bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Determinants of Cultural Attendance of the MZ Generation: Based on the 2021 Social Survey
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Choi Soonhwa
Published: June 2022

This study aims to identify factors affecting the cultural attendance of the MZ generation, who are leading the recovery of the cultural market after COVID-19. Based on cultural capital theory and related research, a research model including cultural, economic, social, and environmental capital as predictive variables was presented, and the 2021 Social Survey data was used for analysis. The model fit test was conducted considering the characteristics of the dependent variable with a high frequency of 0, and Zero Inflated Negative Binomial model was adopted for analysis. It was found that the possibility of cultural attendance increased with higher education, more book reading, and more regular newspaper reading. In addition, those who have higher income, participate in economic activities, and live in the metropolitan area were more likely to attend cultural performances. It was found that the narrower the social network composed of family and relatives and the wider the social network of non family, the bigger the possibility of cultural viewing. The frequency of cultural attendance increased significantly for those who read more books, participate in economic activities, with wider social network of family and relatives, and live in the metropolitan area. This study provides information for theoretical development and suggests implications for activating cultural consumption of the MZ generation.
Impact of Learning Community Programs in College on the Competency of Conscientiousness
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim AReum , Oh Mija
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of operating learning community programs in many colleges on participating students’ competency of conscientiousness. To this end, the study conducted pre- and post-surveys of college students who participated in the programs, and analyzed the responses of 77 students who answered both pre- and post-surveys. According to the results of the analysis, participants in the learning community programs showed a 0.19 point higher competency of conscientiousness than that of non-participants. The p-value of the analysis showed a statistically significant result at 0.007 Also, as for the sub-factors of conscientiousness, that is, self-control and performance abilities, the results of the post-survey were 0.21 and 0.23 point, respectively, higher than those of the pre-survey. Their p-values showed statistically significant results at 0.003 and 0.005, respectively. This is to say that the learning community programs were instrumental in developing students’ competency of conscientiousness. To maintain this effect of the learning community programs, the study suggests that the programs be operated from quantitative aspects. In other words, schools need to strengthen management or feedback from the perspective of operators rather than simply expanding the learning community programs to increase quantitative performance by increasing the number of programs and participants in the programs.
A Study on the Effectiveness of Self-exploring ‘Words’ and ‘Episodes’ in Job-seeking Writing
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Oh Seieun
Published: June 2022

This study attempted to discuss the effects of finding ‘words’ and finding ‘episodes’ as a methodology for college students to write self-introduction letters. It is to effectively write a selfintroduction letter by recognizing the importance of organizing vocabulary, sentences, and paragraphs, which are the basics of writing. It will be a useful task to arrange the meaning of words to highlight self by exploring one’s own life, and episodes that will explain one's values and outlook on life in writing a self introduction letter. In this process, students most frequently mentioned words such as ‘laughter’ or ‘passion’ and challenge, persistence, revolution, change, patience, and cooperation. Through the writing of episodes, students searched for anecdotes that would explain their own growth and failure experiences, experience career in activities, motivation for applying, and vision and aspirations, and they paid attention to how these experiences changed and made themselves realize. Writing creative self introduction letters should start with practicing the basics as a composition of writing. When writing a self introduction letter, understanding the importance of ‘words’ and ‘episodes’, students will prepare a creative self for their own ‘I’.
The Analysis of Structural Relationships among Subjects, Environments, and Resources for Promotion of the Korean Wave Exports in Music Education: Focusing on Local Universities in Korea
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Ahn Youngheyi
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted on the premise that in the crisis of local universites it is urgent to improve the quality of local universities and to make a turning point in exporting our advanced education through a quantitative increase in the number of foreign students. Accordingly, in order to analyze the structural relationship between the subject, environment, and resources for the promotion of Korean Wave of exporting music education, variables of subject, environment, and resource perceived by members of local universities in Korea were designed. In addition, the structural causal relationship between these variables was empirically identified. This study looked at 144 members who teach music education, music, applied music at local universities in Korea. Looking at the main research results, it was found that there was a significant positive (+) effect among the variables of subject, environment, and resources for the promotion of Korean wave exports in music education. Based on the results of the study, specific proposals for revitalizing local universities were suggested from a practical point of view. In addition, the limitations and future tasks that appeared during the study are presented.
The Effects of Recall and Sensory Stimulation Horticultural Therapy on Emotion in Terminal Cancer Patients
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Ra Eunhee , Kim Sangwoon , Yun Sukyoung
Published: June 2022

