bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactional practices to manage epistemic stances in online searches during a computer-mediated conversation-for-learning
Authors: Tai Ann , Nguyen Hanh thi , Vicentini Cristiane
Published: December 2022

Despite rising interests in the manifestations of second language (L2) interactional competence (IC) in online language learning activities (e.g., Balaman & Sert, 2017a, 2017b; González-Lloret, 2016), the intersection between epistemic and affective stancetaking in the online space remains largely unexplored. This paper examines how an intermediate-level learner jointly managed epistemics and affect with a tutor in a teleconference session designed as a conversation-for-learning. The analysis focuses on web search sequences occasioned by emergent asymmetries in the ongoing talk, and how the participants leveraged resources to negotiate knowledge positions and index emotions during online searches. Findings reveal that epistemic and affective stance management actions are a prominent aspect of online search sequences. For example, during an online search, the tutee demonstrates his L2 IC by citing and attributing responsibility to the source in response to epistemic primacy challenges. In the process, he also utilised affective resources such as laughter and a term of endearment to delicately manage disagreements. By focusing on the management of epistemic and affective stances, this study informs pedagogical decisions about the use of online searches in L2 learning activities.
The process of adapting a culturally informed stress reduction intervention for Native American Head Start Teachers using participatory research
Authors: Wilson Deborah H , Nelson Katie E. , Gresh Ashley , Ricker Adriann , Littlepage Shea , Krienke Lydia Koh , Brockie Teresa N.
Published: December 2022

Background
Head Start is a federally funded program for children (3-5 years) from low-income families. In the Fort Peck Native American Reservation, six Head Start centers serve over 300 children. Tribal Head Start teachers have reported high stress in supporting children experiencing adverse childhood experiences. Thus, we adapted the Little Holy Oneintervention (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04201184) for the teachers’ context and culture to enhance psychological health and well-being.
Method
We used a participatory framework and the ADAPT-ITT methodology to guide the adaptation process. ADAPT-ITT steps include: 1) Assessment; 2) Decision; 3) Adaptation; 4) Production; 5) Topical Experts; 6) Integration; 7) Training; and 8) Testing. For Step 1, we purposive sampled 27 teachers, ancillary staff, and parents to understand teachers’ stress, support mechanisms, and interest in an intervention via focus groups (n=9) and individual interviews (n=18).
Results
Qualitative data underscored teachers’ experiences of stress, depression, and need for support (Step 1). Iterative feedback from a tribal advisory board and Little Holy One designers rendered selection of five lessons (Step 2,5), which were adapted for the teachers via theater testing (Step 3,4). Community capacity assessment revealed their ability to implement the intervention (Step 6). The testing of this adapted intervention in a feasibility trial (steps 7,8) will be reported in a future publication.
Conclusion
This paper offers an example of a rigorous systematic process for undergoing cultural adaptation in a new population and tribal context – a process critically important for Native Nations who historically underutilize existing psychological health services.
Evidence based physical therapy modalities on motor proficiency in children with Down syndrome: Meta-analysis of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Reffat Shimaa , Abdelazeim Faten
Published: December 2022

Background

Many therapies for enhancing motor function in children with Down syndrome are regarded to be beneficial. Multiple systematic reviews have analyzed the available evidence to determine which physical therapy interventions are the most effective. However, readers are now confronted with a slew of systematic studies that produce contradictory results.

Purpose

The goal of this study was to compile current evidence from systematic reviews on the effects of physical therapy interventions in children with Down syndrome, such as treadmill training, progressive resistive training, whole-body vibration training, virtual reality therapy, and neuromuscular training.

Methods

Google scholar, PEDro, Cochrane, PubMed, and Scopus were used to search for relevant health resources. Titles, abstracts (k = 0.78), and full-text articles (k = 1.0) were chosen by two reviewers separately. Systematic reviews were considered if they addressed a specific research issue, explicitly stated the search strategy criteria and study selection/inclusion criteria, and conducted a thorough literature search. The modified R-AMSTAR technique was used to assess the methodological quality of systematic reviews. The collected primary studies were subjected to a meta-analysis.

Results

Each systematic review's findings were tabulated according to evidence levels, with outcomes classified using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health framework. Even though different reviews had different interpretations of the results, the conclusions were reached.

