Yong Michelle K. , Ritchie David , Chee Lynette , Tay KimHeng , Tio Shio Yen , Kerridge Ian , Fay Keith , Stevenson William , Arthur Chris , Chen Sharon C.‐A. , Kong David C. M. , Greenwood Matthew , Pergam Steven A. , Liu Catherine , Slavin Monica A.
Published: August 2021

Background

The use of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is associated with an increased risk of Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) reactivation and post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLD). The dynamics and outcomes of EBV‐DNAemia are not well described in this population.

Methods

We retrospectively assessed the kinetics of EBV‐DNAemia after ATG conditioning of HCT recipients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess EBV‐DNAemia to predict EBV‐PTLD in this group.

Results

A total of 174/405 (43%) consecutive HCT recipients from two centers met inclusion criteria of ATG conditioned, non‐B‐cell lymphoma patients. Of these with EBV‐DNA measured using standardized IU/ml, 78.6% (92/117) developed EBV‐DNAemia: 62% spontaneously resolved; 19% cleared after preemptive rituximab, and 13% developed EBV‐PTLD. ROC curve analysis using maximum pre‐EBV‐PTLD EBV‐DNAemia, demonstrated an AUC of 0.912 with EBV‐DNAemia of 9782 IU/ml, associated with 82.6% sensitivity and 94.4% specificity for development of EBV‐PTLD. Median time for EBV‐DNAemia to increase from initial detection to >1000 IU/ml was 7 days; to >10 000 IU/ml, 12 days; and to >100 000 IU/ml, 18 days. Median EBV‐DNAemia level prior to administration of rituximab was significantly lower in patients with successful preemptive treatment, compared with those who developed EBV‐PTLD (3.41 log10 IU/ml [3.30–3.67] vs. 4.34 log10 IU/ml [3.85–5.13], p = .002; i.e., 2628 IU/ml vs. 21 965 IU/ml, respectively).

Conclusions

EBV‐DNAemia >10 000 IU/ml was the strongest predictor of the development of EBV‐PTLD, and progression to this level was rapid in ATG‐conditioned HCT recipients. This information may guide EBV‐PTLD management strategies in these high‐risk patients.
FLAUT: A mutual sensitivity improvement through matched pipe, cavity and thin plate resonance
Authors: Abdul Hamid Syamsul Bahrin
Published: August 2021

Electrostatic transducers promises a great potential in alternative to piezoelectric transducer based on certain advantages such as inherently wide bandwidth and good acoustic matching to air due to the membrane’s low acoustics impedance. There are two basic designs that are popular among electrostatic ultrasonic transducer developer – rigid backplate and micromachine backplate. This paper presents a methodology for improving the sensitivity of an air-coupled ultrasonic transducer by coupling the resonating thin plate, cavity and pipe in a single cell. The proposed device is termed Fluidically Amplified Ultrasonic Transducer (FLAUT) for an air-coupled application. Investigation of the concept of matched thin plate, cavity and pipe, of which the individual geometry is expected to mutually enhance one another. Analytical modelling is utilized to the matched thin plate, cavity and pipe. The analytical modelling identifies the required geometry for the FLAUT based on the matched operating resonant frequency of 25 kHz. At the end of the paper the prototype of FLAUT is presented where the device was fabricated using additive manufacturing process (3-D printing) which consist of a 50 µm Kapton thin film over a micro stereolithography designed backplate. Here aluminum is coated as the electrode utilizing the thermal evaporation process for both the Kapton film and the backplate. A laser interferometer is utilized to measure FLAUT thin plate displacement which indicates the device is running at 25 kHz fundamental mode. A 30 dB difference is also observed between the deformation velocity of the cavity active region and its surrounding.
Tracking Control of an Electro-Hydraulic Actuator System using LQR Controller
Authors: Ishak Norlela , Kamarudin Ahmad Zikri , Adnan Ramli
Published: August 2021

Electro-Hydraulic actuator (EHA) is a one type of application used in industry and building high performance of motion control process. Apparently, dealing with EHA behaviour is quite difficult and make the controlling process complicated. Designing Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller as a feedback controller require in selecting the weighting parameter Q and R. The result shows that the higher value of Q offers fast response and high stability by referring the placement of close-loop poles. However, the higher value of Q gives a higher error that can make position performance of hydraulic actuator become worst. In order to overcome this problem, the feedforward controller is developed by implementing the zero-phase error tracking control (ZPETC). It shows that both feedforward and feedback controller offers good tracking position performance in reducing gain and phase error.
Effects of radio-frequency power on structural properties and morphology of AlGaN thin film prepared by co-sputtering technique
Authors: Othman Nur Afiqah , Nayan Nafarizal , Mustafa Mohd Kamarulzaki , Azman Zulkifli , Megat Hasnan Megat Muhammad Ikhsan , Jaafar Siti Noryasmin , Bakri Anis Suhaili , Mamat Mohd Hafiz , Mohd Yusop Mohd Zamri , Abu Bakar Ahmad Shuhaimi , Ahmad Mohd Yazid
Published: August 2021