This study Based on the themes and stories of terminal cancer patients, was able to observe various emotional expressions of 120 terminal cancer patients (60 men and 60 women) through recall and sensory stimulation horticultural therapy once a week for 10 to 15 minutes, one to one at D city D hospital from July 12, 2017 to December 27, 2019. As emotional expression, the ratio of positive and negative emotions was investigated. The ratio of pleasure (32.5%) and fun (28.3%) was high in static emotion. In emotional expression by horticultural material, the rate of using cut flower (30.0%) in static emotional pleasure, using differentiation (27.5%), and using processification (40.0%) was shown. The feeling of helplessness in the expression of negative emotions was 26.7% for both males and females, and it is thought that horticultural therapy may be a vital force for the boredom that comes from living in a hospital and fighting a disease. It is insufficient to generalize as it was conducted in one hospice hospital. It is thought that various attempts to change emotions and physiology are needed based on the current emotional response. Based on the fact that both men and women had a lot of helplessness in negative emotions, it is thought that it will be helpful for a more lively and happy life if we study how the activity of sympathetic nervous system works on vitality. In this study, the ratio of static emotional expression was high, so it is expected to be used as basic data on how the expression of static emotion works on the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.
The Effects of Work Motivation on Employee Discipline in Tanjungkarang Barat Sub-District of Bandar Lampung
Authors: Yamin Yuliana , Pujiati Ani
Published: June 2022

This research aimed to determine the effect of work motivation on employees’ work discipline in the Tanjungkarang Barat sub-district of Bandar Lampung. The researchers collected the data through observation, questionnaires, and documentation. Furthermore, the data analysis technique used was the t-test. The t-test analysis revealed that the t­observed value (9.150) was higher than tcritical (2.82) at a significant level of 0.05. Therefore, the hypothesis that there was an influence between work motivations (X) on work discipline (Y) on Tanjung Karang Barat sub-district’s employees was accepted. The variables influenced each other, evidenced by the coefficient of determination of 79.9%, and the remaining 20.1% was influenced by other factors.
Analisis Penggunaan Energi Listrik di Gedung Instalasi Bedah Sentral dan Perawatan Intensif
Authors: Slamet Nurhadi  , Heri Sungkowo
Published: June 2022

Energy audit is a technique for calculating Energy Consumption Intensity (IKE) and aims to determine the energy use profile of a building and seek efforts to increase energy efficiency without reducing the comfort level of the building. The analytical method used is to make observations at Waluyo Jati Hospital by measuring the building area and ensuring appropriate lighting. Based on the Initial Energy Audit (AEA) which has been calculated and measured, the value of the intensity of energy has not met the standard because it is below the IKE standard for hospitals, which is 32.90617486 kWh/m2 on account calculations and 31.51399876 kWh /m2 on measurements that have been made, while the hospital IKE standard is 380 kWh/m2. The lighting system in the building still does not meet the standard of lighting strength according to the Regulation of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia No. 7 of 2019 concerning hospital environmental health. And for the lighting system it is not optimal and efficient, where the power consumption before repair according to the calculation is 4343.04 kWh, while after repair it becomes 4181.76 kWh / month 4343.04 kWh. The way to make energy use more efficient is to utilize natural light from the sun and change lamps and install energy-saving stickers in every corner of the room in the Central Surgical Installation and Intensive Care building at Waluyo Jati Kraksaan Hospital
Perencanaan Instalasi Penangkal Petir Pada Bangunan Industri Furniture
Authors: Sukamdi  , Dali Sri Wahyuni , Chandra Wiharya
Published: June 2022

In planning external protection systems, the methods that are widely used are conventional and electrostatic lightning rod methods, therefore to study further, the results of observations that have been made to the industry there is still no lightning rod system so the author will try to plan and compare the plans of the two types of rods. lightning rods are Conventional ( Franklin ) and Electrostatic ( EF Lightning Protection System ) lightning rods in terms of protection, technical, economical, advantages and disadvantages. The research and observation methods were carried out in the furniture industry area of PT. Marufuji Kenzai Indonesia, with data collection techniques through direct observation, interviews, and literature studies, so that the building plan data (height, width and length of the building) are obtained and the 2020 thunder day data (IKL 238) then the data obtained is used to calculate the parameters in planning the installation of lightning rods according to the standards of SNI 03-7015-2004 and PUIPP. So that the results obtained for planning the conventional method ( Franklin ) with the placement of air terminations using the rolling ball method obtained 22 finials installed with buildings that can withstand currents of up to 160.1 kA and for the electrostatic method ( EF Lightning Protection System ) with 1 finial the building can withstand currents up to 25,891 kA, and if it exceeds this value a lightning rod will be caught.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ON EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY IN MANUFACTURING FIRMS AT PENANG, MALAYSIA
Authors:   University Sultan Azlan Shah Faculty of Management and Information Technology, MD AMIN BOKHORI
Published: June 2022

This study evaluated the relationship between occupational safety and health effectiveness on employees' safety in manufacturing firms in Penang, Malaysia. A sample size of 222 respondents was taken from 28 electrical manufacturing firms with a 6322 population and 361 samples to examine the relationship. A questionnaire was designed for data collection to measure safety and health procedures, safety and health policies, and work hazards and risk control on employees' safety in manufacturing firms. A stratified sampling method was used, and the data was analyzed using SmartPls 3.7.8. The study showed that safety and health procedures, safety and health policies, and work hazards and risk control have a significant relationship with employees' safety in manufacturing firms. However, the limitation of this study only covers electrical manufacturing firms. Suggested for future study focus on electronic, plastic, and fabricated manufacturing firms to be more effective in improving manufacturing firms' learning and development practices.
On the fractal self-organization of the financial time series
Authors: Hilarov Vladimir
Published: June 2022

