bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuttings Bed Height Prediction in Microhole Horizontal Wells with Artificial Intelligence Models
Authors: Han Yaotu , Zhang Xiaocheng , Xu Zhengming , Song Xianzhi , Zhao Weijie , Zhang Qilong
Published: November 2022

Inadequate drill cuttings removal can cause costly problems such as excessive drag, lower rate of penetration, and even mechanical pipe sticking. Cuttings bed height is usually used to evaluate hole-cleaning efficiency in horizontal wells. In this study, artificial intelligence models, including artificial neural network (ANN), support vector regression (SVR), recurrent neural network (RNN), and long short-term memory (LSTM), were employed to predict cuttings bed height in the well-bore. A total of 136 different tests were conducted, and cuttings bed height under different conditions were measured in our previous study. By training four different artificial intelligence models with the experiment data, it was found that the ANN model performed best among other artificial intelligence models. The ANN model outperformed the dimensionless cuttings bed height model proposed in our previous study. Due to the amount of data points, the memory ability of RNN and LSTM models has not been entirely played compared with the ANN model.
Production, Physicochemical and Structural Characterization of a Bioemulsifier Produced in a Culture Medium Composed of Sugarcane Bagasse Hemicellulosic Hydrolysate and Soybean Oil in the Context of Biorefineries
Authors: Barbosa Fernanda Gonçalves , Marcelino Paulo Ricardo Franco , Lacerda Talita Martins , Philippini Rafael Rodrigues , Giancaterino Emma Teresa , Mancebo Marcos Campos , dos Santos Júlio Cesar , da Silva Silvio Silvério
Published: November 2022

Biosurfactants are amphipathic molecules, biodegradable, with reduced toxicity. They can be synthesized by fermentative processes from oleaginous compounds and agro-industrial by-products. In this context, the present study describes the production and the physical, chemical, and structural characterization of the bioemulsifier secreted by the yeast Scheffersomyces shehatae 16-BR6-2AI in a medium containing hemicellulosic sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate combined with soybean oil. The bioemulsifier was produced in Erlenmeyer flasks and isolated; then, the physicochemical and structural characterization of the formed molecule was carried out. The following fermentation parameters were obtained: YX/S = 0.45, YP/S = 0.083, and productivity of 0.076 g/L/h. The bioemulsifier was found to be a polymer containing 53% of carbohydrates, 40.92% of proteins, and 6.08% of lipids, respectively. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of functional groups such as amides, amines, and carbonyls. The bioemulsifier was stable over a range of temperature (−20 °C to 120 °C), salinity (1–15%), and pH (2–12). It was observed that the biomolecule has a better emulsifying action in organic solvents with a non-polar character. Therefore, this biomolecule is a potential substitute for synthetic surfactants and can be used in different applications.
Effect of Hydraulic Retention Time and Organic-Loading Rate on Two-Staged, Semi-Continuous Mesophilic Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste during Start-Up
Authors: Parajuli Anmol , Khadka Aakash , Sapkota Lokesh , Ghimire Anish
Published: November 2022

The start-up of two-stage, semi-continuous mesophilic anaerobic digestion (TSAD) of food waste is stabilized by altering the hydraulic retention time (HRT) and organic-loading rate (OLR). The volumetric biogas yield and composition are studied at OLR (0.25–0.50 gVS/L/d) and HRT (10, 20, 40 days) initiating at OLR 0.25 g VS/L/d and HRT of 20 and 40 days for the respective reactors. Methane (CH4) from the first stage of the two-staged reactor decreased from 18.20% to 0.06%, fostering hydrogen production in 44 days when the HRT was reduced from 20 to 10 days and OLR increased from 0.25 gVS/L/d to 0.50 gVS/L/d. During the alarming volatile fatty acids (VFA)/alkalinity ratio of 0.76, feeding to the second-stage reactor was halted until pH was restored to 7.00. The restoration of methanogens was evident by an increase in methane from 39.15% to 67.48%. A stable TSAD system produced 22.32 ± 4.16 NmL/gVS and 161.02 ± 17.72 NmL/gVS of yield in respective reactors. Thus, TSAD paves the path for multiple biofuels, i.e., H2 and CH4.
Coconut-Fiber Composite Concrete: Assessment of Mechanical Performance and Environmental Benefits
Authors: Vélez Emilio , Rodríguez Ricardo , Yanchapanta Gómez Nicolay Bernardo , Mora Edgar David , Hernández Luis , Albuja-Sánchez Jorge , Calvo María Inés
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this qualification work is to study the physical and mechanical behavior of concrete with the addition of 0.5% and 1% coconut fiber, which has been subjected to two chemical treatments to reduce its degradation. The coconut fibers were extracted from the raw material and cut into pieces 4 cm long. Subsequently, the fibers were subjected to two chemical treatments. The first involved immersing the fibers in 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, and the second treatment involved coating them with gum arabic and silica fume. A total of 50 samples of fibers were collected in their natural and post-treated state to be tested. The dosage was prepared for design strengths of 210 and 240 kg/cm2 (20.59 and 23.54 MPa), so that the percentages of 0.5% and 1% volume of coconut fiber, for the two treatments selected, replaced the respective volume of coarse aggregates. The cylinders with 1% addition of fibers had the best performance for the design strength of 20.59 MPa, including the cylinders without fibers. Those with 0.5% addition of fibers presented better performance for the 23.54 MPa dosage, although this was lower than the cylinders without fibers. In all cases, the cylinders with NaOH-treated fibers outperformed their counterparts with fibers treated with gum arabic and silica fume. Finally, a CO2 balance was determined, and an environmental gain up to 14 kg in CO2 emissions was established for each cubic meter of composite concrete.
Minor Soil Elements in Contrasting Profiles in an Area Frequently Affected by Fire, NE Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Francos Marcos , Sánchez-García Carlos , Corvacho-Ganahín Oscar , Fernández-García Víctor
Published: November 2022

