bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two subtypes of compulsive sexual behavior disorder
Authors: Golder Sarah , Markert Charlotte , Psarros Rhea , Discher Julian Peter , Walter Bertram , Stark Rudolf
Published: November 2023

Models explaining addictive behaviors such as the Interaction of Person-Affect-Cognition-Execution (I-PACE) model emphasize the importance of reinforcement mechanisms for developing and maintaining these behaviors, including compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) as well as personal characteristics as vulnerability factors. This study aimed to determine whether there are CSBD subtypes distinguished by reinforcement sensitivity. We hypothesize that one subtype is sensitive to positive reinforcement (C+subtype) and one is sensitive to negative reinforcement (Ȼ−subtype). We calculated a cluster analysis with data from 62 patients with CSBD and tested differences between the identified clusters by t-test. The sample consisted only of men. Cluster variables were: the sensitivity to the Behavioral Inhibition and Approach System (BIS/BAS), the severity of depressive symptoms (BDI-II), the severity of Trait Anxiety (STAI-T), Sexual Sensation Seeking (SSSS), Thrill- and Adventure-Seeking (SSS-V subscale), Disinhibition (SSS-V subscale), Experience Seeking (SSS-V subscale), and Boredom Susceptibility (SSS-V subscale). Between-cluster differences were analyzed for Trait Sexual Motivation (TSMQ) and Sexual Compulsivity (SCS). The results showed a two-cluster solution with cluster 1 representing patients sensitive to negative reinforcement (Ȼ−subtype) and cluster 2 representing patients sensitive to positive reinforcement (C+subtype). No significant difference in symptom severity of Sexual Compulsivity between clusters was found. Cluster 2 showed higher Importance of Sex and a higher motivation to seek sexual encounters than cluster 2. We found a two-cluster solution regarding reinforcement sensitivity in patients with CSBD. This may have clinical implications regarding individual therapy by focusing on the underlying maintenance mechanisms.
Case report: Rapid improvements of anorexia nervosa and probable myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome upon metreleptin treatment during two dosing episodes
Authors: Hebebrand Johannes , Antel Jochen , von Piechowski Linda , Kiewert Cordula , Stüve Burkhard , Gradl-Dietsch Gertraud
Published: November 2023

A comorbidity of anorexia nervosa (AN) and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CSF) is uncommon. A 17 years-old male adolescent with possible onset of ME/CFS after an Epstein Barr Virus infection (EBV) and later onset of AN during a second period of weight loss was twice treated off-label with metreleptin for 15 and 11 days, respectively. As in previous cases, eating disorder specific cognitions and mood improved. Interestingly, fatigue and post-exertional muscle pain (P-EMP) improved, too. We discuss potential mechanisms. Treatment with metreleptin may prove beneficial in AN and in ME/CSF associated with substantial weight loss.
Associations between exposure to organophosphate esters and overactive bladder in U.S. adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Weilong , Wang Haoxu , Wu Zesong , Zhang Wei , Lin Ming-En
Published: November 2023

Background

The relationship between exposure to organophosphate esters (OPEs) and the risk of developing overactive bladder (OAB) is uncertain. The purpose of this study is to examine the potential link between urinary metabolites of organophosphate esters and OAB.

Method

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database of the 2011–2016 cycles were utilized. Four urinary metabolites of organophosphate esters: diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), bis (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP), bis (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP), and dibutyl phosphate (DBUP) were included in the study. Multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were used to evaluate the relationship between urinary OPEs metabolites and OAB. Interaction analysis was conducted on subgroups to confirm the findings.

Results

A total of 3,443 United States (US) adults aged 20 years or older were included in the study, of whom 597 participants were considered to have OAB. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, we found a positive association between DPHP and the risk of overactive bladder. The risk of overactive bladder increased with increasing DPHP concentrations compared with quartile 1 (quartile 2, OR = 1.19, 95% CI, 0.82–1.73, P = 0.34; quartile 3, OR = 1.67, 95% CI, 1.10–2.53, P = 0.02; Q4, OR = 1.75, 95% CI, 1.26–2.43, P = 0.002). However, after dividing the participants by gender, only the female group retained consistent results. Additionally, restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a nonlinear dose-response correlation between DPHP and OAB in female participants. In the subgroup analysis based on age, race, body mass index (BMI), recreational activity, smoking status, drinking status, hypertension, diabetes, and stroke, the interaction analysis revealed that the findings were uniform.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that exposure to DPHP could elevate the risk of OAB in US adult females. Further experimental studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanism in the future.
Pathway analysis of the impact of health literacy, social support and self-efficacy on self-management behaviors in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tang Fangmei , Zhong Xiaoying , Liu Sixu , Guo Xiujing , Li Dehua
Published: November 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathways by which health literacy (HL), social support, and self-efficacy influence self-management behaviors of pregnant women with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the interrelationships between the variables.

