bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Thermal Insulation Cover Curing on Temperature Rise and Early-Age Strength of Concrete
Authors: Liu Yuzhang , Zhang Jun , Chang Jiang , Xie Shixiang , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: April 2022

In the present paper, the effects of thermal insulation cover curing on the rise in temperature of concrete, and further on the mechanical properties of the concrete are measured experimentally. In the experiments, polyurethane foam boards of 100 mm thickness were used for thermal insulation, and three concrete strength grades of C30, C50 and C80, were used as concrete samples. Conventional standard curing, and two heat curing methods with a constant temperature of 40 °C and 60 °C were used for comparison. The pore structure of the cement paste subject to the different curing procedures, including insulation cover curing, heat curing and standard curing, was experimentally measured using mercury intrusion porosimetry. The test results show that rate of increase in compressive strength compared with standard curing is 22–34%, 16–26%, and 23–67%, respectively, for C30, C50, C80 concrete after being subject to 1 to 3 days thermal insulation cover curing in the initial period after concrete casting. As expected, initial heat curing of concrete will result in a reduction in the long-term strength of the concrete. At 28 days, the strength reduction rate compared with standard curing due to the insulation cover curing is 3.1–5.9%, 0.6–3.0%, 0–3.2%, respectively, for C30, C50, C80 concrete. By contrast, the compressive strength reduction compared with standard curing at 28 days is 8.6–10.5%, 8.6–9.1%, 4.7–5.6%, respectively, for C30, C50, C80 concrete after being subject to a constant heat curing of 40 °C and 60 °C in the initial period after concrete casting. Measurement of the pore structure of the paste subject to different curing procedures initially after casting shows that rising curing temperature leads to coarser pores, especially an increase in capillary pore fraction. Among the four curing methods used in the present study, the effect of insulation cover curing and low temperature (40 °C) heat curing on the capillary pore content is small, while the effect of high temperature (60 °C) heat curing is significant.
The Research on the Interactions between the Emerging and Developed Markets: From Region and Structural Break Perspectives
Authors: Su Jung-Bin
Published: April 2022

This study utilizes a bivariate BEKK-EGARCH model with the setting of a structural break to investigate whether the interactions between stock indices in emerging and developed markets are different in terms of region, emerging stock indices, and subperiod. Then, this study investigated how the results of interactions vary with geographical location, emerging stock indices, and subperiod. Empirical results show that the interactions between emerging and developed markets indeed vary with geographical location and emerging stock indices, but are almost the same in the two subperiods. For example, for the paired stock indices in ‘Asia-America’ and ‘Asia-Europe’, or related to ‘XU100’, ‘SSE’ and ‘BSE’, the developed market mainly spills into the emerging market in terms of return and volatility. The findings from these empirical results can help investors and fund managers undertake different investment strategies in different regions and subperiods, and make effective investments.
The Effects of Freshwater Clam (Corbicula fluminea) Extract on Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) in Prediabetic Patients in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Tse-Hung , Ke Chiao-Hsu , Chen Chin-Chang , Chuang Cheng-Hsun , Liao Kuang-Wen , Shiao Yi-Hsien , Lin Chen-Si
Published: April 2022

Freshwater clam extract (FCE) is a functional food that regulates the immune system and has been demonstrated in numerous studies to display desirable anti–tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) responses. In addition, excess TNF-α production is positively associated with type 2 diabetes. However, few longitudinal clinical studies evaluating the efficiency and toxicity of FCE are available. This article reports that patients with prediabetes who received FCE had a desirable outcome of a reduction in serum TNF-α for a long period. This was a double-blind, randomized, parallel clinical trial conducted using FCE intervention and placebo groups, and 36 patients with prediabetes were enrolled. Two grams of FCE or placebo was consumed daily for 180 consecutive days. The serum of the participants was collected at four time points (0M: before the intervention; 3M: after 3 months of intervention; 6M: after 6 months of intervention; 12M: 6 months after cessation of intervention at 6M). A serum TNF-α concentration higher than 4.05 pg/mL was defined as a cut-off value. FCE reduced serum TNF-α in all participants at 6M and 12M. Moreover, FCE significantly suppressed serum TNF-α concentrations at 6M and 12M and inhibited TNF-α release with time series in subjects with elevated TNF-α values. FCE intervention effectively reduced serum TNF-α and persistently sustained the effects for half a year in patients with prediabetes. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GS-MS) analysis revealed that the major components of FCE were phytosterols and fatty acids, which exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-TNF-α abilities. Hence, FCE has the potential to be developed as a natural treatment for prediabetic patients in Taiwan.
Thermal Conductivity of GaAs Nanowire Arrays Measured by the 3ω Method
Authors: Ghukasyan Ara , Oliveira Pedro , Goktas Nebile Isik , LaPierre Ray
Published: April 2022

