bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an Integrated Model for Analyzing Street Greenery through Image Semantic Segmentation and Accessibility: A Case Study of Nanjing City
Authors: Wu Zhen , Xu Keyi , Li Yan , Zhao Xinyang , Qian Yanping
Published: March 2024

Urban street greening, a key component of urban green spaces, significantly impacts residents’ physical and mental well-being, contributing substantially to the overall quality and welfare of urban environments. This paper presents a novel framework that integrates street greenery with accessibility, enabling a detailed evaluation of the daily street-level greenery visible to residents. This pioneering approach introduces a new measurement methodology to quantify the quality of urban street greening, providing robust empirical evidence to support its enhancement. This study delves into Nanjing’s five districts, employing advanced image semantic segmentation based on machine learning techniques to segment and extract green vegetation from Baidu Street View (BSV) images. Leveraging spatial syntax, it analyzes street network data sourced from OpenStreetMap (OSM) to quantify the accessibility values of individual streets. Subsequent overlay analyses uncover areas characterized by high accessibility but inadequate street greening, underscoring the pressing need for street greening enhancements in highly accessible zones, thereby providing valuable decision-making support for urban planners. Key findings revealed that (1) the green view index (GVI) of sampled points within the study area ranged from 15.79% to 38.17%, with notably better street greening conditions observed in the Xuanwu District; (2) the Yuhua District exhibited comparatively lower pedestrian and commuting accessibility than the Xuanwu District; and (3) approximately 139.62 km of roads in the study area demonstrated good accessibility but lacked sufficient greenery visibility, necessitating immediate improvements in their green landscapes. This research utilizes the potential of novel data and methodologies, along with their practical applications in planning and design practices. Notably, this study integrates street greenery visibility with accessibility to explore, from a human-centered perspective, the tangible benefits of green landscapes. These insights highlight the opportunity for local governments to advance urban planning and design by implementing more human-centered green space policies, ultimately promoting societal equity.
Comparison of Different Models to Simulate Forest Fire Spread: A Case Study
Authors: Ning Jibin , Liu Hui , Yu Wennan , Deng Jifeng , Sun Long , Yang Guang , Wang Mingyu , Yu Hongzhou
Published: March 2024

With the development of computer technology, forest fire spread simulation using computers has gradually developed. According to the existing research on forest fire spread, the models established in various countries have typical regional characteristics. A fire spread model established in a specific region is only suitable for the local area, and there is still a great deal of uncertainty as to whether or not the established model is suitable for fire spread simulation for the same fuel in other regions. Although many fire spread models have been established, the fuel characteristics applicable to each model, such as the fuel loading, fuel moisture content, combustibility, etc., are not similar. It is necessary to evaluate the applicability of different fuel characteristics to different fire spread models. We combined ground investigation, historical data collection, model improvements, and statistical analysis to establish a multi-model forest fire spread simulation method (FIRER) that shows the burning time, perimeter, burning area, overlap area, and spread rate of fire sites. This method is a large-scale, high-resolution fire growth model based on fire spread in eight directions on a regular 30 m grid. This method could use any one of four different physical models (McArthur, Rothermel, FBP, and Wang Zhengfei (China)) for fire behavior. This method has an option to represent fire breaks from roads, rivers, and fire suppression. We can evaluate which model is more suitable in a specific area. This method was tested on a single historical lightning fire in the Daxing’an Mountains. Different scenarios were tested and compared: using each of the four fire behavior models, with fire breaks on or off, and with a single or suspected double fire ignition location of the historical fire. The results show that the Rothermel model is the best model in the simulation of the Hanma lightning fire; the overlap area is 5694.4 hm2. Meanwhile, the real fire area in FIRER is 5800.9 hm2; both the Kappa and Sørensen values exceed 0.8, providing high accuracy in fire spread simulations. FIRER performs well in the automatic identification of fire break zones and multiple ignited points. Compared with FARSITE, FIRER performs well in predicting accuracy. Compared with BehavePlus, FIRER also has advantages in simulating large-scale fire spread. However, the complex data preparation stage of FIRER means that FIRER still has great room for improvement. This research provides a practical basis for the comparison of the practicability and applicability of various fire spread models and provides more effective practical tools and a scientific basis for decision-making and the management of fighting forest fires.
UAV Control Method Combining Reptile Meta-Reinforcement Learning and Generative Adversarial Imitation Learning
Authors: Jiang Shui , Ge Yanning , Yang Xu , Yang Wencheng , Cui Hui
Published: March 2024

Reinforcement learning (RL) is pivotal in empowering Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to navigate and make decisions efficiently and intelligently within complex and dynamic surroundings. Despite its significance, RL is hampered by inherent limitations such as low sample efficiency, restricted generalization capabilities, and a heavy reliance on the intricacies of reward function design. These challenges often render single-method RL approaches inadequate, particularly in the context of UAV operations where high costs and safety risks in real-world applications cannot be overlooked. To address these issues, this paper introduces a novel RL framework that synergistically integrates meta-learning and imitation learning. By leveraging the Reptile algorithm from meta-learning and Generative Adversarial Imitation Learning (GAIL), coupled with state normalization techniques for processing state data, this framework significantly enhances the model’s adaptability. It achieves this by identifying and leveraging commonalities across various tasks, allowing for swift adaptation to new challenges without the need for complex reward function designs. To ascertain the efficacy of this integrated approach, we conducted simulation experiments within both two-dimensional environments. The empirical results clearly indicate that our GAIL-enhanced Reptile method surpasses conventional single-method RL algorithms in terms of training efficiency. This evidence underscores the potential of combining meta-learning and imitation learning to surmount the traditional barriers faced by reinforcement learning in UAV trajectory planning and decision-making processes.
Prediction of Critical Heat Flux during Downflow in Fully Heated Vertical Channels
Authors: Shah Mirza M.
Published: March 2024