Methods

A total of 565 pregnant women with GDM was recruited. The Demographic Characteristics Form, Health Literacy Scale, Perceived Social Support Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale and GDM Self-management Behavior Scale were used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, zero-ordered correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed on the variables; Structural Equation Model (SEM) were constructed for pathway analysis.

Results

A positive correlation was found between health literacy, social support, self-efficacy, and self-management behaviors among pregnant women with GDM after adjusting for age, education level, income level, work status, parity, and family history of diabetes (r ranging from 0.203 to 0.533). A further multiple linear regression analysis showed that functional HL, communicative HL, critical HL, social support, and self-efficacy were all independent influences on self-management behaviors and accounted for 36.3% of the variance. Communicative HL and critical HL explained the strongest self-management behaviors (β = 0.316 and 0.255, respectively, p < 0.001). The SEM model was suitable for χ2/DF = 2.860, RMSEA = 0.060, IFI = 0.953, TLI = 0.943, and CFI = 0.952. The results showed direct positive effects of health literacy on self-management behaviors and self-efficacy, direct positive effects of social support on health literacy and self-efficacy. Social support and self-efficacy have had no significant direct impact on self-management behaviors, but social support may indirectly influence self-management behaviors through the health literacy mediation role.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers should pay attention to the positive impacts of health literacy and social support on self-management behaviors of pregnant women with GDM. Improving the health literacy level of pregnant women with GDM should be the key point of intervention in practice, and the social support system should be fully mobilized to enhance emotional support and life support to promote the improvement of self-management behaviors.
Cost-effectiveness for high dose quadrivalent versus the adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine in the Italian older adult population
Authors: Rumi Filippo , Basile Michele , Cicchetti Americo , Alvarez Fabián P. , Azzi Maria Vittoria , Muzii Barbara
Published: November 2023

Objectives

To assess the cost-effectiveness of switching from adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccine (aQIV) to high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (HD-QIV) in those aged ≥65 years from the Italian National Health Service perspective.

Methods

We developed a decision tree model over a 1-year time-horizon to assess influenza-related costs and health outcomes. Two hospitalization approaches were considered: “hospitalization conditional on developing influenza” and “hospitalization possibly related to Influenza.” The first approach considered only hospitalizations with influenza ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes. The second included hospitalizations for cardiorespiratory events possibly related to influenza to better capture the “hidden burden”. Since comparative efficacy of high-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine versus adjuvanted quadrivalent vaccine was lacking, we assumed relative efficacy versus a common comparator, standard-dose influenza quadrivalent vaccines (SD-QIV). We assumed the relative efficacy of HD-QIV vs. SD-QIV was 24.2 and 18.2% for the first and second hospitalization approaches, respectively, based on published information. Due to lack of comparative efficacy data for aQIV vs. SD-QIV, we assumed three different scenarios: 0, 6, and 12% relative efficacy in scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively.

Results

For the first hospitalization approach, HD-QIV was a cost-effective alternative to aQIV in all scenarios at a willingness-to-pay threshold of €30,000 per Quality Adjusted Life Years. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios across the scenarios were €7,301, €9,805, and €14,733, respectively, much lower than the willingness-to-pay per Quality Adjusted Life Years threshold. For the second hospitalization approach, HD-QIV was a dominant alternative to aQIV across all scenarios. The robustness of the results was confirmed in one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Conclusion

Switching to HD-QIV from aQIV for the older adult in Italy would improve health-related outcomes, and would be cost-effective or cost saving.
Geographical and climatic risk factors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the hyper-endemic focus of Bam County in southeast Iran
Authors: Ghatee Mohammad Amin , Sharifi Iraj , Mohammadi Niloufar , Moghaddam Bahareh Esmaeili , Kohansal Mohammad Hasan
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a prevalent debilitating disease in many countries, particularly in Iran, the Middle East, North Africa, and South America. Bam County is the most important highly endemic focus of anthropometric CL in Iran and has been under consideration by WHO. This study investigated the environmental and geographic factors affecting the occurrence and distribution of CL in this focus.

Methods

Demographic data and the home addresses of CL patients diagnosed from 2015 to 2020 were retrieved from the Leishmaniasis Center of Bam in southeast Iran. The effects of mean annual rainfall (MAR), mean annual humidity (MAH), mean annual temperature (MAT), maximum annual temperature (MaxMAT), minimum annual temperature (MinMAT), mean annual humidity (MAH), mean annual evaporation (MAE), mean annual frosty days (MAFD), mean annual snowy hours (MASH), elevation, and land cover on the distribution of CL were analyzed using geographical information systems (GIS) and univariate and multivariate regression models.