Vertical nanowire (NW) arrays are the basis for a variety of nanoscale devices. Understanding heat transport in these devices is an important concern, especially for prospective thermoelectric applications. To facilitate thermal conductivity measurements on as-grown NW arrays, a common NW-composite device architecture was adapted for use with the 3ω method. We describe the application of this technique to obtain thermal conductivity measurements on two GaAs NW arrays featuring ~130 nm diameter NWs with a twinning superlattice (TSL) and a polytypic (zincblende/wurtzite) crystal structure, respectively. Our results indicate NW thermal conductivities of 5.2 ± 1.0 W/m-K and 8.4 ± 1.6 W/m-K in the two samples, respectively, showing a significant reduction in the former, which is the first such measurements on TSL NWs. Nearly an order of magnitude difference from the bulk thermal conductivity (~50 W/m-K) is observed for the TSL NW sample, one of the lowest values measured to date for GaAs NWs.
Safety Data in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases during Treatment with High Doses of Vitamin D3 According to the “Coimbra Protocol”
Authors: Amon Ulrich , Yaguboglu Raul , Ennis Madeleine , Holick Michael F. , Amon Julian
Published: April 2022

Background: In 2013, the group of Cicero Coimbra, Brazil, reported the clinical efficacy of high doses of vitamin D3 in patients suffering from autoimmune skin disorders (“Coimbra protocol”, CP). However, hypercalcemia and the subsequent impaired renal function may be major concerns raised against this protocol. Methods: We report for the first time for a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases in 319 patients (mean age (±SD) 43.3 ± 14.6 years, 65.5% female, 34.5% male) safety data for high doses of orally applied vitamin D3 (treatment period: up to 3.5 years) accompanied by a strict low-calcium diet and regular daily fluid intake of at least 2.5 L. Results: Mean vitamin D3 dose was 35,291 ± 21,791 IU per day. The measurement of more than 6100 single relevant laboratory parameters showed all mean values (±SD) within the normal range for total serum calcium (2.4 ± 0.1 mmol/L), serum creatinine (0.8 ± 0.2 mg/dL), serum creatinine associated estimated GFR (92.5 ± 17.3 mL/min), serum cystatin C (0.88 ± 0.19 mg/L), serum TSH (1.8 ± 1 mIU/L), and for 24 h urinary calcium secretion (6.9 ± 3.3 mmol/24 h). We found a very weak relationship between the dosage of oral vitamin D3 and the subsequent calcium levels, both in serum and in urinary excretion over 24 h, respectively. Conclusions: Our data show the reliable safety of the CP in autoimmune patients under appropriate supervision by experienced physicians.
Incidence and Molecular Identification of Begomoviruses Infecting Tomato and Pepper in Myanmar
Authors: Kwak Hae-Ryun , Hong Su-Bin , Byun Hee-Seong , Park Bueyong , Choi Hong-Soo , Myint Si Si , Kyaw Mu Mu
Published: April 2022

In Myanmar, yellow mosaic and leaf curl diseases caused by whitefly-transmitted begomoviruses are serious problems for vegetables such as tomatoes and peppers. To investigate the incidence of begomoviruses in Myanmar between 2017 and 2019, a field survey of tomato and pepper plants with virus-like symptoms was conducted in the Naypyitaw, Tatkon, and Mohnyin areas of Myanmar. Among the 59 samples subjected to begomovirus detection using polymerase chain reaction, 59.3% were infected with begomoviruses. Complete genome sequences using rolling circle amplification identified five begomovirus species: tomato yellow leaf curl Thailand virus (TYLCTHV), tomato yellow leaf curl Kanchanaburi virus (TYLCKaV), tobacco leaf curl Yunnan virus (TbLCYnV), chili leaf curl Pakistan virus (ChiLCV/PK), and tobacco curly shoot Myanmar virus (TbCSV-[Myanmar]). Excluding the previously reported TYLCTHV, three begomoviruses (ChiLCV/PK, TYLCKaV, and TbLCYnV) were identified in Myanmar for the first time. Based on the 91% demarcation threshold of begomovirus species, TbCSV-[Myanmar] was identified as a new species in this study. Among these, ChiLCV/PK and TbCSV-[Myanmar] were the most predominant in tomato and pepper fields in Myanmar. Identification of begomovirus species may be helpful for predicting the origin of viruses and preventing their spread.
High-Power Laser Deposition of Chitosan Polymers: Medical and Environmental Applications
Authors: Cocean Georgiana , Cocean Alexandru , Postolachi Cristina , Garofalide Silvia , Bulai Georgiana , Munteanu Bogdanel Silvestru , Cimpoesu Nicanor , Cocean Iuliana , Gurlui Silviu
Published: April 2022

High-power laser irradiation interaction with natural polymers in biocomposites and Laser-Induced Chitin Deacetylation (LICD) was studied in this work, in order to produce thin films consisting of chitosan composite. The new method can lead to a cutting-edge technology, as a response to the concern regarding the accumulation of “natural biological waste” and its use. The process consists of high-power laser irradiation applied on oyster shells as the target and deposition of the ablated material on different substrates. The obtained thin films we analyzed by FTIR, UV-VIS and LIF spectroscopy, as well as SEM-EDS and AFM. All the results indicated that chitin was extracted from the shell composite material and converted to chitosan by deacetylation. It was, thus, evidenced that chemical transformation in the chitin polymer side-chain occurs during laser irradiation of the oyster shell and in the resulted plasma plume of ablation. The numerical simulation in COMSOL performed for this study anticipates and confirms the experimental results of chitin deacetylation, also providing information about the conditions required for the physico-chemical processes involved. The high sorption properties of the thin films obtained by a LICD procedure is evidenced in the study. This quality suggests that they should be used in transdermal patch construction due to the known hemostatic and antibacterial effects of chitosan. The resulting composite materials, consisting of the chitosan thin films deposited on hemp fabric, are also suitable for micro-filters in water decontamination or in other filtering processes.
Collaborative Extraction of Paddy Planting Areas with Multi-Source Information Based on Google Earth Engine: A Case Study of Cambodia
Authors: Kang Junmei , Yang Xiaomei , Wang Zhihua , Huang Chong , Wang Jun
Published: April 2022