Boiling with downflow in vertical channels is involved in many applications such as boilers, nuclear reactors, chemical processing, etc. Accurate prediction of CHF (Critical Heat Flux) is important to ensure their safe design. While numerous experimental studies have been done on CHF during upflow and reliable methods for predicting it have been developed, there have been only a few experimental studies on CHF during downflow. Some researchers have reported no difference in CHF between up- and downflow, while some have reported that CHF in downflow is lower or higher than that in upflow. Only a few correlations have been published that are stated to be applicable to CHF during downflow. No comprehensive comparison of correlations with test data has been published. In the present research, literature on CHF during downflow in fully heated channels was reviewed. A database for CHF in downflow was compiled. The data included round tubes and rectangular channels, hydraulic diameters 2.4 mm to 15.9 mm, reduced pressure 0.0045 to 0.6251, flow rates from 15 to 21,761 kg/m2s, and several fluids with diverse properties (water, nitrogen, refrigerants). This database was compared to a number of correlations for upflow and downflow CHF. The results of this comparison are presented and discussed. Design recommendations are provided.
The Role of Country Image on Consumers’ Willingness to Pay for Imported Beefsteak in China
Authors: Wang Erpeng , Ji Mingyuan , Wang Lingyu , Wu Yuefeng , Shi Zeyu
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the world has experienced conflict. When political conflicts affect consumers’ emotions and alter their perceptions of a country’s image, it can influence their preferences. This study deconstructs the notion of a country image into multiple dimensions and examines their impact on consumers’ willingness to pay for imported beef from Australia, Brazil, and the United States. Using a rank-ordered probit model and data from a survey of 935 respondents, results show that consumers’ perceptions of a country’s friendliness, economy, environment, and quality all have a positive and statistically significant effect on their willingness to pay for beefsteak imported from that country. Among these dimensions of the country image, the quality is the most important, followed by the economy, friendliness, and the environment. This study also finds heterogeneity in consumer perception of friendliness towards the United States, Australia, and Brazil. This study provides valuable insights for assessing the real losses resulting from a deteriorating international environment and suggests policies to enhance competitiveness in the food market.
Comparative Study of Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Local Mediterranean Donkey Breeds
Authors: Aroua Mohamed , Haj Koubaier Hayet , Rekik Chaima , Fatica Antonella , Ben Said Samia , Malek Atef , Mahouachi Mokhtar , Salimei Elisabetta
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to evaluate carcass and meat quality traits in Masri (n = 14) and North African (n = 14) male donkeys, raised in a semi-intensive breeding system, grazing on mountainous areas, with supplementation of 1 kg of barley per day per animal, slaughtered at 5 (±0.48) years old. Compared to Masri, the North African population exhibited higher (p < 0.05) final body weights (181.7 ± 2.1 and 212.5 ± 7.6 kg) and cold carcass weights (101.7 ± 1.3 and 116.2 ± 4.5 kg), but lower (p < 0.05) cold dressing percentages (56.0 ± 0.4 and 54.6 ± 0.4%). Meat quality analyses showed higher (p < 0.05) cooking loss values in Masri meat (43.9 ± 0.8 vs. 39.9 ± 1.2%). Among the meat color parameters, the hue value was higher (p < 0.05) in North African samples (0.42 ± 0.01 vs. 0.39 ± 0.1). Meat from North African donkeys had higher (p < 0.05) dry matter, fat, and protein contents. Meat amino acid analysis revealed abundant levels of lysine, leucine, and methionine, in both populations. Donkey meat from both populations presented a high polyunsaturated fatty acids content, resulting in polyunsaturated fatty acids/saturated fatty acids and omega 6/omega 3 ratios for all breeds close to the recommended values for human health. Atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were also suggested to have positive effects on consumers’ artery health. The characteristics of donkey meat present intriguing nutritional aspects compared to ruminant meat, and its production should be encouraged in the rural development of inner-Mediterranean areas.
Exploring the Impact of the Synthesis Variables Involved in the Polyurethane Aerogels-like Materials Design
Authors: Pinilla-Peñalver Esther , Cantero Darío , Romero Amaya , Sánchez-Silva Luz
Published: March 2024