Time series of five financial indexes daily returns were analyzed by means of multifractal and recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) methods. It is shown that a financial crisis in 2008 year is accompanied with the increase in determinism and fractal self-organization. Such regularity is noted as analogous to other nonlinear systems behavior in catastrophic situations. At the same time, the global Hürst coefficient is minimal during the crises instead of maximum for physical systems.
Enhanced Microvasculature Formation and Patterning in iPSC–Derived Kidney Organoids Cultured in Physiological Hypoxia
Authors: Schumacher Anika , Roumans Nadia , Rademakers Timo , Joris Virginie , Eischen-Loges Maria José , van Griensven Martijn , LaPointe Vanessa L.S.
Published: June 2022

Stem cell–derived kidney organoids have been shown to self-organize from induced pluripotent stem cells into most important renal structures. However, the structures remain immature in culture and contain endothelial networks with low connectivity and limited organoid invasion. Furthermore, the nephrons lose their phenotype after approximately 25 days. To become applicable for future transplantation, further maturation in vitro is essential. Since kidneys in vivo develop in hypoxia, we studied the modulation of oxygen availability in culture. We hypothesized that introducing long-term culture at physiological hypoxia, rather than the normally applied non-physiological, hyperoxic 21% O2, could initiate angiogenesis, lead to enhanced growth factor expression and improve the endothelial patterning. We therefore cultured the kidney organoids at 7% O2 instead of 21% O2 for up to 25 days and evaluated nephrogenesis, growth factor expression such as VEGF-A and vascularization. Whole mount imaging revealed a homogenous morphology of the endothelial network with enhanced sprouting and interconnectivity when the kidney organoids were cultured in hypoxia. Three-dimensional vessel quantification confirmed that the hypoxic culture led to an increased average vessel length, likely due to the observed upregulation of VEGFA-189 and VEGFA-121, and downregulation of the antiangiogenic protein VEGF-A165b measured in hypoxia. This research indicates the importance of optimization of oxygen availability in organoid systems and the potential of hypoxic culture conditions in improving the vascularization of organoids.
Diversification in Feeding Pattern of Livestock in Early Bronze Age Northwestern China
Authors: Qiu Menghan , Li Haoran , Lu Minxia , Yang Yishi , Zhang Shanjia , Li Ruo , Chen Guoke , Ren Lele
Published: June 2022

Animal husbandry has been an indispensable part of human subsistence since the origin of agriculture. Along with the prehistoric cultural exchange, several kinds of major domestic animals diffused and gradually got popularized across the Eurasia. The specific geographic setting makes the Hexi Corridor in northwestern China one of the key regions to converge various types of major crops and livestock, and to witness the deep impact of novel species on local subsistence. Archeological evidence reveals an emergence of early oriental-occidental cultural communication at the opening of the local Bronze Age in Hexi Corridor, resulting in a significant shift of local subsistence. However, due to the lack of more detailed archeological evidence, the initial timing and trajectory of the transformation of livestock feeding patterns remain unclear. In this study, we reported systematic stable isotope and precise radiocarbon dating analyses on faunal remains unearthed from Huoshiliang and Ganggangwa, two Early Bronze Age settlements (ca. 4,000–3,700 BP) in middle Hexi Corridor. Our results show distinct diversification in livestock feeding patterns at ∼3,850 cal BP; in contrast with previous periods, some omnivorous livestock appear to have consumed mainly C3 foodstuff and some herbivorous livestock primarily consumed C4 plants. Combined with published stable isotope data and other archeological findings in the neighboring region, a clearer trajectory of the evolution of livestock feeding patterns has been revealed with diversified strategy amid the transformation during the Early Bronze Age in Hexi Corridor. We argued that the alteration of the local livestock feeding pattern reflects the attempt to achieve more efficient economy and sustainable society, in order to withstand the harsh arid environment in Hexi Corridor.
Selection and Validation of Reference Genes for Pan-Cancer in Platelets Based on RNA-Sequence Data
Authors: Wen Xiaoxia , Yang Guishu , Dong Yongcheng , Luo Liping , Cao Bangrong , Mengesha Birga Anteneh , Zu Ruiling , Liao Yulin , Liu Chang , Li Shi , Deng Yao , Zhang Kaijiong , Ma Xin , Huang Jian , Wang Dongsheng , Zhao Keyan , Leng Ping , Luo Huaichao
Published: June 2022