Forest fires are a major concern in Mediterranean areas, where factors such as slope and aspect determine the degree of water and nutrient retention and their availability in soil. In this work, we analysed the effects of slope and aspect on minor soil elements. The study area was located in Ódena (NE Iberian Peninsula) in a typical Mediterranean forest. Four geomorphologically representative and contrasting soil profiles were sampled from different slopes and aspects. Eleven samples were taken from each profile at different depths. The amount of extractable aluminium (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), boron (B), and lead (Pb) and the calcium (Ca):Al ratio in all horizons of each profile were determined. The results showed that Al, Fe, and Pb and the Ca:Al ratio were mainly affected by slope, whereas Mn, Zn, and B were especially conditioned by aspect. This type of study aims to determine which areas have to be managed in order to avoid not only soil contamination by heavy metals but also a shortage of certain essential nutrients for plant regeneration and, thus, improved soil quality.
Polystyrene Microparticles and the Functional Traits of Invertebrates: A Case Study on Freshwater Shrimp Neocardina heteropoda
Authors: Kučera Jozef , Púček Belišová Noemi , Mackuľak Tomáš , Ryba Jozef , Douda Karel , Bondarev Dmitrij , Slavík Ondrej , Tamáš Michal , Escobar Calderon Juan Felipe , Horký Pavel
Published: November 2022

The excessive worldwide production of plastic materials results in omnipresent microplastic pollution. Scientific studies dealing with the impacts of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems focus mainly on the marine environment, documenting the effect on the functional traits of various organisms. Polystyrene, one of the most commonly used plastics, has become a widely used model in this respect. In our study, freshwater shrimps (Neocardina heteropoda) were exposed to virgin polystyrene particles (size 0.5 mm; nominal concentration 8 mgL−1), and their behavioral and physiological responses were compared to control shrimp. The exposed shrimps exhibited modified activity patterns (greater speeds, accelerations and distances moved), accompanied by a lowered standard metabolic rate (SMR). The observed effects differed in their progression from the 7th to 14th day of exposure, from undetectable changes (distance, SMR) to significant differences (speed, acceleration). Significant differences were also detected in the behavioral syndromes expressed by the exposed and controlled shrimps, indicating that the microplastics influence not only the particular traits, but also their functional relationships. As such, our study contributes to the integration of behavioral ecotoxicology in risk assessment, documenting the adverse performance of freshwater invertebrates exposed to microplastics with the potential to transpose the problem to higher levels of the food web.
Three-Dimensional Simulations of Viscous Incompressible Fluid Flows on Grids with Unmatched Grid Interfaces
Authors: Kozelkov Andrey , Kurkin Andrey , Korotkov Aleksey , Lashkin Sergey , Lashkina Elmira
Published: November 2022

The paper describes a numerical method that considers specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) aspects of viscous incompressible flow simulations in the vicinity of interfaces between unmatched fragments of unstructured grids. The method is based on the general grid interface (GGI) principle, which involves conservative flux interpolation and does not require original grid modification at unmatched interfaces. A method is presented which combines adjacent unmatched fragments of an unstructured grid into a single domain by means of virtual interfaces considering connections between adjacent cells through virtual faces. The performance of the method is illustrated by the finite-volume discretization of the transport equation in the region of matched interfaces and its modification for the case of unmatched interfaces. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated by three-dimensional CFD simulations with grid models composed of unmatched unstructured grid fragments. The simulation results are compared with equivalent simulations on matched grids. The influence of unmatched interfaces on the convergence rate and accuracy of the solution is assessed.
Multi-Response Optimization of the Malting Process of an Italian Landrace of Rye (Secale cereale L.) Using Response Surface Methodology and Desirability Function Coupled with Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Calvi Antonio , Preiti Giovanni , Poiana Marco , Marconi Ombretta , Gastl Martina , Zarnkow Martin
Published: November 2022

Rye is used in some applications in the food and beverage industry and for the preparation of functional foods. It is an interesting raw material in malting and brewing due to its characteristic contribution to the beer’s color, turbidity, foam and aroma. The aim of this work was to optimize the micro-malting process of a rye landrace. The response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to study the influence of three malting parameters (germination time, germination temperature and degree of steeping) on the quality traits of malted rye. Long germination times at high temperatures resulted in an increase in the extract and Kolbach index. The model for the apparent attenuation limit showed a particular pattern, whereby time and temperature inversely influenced the response. The lowest viscosities were determined in the worts produced from highly modified malts. Optimization of the variables under study was achieved by means of a desirability function and a genetic algorithm. The two methodologies provided similar results. The best combination of parameters to optimize the malting process on the rye landrace under study was achieved at 6 days, 12 °C and 44 g/100 g.
Structural Analysis and Study of Gel Properties of Thermally-Induced Soybean Isolate–Potato Protein Gel System
Authors: Wang Fengqiujie , Gu Xuelian , Lü Mingshou , Huang Yuyang , Zhu Ying , Sun Ying , Zhu Xiuqing
Published: November 2022

