bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological distress experienced by nurses amid the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong: A qualitative study
Authors: Cheung Ankie Tan , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Li William Ho Cheung , Chung Joyce Oi Kwan , Smith Graeme D.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The fifth wave of COVID-19 has significantly overburdened the health care system in Hong Kong. Health care professionals, particularly nurses continue to experience significant levels of psychological distress when tackling this ongoing outbreak. Yet, no study has explored the psychological experiences of nurses during the most recent outbreak of the highly transmissible Omicron variant in Hong Kong. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the psychological distress experienced by nurses during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.

Methods

Twenty-two nurses (14 female and 8 male nurses; average age, 36.7 ± 8.5 years) were recruited to attend the one-to-one semi-structured telephone interviews from June to July, 2022. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four main themes emerged from the interview: (1) Intense fear, worry, and anxiety; (2) Feeling worn out and psychologically distress; (3) Impact on psychosocial and physical health; and (4) Limited options to cope with psychological distress during the difficult times.

Discussion

Our study findings may provide concerned stakeholders with useful insights into reducing the psychological distress experienced by nurses in Hong Kong. Offering psychological support is of paramount importance to address the unmet psychological needs of nurses and reduce their psychological distress during the pandemic, particularly when they are working under high levels of workplace stress.
Evolution and expansion of the One Health approach to promote sustainable and resilient health and well-being: A call to action
Authors: Mumford Elizabeth L. , Martinez Deniss J. , Tyance-Hassell Karli , Cook Alasdair , Hansen Gail R. , Labonté Ronald , Mazet Jonna A. K. , Mumford Elaine C. , Rizzo David M. , Togami Eri , Vreedzaam Arioene , Parrish-Sprowl John
Published: January 2023

One Health is a transdisciplinary approach used to address complex concerns related to human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health. One Health frameworks and operational tools are available to support countries and communities, particularly for the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance and the protection of food safety. However, One Health has yet to be implemented in a manner that fully considers the complexities and interconnectedness of the diverse influences that have impacts at a larger system level. This lack of consideration can undermine the sustainability of any positive outcomes. To ensure the One Health approach can function effectively within the new global context of converging and escalating health, social, economic, and ecological crises, it must evolve and expand in three overlapping dimensions: (1) Scope: the partners, knowledge, and knowledge systems included, (2) Approach: the techniques, methodologies, and scholarship considered, and (3) Worldview inclusivity: the interweaving of other worldviews together with the mainstream scientific worldview that currently predominates. Diverse partners and knowledge from outside the mainstream health and scientific sectors, including Indigenous peoples and representatives of local communities, and traditionally generated knowledge, must be included. These systems of knowledge can then be braided together with mainstream science to comprise a holistic framework for decision-making. Scholarship and methodologies being applied in other fields and contexts to solve complex challenges and manage uncertainty, such as collaborative governance, social-ecologic systems theory, and complexity science, must be recognized and incorporated. The spectrum of considered worldviews must also expand to authentically integrate the expanded scope and approach into action and sustainable impact. By increasing community and social engagement and by recognizing and entwining different worldviews, the plurality of disciplines, and traditional and scientific ways of knowing to address community concerns in the contexts in which they exist, we can ensure that One Health remains effective and true to its paradigm in our rapidly changing and complex world.
Total sugar intake is associated with higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in obese adults
Authors: Li Ping , Yin Fuzai , Zhao Yanru , Liu Yali , Zhang Ru , Wang Jia , Lu Wenqi , Wang Qingsheng , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2023

Background

The existing literature has repeatedly assessed the association between sugar-sweetened beverages and depressive symptoms, but studies of the association of total dietary sugar with depressive symptoms and of this association in obese adults are scarce. Thus, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association between total sugar consumption and depressive symptoms in the study population and then in the population stratified by body mass index.

Methods

This study was conducted in a nationally representative sample of 16,009 adults from the 2011–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the US. Total sugar intake was assessed by 24 h dietary recalls, and depressive symptoms were assessed by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between total sugar consumption and depressive symptoms.

Results

Total sugar intake was positively associated with higher prevalence of depressive symptoms, and the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of depressive symptoms for the highest vs. lowest quintile of total sugar intake was 1.56 (1.18, 2.05). In stratified analysis, we found a positive association between total sugar intake and depressive symptoms in adults with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (P for trend = 0.013), whereas no association was found in normal weight or overweight adults.

Conclusions

A higher intake of total sugar was associated with increased odds of clinically relevant depressive symptoms among obese adults. Further studies are necessary to confirm the role of total sugar in depressive symptoms among obese adults.
Effectiveness of the graded transport mode for the intrahospital transport of critically ill patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Ling Lijing , Xia Xiaohua , Yuan Hua , Liu Shifang , Guo Zhiqiang , Zhang Caihong , Ma Jin
Published: January 2023

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the graded transport mode in the intrahospital transport (IHT) of critically ill patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study, including 800 patients and categorized them into control and observation groups. The control group included 420 critically ill patients who were transported via conventional methods from our emergency resuscitation unit from June 2017 to December 2017. The observation group included 380 critically ill patients who were transported through a graded transport mode from January 2018 to June 2018. We performed intergroup comparisons of the incidence rates and causes of adverse events (AEs), transport time, length of stay, and mortality rate.

