bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nietzsche’s Genealogy in Its Relation to History and Philosophy
Authors: Rayman Joshua
Published: June 2022

Nietzsche’s sparse remarks on genealogy have left open significant questions as to what it is and where it stands in relation to philology, history, critique, and philosophy. By tracing Nietzsche’s associated conceptions of philology; critical, monumental, and antiquarian history; genesis; and Entstehungsgeschichte; as well as his genealogical practices, I show that, with certain key limitations, Nietzschean genealogy emerges from out of the synthesis of critical, monumental, and antiquarian history for the purposes of life that Nietzsche develops in On the Use and Disadvantage of History for Life. The importance of this practice lies in the fact that, at various times, it appears to be a part, a precondition, or even the totality of philosophy.
#Wasian Check: Remixing ‘Asian + White’ Multiraciality on TikTok
Authors: King-O’Riain Rebecca Chiyoko
Published: June 2022

TikTok is the fastest growing short video application and immensely popular with younger generations to express their thoughts, ideas, and most relevant to this issue, their identities including mixed-race identity. This paper asks: How did young mixed-race people choose to express their identity on TikTok in the #wasian trend and how does the app shape these mixed-race identity expressions? The answer lies in how the emotional affordances of TikTok app itself shape how it is used by creators in mimicking and mimetic ways and how people respond, through video and text. The article argues that the #wasian trends reinforce the racial and genealogical legacy of mixedness, often through showing parents or blood relatives, which is in creative tension with simultaneously remixing and asserting racial multiplicity. The claim to wasianess moves the private sphere (bedroom culture, family and notions of race) into the public and in so doing creates new potentialities for the creation of a global #wasian community on TikTok.
Transcription Regulation of Cell Cycle Regulatory Genes Mediated by NtrX to Affect Sinorhizobium meliloti Cell Division
Authors: Xing Shenghui , Zheng Wenjia , An Fang , Huang Leqi , Yang Xinwei , Zeng Shuang , Li Ningning , Ouenzar Khadidja , Yu Liangliang , Luo Li
Published: June 2022

The cell division of the alfalfa symbiont, Sinorhizobium meliloti, is dictated by a cell cycle regulatory pathway containing the key transcription factors CtrA, GcrA, and DnaA. In this study, we found that NtrX, one of the regulators of nitrogen metabolism, can directly regulate the expression of ctrA, gcrA, and dnaA from the cell cycle pathway. Three sets of S. meliloti ntrX mutants showed similar cell division defects, such as slow growth, abnormal morphology of some cells, and delayed DNA synthesis. Transcription of ctrA and gcrA was upregulated, whereas the transcription of dnaA and ftsZ1 was downregulated in the insertion mutant and the strain of Sm1021 expressing ntrXD53E. Correspondingly, the inducible transcription of ntrX activates the expression of dnaA and ftsZ1, but represses ctrA and gcrA in the depletion strain. The expression levels of CtrA and GcrA were confirmed by Western blotting. The transcription regulation of these genes requires phosphorylation of the conserved 53rd aspartate in the NtrX protein that binds directly to the promoter regions of ctrA, gcrA, dnaA, and ftsZ1 by recognizing the characteristic sequence CAAN2-5TTG. Our findings suggest that NtrX affects S. meliloti cell division by regulating the transcription of the key cell cycle regulatory genes.
Variability in the Pre-Analytical Stages Influences Microbiome Laboratory Analyses
Authors: Kumar Aditi , Gravdal Kristin , Segal Jonathan P. , Steed Helen , Brookes Matthew J. , Al-Hassi Hafid O.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: There are numerous confounding variables in the pre-analytical steps in the analysis of gut microbial composition that affect data consistency and reproducibility. This study compared two DNA extraction methods from the same faecal samples to analyse differences in microbial composition. Methods: DNA was extracted from 20 faecal samples using either (A) chemical/enzymatic heat lysis (lysis buffer, proteinase K, 95 °C + 70 °C) or (B) mechanical and chemical/enzymatic heat lysis (bead-beating, lysis buffer, proteinase K, 65 °C). Gut microbiota was mapped through the 16S rRNA gene (V3–V9) using a set of pre-selected DNA probes targeting >300 bacteria on different taxonomic levels. Apart from the pre-analytical DNA extraction technique, all other parameters including microbial analysis remained the same. Bacterial abundance and deviations in the microbiome were compared between the two methods. Results: Significant variation in bacterial abundance was seen between the different DNA extraction techniques, with a higher yield of species noted in the combined mechanical and heat lysis technique (B). The five predominant bacteria seen in both (A) and (B) were Bacteroidota spp. and Prevotella spp. (p = NS), followed by Bacillota (p = 0.005), Lachhnospiraceae (p = 0.0001), Veillonella spp. (p < 0.0001) and Clostridioides (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: As microbial testing becomes more easily and commercially accessible, a unified international consensus for optimal sampling and DNA isolation procedures must be implemented for robustness and reproducibility of the results.
Phylogeography of Sarmarutilus rubilio (Cypriniformes: Leuciscidae): Complex Genetic Structure, Clues to a New Cryptic Species and Further Insights into Roaches Phylogeny
Authors: Petrosino Gerardo , Tancioni Lorenzo , Turani Martina , Rakaj Arnold , Ciuffardi Luca , Rossi Anna Rita
Published: June 2022