High-precision spatial mapping of paddy planting areas is very important for food security risk assessment and agricultural monitoring. Previous studies have mainly been based on multi-source satellite imagery, the fusion of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with optical data, and the combined use of multi-scale and multi-source sensors. However, there have been few studies on paddy spatial mapping using collaborative multi-source remote sensing product information, especially in tropical regions such as Southeast Asia. Therefore, based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform, in this study, Cambodia, which is dominated by agriculture, was taken as the study area, and an extraction scheme for paddy planting areas was developed from collaborative multi-source information, including multi-source remote sensing images (Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2), multi-source remote sensing land cover products (GFSAD30SEACE, GLC_FCS30-2015, FROM_GLC2015, SERVIR MEKONG, and GUF), paddy phenology information, and topographic features. Evaluation and analysis of the extraction results and the SERVIR MEKONG and ESACCI-LC paddy products revealed that the accuracy of the paddy planting areas extracted using the proposed method is the highest, with an overall accuracy of 89.90%. The results of the proposed method are better than those of the other products in terms of the outline of the paddy planting areas and the description of the road information. The results of this study provide a reference for future high-precision paddy mapping.
Quality Control for the BPG Lossy Compression of Three-Channel Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Li Fangfang , Lukin Vladimir , Ieremeiev Oleg , Okarma Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

This paper deals with providing the desired quality in the Better Portable Graphics (BPG)-based lossy compression of color and three-channel remote sensing (RS) images. Quality is described by the Mean Deviation Similarity Index (MDSI), which is proven to be one of the best metrics for characterizing compressed image quality due to its high conventional and rank-order correlation with the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) values. The MDSI properties are studied and three main areas of interest are determined. It is shown that quite different quality and compression ratios (CR) can be observed for the same values of the quality parameter Q that controls compression, depending on the compressed image complexity. To provide the desired quality, a modified two-step procedure is proposed and tested. It has a preliminary stage carried out offline (in advance). At this stage, an average rate-distortion curve (MDSI on Q) is obtained and it is available until the moment when a given image has to be compressed. Then, in the first step, an image is compressed using the starting Q determined from the average rate-distortion curve for the desired MDSI. After this, the image is decompressed and the produced MDSI is calculated. In the second step, if necessary, the parameter Q is corrected using the average rate-distortion curve, and the image is compressed with the corrected Q. Such a procedure allows a decrease in the MDSI variance by around one order after two steps compared to variance after the first step. This is important for the MDSI of approximately 0.2–0.25 corresponding to the distortion invisibility threshold. The BPG performance comparison to some other coders is performed and examples of its application to real-life RS images are presented.
A Self-Trained Model for Cloud, Shadow and Snow Detection in Sentinel-2 Images of Snow- and Ice-Covered Regions
Authors: Nambiar Kamal Gopikrishnan , Morgenshtern Veniamin I. , Hochreuther Philipp , Seehaus Thorsten , Braun Matthias Holger
Published: April 2022

Screening clouds, shadows, and snow is a critical pre-processing step in many remote-sensing data processing pipelines that operate on satellite image data from polar and high mountain regions. We observe that the results of the state-of-the-art Fmask algorithm are not very accurate in polar and high mountain regions. Given the unavailability of large, labeled Sentinel-2 training datasets, we present a multi-stage self-training approach that trains a model to perform semantic segmentation on Sentinel-2 L1C images using the noisy Fmask labels for training and a small human-labeled dataset for validation. At each stage of the proposed iterative framework, we use a larger network architecture in comparison to the previous stage and train a new model. The trained model at each stage is then used to generate new training labels for a bigger dataset, which are used for training the model in the next stage. We select the best model during training in each stage by evaluating the multi-class segmentation metric, mean Intersection over Union (mIoU), on the small human-labeled validation dataset. This effectively helps to correct the noisy labels. Our model achieved an overall accuracy of 93% compared to the Fmask 4 and Sen2Cor 2.8, which achieved 75% and 76%, respectively. We believe our approach can also be adapted for other remote-sensing applications for training deep-learning models with imprecise labels.
Bathymetry Derivatives and Habitat Data from Hyperspectral Imagery Establish a High-Resolution Baseline for Managing the Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Authors: Kobryn Halina T. , Beckley Lynnath E. , Wouters Kristin
Published: April 2022

The Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s longest fringing reef, is uniquely positioned in the NW region of the continent, with clear, oligotrophic waters, relatively low human impacts, and a high level of protection through the World Heritage Site and its marine park status. Non-invasive optical sensors, which seamlessly derive bathymetry and bottom reflectance, are ideally suited for mapping and monitoring shallow reefs such as Ningaloo. Using an existing airborne hyperspectral survey, we developed a new, geomorphic layer for the reef for depths down to 20 m, through an object-oriented classification that combines topography and benthic cover. We demonstrate the classification approach using three focus areas in the northern region of the Muiron Islands, the central part around Point Maud, and Gnaraloo Bay in the south. Topographic mapping combined aspect, slope, and depth into 18 classes and, unsurprisingly, allocated much of the area into shallow, flat lagoons, and highlighted narrow, deeper channels that facilitate water circulation. There were five distinct geomorphic classes of coral-algal mosaics in different topographic settings. Our classifications provide a useful baseline for stratifying ecological field surveys, designing monitoring programmes, and assessing reef resilience from current and future threats.
Radiation and Dust Sensor for Mars Environmental Dynamic Analyzer Onboard M2020 Rover
Authors: Apestigue Victor , Gonzalo Alejandro , Jiménez Juan , Boland Justin , Lemmon Mark , de Mingo Jose , García-Menendez Elisa , Rivas Joaquín , Azcue Joaquín , Bastide Laurent , Andrés-Santiuste Nuria , Martínez-Oter Javier , González-Guerrero Miguel , Martin-Ortega Alberto , Toledo Daniel , Alvarez-Rios Francisco , Serrano Felipe , Martín-Vodopivec Boris , Manzano Javier , López Heredero Raquel , Carrasco Isaías , Aparicio Sergio , Carretero Ángel , MacDonald Daniel , Moore Lori , Alcacera María , Fernández-Viguri Jose , Martín Israel , Yela Margarita , Álvarez Maite , Manzano Paula , Martín Jose , del Hoyo Juan , Reina Manuel , Urqui Roser , Rodriguez-Manfredi Jose , de la Torre Juárez Manuel , Hernandez Christina , Cordoba Elizabeth , Leiter Robin , Thompson Art , Madsen Soren , Smith Michael , Viúdez-Moreiras Daniel , Saiz-Lopez Alfonso , Sánchez-Lavega Agustín , Gomez-Martín Laura , Martínez Germán , Gómez-Elvira Francisco , Arruego Ignacio
Published: April 2022

The Radiation and Dust Sensor is one of six sensors of the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer onboard the Perseverance rover from the Mars 2020 NASA mission. Its primary goal is to characterize the airbone dust in the Mars atmosphere, inferring its concentration, shape and optical properties. Thanks to its geometry, the sensor will be capable of studying dust-lifting processes with a high temporal resolution and high spatial coverage. Thanks to its multiwavelength design, it will characterize the solar spectrum from Mars’ surface. The present work describes the sensor design from the scientific and technical requirements, the qualification processes to demonstrate its endurance on Mars’ surface, the calibration activities to demonstrate its performance, and its validation campaign in a representative Mars analog. As a result of this process, we obtained a very compact sensor, fully digital, with a mass below 1 kg and exceptional power consumption and data budget features.
Evolution and Neural Network Prediction of CO2 Emissions in Weaned Piglet Farms
Authors: Rodriguez Manuel R. , Besteiro Roberto , Ortega Juan A. , Fernandez Maria D. , Arango Tamara
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to study the evolution of CO2 concentrations and emissions on a conventional farm with weaned piglets between 6.9 and 17.0 kg live weight based on setpoint temperature, outdoor temperature, and ventilation flow. The experimental trial was conducted during one transition cycle. Generally, the ventilation flow increased with the reduction in setpoint temperature throughout the cycle, which caused a reduction in CO2 concentration and an increase in emissions. The mean CO2 concentration was 3.12 g m–3. Emissions of CO2 had a mean value of 2.21 mg s−1 per animal, which is equivalent to 0.195 mg s−1 kg−1. A potential function was used to describe the interaction between 10 min values of ventilation flow and CO2 concentrations, whereas a linear function was used to describe the interaction between 10 min values of ventilation flow and CO2 emissions, with r values of 0.82 and 0.85, respectively. Using such equations allowed for simple and direct quantification of emissions. Furthermore, two prediction models for CO2 emissions were developed using two neural networks (for 10 min and 60 min predictions), which reached r values of 0.63 and 0.56. These results are limited mainly by the size of the training period, as well as by the differences between the behavior of the series in the training stage and the testing stage.
An Empirical Study on Website Interactivity Impact among a Student Group, Beneficent for Companies, and Other Users
Authors: Jevremović Milica , Gheorghiță Cătălin , Cerić Vladimir , Blăjină Ovidiu , Jelić Zorica , Ilić Milena P. , Bucea-Manea-Țoniș Rocsana
Published: April 2022

