bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensing Technology Applications in the Mining Industry—A Systematic Review
Authors: Duarte Joana , Rodrigues Fernanda , Castelo Branco Jacqueline
Published: February 2022

Introduction Industry 4.0 has enhanced technological development in all fields. Currently, one can analyse, treat, and model completely different variables in real time; these include production, environmental, and occupational variables. Resultingly, there has been a significant improvement in the quality of life of workers, the environment, and in businesses in general, encouraging the implementation of continuous improvement measures. However, it is not entirely clear how the mining industry is evolving alongside this industrial evolution. With this in mind, this systematic review aimed to find sensing technology applications within this sector, in order to assist the mining industry in its goal to evolve digitally. Methodology: The research and reporting of this article were carried out by means of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results and discussion: A total of 29 papers were included in the study, with sensors being applied in several fields, namely safety, management, and localisation. Three different implementation phases were identified regarding its execution: prototype, trial, and (already) implemented. The overall results highlighted that many mechanisms are in need of improvement in underground settings. This might be due to the fact that underground mining has particular safety challenges. Conclusions: Ventilation and mapping are primary issues to be solved in the underground setting. With regard to the surface setting, the focus is directed toward slope stability and ways of improving it regarding monitoring and prevention. The literature screening revealed a tendency in these systems to keep advancing in technologically, becoming increasingly more intelligent. In the near future, it is expected that a more technologically advanced mining industry will arise, and this will be created and sustained by the optimisation of processes, equipment, and work practices, in order to improve both the quality of life of people and the health of the environment.
Problem Technology Use, Academic Performance, and School Connectedness among Adolescents
Authors: Sampasa-Kanyinga Hugues , Hamilton Hayley A. , Goldfield Gary S. , Chaput Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2022

Background: Little is known about the association between problem technology use in adolescents and school-related outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of problem technology use and examine its association with academic performance and school connectedness in a sample of students across Ontario, Canada. Methods: Self-reported data from a sample of 4837 students in grades 9 to 12 (mean age: 15.9 years; 49.5% females) were cross-sectionally analyzed. Ordered logistic regression models were adjusted for important covariates. Results: We found that 35.8% of students used their screen device for at least 5 h a day and about 18.6% had moderate-to-serious symptoms of problem technology use, a prevalence that was higher in females (22.4%) than males (14.9%). Heavy technology use was differentially associated with lower academic performance and lower levels of school connectedness in males and females. Having moderate-to-serious symptoms of problem technology use was associated with lower academic performance among males (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.53–0.87) and females (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.52–0.84). It was also associated with less school connectedness in both males (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.50–0.86) and females (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.51–0.78). Conclusion: Excessive use and problem technology use are highly prevalent among secondary school students, and they are associated with lower academic performance and lower levels of school connectedness.
Geochemical and Statistical Analyses of Trace Elements in Lake Sediments from Qaidam Basin, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: Distribution Characteristics and Source Apportionment
Authors: He Haifang , Wei Haicheng , Wang Yong , Wang Lingqing , Qin Zhanjie , Li Qingkuan , Shan Fashou , Fan Qishun , Du Yongsheng
Published: February 2022

The safety of lake ecosystems on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) has attracted increasing attention, owing to its unique location and ecological vulnerability. Previous studies have shown that the aquatic systems on the QTP have been polluted to varying degrees by trace elements. However, little is known of the distribution and sources of trace elements in lakes in the northeast QTP. Here, 57 sediment samples were collected from six lakes (Dasugan Lake, Xiaoqaidam Lake, Kreuk Lake, Toson Lake, Gahai Lake and Xiligou Lake) in the Qaidam Basin, northeast QTP, and the trace elements (V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Ba, Tl, Cd, Pb, and U) were analyzed. The results indicated that Ba, Zn, V, and Cr had a higher content and a wider distribution relative to the other tested elements. Correlation coefficient matrix results showed that the trace elements in the study area were strongly correlated, revealing their source of similarity. Self-organizing maps (SOM, an artificial neural network algorithm) results indicated that the degree of pollution in Xiaoqaidam Lake was the highest, and that of Dasugan Lake was the lowest. Furthermore, all sampling points were clustered into four categories through K-means clustering. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) results indicated that atmospheric deposition and anthropogenic inputs were the main trace elements sources in these lakes, followed by traffic emission and geological sources. Collectively, trace elements of six lakes in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau presented high-content and pollution characteristics. This research provides a scientific basis for better water environment management and ecological protection on the QTP.
Measurement Invariance of the Self-Stigma of Mental Illness Scale: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Li Shengnan , Heath Patrick J. , Vidales Carlos A. , Vogel David L. , Nie Yangang
Published: February 2022