Italy hosts a large number of endemic freshwater fish species due to complex geological events which promoted genetic differentiation and allopatric speciation. Among them, the South European roach Sarmarutilus rubilio inhabits various freshwater environments in three different ichthyogeographic districts. We investigated the genetic diversity of S. rubilio using two different mitochondrial markers (COI and CR), aiming to define its relationship with other similar taxa from the Balkan area and, from a phylogeographic perspective, test the effects of past hydrogeological dynamics of Italian river basins on its genetic structure and demographic history. Our analysis highlighted a marked genetic divergence between S. rubilio and all other roach species and, among Italian samples, revealed the existence of three deeply divergent geographic haplogroups, named A, B and C. Haplogroup C likely corresponds to a new putative cryptic species and is located at the northern border of the South European roach range; haplogroup B is restricted to Southern Italy; and haplogroup A is widespread across the entire range and in some sites it is in co-occurrence with C or B. Their origin is probably related to the tectonic uplifting of the Apuan Alps in the north and of the Colli Albani Volcano in the south during the Pleistocene, which promoted isolation and vicariance followed by secondary contacts.
Squeezing Data from a Rock: Machine Learning for Martian Science
Authors: Nagle-McNaughton Timothy Paul , Scuderi Louis Anthony , Erickson Nicholas
Published: June 2022

Data analysis methods have scarcely kept pace with the rapid increase in Earth observations, spurring the development of novel algorithms, storage methods, and computational techniques. For scientists interested in Mars, the problem is always the same: there is simultaneously never enough of the right data and an overwhelming amount of data in total. Finding sufficient data needles in a haystack to test a hypothesis requires hours of manual data screening, and more needles and hay are added constantly. To date, the vast majority of Martian research has been focused on either one-off local/regional studies or on hugely time-consuming manual global studies. Machine learning in its numerous forms can be helpful for future such work. Machine learning has the potential to help map and classify a large variety of both features and properties on the surface of Mars and to aid in the planning and execution of future missions. Here, we outline the current extent of machine learning as applied to Mars, summarize why machine learning should be an important tool for planetary geomorphology in particular, and suggest numerous research avenues and funding priorities for future efforts. We conclude that: (1) moving toward methods that require less human input (i.e., self- or semi-supervised) is an important paradigm shift for Martian applications, (2) new robust methods using generative adversarial networks to generate synthetic high-resolution digital terrain models represent an exciting new avenue for Martian geomorphologists, (3) more effort and money must be directed toward developing standardized datasets and benchmark tests, and (4) the community needs a large-scale, generalized, and programmatically accessible geographic information system (GIS).
Influence of Destructuration on the Compression Behaviour of a Weak Rock
Authors: Zimbardo Margherita , Nocilla Alessandra , Coop Matthew R.
Published: June 2022

The literature has highlighted the behaviour of several weak rocks and the role of structure in determining them. The need for understanding their behaviour is due to the instabilities or collapse that may involve human settlements built on these materials which are widespread all over the world. In previous studies, the authors highlighted that in Marsala, Sicily, underground calcarenite quarries have been involved in a number of collapses that have seriously damaged numerous overlying buildings. In order to investigate the influence of destructuration on the behaviour of the calcarenite of Marsala, this paper presents a preliminary investigation of the compression behaviour of the intact rock and of the same weak rock in a destructured state. A petrographic and physical characterisation of the material was carried out together with oedometer and isotropic compression tests. The investigation has highlighted behaviour not previously identified for other weak rocks in which the pores seem to play a key role; the destructured material can no longer be considered, as generally assumed for other weak rocks, as a reference.
Moving toward Appropriate Motor Assessment Tools in People Affected by Severe Acquired Brain Injury: A Scoping Review with Clinical Advices
Authors: Bonanno Mirjam , De Luca Rosaria , Torregrossa William , Tonin Paolo , Calabrò Rocco Salvatore
Published: June 2022

Severe acquired brain injury (SABI) is among the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Patients following SABI may develop motor, sensory and cognitive disorders, alone or in combination. This review aims to point out the most used scales to assess motor function in SABI patients, also attempting to give some indications on their applicability in clinical practice. Studies were identified by searching on PubMed, Web of Science, PeDro and Cochrane databases between January and March 2022. We found that motor assessment tools are currently used by researchers/clinicians either in the acute/post-acute phase (for prognosis and rehabilitation purposes) or in the chronic phase (when functional items may also be considered). Moreover, specific scales exist only for patients with disorders of consciousness, whereas regarding motor function, SABI is mainly assessed by adapting the tools commonly used for stroke. Although some doubts remain about the validity of some of these assessment tools in SABI, to investigate motor outcomes is fundamental to establish a correct prognosis and plan a tailored rehabilitation training in these very frail and vulnerable patients.
Preharvest Spraying of CaCl2 Alleviates the Scape Bending of Gerbera ‘Harmony’ Flowers by Strengthening the Pectin Crosslinks through Ca2+ Bonds
Authors: Park Jiwon , Kim Wan Soon
Published: June 2022