Heat-induced composite gel systems consisting of different soybean protein isolate (SPI) and potato protein (PP) mixtures were studied to elucidate their “backbone” and property changes. This was achieved by comparing the ratio of non-network proteins, protein subunit composition, and aggregation of different gel samples. It was revealed that SPI was the “gel network backbone” and PP played the role of “filler” in the SPI-PP composite gel system. Compared with the composite gels at the same ratio, springiness and WHC decrease with PP addition. For hardness, PP addition showed a less linear trend. At the SPI-PP = 2/1 composite gel, hardness was more than doubled, while springiness and WHC did not decrease too much and increased the inter-protein binding. The hydrophobic interactions and electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding of the SPI gel system were enhanced. The scanning electron microscopy results showed that the SPI-based gel system was able to form a more compact and compatible gel network. This study demonstrates the use of PP as a potential filler that can effectively improve the gelling properties of SPI, thus providing a theoretical basis for the study of functional plant protein foods.
The Effect of Ginger Rhizome Addition and Storage Time on the Quality of Pork Meatloaf
Authors: Karpińska-Tymoszczyk Mirosława , Draszanowska Anna , Danowska-Oziewicz Marzena
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the effect of ginger-rhizome addition and storage time on the physicochemical and sensory quality of pork meatloaf. Three types of pork meatloaf were evaluated: control and with 1% and 2% addition of ginger. All meatloaves were vacuum packaged and stored for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days at 4 °C. The addition of ginger rhizome significantly reduced lipid oxidation, and the higher inclusion rate was more effective in this regard. Ginger decreased red-colour saturation (a*) and increased colour brightness. The addition of ginger rhizome at 2% induced a greater decrease in meat hardness and improved chewiness in comparison with 1% addition. Products containing ginger differed from the control sample in aroma, texture, and taste, but no significant differences were found in the overall quality of the compared samples.
Molecular Insights into the Mode of Action of Antibacterial Peptides Derived from Chicken Plasma Hydrolysates
Authors: Tian Fu , Rodtong Sureelak , Thumanu Kanjana , Hua Yanling , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat
Published: November 2022

Due to the overuse and abuse of antibiotics, several antibiotic resistant bacteria have emerged. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained attention as alternative antimicrobial agents because of their unique mode of action that impedes bacterial resistance. Two novel antibacterial peptides were isolated from Alcalase-hydrolyzed chicken plasma by size exclusion and reverse-phase chromatography. They were identified by LC-MS/MS to be VSDH and CCCPKAF, which showed effective antibacterial activity toward Bacillus cereus DMST 5040, with varied modes of action. The peptide CCCPKAF caused cell membrane disintegration, as evidenced by propidium iodide (PI) uptake. In contrast, the peptide VSDH targeted intracellular molecules, including proteins and nucleic acids, as revealed by Synchrotron-based Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR). The secondary structure of intracellular proteins increased to a β-sheet structure concomitant with a decrease in the α-helix structure when exposed to 0.5 mM VSDH. Molecular docking analysis revealed that VSDH showed high binding affinity for the active sites of the various enzymes involved in DNA synthesis. In addition, it showed good affinity for a chaperone protein (Dnak), resulting in the misfolding of intracellular proteins. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and molecular dynamics simulations also indicated that VSDH chelated well with Mg2+, which could partly contribute to its antibacterial activity.
Cell-Based Metabolomics Approach for Anticipating and Investigating Cytotoxicity of Gold Nanorods
Authors: Ji Jian , Sun Jiadi , Zhang Yinzhi , Sun Xiulan
Published: November 2022

Despite the increasing application of gold nanoparticles, there has been little assessment of biological system toxicity to evaluate their potential impact on human health. In this study, the human hepatoma cell line (Hep G2) was used in a metabolomics approach to study the effects of shape, time, and dose of gold nanorods (GNRs). Using optimized parameters for chromatography and mass spectrometry, the metabolites detected by GC-MS were processed with MS DIAL and identified with Fiehnlib. Key metabolic pathways affected by GNRs were identified by endo-metabolic profiling of cells mixed with GNRs of varying shape while varying the dose and time of exposure. The shape of GNRs affected cytotoxicity, and short GNR (GNR-S) triggered disorder of cell metabolism. High concentrations of GNRs caused more significant toxicity. The cytotoxicity and bioTEM results illustrated that the mitochondria toxicity, as the main cytotoxicity of GNRs, caused declining cytoprotective ability. The mitochondrial dysfunction disrupted alanine, aspartate, glutamate, arginine, and proline metabolism, with amino acid synthesis generally downregulated. However, the efflux function of cells can exclude GNRs extracellularly within 24 h, resulting in reduced cell mitochondrial metabolic toxicity and allowing metabolic disorders to recover to normal function.
Hypoglycemic Effect of Exopolysaccharide from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JLAU103 on Streptozotocin and High-Fat Diet-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Qi Yuan , Wang Danyang , Fang Li , Liu Xiaoting , Liu Chunlei , Zhao Fanrui , Wu Dan , Wang Xiyan , Wang Ji , Min Weihong
Published: November 2022