Conclusions

These physical therapy programs involving treadmill training, progressive resistive training, whole-body vibration training, virtual reality therapy, and neuromuscular training; improved muscular strength and balance provided moderate evidence, while other outcomes (such as muscle endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition) provided less conclusive or limited evidence.
Systematic review registration PROSPERO 2021, CRD42021264910
A study of Primary health care service efficiency and its spatial correlation in China
Authors: Mei kangni , Kou Ruxin , Bi Yuqing , Liu Yuzhuo , Huang Jingwen , Li Wei
Published: December 2022

Background China's primary health care system has undergone major changes since the new round of medical reform in 2009, but the current status of primary health care institution service efficiency is still unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate the China’s primary health care institution service efficiency and provide a reference for improving the efficiency and promoting the development of primary health care institution. Methods Based on panel data of 31 provinces (municipalities directly under the central government and autonomous regions) in mainland China from 2011 to 2020, using the super efficiency slack-based measure-data envelopment analysis model, to analyze the data from a static perspective, and the changes in the efficiency of primary health care services were analyzed from a dynamic perspective by using the Malmquist index method. Spatial autocorrelation analysis method was used to verify the spatial correlation of Primary health care service efficiency among various regions. Results The number of Primary health care institutions increased from 918,000 in 2011 to 970,000 in 2020. The average primary health care institution service efficiency in the northeastern region including Jilin (0.324), Heilongjiang (0.460), Liaoning (0.453) and northern regions such as Shaanxi (0.344) and Neimenggu (0.403) was at a low level, while the eastern coastal regions such as Guangdong (1.116), Zhejiang (1.211), Shanghai (1.402) have higher average service efficiency levels. The global Moran's I showed the existence of spatial autocorrelation, and the local Moran's I index suggested that the problem of uneven regional development was prominent, showing a contiguous regional distribution pattern. Among them, H-H (high-efficiency regions) were mainly concentrated in Jiangsu, Anhui and Shanghai, and L-L regions were mostly in northern and northeastern China. Conclusion The service efficiency of primary health care institution in China showed a rising trend in general, but the overall average efficiency was still at a low level, and there were significant geographical differences, which showed a spatial distribution of "high in the east and low in the west, high in the south and low in the north". The northwestern region, after receiving relevant support, has seen a rapid development of primary health care, and its efficiency was steadily improving and gradually reaching a high level. The average primary health care institution service efficiency in the northeastern region including the northern region of China was at a low level, while the average efficiency in the eastern coastal region and some economically developed regions was high, which also verifies the dependence and high symbiosis of primary health care institution service efficiency on regional economy.
Demographic characteristics and risk factors related to high blood pressure among healthy blood donors from Luanda, Angola
Authors: Sebastião Cruz , Sacomboio Euclides , Francisco Ngiambudulu , Paixão Joana , Cassinela Edson , de Vasconcelos Jocelyne Neto , Pimentel Victor , Morais Joana
Published: December 2022

Hypertension is a public health concern, mainly in resource-limited countries. We investigated the characteristics and risk factors related to high blood pressure in healthy blood donors from Angola. This was a multicentre retrospective study that includes 343 donors from December 2019 to September 2020. Men represented 93% of the population. The mean age was 32 ± 9 years. Mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 131 ± 12.3mmHg (ranging from 100mmHg to 160mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 80.1 ± 9.72mmHg (from 56.0mmHg to 100mmHg). DBP was related to age and gender (p < 0.05). About 7.3% of the donors had high-pressure (> 140/90mmHg). Age between 20–40 years (OR: 2.52, p = 0.043), women (OR: 1.87, p = 0.548), non-urbanized areas (OR: 0.39, p = 0.067), high educational level (OR: 0.76, p = 0.637), employed (OR: 0.49, p = 0.491), voluntary donors (OR: 0.87, p = 0.799), blood group B (OR: 2.06, p = 0.346), and Rh- (OR: 0.26, p = 0.104), were potentially related with high-pressure. The high-pressure cases increased from December 2019 (4%) to September 2020 (28%) (p = 0.019). We showed high pressure among the healthy population. Demographic characteristics, ABO/Rh group, and year’s period are features that should be considered in cardiovascular disease control strategies. Biological and non-biological features related to blood pressure changes should be considered for further studies in the Angolan population.
Principles for the effective implementation of value-based healthcare: a scoping review and proposed process model for successful implementation
Authors: Renting Nienke , Nutma Ekelien , Roemeling Oskar , Smailhodzic Edin
Published: December 2022

Background
Porter's value-based healthcare (VBHC) idea has gained immense popularity in literature and practice in the past decade. While the value agenda clearly articulates the goal and content of VBHC, it provides no advice on an implementation strategy. This is problematic as, without an appropriate implementation strategy, even the most significant improvement initiatives are bound to fail. In this research, we adopt a change management perspective to understand better the critical principles that determine an effective implementation of VBHC. Furthermore, we provide guidelines to increase the likelihood of implementation success.
Methods
We performed a scoping review of the literature published in English on the topic of VBHC initiatives using Scopus and Web of Science. The studies were included if they offered empirical evidence on care providers' implementation of VBHC.
Results
The findings from the scoping review are based on 24 studies and underline that VBHC implementation is a complex concept. Implementing all ideas related to VBHC in practice appears to be challenging, and frequently, projects fail to measure or make progress in reducing costs and improving patient-centric outcomes. The findings also indicate that specific change management elements increased the likelihood of the VBHC implementation's success. The findings show the importance of 1) establishing the need and vision for change throughout the organization, 2) managing stakeholders' responses to change, 3) combining a supportive top-down and participative approach to change, and 4) using data on patient-centric outcomes and costs.
Conclusion:
The implementation of VBHC is a complex endeavor, demanding that the reason (why), content (what), and process (how) of the change to VBHC is well-developed. With no approach to VBHC implementation, there is little knowledge about the shift to VBHC from a change management perspective. By conducting a scoping study, this research aimed to systematically investigate the concept of VBHC implementation in the literature from a change management perspective by identifying and mapping the available empirical evidence on care providers' implementation of VBHC.
Regionalized life-cycle monetization method to thrive sustainable transition of rural food waste management in China
Authors: Liu Fang , Xin Liqing , Tang Hang , Qin Yong , Zhang Lei , Dong Xinyue , Zhang Yi , Wu Weixiang , Wang Lei
Published: December 2022