Scape bending is the primary cause shortening the vase life of cut gerbera flowers (Gerbera jamesonii ‘Harmony’). A previous study showed that this bending is closely related to the scape hardness, which is attributed to cell wall rigidity maintained by calcium ion bonds. In this experiment, the developing gerbera scape was sprayed with 0.5 and 1% calcium chloride to determine whether exogenous calcium directly influences scape hardness and whether it is related to pectin crosslinks. The calcium spray hardened the scape by 12% and efficiently reduced bending, thereby prolonging the vase life of the cut gerbera flowers. A 9% increase in calcium ions (Ca2+) was detected in the CaCl2-treated flowers compared to the control flowers. Additionally, the pectin content increased by up to 14% in the CaCl2-treated flowers as compared to that in the control. Pectins are the main polysaccharides of cell walls that impact plant tissue integrity and rigidity, with calcium ions acting as bonds for pectin crosslinking. Calcium treatment efficiently increased the content of total pectin in the cell walls and slowed the conversion of insoluble pectin (IP) to water-soluble pectin (WSP) during vase life. The results suggest that exogenously applied calcium increases the Ca2+ in cellular tissue and affects the pectin levels, which may aid in increasing the scape hardness by strengthening the calcium–pectin combination in cell walls.
Successional Effects of No-Till Cover Cropping with Black Oat (Avena strigosa) vs. Soil Solarization on Soil Health in a Tropical Oxisol
Authors: Marquez Josiah , Paudel Roshan , Sipes Brent , Wang Koon-Hui
Published: June 2022

Black oat (Avena strigosa) is a cover crop with great potential for weed suppression and erosion control while conserving soil moisture. Little is known about the potential of black oat for enhancing the soil food web structure and the ecosystem services in tropical Oxisols. Two-year field trials were conducted in Hawaii to compare three pre-plant treatments: (1) black oat (BO) as a pre-plant cover crop followed by no-till practice (previously managed by cover crop and cash crop rotation and conservation tillage for 7 years); (2) bare ground (BG) followed by conventional tillage (previously managed by conventional tillage and cash crop planting for 7 years); (3) conventional tilling of bare ground followed by soil solarization (SOL) (previously fallow with weeds for 5 years then summer solarization and cash crop planting for 2 years). Various soil properties and the soil food web structure using nematodes as soil health indicators were monitored throughout the subsequent corn (Zea mays) crops. SOL served as a negative control pre-plant treatment known to manage plant-parasitic nematodes but be destructive to the soil food web. No-till cropping with BO resulted in higher levels of volumetric soil moisture, field capacity, and soil organic matter, and supported a fungal-dominated decomposition pathway in trial I and more structured nematode communities than BG and SOL in trial II. This study provides evidence that no-till cover cropping with black oat improves the soil water conservation and soil food web structure following a continuous conservation tillage system in tropical Oxisols if the black oat biomass is high (36 tons/ha). However, no-till cropping with BO in Oxisol decreased the soil macroporosity and increased the soil bulk density, which were not favorable outcomes for water infiltration. On the other hand, SOL following conventional tillage was successful in generating lethal temperatures to suppress plant-parasitic nematodes and increased water infiltration in both years but was destructive to the soil food web and reduced the soil organic matter and soil moisture in both years, even when solarization failed to generate lethal temperatures in the second year.
A Two-Stage SEM—Artificial Neural Network Analysis of the Engagement Impact on Employees’ Well-Being
Authors: Popescu Luminita , Bocean Claudiu George , Vărzaru Anca Antoaneta , Avram Costin Daniel , Iancu Anica
Published: June 2022

Employees’ engagement (EE) and well-being (WB) are considered two interesting issues by many scientific researchers and practitioners within organizations. Most research confirms a positive correlation between EE and WB. EE is an essential premise for specific dimensions of employees’ WB. At the same time, satisfied and physically and mentally healthy employees increase EE, both EE and WB thus being fundamental to individual and organizational performance. This paper aims to evaluate the relationships between EE and WB and between the dimensions of these two complex constructs. These relationships were assessed based on data obtained from a sample of 269 employees in Romania, using as a method a mix of analyses based on structural equation modeling (SEM) and artificial neural network analysis (ANN). The results highlighted a positive two-way relationship between EE and WB. Among the dimensions of EE, motivation and work environment are those that ensure a more pronounced perception of WB by the employee. Emotional WB, occupational WB, and social WB are the dimensions of WB with a significant influence on the general level of EE.
“My Friends Would Believe My Word”: Appropriateness and Acceptability of Respondent-Driven Sampling in Recruiting Young Tertiary Student Men Who Have Sex with Men for HIV/STI Research in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Mwaniki Samuel Waweru , Kaberia Peter Mwenda , Mugo Peter Mwangi , Palanee-Phillips Thesla
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: We conducted formative research to assess the appropriateness and acceptability of respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in recruiting tertiary student men who have sex with men (TSMSM) into a prospective human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted infection (HIV/STI) biobehavioral survey in Nairobi, Kenya. (2) Methods: Between September and October 2020, semi-structured qualitative interviews were held with service providers from organizations that serve MSM (n = 3), and TSMSM (n = 13). Interviews were conducted in English, audio-recorded and transcribed, then thematically analyzed using NVivo version 11. (3) Results: Service providers reflected that RDS was appropriate due to the large though concealed networks of TSMSM. TSMSM perceived RDS to be acceptable based on their large social network sizes and the trust that existed amongst themselves. TSMSM were concerned about participating due to the risk of being outed as MSM and hence emphasized that researchers needed to assure them of their confidentiality and include MSM as part of the study team to encourage participation. (4) Conclusions: RDS was perceived as both an appropriate and acceptable sampling method. Use of RDS should be considered as a strategy for recruiting young, marginalized populations for HIV/STI research.
Information Communication Technology and Infant Mortality in Low-Income Countries: Empirical Study Using Panel Data Models
Authors: Khelfaoui Issam , Xie Yuantao , Hafeez Muhammad , Ahmed Danish , Degha Houssem Eddine , Meskher Hicham
Published: June 2022