This research presents a novel approach to synthesising polyurethane (PUR)-based aerogels at the pilot scale, optimizing synthesis variables such as the gelation solvent, solids content, chain extender/isocyanate ratio, and dispersion mode. The solids content (2–11 wt.%) is the parameter with the most influence on the density of the aerogels, with a clear decrease in this property as the solids content decreases. On the other hand, it was demonstrated that minimizing the excess of ethylenediamine (used as chain extender) in relation to the isocyanate is a valuable consideration to improve the thermal conductivity of the aerogel. Related to the chain extender/isocyanate ratio, a compromise situation where the initial isocyanate reacts almost completely is crucial. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to conduct such monitoring during the reaction. Once the conditions were optimised, the aerogel showing improved properties was synthesised using ethyl acetate as the gelling solvent, a 3.7 wt.% solids content, an ethylenediamine/isocyanate ratio of 0.20, and sonication as the dispersion mode, attaining a thermal conductivity of 0.030 W m−1 K−1 and a density of 0.046 g cm−3. Therefore, the synthesized aerogel emerges as a promising candidate for use in the construction and automotive industries.
Fingerprint Finder: Identifying Genomic Fingerprint Sites in Cotton Cohorts for Genetic Analysis and Breeding Advancement
Authors: Liu Shang , Cheng Hailiang , Zhang Youping , He Man , Zuo Dongyun , Wang Qiaolian , Lv Limin , Lin Zhongxv , Song Guoli
Published: March 2024

Genomic data in Gossypium provide numerous data resources for the cotton genomics community. However, to fill the gap between genomic analysis and breeding field work, detecting the featured genomic items of a subset cohort is essential for geneticists. We developed FPFinder v1.0 software to identify a subset of the cohort’s fingerprint genomic sites. The FPFinder was developed based on the term frequency–inverse document frequency algorithm. With the short-read sequencing of an elite cotton pedigree, we identified 453 pedigree fingerprint genomic sites and found that these pedigree-featured sites had a role in cotton development. In addition, we applied FPFinder to evaluate the geographical bias of fiber-length-related genomic sites from a modern cotton cohort consisting of 410 accessions. Enriching elite sites in cultivars from the Yangtze River region resulted in the longer fiber length of Yangze River-sourced accessions. Apart from characterizing functional sites, we also identified 12,536 region-specific genomic sites. Combining the transcriptome data of multiple tissues and samples under various abiotic stresses, we found that several region-specific sites contributed to environmental adaptation. In this research, FPFinder revealed the role of the cotton pedigree fingerprint and region-specific sites in cotton development and environmental adaptation, respectively. The FPFinder can be applied broadly in other crops and contribute to genetic breeding in the future.
Pediatric Beta Blocker Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of Development and Genetic Variation to Guide Precision-Based Therapy in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Authors: Walton Mollie , Wagner Jonathan B.
Published: March 2024

Beta adrenergic receptor antagonists, known as beta blockers, are one of the most prescribed medications in both pediatric and adult cardiology. Unfortunately, most of these agents utilized in the pediatric clinical setting are prescribed off-label. Despite regulatory efforts aimed at increasing pediatric drug labeling, a majority of pediatric cardiovascular drug agents continue to lack pediatric-specific data to inform precision dosing for children, adolescents, and young adults. Adding to this complexity is the contribution of development (ontogeny) and genetic variation towards the variability in drug disposition and response. In the absence of current prospective trials, the purpose of this comprehensive review is to illustrate the current knowledge gaps regarding the key drivers of variability in beta blocker drug disposition and response and the opportunities for investigations that will lead to changes in pediatric drug labeling.
First Record of Comparative Plastid Genome Analysis and Phylogenetic Relationships among Corylopsis Siebold & Zucc. (Hamamelidaceae)
Authors: Kim Tae-Hee , Ha Young-Ho , Setoguchi Hiroaki , Choi Kyung , Kim Sang-Chul , Kim Hyuk-Jin
Published: March 2024

Corylopsis Siebold & Zucc. (Hamamelidaceae) is widely used as a horticultural plant and comprises approximately 25 species in East Asia. Molecular research is essential to distinguish Corylopsis species, which are morphologically similar. Molecular research has been conducted using a small number of genes but not in Corylopsis. Plastid genomes of Corylopsis species (Corylopsis gotoana, Corylopsis pauciflora, and Corylopsis sinensis) were sequenced using next-generation sequencing techniques. Repeats and nucleotide diversity that could be used as DNA markers were also investigated. A phylogenetic investigation was carried out using 79 protein-coding genes to infer the evolutionary relationships within the genus Corylopsis. By including new plastomes, the overall plastid genome structure of Corylopsis was similar. Simple sequence repeats of 73–106 SSRs were identified in the protein-coding genes of the plastid genomes, and 33–40 long repeat sequences were identified in the plastomes. The Pi value of the rpl33_rps18 region, an intergenic spacer, was the highest. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that Corylopsis is a monophyletic group and Loropetalum is closely related to Corylopsis. C. pauciflora, C. gotoana, and C. spicata formed a clade distributed in Japan, whereas C. sinensis, C. glandulifera, and C. velutina formed a clade that was distributed in China.
Flow through and Volume Change Behavior of a Compacted Expansive Soil Amended with Natural Biopolymers
Authors: Bukhary Ahmed , Azam Shahid
Published: March 2024