The connection with customers is a key task of companies, which can be achieved through diverse communication channels, among which one profitable way includes interactive websites. This paper first presents a synthetic review of previous studies on the topic of websites’ interactivity. So far, we observe interactivity through individual models of interactivity. In this paper, four modelling variables are used, which make this paper more complex in the understanding of interactivity. Further, a new research development is exposed, with emphasis on experiment structuring, modelling variables configuration, results achievement, and data analysis and interpretation. It has been ascertained that the model based on four variables creates a broader research framework, enabling an effective analysis of their overall correlations, as well of correlations between each of its components. The applicative part of the research was unrolled with effective participation of a group of 350 students, who were homogeneous in their profiles and activities. Based on the results of an initial test, 240 students were selected and participated in the main test, who all had a particular interest in searching for a job, practice, or training course on the Internet. The research reveals a higher positive impact of interactive websites vs. non-interactive websites, and compares computer use to mobile devices. It also reveals how user perception and behaviour can be positively impacted by making website searches easier, and allowing users to comment on advertisements, share the content on social media, use e-mail marketing, etc.
Modeling Challenges for Improving the Heat Rate Performance in a Thermal Power Plant: Implications for SDGs in Energy Supply Chains
Authors: Sivageerthi T. , Sankaranarayanan Bathrinath , Ali Syed Mithun , AlArjani Ali , Karuppiah Koppiahraj
Published: April 2022

Rapid industrialization and the increased use of consumer electronic goods have increased the demand for energy. To meet the increasing energy demand, global nations are looking for energy from renewable sources rather than non-renewable sources, to adhere with the sustainability principle. As energy from renewable sources is still in the experimental stage, there is a need to use available energy sources optimally. Considering this, the present study aims to identify, evaluate, and reveal the interrelationship among critical challenge factors in improving the heat rate performance of coal-fired thermal power plants. The study identifies twenty critical challenges through a comprehensive literature review. Then, to evaluate the identified critical challenges, the grey-DEMATEL (Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) technique is used. For evaluating the challenges, this study conducts an empirical analysis in a thermal power plant in India. The findings reveal that air preheater leakage, coal flow balancing, and air heater air outlet temperature are the top three critical challenges hampering the thermal power plant’s performance. Additionally, fourteen challenges come under the cause group, while eight challenges come under the effect group. The findings of the study can assist industrial managers in overcoming problems in their thermal power plants. The results can also guide the development of a robust and reliable framework for mitigating these challenges.
Landscape Design for Flood Adaptation from 20 Years of Constructed Ecologies in China
Authors: Palazzo Elisa , Wang Sisi
Published: April 2022

In highly urbanized floodplains, it is becoming widely accepted that a change is needed to move away from flood control towards flood adaptation paradigms. To address riverine and flash flooding in urban areas, urban and landscape designers have developed design solutions that are able to increase urban ecological resilience by allocating space to fluctuating water levels. With the purpose of operationalizing flood resilience, this study explores how constructed ecology principles are applied to the design of multifunctional landscapes to restore floodplain functions in urban areas and prevent downstream flooding. The study adopts a design-by-research approach to examine 30 case studies from the Sponge Cities initiative realized in China in the last twenty years and develops a toolbox of Flood Adaptation Types for stormwater management. The results are aimed at informing operations in the planning and design professions by proposing a schematic design framework for flood adaptation in different geographic conditions, scales, and climates. The study sets up the bases for a systematic assessment of flood adaptation responses also by facilitating communication between disciplines, designers, and non-experts. This will enable evidence-based decisions in landscape architecture and urban design, as well as fulfill pedagogic purposes in higher education and research.
Studying the Physiological Reactions of C4 Grasses in Order to Select Them for Cultivation on Marginal Lands
Authors: Steinhoff-Wrześniewska Aleksandra , Dąbrowski Piotr , Paszkiewicz-Jasińska Anna , Wróbel Barbara , Strzelczyk Maria , Helis Marek , Kalaji Mohamed Hazem
Published: April 2022

One of the problems of sustainable agricultural land management (SALM) is the competition between food production and biomass production. For this reason, marginal lands with unfavorable agrotechnical conditions have been proposed for non-food crops in recent years. To this end, a better understanding of the impact of environmental factors on crop development and yield is needed. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of soil water availability on selected morphological, physiological and growth characteristics of four C4 grass species (Miscanthus × giganteus, Miscanthus sacchariflorus, Miscanthus sinensis and Spartina pectinate) growing under different water and fertilizer conditions. A pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions with four grass species, three different water rates (100, 85 and 70%) and three fertilizer rates (270, 180 and 90 kg NPK ha−1). The study showed that water stress, regardless of plant species, increased the chlorophyll content index without affecting the photosynthetic efficiency of the plants. Water stress significantly decreased plant fresh and dry mass, shoot number and length, and shoot/leaf ratio. The response to water deficit depended on the plant species. Miscanthus sinensis was the most sensitive to water deficit and Spartina pectinate the most tolerant (reduction in dry mass of 41.5% and 18%, respectively). Water stress (85% and 70%) reduced the number and the length of shoots without affecting the average diameter of shoots of the tested grasses, resulting in a significant reduction in biomass production of plants grown under optimal conditions with mineral NPK fertilization (180 kg NPK ha−1). Miscanthus sacchariflorus showed the highest dry matter under the worst growing conditions (70% and 90 NPK) and therefore could be recommended for cultivation on marginal lands with unfavorable agrotechnical conditions. It should be emphasized that the high yield of this species was not due to the photosynthetic efficiency, but better growth stem parameters (length and number). It appears that, for long-term agricultural land management, it is preferable to determine fertilizer rates for each crop species based on soil water availability. It should also be emphasized that increasing the yield of potential lignocellulosic crops for energy purposes while reducing environmental impact appears to be one of the viable answers to the difficulties of conventional energy production.
Identifying Critical Risk Factors in Green Product Certification Using Hybrid Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Zhang Changlu , Zhang Jian , Yang Qiong
Published: April 2022