Results

Of 847 patients studied, 50.9% (n = 431) were female and 49.1% (n = 416) were male. The age classes 0–10 (n = 246) and 11–20 (n = 145) showed the highest frequency of patients, respectively. Leishmaniasis patients were reported from 66 villages/cities (11.8%) out of 561 residential areas in Bam County. Univariate analysis showed that urban settings (OR = 21.66), agriculture (OR = 5.73), orchards (OR = 5), salty land (OR = 1.05), and temperatures (OR = 2.37, 2.79 and 3.47) had positive effects on CL occurrence (p < 0.05), while altitude, precipitation, humidity, evaporation, and the number of frozen days had negative effects. Multivariate analysis identified urban settings (OR = 13.6), orchards (OR = 6.29), agriculture (OR = 5.82), and minimum temperature (OR = 2.38) as the most significant determinants of CL occurrence in this region.

Conclusion

Environmental and ecological factors play an important role in the distribution of CL in Bam County. The high-risk zones for CL are cities/large villages, agricultural and orchard areas in lower altitudes and with warmer climates and lower rainfall and humidity. This model can guide researchers and health managers to properly conduct CL control programs and allocate budgets.
Computer vision syndrome among students during remote learning periods: harnessing digital solutions for clear vision
Authors: Abed Alah Muna , Abdeen Sami , Selim Nagah , AlDahnaim Layla , Bougmiza Iheb
Published: November 2023

Aim

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among children and adolescents in Qatar during the period of remote learning and explore the associated factors and discuss some digital health remedies that might reduce the risk.

Methods

We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study between June and August 2022 by collecting data via telephone interviews with parents of selected students utilizing the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q).

Results

We completed 1,546 interviews. The mean age of the students was (11 ± 2), male: female ratio was almost 1:1. About one quarter (368, 23.8%) of parents reported a previous diagnosis of visual disturbances among their children with over 88% of them wearing eyeglasses or medical contact lenses. The prevalence of CVS in our sample was about 8% (95%CI: 6.8–9.6). Mother’s employment, having positive history of visual disturbances, and excess screen time were found to be significant predictors of CVS.

Conclusion

Health care providers in collaboration with teachers should provide parents with evidence-based strategies to prevent or minimize the digital eye strain among students. In the landscape of remote learning, the implementation of digital remedies emerges as a proactive approach to mitigate the risk of digital eye strain.
Effectiveness of a home health monitoring and education program for complex chronic patients, led by primary care nurses
Authors: Soldado-Matoses María S. , Caplliure-Llopis Jordi , Barrios Carlos
Published: November 2023

Background

The challenge of chronicity has led developed countries to design strategies to respond to the new needs of complex chronic patients (CCP). There is evidence supporting better beneficial effects and more efficient care for CCP when home-base care programs are provided by Primary Health Care professionals. The main objective of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of a nursing intervention program of home visits for CCP analyzing the use of health services in terms of hospital admissions, emergency care unit visits, and mortality rate.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was designed to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-year proactive, individualized nursing intervention in improving health outcomes measured by health service utilization (hospitalization, emergency care, and nursing home visits) in these patients. Of the 344 complex chronic patients participating in the study, 93 were assigned to the intervention group (IG) and 251 to the control group (CG).

Results

Along the period of study, the number of home visits in the IG almost tripled in relation to the CG (14.29 ± 4.49 vs. 4.17 ± 2.68, p < 0.001). Admissions in the first and second year of the study period were lower in the intervention group p = 0.002 and p < 0.001 respectively. All the participants in the control group were admitted at least once during the study period. In contrast, 29.0% of the participants in the intervention group never had a hospital admission during the 3-years study period. The number of ED visits to the emergency department was significantly lower in the IG during the 3 years of the study periods. The cumulative number of emergency visits in the IG was half that in the CG (5.66 ± 4. vs. 11.11 ± 4.45, p < 0.001, Cohen’d,1.53). A total of 35.5% of the participants in the intervention group visited the emergency department on three or fewer occasions compared to 98% of the subjects in the control group who visited the emergency department on more than six occasions (p < 0.001). The 3-year overall mortality rate was 23.5% in the control group and 21.6% in the nursing home visit program. These differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The program demonstrated its effectiveness in reduction of hospital admissions and visits to the emergency department. The program had no impact on mortality rate. This program of home visits reinforces the role of primary care nurses in advanced competencies in chronicity.
Associations of loneliness with mental health and with social and physical activity among university students in Germany: results of the COVID-19 German student well-being study (C19 GSWS)
Authors: Wenig Vanessa , Heumann Eileen , Stock Christiane , Busse Heide , Negash Sarah , Pischke Claudia R. , Heinrichs Katherina
Published: November 2023

Introduction

University students are at high risk for loneliness with a potential negative impact on health. The COVID-19 measures disrupted students’ academic routine and social life, which might have affected their perception of loneliness. This study investigated the prevalence of perceived loneliness among university students in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic and its associations with mental health, behavioral outcomes, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

COVID-19 German student well-being study (C19 GSWS) collected data from five German universities from October 27th to November 14th, 2021, resulting in a sample of 7,203 respondents. Associations of loneliness with depressive symptoms, anxiety, social and physical activity, as well as sociodemographic characteristics, were analyzed using multivariable logistic regressions.