Natural biopolymers offer a sustainable alternative for improving soil behavior due to their inert nature, small dosage requirement, and applicability under ambient temperatures. This research evaluates the efficacy of natural biopolymers for ameliorating an expansive soil by using a 0.5% dosage of cationic chitosan, charge-neutral guar gum, and anionic xanthan gum during compaction. The results of laboratory investigations indicate that the flow through and volume change properties of the expansive soil were affected variably. The dual porosity, characterized by low air entry due to inter-aggregate pores (AEV1 of 4 kPa) and high air entry due to the clay matrix (AEV2 of 200 kPa) of the soil, was healed using chitosan and guar gum (AEV of 200 kPa) but was enhanced by the xanthan gum (AEV1 of 100 kPa and AEV2 of 200 kPa). The s-shaped swell–shrink path of the soil comprised structural (e from 1.23 to 1.11), normal (e from 1.11 to 0.6), and residual stages (e ranged from 0.6–0.43). This shape was converted into a j-shaped path through amendment using chitosan and guar gum, showing no structural volume change, with e from about 1.25 to 0.5, but was reverted to a more pronounced form by xanthan gum, with e from 1.5 to 1.32, 1.32 to 0.49, and 0.49 to 0.34 in the three stages, respectively. The consolidation behavior of the soil was largely unaffected by the addition of biopolymers such that the saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased from 10−9 m/s to 10−12 m/s over a void ratio decrease from 1.1 to 0.6. At a seating stress of 5 kPa, the swelling potential (7.8%) of the soil slightly decreased to 6.9% due to the addition of chitosan but increased to 9.4% and 12.2% with guar gum and xanthan gum, respectively. The use of chitosan and guar gum will allow the compaction of the investigated expansive soil on the dry side of optimum.
Mário Filho’s O Negro No Futebol Brasileiro (The Black Man in Brazilian Soccer) under and beyond the Shadow of Gilberto Freyre
Authors: Higa Mario
Published: March 2024

This article aims to provide the reader with a brief introduction to Mário Filho’s O negro no futebol brasileiro (The Black Man in Brazilian Soccer). While emphasizing the importance of this classic book, I will discuss a few of its central ideas, the context in which these ideas were produced, and how they came to shape the perception of sports and race in Brazil. Furthermore, in the last sections of this article, I will examine how issues of genre classification regarding Mário Filho’s book have affected the way it has been read and interpreted over the years.
Research Trends of Studies on Psychosocial and Health-Related Behaviours of Foreign Domestic Workers in Asia Pacific: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Fordjour Genevieve Ataa , Chan Cecilia Lai-Wan
Published: March 2024

Foreign domestic workers (FDWs) face challenges that impact their psychosocial well-being and health behaviours. This study utilized bibliometric analyses to examine research trends on the psychosocial and health-related behaviours of FDWs in the Asia Pacific region. The bibliometric analysis comprised citation analysis and co-occurrence analysis. A systematic literature search in academic databases, including Scopus, identified 73 relevant articles published from 1996 to 2023. The growth trend revealed a steady increase in the number of publications on FDWs’ psychosocial and health-related behaviours in Asia over the years, with significant growth from 2018 to 2023, indicating an increasing interest in this research area. The citation analysis identified influential studies, active authors, and sources with high publication numbers in this research area. The analysis also examined the geographical distribution of studies, identifying the countries and organizations in Asia that contributed significantly to FDW research. The co-occurrence analysis of keywords identified key themes and concepts in the literature. The most active keywords identified include “COVID-19”, “Depression”, “Foreign Domestic Workers”, “Mental Health”, and “Quality of Life”. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the current trends and state of knowledge on the psychosocial and health-related behaviours of FDWs in the Asia Pacific region.
Improve the Effectiveness of Inhibiting Pathogenic Fungus and Maintaining the Quality of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Post-Harvest by Indigenous Lactic Bacteria
Authors: Yen Thach Thi Ngoc , Thanh Nguyen Van , Thuy Nguyen Minh , Phong Nguyen Van , Van Tai Ngo
Published: March 2024

The change in the quality of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) fruit after harvest is mainly dehydration. Rambutan fruit peel is often dark (brown) and fruit rot due to fungal disease. This study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus bacteria strains [Lactobacillus plantarum CC6 (CC6), Lactobacillus fermentum DC2 (DC2), Lactobacillus fermentum DGMC2 (DGMC2)] with/without supplement combinations [chitosan 0.03% (Chito), alginate 0.03% (SA) and carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5% (CMC)] on the quality of Java rambutan fruit during storage at 13 °C, and included a sample without treatment with bacteria and chemical considered as the control. The results showed that among 16 treatments on rambutan fruits immediately after harvesting, the four treatments that showed the best results were CC6-Chito, DC2-Chito, CC6-CMC and DC2–SA, and DC2-Chito was more effective than the others. However, all four of these treatments supported the preservation of rambutan fruit, reducing both weight loss and browning of the skin and stem, and kept the infection rate at the lowest level. The brightness and peel color values were highest for these treatments.
Management Information Systems for Tree Fruit–2: Design of a Mango Harvest Forecast Engine
Authors: Dhonju Hari Krishna , Bhattarai Thakur , Amaral Marcelo H. , Matzner Martina , Walsh Kerry B.
Published: March 2024