According to the World Health Organization, lower-income countries suffer from adverse health issues more than higher-income countries. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have the potential to resolve these issues. Previous research has analyzed the theoretical and empirical causal effects of ICT on infant mortality at country-specific and global levels for a short period of time. However, the causes and results could be different in low-income countries. The objective of this paper was to examine the deficiencies through the use of panel data from 27 low-income countries from 2000–2017. We applied the predictive mean matching technique to supplement the missing data and then used panel data techniques (i.e., fixed effects (FE) and pooled common correlated effects (PCCE)), and system-GMM to estimate the causal effects. We compared the consistency and the possible heterogeneity of previous results using a set of robust techniques and empirical tests. We found that internet access and, to a lesser extent, cellular mobile subscriptions, two of the three ICT variables used in our research, had a significant positive effect on reducing infant mortality in low-income countries. In conclusion, governments and policymakers of low-income countries should consider the availability of internet-related ICT innovations and make them nationally accessible to reduce health crises such as the infant mortality rate.
Application of Stress Coping Ability as a Conduit between Goal Orientation and Play Effectiveness among Polish Soccer Players
Authors: Kalinowski Paweł , Bugaj Olga , Bojkowski Łukasz , Kueh Yee Cheng , Kuan Garry
Published: June 2022

Background: Athletes should be distinguished by their capacity to deal with stress effectively. Motivated soccer players will employ stress-coping strategies that are linked to their ability to perform at a high level. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between a player’s specific goal orientation, coping in sports, and the effectiveness of play during competition. Methods: The study enrolled 122 male elite soccer players at the championship level who were between the ages of 16 and 19. All participants completed the Polish version of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire, the Polish version of the Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport Questionnaire, the CISS questionnaire, and Szwarc’s observation sheet for evaluating soccer performance. Results: The results showed that the task-based stress-coping mode partially mediated the relationship between task motivation and the observed effectiveness of players in soccer. Conclusion: From an applied perspective, the data on the relationship between selected mental factors and soccer performance point to a possible direction of work for players aspiring to the highest level of performance.
Physical Activity Behaviour and Comparison of GPAQ and Travel Diary Transport-Related Physical Activity in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Tatah Lambed , Pearce Matthew , Goel Rahul , Brage Soren , Woodcock James , Dake Fidelia A. A.
Published: June 2022

There is a lack of data on physical activity (PA), active travel, and the comparison of measurement instruments in low-resource settings. The objective of this paper is to describe PA behaviour and the agreement of walking estimates from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and the travel diary in a low-resource setting. We used a cross-sectional survey design to capture data from the residents of Accra (Ghana) between May 2020 and March 2021. Of the 863 participants aged 15+ years, 65% were females, and 86% reported PA. The median weekly PA was 18 (interquartile range: 5–75) metabolic equivalent of task hours, with 50% of females and 37% of males achieving low PA levels. In the GPAQ, 80% of participants reported weekly walking; the mean number of days walked was 3.8 (standard deviation (SD): 2.5); hence, 54% of participants reported walking on any day, and the mean daily walking duration was 51 (SD: 82) minutes. In the diary, 56% of participants reported walking for over 24 h, with a mean walking duration of 31 (SD: 65) minutes. The correlation of walking duration between instruments was weak (rho: 0.31; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.25–0.37); the mean bias was 20 min, with GPAQ estimates being 0.1 to 9 times higher than diary estimates. We concluded that low PA is prevalent in Accra, and while the travel diary and GPAQ estimate similar walking prevalence, their walking duration agreement is poor. We recommend accompanying PA questionnaires with objective measures for calibration.
Avascular Necrosis of Femoral Head—Overview and Current State of the Art
Authors: Konarski Wojciech , Poboży Tomasz , Śliwczyński Andrzej , Kotela Ireneusz , Krakowiak Jan , Hordowicz Martyna , Kotela Andrzej
Published: June 2022