Results

The observation group had significantly lower transport time and AE incidence rates than the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in terms of the length of stay and mortality rate between the two groups.

Conclusion

The most notable merits of the graded transport mode in the IHT of critical care patients include the fact that it significantly reduces the incidence of AEs during IHT, shortens the transport time, and improves transport efficiency, thereby ensuring the safety of critically ill patients.
Methane emissions from California dairies estimated using novel climate metric Global Warming Potential Star show improved agreement with modeled warming dynamics
Authors: Pressman Eleanor M. , Liu Shule , Mitloehner Frank M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are two of the primary greenhouse gases (GHG) responsible for global warming. The “stock gas” CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere even if rates of CO2 emission decline. In contrast, the “flow gas” CH4 has an e-folding time of about 12 years and is removed from the atmosphere in a relatively short period of time. The climate impacts of cumulative pollutants such as CO2 and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCP) such as CH4 are often compared using Global Warming Potential (GWP), a metric that converts non-CO2 GHG into CO2-equivalent emissions. However, GWP has been criticized for overestimating the heating effects of declining SLCP emissions and conversely underestimating the heating impact of increasing SLCP emissions. Accurate quantification of the temperature effects of different CH4 emissions scenarios is particularly important to fully understanding the climate impacts of animal agriculture, whose GHG emissions are dominated by CH4.

Methods

A modified GWP metric known as Global Warming Potential Star (GWP*) has been developed to directly quantify the relationship between SLCP emissions and temperature change, which GWP cannot do. In this California dairy sector case study, we contrasted GWP- versus GWP*-based estimates of historical warming dynamics of enteric and manure CH4 from lactating dairy cattle. We predicted future dairy CH4 emissions under business-as-usual and reduction scenarios and modeled the warming effects of these various emission scenarios.

Results

We found that average CO2 warming equivalent emissions given by GWP* were greater than those given by GWP under increasing annual CH4 emissions rates, but were lower under decreasing CH4 emissions rates. We also found that cumulative CO2 warming equivalent emissions given by GWP* matched modeled warming driven by decreasing CH4 emissions more accurately than those given by GWP.

Discussion

These results suggest that GWP* may provide a more accurate tool for quantifying SLCP emissions in temperature goal and emissions reduction-specific policy contexts.
Growth enhancement and extenuation of drought stress in maize inoculated with multifaceted ACC deaminase producing rhizobacteria
Authors: Ojuederie Omena Bernard , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Maize is a major staple cereal crop grown and consumed globally. However, due to climate change, extreme heat and drought stresses are greatly affecting its production especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The use of a bio-based approach to mitigate drought stress is therefore suggested using plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR).

Methods

This study investigated the abilities of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase producing PGPR Pseudomonas sp. MRBP4, Pseudomonas sp. MRBP13 and Bacillus sp. MRBP10 isolated from maize rhizosphere soil, to ameliorate the effect of drought stress in maize genotypes MR44 and S0/8/W/I137TNW//CML550 under two water regimes; mild drought stress (50% FC) and well-watered conditions (100% FC). The rhizobacterial strains were identified by 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical tests, and evaluated for plant growth-promoting and abiotic stress tolerance traits.

Results and discussion

The synergistic effect of the bacterial strains had a highly significant (p < 0.001) effect on the total soluble sugar, soil moisture content and relative water content, which were enhanced under water-stress in the inoculated plants. Relative water content was significantly highest (p < 0.001) in maize plants co-inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. MRBP4 + Bacillus sp. MRBP10 (60.55%). Total chlorophyll content was significantly enhanced in maize seedlings sole inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. MRBP4, Pseudomonas sp. MRBP13, and co-inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. MRBP13 + Bacillus sp. MRBP10 by 15.91%, 14.99% and 15.75% respectively, over the un-inoculated control. Soil moisture content increased by 28.67% and 30.71% compared to the un-inoculated control when plants were inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. MRBP4 + Bacillus sp. MRBP10 and Pseudomonas sp. MRBP4 + Bacillus sp. MRBP10 respectively. The interactive effect of genotype × bacteria significantly enhanced biomass production. Leaf area was highest in maize plants co-inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. MRBP4 + Pseudomonas sp. MRBP13 (212.45 ± 0.87 cm2) under drought stress. Treatment of maize seeds with Pseudomonas sp. MRBP 4 + Pseudomonas sp. MRBP13 + Bacillus sp. MRBP10 significantly increased the root length (10.32 ± 0.48 cm) which enhanced survival of the maize seedlings. Bioinoculation of maize seeds with these strains could boost maize production cultivated in arid regions.
Predictive nomograms for early death in metastatic bladder cancer
Authors: Chen Tao , Shi Shuibo , Zheng Ping , Zhan Xiangpeng , Zhang Ji , Li Yihe , Li Dongshui , Fu Bin , Chen Luyao
Published: January 2023

Background

Metastatic bladder cancer (MBC) is an incurable malignancy, which is prone to early death. We aimed to establish models to evaluating the risk of early death in patients with metastatic bladder cancer

Methods

The data of 1,264 patients with MBC registered from 2010 to 2015 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We utilized X-tile software to determine the optimal cut-off points of age and tumor size in diagnosis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify significant independent risk factors for total early death and cancer-specific early death, then we construct two practical nomograms. In order to validate our prediction models, we performed calibration plots, receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curves, decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC).