Two doses (300 mg/kg bw and 600 mg/kg bw) of the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum JLAU103 exopolysaccharide (EPS103) were orally administered to a type 2 diabetic (T2DM) mouse model induced by streptozotocin and a high-fat diet. The hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and neuroprotective effects of EPS103 on T2DM mice were evaluated. The results indicated that administration of EPS103 could alleviate insulin resistance, reduce the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, leptin and fasting serum insulin, improve glucose tolerance, protect pancreas and liver, and modulate blood lipid disorders. EPS103 promoted hepatic glycogen synthesis by upregulating the phosphorylation of GSK3β. Meanwhile, it upregulated the phosphorylation of IRS-1, PI3K and Akt, as well as the expression of IRS-2 and GLUT4, and downregulated the expression of PEPCK, G6Pase and PGC-1α, indicating that EPS103 promotes the uptake and transport of glucose and inhibits gluconeogenesis, which might be related to the activation of the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway. Additionally, EPS103 can protect against brain nerve damage through improving oxidative stress injury, restoring the expression of IRS-2, alleviating neuronal apoptosis and inhibiting inflammation in the hippocampus of T2DM mice. Taken together, our results demonstrated that EPS103 may be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of T2DM.
Effect of Corn Starch Granules on Stabilizing the Foam Structure of Ultrasonically Modified Whey Isolate Protein
Authors: Liu Jingxue , Xin Jiaying , Gao Tingting , Wang Guiru , Xia Chungu
Published: November 2022

In this study, the mechanism of ultrasound combined with corn starch granules (CSG) treatment improved the foam properties of whey protein isolates (WPI) and was systematically investigated. The results showed that ultrasound combined with corn starch granules treatment increased foam capacity and stability by 15.38% and 41.40%, respectively. Compared with the control group, corn starch granules enhanced the surface charge (52.38%) and system turbidity (51.43%), which certainly provided the necessary conditions for the improvement of foam stabilization stability. In addition, corn starch granules as microgel particles increased the mechanical properties of the interfacial protein film, thus delaying the instability of foam. This research would provide new insights into the design of new protein-based foam foods in the future food industry.
A Four Step Feedback Iteration and Its Applications in Fractals
Authors: Tassaddiq Asifa , Tanveer Muhammad , Azhar Muhammad , Nazeer Waqas , Qureshi Sania
Published: November 2022

Fractals play a vital role in modeling the natural environment. The present aim is to investigate the escape criterion to generate specific fractals such as Julia sets, Mandelbrot sets and Multi-corns via F-iteration using complex functions h(z)=zn+c, h(z)=sin(zn)+c and h(z)=ezn+c, n≥2,c∈C. We observed some beautiful Julia sets, Mandelbrot sets and Multi-corns for n = 2, 3 and 4. We generalize the algorithms of the Julia set and Mandelbrot set to visualize some Julia sets, Mandelbrot sets and Multi-corns. Moreover, we calculate image generation time in seconds at different values of input parameters.
Clans, Families and Kinship Structures in Scotland—An Essay
Authors: Durie Bruce
Published: November 2022

Anyone who has visited a Scottish Games or Gathering in North America will be struck by the number of Clan societies occupying tents around the Games ground and participating in a “Parade of Tartans”. Yet, a substantial number of these do not represent Highlands or Borders Clans, but are really descendants of Lowland Families. The “Clan” appellation has been applied wrongly to all of Scotland, as though this were the universal or at least the dominant form of social/kinship organization. The cultural appendages of that—kilts, tartans and Gaelic language—are considered uniformly Scottish. In reality, the clan system was a minority social structure in Scotland. The uncritical adoption of the term “Clan” ignores and minimizes the larger and more important Lowland Family structure. The nature of these two structures—Clan and Family—are compared and contrasted, and a case made for greater recognition of the Lowland Family as the pre-eminent form of social structure in Scotland. This has implications for, inter alia, genealogy, Scottish cultural and language studies, ethnicity and Y-DNA testing.
Evaluation of DNA Methylation Array for Glioma Tumor Profiling and Description of a Novel Epi-Signature to Distinguish IDH1/IDH2 Mutant and Wild-Type Tumors
Authors: Schenkel Laila C. , Mathew Joseph , Hirte Hal , Provias John , Paré Guillaume , Chong Michael , Grafodatskaya Daria , McCready Elizabeth
Published: November 2022