Spatially enabled yield forecasting is a key component of farm Management Information Systems (MISs) for broadacre grain production, enabling management decisions such as variable rate fertilization. However, such a capability has been lacking for soft (fleshy)-tree-fruit harvest load, with relevant tools for automated assessment having been developed only recently. Such tools include improved estimates of the heat units required for fruit maturation and in-field machine vision for flower and fruit count and fruit sizing. Feedback on the need for and issues in forecasting were documented. A mango ‘harvest forecast engine’ was designed for the forecasting of harvest timing and fruit load, to aid harvest management. Inputs include 15 min interval temperature data per orchard block, weekly manual or machine-vision-derived estimates of flowering, and preharvest manual or machine-vision-derived estimates of fruit load on an orchard block level across the farm. Outputs include predicted optimal harvest time and fruit load, on a per block and per week basis, to inform harvest scheduling. Use cases are provided, including forecast of the order of harvest of blocks within the orchard, management of harvest windows to match harvesting resources such as staff availability, and within block spatial allocation of resources, such as adequate placement of harvest field bin and frost fans. Design requirements for an effective harvest MIS software artefact incorporating the forecast engine are documented, including an integrated database supporting spatial query, data analysis, processing and mapping, an integrated geospatial database for managing of large spatial–temporal datasets, and use of dynamic web map services to enable rapid visualization of large datasets.
A One Health Platform for Future Epidemic Preparedness
Authors: Branda Francesco , Scarpa Fabio , Petrosillo Nicola , Ciccozzi Massimo
Published: March 2024

Here, we introduce the EpiConnect Intelligence Platform (ECIP), a platform facilitating rapid, transparent data sharing and analysis to support researchers and public health officials in Europe, with a focus on Italy. ECIP provides reliable, concise, machine-readable data to aid in epidemiological understanding, standardize case characteristics, and estimate key parameters. The platform adheres to FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) principles, offering easily accessible and downloadable datasets for researchers’ endeavors. Future enhancements include involving national public health authorities, expanding data streams, and fostering collaboration between experts and users for improved epidemic risk monitoring. Shared standards among diverse surveillance systems are advocated to achieve common strategic goals, emphasizing the need for forward-looking policies to empower professionals to analyze disease dynamics in the context of evolving health crises. The recent emergencies underscore the importance of collective efforts towards shared strategic goals, highlighting the necessity for coordinated action to address mutual concerns affecting everyone’s lives.
Examining Health-Seeking Behavior among Diverse Ethnic Subgroups within Black Populations in the United States and Canada: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Tiruneh Yordanos M. , Anwoju Oluwatunmininu , Harrison Ariel C. , Garcia Martha T. , Elbers Shauna K.
Published: March 2024

The Black populations, often treated as ethnically homogenous, face a constant challenge in accessing and utilizing healthcare services. This study examines the intra-group differences in health-seeking behavior among diverse ethnic subgroups within Black communities. A cross-sectional analysis included 239 adults ≥18 years of age who self-identified as Black in the United States and Canada. Multiple logistic regression assessed the relationship between health-seeking behaviors and ethnic origin, controlling for selected social and health-related factors. The mean age of the participants was 38.6 years, 31% were male, and 20% were unemployed. Sixty-one percent reported a very good or excellent health status, and 59.7% were not receiving treatment for chronic conditions. Advancing age (OR = 1.05, CI: 1.01–1.09), female gender (OR = 3.09, CI: 1.47–6.47), and unemployment (OR = 3.46, CI: 1.35–8.90) were associated with favorable health-seeking behaviors. Compared with the participants with graduate degrees, individuals with high school diplomas or less (OR = 3.80, CI: 1.07–13.4) and bachelor’s degrees (OR = 3.57, CI: 1.3–9.23) were more inclined to have engaged in favorable health-seeking behavior compared to those with graduate degrees. Across the Black communities in our sample, irrespective of ethnic origins or country of birth, determinants of health-seeking behavior were age, gender, employment status, and educational attainment.
Autism, Stigma, and South Asian Immigrant Families in Canada
Authors: Shafi Fariha , Karunakaran Amirtha , Ahmad Farah
Published: March 2024

Considerable empirical evidence suggests early recognition of autism and access to support result in long-term positive outcomes for children and youth on the spectrum and their families. However, children of racialized families are often diagnosed at later ages, are more likely to be misdiagnosed, and experience many barriers to service access. There is also a paucity of research exploring the experiences of parents from specific immigrant groups caring for their children on the spectrum in Canada, many of whom identify as members of racialized communities. As such, the main aim of the study was to examine how South Asian immigrant parents in Canada are experiencing available care programs and support. Another aim was to examine their perceptions of social stigma associated with autism. We conducted an inductive thematic analysis of qualitative data from nine interviews with South Asian parents living in Ontario, Canada. Findings confirmed barriers to an autism diagnosis and to service access. Additionally, parents reported pronounced autism stigma, which enacted impediments to timely diagnosis, service access, and health-promoting behaviors. Findings also revealed that parents experience considerable caregiver stress and psychological distress. The generated evidence is anticipated to inform equitable policy, programming, and practices that better support the needs of children on the spectrum and their immigrant families.
Healthy, Inclusive and Sustainable Catering in Secondary Schools—An Analysis of a Transformation Process with Multiple Tensions
Authors: Hennchen Benjamin , Schäfer Martina
Published: March 2024