Many studies in recent years have demonstrated that some messenger RNA (mRNA) in platelets can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of pan-cancer. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) molecular technique is most commonly used to determine mRNA expression changes in platelets. Accurate and reliable relative RT-qPCR is highly dependent on reliable reference genes. However, there is no study to validate the reference gene in platelets for pan-cancer. Given that the expression of some commonly used reference genes is altered in certain conditions, selecting and verifying the most suitable reference gene for pan-cancer in platelets is necessary to diagnose early stage cancer. This study performed bioinformatics and functional analysis from the RNA-seq of platelets data set (GSE68086). We generated 95 candidate reference genes after the primary bioinformatics step. Seven reference genes (YWHAZ, GNAS, GAPDH, OAZ1, PTMA, B2M, and ACTB) were screened out among the 95 candidate reference genes from the data set of the platelets’ transcriptome of pan-cancer and 73 commonly known reference genes. These candidate reference genes were verified by another platelets expression data set (GSE89843). Then, we used RT-qPCR to confirm the expression levels of these seven genes in pan-cancer patients and healthy individuals. These RT-qPCR results were analyzed using the internal stability analysis software programs (the comparative Delta CT method, geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) to rank the candidate genes in the order of decreasing stability. By contrast, the GAPDH gene was stably and constitutively expressed at high levels in all the tested samples. Therefore, GAPDH was recommended as the most suitable reference gene for platelet transcript analysis. In conclusion, our result may play an essential part in establishing a molecular diagnostic platform based on the platelets to diagnose pan-cancer.
High-Throughput Screening of Optimal Process Parameters for PVD TiN Coatings With Best Properties Through a Combination of 3-D Quantitative Phase-Field Simulation and Hierarchical Multi-Objective Optimization Strategy
Authors: Dai Rao , Yang Shenglan , Zhang Tongdi , Zhong Jing , Chen Li , Deng Chunming , Zhang Lijun
Published: June 2022

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is one of the most important techniques for coating fabrication. With the traditional trial-and-error approach, it is labor-intensive and challenging to determine the optimal process parameters for PVD coatings with best properties. A combination of three-dimensional (3-D) quantitative phase–field simulation and a hierarchical multi-objective optimization strategy was, therefore, developed to perform high-throughput screening of the optimal process parameters for PVD coatings and successfully applied to technically important TiN coatings. Large amounts of 3-D phase-field simulations of TiN coating growth during the PVD process were first carried out to acquire the parametric relation among the model parameters, microstructures, and various coating properties. Experimental data were then used to validate the numerical simulation results and reveal the correlation between model parameters and process parameters. After that, a hierarchical multi-objective method was proposed for the design of multiple coating properties based on the quantitative phase–field simulations and key experimental data. Marginal utility was subsequently examined based on the identification of the Pareto fronts in terms of various combinations of objectives. The windows for the best TiN coating properties were, therefore, filtered with respect to the model/process parameters in a hierarchical manner. Finally, the consistent optimal design result was found against the experimental results.
Lactic Acid Bacterial Supplementation Ameliorated the Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Gut Inflammation and Dysbiosis in Mice
Authors: Bhatia Ruchika , Sharma Shikha , Bhadada Sanjay Kumar , Bishnoi Mahendra , Kondepudi Kanthi Kiran
Published: June 2022

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a gut-transmitted endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria, causes inflammatory diseases leading to the loss of gut barrier integrity and has been identified as a major pathogenic stimulator in many dysfunctions. Hence, supplementation with probiotics is believed to be one of the most effective strategies for treating many inflammatory gut disorders. Although probiotics are known to have a variety of therapeutic characteristics and to play a beneficial role in host defense responses, the molecular mechanisms by which they achieve these beneficial effects are unknown due to species- and strain-specific behaviors. Therefore, in this study, the protective role of five indigenous lactic acid bacterial strains in ameliorating LPS-induced gut barrier impairment in the C57BL/6 mice model was elucidated. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LAB3, Levilactobacillus brevis LAB20, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB31 were isolated from infant feces; Pediococcus acidilactici LAB8 from fermented food (Bekang); and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LAB39 from beetroot. Intraperitoneal injection of LPS (10 mg/kg of body weight) increased the levels of lipocalin and serum markers TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, and the overall disease activity index in the treated group. Furthermore, gene expression of NF-kB, IL-12, and Cox-2; mucin-producing genes Muc-2 and Muc-4; and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) was deleteriously altered in the ileum of LPS-treated mice. Furthermore, LPS also induced dysbiosis in gut microbiota where higher abundances of Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Salmonella and decreased abundances of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria, Roseburia, and Akkermansia were observed. Western blotting results also suggested that LPS treatment causes the loss of gut barrier integrity relative to the pre-supplementation with LAB strains, which enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins and ameliorated the LPS-induced changes and inflammation. Taken together, the study suggested that LAB3 and LAB39 were more potent in ameliorating LPS-induced gut inflammation and dysbiosis.
Choice Hygiene for “Consumer Neuroscientists”? Ethical Considerations and Proposals for Future Endeavours
Authors: Christensen Julia F. , Farahi Fahimeh , Vartanian Meghedi , Yazdi Sina H. N.
Published: June 2022