Results

A total of 20.6% of students reported loneliness. Students with depressive or anxiety symptoms had more than eight- or sixfold odds, respectively, for reporting loneliness (depressive symptoms: OR = 8.29; 95% CI: 7.21–9.52; anxiety: OR = 6.48; 95% CI: 5.65–7.43) compared with students who did not report any symptoms. Students who were less physically active were more likely to experience loneliness compared with students who were more physically active (no moderate physical activity: OR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.21–1.59; no vigorous physical activity: OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04–1.36). We found no association between loneliness and social activity. However, loneliness was associated with being single (OR = 2.93; 95% CI: 2.55–3.36), living alone (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.13–1.52), or having a temporary residency status in Germany (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.65–3.04).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the importance of loneliness as a relevant factor associated with health. Further research is needed to determine potential protective factors to tackle loneliness and to investigate how study conditions at higher education institutions may affect students’ perceived loneliness.
Health care of the disadvantaged: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in later life
Authors: Nyman Fredrik
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Chronic diseases have emerged as the foremost causes of death and disability worldwide. This article employs an ethnographic approach to conduct a gerontological investigation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the third leading cause of global mortality, trailing only cardiovascular diseases and cancers.

Methods

This study is rooted in an extensive amalgamation of biomedical literature and official epidemiological data. Additionally, it offers enriched insights through an extensive ethnographic research methodology, encompassing ethnographic fieldwork, participant observation, interviews, and focus groups.

Results

The findings expound that individuals grappling with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often undergo intricate cognitive and emotional experiences, necessitating holistic solutions that consider psychological processes, contextual factors, and subjective age. These challenges extend beyond the purview of a purely medical perspective.

Conclusion

This article concludes that the lens of gerontology is invaluable in comprehending chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, particularly due to its association with old age and increased longevity. Among older individuals, diagnosing the condition presents a formidable challenge. Breathlessness, a cardinal symptom, often overlaps with normal age-related declines in pulmonary function, rendering COPD’s insidious onset misconstrued as a consequence of aging-related changes.
Considerations on the regulation of AI systems in the financial sector by the AI Act
Authors: Mazzini Gabriele , Bagni Filippo
Published: November 2023

The proposal for the Artificial Intelligence regulation in the EU (AI Act) is a horizontal legal instrument that aims to regulate, according to a tailored risk-based approach, the development and use of AI systems across a plurality of sectors, including the financial sector. In particular, AI systems intended to be used to evaluate the creditworthiness or establish the credit score of natural persons are classified as “high-risk AI systems”. The proposal, tabled by the Commission in April 2021, is currently at the center of intense interinstitutional negotiations between the two branches of the European legislature, the European Parliament and the Council. Without prejudice to the ongoing legislative deliberations, the paper aims to provide an overview of the main elements and choices made by the Commission in respect of the regulation of AI in the financial sector, as well as of the position taken in that regard by the European Parliament and Council.
Trends and hotspots in research on medical images with deep learning: a bibliometric analysis from 2013 to 2023
Authors: Chen Borui , Jin Jing , Liu Haichao , Yang Zhengyu , Zhu Haoming , Wang Yu , Lin Jianping , Wang Shizhong , Chen Shaoqing
Published: November 2023

Background

With the rapid development of the internet, the improvement of computer capabilities, and the continuous advancement of algorithms, deep learning has developed rapidly in recent years and has been widely applied in many fields. Previous studies have shown that deep learning has an excellent performance in image processing, and deep learning-based medical image processing may help solve the difficulties faced by traditional medical image processing. This technology has attracted the attention of many scholars in the fields of computer science and medicine. This study mainly summarizes the knowledge structure of deep learning-based medical image processing research through bibliometric analysis and explores the research hotspots and possible development trends in this field.

Methods

Retrieve the Web of Science Core Collection database using the search terms “deep learning,” “medical image processing,” and their synonyms. Use CiteSpace for visual analysis of authors, institutions, countries, keywords, co-cited references, co-cited authors, and co-cited journals.

Results

The analysis was conducted on 562 highly cited papers retrieved from the database. The trend chart of the annual publication volume shows an upward trend. Pheng-Ann Heng, Hao Chen, and Klaus Hermann Maier-Hein are among the active authors in this field. Chinese Academy of Sciences has the highest number of publications, while the institution with the highest centrality is Stanford University. The United States has the highest number of publications, followed by China. The most frequent keyword is “Deep Learning,” and the highest centrality keyword is “Algorithm.” The most cited author is Kaiming He, and the author with the highest centrality is Yoshua Bengio.