Result

A total of 1,216 patients with MBC were included in this study. 463 patients died prematurely (≤3 months), and among them 424 patients died of cancer-specific early death. The nomogram of total premature death was created by surgery, chemotherapy, tumor size, histological type, liver metastases, and nomogram of cancer-specific early death was based on surgery, race, tumor size, histological type, chemotherapy, and metastases (liver, brain). Through the verify of calibration plots, receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) curves, decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC), we concluded that nomogram were a valid tool with excellent clinical utility to help clinicians predict premature death in MBC patients.

Conclusions

The nomograms derived from the analysis of patients with MBC, which can provide refined prediction of premature death and furnish clinicians with useful ideas for patient-specific treatment options and follow-up scheduling.
Case report: Concurrent malignant triton tumor and relapsed pituitary adenoma in the sellar region
Authors: Wang Jinchao , Yao Zhigang , Xu Shangchen , Liu Bin
Published: January 2023

Malignant triton tumor (MTT) is a rare kind of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, histologically characterized by rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. There are limited reports of MTT occurring in the intracranial area. The treatment modality consisting of total surgical resection plus post-operative radiotherapy is generally accepted. However, even with optimal treatment, most patients will die within a few months. We report a 71-year-old man with a history of pituitary adenoma, who underwent surgical treatment and postoperative gamma knife therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed a mass with two distinctive components in the sellar area. Postoperative pathology found that the lesion consisted of a MTT and a relapsed pituitary adenoma. The present case is the first report of MTT that occurred in the sellar area. It is also the first case of intracranial MTT with other concurrent tumors (relapsed pituitary tumors). Meanwhile, this case has a clear history of radiation therapy, suggesting that the occurrence of MTT may be related to radiation.
Incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection following enucleation in dogs
Authors: Dacanay Samantha J. , Barber Renee M. , Diehl Kathryn A. , Myrna Kathern E.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Surgical site infections (SSI) increase morbidity, increase treatment costs, and can delay onset of necessary adjunctive therapy. The goal of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of and risk factors of SSI after enucleation in dogs.

Methods

Medical records were searched at one veterinary teaching hospital and identified 280 dogs that underwent enucleation and had an adequate follow-up to assess SSI. Multiple preoperative (e.g., reason for enucleation), peri-operative (e.g., surgical approach and surgeon experience level), and post-operative (e.g., use of post-operative antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications) variables were assessed as risk factors for development of SSI.

Results

The incidence of SSI after enucleation was 5%, and no risk factors for SSI were identified. Dogs that received cephalexin as a prophylactic post-operative antibiotic were statistically more likely to develop SSI versus those that received a different post-operative antibiotic (p = 0.045). However, the clinical significance of this finding is unclear as administration of prophylactic post-operative antibiotics overall did not reduce the risk of SSI in the population evaluated here.

Discussion

No risk factors were identified to guide clinical decision-making for prevention of SSI. Additionally, the results do not support the use of prophylactic antibiotics after enucleation in dogs.
A multiepitope vaccine candidate against infectious bursal disease virus using immunoinformatics-based reverse vaccinology approach
Authors: Gul Irfan , Hassan Amreena , Muneeb Jan Mohd , Akram Towseef , Haq Ehtishamul , Shah Riaz Ahmad , Ganai Nazir Ahmad , Ahmad Syed Mudasir , Chikan Naveed Anjum , Shabir Nadeem
Published: January 2023