Molecular biomarkers, such as IDH1/IDH2 mutations and 1p19q co-deletion, are included in the histopathological and clinical criteria currently used to diagnose and classify gliomas. IDH1/IDH2 mutation is a common feature of gliomas and is associated with a glioma-CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP). Aberrant genomic methylation patterns can also be used to extrapolate information about copy number variation in a tumor. This project’s goal was to assess the feasibility of DNA methylation array for the simultaneous detection of glioma biomarkers as a more effective testing strategy compared to existing single analyte tests. Methods: Whole-genome methylation array (WGMA) testing was performed using 48 glioma DNA samples to detect methylation aberrations and chromosomal gains and losses. The analyzed samples include 39 tumors in the discovery cohort and 9 tumors in the replication cohort. Methylation profiles for each sample were correlated with IDH1 p.R132G mutation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and previous 1p19q clinical testing to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the WGMA assay for the detection of these variants. Results: We developed a DNA methylation signature to specifically distinguish a IDH1/IDH2 mutant tumor from normal samples. This signature is composed of 11 CpG sites that were significantly hypermethylated in the IDH1/IDH2 mutant group. Copy number analysis using WGMA data was able to identify five of five positive samples for 1p19q co-deletion and was concordant for all negative samples. Conclusions: The DNA methylation signature presented here has the potential to refine the utility of WGMA to predict IDH1/IDH2 mutation status of gliomas, thus improving diagnostic yield and efficiency of laboratory testing compared to single analyte IDH1/IDH2 or 1p19q tests.
Inferring bona fide Differentially Expressed Genes and Their Variants Associated with Vitamin K Deficiency Using a Systems Genetics Approach
Authors: Rajagopal Shalini , Sharma Akanksha , Simlot Anita , Mathur Praveen , Mehta Sudhir , Mehta Sumita , Naravula Jalaja , Medicherla Krishna , Kumar Anil , Kanga Uma , Suravajhala Renuka , Bhandari Ramji , Nair Bipin , Kishor P. , Suravajhala Prashanth
Published: November 2022

Systems genetics is key for integrating a large number of variants associated with diseases. Vitamin K (VK) is one of the scarcely studied disease conditions. In this work, we ascertained the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and variants associated with individual subpopulations of VK disease phenotypes, viz., myocardial infarction, renal failure and prostate cancer. We sought to ask whether or not any DEGs harbor pathogenic variants common in these conditions, attempt to bridge the gap in finding characteristic biomarkers and discuss the role of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biogenesis of VK deficiencies.
On Representing Extreme Experiences in Writing and Translation: Omid Tofighian on Translating the Manus Prison Narratives
Authors: Tofighian Omid
Published: November 2022

On 10 June 2021, the Norwegian translator Signe Prøis (for publisher Camino Forlag) organised an event with both Behrouz Boochani and Omid Tofighian (both by video link from New Zealand and Australia) in conversation with translation studies scholar Erlend Wichne (University of Agder, Norway; Agder forum for translation studies). The event was titled: ‘Can I translate it? On representing extreme experiences in writing and translation’. The dialogue in this article features excerpts from the seminar with a focus on Tofighian’s translation of Boochani’s No Friend but the Mountains: Writing from Manus Prison (2018) into English. The topics covered include responsibility, translation as activism, some aspects of the broader context to translating No Friend but the Mountains, the role of place, and a shared philosophical activity.
Dental Students’ Experience, Impact, and Response to Patient Aggression in Saudi Arabia: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Khanagar Sanjeev B. , Aldawas Ibrahim , Almutairi Abdullah , Alamro Mohammed , Altammami Naif , Aldakhil Sultan , Hodan Suliman
Published: November 2022

Patient aggression and violence comprise a wide range of behaviors and actions that may include verbal aggression and physical aggression. The aim of this study is to report dental students’ experience with, impact from, and response to patient aggression in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among dental students from various health universities representing each region of Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured and validated questionnaire. A total of 375 participants responded to the questionnaire and 121 (32.3%) study participants reported experiencing patient aggression. Out of those, 91 (75.21%) experienced patients displaying anger or raising their voice toward them, 37 (30.58%) reported being insulted by a patient, 22 (18.18%) reported being threatened, 12 (6.2%) had experienced sexual harassment, and 65 (50.41%) had experienced verbal harassment. Furthermore, 91 (75.21%) participants reported being abandoned by patients because they were students. A total of 55 (45.45%) participants stated that aggressive patient behavior had an impact on their clinical performance, and 44 (36.36%) considered themselves stressed out. A total of 24 (19.83%) participants took time off due to incidents and 22 (18.18%) thought about quitting dentistry. Prevalence of patient aggression was significant among dental students in Saudi Arabia. These episodes of patient aggression negatively impacted students’ academic performance and wellbeing, necessitating urgent attention. Educational institutions should conduct periodic workshops for students in order to address these issues. Policymakers should develop better policies in order to reduce violence and aggression against health care providers.
Acute and Prolonged Effects of Dermal Suction on Joint Range of Motion and Passive Muscle Stiffness: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Enomoto Shota , Shibutani Tomonari , Akihara Yu , Yamada Kazunori , Oda Toshiaki
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the acute and prolonged effects of dermal suction on joint range of motion (ROM) and passive muscle stiffness. Eight-minute dermal suction was prescribed for the quadriceps femoris in 15 participants. Hip extension ROM, knee flexion ROM, and passive muscle stiffness of the rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL) were measured before and immediately, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min, 24 h, and 48 h after dermal suction. Passive muscle stiffness was measured using shear wave elastography. Hip extension ROM significantly increased immediately (p = 0.032), 60 min (p = 0.029), and 120 min (p = 0.031) after dermal suction compared with before dermal suction; however, it was not significantly different at 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after dermal suction (p > 0.05). Passive muscle stiffness of the RF and VL and knee flexion ROM did not significantly change at any measurement time compared with before dermal suction (p > 0.05). Our preliminary results suggest that dermal suction improves hip extension ROM immediately after dermal suction of the quadriceps femoris, followed by a return to the pre-prescription level 30 min after. However, the effect was prolonged for 120 min and disappeared before 24 h.
Medication Adherence in Hypertensive Individuals in Panama 2019: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Guerra Carlos , Conte Eric , Del Rio Angela Isabel , Motta Jorge , Moreno Velásquez Ilais , Quintana Hedley Knewjen
Published: November 2022