Interest in catering for public sector schools is increasing due to its potential role in addressing the prevailing problems of malnutrition, food insecurity and non-sustainable food habits. Based on the case of secondary schools in Berlin, this study aims to explore this potential by focusing on the process of transformation towards healthy, inclusive and sustainable school catering. It employs a multi-perspective analysis based on the two concepts of food environment and social cohesion. Results are based on quantitative and qualitative data collected via an online survey of pupils from 25 secondary schools in Berlin as well as field notes from six stakeholder events. The survey findings were analyzed by descriptive means and provide explanations for the fact that most of the pupils (66.7%) never eat lunch at school. Based on the qualitative analysis of the stakeholder events, key tensions between actors from the federal state, municipal, school and private levels could be identified. Major areas of conflict arise due to (1) a lack of public funding and catering standards, (2) incompatible demands and preferences, (3) a lack of resources and opportunities for complementary education and participation, and (4) peer and parental influence. Transforming school food environments requires integrative strategies with interventions introduced by multiple actors operating on different levels.
Plateau in Core Temperature during Shorter but Not Longer Work/Rest Cycles in Heat
Authors: Bachraty Joseph P. , Qiao JianBo , Powers Elizabeth S. , Vandermark Lesley W. , Pryor J. Luke , Pryor Riana R.
Published: March 2024

This study compared physiological responses to two work/rest cycles of a 2:1 work-to-rest ratio in a hot environment. In a randomized crossover design, fourteen participants completed 120 min of walking and rest in the heat (36.3 ± 0.6 °C, 30.2 ± 4.0% relative humidity). Work/rest cycles were (1) 40 min work/20 min rest [40/20], or (2) 20 min work/10 min rest [20/10], both completing identical work. Core temperature (Tc), skin temperature (Tsk), heart rate (HR), nude body mass, and perception of work were collected. Comparisons were made between trials at equal durations of work using three-way mixed model ANOVA. Tc plateaued in [20/10] during the second hour of work (p = 0.93), while Tc increased in [40/20] (p < 0.01). There was no difference in maximum Tc ([40/20]: 38.08 ± 0.35 °C, [20/10]: 37.99 ± 0.27 °C, p = 0.22) or end-of-work Tsk ([40/20]: 36.1 ± 0.8 °C, [20/10]: 36.0 ± 0.7 °C, p = 0.45). End-of-work HR was greater in [40/20] (145 ± 25 b·min−1) compared to [20/10] (141 ± 27 b·min−1, p = 0.04). Shorter work/rest cycles caused a plateau in Tc while longer work/rest cycles resulted in a continued increase in Tc throughout the work, indicating that either work structure could be used during shorter work tasks, while work greater than 2 h in duration may benefit from shorter work/rest cycles to mitigate hyperthermia.
The Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Era in Public Primary Health Facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Makhado Glory , Ntuli Busisiwe , Zungu Lindiwe , Thovhogi Ntevhe , Mphekgwana Peter Modupi , Lebelo Sogolo Lucky , Madiba Sphiwe , Modjadji Perpetua
Published: March 2024

As the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) continued to provide uninterrupted health care service delivery; therefore, this disproportionately affected their wellbeing. Our study explored the wellbeing of HCWs during the COVID-19 era in public health facilities in the City of Johannesburg, Gauteng province, South Africa. A qualitative study was conducted among twenty (20) HCWs through face-to-face in-depth interviews (IDIs) in the form of semi-structured interviews, audiotapes, and transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed with NVivo version 10. The findings showed that over half of HCWs (aged between 27 and 60 years) tested positive for COVID-19. Also, one third of HCWs’ family members tested positive while some died due to COVID-19 infection. Informed by the workers’ wellbeing framework, four themes emerged with fourteen sub-themes. Firstly, unsafe work environment was characterized by human resource related challenges such as increased workload; staff shortage; insufficient resources, e.g., personal protective equipment (PPE); poor policies in terms of compensation/allowance for being infected with COVID-19; poor health services; and death of colleagues. Secondly, poor health outcomes were described as strained emotional (psychosocial distress) and physical (respiratory related conditions) wellbeing. Thirdly, home and community environments were negatively impacted by interrupted relationships with family and friends, and experiences of deaths of loved ones. Finally, HCWs engaged personal wellbeing strategies through self-motivation; staying positive; family support; and participating in resilience-promoting extra mural activities to cope during the pandemic. In conclusion, the wellbeing of HCWs was aggravated during the COVID-19 era and led to low morale and compromised healthcare quality. This study advocates for promotion of greater resilience, and psychological and physical safety of HCWs through evidence-based, multilevel-multicomponent interventions at the workplace, home, and community environments in addition to strengthening public health policies and response to future pandemics.
Investigating the Potential Double-Edged Score of Immigration-Related Stress, Discrimination, and Mental Health Access
Authors: Andrews Arthur R. , Escobar Kevin , Gonzalez Sandra Mariely Estrada , Reyes Sara , Acosta Laura M.
Published: March 2024