Infectious bursal disease virus is the causative agent of infectious bursal disease (Gumboro disease), a highly contagious immunosuppressive disease of chicken with a substantial economic impact on small- and large-scale poultry industries worldwide. Currently, live attenuated vaccines are widely used to control the disease in chickens despite their issues with safety (immunosuppression and bursal atrophy) and efficiency (breaking through the maternally-derived antibody titer). To overcome the drawbacks, the current study has, for the first time, attempted to construct a computational model of a multiepitope based vaccine candidate against infectious bursal disease virus, which has the potential to overcome the safety and protection issues found in the existing live-attenuated vaccines. The current study used a reverse vaccinology based immunoinformatics approach to construct the vaccine candidate using major and minor capsid proteins of the virus, VP2 and VP3, respectively. The vaccine construct was composed of four CD8+ epitopes, seven CD4+ T-cell epitopes, 11 B-cell epitopes and a Cholera Toxin B adjuvant, connected using appropriate flexible peptide linkers. The vaccine construct was evaluated as antigenic with VaxiJen Score of 0.6781, immunogenic with IEDB score of 2.89887 and non-allergenic. The 55.64 kDa construct was further evaluated for its physicochemical characteristics, which revealed that it was stable with an instability index of 16.24, basic with theoretical pI of 9.24, thermostable with aliphatic index of 86.72 and hydrophilic with GRAVY score of −0.256. The docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies of the vaccine construct with Toll-like receptor-3 revealed fair structural interaction (binding affinity of −295.94 kcal/mol) and complex stability. Further, the predicted induction of antibodies and cytokines by the vaccine construct indicated the possible elicitation of the host's immune response against the virus. The work is a significant attempt to develop next-generation vaccines against the infectious bursal disease virus though further experimental studies are required to assess the efficacy and protectivity of the proposed vaccine candidate in vivo.
Nitrate and Phosphorus Transport in a Galician River (NW Iberian Peninsula): Insights From Fourteen Years of Monitoring
Authors: Rodríguez-Blanco M. L. , Taboada-Castro M. M. , Taboada-Castro M. T.
Published: January 2023

The long-term development of water quality metrics is critical to estimate the status of water resources and successful catchment management. This study looks at the temporal evolution of nitrate and phosphorus loads and concentrations in a stream draining rural catchment in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula) during 14 hydrological years. The concentrations of both nutrients are relatively low because of the rural nature of the research catchment and low-intensity agriculture. However, catchment nutrient reference levels were widely exceeded. The hydrology controls nutrient fluxes as flow is the main driver of nutrient transfer. For both nutrients there were no consistent trends in nutrient fluxes. The analysed nutrients, however, have been seen to behave differently. As a result, N seems to be decreasing, mainly due to decreased transit in the autumn and spring. Phosphorus, which is primarily transported as particulate matter, exhibits an increase in winter linked to a greater flow and sediment transfer.
GIS Based Road Traffic Noise Mapping and Assessment of Health Hazards for a Developing Urban Intersection
Authors: Zafar Md Iltaf , Dubey Rakesh , Bharadwaj Shruti , Kumar Alok , Paswan Karan Kumar , Srivastava Anubhav , Tiwary Saurabh Kr , Biswas Susham
Published: January 2023

Determination of health hazards of noise pollution is a challenge for any developing city intersection. The people working at roadside open-air shops or near the congested roads of any intersection face intense noise pollution. It becomes very difficult to efficiently determine the hazards of noise on the health of people living near the intersection. An attempt was made to determine the noise-induced health hazards of the developing city of Bahadurpur, UP, India. The noise levels were monitored over 17 station points of the intersection for three months at different times of the day. Equivalent noise level (Leq) maps were determined within an accuracy of ±4dB. Areas adjacent to intersections indicated noise exposure levels close to 100 dB. Health hazards for the people of the intersection were determined through the testing of auditory and non-auditory health parameters for 100 people. A total of 75–92% of the people who work/live near the noisy intersection were found to be suffering from hearing impairment, tinnitus, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, etc. Whether the recorded health hazards were indeed related to noise exposure was confirmed by testing the health parameters of people from the nearby and less noisy area of Pure Ganga. The nearby site reported mild hazards to the health of the population. An alarming level of hearing impairment was prevalent in the noisy Bahadurpur intersection (79–95%) compared to the same in Pure Ganga (13–30%). The estimated noise-induced health hazards were also compared for noisy and less-noisy study sites using ANOVA statistics. The results suggested that the health hazards reported in the two sites are not similar. Further, the severe hazards to people’s health at the underdeveloped intersection were found to be primarily caused by the intense exposure to noise.
Plasma Actuation for the Turbulent Mixing of Fuel Droplets and Oxidant Air in an Aerospace Combustor
Authors: Tai Zhengqi , Chen Qian , Niu Xiaofei , Lin Zhenhua , Yang Hesen
Published: January 2023

In order to explore plasma-assisted turbulent mixing in aerospace engines, the dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuation for the turbulent mixing of fuel droplets and oxidant air in a ramjet combustor was studied using computational fluid dynamics. A two-way coupling of turbulent air and discrete droplets was realized by Eulerian–Lagrangian simulation, and the dielectric barrier discharge plasma action on flow was modeled by body force. The results show that the plasma actuation can rearrange the recirculation zone behind the evaporative V-groove flameholder, and the main mechanism of actuation is to increase the local momentum of the fluid; the actuation dimension, actuation intensity, and actuation position of the dielectric barrier discharge plasma have strong effects on the turbulent mixing of fuel droplets and oxidant air; and a relatively optimal turbulent mixing can be achieved by adjusting the actuation parameters.
Enlisting Probiotics to Combat Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women—A Military Strategy for Meeting the Challenge
Authors: Watson Richard A.
Published: January 2023