Is the use of psychological and neuroscientific methods for neuromarketing research always aligned with the principles of ethical research practice? Some neuromarketing endeavours have passed from informing consumers about available options, to helping to market as many products to consumers as possible. Needs are being engineered, using knowledge about the human brain to increase consumption further, regardless of individual, societal and environmental needs and capacities. In principle, the ground ethical principle of any scientist is to further individual, societal and environmental health and well-being with their work. If their findings can be used for the opposite, this must be part of the scientist’s considerations before engaging in such research and to make sure that the risks for misuse are minimised. Against this backdrop, we provide a series of real-life examples and a non-exhaustive literature review, to discuss in what way some practices in the neuromarketing domain may violate the Helsinki Declaration of Experimentation with Human Subjects. This declaration was set out to regulate biomedical research, but has since its inception been applied internationally also to behavioural and social research. We illustrate, point by point, how these ground ethical principles should be applied also to the neuromarketing domain. Indisputably, the growth in consumption is required due to current prevalent economical models. Thus, in the final part of the paper, we discuss how alternative models may be promotable to a larger public, aided by more ethical marketing endeavours, based on neuroscientific discoveries about the human brain. We propose this as a philosophical question, a point of discussion for the future, to make neuromarketing as a discipline, fit for the future, respecting the ethical implications of this research.
HSP10 as a Chaperone for Neurodegenerative Amyloid Fibrils
Authors: Larsson Johan N. K. , Nyström Sofie , Hammarström Per
Published: June 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are associated with accumulated misfolded proteins (MPs). MPs oligomerize and form multiple forms of amyloid fibril polymorphs that dictate fibril propagation and cellular dysfunction. Protein misfolding processes that impair protein homeostasis are implicated in onset and progression of NDs. A wide variety of molecular chaperones safeguard the cell from MP accumulation. A rather overlooked molecular chaperone is HSP10, known as a co-chaperone for HSP60. Due to the ubiquitous presence in human tissues and protein overabundance compared with HSP60, we studied how HSP10 alone influences fibril formation in vitro of Alzheimer’s disease-associated Aβ1–42. At sub-stoichiometric concentrations, eukaryotic HSP10s (human and Drosophila) significantly influenced the fibril formation process and the fibril structure of Aβ1–42, more so than the prokaryotic HSP10 GroES. Similar effects were observed for prion disease-associated prion protein HuPrP90–231. Paradoxically, for a chaperone, low concentrations of HSP10 appeared to promote fibril nucleation by shortened lag-phases, which were chaperone and substrate dependent. Higher concentrations of chaperone while still sub-stoichiometric extended the nucleation and/or the elongation phase. We hypothesized that HSP10 by means of its seven mobile loops provides the chaperone with high avidity binding to amyloid fibril ends. The preserved sequence of the edge of the mobile loop GGIM(V)L (29–33 human numbering) normally dock to the HSP60 apical domain. Interestingly, this segment shows sequence similarity to amyloidogenic core segments of Aβ1–42, GGVVI (37–41), and HuPrP90-231 GGYML (126–130) likely allowing efficient competitive binding to fibrillar conformations of these MPs. Our results propose that HSP10 can function as an important molecular chaperone in human proteostasis in NDs.
Genotypic Differences in the Effects of Menthol on Nicotine Intake and Preference in Mice
Authors: Akinola Lois S. , Rahman Yumna , Ondo Olivia , Gonzales Jada , Bagdas Deniz , Jackson Asti , Davidson-Wert Nicole , Damaj M. Imad
Published: June 2022

Menthol has been shown to exacerbate elements of nicotine addiction in humans and rodents; however, the mechanisms mediating its effects are not fully understood. This study examined the impact of genetic factors in menthol’s effects on oral nicotine consumption by comparing two inbred mouse strains with differing sensitivities to nicotine. C57BL/6J (B6J) mice are nicotine-preferring, while DBA/2J (D2J) mice are not. While the effects of menthol on oral nicotine consumption have been highlighted in B6J mice, it is unknown if they extend to the D2J strain as well. Consequently, adolescent (PND 21) and adult (PND 63), male and female D2J mice were subjected to the nicotine two-bottle choice (2BC) paradigm with orally and systemically administered menthol. Then, we evaluated its impact on nicotine pharmacological responses in conditioned reward and nociception after systemic administration and, lastly, investigated the potential involvement of the TAAR1 gene and α7 nAChRs in menthol’s effects. Menthol failed to enhance oral nicotine consumption in adult and adolescent female and male D2J mice. Moreover, this lack in effect was not due to nicotine concentration, oral aversion to menthol, or basal preference for nicotine. Menthol also failed to augment nicotine reward or enhance nicotine-induced antinociception in D2J mice, demonstrating that genetic background plays a significant role in sensitivity to menthol’s effects on nicotine. Furthermore, TAAR1 or α7 nAChRs did not seem to mediate menthol’s differential effects in D2J mice. These findings support the existence of genotype-specific mechanisms that may contribute to the variable effects of menthol in different populations.
The Long-Term Stability of Intracortical Microstimulation and the Foreign Body Response Are Layer Dependent
Authors: Urdaneta Morgan E. , Kunigk Nicolas G. , Currlin Seth , Delgado Francisco , Fried Shelley I. , Otto Kevin J.
Published: June 2022