The current study assessed the measurement invariance of the Self-stigma of Mental Illness scale (SSOMI) across Chinese and US samples and assessed whether the SSOMI differentially relates to distress levels across Chinese and US participants. We included 487 participants in China and 550 in the US (mean age was 19.52 in China and 19.29 in the US). The results indicated that partial measurement invariance of the SSOMI scale across China and the United States participants was established. Furthermore, we observed validity evidence for the SSOMI scale through its correlations with a well-established self-stigma measure and measures of depression, anxiety, and stress. Finally, we found that the SSOMI scale is more strongly linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress in China than it is in the United States, supporting previous research. These findings enable researchers to utilize the scale cross-culturally (i.e., with participants of Chinese and US origin), and to develop and implement interventions targeting mental illness stigma in both China and the United States.
Early Prediction of Sepsis Onset Using Neural Architecture Search Based on Genetic Algorithms
Authors: Kim Jae Kwan , Ahn Wonbin , Park Sangin , Lee Soo-Hong , Kim Laehyun
Published: February 2022

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition with a high mortality rate. Early prediction and treatment are the most effective strategies for increasing survival rates. This paper proposes a neural architecture search (NAS) model to predict the onset of sepsis with a low computational cost and high search performance by applying a genetic algorithm (GA). The proposed model shares the weights of all possible connection nodes internally within the neural network. Externally, the search cost is reduced through the weight-sharing effect between the genotypes of the GA. A predictive analysis was performed using the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III), a medical time-series dataset, with the primary objective of predicting sepsis onset 3 h before occurrence. In addition, experiments were conducted under various prediction times (0–12 h) for comparison. The proposed model exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) score of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92–0.96) for 3 h, which is 0.31–0.26 higher than the scores obtained using the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA), quick SOFA (qSOFA), and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II scoring systems. Furthermore, the proposed model exhibited a 12% improvement in the AUROC value over a simple model based on the long short-term memory neural network. Additionally, it is not only optimally searchable for sepsis onset prediction, but also outperforms conventional models that use similar predictive purposes and datasets. Notably, it is sufficiently robust to shape changes in the input data and has less structural dependence.
Protective Effect of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Resistance Training on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Park Jae Ho , Lim Nam-Kyoo , Park Hyun-Young
Published: February 2022

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease. The present study aimed to investigate the association of NAFLD with leisure-time physical activity (PA) levels and resistance training (RT). Methods: We used data from large nationwide cohorts in Korea. NAFLD was defined based on the Framingham steatosis index. Participants were categorized into four groups based on RT frequency and adherence to PA guidelines (≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity PA): Low-PA, Low-PA+RT, High-PA, and High-PA+RT. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of NAFLD according to leisure-time PA levels and regularity of RT. Results: When compared with Low-PA, High-PA decreased the risk of NAFLD by 17%, and High-PA+RT further decreased the risk by 30%. However, the additional reduction in risk associated with the addition of RT was observed in men (19%), but not in women. In the High-PA group, men had a significantly higher training frequency and period for RT than women. Conclusions: Following the PA guideline may confer protective effects against NAFLD, while adding RT to High-PA can further decrease the risk of NAFLD. Sex-based differences in NAFLD risk in the High-PA+RT group may be due to the differences in the frequency and period of RT.
Development and Poverty Dynamics in Severe Mental Illness: A Modified Capability Approach in the Chinese Context
Authors: Yu Yue-Hui , Peng Man-Man
Published: February 2022

Albeit poverty reduction has been listed as an overarching objective in many countries’ development plans, little is known about how development could shape poverty dynamics in disadvantaged groups. Guided by a modified capability framework, this study aimed to explore the long-term experiences of poverty dynamics in severe mental illness. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 20 caregivers who provided care for persons with severe mental illness in Chengdu, China. Their perceptions on development, the illness, and social security were addressed. Content analysis was employed to analyze data. Participants experienced an overall improvement of life quality due to changes on urban infrastructure and transformed lifestyle. However, they were more disadvantaged while facing ability-based opportunities. These families were hindered from transferring opportunities into incomes. Negative impacts of the illness were also reflected in multiple stigma and conversion difficulties. Additionally, the high threshold for payment made those inclusive social security policies not inclusive for them. Poverty associated with severe mental illness was unlikely to be alleviated automatically within the process of development. Social isolation and high caregiving burden had aggravated poverty for those disadvantaged families. Poverty alleviation should be closely linked to the improvement in social policies in China.
Effects of Bullying Forms on Adolescent Mental Health and Protective Factors: A Global Cross-Regional Research Based on 65 Countries
Authors: Man Xiaoou , Liu Jiatong , Xue Zengxin
Published: February 2022