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is caused by disruption of the blood supply to the proximal femur. The alterations in the blood supply may occur following a traumatic event or result from a non-traumatic cause. Femoral neck fracture and hip dislocation and associated surgical procedures, corticosteroid therapy, and alcohol abuse frequently lead to AVN development. Type of fracture (displaced or undisplaced) and time between injury and surgery are the most critical factors in assessing the risk of developing AVN. Diagnosis of AVN can be established based on patients’ complaints, medical history, and radiographic findings. There is no consensus on the treatment of patients with AVN to date. Non-surgical methods are dedicated to patients in the early pre-collapse stages of the disease and consist of pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy. Surgery is recommended for patients with advanced disease.
Socioeconomic Disparities in Health Care Consumption: Using the 2018-China Family Panel Studies
Authors: Guo Enkai , Zhong Huamei , Gao Yang , Li Jing , Wang Zhaohong
Published: June 2022

The existing research on residents’ health care consumption mostly covers medical care consumption and seldom regards residents’ health care consumption as an independent research object. This article takes residents’ healthcare consumption as the research object and aims to explore the impact of socioeconomic status on healthcare consumption and its mechanisms. The data of this study came from the 2018-China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The binary probit regression model and the Tobit model explored the impact mechanism of residents’ income, education, occupation, and physical activity on health care consumption decision-making and health care expenditure, respectively. The research results showed that, from the perspective of the direct influence mechanism, residents’ work income (0.029, p < 0.01) and education level (811.149, p < 0.01) had a significant positive impact on health care consumption. Residents whose occupations (−99.697, p < 0.01) tend to be more skilled and also have higher health care consumption. From the perspective of the mediating mechanism, residents’ physical exercise duration had a significant positive impact on their participation in healthcare consumption (0.005, p < 0.01) but had a weaker impact on healthcare consumption expenditure (21.678, p < 0.1). In general, socioeconomic status represented by income, education, and occupation had a significant positive impact on residents’ health care consumption. The duration of physical exercise also played an important mediating role.
The Phenotype of Bone Turnover in Patients with Fragility Hip Fracture: Experience in a Fracture Liaison Service Population
Authors: Caffarelli Carla , Mondanelli Nicola , Crainz Eduardo , Giannotti Stefano , Frediani Bruno , Gonnelli Stefano
Published: June 2022

Background: Hip fragility fractures are becoming one of the main health care problems in countries with an aging population. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and the usefulness of bone turnover markers in patients with a hip fracture. Methods: In a cohort of 363 patients (84.1 ± 9.2 years) with hip fractures we measured 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), bone alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen β carboxy telopeptide (βCTX), and parathyroid hormone (PTH). We recorded patients’ Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and previous history of fragility fractures. Results: Vitamin D and PTH levels were inversely correlated (r = −024; p < 0.001). The prevalence of 25OHD deficiency was 57.8%, the PTH levels greater than 65 pg/mL was in 47.0 %, and in those who had βCTX values the upper limit was 61.8%. Moreover, 62% of patients with a fragility hip fracture had a history of a previous fracture. The 25OHD serum levels were inversely associated with CCI and a previous fragility fracture. On the contrary, PTH and βCTX serum levels showed a positive significant correlation with CCI and previous fragility fractures. Conclusion: This study confirmed the usefulness of a bone turnover markers assessment, along with the comorbidities and history of previous fragility fractures in order to better identify the risk of hip fracture.
The Impact of Rural Population Mobility on Fertility Intention under the Comprehensive Two-Child Policy: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: He Qiang , Deng Xin , Li Chuan , Yan Zhongcheng , Qi Yanbin
Published: June 2022

Declining fertility rates pose challenges to global economic, social, cultural and political development. Low fertility rates among rural floating populations are exacerbating these challenges. However, it is not clear whether and to what extent rural population mobility (RPM) has reduced migrants’ willingness to have children. At the same time, rural migration may represent a self-selection behavior (i.e., selection bias), and traditional measurement methods may be insufficient for effectively estimating the quantitative impacts of rural migration. Accordingly, the data from 1734 rural households from 28 provinces in mainland China were collected in the current study, and endogenous switching regression (ESR) models were used to correct the selection bias to quantitatively evaluate the impacts of RPM on fertility intention. The results revealed the following: (1) For rural residents who choose to move, if they chose not to move, their willingness to give birth would increase by 19.820%, their willingness to have female children would increase by 48.526%, and their willingness to have male children would drop by 26.711%. (2) For rural residents who choose not to move, if they chose to move, their willingness to give birth would drop by 55.982%, their willingness to have female children would drop by 18.294%, and their willingness to have male children would drop by 55.106%. (3) For eastern rural residents who choose to move, if they chose not to move, their willingness to give birth would decrease by 40.273%. For midwestern rural residents who choose to move, if they chose not to move, their willingness to give birth would increase by 24.786%. (4) For eastern rural residents who choose not to move, if they chose to move, their willingness to give birth would increase by 11.032%. (5) For midwestern rural residents who choose not to move, if they chose to move, their willingness to give birth would drop by 71.744%. The abovementioned findings can provide research support for other low-fertility countries or regions toward increasing fertility rates and addressing any imbalances in current gender ratios. They can also help to provide realistic strategies for alleviating the global population crisis.
High Challenge Exercise and Learning Safe Landing Strategies among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Arkkukangas Marina , Strömqvist Bååthe Karin , Ekholm Anna , Tonkonogi Michail
Published: June 2022