Intracortical microstimulation (ICMS) of the somatosensory cortex (S1) can restore sensory function in patients with paralysis. Studies assessing the stability of ICMS have reported heterogeneous responses across electrodes and over time, potentially hindering the implementation and translatability of these technologies. The foreign body response (FBR) and the encapsulating glial scar have been associated with a decay in chronic performance of implanted electrodes. Moreover, the morphology, intrinsic properties, and function of cells vary across cortical layers, each potentially affecting the sensitivity to ICMS as well as the degree of the FBR across cortical depth. However, layer-by-layer comparisons of the long-term stability of ICMS as well as the extent of the astrocytic glial scar change across cortical layers have not been well explored. Here, we implanted silicon microelectrodes with electrode sites spanning all the layers of S1 in rats. Using a behavioral paradigm, we obtained ICMS detection thresholds from all cortical layers for up to 40 weeks. Our results showed that the sensitivity and long-term performance of ICMS is indeed layer dependent. Overall, detection thresholds decreased during the first 7 weeks post-implantation (WPI). This was followed by a period in which thresholds remained stable or increased depending on the interfacing layer: thresholds in L1 and L6 exhibited the most consistent increases over time, while those in L4 and L5 remained the most stable. Furthermore, histological investigation of the tissue surrounding the electrode showed a biological response of microglia and macrophages which peaked at L1, while the area of the astrocytic glial scar peaked at L2/3. Interestingly, the biological response of these FBR markers is less exacerbated at L4 and L5, suggesting a potential link between the FBR and the long-term stability of ICMS. These findings suggest that interfacing depth can play an important role in the design of chronically stable implantable microelectrodes.
Four-in-One: A Comprehensive Checklist for the Assessment of Pain, Undersedation, Iatrogenic Withdrawal and Delirium in the PICU: A Delphi Study
Authors: van Dijk Monique , Ista Erwin
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Children's pain, undersedation, iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome and delirium often have overlapping symptoms, which makes it difficult to decide why a child in the PICU is not comfortable. Validated assessment tools for these conditions are available, but regular assessment with multiple instruments may be too time-consuming. Therefore, we aimed to develop a new holistic instrument–the mosaIC checklist–that incorporates the assessment of the four conditions.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a two-rounds international Delphi study among experts working in PICUs worldwide to find cues that in combination or separately are relevant for the four conditions.

Results

In the first Delphi round, 38 of the 48 enrolled participants (79%) completed a questionnaire; in the second round 32 of 48 (67%). Eventually, 46 cues in eight categories (e.g., facial, vocal/verbal, body movements, sleep /behavioral state, posture/muscle tone, agitation, physiological and contextual) were found relevant. Thirty-three (72%) were considered relevant for pain, 24 for undersedation (52%), 35 for iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (76%) and 28 (61%) for pediatric delirium. Thirteen cues (28%) were considered relevant for all four conditions; 11's (24%) for only one condition.

Conclusion

This Delphi study is the first step in developing a 4-in-1 comprehensive checklist to assess pain, undersedation, iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome and delirium in a holistic manner. Further validation is needed before the checklist can be applied in practice. Application of the mosaIC checklist could help determine what condition is most likely to cause a child's discomfort–and at the same time help reduce the PICU staff's registration burden.
Proactive Personality and Innovative Work Behavior: Through the Juxtapose of Schumpeter's Theory of Innovation and Broaden-And-Build Theory
Authors: Li Weizheng , Gill Shabeeb Ahmad , Wang Yang , Safdar Muhammad Adeel , Sheikh Muhammad Ramzan
Published: June 2022

This study aimed to unfold the implicit interplay of open innovation (OI) and perceived insider status (PIS) between the relationship of proactive personality (PP) and innovative work behavior (IWB). The phenomenon studied the moderated mediation of OI and PIS through the combined optic of the theory of innovation and the broaden-and-build theory. The nature of this study was post-positivist. The two-step approach of structural equation modeling was implemented. First, quantitative data were collected through an online questionnaire from the employees of IT industries in China. The study sample consisted of 460 responses used for data analysis in SPSS and AMOS version 26. This study was based on mediated moderation, which was statistically similar to Model 15 of the process macro. There were six hypotheses based on the theoretical framework. The result of H6 was rejected, which demonstrated that the conditional direct effect of OI and PIS mediated moderation on PP and IWB. The results comprehensively testified to the theoretical framework.
New Media, Digitalization, and the Evolution of the Professional Sport Industry
Authors: Zheng Jingxuan , Mason Daniel S.
Published: June 2022