Conclusion

The application of deep learning in medical image processing is becoming increasingly common, and there are many active authors, institutions, and countries in this field. Current research in medical image processing mainly focuses on deep learning, convolutional neural networks, classification, diagnosis, segmentation, image, algorithm, and artificial intelligence. The research focus and trends are gradually shifting toward more complex and systematic directions, and deep learning technology will continue to play an important role.
A national sample of developmentally disabled adolescents with obesity and their utilization of preventive dental care services
Authors: Tran Nini C. , Wells Christine R. , Atchison Kathryn A. , Bhoopathi Vinodh
Published: November 2023

Background

Previous literature indicates that adolescents with developmental disabilities and obesity may have more oral health complications than healthy adolescents. However, dental care utilization among adolescents with developmental disabilities (DDs) and obesity is unclear. We investigated the differences in the utilization of preventive dental services between this high-risk group of adolescents and those with no DDs or obesity.

Methods

Parent-reported data of adolescents 10–17 years (n = 68,942) from the 2016 to 2019 National Survey of Children's Health was used. In addition to descriptive and bivariate statistics, we ran three multiple logistic regression models guided by Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, predicting the use of dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.

Results

Among adolescents with DDs and obesity, dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealant utilization prevalence were 76%, 48%, and 21%, respectively. In comparison, adolescents with no DDs or obesity had a prevalence of 83%, 50%, and 19%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that adolescents with DDs and obesity did not significantly differ in their receipt of dental cleanings (p = .07), fluoride treatments (p = .55), and dental sealants (p = .23) compared to those with neither DDs nor obesity. Adolescents with DDs but no obesity were 22% and 30% more likely to receive fluoride treatments (p < .0001) and dental sealants (p < .0001), respectively.

Conclusions

Fewer than half of adolescents with DDs and obesity utilized fluoride treatments, and less than one quarter utilized dental sealants but used all three preventive services at the same rate as those with no DDs or obesity.

Implications

This study identified no differences in preventive dental care services utilization in adolescents with developmental disabilities (DDs) and obesity compared to those without DDs and obesity. However, the utilization of preventive dental services in this population is influenced by the federal poverty level and family background.
Trading off sustainable development in Canadian cities: theoretical implications of SDG 11 indicator aggregation approaches
Authors: Rauf Muhammad Adil , McCordic Cameron , Sgro James , Frayne Bruce , Wilson Jeffrey
Published: November 2023

Sustainable Urban Development requires an optimization of multi-dimensional targets across social, economic, and environmental pillars of development. These multi-dimensional targets are largely captured by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which comprise 17 goals spread across pillars of sustainable development. The pursuit of these targets, however, often exposes synergies and trade-offs between the goals. Broader discussions of trade-offs between human and natural capital have been conceptualized along the contours of weak versus strong conceptualizations of sustainable development. This challenge is exposed not only in strategizing sustainable urban development but also in measuring progress toward that aim. With this background in mind, there is limited research to indicate how Canadian cities are progressing toward the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and the extent to which trade-offs in SDG performance should be treated. This investigation collected indicators for SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, on 18 Census Metropolitan Areas in Canada for the purpose of designing an index of SDG achievement. The resulting index aggregation measures compared performance depending on whether the CMAs were allowed to trade-off performance across the SDG 11 indicators. The results expose the significant role of non-compensatory aggregation methods (which do not allow the trade-off of performance) when measuring sustainable development. The implications of these findings demonstrate the need to consider policy pathways that address these trade-offs and consider how that progress is measured.
Spatial structure of in situ reflectance in coastal and inland waters: implications for satellite validation
Authors: Jordan Thomas M. , Simis Stefan G. H. , Selmes Nick , Sent Giulia , Ienna Federico , Martinez-Vicente Victor
Published: November 2023

Validation of satellite-derived aquatic reflectance involves relating meter-scale in situ observations to satellite pixels with typical spatial resolution ∼ 10–100 m within a temporal “match-up window” of an overpass. Due to sub-pixel variation these discrepancies in measurement scale are a source of uncertainty in the validation result. Additionally, validation protocols and statistics do not normally account for spatial autocorrelation when pairing in situ data from moving platforms with satellite pixels. Here, using high-frequency autonomous mobile radiometers deployed on ships, we characterize the spatial structure of in situRrs in inland and coastal waters (Lake Balaton, Western English Channel, Tagus Estuary). Using variogram analysis, we partition Rrs variability into spatial and intrinsic (non-spatial) components. We then demonstrate the capacity of mobile radiometers to spatially sample in situRrs within a temporal window broadly representative of satellite validation and provide spatial statistics to aid satellite validation practice. At a length scale typical of a medium resolution sensor (300 m) between 5% and 35% (median values across spectral bands and deployments) of the variation in in situRrs was due to spatial separation. This result illustrates the extent to which mobile radiometers can reduce validation uncertainty due to spatial discrepancy via sub-pixel sampling. The length scale at which in situRrs became spatially decorrelated ranged from ∼ 100–1,000 m. This information serves as a guideline for selection of spatially independent in situRrs when matching with a satellite image, emphasizing the need for either downsampling or using modified statistics when selecting data to validate high resolution sensors (sub 100 m pixel size).
Mitigating CO2 emissions from cultivated peatlands: Efficiency of straws and wood chips applications in maintaining carbon stock in two contrasting soils
Authors: Bourdon Karolane , Fortin Josée , Dessureault-Rompré Jacynthe , Libbrecht Christophe , Caron Jean
Published: November 2023