For decades, the potential role of probiotics in the prevention and treatment of recurrent urinary tract infections has been extensively studied. However, achieving an effective problem-solving strategy has thus far proven elusive. Perhaps adopting a military paradigm might expedite our assault on chronic, recurring bacteriuria in women. What is needed is a targeted strategy with specific attention to (1) the enemy: the case-specific uropathogen; (2) the battlefield: the extraordinarily complex interplay of factors within the bladder, unique to a given patient, which interface with profoundly important influences from the gut biome, as well as the vaginal biota; (3) the weapon: an antimicrobial probiotic with demonstrated activity against that specific uropathogen; (4) a new strategy: taking these complexities into account, we posit a key role for the instillation of case-specific lactobacilli directly into the bladder of the designated patient. This newly proposed, targeted intervention might be termed “Probiotic Intravesical Organic Therapy—PIVOT”; and (5) the long campaign: reaching clinically proven success may entail a long campaign. However, already, on many fronts, the elements necessary for victory recently seem to be falling into place.
Multidrug-Resistant ESBL-Producing E. coli in Clinical Samples from the UK
Authors: Ibrahim Delveen R. , Dodd Christine E. R. , Stekel Dov J. , Meshioye Remilekun T. , Diggle Mathew , Lister Michelle , Hobman Jon L.
Published: January 2023

Globally, cephalosporin therapy failure is a serious problem for infection control. One causative agent of cephalosporin-resistant infections is multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli producing extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and/or plasmid-encoded AmpC (pAmpC) β-lactamases. We evaluated the occurrence of ESBL/pAmpC genetic determinants in phenotypically MDR E. coli isolated from clinical samples of blood, faeces, ear effusion, urine and sputum from a UK hospital. Phenotypic resistance profiling for 18 antibiotics (from seven classes) showed that 32/35 isolates were MDR, with resistance to 4–16 of the tested antibiotics. Of the isolates, 97.1% showed resistance to ampicillin, 71.4% showed resistance to co-amoxiclav, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and ceftiofur, and 68.5% showed resistance to cefquinome. blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaOXA-1 genes were detected in 23, 13 and 12 strains, respectively, and Intl1 was detected in 17 isolates. The most common subtypes among the definite sequence types were CTX-M-15 (40%) and TEM-1 (75%). No E. coli isolates carried pAmpC genes. Significant correlations were seen between CTX-M carriage and cefotaxime, ceftiofur, aztreonam, ceftazidime and cefquinome resistance; between blaCTX-M, blaTEM and blaOXA-1 carriage and ciprofloxacin resistance; and between Intl1 carriage and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole resistance. Thus, MDR phenotypes may be conferred by a relatively small number of genes. The level and pattern of antibiotic resistance highlight the need for better antibiotic therapy guidelines, including reduced use and improved surveillance.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Rubberized Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash and Nano Silica by Artificial Neural Network Technique
Authors: Adamu Musa , Çolak Andaç Batur , Ibrahim Yasser E. , Haruna Sadi I. , Hamza Mukhtar Fatihu
Published: January 2023

The use of enormous amounts of material is required for production. Due to the current emphasis on the environment and sustainability of materials, waste products and by-products, including silica fume and fly ash (FA), are incorporated into concrete as a substitute partially for cement. Additionally, concrete fine aggregate has indeed been largely replaced by waste materials like crumb rubber (CR), thus it reduces the mechanical properties but improved some other properties of the concrete. To decrease the detrimental effects of the CR, concrete is therefore enhanced with nanomaterials such nano silica (NS). The concrete mechanical properties are essential for the designing and constRuction of concrete structures. Concrete with several variables can have its mechanical characteristics predicted by an artificial neural network (ANN) technique. Using ANN approaches, this paper predict the mechanical characteristics of concrete constructed with FA as a partial substitute for cement, CR as a partial replacement for fine aggregate, and NS as an addition. Using an artificial neural network (ANN) technique, the mechanical characteristics investigated comprise splitting tensile strength (Fs), compressive strength (Fc), modulus of elasticity (Ec) and flexural strength (Ff). The ANN model was used to train and test the dataset obtained from the experimental program. Fc, Fs, Ff and Ec were predicted from added admixtures such as CR, NS, FA and curing age (P). The modelling result indicated that ANN predicted the strength with high accuracy. The proportional deviation mean (MoD) values calculated for Fc, Fs, Ff and Ec values were −0.28%, 0.14%, 0.87% and 1.17%, respectively, which are closed to zero line. The resulting ANN model’s mean square error (MSE) values and coefficient of determination (R2) are 6.45 × 10−2 and 0.99496, respectively.
Bias and Unfairness in Machine Learning Models: A Systematic Review on Datasets, Tools, Fairness Metrics, and Identification and Mitigation Methods
Authors: Pagano Tiago P. , Loureiro Rafael B. , Lisboa Fernanda V. N. , Peixoto Rodrigo M. , Guimarães Guilherme A. S. , Cruz Gustavo O. R. , Araujo Maira M. , Santos Lucas L. , Cruz Marco A. S. , Oliveira Ewerton L. S. , Winkler Ingrid , Nascimento Erick G. S.
Published: January 2023