Green product certification (GPC) is an important means of eliminating the asymmetry of information between consumers and manufacturers in the context of sustainable development. This study examined the critical risk factors in GPC and provided relevant suggestions for managers to reduce risk and ensure the correctness of the process. First, 18 risk factors were summarized along four dimensions: the certification institution, the entrusting enterprise, the certification business, and the implementation of the certification. Second, the Delphi method was used to determine the formal research framework, and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method was applied to analyze the causal relationships among the risk factors to identify the ones driving risk and those representing the outcomes of GPC. This was used to construct a causality diagram of the risks related to green certification. Finally, the analytic network process (ANP) method was used to calculate the weight of each risk factor, and the weighted prominence of each is calculated to identify the critical factors. The results showed that the working life and experience of the certification institution were the critical driving risk factors in GPC. Corresponding countermeasures were also proposed to mitigate these risk factors.
Persistent Hepatitis B Viraemia with Polymerase Mutations among HIV/HBV Co-Infected Patients on HBV-Active ART in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Msomi Nokukhanya , Parboosing Raveen , Wilkinson Eduan , Giandhari Jennifer , Govender Kerusha , Chimukangara Benjamin , Mlisana Koleka P.
Published: April 2022

To understand the problem of persistent Hepatitis B virus (HBV) viraemia in HIV/HBV co-infected patients on HBV-active antiretroviral therapy (ART), we assessed the rate of HBV virological response in patients on HBV-active ART in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and analysed factors associated with persistent HBV viraemia. One hundred and fifty eligible participants with a chronic HBV diagnosis, with or without HIV coinfection, were enrolled and followed up after 6 months. The HBV pol gene was sequenced by next-generation sequencing and mutations were determined using the Stanford HBVseq database. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with HBV viraemia at 6-month follow-up. The mean duration of HBV-active ART was 24 months. Thirty-seven of one hundred and six (35%) participants receiving HBV-active ART for longer than 6 months had virological failure. Advanced immunosuppression with CD4+ cell counts <200 cells/μL was independently associated with persistent HBV viraemia, aOR 5.276 (95% CI 1.575–17.670) p = 0.007. A high proportion of patients on HBV-active ART are unsuppressed, which will ultimately have an impact on global elimination goals. Better monitoring should be implemented, especially in HIV-coinfected patients with low CD4+ cell counts and followed by early HBV drug-resistance testing.
Pre-diagnostic clinical features and blood tests in patients with colorectal cancer: a retrospective linked-data study
Authors: Moullet Marie , Funston Garth , Mounce Luke TA , Abel Gary A , de Wit Niek , Walter Fiona M , Zhou Yin
Published: April 2022

Background

The majority of colorectal cancer is diagnosed in patients following symptomatic presentation in the UK.

Aim

To identify windows of opportunity for timely investigations or referrals in patients presenting with colon and rectal cancer-relevant symptoms or abnormal blood tests.

Design and setting

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using linked primary care and cancer registry data for patients with colorectal cancer diagnosed in England between 2012 and 2015.

Method

Monthly consultation rates for relevant clinical features (change in bowel habit, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, abdominal mass, constitutional symptoms, and other bowel symptoms) and abnormal blood test results (low haemoglobin, high platelets, and high inflammatory markers) up to 24 months pre-diagnosis were calculated. Poisson regression adjusted for age, sex, and relevant comorbidities was used to estimate the most likely month when consultation rates increased above baseline.

Results

In total, 5033 patients with colon cancer and 2516 with rectal cancer were included. Consultations for all examined clinical features and abnormal blood tests increased in the year pre-diagnosis. Rectal bleeding was the earliest clinical feature to increase from the baseline rate: at 10 months (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.3 to 11.7) pre-diagnosis for colon cancer and at 8 months (95% CI = 6.1 to 9.9) pre-diagnosis for rectal cancer. Low haemoglobin, high platelets, and high inflammatory markers increased from as early as 9 months pre-diagnosis.

Conclusion

This study found evidence for an early increase in rates of consultation for relevant clinical features and abnormal blood tests in patients with colorectal cancer, suggesting that earlier instigation of cancer-specific investigations or referrals may be warranted in some patients who were symptomatic.
Inflammatory marker testing in primary care in the year before Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis: a UK population-based case–control study in patients aged ≤50 years
Authors: Rafiq Meena , Abel Gary , Renzi Cristina , Lyratzopoulos Georgios
Published: April 2022

Background

Proinflammatory conditions are associated with increased risk of Hodgkin lymphoma, although the neoplastic process per se often induces an inflammatory response.