Repeated applications of straw and wood chips were recently proposed as a conservation strategy for preserving cultivated peatland carbon (C) stock. However, the variability in the amendment biostability and the possible divergent responses of contrasting peat soils need to be assessed. This study investigated the effect of amendment with different plant materials on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from two contrasting peat soils (sapric and hemic) in two laboratory experiments. The sapric soil received one application of plant materials and was incubated for 3190 degree-days (145 days at 22°C), while the hemic soil received three successive applications of plant materials and was incubated for three successive periods of 3150 degree-days (126 days at 25°C). CO2 emissions were measured at time intervals ranging from 2 to 14 days and the apparent proportion of the plant material’s C remaining in the soil was modeled using an exponential decay function. CO2 emissions from the 0-25 cm horizon of the unamended peats represented 0.7 t C-CO2 ha-1 yr-1 in the sapric soil and 7.3, 1.1, and 0.5 t C-CO2 ha-1 yr-1 in the hemic soil for the first, second, and third amendment periods, respectively. The apparent remaining C of the plant material varied from 52% to 81% in the two experiments, resulting in biomass requirements ranging from 2 to 32 t ha-1. The apparent remaining C was from 26% to 36% higher in the sapric soil than in the hemic soil. The apparent remaining C was also 9% to 38% higher for the treated softwoods than the untreated materials (straws: miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum; wood chips: willow, birch). The repeated application of straw and wood chips increased CO2 emissions in the first 35 days following each application, resulting in an increased decomposition rate for the tested model. However, no change was detected for the final apparent remaining C across the three applications. These findings highlight the importance of considering soil properties, material types, and the impact of repeated applications for designing effective amendment programs and accurate C projection models for cultivated peatlands.
Young consumers’ perceptions of and preferences for alternative meats: an empirical study in Japan and China
Authors: Huang Shuo , Uehara Takuro
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Alternative meats have the potential to shape a sustainable food system. This study examined young consumers’ perceptions of and preferences for plant-based and cultured meats. Since comparative studies on consumer preferences for alternative meats in different key Asian markets remain insufficient, this study was conducted in Japan and China, both of whom have promising alternative meat markets in Asia.

Methods

We conducted a discrete choice experiment and co-occurrence networks among 2006 (n = 887 in Japan and n = 1,119 in China) young consumers. This study adopted a treatment-control design where respondents in the treatment groups received health information on the use of antibiotics in meat production.

Results

Respondents in both countries perceived meat alternatives to be substitutes to conventional meat and associated them with plant-based proteins, processed products, and health benefits. In general, Japanese and Chinese respondents differed in their preferences for burger patties but had similar preferences for other attributes. Respondents in both countries were willing to pay a premium for “antibiotic-free,” “traceable,” and low carbon footprint labeling. This study reveals the heterogeneity of consumer preferences and the complexity of the impact of information interventions on consumer preferences.

Discussion

Plant-based meat is already available on the market in both countries, whereas cultured meat is still in the research and development stage. Hence, young consumers were more familiar with plant-based meat than cultured meat. It is worth noting that young Japanese consumers preferred cultured meat to conventional meat. This is attributed to the concerns about food security and food animal welfare. Furthermore, this study found that information intervention can induce and direct respondents’ attention to an aspect of alternative meats that is negatively perceived. Based on the findings, this study has three implications for promoting alternative meat products: marketing messaging, food labeling, and product development.
Incorporating biodiversity responses to land use change scenarios for preventing emerging zoonotic diseases in areas of unknown host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Roque Fabio de Oliveira , Bellón Beatriz , Guerra Angélica , Valente-Neto Francisco , Santos Cyntia C. , Melo Isabel , Nobre Arcos Adriano , de Oliveira Alessandra Gutierrez , Valle Nunes André , de Araujo Martins Clarissa , Souza Franco L. , Herrera Heitor , Tavares Luiz Eduardo R. , Almeida-Gomes Mauricio , Pays Olivier , Renaud Pierre-Cyril , Gomes Barrios Suellem Petilim , Yon Lisa , Bowsher Gemma , Sullivan Richard , Johnson Matthew , Grelle Carlos E. V. , Ochoa-Quintero Jose Manuel
Published: November 2023