Monetization of externalities has served to thrive sustainable technology transition towards a low carbon scoiety. However, regional monetization method is lacking in China. Herein, ChinataxRCP was built to enable an environmental-economic (E-E) integration and analysis of environmental externalities in different medium (air-water-soil-human), facilitating decision making after considering tradeoffs among environmental impacts or between environment and economics. As a case study, ChinataxRCP was applied on evaluating technology-transition risks from landfill for rural FW management in Zhejiang who is a pioneer practicing “zero-waste city” in China. E-E integration results using ChinataxRCP indicated that biodrying & maturity, and two biotransformation options were promising. However, after transition from landfill, environmental pollution in air-soil-water and resource-related indicators were mostly relieved but with compromise on human health, which indicates efforts are required to control potential risks. Furthermore, policy scenarios revealed that subsidies are crucial for FW management and extra leverage should be reinforced to decouple them.
Construction of 3D sheet-packed hierarchical MoS2/BiOBr heterostructures with remarkably enhanced photocatalytic performance for tetracycline and levofloxacin degradation
Authors: Ma Zhanying , Li Xiaobo , Fan Guang , Deng lingjuan , He Yangqing
Published: December 2022

In this paper, MoS2 nanosheets were prepared and deposited on BiOBr microflowers to fabricate MoS2/BiOBr heterojuncitons through deposition-hydrothermal strategy. The SEM and TEM images evidenced that few-layer MoS2 were grafted on BiOBr surface to yield 3D sheet-packed MoS2/BiOBr heterostructures. The obtained MoS2/BiOBr samples exhibited tremendous enhanced catalytic activity in comparison with pure BiOBr and the degradation rate reached 92.96% and 90.31% for tetracycline and levofloxacin degradation, respectively. The remarkably enhanced performance could be attributed to the synergistic effect of strong visible-light harvesting ability and the formation of heterojunction between MoS2 and BiOBr. The reactive species capturing experiments evidenced that photo-generated holes and ⋅OH radicals played the dominant roles in the whole photocatalytic decomposition process. A plausible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic capability was also proposed.
Perception on Facilitators and Barriers to Adherence to COVID-19 Preventive Measures among Undergraduate Nursing Students at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania: a Cross-sectional Study.
Authors: Msengi Emanueli Amosi , Gosse Rashid A
Published: December 2022

Background
Considering the severity of COVID-19 and the lack of drugs to treat this pandemic, the WHO and other authorities introduced various preventive measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Despite the recommendations on adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures, communities do not adhere effectively to these preventive measures which poses a risk of speeding up the transmission of the disease and ultimately high morbidity and mortality rates. Therefore, this study aimed to assess perception of facilitators and barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among undergraduate nursing students at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania.
Methods
This study employed a cross-sectional design. 250 undergraduate nursing students were recruited by stratified sampling technique. The data were collected by structured self-administered questionnaires adapted from previous studies. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS computer software version 25. Descriptive statistics were used to describe variables including; socio-demographic characteristics, adherence to various COVID-19 preventive measures, and perception of participants on barriers and facilitators for adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Bivariate analysis was used to determine statistically significant associated variables at a p-value less than 0.05.
Results
This study included 250 undergraduate nursing students. The majority (32.0%) of them were in the first year. The majority (70.8%) of the participants had poor adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. The significant factors associated with adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures were the year of study (χ2=7.91, p = 0.04) and participants’ perception of barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures (χ2= 4.21, p = 0.04). The majority (93.6%) of the participants had a good perception of facilitators for adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. More than half (51.2%) of the participants had a poor perception of barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures.
Conclusions
This study found that the majority of the participants had poor adherence to various COVID-19 preventive measures. In addition, the participant's perception of barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures was poor. However, the perception of facilitators for adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures was good. The concerned institution and organization should implement activities that increase adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Furthermore, it is important to provide students with appropriate information to correct their perceptions of barriers to adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures.
Intelligent path planning of mobile robot based on Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient
Authors: Gong Hui , Wang Peng , Ni Cui , Cheng Nuo , Wang Hua
Published: December 2022

Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) is a deep reinforcement learning algorithm that is widely used in the path planning of mobile robots. It solves the continuous action space problem and can ensure the continuity of mobile robot motion using the Actor-Critic framework, which has great potential in the field of mobile robot path planning. However, because the Critic network always selects the maximum Q value to evaluate the actions of mobile robot, there is the problem of inaccurate Q value estimation. In addition, DDPG adopts a random uniform sampling method, which can’t efficiently use the more important sample data, resulting in slow convergence speed during the training of the path planning model and easily falling into local optimum. In this paper, a dueling network is introduced based on DDPG to improve the estimation accuracy of the Q value, and the reward function is optimized to increase the immediate reward, to direct the mobile robot to move faster toward the target point. To further improve the efficiency of experience replay, a single experience pool is separated into two by comprehensively considering the influence of average reward and TD-error on the importance of samples, and a dynamic adaptive sampling mechanism is adopted to sample the two experience pools separately. Finally, experiments were carried out in the simulation environment created with the ROS system and the Gazebo platform. The results of the experiments show that the proposed path planning algorithm has a fast convergence speed and high stability, and the success rate can reach 100% and 93% in the environment without obstacles and with obstacles, respectively.
Remote Eradication of Delayed Infection on Orthopedic Implants via Magnesium-based Total Morphosynthesis of Biomimetic Mineralization Strategy
Authors: Wang Yikai , Ma Siyuan , Yu Xiaohua , Gou Zhongru , Jin Zhihui , Chen Sen , Ye Yuxiao , Zhang Chongda , Ye Zhaoming , Ren Yijun
Published: December 2022

Background: Orthopedic delayed and late infections are devastating afflictions for patients who have undergone implantation. Even though versatile antibacterial modification on medical devices brought the hope of eradicating pathogenic bacteria. The synthesis of late-term antibacterial properties with total morphosynthesis on medical devices nonetheless remains an elusive goal.
Methods: Herein, we utilize a mineralized strategy coupled with ion exchange to generate lamellar-type magnesium calcium phosphate thin films with a three-step pathway: Construction of nanofiber porous structure on the substrate as ions reservoir, incorporation of magnesium substitutional transition sodium titanate layer, and mineralization of a lamellar calcium phosphate coating.
Results: Synthetic lamellar coatings exhibit excellent osteointegration effects in infectious scenarios. More importantly, the underlying transition layer can blow up the possible delayed infection like a landmine after the upper calcium phosphate coating is degraded under the physiological environment.
Conclusions: This work highlights the pivotal role of the magnesium ions in mediating the growth of the total morphosynthesis of calcium phosphate coating and the underlying magnesium titanate layer in ensuring the possibility to eliminate delayed infections under time-dependent degradation.
Enhancing photosynthetic efficiency by assembling metal-organic frameworks on microalgae
Authors: Li Dingyi , Dong Hong , Cao Xupeng , Wang Wangyin , Li Can
Published: December 2022

The CO2 concentration at ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) is crucial to improve photosynthetic efficiency for biomass yield. However, how to concentrate and transport atmospheric CO2 towards to the Rubisco carboxylation is a big challenge. Here in, we report the self-assembly of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on the surface of a microalgae that can greatly enhance the photosynthetic efficiency. The non-genetic concentrating CO2 approach improved photosynthetic efficiency by about 2 folds, which is up to 7.5% in ambient air from an intrinsic 3.6%. We find that the efficient carbon fixation lies in the conversion of the captured CO2 to the transportable HCO3-species at bio-organic interface. This work demonstrated a non-genetic approach of concentrating atmospheric CO2 for enhancing biomass yield of photosynthesis.
Infinite number of Wada basins in a megastable nonlinear oscillator
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Zhang Yongxiang
Published: December 2022

Previous results show that some oscillators possess finite number of Wada basins. Here we find that a nonlinear oscillator can possess a countable infinity of Wada basins and these Wada basins are connected. Infinite number of coexisting attractors and their Wada basins are investigated by the basin cell theorem and generalized basin cell theorem. Infinite number of Wada basins are systematic, which identical basins structure can be identified in each periodic X-axis coordinate interval. This type of Wada basin boundary can lead to a high level of indeterminacy and an extreme sensitive dependence on initial condition.
Rapid hydrolysis of NO2 at high ionic strengths of deliquesced aerosol particles
Authors: Gen Masao , Zheng Haotian , Sun Yele , Xu Wanyun , Ma Nan , Su Hang , Cheng Yafang , Wang Shuxiao , Xing Jia , Zhang Shuping , Xue Likun , Xue Chaoyang , Mu Yujing , Tian Xiao , Matsuki Atsushi , Song Shaojie
Published: December 2022

Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) hydrolysis in deliquesced aerosol particles forms nitrous acid and nitrate and thus impacts air quality, climate, and nitrogen cycle. Traditionally, it is considered to proceed far too slowly in the atmosphere. However, the significance of this process is highly uncertain because kinetic studies have only been made in dilute aqueous solutions, and not under high ionic strength conditions of the aerosol particles. Here, we use laboratory experiments, air quality models, and field measurements to examine the effect of ionic strength on the reaction kinetics of NO2 hydrolysis. We find that high ionic strengths (I) enhance the reaction rate constants (kI) by more than two orders of magnitude compared to that at infinite dilution (kI=0), yielding log10(kI/kI=0) = 0.058I. A state-of-the-art air quality model shows that the enhanced NO2 hydrolysis reduces the negative bias in the simulated concentrations of nitrous acid by 27% on average when compared to field observations over the North China Plain. Rapid NO2 hydrolysis also enhances the levels of nitrous acid in other polluted regions such as North India and further promotes atmospheric oxidation capacity. This study highlights the need to evaluate various reaction kinetics of atmospheric aerosols with high ionic strengths.
Evaluating Physician Associate (PA) students’ perceptions of an Online Team Based Learning (TBL) session on Stroke Medicine
Authors: Aweid Basaam Adil , Wiseman Allison , Russell Anna , Mirchandani Anjaly , Parnis Natalie , Anas Shafeena , Rajalingam Preman
Published: December 2022

TBL is an effective, active learning strategy that has been validated and used in Medical schools (Wiener et al., 2009). It consists of 3 phases; preparation, readiness assurance tests and application exercise (Reimschisel et al., 2017). It follows a ‘flipped classroom’ model where assessment takes place at the beginning and encourages team discussions that emulate clinical practice. We explored the perceptions of a Stroke TBL session among Physician Associate students in a UK PA programme. The study took place during the COVID-19 pandemic therefore due to restrictions, TBL was implemented virtually using online video conferencing platforms. The students perceptions were then analysed using anonymous online questionnaires sent to them shortly after the session. The questionnaire included specific questions comparing TBL to other teaching methods such as PBL. Overall, the students felt that TBL was an effective teaching method that was better than other methods such as lectures and PBL. We encourage further use of this strategy to teach medical curricula with further studies in this area.
Predictors of CD4+ Count Changes in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Kassie Abere Wondimu
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The CD4 + count is used to evaluate the clinical status of HIV-infected patients when deciding whether to initiate ART. To study the progression of HIV-infected patients on ART, CD4 + counts in each individual could be measured repeatedly to monitor the patient's AIDS progression and monitor treatment success. Therefore, this study aimed to identify predictors of CD4 + progression in HIV-positive patients receiving ART at the Debre Berhan Referral Hospital.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 322 HIV-infected patients who started ART in the hospital from September 2013 to February 2019. Exploratory analyses were applied to assess subject-specific and mean differences in terms of patients’ CD4 + progression. A linear mixed model was used as data analysis to account random effects.

Results

Of the 322 HIV-infected patients considered in the study, 225 (69.88%) were females. The baseline mean CD4 + counts was 335.7 and changed to 408.61 over 7 follow-up years. Moreover, predictors such as patients’ gender (male) (β =-0.7512, p-value = 0.019), age at initiation of ART (β = -0.02705, p-value = 0.047), bedridden functional status of the patients at initiation of ART (β = -0.03365, p-value = 0.021), TDF-3TC-NVP regimen class (β = -0.1474, p-value = 0.031), unmarried patients (β = 0.610, p-value = 0.011), patients’ WHO clinical stage-II (β = -0.402, p-value = 0.047), baseline CD4 count (β = 0.020, p-value = 0.0001) and follow-up time (β = 0.613, p-value = 0.0001) were positively as well as negatively associated and had significant impact on CD4 count progression.

Conclusions

Patients’ gender, age at initiation of ART, bedridden functional status at ART initiation, TDF-3TC-NVP treatment class, unmarried marital status, WHO clinical stage II, baseline CD4 count and follow-up time was found to be a significant predictor of the progression of a patient's CD4 count. Therefore, HIV-positive patients can be advised to start ART treatment as early as possible. Special guidance and attention is also required, especially in elderly patients, males with bedridden functional status, and late WHO clinical stage patients.
Efficacy of Infiltration Facilities to Prevent Urban Pluvial Flooding
Authors: An Zhanqianqian , Uchiyama S. , Bhattacharya Y. , Nakamura H.
Published: December 2022