The professional sport industry achieved tremendous success in the traditional broadcast media age, established a multi-sided market and an effective business model for revenue growth. However, the emergence and proliferation of the new media technologies have drastically changed the media landscape, creating a much more complicated cross-media environment that unites popularity and personalization, structure and agency. Such a changing environment creates transformations within the professional sport industry, and adapting to these transformations will lead to the evolution of the professional sport industry and its success in the digital media age.
Socio-Economic Determinants of Goat Milk Consumption by Rural Households in the Niger Valley of Benin and Implications for the Development of a Smallholder Dairy Goat Program
Authors: Icoutchika Karl-Loïc Mawussé , Ahozonlin Maurice Cossi , Mitchikpe Comlan Evariste Simon , Bouraima Oul'fath , Aboh André Boya , Dossa Luc Hippolyte
Published: June 2022

Goats, more popular than cattle in rural Benin, are mainly kept for meat production. Their milk is still unpopular but can provide the much-needed nutrients for children in food-insecure households. This study explored the socio-economic factors affecting the attitude of rural households in the Niger Valley of Benin toward goat milk consumption. Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews of 721 heads of households or their representatives. Binary logistic regression analysis was carried out to test the association between socioeconomic variables and goat milk consumption. Goat milk and its products were consumed in 14.7% of the surveyed households and were not part of the traditional diets of remaining 81.8%. Their sensory qualities were further reasons reported by 18.4% of respondents for their non-consumption. A household's likelihood to consume goat milk or its derivatives was significantly influenced by the sociocultural background of its head and whether it kept goats or not. The odds of consuming goat milk and/or its derivatives were 2.285 and 2.017 times higher, respectively, for households from Dendi and Peulh socio-cultural groups. Despite the recorded cultural barriers, there is room for increasing goat milk consumption by rural households by increasing its availability and raising awareness of its nutritional and health benefits.
Deep Small RNA Sequencing Reveals Important miRNAs Related to Muscle Development and Intramuscular Fat Deposition in Longissimus dorsi Muscle From Different Goat Breeds
Authors: Shen Jiyuan , Hao Zhiyun , Luo Yuzhu , Zhen Huimin , Liu Yan , Wang Jiqing , Hu Jiang , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin , Zhao Zhidong , Liu Yuan , Yang Shutong , Wang Longbin
Published: June 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that have been shown to play important post-transcriptional regulatory roles in the growth and development of skeletal muscle tissues. However, limited research into the effect of miRNAs on muscle development in goats has been reported. In this study, Liaoning cashmere (LC) goats and Ziwuling black (ZB) goats with significant phenotype difference in meat production performance were selected and the difference in Longissimus dorsi muscle tissue expression profile of miRNAs between the two goat breeds was then compared using small RNA sequencing. A total of 1,623 miRNAs were identified in Longissimus dorsi muscle tissues of the two goat breeds, including 410 known caprine miRNAs, 928 known species-conserved miRNAs and 285 novel miRNAs. Of these, 1,142 were co-expressed in both breeds, while 230 and 251 miRNAs were only expressed in LC and ZB goats, respectively. Compared with ZB goats, 24 up-regulated miRNAs and 135 miRNAs down-regulated were screened in LC goats. A miRNA-mRNA interaction network showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs would target important functional genes associated with muscle development and intramuscular fat deposition. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were significantly enriched in Ras, Rap 1, FoxO, and Hippo signaling pathways. This study suggested that these differentially expressed miRNAs may be responsible for the phenotype differences in meat production performance between the two goat breeds, thereby providing an improved understanding of the roles of miRNAs in muscle tissue of goats.
Effects From Dietary Addition of Sargassum sp., Spirulina sp., or Gracilaria sp. Powder on Immune Status in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Al-Khalaifah Hanan S. , Al-Nasser A. , Surrayai T.
Published: June 2022

Algae are innovative and significant nutrient sources with various health benefits when used as additives in animal feed. The study aims to examine the effect of different inclusions of three algae species, Sargassum sp., Spirulina sp., and Gracilaria sp. on the immune response of broiler chickens, as measured by the cellular immune response, humoral immune response, intestinal microbial counts, hindgut acidosis, and hematological measures. Here is a list of the seven experimental treatments (TRT). TRT 1 was the control group without algae; TRT 2 was supplemented with Sargassum sp. at 1% of the diet; TRT 3 with Sargassum sp. at 2% of the diet; TRT 4 with Spirulina sp. at 5% of the diet; TRT 5 with Spirulina sp. at 7.5% of the diet; TRT 6 with Gracilaria sp. at 0.5% of the diet; and TRT 7 Gracilaria sp. at 1% of the diet. Each treatment involved five replicates with 17 broiler chickens each, and the analyses were triplicated. The results showed that including algae in the feed ration of broiler chickens induces a higher cellular response than the control group, represented by T-cell response in the wattle area (P = 0.037). Sargassum sp. at 1 and 2% enhanced IgA antibody titers significantly and Gracilaria sp. at 5% enhanced IgY antibody titers, P = 0.045 and P = 0.030, respectively. All algal inclusions inhibited the growth of Salmonella sp. and improved LAB counts in the intestine of broilers, excepting the Gracilaria sp. at 0.5%, where LAB counts were similar to the control group. The E. coli counts decreased numerically but not significantly. Blood lymphocytes were enhanced while white blood cells (WBC) and heterophils were decreased as a results of algal inclusions. In conclusion, supplementing broiler chickens with algae could enhance their cellular and humoral immune status and promote healthy microflora in their guts.
Control-Force Spectrum Considering Both Natural Period and Damping Ratio for Active Base-Isolated Building
Authors: Chen Yinli , Sato Daiki , Miyamoto Kou , She Jinhua
Published: June 2022