The need to reconcile food production, the safeguarding of nature, and the protection of public health is imperative in a world of continuing global change, particularly in the context of risks of emerging zoonotic disease (EZD). In this paper, we explored potential land use strategies to reduce EZD risks using a landscape approach. We focused on strategies for cases where the dynamics of pathogen transmission among species were poorly known and the ideas of “land-use induced spillover” and “landscape immunity” could be used very broadly. We first modeled three different land-use change scenarios in a region of transition between the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest biodiversity hotspots. The land-use strategies used to build our scenarios reflected different proportions of native vegetation cover, as a proxy of habitat availability. We then evaluated the effects of the proportion of native vegetation cover on the occupancy probability of a group of mammal species and analyzed how the different land-use scenarios might affect the distribution of species in the landscape and thus the risk of EZD. We demonstrate that these approaches can help identify potential future EZD risks, and can thus be used as decision-making tools by stakeholders, with direct implications for improving both environmental and socio-economic outcomes.
Beyond survival: unraveling the dynamics of Ebola virus resurgence in Sub-Saharan Africa and the remarkable journey of survivors
Authors: Asare Fenteng Eric , Ossei Paul Poku Sampene , Ayibor William Gilbert , Narh-Bedu Tracy
Published: November 2023

Ebola virus disease (EVD) remains a significant public health threat, with sporadic outbreaks occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa. Survivors of EVD may experience various post-infection symptoms, collectively known as post-Ebola virus syndrome (PES), which include chronic arthralgia, uveitis, headache, and psychosocial stressors. In this review, we discuss the persistence of Ebola virus in survivors and its possible role in the reemergence of current outbreaks. We highlight that waning immunity of survivors enhances viral persistence and may lead to viral reactivation and recurrence of disease in previously affected tissues. The delicate equilibrium between diminished immune cell surveillance and limited viral replication may lead to enduring chronic inflammation. Our systematic review, based on an extensive survivor cohort, underscores the importance of continued research and preparedness efforts to combat future outbreaks through adequate surveillance and timely public health interventions. This review serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities of EVD survivorship, the challenges of PES, and the strategies to mitigate its impact.
Research on a Classification Method for Strip Steel Surface Defects Based on Knowledge Distillation and a Self-Adaptive Residual Shrinkage Network
Authors: Huang Xinbo , Song Zhiwei , Ji Chao , Zhang Ye , Yang Luya
Published: November 2023

Different types of surface defects will occur during the production of strip steel. To ensure production quality, it is essential to classify these defects. Our research indicates that two main problems exist in the existing strip steel surface defect classification methods: (1) they cannot solve the problem of unbalanced data using few-shot in reality, (2) they cannot meet the requirement of online real-time classification. To solve the aforementioned problems, a relational knowledge distillation self-adaptive residual shrinkage network (RKD-SARSN) is presented in this work. First, the data enhancement strategy of Cycle GAN defective sample migration is designed. Second, the self-adaptive residual shrinkage network (SARSN) is intended as the backbone network for feature extraction. An adaptive loss function based on accuracy and geometric mean (Gmean) is proposed to solve the problem of unbalanced samples. Finally, a relational knowledge distillation model (RKD) is proposed, and the functions of GUI operation interface encapsulation are designed by combining image processing technology. SARSN is used as a teacher model, its generalization performance is transferred to the lightweight network ResNet34, and it is conveniently deployed as a student model. The results show that the proposed method can improve the deployment efficiency of the model and ensure the real-time performance of the classification algorithms. It is superior to other mainstream algorithms for fine-grained images with unbalanced data classification.
Bistable Actuation Based on Antagonistic Buckling SMA Beams
Authors: Chen Xi , Bumke Lars , Quandt Eckhard , Kohl Manfred
Published: November 2023

Novel miniature-scale bistable actuators are developed, which consist of two antagonistically coupled buckling shape memory alloy (SMA) beams. Two SMA films are designed as buckling SMA beams, whose memory shapes are adjusted to have opposing buckling states. Coupling the SMA beams in their center leads to a compact bistable actuator, which exhibits a bi-directional snap-through motion by selectively heating the SMA beams. Fabrication involves magnetron sputtering of SMA films, subsequent micromachining by lithography, and systems integration. The stationary force–displacement characteristics of monostable actuators consisting of single buckling SMA beams and bistable actuators are characterized with respect to their geometrical parameters. The dynamic performance of bistable actuation is investigated by selectively heating the SMA beams via direct mechanical contact to a low-temperature heat source in the range of 130–190 °C. The bistable actuation is characterized by a large stroke up to 3.65 mm corresponding to more than 30% of the SMA beam length. Operation frequencies are in the order of 1 Hz depending on geometrical parameters and heat source temperature. The bistable actuation at low-temperature differences provides a route for waste heat recovery.
Automatic Estimation of Excavator’s Actual Productivity in Trenching and Grading Operations Using Building Information Modeling (BIM)
Authors: Molaei Amirmasoud , Kolu Antti , Haaraniemi Niko , Geimer Marcus
Published: November 2023