One of the difficulties of artificial intelligence is to ensure that model decisions are fair and free of bias. In research, datasets, metrics, techniques, and tools are applied to detect and mitigate algorithmic unfairness and bias. This study examines the current knowledge on bias and unfairness in machine learning models. The systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and is registered on OSF plataform. The search was carried out between 2021 and early 2022 in the Scopus, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and Google Scholar knowledge bases and found 128 articles published between 2017 and 2022, of which 45 were chosen based on search string optimization and inclusion and exclusion criteria. We discovered that the majority of retrieved works focus on bias and unfairness identification and mitigation techniques, offering tools, statistical approaches, important metrics, and datasets typically used for bias experiments. In terms of the primary forms of bias, data, algorithm, and user interaction were addressed in connection to the preprocessing, in-processing, and postprocessing mitigation methods. The use of Equalized Odds, Opportunity Equality, and Demographic Parity as primary fairness metrics emphasizes the crucial role of sensitive attributes in mitigating bias. The 25 datasets chosen span a wide range of areas, including criminal justice image enhancement, finance, education, product pricing, and health, with the majority including sensitive attributes. In terms of tools, Aequitas is the most often referenced, yet many of the tools were not employed in empirical experiments. A limitation of current research is the lack of multiclass and multimetric studies, which are found in just a few works and constrain the investigation to binary-focused method. Furthermore, the results indicate that different fairness metrics do not present uniform results for a given use case, and that more research with varied model architectures is necessary to standardize which ones are more appropriate for a given context. We also observed that all research addressed the transparency of the algorithm, or its capacity to explain how decisions are taken.
Effects of a Football Simulated Exercise on Injury Risk Factors for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury in Amateur Female Players
Authors: Ferguson Harriet , Piquet Jessica , Jemni Monèm , Delextrat Anne
Published: January 2023

Females are more at risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries than males; however, there is limited literature on neuromuscular risk factors such as angle-specific hamstring/quadriceps functional strength ratios (Hecc/Qcon) and rate of torque development (RTD) in female footballers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fatigue on these neuromuscular risk factors. Thirty-three amateur players (20.3 ± 2.0 years old, 1.67 ± 9.31 m, 63.4 ±8.1 kg, 23.6 ± 5.7% body fat) performed strength assessments of the quadriceps (concentrically, Qcon) and hamstrings (eccentrically, Hecc) on both legs on an isokinetic dynamometer, before and immediately after a football-specific exercise. Results showed significantly lower peak Hecc (−15.1 to −15.5%), peak Hecc/Qcon (−8.8 to −12.9%) and RTD (−14.0 to −17.0%) for hamstring eccentric contractions after fatigue in the dominant and non-dominant legs. Furthermore, significant decreases in Hecc/Qcon were observed at 10° only in the dominant leg (−15.5%), and at 10°, 20° and 30° in the non-dominant leg (−15.1 to −21.8%). These results suggest a reduced capacity of the hamstrings to stabilise the knee joint with fatigue. Unlike results previously shown on men, the non-dominant leg seemed more affected, highlighting the need to consider specific prevention measures in females.
Effects of a Single Bout of Endurance Exercise on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Liang Zhiqiang , Zhang Zheng , Qi Shuo , Yu Jinglun , Wei Zhen
Published: January 2023

We aimed to investigate the impact of a single bout of endurance exercise on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans and analyze how a single bout of endurance exercise impacts the peripheral BDNF types by age group. We performed a systematic literature review by searching PubMed, Elsevier, and Web of Science for studies that included a single bout of endurance exercise in the experimental group and other exercise types in the control group. Eight interventions were included in the study. Overall, a single bout of endurance exercise significantly increased BDNF expression (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI = [0.08, 0.52]; p = 0.001), which was confirmed in the serum BDNF (SMD = 0.30; 95% CI = [0.04, 0.55]; p < 0.001). A non-significant trend was observed in the plasma BDNF (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI = [−0.13, 0.76]; p = 0.017). The serum and plasma BDNF levels significantly increased regardless of age (SMD = 0.35; 95% CI = [0.11, 0.58]; p = 0.004; I2 = 0%). In conclusion, a single bout of endurance exercise significantly elevates BDNF levels in humans without neurological disorders, regardless of age. The serum BDNF is a more sensitive index than the plasma BDNF in evaluating the impact of a single bout of endurance exercise on the BDNF.
Network Regulation of microRNA Biogenesis and Target Interaction
Authors: Komatsu Shintaro , Kitai Hiroki , Suzuki Hiroshi I.
Published: January 2023