In recent years, the risk of urban pluvial flooding has increased due to the climate change and development of urbanization. The purpose of this study is to verify the effectiveness of small-scale decentralised rainwater infiltration facilities in preventing urban pluvial flooding by using SWMM simulation. Singular and mixed usage of green roofs, permeable pavement, and infiltration trenches, and two types of rainfall scenarios (short and long duration torrential rains) are used to examine their effectiveness. Furthermore, an 'Existing Potential Scenario' and the 'Maximum Potential Scenario' are investigated to elucidate current and future implementation possibilities of small-scale decentralised rainwater infiltration facilities within the available urban infrastructure. The results show that small-scale decentralised stormwater infiltration facilities are highly effective in reducing urban pluvial flooding for short duration torrential rains under the scenarios considered. However, their effectiveness is significantly reduced for long duration heavy rainfall events. Furthermore, the Maximum Potential Scenario is found to be more effective in reducing urban pluvial flooding not only for short duration torrential rains, but also for long duration torrential rains. This outcome reiterates the need to further develop urban stormwater infiltration technologies and investigate urban planning guidelines for an effective implementation of these small-scale decentralised infiltration facilities.
Genome-wide identification of small GTPase gene family members in Lentinula edodes and their expression profiling under adversity stress
Authors: song jiaxin , Zhu Tianwen , Xu Ruiping , Zhong Haiyin , Bian Yinbing , Zhang Jiyan
Published: December 2022

Background: Small GTPase superfamily is a small molecular switch involved inmultiple biological processes of eukaryotes. The main functions of GTPases in fungi include morphogenesis, secondary metabolism, vesicle trafficking, stressresponse, and virulence.
Results: A total of 34 the Lentinula edodes small GTPase (Le-small GTPase) family genes were indentified, and they were clustered into 5 subfamilies, namely Rho, Ras, Arf, Rab, and Ran subfamily. Le-small GTPase genes were evenly distributed on 10 chromosomes. The number of amino acids of 34 Lentinula edodes small GTPase proteins ranged from 155 to 627, and all these 34 proteinsexhibited high hydropility and stability. Our quantitative PCR results indicatethat all the Le-small GTPase genes with stress - responsive cis-acting elementsdo respond to various stresses.
Conclusions: In this study, the small GTPase genes of Lentinula edodes were more similar to those of 2 basidiomycetes than to those of 5 ascomycetes. The small GTPase protein genes of Lentinula edodes were evenly distributed on tenchromosomes without tandem repeat events. The multiple stress-responsivecis-acting elements were found to be on the promoter of the small GTPase genesof Lentinula edodes. Our findings may deepen the understanding of smallGTPase proteins in Lentinula edodes and provide valuable reference for furtherresearch on stress response mechanism of small GTPase protein family in morefungi
Changes in canopy cover and forest structure following dormant season and early growing season prescribed burns in the Southern Appalachians, USA
Authors: Melcher Allison , Hagan Donald , Barrett Kyle , Ross Beth , Lorber Jean
Published: December 2022

Background
Fire seasonality is important for forest managers to consider when restoring historical disturbance regimes and recovering native ecosystem structure and composition, but it is less understood and less frequently studied than other aspects of fire ecology. In the Southern Appalachians, historical fires likely occurred most often in late spring and early summer when fuels were dry and canopy conditions were conducive to fire, however most prescribed fires today occur during the dormant season (January – March). Because fire behavior can vary seasonally, it is important for forest managers to understand the practical applications of fire season in order to burn at a time that meets management objectives. Therefore, we investigated the effect of fire seasonality on forest structure and land cover diversity in the Southern Appalachians.
Results
Using a complete randomized block design, we analyzed leaf-on canopy cover imagery with ArcGIS Pro to compare canopy cover and forest structure between growing and dormant season burns. We found an average of 8.84% (SE=±1.46) reduction in canopy cover in growing season treatment units from pre-burn (2017) to post-burn (2019) compared to 5.21% (SE=±1.51) reduction in dormant season burn treatment units and 0.01% (SE=±0.009) reduction in unburned controls. Canopy cover reductions corresponded with substantial increases in early- and mid-successional habitat, edge length, and land cover diversity – especially in growing season burn treatment units.
Conclusions
Our results indicate that growing season burns are more effective than dormant season burns at enhancing forest structural heterogeneity. Early growing season burns, therefore, may be a viable option for forest managers looking to expand their burn season and achieve restoration and management goals faster than traditional dormant season burns.
Hemostatic, antiextravasation, and prehealing drug droplet directional transportation of antibacterial Janus wound plaster based on the structural and wettability gradients
Authors: Lin Jing , Hua Zihan , Yao Zhen , Xiong Minmin , Hu Fei , Wei Xinchuan , Huang Songyin
Published: December 2022