This paper discusses the excavator’s actual productivity in trenching and grading operations. In these tasks, the quantity of material moved is not significant; precision within specified tolerances is the key focus. The manual methods for productivity estimation and progress monitoring of these operations are highly time-consuming, costly, error-prone, and labor-intensive. An automatic method is required to estimate the excavator’s productivity in the operations. Automatic productivity tracking aids in lowering time, fuel, and operational expenses. It also enhances planning, detects project problems, and boosts management and financial performance. The productivity definitions for trenching and grading operations are the trench’s length per unit of time and graded area per unit of time, respectively. In the proposed techniques, a grid-based height map (2.5D map) from working areas is obtained using a Livox Horizon® light detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor and localization data from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and inertial measurement units (IMUs). Additionally, building information modeling (BIM) is utilized to acquire information regarding the target model and required accuracy. The productivity is estimated using the map comparison between the working areas and the desired model. The proposed method is implemented on a medium-rated excavator operated by an experienced operator in a private worksite. The results show that the method can effectively estimate productivity and monitor the development of operations. The obtained information can guide managers to track the productivity of each individual machine and modify planning and time scheduling.
A Pilot Study to Investigate the Antimicrobial Activity of Pulsed UVA and UVC
Authors: Hunter Elena , Percival Benita , Eberl Daniela T. , White Samuel J.
Published: November 2023

UV irradiation has shown potential in reducing bacterial and viral loadings. This is a pilot study aimed at investigating the antimicrobial effect of a novel pulsed UVA and UVC technology on bacteria and human coronavirus 229E. The selection of these microorganisms is based on their relevance and significance in real-world scenarios. This study consists of independent experiments for the assessment of antibacterial and antiviral activities by using a lawn plate approach, measuring levels of adenine triphosphate (ATP) in three bacterial strains, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus subtilis, and performing Median Tissue Culture Infectious Dose (TCID50) of HCoV-229E on MRC-5 human lung fibroblast cell line. The results demonstrated the ability of UVA and UVC irradiation to reduce levels of adenine triphosphate (ATP) over a 12 h exposure period in all three bacterial strains, comparative to dark and artificial/natural light conditions using non-pulsing experiments. In addition to this, there was a reduction in colonies exposed to UVA and UVC pulsing experiments for E. coli K12 and S. epidermis compared to bacteria stored in artificial/natural and dark conditions. Furthermore, using dose-dependent modelling, it was demonstrated that the cross-contamination risk was reduced by 50% using E. coli as a typical model. Regarding the antiviral assay, the results showed that TCID50 of HCoV-229E was reduced after the first cycle of UV engagement. No cytopathic effect (CPE) was detected after three cycles using Protocol 1. The findings showed that UVA and UVC were effective under the conditions outlined in this paper for a reduction in the number of bacteria with additional applications to viruses.
What Matters in the Effectiveness of Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems? Monte Carlo Simulation of Uncertainties for TCAS II and ACAS Xa
Authors: Stroeve Sybert
Published: November 2023

TCAS II is a rule-based airborne collision avoidance system (ACAS) that is used in current commercial air transport operations, and ACAS Xa is a new optimization-based system. Operational validation studies have mainly used deterministic simulations of ACAS performance using various sets of encounters. Recently a new approach was developed, which employs Monte Carlo (MC) simulation of agent-based models to evaluate the impact of sensor errors and pilot response variability. This paper contrasts the results of both approaches in a comparison of TCAS II and ACAS Xa for various types of synthetic encounters. It was found that conventional estimates of near mid-air collision (NMAC) probabilities are often lower than the estimates achieved using MC simulation, and that the biases in the P(NMAC) estimates are consistently larger for ACAS Xa than for TCAS II. Contributions to unresolved risk are largest for pilot performance, then for encounter types, and finally for sensor errors. The contribution of non-responding pilots is much larger than the differences between TCAS II and ACAS Xa. It is concluded that the agent-based MC simulation overcomes the limitations in traditional evaluation of altimetry errors and pilot response, providing an independent means to effectively analyze the robustness of ACASs.
A New Range Equation for Hybrid Aircraft Design
Authors: Cestino Enrico , Pisu Davide , Sapienza Vito , Chesta Lorenzo , Martilla Valentina
Published: November 2023

A new Range Equation for a hybrid-electric propeller-driven aircraft was formulated by an original derivation based on the comparison of Virtual Electrical Aircraft (VEA) and Virtual Thermal Aircraft (VTA) range equations. The new formulation makes it possible to study the range of a hybrid aircraft with pre-established values of electric motor usage rate. The fuel and battery mass are defined "a priori", and do not depend on the power split, so even the aircraft’s total mass is constant. The comparison with the typical range formulas available for hybrid aircraft was made on the basis of a reference composite VLA category aircraft manufactured by the CFM Air company. The analysis carried out shows that there is an optimum hybridization level as a function of the pre-set specific energy of the batteries system.