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are versatile, post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. Canonical miRNAs are generated through the two-step DROSHA- and DICER-mediated processing of primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) transcripts with optimal or suboptimal features for DROSHA and DICER cleavage and loading into Argonaute (AGO) proteins, whereas multiple hairpin-structured RNAs are encoded in the genome and could be a source of non-canonical miRNAs. Recent advances in miRNA biogenesis research have revealed details of the structural basis of miRNA processing and cluster assistance mechanisms that facilitate the processing of suboptimal hairpins encoded together with optimal hairpins in polycistronic pri-miRNAs. In addition, a deeper investigation of miRNA–target interaction has provided insights into the complexity of target recognition with distinct outcomes, including target-mediated miRNA degradation (TDMD) and cooperation in target regulation by multiple miRNAs. Therefore, the coordinated or network regulation of both miRNA biogenesis and miRNA–target interaction is prevalent in miRNA biology. Alongside recent advances in the mechanistic investigation of miRNA functions, this review summarizes recent findings regarding the ordered regulation of miRNA biogenesis and miRNA–target interaction.
Optimization of Adsorption Parameters for Removal of Cationic Dyes on Lignocellulosic Agricultural Waste Modified by Citric Acid: Central Composite Design
Authors: Soldatkina Liudmyla , Yanar Marianna
Published: January 2023

Barley straw (BS-C) and corn stalks (CS-C) modified by citric acid are hopeful adsorbents for the removal of cationic dyes from aqueous solutions. Optimization of adsorption factors to improve removal of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) on BC-C and CS-C was carried out by response surface methodology with central composite design. The effect of pH, time, dye concentration, and adsorbent dose on the removal efficiency of cationic dyes was investigated. The experimental data were in good agreement with the predicted data obtained by mathematical models. Accordingly, the maximum MB removal efficiency on BS-C of 97% was achieved with a pH of 6.4, time of 50 min, an adsorbent dose of 11 g L−1, and an initial MB concentration of 26 mg L−1; the maximum MG removal efficiency on BS-C of 95% was achieved with a pH of 7.2, time of 60 min, an adsorbent dose of 14 g L−1, and an initial MG concentration of 24 mg L−1; the maximum MB removal efficiency on CS-C of 97% was achieved with a pH of 6.5, time of 45 min, an adsorbent dose of 11 g L−1, and an initial MB concentration of 20 mg L−1; the maximum MG removal efficiency on CS-C of 94% was achieved with a pH of 6.6, time of 50 min, an adsorbent dose of 12 g L−1, and an initial MG concentration of 24 mg L−1.
How Football Players’ Age Affect Passing Patterns of Play According to Field Location
Authors: Coito Nuno , Folgado Hugo , Monteiro Diogo , Travassos Bruno
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to characterize the passing patterns that support collective tactical behaviour in football players of different ages (U15, U17, and U19) in different field zones. Two hundred and twenty-eight male players, divided into U15, U17, and U19, participated in the study. Cluster analysis was used to group the passes into three sizes (short, medium, and long). The chi-square test was used to analyse the effect of player age on game-passing patterns in each field zone. The results revealed that long and medium passes were used more in areas close to the goals and short passes in the middle area of the field, concerning all ages (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the analysis of the relative distance between the ball carrier and the receiver indicated that older players (U17 and U19) used more distant players to pass the ball in medium and long passes. These results can help coaches design small-sided games according to the players’ ages and adjust to the field’s space and the numerical relationship, thus creating a greater transfer from training to competition.
Translanguaging in English Language Teaching: Perceptions of Teachers and Students
Authors: Chicherina Natalia Vasilievna , Strelkova Svetlana Yurievna
Published: January 2023

The wide spread of English as the dominant language in higher education around the world due to the processes of globalization and internationalization, opposed to the emerging trend for ‘nationalism’ or ‘de-globalization’, has recently led to new interest in the role of languages other than English in teaching and learning processes. This article investigates the beliefs and attitudes of Russian university students and teachers concerning the value of English language teaching and the language of instruction in ELT to explore their perceptions of ELT in a Russian monolingual university. The participants of this study were 581 students and teachers of two Russian universities. The research questions were approached from a quantitative perspective with the analysis of data obtained from a questionnaire. The main statistically significant findings include the following: the value of ELT, supported by English-medium instruction is high for all groups of respondents; translanguaging practices in ELT with the minimized use of Russian as the mother tongue are a top priority both for the students and the teachers; additional language learning experience makes students more committed to more intensive language studies and increases their confidence in their ability to study non-language subjects in English.
The Influence of Lactic Acid Bacteria Fermentation on the Bioactivity of Crayfish (Faxonius limosus) Meat
Authors: Śmietana Natalia , Śmietana Przemysław , Drozłowska Emilia , Łopusiewicz Łukasz
Published: January 2023