Uncontrolled bleeding and bacterial infections are major causes of wounds that do not heal. However, developing a wound plaster that can stop bleeding, resist blood extravasation, and realize directional transportation of drugs to promote wound healing remains a significant challenge. This study developed a superhydrophilic/hydrophobic PVA/CS/Ag@TPU Janus membrane with structural and wettability gradients. Water is absorbed from blood via the superhydrophilic layer attached to the wound and charge interactions between introduced chitosan (CS) and platelets promote blood clotting. The capillary pressure resistance (∆p > 0) from the superhydrophilic layer to the hydrophobic layer can prevent blood from permeating, reducing blood loss. A favorable ∆p ( < 0 ) based on structural and wettability gradients can realize the directional transportation of drugs that promote wound healing from the hydrophobic to superhydrophilic layer. The incorporation of CS and Ag endows Janus wound plaster with intrinsic antibacterial activity (99.9%). The bacterial antiadhesion capability of wound plaster can be achieved due to the resisting effect of the hydrated layer that formed on the hydrophilic layer, its low adhesion, and antibacterial capability. Experiments on mice with full-thickness skin defects showed that the wound-healing rate using the Janus membrane after dosing with a drug increased from 87.65% (without the drug) to approximately 100%. Moreover, it could accelerate wound healing, regenerate epidermal and granulation tissue, promote collagen formation, and reduce the scar area. This gradient-design strategy opens an avenue for next-generation wound dressings.
The Influence of the Aesthetic Criterion Shared by Friends on Individual Aesthetic Judgment
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Lei Yatian , He Xianyou , Deng Chaoqiong , Li Pufan , Zhao Zhizheng , Zeng Jielong , Meng Wei
Published: December 2022

This study used the paradigm of aesthetic and moral conformity to explore the influence of friends' aesthetic standards on individual aesthetic judgment. The results show that individual aesthetic judgment is influenced by friends' aesthetic standards, which is mainly reflected in the aesthetic judgment of faces and paintings, while moral judgment is not affected. The results indicate that social cognitive factors have an impact on aesthetic judgment, but this effect is related to the attribute characteristics of stimulating materials. It is shown that the aesthetics of objects with objective aesthetic characteristics (the averaging characteristics of facial beauty, the content characteristics of painting aesthetics, and so on.) is more influenced by the judgment of others.
Development and Validation of a radiomics nomogram to determine the primary site of liver metastases from gastric and colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Yuying , Li Jingjing , Meng Mingzhu , Duan Shaofeng , Hang Junjie , Shi Haifeng
Published: December 2022

Background
To develop and validate a radiomics nomogram to determine the primary site of liver metastases from gastric and colorectal cancer based on texture analysis.
Methods
We enrolled 555 patients with liver metastases, comprising 277 with gastric cancer (GC) and 278 with colorectal cancer (CRC), and randomly divided them into the training and validation cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Radiomics features were extracted from venous phase computed tomography (CT) scans. Univariate analysis revealed three texture features potentially correlated with the identification model (p < 0.1). The selected features were combined with their coefficients to construct the radiomics signature (RS). A nomogram was developed with the RS (p = 0.02) and clinical features (p < 0.05). Nomogram performance was determined by its discriminative ability and clinical utility.
Results
The multivariable logistic regression model included gender, blood hemoglobin (HGB), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and RS. The nomogram showed great discrimination in the training cohort (AUC = 0.71) and in the validation cohort (AUC = 0.78). The nomogram also demonstrated favorable clinical consistency.
Conclusion
This study presents a radiomics nomogram incorporating RS and clinical features with great discrimination and high clinical value for the differentiation of liver metastases originating from gastric or colorectal cancer.
Association between hypothyroidism in early pregnancy and small intestinal bacterial over growth: a case control study
Authors: Zhang Miao , Xu Yajuan , Ban Yanjie , Sun Zongzong , Zhai Shanshan , Wang Wentao , Wang Mengqi , Contacts Jie You
Published: December 2022

Objective Using a hydrogen coupled methane lactulose breath test (LBT) and associated clinical indices, the link between small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and hypothyroidism in early pregnancy. Methods The methane hydrogen breath test included 200 patients with early-stage hypothyroidism, 200 normal pregnant women, 200 normal women of childbearing age prior to pregnancy. Comparisons were made between the incidence, smooth curve fitting, clinical signs, and clinical test results of SIBO. Results The positive rates of SIBO were 62.00%, 28.50%, and 20.50%, respectively, in the hypothyroidism during pregnancy group, the normal pregnant women group, and the normal women group before pregnancy. p < 0.001 indicates that the difference was statistically significant. Additionally, thyrotropin (TSH) and methane hydrogen exhalation volume showed a positive connection in patients with hypothyroidism during pregnancy (p < 0.01, Std = 0.163).In the three groups, the abdominal distension symptoms of patients with SIBO were significantly higher than those of patients without SIBO(p = 0.017,p < 0.001,p < 0.001).Patients with hypothyroidism complicating SIBO had greater levels of TSH, TPOAb, C-reactive protein, and FT4, whereas their levels of vitamin D were decreased(p < 0.001,respectively).Conclusion Intestinal bacterial overgrowth and hypothyroidism during the first trimester and pregnancy are closely associated; the connection between these two conditions may also involve inflammatory agents and vitamin levels.
Feynman-Vernon influence functional approach for the damped driven oscillator in RLC circuit
Authors: LIMA LEONARDO DOS SANTOS , Arruda L Gabriel de Almeida
Published: December 2022