Poor medication adherence is a public health concern leading to a large burden of cardiovascular disease among persons with hypertension. Using data from 3281 persons with diagnosed hypertension (N = 622,581) from the Panamanian National Health Survey (ENSPA) collected in 2019, we assessed the national prevalence of low-moderate medication adherence in hypertensive individuals using the 4-scale Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (4-MMAS) and identifying gender-specific associated factors. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between possible risk factors and low-moderate medication adherence with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) stratified by gender. The national prevalence of low-moderate medication adherence was 78.2% (95% CI: 74.7–81.0%); in men it was 74.4% (95% CI: 67.5–80.3%) and in women it was 81.4% (78.4–84.0%). In women, low-moderate medication adherence was associated with living in indigenous area (OR: 5.15; 95% CI: 1.40–18.98), educational level (OR no formal education: 0.77, 95% CI 0.28–2.14; OR for primary education: 0.76, 95% CI 0.38–1.56; OR for secondary education: 0.90, 95% CI 0.48–1.70; Higher education as reference), increased BMI (normal as reference, OR for overweight: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.73–2.50, OR for obesity: 1.65, 95% CI: 0.90–3.03) and medical diagnosis of anxiety/depression (OR: 4.89, 95% CI: 1.36–17.49). However, in men, it was associated with having secondary education (OR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.03–8.36), currently smoking (OR: 16.74, 95% CI: 1.83–152.70), taking antihypertensive medication with denial of hypertension diagnosis (OR: 4.35, 95% CI: 1.11–17.11) and having less than three annual check-ups (OR for no health check-ups: 2.97, 95% CI: 0.63–13.88; OR for 1–2 check-ups: 1.61, 95% CI: 0.78–3.32: three or more health check-ups: reference). Time since diagnosis was inversely associated with low-moderate adherence. This study assesses for the first time the national prevalence of low-moderate medication adherence among hypertensive individuals in Panama. Low-moderate medication adherence is an important public health issue that should be addressed to achieve blood pressure control in patients diagnosed with hypertension, taking into account gender-specific factors.
Ensuring Equitable Access to the COVID-19 Vaccine: The Experience of A Local Health Unit in Rome, Italy
Authors: Turatto Federica , Sassano Michele , Goletti Mauro , Severoni Santino , Grossi Adriano , Parente Paolo
Published: November 2022

Growing evidence is emerging on the higher risk of infection and adverse outcomes for the most disadvantaged groups of the population, and COVID-19 vaccination campaigns worldwide are struggling to ensure equitable access to immunization for all. From 21 June 2021 to 15 October 2021, the Local Health Unit ASL Roma 1 adopted a tailored immunization strategy to reach socially vulnerable groups of the population with the primary vaccination course. This strategy was developed with a step-by-step, participatory approach. Through engagement with internal and external stakeholders, target groups were identified, potential barriers analyzed, solutions discussed, and tailored interventions designed. Over nine thousand individuals from among irregular migrants, homeless people and hard-to-reach communities were contacted and vaccinated.
Extraction of Event-Related Information from Text for the Representation of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Ntafotis Emmanouil , Zidianakis Emmanouil , Partarakis Nikolaos , Stephanidis Constantine
Published: November 2022

In knowledge representation systems for Cultural Heritage (CH) there is a vast amount of curated textual information for CH objects and sites. However, the large-scale study of the accumulated knowledge is difficult as long as it is provided in the form of free text. By extracting the most significant pieces of information from textual descriptions of CH objects and sites and compiling them in a single comprehensive knowledge graph, conforming to a standard would facilitate its exploitation from multiple perspectives including study, presentation and narratives. The method proposed by this research work was to employ Natural Language Processing, and reinforcement learning for semantic knowledge extraction, and a knowledge representation standard of the CH domain for the knowledge graph thus making the extracted knowledge directly compatible with linked open data platforms and CH representation systems.
Characteristics of Organic Phosphorus Pool in Soil of Typical Agriculture Systems in South China
Authors: Li Tong , Yao Jianwu , Zeng Ruikun , Chen Yong , Hu Lijiang , Zou Mengyao , Ning Jianfeng
Published: November 2022