Prior work has suggested that discrimination and immigration-related stress may impede mental health care seeking and utilization among Latinx populations. These effects may be more nuanced as both discrimination and immigration-related stress may increase symptomology, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Both symptoms may, in turn, prompt attempts to seek care. The current study examined the direct effects of discrimination and immigration-related stress on care access, as well as potentially indirect effects with PTSD and depression symptoms as mediators. Interviews and online surveys were completed with 234 Latinx residents of the Midwest, assessing everyday discrimination, discrimination in healthcare, PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, current mental health utilization, and previous unsuccessful attempts to seek care. Direct effects of discrimination and immigration-related stress were largely unrelated to care access variables. Discrimination in healthcare settings predicted both unsuccessful attempts to seek care and current use, but this effect was positive. The indirect effect was largely supported, but only for PTSD symptoms and not depression. Results indicate that further investigation is necessary to understand the direct effects of discrimination on care access. Further, discrimination and immigration-related stress may indirectly prompt attempts to seek mental health care.
Accuracy Evaluation for Plan-Reliefs and Historical Maps Created during WWI in Northern Italy
Authors: Bozzano Matteo , Sguerso Domenico , Zatelli Paolo , Zendri Davide , Besana Angelo
Published: March 2024

The availability of digital copies of historical artifacts modeling the territory through the so-called “plan-reliefs” is important for many reasons: the preservation of the artifact if the physical object is damaged or destroyed, the possibility of creating virtual showrooms and providing researchers a tool to study the object combining information from different sources. For these reasons, a set of plan-reliefs created during World War I on the Italian front and kept by the Italian Historical War Museum of Rovereto (Italy) was surveyed to create digital models of the surfaces, which were georeferenced in the ETRS89 datum. A set of historical military maps of the same period was georeferenced to overlay the sets to the surface in the digital representation and to try to infer clues about the cartographic sources used in the historical artifact creation. The best transformation for georeferencing the maps is different depending on the map scale, map origin, conservation status and number of Ground Control Points. The georeferencing process precision and accuracy were evaluated. The digital models created in this study were compared to the official Digital Terrain Model (DTM) provided by the Regions or the autonomous provinces. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the approach, and the combination of the models with the georeferenced maps is used by historians to describe the process used in the creation of plan-reliefs.
Dynamics and Predictions of Urban Expansion in Java, Indonesia: Continuity and Change in Mega-Urbanization
Authors: Pravitasari Andrea Emma , Indraprahasta Galuh Syahbana , Rustiadi Ernan , Rosandi Vely Brian , Stanny Yuri Ardhya , Wulandari Siti , Priatama Rista Ardy , Murtadho Alfin
Published: March 2024

This paper is situated within the discussion of mega-urbanization, a particular urbanization process that entails a large-scale agglomeration. In this paper, our focus is on urbanization in Java, Indonesia’s most dynamic region. We add to the literature by investigating the change and prediction of the land use/land cover (LULC) of mega-urbanization in Java. This research uses a vector machine approach to support the classification of land cover change dynamics, cellular automata-Markov (CA Markov), and the Klassen typology technique. This paper indicates that major metropolitan areas are still expanding in terms of built-up areas, generating a larger urban agglomeration. However, attention should be also given to the urbanization process outside existing metropolis’ boundaries given that more than half of the built-up land coverage in Java is located in non-metropolitan areas. In terms of future direction, the projection results for 2032 show that the Conservative scenario can reduce and slow down the increase in built-up land on the island of Java. On the other hand, the Spatial Plan (RTRW) scenario facilitates a rapid increase in the LULC of built-up land from 2019. The urban spatial dynamics in Java raises challenges for urban and regional planning as the process is taking place across multiple administrative authorities.
Dibenzocyclooctadiene Lignans from Schisandra chinensis with Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Authors: Rybnikář Michal , Malaník Milan , Šmejkal Karel , Švajdlenka Emil , Shpet Polina , Babica Pavel , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Smištík Ondřej , Jurček Ondřej , Treml Jakub
Published: March 2024

Schisandra chinensis (Schisandraceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Under the name Wu Wei Zi, it is used to treat many diseases, especially as a stimulant, adaptogen, and hepatoprotective. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are the main compounds responsible for the effect of S. chinensis. As a part of ongoing studies to identify and evaluate anti-inflammatory natural compounds, we isolated a series of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans and evaluated their biological activity. Furthermore, we isolated new sesquiterpene 7,7-dimethyl-11-methylidenespiro[5.5]undec-2-ene-3-carboxylic acid. Selected dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans were tested to assess their anti-inflammatory potential in LPS-stimulated monocytes by monitoring their anti-NF-κB activity, antioxidant activity in CAA assay, and their effect on gap junction intercellular communication in WB-ras cells. Some S. chinensis lignans showed antioxidant activity in CAA mode and affected the gap junction intercellular communication. The anti-inflammatory activity was proven for (−)-gomisin N, (+)-γ-schisandrin, rubrisandrin A, and (−)-gomisin J.
Extracellular Vesicles: A Crucial Player in the Intestinal Microenvironment and Beyond
Authors: Wang Shumeng , Luo Junyi , Wang Hailong , Chen Ting , Sun Jiajie , Xi Qianyun , Zhang Yongliang
Published: March 2024