Aim

To examine pre-diagnostic inflammatory marker test use to identify changes that may define a ‘diagnostic window’ for potential earlier diagnosis.

Design and setting

This was a matched case–control study in UK primary care using Clinical Practice Research Datalink data (2002–2016).

Method

Primary care inflammatory marker test use and related findings were analysed in 839 Hodgkin lymphoma patients and 5035 controls in the year pre-diagnosis. Poisson regression models were used to calculate monthly testing rates to examine changes over time in test use. Longitudinal trends in test results and the presence/absence of ‘red-flag’ symptoms were examined.

Results

In patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, 70.8% (594/839) had an inflammatory marker test in the year pre-diagnosis versus 16.2% (816/5035) of controls (odds ratio 13.7, 95% CI = 11.4 to 16.5, P<0.001). The rate of inflammatory marker testing and mean levels of certain inflammatory marker results increased progressively during the year pre-diagnosis in Hodgkin lymphoma patients while remaining stable in controls. Among patients with Hodgkin lymphoma with a pre-diagnostic test, two-thirds (69.5%, 413/594) had an abnormal result and, among these, 42.6% (176/413) had no other ‘red-flag’ presenting symptom/sign.

Conclusion

Increases in inflammatory marker requests and abnormal results occur in many patients with Hodgkin lymphoma several months pre-diagnosis, suggesting this period should be excluded in aetiological studies examining inflammation in Hodgkin lymphoma development, and that a diagnostic time window of appreciable length exists in many patients with Hodgkin lymphoma, many of whom have no other red-flag features.
Accuracy of the NICE traffic light system in children presenting to general practice: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Clark Amy , Cannings-John Rebecca , Blyth Megan , Hay Alastair D , Butler Christopher C , Hughes Kathryn
Published: April 2022

Background

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) traffic light system was created to facilitate the assessment of unwell children in primary care. To the authors’ knowledge, no studies have validated this tool in UK general practice.

Aim

To evaluate the accuracy of this system for detecting serious illness in children presenting to general practice.

Design and setting

A retrospective diagnostic accuracy study was undertaken, using a cohort of acutely unwell children aged <5 years presenting to general practice in England and Wales.

Method

The traffic light categories of 6703 children were linked with hospital data to identify admissions and diagnoses. The sensitivity and specificity of these categories were calculated against the reference standard: a hospital-diagnosed serious illness within 7 days of GP consultation, measured using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision codes.

Results

In total, 2116 (31.6%) children were categorised as ‘red’; 4204 (62.7%) as ‘amber’; and 383 (5.7%) as ‘green’. There were 139 (2.1%) children who were admitted to hospital within 7 days of consultation, of whom 17 (12.2%; 0.3% overall) had a serious illness. The sensitivity of the red category (versus amber and green) was 58.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 32.9 to 81.6) and the specificity 68.5% (95% CI = 67.4 to 69.6). The sensitivity and specificity of red and amber combined (versus green) was 100% (95% CI = 80.5 to 100) and 5.7% (95% CI = 5.2 to 6.3), respectively.

Conclusion

The NICE traffic light system did not accurately detect children admitted with a serious illness, nor those not seriously ill who could have been managed at home. This system is not suitable for use as a clinical tool in general practice. Further research is required to update or replace the system.
Dismantling Structural Racism, Hate, and White Supremacy Through Course Assignments That Integrate Faith and Learning in Social Work Curriculum
Authors: Boamah Daniel , Jones-Eversley Sharon , Harmon Dana , Adedoyin Christson , Burton Kelsey , Sanders Sharon , Jones Christopher , Nwachuku Brittany , Moore Sharon
Published: April 2022

Recently, there has been a growing interest in the nexus of faith and the triumvirate of learning, practice, and research. Social work educators have not consistently challenged social work students to consider the importance of the constructs of faith, religiosity, and spirituality in their own learning and lives. The acknowledgment of racism as an unjust social construct is the essential social justice focus of this paper. The authors present an example of a course assignment that may be used to help students explore the significance and meaning of faith, equity, and spirituality in others and in their own lives. The Critical Race Theory (CRT) is used as a theoretical framework to discuss how educators can prepare students to have a generalist perspective that is humane and social justice driven. The ethical duty to acknowledge, explore, and teach students faith in the social work curriculum is a key aspect of the biopsychosocial-spiritual assessment.
Selonsertib Enhances Kidney Protection Beyond Standard of Care in a Hypertensive, Secondary Glomerulosclerosis CKD Model
Authors: Badal Shawn S. , Al Tuhaifi Tareq , Yu Ya-Fen , Lopez David , Plato Craig T. , Joly Kristin , Breckenridge David G. , Yang Hai-Chun , Liles John T. , Fogo Agnes B.
Published: April 2022

Key Points

Selonsertib (SEL), a selective apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 inhibitor, targets an oxidative stress pathway in CKD.

SEL plus enalapril reduces glomerulosclerosis, attenuates kidney function decline, and reduces podocyte loss more than either agent alone.

SEL has a nonhemodynamic mechanism and has additional effects on apoptosis and fibrosis in the kidney when combined with standard of care.