Organic phosphorus (P) is an important potential source of plant P nutrition in agro-ecosystems. It was hypothesized that the soil organic P pools were distinguished one from another by different land-utilization patterns. A total of 38 sites were sampled, to clarify the organic P pool and its distribution in paddy fields, vegetable fields, and orchards. Soil organic P fractions, including labile organic P (LOP), moderately labile organic P (MLOP), moderately resistant organic P (MROP) and highly resistant organic P (HROP) were examined. Results showed that the soil total P (TP) and available P (AP) concentration have enhanced by 138% and 1559%, respectively, over the last four decades. The soil total organic P (TOP) accounted for 21.4% of the TP pool. Soil MLOP dominated the organic P reservoir, irrespective of land-planting pattern. Soil organic P fractions ranked as MLOP > MROP > HROP > LOP. The highest accumulations of TP, AP and TOP were in the vegetable fields, followed by orchards and paddy fields. The vegetable fields had higher LOP and MLOP levels than those of the paddy fields and orchards, whereas the paddy fields exhibited higher concentrations of MROP, and HROP. Soil pH, organic matter and available nitrogen all contributed to the buildup of the organic P pool. It was suggested that soil organic P should be considered preferentially in the management of the plant P nutrient in regional planting systems.
Differentiated Spatial-Temporal Flood Vulnerability and Risk Assessment in Lowland Plains in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Erima Godwin , Kabenge Isa , Gidudu Antony , Bamutaze Yazidhi , Egeru Anthony
Published: November 2022

This study was conducted to map flood inundation areas along the Manafwa River, Eastern Uganda using HECRAS integrated with the SWAT model. The study mainly sought to evaluate the predictive capacity of SWAT by comparisons with streamflow observations and to derive, using HECRAS, the flood inundation maps. Changes in Land-use/cover showed by decrease in forest areas and wetlands, and conversions into farmlands and built-up areas from 1995 to 2017 have resulted in increased annual surface runoff, sediment yield, and water yield. Flood frequency analysis for 100-, 50-, 10-, and 5-year return periods estimated peak flows of 794, 738, 638, and 510 m3/s, respectively, and total inundated areas of 129, 111, 101, and 94 km2, respectively. Hazard classification of flood extent indicated that built-up areas and commercial farmlands are highly vulnerable, subsistence farmlands are moderately to highly vulnerable, and bushland, grassland, tropical high forest, woodland, and wetland areas are very low to moderately vulnerable to flooding. Results demonstrated the usefulness of combined modeling systems in predicting the extent of flood inundation, and the developed flood risk maps will enable the policy makers to mainstream flood hazard assessment in the planning and development process for mitigating flood hazards.
Hygiene of Medical Devices and Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations for Alcohol-Based and QAC Disinfectants among Isolates from Physical Therapy Departments
Authors: Rozman Urška , Duh Darja , Cimerman Mojca , Turk Sonja Šostar
Published: November 2022

Disinfectants are used intensively to control and prevent healthcare-associated infections. With continuous use and exposure to disinfectants, bacteria may develop reduced susceptibility. The study aimed to check the hygiene of devices in the physiotherapy department. For isolated bacterial strains, we aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of five different disinfectant wipe products currently in use. Microbiological environmental sampling in four various institutions in four different cities from two counties was performed, followed by CFU calculation and identification using matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization with time-of-flight analyzer mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). The sampling was performed on three different occasions: before patient use, after patient use, and after disinfection. The susceptibility of isolates to three different alcohol-based and three different quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) disinfectant wipes was examined by determining the minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC). We identified 27 different bacterial species from 11 different genera. Gram-positive bacteria predominated. The most abundant genera were Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, and Bacillus. The average MIC values of alcohol-based disinfectants range between 66.61 and 148.82 g/L, and those of QAC-based disinfectants range between 2.4 and 3.5 mg/L. Distinctive strains with four-fold increases in MIC values, compared to average values, were identified. The widespread use of disinfectants can induce a reduction in the susceptibility of bacteria against disinfectants and affect the increase in the proportion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Therefore, it is urgent to define clear criteria for defining a microorganism as resistant to disinfectants by setting epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) values and standardizing protocols for testing the resistance of microorganisms against disinfectants.
The Role of Gender in the Association between Mental Health and Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Cedrone Fabrizio , Catalini Alessandro , Stacchini Lorenzo , Berselli Nausicaa , Caminiti Marta , Mazza Clara , Cosma Claudia , Minutolo Giuseppa , Di Martino Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Psychiatric disorders and substance abuse are barriers that limit access to timely treatment and can lead to Potentially Preventable Hospitalizations (PPH). The aim of this study is to identify the role played by gender in the association between mental health and PPH. Hospital discharge records (HDRs) from the Local Health Authority of Pescara (Italy) from 2015 to 2021 were examined and PPH were measured according to Prevention Quality Indicators (PQIs) provided by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. In total, 119,730 HDRs were eligible for the study and 21,217 patients fell into the PQI categories. Mental health disorders and addictions were extracted from the HDRs through the Elixhauser Enhanced ICD-9-CM algorithm. The association between PQI hospitalization and some predictors considered was evaluated with multivariate logistic regression models. In males and females, alcohol abuse showed a protective role towards preventable admissions for PQI-90 (all types of conditions) and PQI-92 (chronic conditions). In contrast, there is a gender gap in accessibility to primary health care, especially for acute conditions leading to PPH. Indeed, in males, PQI-91 admissions for acute conditions were found to be positively associated with drug abuse, psychosis, and depression, whereas this was not the case for females.
The Need for Breathing Training Techniques: The Elephant in the Heart Failure Cardiac Rehabilitation Room: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Farghaly Abeer , Fitzsimons Donna , Bradley Judy , Sedhom Magda , Atef Hady
Published: November 2022