In recent years, new raw materials have been sought for use in processing. This category certainly includes invasive crayfish Faxonius limosus. One of the problems associated with their use is their short microbiological shelf life. Therefore, in the research presented here, an attempt was made to ferment crayfish meat with strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, and yogurt culture. The analyses included an evaluation of changes in the microbial quality of the material, the content of free amino acids, reducing sugars, ascorbic acid, and the antioxidant properties of the fermented meat. Changes in the canthaxanthin content and the number of sulfhydryl groups and disulfide bridges were also evaluated. The study showed that carrying out lactic fermentation resulted in a decrease in meat pH (8.00 to 7.35–6.94, depending on the starter culture). Moreover, the meat was characterized by an increase in FRAP (2.99 to 3.60–4.06 mg AAE/g), ABTS (2.15 to 2.85–3.50 μmol Trolox/g), and reducing power (5.53 to 6.28–14.25 μmol Trolox/g). In addition, the study showed a favorable effect of fermentation on the content of sulfhydryl groups in the meat as well as for ascorbic acid content. The results obtained can serve as a starting point for the further development of fermented products based on crayfish meat.
The Impact of Wet Fermentation on Coffee Quality Traits and Volatile Compounds Using Digital Technologies
Authors: Wu Hanjing , Viejo Claudia Gonzalez , Fuentes Sigfredo , Dunshea Frank R. , Suleria Hafiz A. R.
Published: January 2023

Fermentation is critical for developing coffee’s physicochemical properties. This study aimed to assess the differences in quality traits between fermented and unfermented coffee with four grinding sizes of coffee powder using multiple digital technologies. A total of N = 2 coffee treatments—(i) dry processing and (ii) wet fermentation—with grinding levels (250, 350, 550, and 750 µm) were analysed using near-infrared spectrometry (NIR), electronic nose (e-nose), and headspace/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) coupled with machine learning (ML) modelling. Most overtones detected by NIR were within the ranges of 1700–2000 nm and 2200–2396 nm, while the enhanced peak responses of fermented coffee were lower. The overall voltage of nine e-nose sensors obtained from fermented coffee (250 µm) was significantly higher. There were two ML classification models to classify processing and brewing methods using NIR (Model 1) and e-nose (Model 2) values as inputs that were highly accurate (93.9% and 91.2%, respectively). Highly precise ML regression Model 3 and Model 4 based on the same inputs for NIR (R = 0.96) and e-nose (R = 0.99) were developed, respectively, to assess 14 volatile aromatic compounds obtained by GC-MS. Fermented coffee showed higher 2-methylpyrazine (2.20 ng/mL) and furfuryl acetate (2.36 ng/mL) content, which induces a stronger fruity aroma. This proposed rapid, reliable, and low-cost method was shown to be effective in distinguishing coffee postharvest processing methods and evaluating their volatile compounds, which has the potential to be applied for coffee differentiation and quality assurance and control.
Measurement and Impact of Longevity Risk in Portfolios of Pension Annuity: The Case in Sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Gyamerah Samuel Asante , Arthur Janet , Akuamoah Saviour Worlanyo , Sithole Yethu
Published: January 2023

Longevity is without a doubt on the rise throughout the world due to advances in technology and health. Since 1960, Ghana’s average annual mortality improvement has been about 1.236%. This poses serious longevity risks to numerous longevity-bearing assets and liabilities. As a result, this research investigates the effect of mortality improvement on pension annuities related to a particular pension scheme in Ghana. Different stochastic mortality models (Lee–Carter, Renshaw–Haberman, Cairns–Blake–Dowd, and Quadratic Cairns–Blake–Dowd) are used to forecast mortality improvements between 2021 and 2030. The results from accuracy metrics indicate that the quadratic Cairns–Blake–Dowd model exhibits the best fit to the mortality data. The findings from the study demonstrate that mortality for increasing ages within the retirement period was declining, with increasing improvement associated with increasing ages. Furthermore, the forecasts were used to estimate the associated single benefit annuity for a GHS 1 per annum payment to pensioners, and it was discovered that the annuity value expected to be paid to such people was not significantly different regardless of the pensioner’s current age.
Common Sea Star (Asterias rubens) Coelomic Fluid Changes in Response to Short-Term Exposure to Environmental Stressors
Authors: Wahltinez Sarah J. , Kroll Kevin J. , Behringer Donald C. , Arnold Jill E. , Whitaker Brent , Newton Alisa L. , Edmiston Kristina , Hewson Ian , Stacy Nicole I.
Published: January 2023

Common sea stars (Asterias rubens) are at risk of physiological stress and decline with projected shifts in oceanic conditions. This study assessed changes in coelomic fluid (CF) blood gases, electrolytes, osmolality, and coelomocyte counts in adult common sea stars after exposure to stressors mimicking effects from climate change for 14 days, including decreased pH (−0.4 units, mean: 7.37), hypoxia (target dissolved oxygen ~1.75 mg O2/L, mean: 1.80 mg O2/L), or increased temperature (+10 °C, mean: 17.2 °C) and compared sea star CF electrolytes and osmolality to tank water. Changes in CF blood gases, electrolytes, and/or coelomocyte counts occurred in all treatment groups after stressor exposures, indicating adverse systemic effects with evidence of increased energy expenditure, respiratory or metabolic derangements, and immunosuppression or inflammation. At baseline, CF potassium and osmolality of all groups combined were significantly higher than tank water, and, after exposures, CF potassium was significantly higher in the hypoxia group as compared to tank water. These findings indicate physiological challenges for A. rubens after stressor exposures and, given increased observations of sea star wasting events globally, this provides evidence that sea stars as a broad group are particularly vulnerable to changing oceans.