The active structural control (ASC) has been applied to base-isolated buildings to achieve a high-damping system. The critical step for designing an ASC system is selecting control parameters and isolation parameters that satisfy the design restrictions. However, the conventional methods are limited in theoretically estimating the maximum control force, which requires great demand for trial-and-error approaches and numerical simulations. This paper constructed the equivalent model of the feedback control system that theoretically expresses the dependence of vibration characteristics (natural period and damping ratio) of the control system on the feedback gain. Then, the control-force spectrum is proposed that estimates the maximum control force for a feedback control system, adjusting both the natural period and damping ratio of the control system. The maximum responses and control force are estimated without additional numerical simulations and trial-and-error approaches using the equivalent model and control-force spectrum. Moreover, a design method was devised for determining the allowance range of the vibration characteristics of structures (damping ratio and natural period) and controllers that satisfy the design limitations (maximum responses and maximum control force). The design method does not require trial-and-error and numerical simulations, thus simplifying the design procedure. Finally, this paper uses numerical examples and a design example to verify the validity of the control-force spectrum and design method.
Numerical Prediction of Unsteady Aerodynamics of a Ducted Fan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in Hovering
Authors: Cai Hongming , Zhang Zhuoran , Deng Shuanghou
Published: June 2022

Recently, ducted fan unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have attracted considerable attention due to their potential for application in both civil and military missions. Compared with free propellers, the presence of duct can in principle decrease the flow contraction after propeller, and gives the potential to fly efficiently with high security, compact structure, and low noise. In the present study, a ducted fan UAV is designed using the open source code OpenProp. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation model using sliding mesh technique is established and validated as a reliable tool for highly vortical flows by propeller thrust experiment. The effect of the duct, revolution speed, and distance between propellers on the aerodynamic characteristics of the ducted fan UAV is evaluated in detail. Results show that the unducted coaxial upper and lower propellers generate 3.8%, 4.3% more thrust than the unducted single propellers, respectively, and the unducted upper and lower propellers generate 55.9%, 34.9% more thrust than ducted propellers, respectively. The ducted fan UAV generates 5.7% more thrust and consumes 39.1% less power than the unducted coaxial propellers. The thrust of the ducted fan UAV increases first and then follows with a decreased tendency as the distance between propellers increases.
Grapevine Sugar Concentration Model (GSCM): A Decision Support Tool for the Douro Superior Winemaking Region
Authors: Clemente Nicolò , Santos João A. , Fontes Natacha , Graça António , Gonçalves Igor , Fraga Helder
Published: June 2022

Climate-smart agriculture involves practices and crop modelling techniques aiming to provide practical answers to meet growers’ demands. For viticulturists, early prediction of harvest dates is critical for the success of cultural practices, which should be based on accurate planning of the annual growing cycle. We developed a modelling tool to assess the sugar concentration levels in the Douro Superior sub-region of the Douro wine region, Portugal. Two main cultivars (cv. Touriga-Nacional and Touriga-Francesa) grown in five locations across this sub-region were studied. Grape berry sugar data, with concentrations between 170 and 230 g L−1, were analyzed for the growing season campaigns, from 2014–2020, as an indicator of grape ripeness conditioned by temperature factors. Field data were collected by ADVID (“Associação Desenvolvimento Da Viticultura Duriense”), a regional winemaker association, and by Sogrape, the leading wine company from Portugal. The “Phenology Modeling Platform” was used for calibrating the model with sigmoid functions. Subsequently, model optimizations were performed to achieve a harmonized model, suitable for all estates. Model performance was assessed through two metrics: root mean square error (RMSE) and the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (EFF). Both a leave-one-out cross-validation and a validation with an independent dataset (for 1991–2013) were carried out. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the model calibration achieved an average EFF of 0.7 for all estates and sugar levels, with an average RMSE < 6 days. Model validation, at one estate for 15 years, achieved an R2 of 0.93 and an RMSE < 5. These models demonstrate that air temperature has a high predictive potential of sugar ripeness, and ultimately of the harvest dates. These models were then used to build a standalone easy-to-use computer application (GSCM—Grapevine Sugar Concentration Model), which will allow growers to better plan and manage their seasonal activities, thus being a potentially valuable decision support tool in viticulture and oenology.