Adolescent bullying is a public health issue of great global concern. Given the serious negative effect of bullying on adolescent mental health, it is critical to seek protective factors to protect adolescent mental health. From a global cross-regional perspective, the study aims to explore the relationship between forms of bullying and adolescent mental health and the role of parental support as a protective factor. Data were drawn from adolescents aged 12–17 years in 65 countries from the Global School-based Student Health Survey between 2003 and 2015. After controlling the state-fixed effects, individual adolescent behavior, and family factors, the ordinary least squares model was used to analyze the influence of bullying frequency and forms of bullying on adolescent mental health. The results found that the prevalence of bullying in the sample of 167,286 adolescents was 32.03%, with the highest prevalence of bullying in the sample countries in Africa. Verbal bullying had the highest prevalence and the most significant negative effect on adolescent mental health. The study also discussed the differences in bullying among adolescents by gender, age, and region. “Parental supervision”, “parental connectedness” and “parental bonding” played a positive and protective role in the mental health of adolescents who experienced bullying.
Water as a Source of Indoor Air Contamination with Potentially Pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila in Aquaculture
Authors: Gołaś Iwona , Szmyt Mariusz , Glińska-Lewczuk Katarzyna
Published: February 2022

Human activities influence the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in indoor air. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the experimental rearing of European grayling and European perch in a recirculating aquaculture system on the contamination of indoor air with potentially pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila (PPAH) and the resulting health risks to humans. The PPAH counts, their resistance to seven antibiotics, and the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index were determined in samples of indoor air and water from rearing tanks. The PPAH counts were highest in the laboratory bioaerosol where two fish species were reared. The calculated indoor/outdoor ratio (I/O > 1) demonstrated that tank water was the internal source of PPAH emissions. The unconstrained PCA revealed strong positive relationships (p ≤ 0.05) between the PPAH counts in the indoor air and water samples. Most of the PPAH strains isolated from laboratory air were resistant to tetracycline, cefotaxime, and erythromycin, and 26–82% of the isolates exhibited multiple drug resistance. The values of the MAR index were similar in samples of laboratory air and water (0.23–0.34 and 0.24–0.36, respectively). Agglomerative clustering revealed two clusters of strains isolated from laboratory air and tank water. The results of this study indicate that aquaculture can be a source of indoor air contamination with PPAH.
Ethnicity, Social, and Clinical Risk Factors to Tooth Loss among Older Adults in the U.S., NHANES 2011–2018
Authors: Lee Haeok , Kim Deogwoon , Jung Andrew , Chae Wonjeong
Published: February 2022

Background. Many older adults suffer from poor oral health, including tooth loss, and disparities among racial/ethnic and socially disadvantaged populations continue to exist. Methods. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey among the adult population in the U.S. The prevalence of edentulism and multiple regression models were conducted on 15,821 adults, including Asians, Blacks, Hispanics, Whites, and others to assess the relationships between tooth loss and their predictors. Results. The prevalence of complete tooth loss increased with age from 0.7% for ages 20–44 to 20.2% for ages 65 and over. There are disparities in complete tooth loss regarding race/ethnicity, with the highest percentages (9%) among Whites and Blacks and the lowest percentages among Asians (3%) and Hispanics (4%). After adjusting for predictors, their impact on tooth loss was not consistent within racial/ethnic groups, as Asians had more tooth loss from Model 1 (β = −1.974, p < 0.0001) to Model 5 (β = −1.1705, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Tooth loss was significantly higher among older adults and racial/ethnic groups even after controlling for other predictors among a nationally representative sample. The findings point to the fact that subgroup-tailored preventions are necessary.
Bounded Rationality and Heuristics: Do We Only Need to Score in Order to Win Individual Awards in Basketball?
Authors: Zilinyi Zsombor , Nagy Ágoston , Borbély Szilvia , Sterbenz Tamás
Published: February 2022

In the game of basketball game-related statistics are utilised to help decision makers to evaluate players’ achievements. Previous research showed that in the case of individual awards, points are preferred over other indicators of effectiveness. Based on recent studies and following Simon’s bounded rationality, in our interpretation, decision-makers decide on nominations at the post-grant level according to points scoring which is the easiest aspect to assess and the most familiar to them. In this context we also hypothesise that youth all-star players have better overall performance than their not selected teammates. To test our hypotheses we selected all of the youth awarded male players and their teammates from 2004 to 2019. In our sample, we examined n = 3198 player statistics. Two groups were created with nominated and not selected players. We used a two-sample t-test, and correlation matrix to examine the relationship between the variables (p < 0.001). We found that scoring is the most important selection criteria for decision-makers (r = 0.605; p = 0.000) and the selected players had significantly better individual statistics. An important finding of our study is that although efficiency (EFF) is used to measure the players’ contribution to the game, it is not the primary selection factor and should therefore be redefined.
Health Behaviours and the Sense of Optimism in Nursing Students in Poland, Spain and Slovakia during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kupcewicz Ewa , Mikla Marzena , Kadučáková Helena , Schneider-Matyka Daria , Grochans Elżbieta
Published: February 2022