There is limited research on optimal exercise programs that effectively decrease falls and fall-related injuries in older populations. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to explore the effects of a 12-week Judo4Balance program on falling techniques, physical and psychological functions, health status, and physical activity levels among 200 community-dwelling older adults (79% women and 21% men) with a mean age of 72 years. The 200 participants were randomly allocated for the Judo4Balce program (n = 100) or control group (n = 100). The RCT intervention started in mid-January 2020 and was abruptly interrupted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. A restart of the RCT was initiated in September 2021, and the 12-week intervention was offered to two groups. This study reports the results from three points of assessment: baseline, 20-month follow-up, and 12-week postintervention. At 20 months follow-up, the control group had significantly decreased physical activity levels (summer p = 0.002 and winter p = 0.003); similar changes were not seen in the exercise group. In the exercise group, learning falling techniques in 6–9 weeks led to sustained fall competence at 20 months follow-up. Further, significant improvements in physical function (exercise group p = 0.009 and control group p < 0.001) and learning falling techniques (p < 0.001 for both groups) were noted in both groups after the 12-week intervention. This effective, supervised, group-based, high-challenge multicomponent exercise program needs to be further evaluated for possible impact on falls and fall-related injuries.
Potential Cost Savings for the Healthcare System by Physical Activity in Different Chronic Diseases: A Pilot Study in the Veneto Region of Italy
Authors: Ortolan Sara , Neunhaeuserer Daniel , Quinto Giulia , Barra Barbara , Centanini Anna , Battista Francesca , Vecchiato Marco , De Marchi Valentina , Celidoni Martina , Rebba Vincenzo , Ermolao Andrea
Published: June 2022

Background: Sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical inactivity (PI) are associated with an increased risk of chronic diseases and a significant economic burden. This pilot study aims to estimate the possible cost savings for the Veneto Regional Health Service (Italy) due to a population-based physical activity (PA) intervention. Methods: The PA-related cost-savings were assessed for four chronic diseases in the whole and sedentary populations of the Veneto region. The SB and PA epidemiological data, regarding an additional percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary artery disease, hospitalizations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, surgery for colorectal cancer, and femur fracture, were obtained from national and regional administrative sources. A relative risk reduction, due to PA, was obtained from the recent literature. The annual healthcare costs were estimated using the regional diagnosis-related group tariffs. Results: The annual estimated cost-savings for the regional healthcare service related to these four outcomes: an amount between EUR 5,310,179 (if a conservative analysis was performed) and EUR 17,411,317. Conclusion: By a downward estimate, regarding the direct healthcare costs, PA interventions could lead to important cost-savings in the Veneto region. The savings would be greater when considering the cross-sectional impact on other healthcare costs, comorbidities, and indirect costs.
Long-Term Vitamin D Deficiency Results in the Inhibition of Cell Proliferation and Alteration of Multiple Gastric Epithelial Cell Lineages in Mice
Authors: Sirajudeen Shaima , Shah Iltaf , Ayoub Mohammed , Karam Sherif , Al Menhali Asma
Published: June 2022

Over one billion people globally are vitamin D (VD) deficient. Studies on the biological roles of VD are numerous but very little on the stomach. This project aims to understand how gastric homeostasis is affected by VD deficiency caused by prolonged exposure to darkness alone or combined with VD deficient diet. Three groups of C57/BL6 mice were subjected to different light exposure conditions and diets for 12 months (n = 8–12/group): control—12 h/12 h light/dark SDL (Standard Diet/Light), 24 h dark SDD (Standard Diet/Dark), and 24 h dark VDD (VD deficient diet/Dark). Stomach samples were collected for different multi-label lectin-/immuno-histochemical and qRT-PCR analyses, and the serum for LC-MS-MS. We found that the membrane VD receptor is expressed widely in the stomach when compared to nuclear VD receptors. Compared to SDL, VDD mice developed mucous cell expansion with increased mucins-mRNA (3.27 ± 2.73 (p < 0.05)) increased apoptotic cells, 15 ± 7 (p ≤ 0.001)); decreased cell proliferation, 4 ± 4 (p < 0.05)) and decreased acid secretion 33 ± 2 μEq/kg (p ≤ 0.0001)). Interestingly, mice exposed to full darkness developed mild VD deficiency with higher VD epimer levels: 11.9 ± 2.08 ng/mL (p ≤ 0.0001)), expansion in zymogenic cell number (16 ± 3 (p ≤ 0.01)), and a reduction in acid secretion (18 ± 2 μEq/kg (p ≤ 0.0001)). In conclusion, changes in light exposure or VD levels have serious physiological effects on the gastric mucosa, which should be considered during the management of gastric disorders.
Effect of PEGylation on the Drug Release Performance and Hemocompatibility of Photoresponsive Drug-Loading Platform
Authors: Mizuno Hayato L. , Anraku Yasutaka , Sakuma Ichiro , Akagi Yuki
Published: June 2022