The Feynman-Vernon influence functional formalism which is adequate in the study of the dissipative dynamics, is used to describe weakly coupled circuits. The classical behavior of the system formed by resistance, electric and magnetic polarizations is characterized by the influence functional approach whose behavior although is linear in some sense, is not representable by systems of perfect oscillators. In addition, linear combinations of complex q-exponentials are used in representation of nonlinear circuits in which the solution of the correspondent nonlinear differentials equations are mapped in modified differentials equations for a new deformed variable.
Analyzing the Heterogeneous Impact of Rural Social Pension on Elderly People’s Health in China from the Perspective of Collectivist Household Decision-Making
Authors: GUO Yang , CUI Mei-ling , LIU Chang
Published: December 2022

Background: This study examines the effect of rural social pension policies on elderly people’s health from the perspective of collectivist household decision-making. It aims to explain the heterogeneous outcomes that rural social pension policies have for elderly people in different households, arguing that there is a conflict between the individualism of China’s rural pension scheme design and the collectivism of farmers’ decision-making.
Methods: To uncover the mechanism causing pension policies’ disparate effects, we conducted an empirical test using survey data from China Family Panel Studies. More specifically, we compared the impact of family structure and family members’ pension payments on elderly pensioner’s health.
Results: The results showed that younger family members’ pension payments offset the income effect of elderly family members’ pension payouts, undermining younger family members’ ability to economically support their aging parents. This weakens the health-promoting effect of pension payouts.
Conclusions: Thus, China’s wide-reaching rural social pension policy has heterogeneous effects on elderly people’s health due to differing household family structures. This insight can help to improve pension policy design and evaluation, providing the foundation for more equitable and long-term social pension systems.
Loneliness status and associated factors among rural left-behind children in China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Li Han , Xiong Yan , Lu Chunxia , Long Jiayi , Shu Caijuan , Yin Hongjun , Dong Weixin
Published: December 2022

Objective: Toinvestigate the loneliness status among rural left-behind children (RLBC) in China and examine the significant predictors of loneliness, which might provide practical intervention measures for the schools.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2022 using the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Children’s Loneliness Scale(CLS), Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC), Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale(SES) and Piers-Harris Child Self-concept Scale (PHCSS) to assess the status of, and factors associated with the loneliness of RLBC. Using ratios to describe the data, Chi-square test was used to compare the level of loneliness of RLBC between groups. Associations between different factors and the CLS were examined using Pearson analysis. The main factors that were most predictive of the loneliness were identified by multiple linear regressions.
Results: The detection rate of loneliness among RLBC was 66.26%(n=538). Chi-suqare test results show that grade, age, parental migration status, parental separation duration, type of caregivers and contact frequency with parents on different levels of loneliness of RLBC(P<0.05). The correlation analysis indicated that CLS is positively correlated with parental migration status, parental separation duration, contact frequency with parents, average annual household income, SASC and two domains(P<0.05). It is negatively correlated with grade, age, SES, PHCSS and six domains(P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that grade, age, parental migration status, parental separation duration, contact frequency with parents, SASC, FEA, FRE, POP among the variables were major factors affecting loneliness of RLBC(all P<0.05).
Conclusions: The detection rate of loneliness among RLBC in China is high. Grade, age, parental migration status, parental separation duration, contact frequency with parents, social anxiety, self-esteem and self-concept were the main factors affecting the loneliness level of RLBC.
A comparative study of external ear canal packing in endoscopic ear surgery; Outcomes of Spongostan and Silastic-based ear packing on a cohort of 153 cases
Authors: Angelou Dimitrios , Slim Mohd Afiq Mohd , Iyer Arunachalam
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of external ear canal packing on the outcomes of endoscopic ear surgery. We specifically aimed to compare the outcomes of Spongostan-based and Silastic splint packings.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of 153 consecutive patients who had endoscopic ear surgery in our department from 2014 to 2021. We excluded revision surgeries and microscopic approaches to analyze the effect of the dressing in endoscopic surgery alone. Analysis was performed for two groups of procedures depending on the use of either Spongostan-based dressings left in the ear for 3 months to be absorbed or Silastic splint and ointment dressings removed 2 weeks after the procedure.
Results
Of the 153 patients, 50 had Silastic based dressings and 103 had Spongostan. No statistical difference was found in any of our outcomes including otorrhea (OR:1.12, p:0.742), tympanic membrane perforations (OR:0.658, p:0.374), retractions (OR:2.02, p:0.377), myringitis (OR:0.839, p:0.787), meatal stenosis (OR:1.48, p:1) and lateralization (0%). Our multivariate analysis demonstrated no differences between the cholesteatoma and graft-type groups.
Conclusions
Both Spongostan-based packing and Silastic splint packing have been used extensively in endoscopic ear surgery with good results. Spongostan was absorbable and required its first follow-up only at 3 months, therefore needing fewer appointments.