(1) The COVID-19 outbreak brought about several socio-economic changes and has had a negative impact on the mental health of people around the world. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between health behaviours and dispositional optimism among nursing students in Poland, Spain and Slovakia during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) The study was carried out in spring 2021 on a group of 756 nursing students in Poland (n = 390), Spain (n = 196) and Slovakia (n = 170). The diagnostic survey method was applied with the questionnaire technique, and the following standardised research tools were used: Life Orientation Test—Revised (LOT-R) and the Health Behaviour Inventory (IZZ). The survey was conducted in a mixed arrangement: in direct contact with the respondents in Poland and in Spain and online in Slovakia. (3) Significant differences were demonstrated in health behaviour preferences in students in Poland, Spain and Slovakia (F = 6.22; p < 0.002). The highest IZZ index was found in Spanish students (82.60 ± 13.65), while lower values were observed in Slovak (80.38 ± 13.74) and Polish (78.44 ± 13.47) students. The correlation between dispositional optimism and a positive attitude was the strongest in the Polish sample (r = 0.56; p < 0.001), at a high level in the Spanish sample (r = 0.53; p < 0.001) and at an average level in the Slovak sample (r = 0.48; p < 0.001). (4) 1. The study showed a moderating effect of the country of origin on the students’ health behaviours. 2. Dispositional optimism is an important predictor of the students’ health behaviours, regardless of the country of origin.
Cognitive Impairment in End Stage Renal Disease Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: Markers and Risk Factors
Authors: Olczyk Piotr , Kusztal Mariusz , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Letachowicz Krzysztof , Krajewska Magdalena
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and patients treated with hemodialysis. (2) Methods: The systematic review was prepared following the PRISMA statement (2013). The biomedical electronic databases MEDLINE and SCOPUS were searched. (3) Results: out of 1093 studies, only 30, which met problem and population criteria, were included in this review. The risk factors for CI can be divided into three groups: traditional risk factors (present in the general population), factors related to dialysis sessions, and nontraditional risk factors occurring more frequently in the HD group. (4) Conclusions: the methods of counteracting CI effective in the general population should also be effective in HD patients. However, there is a need to develop unique anti-CI approaches targeting specific HD risk factors, i.e., modified hemodialysis parameters stabilizing cerebral saturation and blood flow.
The Effects of Smart Home Interface Touch Button Design Features on Performance among Young and Senior Users
Authors: Yu Na , Ouyang Ziwei , Wang Hehe , Tao Da , Jing Liang
Published: February 2022

Touch technology-based smart homes have become increasingly prevalent, as they can help people with independent daily life, especially for the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of button features (i.e., button size, graphics/text ratio, and icon style) in smart home interfaces on user performance across two age groups. Participants in the young group (n = 15) and senior group (n = 15) completed a clicking task. Button size ranged from 10 mm to 25 mm with 5 mm increments. The three levels of graphics/text ratio were 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3, while icon style was either flat or skeuomorphic. Results showed that button size and graphics/text ratio had significant effects on user performance in both groups, whereas icon style only had an effect in the senior group. It was observed that the elderly were fond of buttons with a larger size of 20 mm with larger texts and skeuomorphic icons, whereas the young preferred a button size of 15 mm with equal-sized graphics and text. These results may help to improve the accessibility and usability of smart home interface design.
Guest Support for Outdoor Smoke-Free Policies within a Homeless Shelter
Authors: Martinez Jayda , Jafry Midhat , Chen Tzuan , Businelle Michael , Kendzor Darla , Britton Maggie , Vijayaraghavan Maya , Reitzel Lorraine
Published: February 2022

Roughly 70–80% of adults experiencing homelessness smoke cigarettes. Smoke-free living/workplace policies are an empirically-supported tobacco control intervention. However, homeless shelters may be reluctant to implement smoke-free policies due to fears of it discouraging current/potential shelter guests from taking refuge there. The current study was meant to characterize guest support for on-property smoke-free policies within a homeless shelter with an extant indoor tobacco use ban amongst never smokers, former smokers, and current smokers to provide data on this point. Participants comprised a convenience sample of adult guests of a homeless shelter in Texas (N = 394, 28.2% women; 10.2% former; and 75.9% current smokers). Participant sociodemographics, smoking status, behavioral health diagnoses, and support for two versions of an on-property outdoor courtyard smoke-free policy (one partial, one complete) were assessed. Data were collected in two waves in a repeated cross-sectional design. Overall, 64.0% of participants supported a partial, and 32.0% a full smoking ban. Logistic regressions, controlling for wave of data collection, age, sex, and any additional significant predictors from a semi-adjusted model, examined associations between participant characteristics and policy support. Older participants (OR = 1.024, CI0.95 = 1.005–1.044), non-veterans (OR = 2.523, CI0.95 = 1.156–5.506), former smokers (OR = 2.730, CI0.95 = 1.191–6.258), and those without severe mental illness (OR = 1.731, CI0.95 = 1.061–2.824) had significantly greater odds of supporting a partial smoking ban. Relative to current smokers, never smokers (OR = 3.902, CI0.95 = 2.133–7.137) and former smokers (OR = 8.257, CI0.95 = 3.951–17.258) had significantly greater odds of supporting a complete smoking ban. The implementation of smoke-free living/workplace policies in homeless shelters may enjoy more support from guests—specifically, non-smokers—than anticipated by shelter administrators. Aside from reducing ambient smoke exposure for never and former smokers, these policies can help to reduce ubiquitous smoking cues for those who may want to quit, are undergoing a quit attempt, or are trying to maintain abstinence. Interventionists might partner with shelter guests, particularly smokers, to inform the roll-out of such policies for maximal acceptance and adoption.
Moderating Effects of Intercultural Social Efficacy and the Role of Language in the Context of Coping Strategies in Study Abroad Depression
Authors: Hu Yueh-Luen , Roberts Amy , Ching Gregory S. , Chao Pei-Ching
Published: February 2022