Background: Although solid evidence has indicated that respiratory symptoms are common amongst patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), state-of-the-art cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs do not typically include management strategies to address respiratory symptoms. This study investigated the effect of the addition of breathing exercises (BE) to the CR programs in CHF. Methods: In a two parallel-arm randomized controlled study (RCT), 40 middle-aged patients with CHF and respiratory symptoms were recruited and randomized into two equal groups (n = 20); group (A): standard CR with BE and group (B): standard CR alone. Primary outcomes were respiratory parameters and secondary outcomes included cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary outcomes. All the participants attended a program of aerobic exercise (three sessions/week, 60–75% MHR, 45–55 min) for 12 weeks, plus educational, nutritional, and psychological counseling. Group (A) patients attended the same program together with BE using inspiratory muscle training (IMT) and breathing calisthenics (BC) (six sessions/week, 15–25 min) for the same duration. Results: There was a significant improvement in the respiratory outcomes, and most of the cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary outcomes in both groups with a greater change percentage in group A (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These results indicate that the addition of BE to the CR programs in CHF is effective and is a “patient-centered” approach.
Associations between Duration of Homelessness and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Pilot Study
Authors: Gao Jie , Qu Haiyan , McGregor Keith M. , Yadav Amrej Singh , Yuen Hon K.
Published: November 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the United States disproportionally affects people who are homeless. This disparity is a critical concern that needs to be addressed to improve the health of individuals who are homeless. The connections between a history of homelessness, i.e., its duration and frequency, and CVD risk are not well understood. The present study sought to investigate how a history of homelessness is correlated with CVD risk factors in a sample of homeless persons in the Deep South. This study recruited participants who were homeless from two local adult homeless shelters in Birmingham, AL. Participants (n = 61) underwent interviews, physical measurements, and a capillary blood draw. Their mean age was 47 years, and 82% were men. Results showed the duration of homelessness was positively associated with several CVD risk factors (diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein). However, there was no significant association between frequency of homelessness and any CVD risk factors. To get the more accurate estimate of CVD risk in this population, future research should incorporate additional risk factors related to homelessness and seek to develop a robust strategy to collect an accurate history of homelessness.
A Thirty-Minute Nap Enhances Performance in Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Tests during and after Ramadan Observance
Authors: Yagin Fatma Hilal , Eken Özgür , Bayer Ramazan , Salcman Vaclav , Gabrys Tomasz , Koç Hürmüz , Yagin Burak , Eken İsmihan
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of a 30 min nap (N30) on the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) both during and after Ramadan. Ten physically active kickboxers (age: 21.20 ± 1.61 years, height: 174.80 ± 4.34 cm, body mass: 73.30 ± 7.10 kg and body mass index (BMI): 24.00 ± 2.21 kg/m2) voluntarily performed the RAST test after an N30 and in a no-nap condition (NN) during two experimental periods: the last ten days of Ramadan (DR) and ∼3 weeks after Ramadan (AR). During each DR-NN, DR-N30, AR-NN and AR-N30 protocol, kickboxers performed RAST performance. A statistically significant difference was found between Ramadan periods (DR vs. AR) in terms of max power (W) (F = 80.93; p1 < 0.001; η2p = 0.89), minimum power (W) (F = 49.05; p1 < 0.001; η2p = 0.84), average power (W) (F = 83.79; p1 < 0.001; η2p = 0.90) and fatigue index (%) results (F = 11.25; p1 = 0.008; η2p = 0.55). In addition, the nap factor was statistically significant in terms of the max power (W) (F = 81.89; p2 < 0.001; η2p = 0.90), minimum power (W) (F = 80.37; p2 < 0.001; η2p = 0.89), average power (W) (F = 108.41; p2 < 0.001; η2p = 0.92) and fatigue index (%) results (F = 16.14; p2 = 0.003; η2p = 0.64). Taking a daytime nap benefits subsequent performance in RAST. The benefits of napping were greater after an N30 opportunity for DR and AR.
Psychometric Properties of the Brazilian Version of GOHAI among Community-Dwelling Elderly People
Authors: Vettore Mario Vianna , Rebelo Maria Augusta Bessa , Rebelo Vieira Janete Maria , Cardoso Evangeline Maria , Birman Dina , Leão Anna Thereza Thomé
Published: November 2022

This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). A representative sample of 613 community-dwelling elderly people aged from 65 to 74 years was selected. Sociodemographic data, GOHAI and self-perceived oral health measures were collected. Dental clinical measures were obtained through oral examinations. The dimensional structure and adequacy of components were assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), inter-item correlations and item–scale correlations. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients. Correlations between GOHAI scores and self-reported oral health measures were conducted to assess convergent validity. The relationship between dental clinical measures and GOHAI was tested through Poisson Regression to examine discriminant validity. The link between GOHAI items and dimensions was supported by CFA. Item 12 showed a poor factor loading. The inter-item correlations varied from 0.047 to 0.442, and item–scale correlations ranged from 0.305 to 0.612. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.704. The test–retest correlation for GOHAI was 0.882. GOHAI scores were correlated by self-rated oral health measures. Poor dental clinical measures were associated with GOHAI. The Brazilian version of GOHAI showed adequate psychometric properties. However, the weak dimensional structure of GOHAI suggests the need to perform cross-cultural adaptation of GOHAI for Brazilian elderly people.