The intestinal ecological environment plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption and overall well-being. In recent years, research has focused on the effects of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in both physiological and pathological conditions of the intestine. The intestine does not only consume EVs from exogenous foods, but also those from other endogenous tissues and cells, and even from the gut microbiota. The alteration of conditions in the intestine and the intestinal microbiota subsequently gives rise to changes in other organs and systems, including the central nervous system (CNS), namely the microbiome–gut–brain axis, which also exhibits a significant involvement of EVs. This review first gives an overview of the generation and isolation techniques of EVs, and then mainly focuses on elucidating the functions of EVs derived from various origins on the intestine and the intestinal microenvironment, as well as the impacts of an altered intestinal microenvironment on other physiological systems. Lastly, we discuss the role of microbial and cellular EVs in the microbiome–gut–brain axis. This review enhances the understanding of the specific roles of EVs in the gut microenvironment and the central nervous system, thereby promoting more effective treatment strategies for certain associated diseases.
Identification and Expression Analysis of Putative Sugar Transporter Gene Family during Bulb Formation in Lilies
Authors: Huang Ziyang , Gao Cong , Xu Yunchen , Liu Jie , Kang Jie , Ren Ziming , Cui Qi , Li Dongze , Ma Si , Xia Yiping , Wu Yun
Published: March 2024

Sugar transporters play important roles in plant growth and development, flowering and fruiting, as well as responses to adverse abiotic and biotic environmental conditions. Lilies (Lilium spp.) are some of the most representative ornamental bulbous flowers. Sugar metabolism is critical for bulb formation in lilies; therefore, clarifying the amount and expression pattern of sugar transporters is essential for further analyzing their roles in bulb formation. In this study, based on the transcriptome data of the Lilium Oriental hybrid ‘Sorbonne’ and Lilium × formolongi, a total of 69 and 41 sugar transporters were identified in ‘Sorbonne’ and Lilium × formolongi, respectively, by performing bioinformatics analysis. Through phylogenetic analysis, monosaccharide transporters (MSTs) can be divided into seven subfamilies, sucrose transporters (SUTs) can be divided into three subgroups, and sugars will eventually be exported transporters (SWEETs) can be divided into four clades. According to an analysis of conserved motifs, 20, 14, and 12 conserved motifs were predicted in MSTs, SUTs, and SWEETs, respectively. A conserved domain analysis showed that MSTs and SUTs contained a single domain, whereas most of the SWEETs harbored two MtN3/saliva domains, also known as a PQ-loop repeat. The LohINT1, which was predicted to have a smaller number of transmembrane structural domains, was cloned and analyzed for subcellular localization. It was found that the LohINT1 protein is mainly localized in the cell membrane. In addition, the expression analysis indicated that 22 LohMSTs, 1 LohSUTs, and 5 LohSWEETs were upregulated in ‘Sorbonne’ 1 day after scale detachment treatment, suggesting that they may regulate the initiation of the bulblet. A total of 10 LflMSTs, 1 LflSUTs, and 6 LflSWEETs were upregulated 4~6 months after sowing, which corresponds to the juvenile-to-adult transition phase of Lilium × formolongi, suggesting that they may also play a role in the accompanying bulb swelling process. Combined with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, LohSTP8 and LohSTP12 were significantly overexpressed during the extremely early stage of bulblet initiation, and LflERD6.3 was significantly overexpressed during the growth of the underground bulblet, suggesting that they may be key sugar transporters in the formation of lily bulbs, which needs further functional verification.
An Association between OXPHOS-Related Gene Expression and Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility in Human Skeletal Muscle Biopsies
Authors: Chang Leon , Motley Rebecca , Daly Catherine L. , Diggle Christine P. , Hopkins Philip M. , Shaw Marie-Anne
Published: March 2024

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic condition of skeletal muscle that manifests in hypermetabolic responses upon exposure to volatile anaesthetics. This condition is caused primarily by pathogenic variants in the calcium-release channel RYR1, which disrupts calcium signalling in skeletal muscle. However, our understanding of MH genetics is incomplete, with no variant identified in a significant number of cases and considerable phenotype diversity. In this study, we applied a transcriptomic approach to investigate the genome-wide gene expression in MH-susceptible cases using muscle biopsies taken for diagnostic testing. Baseline comparisons between muscle from MH-susceptible individuals (MHS, n = 8) and non-susceptible controls (MHN, n = 4) identified 822 differentially expressed genes (203 upregulated and 619 downregulated) with significant enrichment in genes associated with oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and fatty acid metabolism. Investigations of 10 OXPHOS target genes in a larger cohort (MHN: n = 36; MHS: n = 36) validated the reduced expression of ATP5MD and COQ6 in MHS samples, but the remaining 8 selected were not statistically significant. Further analysis also identified evidence of a sex-linked effect in SDHB and UQCC3 expression, and a difference in ATP5MD expression across individuals with MH sub-phenotypes (trigger from in vitro halothane exposure only, MHSh (n = 4); trigger to both in vitro halothane and caffeine exposure, MHShc (n = 4)). Our data support a link between MH-susceptibility and dysregulated gene expression associated with mitochondrial bioenergetics, which we speculate plays a role in the phenotypic variability observed within MH.