Coronary stenosis has been one of the most common heart diseases that drastically increases the risk of fatal disorders such as heart attack. Angioplasty using drug coated balloons (DCB) has been one of the most safe and promising treatments. To minimize the risk of thrombosis of such DCBs during intervention, a different approach that can secure high hemocompatibility under blood flow is necessary. Here we report a method of improving the photoresponsive platform’s hemocompatibility by conjugating polyethylene glycol (PEG), onto the functional groups located at the balloon surface. In this study, latex microbeads were used as models for balloons to enable precise observation of its surface under microscopy. These beads were decorated with PEG polymers of a variety of lengths and grafting densities, along with the Cy5-Photoclevable (PC) linker conjugate to mimic drugs to be loaded onto the platform. Results showed that PEG length and grafting density are both critical factors that alter not only its hemocompatibility, but also the drug load and release efficiency of such platform. Thus, although further investigation is necessary to optimize the tradeoff between hemocompatibility, drug load, and release efficiency, it is safe to conclude that PEGylation of DCB surface is an effective method of enhancing and maintaining high hemocompatibility to minimize the risk of thrombosis during angioplasty.
Altered Retrograde Signaling Patterns in Breast Cancer Cells Cybrids with H and J Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups
Authors: Chang Steven , Singh Lata , Thaker Kunal , Abedi Sina , Singh Mithalesh K. , Patel Tej H. , Chwa Marilyn , Atilano Shari R. , Udar Nitin , Bota Daniela , Kenney Maria Cristina
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the role of retrograde signaling (mitochondria to nucleus) in MCF7 breast cancer cells. Therefore, in the present study, MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids were produced using the mitochondria from the same H and J individuals that were already used in our non-diseased retinal pigment epithelium (ARPE19) cybrids. MCF7 cybrids were treated with cisplatin and analyzed for cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, ROS, and expression levels of genes associated with the cGAS-STING and cancer-related pathways. Results showed that unlike the ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids, the untreated MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids had similar levels of ATP, lactate, and OCR: ECAR ratios. After cisplatin treatment, MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids showed similar (a) decreases in cell viability and ROS levels; (b) upregulation of ABCC1, BRCA1 and CDKN1A/P21; and (c) downregulation of EGFR. Cisplatin-treated ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids showed increased expression of six cGAS-STING pathway genes, while two were increased for MCF7-J cybrids. In summary, the ARPE19-H and ARPE19-J cybrids behave differentially from each other with or without cisplatin. In contrast, the MCF7-H and MCF7-J cybrids had identical metabolic/bioenergetic profiles and cisplatin responses. Our findings suggest that cancer cell nuclei might have a diminished ability to respond to the modulating signaling of the mtDNA that occurs via the cGAS-STING pathway.
Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Obesogenic, and Antidiabetic Properties of Tea Polyphenols—The Positive Impact of Regular Tea Consumption as an Element of Prophylaxis and Pharmacotherapy Support in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Olcha Piotr , Winiarska-Mieczan Anna , Kwiecień Małgorzata , Nowakowski Łukasz , Miturski Andrzej , Semczuk Andrzej , Kiczorowska Bożena , Gałczyński Krzysztof
Published: June 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is second only to cervical carcinoma among the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumours of the female reproductive system. The available literature provides evidence for the involvement of 32 genes in the hereditary incidence of EC. The physiological markers of EC and coexisting diet-dependent maladies include antioxidative system disorders but also progressing inflammation; hence, the main forms of prophylaxis and pharmacotherapy ought to include a diet rich in substances aiding the organism’s response to this type of disorder, with a particular focus on ones suitable for lifelong consumption. Tea polyphenols satisfy those requirements due to their proven antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesogenic, and antidiabetic properties. Practitioners ought to consider promoting tea consumption among individuals genetically predisposed for EC, particularly given its low cost, accessibility, confirmed health benefits, and above all, suitability for long-term consumption regardless of the patient’s age. The aim of this paper is to analyse the potential usability of tea as an element of prophylaxis and pharmacotherapy support in EC patients. The analysis is based on information available from worldwide literature published in the last 15 years.
Editing Compression Dictionaries toward Refined Compression-Based Feature-Space
Authors: Koga Hisashi , Ouchi Shota , Nakajima Yuji
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates how to construct a feature space for compression-based pattern recognition which judges the similarity between two objects x and y through the compression ratio to compress x with y (’s dictionary). Specifically, we focus on the known framework called PRDC, which represents an object x as a compression-ratio vector (CV) that lines up the compression ratios after x is compressed with multiple different dictionaries. By representing an object x as a CV, PRDC makes it possible to apply vector-based pattern recognition techniques to the compression-based pattern recognition. For PRDC, the dimensions, i.e., the dictionaries determine the quality of the CV space. This paper presents a practical technique to modify the chosen dictionaries in order to improve the performance of pattern recognition substantially: First, in order to make the dictionaries independent from each other, our method leaves any word shared by multiple dictionaries in only one dictionary and assures that any pair of dictionaries have no common words. Next, we transfer words among the dictionaries, so that all the dictionaries may keep roughly the same number of words and acquire the descriptive power evenly. The application to real image classification shows that our method increases classification accuracy by up to 8% compared with the case without our method, which demonstrates that our approach to keep the dictionaries independent is effective.
Communication and Control of an Assembly, Disassembly and Repair Flexible Manufacturing Technology on a Mechatronics Line Assisted by an Autonomous Robotic System
Authors: Ionescu Dan , Filipescu Adrian , Simion Georgian , Mincă Eugenia , Cernega Daniela , Șolea Răzvan , Filipescu Adriana
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to describe modeling and control in what concerns advanced manufacturing technology running on a flexible assembly, disassembly and repair on a mechatronic line (A/D/RML) assisted by an Autonomous Robotic System (ARS), two robotic manipulators (RM) and visual servoing system (VSS). The A/D/RML consists of a six workstations (WS) mechatronics line (ML) connected to a flexible cell (FC) equipped with a 6-DOF ABB industrial robotic manipulator (IRM) and an ARS used for manipulation and transport. A hybrid communication and control based on programmable logic controller (PLC) architecture is used, which consists of two interconnected systems that feature both distributed and centralized topology, with specific tasks for all the manufacturing stages. Profinet communication link is used to interconnect and control FC and A/D/RML. The paper also discusses how to synchronize data between different field equipment used in the industry and the control systems. Synchronization signals between the master PLC and ARS is performed by means of Modbus TCP protocol and OPC UA. The structure of the ARS consists of a wheeled mobile robot (WMR) with two driving wheels and one free wheel (2DW/1FW) equipped with a 7-DOF RM. Trajectory tracking sliding-mode control (TTSMC) is used to control WMR. The end effector of the ARS RM is equipped with a mobile eye-in-hand VSS technology for the precise positioning of RM to pick and place the workparts in the desired location. Technology operates synchronously with signals from sensors and from the VSS HD camera. If the workpiece does not pass the quality test, the process handles it by transporting back from the end storage unit to the flexible cell where it will be considered for reprocessing, repair or disassembling with the recovery of the dismantled parts. The recovered or replaced components are taken over by the ARS from disassembling location and transported back to the dedicated storage warehouses to be reused in the further assembly processes.
Real-World Clinical Outcomes and Replacement Factor VIII Consumption in Patients with Haemophilia A in Italy: A Comparison between Prophylaxis Pre and Post Octocog Alfa (BAY 81-8973)
Authors: Cortesi Paolo Angelo , Di Minno Giovanni , Zanon Ezio , Giuffrida Gaetano , Santoro Rita Carlotta , Marino Renato , D’Angiolella Lucia Sara , Antonazzo Ippazio Cosimo , Squassabia Ginevra , Clemente Francesco , Di Laura Danilo , Cimino Ernesto , Pasca Samantha , Nicolosi Daniela , Mantovani Lorenzo Giovanni
Published: June 2022