This study examined the relationship between intercultural social efficacy (ISE), coping strategies, Mandarin Chinese and English language proficiency, and depression. In total, 1870 foreign students in Taiwan participated in the study. Study results indicated that aspects of background demographics may influence depression levels. Participants with an immigrant background and those who are older are more likely to suffer from depression; however, gender and length of stay do not seem to affect depression. The moderating effects of Mandarin Chinese and English language proficiency and ISE on the relationship between coping strategies and depression were examined. Based on the results, the moderating role of Mandarin Chinese and English language proficiency was not supported, suggesting that coping strategies are independent of linguistic proficiency. However, knowing both languages is an important factor in reducing the stress of studying abroad. Additionally, the results confirmed the moderating effects of ISE, suggesting that a higher level of social effectiveness reinforces the negative association between coping strategies and depression. Students who are better able to interact with other cultures may be able to develop effective coping strategies. Moreover, this study found that although most of the study abroad students were not depressed, early intervention and prevention measures could help alleviate possible mental health crises.
Relationship between Using Fibrate and Open-Angle Glaucoma in Hyperlipidemic Patients: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Tsai Yung-En , Chen Yi-Hao , Sun Chien-An , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chien Wu-Chien , Chien Ke-Hung
Published: February 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the associated risk between using fibrate and open-angle glaucoma (OAG) in hyperlipidemic patients from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Methods: We collected data over a 16-year period from the NHIRD, and used the Fisher’s exact test and Pearson chi-square test to analyze variables. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were used to examine the risk factors for disease development. We applied Kaplan–Meier analysis to compare the cumulative incidence of OAG. Results: A total of 10,011 patients using fibrate were enrolled in the study cohort, and 40,044 patients not using fibrate were enrolled in the control cohort. The incidence of OAG was lower in the study cohort than in the control cohort (aHR = 0.624, p = 0.007). The overall incidence of OAG was 463.02 per 100,000 person-years in the study cohort and 573.65 per 100,000 person-years in the control cohort. We used the Kaplan–Meier method to calculate the cumulative risk of developing OAG. The results revealed that after using fibrate for over seven years, the study cohort had a greatly lower rate of developing OAG than the control cohort (log-rank test p = 0.050). Conclusions: Our studies showed that using fibrate for over seven years may lead to a lower risk of OAG in patients with hyperlipidemia. Nevertheless, further prospective studies that comprehensively investigate the relationship between using fibrate and OAG are needed.
The Effect of Surgical Masks on the Featural and Configural Processing of Emotions
Authors: Maiorana Natale , Dini Michelangelo , Poletti Barbara , Tagini Sofia , Rita Reitano Maria , Pravettoni Gabriella , Priori Alberto , Ferrucci Roberta
Published: February 2022

From the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of surgical masks became widespread. However, they occlude an important part of the face and make it difficult to decode and interpret other people’s emotions. To clarify the effect of surgical masks on configural and featural processing, participants completed a facial emotion recognition task to discriminate between happy, sad, angry, and neutral faces. Stimuli included fully visible faces, masked faces, and a cropped photo of the eyes or mouth region. Occlusion due to the surgical mask affects emotion recognition for sadness, anger, and neutral faces, although no significative differences were found in happiness recognition. Our findings suggest that happiness is recognized predominantly via featural processing.
Bacterial Coinfections Increase Mortality of Severely Ill COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Abdulaziz , Alamer Edrous , Mir Mushtaq , Alasmari Ali , Alshahrani Mohammed Merae , Asiri Mohammed , Ahmad Irfan , Alhazmi Abdulaziz , Algaissi Abdullah
Published: February 2022

Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is an ongoing global pandemic that is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The severity and mortality rates of COVID-19 are affected by several factors, such as respiratory diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. Bacterial coinfections are another factor that could contribute to the severity of COVID-19. Limited studies have investigated morbidity and mortality due to microbial coinfections in COVID-19 patients. Here, we retrospectively studied the effects of bacterial coinfections on intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients with COVID-19 in Asir province, Saudi Arabia. We analyzed electronic medical records of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at Asir Central Hospital. A total of 34 patients were included, and the clinical data of 16 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 only and 18 patients coinfected with SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infections were analyzed in our study. Our data showed that the length of stay at the hospital for patients infected with both SARS-CoV-2 and bacterial infection was 35.2 days, compared to 16.2 days for patients infected with only SARS-CoV-2 (p = 0.0001). In addition, higher mortality rates were associated with patients in the coinfection group compared to the SARS-CoV-2-only infected group (50% vs. 18.7%, respectively). The study also showed that gram-negative bacteria are the most commonly isolated bacteria in COVID-19 patients. To conclude, this study found that individuals with COVID-19 who presented with bacterial infections are at higher risk for a longer stay at the hospital and potentially death. Further studies with a larger population are warranted to better understand the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 with bacterial infections.
Carbon Isotopic Evidence for Gas Hydrate Release and Its Significance on Seasonal Wetland Methane Emission in the Muli Permafrost of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Xing Jianwei , Pang Shouji , Zhu Youhai , Zhang Shuai , Xiao Rui , Lu Cheng
Published: February 2022

In order to determine the significant role of gas hydrate in seasonal wetland methane emission at the drilling-affected permafrost, the carbon isotopic monthly field monitoring of methane (CH4), as well as carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted from near-surface soil and a gas hydrate drilling well (DK-8) was conducted in the Muli permafrost of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The methane source effused from the well DK-8 was calculated as −25.9 ± 1.4‰ and −26.5 ± 0.5‰, respectively, by the Keeling and Miller Tans plots, with the carbon isotope fractionation (εC) between CO2 and CH4 from −25.3‰ to −32.1‰. The carbon isotopic signatures are indicative of thermogenic origin associated with gas hydrate dissociation. The near-surface soil-emitted methane has δ13CCH4 values between −52.0 ± 1.2‰ and −43.2 ± 1.8‰ with the heaviest in December and the lightest in July. Further, the εC values of near-surface soil-emitted gases were between 28.6‰ and 47.9‰, significantly correlated with the δ13CCH4 values. The linear correlation between εC and δ13CCH4 values indicated binary end-member of microbial and thermogenic sources control the seasonal variation of wetland methane emission. The thermogenically derived methane was identified as the dominant methane source in autumn and winter, compared with the increasing contribution of microbially derived methane in spring and summer. The finding provides reliable evidence for gas hydrate release on the seasonal wetland methane emission in the Muli permafrost affected by drilling activities. The combined application of εC and δ13CCH4 to distinguish thermogenic from biogenic methane is well established and powerful in complex environments, which can provide an improved constraint on source apportionment for wetland emitted methane in the permafrost of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Smart-Autonomous Wireless Volatile Organic Compounds Sensor Node for Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Application
Authors: Kuncoro C. Bambang Dwi , Asyikin Moch Bilal Zaenal , Amaris Aurelia
Published: February 2022

Several studies reported the significant effect of indoor air quality on human health, safety, productivity, and comfort because most humans usually conduct 80%–90% of their activity inside the building. This is generally due to the fact that indoor pollution is associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pollutants with chronic health effects, both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic, on humans. Therefore, this study focused on developing wireless VOCs sensor nodes with a low-power strategy feature to perform an autonomous operation in indoor air quality monitoring (IAQM). The sensor node mainboard consists of a microcontroller-based AVR (ATmega-4808) that supports a low power mode and low-power IAQ-Core sensor for VOCs detection. The low-power sensing algorithm developed also allowed the sensor node to consume a total power of 0.22 mAh for one cycle of operation, which includes the initial process, TVOCs value reading process, data transmitting process, and low power mode process at a time interval of 30 min. The most significant power was observed to be consumed in the data transmitting process with 0.13 mAh or 58% of total power consumption in one cycle of sensor node operation. Furthermore, the 10F capacitance of the supercapacitor was able to drive the VOCs sensor node for 139 s and it was recommended that further studies use micro energy harvesting (from an indoor environment) to extend its lifetime. The 1541-minute field experiment conducted also showed that TVOCs and CO2 values were successfully measured and displayed over an internet connection on the monitoring terminal dashboard. The recorded real-time TVOCs value of 175 ppb (<200 ppb) indicates good air quality.
A Case of Successful Use of the “Anchoring Technique” for Percutaneous Treatment of Left Ventricular Assist Device Graft Occlusion
Authors: Stio Rocco Edoardo , Montalto Andrea , Intorcia Alfredo , Polizzi Vincenzo , Feccia Mariano , Musto Carmine , Pennacchi Mauro , Paolucci Luca , Stumpo Regina , D’Avino Emilio , De Felice Francesco , Gabrielli Domenico , Musumeci Francesco
Published: February 2022

Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) obstruction can be a dramatic and life-threatening complication in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Despite surgical redo is often required in these patients, it is associated with a high risk of periprocedural negative outcome. We report the case of a 68-year-old male with a thrombotic stenosis of the LVAD proximal outflow-graft. Following Heart Team debate, a percutaneous intervention was planned during veno-arterial Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) assistance. To achieve the needed catheter support, we used the “distal balloon anchoring technique” through the outflow-graft and managed to implant a covered stent, rapidly restoring the flow through the LVAD. The patient was discharged without further complications. Our case shows that, in selected cases, percutaneous treatment of LVAD obstructions can be feasible, especially using advanced techniques derived from the experiences in coronary interventions and under ECMO assistance. More cases and prospective studies are mostly needed to explore long-term patency of the LVADs and clinical outcomes in these high-risk patients.
The Mechanism of Household Waste Sorting Behaviour—A Study of Jiaxing, China
Authors: Liu Qiao , Xu Qianhui , Shen Xin , Chen Bowei , Esfahani Sonia Sadeghian
Published: February 2022

Economic growth and rapid urbanization have resulted in various urban issues related to sustainable development in emerging economies such as China. Nowadays, two-thirds of China’s cities are besieged by waste and one-fourth of the cities have no space to build landfills. China is embarking on a top-down waste sorting revolution, in which residents’ awareness and behaviour of participation are fundamental to the success of garbage classification. The purpose of this paper is to understand residents’ waste sorting behaviour and identify the influencing factors in China. The subjects of this study are urban and rural residents in Jiaxing, where local government has begun to encourage waste classification but has not yet legalized it. With the integration of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) and value-belief-norm theory (NAM), this study represents a “motivation-intention-behaviour” theoretical model for the systemic illustration of the antecedents of household waste sorting behaviour. A total of 541 questionnaires were administered in person in households in Jiaxing, China. Structural equation modelling with partial least squares was applied to analyse empirically. The results show that attitudes (ATT), subjective norm (SN), and perceived behavioural control (PBC) have a significant positive effect on the intention of household waste sorting (WSI), and the perceived policy effectiveness (PPE) has a positive and significant effect on the attitudes and waste sorting intention. The waste sorting intention has a positive and significant effect on waste sorting behaviour (WSB). In addition, individual characteristics have a significant impact on waste sorting behaviour, where respondents of women, higher income, and middle and old age are more willing to implement waste sorting behaviours. This study theoretically contributes to the literature by improving the understanding of the determinants of household solid waste sorting behaviour. It also provides several recommendations to improve existing policies at the practitioner level. These recommendations can be valuable references for waste management in China and other emerging economies.
Maxillo-Facial Morphology in Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome: A Preliminary Study on (epi)Genotype-Phenotype Association in Caucasians
Authors: Defabianis Patrizia , Mussa Alessandro , Ninivaggi Rossella , Carli Diana , Romano Federica
Published: February 2022

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a congenital overgrowth disorder caused by various (epi)genetic alterations affecting the expression of genes on chromosome 11p15. Cardinal features include abdominal wall defects, macroglossia, and cancer predisposition. Several (epi)genotype–phenotype associations were described so far, but specific studies on the evolution over time of maxillo-facial phenotype in the molecular subtypes still are scanty. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to associate maxillo-facial morphology and growth pattern with genoype in 25 Caucasian children with BWS and macroglossia. Twelve patients experienced a loss of metilation at imprinting center 2 (IC2-LoM), five had mosaic paternal uniparental isodisomy of chromosome 11 (UPD(11)pat), and eight were negative. A more marked tongue enlargement was detected in patients with IC2-LoM and negative genotype, while UPD(11)pat children showed mild macroglossia (p = 0.048). A cluster analysis did not demonstrate any specific relationship between (epi)genotype and maxillo-facial phenotype, but separated BWS patients based on their cephalometric characteristics. Children with IC2-LoM or negative genotype displayed hyperdivergence values > 30°, clockwise growth tendency, and skeletal class II into the same cluster. They had a negative prognostic score. These preliminary data suggest the need for developing individualized protocols for early monitoring of the craniofacial growth in such patients.
Economic Policy Uncertainty, Social Development, Political Regimes and Environmental Quality
Authors: Su Hang , Geng Yong , Xia Xi-Qiang , Wang Quan-Jing
Published: February 2022