To date, the deposition of AlGaN thin film using the co-sputtering technique at room temperature has not been reported yet. The use of AlGaN for electronic devices has been widely known because of its ultra-wide bandgap. However, to deposit the AlGaN thin film and achieved high quality of AlGaN films, higher temperature or extra time deposition are needed, which is not compatible with industrial fabrication process. Here, a co-sputtering technique between two power supplies of magnetron sputtering (which are RF and HiPIMS) is introduced to deposit the AlGaN thin films. The AlGaN thin films were deposited at various RF power to study their effect on structural properties and morphology of the thin films. AlGaN films were sputtered simultaneously on silicon (111) substrate for short time and at room temperature using GaN and Al target. Then, the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and surface profiler to study their properties. XRD shows the GaN (101) and (013) plane for the AlGaN deposited at RF power of 30 W. Also there only GaN (101) for the AlGaN with 50 W RF power. Yet, the 70 W RF power shows the amorphous structure of AlGaN. The roughness and the grain size of AlGaN film from AFM analysis showed the trend of decreasing and increasing respectively. The roughness of the AlGaN films with 30 W power was 0.82 nm, 0.85 nm for 50 W, and 0.46 nm for 70 W RF power.  The grain size of the AlGaN films was 30.06 nm, 32.10 nm, and 37.65 nm for RF power of 30 W, 50 W, and 70 W respectively. The profilometer found that the thickness of the AlGaN films was decreasing with increasing of RF power. This paper can demonstrate a successful co-sputtering technique of AlGaN. Despite AlGaN crystal structure was not able to found out in the XRD analysis, the effect of RF power has been studied to give significant effects on AlGaN thin film deposition.
The Sensitivity of The Heart Rate Detection for Atrial Electrograms Signal
Authors: Kong Pang Seng , Ahmad Nasarudin , Hassan Fazilah , Ahmad Anita
Published: August 2021

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most familiar example of arrhythmia that will occur health problems such as stroke, heart failure and other complications. Globally, the number of AF patients will more than triple by 2050 worldwide. Current methods involve performing large-area ablation without knowing the exact location of key parts. The reliability of the technology can be used as a target for atrial fibrillation’s catheter ablation. The factors that leading to the onset of atrial fibrillation include the triggering factors that induce arrhythmia and the substrate that maintains the arrhythmia. The project’s aim is to create a method for identifying AF that can be used as screening tool in medical practice. The primary goals for the detection method’s design are to develop a MATLAB software program that can compare the complexity of a normal ECG signal and an AF ECG signal. Currently, this can be achieved by the ECG Signal’s R peaks and RR Interval. For AF detection, there are more R peaks and RR Intervals and it is irregular. In this research, the detection of AF is based on the heart rate (RR Intervals). For the ECG preprocessing, Pan-Tompkins Algorithm and Discrete Wavelet Transform is used to detect the sensitivity on the R peaks and RR Intervals. As a result, Discrete Wavelet Transform algorithm gives 100% sensitivity for the dataset obtained from MIT-BIH Atrial Fibrillation and MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database.
Examining the Efficacy of a Government-Led Sport for Development and Peace Event
Authors: Jones Gareth J. , Taylor Elizabeth , Wegner Christine , Lopez Colin , Kennedy Heather , Pizzo Anthony
Published: August 2021

A large body of research has examined the influence of sport for development and peace (SDP) events on community development, focusing primarily on SDP events delivered by nonprofit “change agents.” Although scholars have highlighted the need to more meaningfully incorporate local governments into SDP event management, there has been limited attention to government-led implementation. The purpose of this study was to explore a government-led SDP event through the lens of the S4D Framework to understand how the approach to implementation influenced sport event management, direct social impacts, and long-term social outcomes. Data were generated primarily through interviews with members of the event leadership team and supplemented with observations and focus groups with event participants. The findings indicate that the structural and social resources of the local government were key to activating different phases of the S4D Framework, yet also revealed unique challenges that have important implications for SDP event management.
Does Being a Sport Fan Provide Meaning in Life?
Authors: Delia Elizabeth B. , James Jeffrey D. , Wann Daniel L.
Published: August 2021

Adding to research on team identification and well-being, inquiry into meaning in life and team identification could illuminate how sport fandom impacts consumers’ lives. In the current study, an instrumental case study design was used to explore how team identification impacts meaning in life, focusing on significance. Participant diaries and interviews with identified fans of a professional women’s basketball team revealed that connecting with family and friends, supporting women’s sport, and enhancing mental health via support of the team were sources of significance in participants’ lives. The findings illustrate that meaning in life is not necessarily experienced just from being a highly identified fan. Instead, specific elements of one’s connection to the team provide meaning. The findings also highlight the importance of close relationships over imaginary intimate relationships, impacting social justice among fans of women’s sport, and how mental health via fandom may provide older adults significance.