(1) Background: new generations of rFVIII products offered the possibility to improve personalized therapeutic approaches, reducing the number of infusions or increasing the protection against bleeding risk. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of prophylaxis with BAY 81-8973 (octocog alfa, Kovaltry®, Bayer Pharma AG) in the real-world setting and its impact on FVIII consumption compared to previous standard half-life treatments. (2) Methods: a retrospective observational study was conducted in five Italian Haemophilia Centers. Patients with haemophilia A under prophylactic treatment with BAY 81-8973 for at least one year, and previously on prophylaxis with a different product were included in the study. Annual bleeding rate (ABR) and annual FVIII consumption were compared. (3) Results: forty-four patients were included in the study. After switching to BAY 81-8973, ABR was significantly reduced (1.76 vs. 0.23; p = 0.015), the percentage of patients with zero bleeds increased from 54.6% to 84.1% (p = 0.003), and the overall FVIII consumption decreased by 25,542 (−7.2%, p = 0.046) IU per patient-year. Patients treated every 3 days or 2 times per week increased from 0% to 27.3%. (4) Conclusion: our results suggest that prophylaxis with BAY 81-8973 can improve clinical outcomes and reduce FVIII consumption, in the real-world practice, compared with the previous prophylaxis regimen with standard half-life products.
“Advances in Preterm Delivery”—How Can We Advance Further?
Authors: Wainstock Tamar , Sheiner Eyal
Published: June 2022

Preterm delivery (PTD: <37 gestational weeks) complicates 5–13% of deliveries worldwide [...]
Analysis of RC Beams under Combined Torsion and Shear Using Optimization Techniques Evaluation of NBR 6118 and AASHTO LRFD Standards
Authors: Obel William , Horowitz Bernardo , Bernardo Luís F. A.
Published: June 2022

In this article, a novel calculation procedure using optimization techniques is proposed to compute the torsion–shear interaction curves for reinforced concrete (RC) beams. The calculation procedure is applied to NBR 6118 and AASHTO LRFD standards in order to evaluate their reliability. For this, some experimental results found in the literature and related to RC beams tested under combined torsion and shear, as well as results from the combined-action softened truss Model (CA-STM), are used for comparison. From the obtained results, AASHTO LRFD provisions are found to –be satisfactorily accurate. The NBR 6118 provisions are found to be consistent with the experimental results when the angle of the concrete struts is assumed to be variable or equal to the lower bound value of 30°, according to model II of the standard. For an angle assumed equal to 45°, according to model I of the NBR 6118 standard, the predicted strengths are found to be excessively conservative. The results demonstrate that formulating the analysis of RC beams under combined torsion and shear as an optimization problem, as proposed in this article, constitutes an alternative and efficient option. In addition, the generality of the proposed calculation procedure allows it to be applied to any design standard to compute the torsion–shear interaction curves for RC beams.