This paper aims to examine the influence of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) on environmental performance, as well as the moderating effect of social development and the political regimes in EPU’s influence on environmental performance. To investigate such essential issues, we conducted Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimations by utilizing cross-country data covering 137 countries during the period of 2001–2018, according to the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence and Technology (STIRPAT) model. Our empirical estimations support that EPU negatively affects environmental performance; this idea was still supported when we conducted an empirical analysis by changing the measurements, employing alternative estimations and constructing new samples. Furthermore, not only would the absolute level of EPU bring worse environmental performance, but so would an increase in EPU. Moreover, higher economic performance, globalization and a high quality of governance can help countries to alleviate the adverse environmental effect of EPU. Additionally, EPU’s negative effect on environmental performance is stronger in right-wing countries, autocracies and non-OECD countries, compared to their counterparts. Our study provides substantial policy implications for governments participating in the international treaties of environmental protection, to mitigate environmental degradation.
Blood Vessels: The Pathway Used by Schwann Cells to Colonize Nerve Conduits
Authors: Fornasari Benedetta Elena , Zen Federica , Nato Giulia , Fogli Marco , Luzzati Federico , Ronchi Giulia , Raimondo Stefania , Gambarotta Giovanna
Published: February 2022

The repair of severe nerve injuries requires an autograft or conduit to bridge the gap and avoid axon dispersion. Several conduits are used routinely, but their effectiveness is comparable to that of an autograft only for short gaps. Understanding nerve regeneration within short conduits could help improve their efficacy for longer gaps. Since Schwann cells are known to migrate on endothelial cells to colonize the “nerve bridge”, the new tissue spontaneously forming to connect the injured nerve stumps, here we aimed to investigate whether this migratory mechanism drives Schwann cells to also proceed within the nerve conduits used to repair large nerve gaps. Injured median nerves of adult female rats were repaired with 10 mm chitosan conduits and the regenerated nerves within conduits were analyzed at different time points using confocal imaging of sequential thick sections. Our data showed that the endothelial cells formed a dense capillary network used by Schwann cells to migrate from the two nerve stumps into the conduit. We concluded that angiogenesis played a key role in the nerve conduits, not only by supporting cell survival but also by providing a pathway for the migration of newly formed Schwann cells.
Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption Mediated by FFA1 Receptor—Evidence Using Miniscope
Authors: Lindenau Kristen L. , Barr Jeffrey L. , Higgins Christopher R. , Sporici Kevin T. , Brailoiu Eugen , Brailoiu Gabriela C.
Published: February 2022

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), obtained from diet and dietary supplements, have been tested in clinical trials for the prevention or treatment of several diseases. n-3 PUFAs exert their effects by activation of free fatty acid (FFA) receptors. FFA1 receptor, expressed in the pancreas and brain, is activated by medium- to long-chain fatty acids. Despite some beneficial effects on cognition, the effects of n-3 PUFAs on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are not clearly understood. We examined the effects of FFA1 activation on BBB permeability in vitro, using rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMVEC), and in vivo, by assessing Evans Blue extravasation and by performing live imaging of brain microcirculation in adult rats. AMG837, a synthetic FFA1 agonist, produced a dose-dependent decrease in RBMVEC monolayer resistance assessed with Electric Cell–Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS); the effect was attenuated by the FFA1 antagonist, GW1100. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that AMG837 produced a disruption in tight and adherens junction proteins. AMG837 increased Evans Blue content in the rat brain in a dose-dependent manner. Live imaging studies of rat brain microcirculation with miniaturized fluorescence microscopy (miniscope) showed that AMG837 increased extravasation of sodium fluorescein. Taken together, our results demonstrate that FFA1 receptor activation reduced RBMVEC barrier function and produced a transient increase in BBB permeability.
Efficacy of a Product Containing Xyloglucan and Pea Protein on Intestinal Barrier Function in a Partial Restraint Stress Animal Model
Authors: Scuderi Sarah Adriana , Casili Giovanna , Lanza Marika , Ardizzone Alessio , Pantaleo Luca , Campolo Michela , Paterniti Irene , Cucinotta Laura , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Esposito Emanuela
Published: February 2022

Functional abdominal bloating and distension (FABD) are common and frequent symptoms in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. FABD is characterized by recurrent abdominal fullness and bloating. The pathophysiology of FABD is still unclear. However, the plausible mechanisms involved are small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), imbalance of gut microbiota, visceral hypersensitivity, intestinal permeability alteration, and disruption of intestinal barrier function. Thus, the creation of a barrier on the wall of the intestine could represent an alternative therapeutic strategy to prevent FABD. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two natural substances, Xyloglucan (XG) and Pea-protein (PP), known for their mucosal-protective properties, in an in vivo model of Partial restraint-stress (PRS). Our results showed that the pre-treatment with a product containing XG and PP in stressed-rats was able to reduce the number of abdominal contractions and visceral hypersensitivity. Moreover, XG and PP were able to reduce intestinal permeability alteration, restoring tight-junctions (TJs) expression and decreased the lactulose–mannitol ratio, a quantitative marker used to measure intestinal permeability, compared to PRS-group. In conclusion, the data obtained revealed that the product containing XG and PP was able to restore the normal intestinal-barrier function; therefore, it could be considered a therapeutic strategy to manage FABD.