Background

Despite widespread use of renin-aldosterone-angiotensin system inhibitors and the benefits of lowering glomerular pressure in patients with CKD, there remains a major unmet need for therapies targeting underlying causes of CKD progression. Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) promotes apoptosis and glomerulosclerosis, and is implicated in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a major cause of CKD. Selonsertib is a selective ASK1 inhibitor currently in clinical development for the treatment of DKD. We examined the added benefits of selonsertib on existing glomerulosclerosis and related molecular pathways in the nondiabetic 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6 Nx) rat model in combination with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) enalapril.

Methods

Male Sprague Dawley rats underwent 5/6 Nx with kidney biopsy 8 weeks later for assessment of glomerulosclerosis, and were randomized to four treatment groups with equal glomerulosclerosis: selonsertib, enalapril, combination (selonsertib plus enalapril), and untreated controls. Serum creatinine, systolic BP (SBP), and urinary albumin were measured at intervals. Animals were euthanized at week 12 for histologic, biochemical, and molecular analyses.

Results

All rats developed hypertension, albuminuria, and glomerulosclerosis by week 8. Kidney function further declined, and glomerulosclerosis and albuminuria progressively increased in controls from week 8 to 12. Enalapril treatment alone from week 8 to 12 reduced SBP versus controls, decreased albuminuria, and resulted in numerically lower glomerulosclerosis. Selonsertib alone had no effect on SBP but preserved kidney function. Combined treatment significantly reduced glomerulosclerosis, with more regression than either monotherapy. Enalapril treatment resulted in fewer interstitial macrophages, whereas selonsertib treatment reduced apoptosis and podocyte loss. RNA-seq revealed that combined treatment influenced pathways related to extracellular matrix and wound healing.

Conclusions

Selonsertib targets a novel, nonhemodynamic pathway in CKD. Our data suggest that ASK1 inhibition, when combined with ACEI, has additive effects to reduce progression of glomerulosclerosis, attenuate kidney function decline, and reduce podocyte loss.
Redesigning formative assignment to increase student engagement bended learning environment
Authors: Ustinova Olga , Pace Barnaby , Zhukov Yury
Published: April 2022

In 2020 COVID-19 and continuous lockdowns rapidly increased tertiary educational organisations’ interest in online education and student engagement techniques that effectively work for both blended and online delivery modes. Organisations that used to rely heavily on face-to-face delivery started experimenting with activities in their learning management systems to adapt their education methodology to the new realities, and Otago Polytechnic Auckland International Campus was among them. The learning management system used by the organisation to engage with students online was Moodle, which made it the platform of choice for experiments in educational design. This pilot study examined the use of conditional access to formative activities set up in Moodle as a method of gamifying the course and increasing student engagement. The course selected was Leadership in Action, an elective undergraduate course in the Bachelor of Applied Management undertaken approximately halfway through their three-year programme. The number of activities and resources was significantly reduced and structured into weekly blocks and the students were required to complete the activities in one block to access the next one. Findings indicated that making access conditional on activity completion proves to be an effective technique for improving students’ participation. However, it runs the risk of increased anxiety levels in both the students and lecturers beyond the regular levels as the course progresses. The article discusses the pilot study from the perspectives of the Moodle administrator and the course lecturer to provide an implementation roadmap and a holistic reflection on the outcomes.
What digital marketing strategies: Promoting international higher education
Authors: Mishina Victora , Pace Barnaby
Published: April 2022

In recent years the competition between higher educational institutions in recruiting international students has significantly increased. The universities and polytechnics are working on establishing their reputation, increasing trust and attracting more prospective students. Due to this reason, higher educational institutions have to improve and develop their marketing strategies. Digital marketing is identified as one of the most powerful tools in promoting educational services (Camilleri, 2020; Dhote, et al., 2015; Fierro, et al., 2017; Kusumawati, 2019; Sawlani & Susilo, 2020; Shields & Peruta, 2018; Zhu, 2019). Considering the global educational marketing situation and the increased demand for international education, this research will address the following question: What digital marketing strategies can be used for promoting international higher education? The following definition digital marketing is understood as an interactive tool used on media platforms to reach potential customers is used in this research (Kannan, 2017; Stephen & Lamberton, 2016). The proposed question covers the subject of digital marketing in the context of higher education with a focus on international students. In the context of this research, the definition of higher education by Cambridge Dictionary (2021) is used. It is defined as education provided by a college or a university where subjects are studied at an advanced level. The objectives of this research were: to firstly, determine the role of digital marketing in higher education, and secondly, to identify digital marketing tools used for promoting international higher education. The research conducted by Mishina (2021) identified that promoting online language education via social media platforms to be an effective digital marketing tool in higher education. A more detailed analysis of several social networks which could be used as a marketing tool will be presented. The reviewed literature focuses on digital marketing frameworks, specific social media platforms, and how they can be most effectively used. Most of the chosen articles describe digital marketing tools which are used by universities and polytechnics in the European and English-speaking countries, which host most international universities (Times Higher Education, 2021). A literature review process was used to firstly, identify and analyse the role of digital marketing in higher education, and secondly, review platform-based marketing strategies in higher education with a detailed analysis of social networks.