bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Social Media Usage on Work Efficiency: The Perspectives of Media Synchronicity and Gratifications
Authors: Jong Din , Chen Shih-Chih , Ruangkanjanases Athapol , Chang Yun-Hsuan
Published: July 2021

As prevail of mobile networking, social media became ubiquitous in either work or our personal life. Based on Media Synchronization Theory and transformational framework, this study proposed a research model and examined how the social media' attributes impacting the work effectiveness through the work-oriented or social-oriented usage. The data of 322 valid questionnaires from respondents was analyzed by SmartPLS 3.2.8. The results indicated that the features of social media including availability and symbol variety had the significant influences on their work efficiency through work-oriented usage of social media. Publicness and symbol variety had impact on work efficiency via social-oriented usage of social media. In addition, both social media for work-oriented and social-oriented usage influenced employees' work efficiency. There were different considerations when people selected social media for work or for social purpose. Managers or companies could guide their employees to use the social media in a right way to increase their work features to complete their work efficiency, and create groups for employees so the work information could be shared efficiently.
Emotion Regulation in Close Relationships: The Role of Individual Differences and Situational Context
Authors: Chen Wan-Lan , Liao Wan Ting
Published: July 2021

A substantial amount of research has examined the role of individual differences in the regulation of emotion and the impact of emotion regulation on mental health; however, few studies have covered the role of situational context in the selection of emotion regulation strategies. In this paper, we investigate the extent to which an individual’s choice of emotion regulation strategy is affected by factors such as emotional intelligence, the person with whom one is in conflict, situational sense of control, and the individual’s aim in dealing with the conflict. A total of 300 participants (46.67% female) between the ages of 21 and 35 were recruited from the community (female’s mean age = 28.14, SD = 4.49; male’s mean age = 28.12, SD = 4.32). Participants filled out a set of questionnaires related to their emotion intelligence and emotion regulations they used in two interpersonal incidents with parents and partner. Structural equation modeling was used for data analyses. Results showed that positive correlation between emotional intelligence and cognitive reappraisal, in contrast to previous studies, a positive correlation between emotional intelligence and repression was found. Moreover, the person one is interacting with influences the degree to which one’s sense of control impacts the choice of emotion regulation strategy. For example, in the event of conflict with one’s parents, the degree of situational control has little impact on emotion regulation; however, in conflicts with spouses or partners, women have more situational control and are more likely to use cognitive reappraisal or suppression. Regarding the relationship between the goal of emotion regulation and the strategies used, this study found that they are moderated by gender and the persons involved; for example, when maintaining the relationship is the primary goal of emotion regulation, cognitive reappraisal is more likely the strategy of choice for men involved in a conflict with their partner and for women involved in a conflict with their parents. Overall, the results confirm that emotion regulation is affected by both individual and situational factors, indicating the importance of adopting a dynamic approach when investigating emotion regulation.
Living in the Era of an Ideological Climate of Globalisation: A Study of Psychological Sense of Community Among Young and Older Adults in Two Cultures (India and Norway). Challenges for Community Psychology and the Applied Social Sciences
Authors: Bahl Nina Kavita H. , Nafstad Hilde E. , Blakar Rolv Mikkel , Langvik Eva
Published: July 2021

How do people describe the psychological sense of community (PSOC) in the present day ideological climate of globalising neo-liberalism, assuming that people are essentially individualistic, that solidarity, social commitment, and citizenship are not natural dispositions, as we all are the lonely citizen? This issue is addressed by a mixed-methods study using semi-structured interviews with two age groups—young and older people—from two different cultures—India (Mumbai) and Norway (Oslo). This two by two design gives the opportunity to analyse people’s meaning systems of PSOC, asking; is there a core meaning system of PSOC shared by people within as well as across cultures? Belongingness and citizenship are continuously formed and negotiated, just at the intersection of two dimensions: culture and historical time. The young and older adult informants often live in different “historical times.” The meaning systems of PSOC were explored and compared by language analyses of words used by the informants. Text search queries were made for 69 words. “Help,”, “care,” “different,” “problem,” and “family” were identified as central for further in-depth qualitative analyses. The word, “family” demonstrated high frequencies of use across sub-samples. There was nothing more relevant for the groups than the family when thinking of PSOC, revealing almost a “prior to society perspective.” PSOC is about being part of families. Simultaneously, we are members of other communities: schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, cities and nations. The informants mentioned such communities, but not often. Feeling part of the family, helping and caring not only the family but also your neighbourhood, local community, or national and global communities are particularly necessary today, as we live in a time where communities, societies, and nations across the world are heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In this crisis, it is vital that nobody forgets that we are national and transnational citizens and part of many interrelated social systems. This study points out how community psychology and the applied social sciences can work to strengthen the feelings of connections to other communities, societies, and nations outlining and co-creating transformative multi-level interventions of public policy programmes of inclusion and “we-ness.”
The Association Between Resting State Functional Connectivity and the Trait of Impulsivity and Suicidal Ideation in Young Depressed Patients With Suicide Attempts
Authors: Cao Jun , Chen Xiaorong , Chen Jianmei , Ai Ming , Gan Yao , He Jinglan , Kuang Li
Published: July 2021

Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and is strongly associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the neurobiological underpinnings of suicidal behaviour and the identification of risk for suicide in young depressed patients are not yet well-understood. In this study, we used a seed-based correlation analysis to investigate the differences in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) in depressed youth with or without a history of suicide attempts and healthy controls (HCs). Suicidal attempters (ATT group, n = 35), non-suicide attempters (NAT group, n = 18), and HCs exhibited significantly different RSFC patterns with the left superior prefrontal gyrus (L-SFG) and left middle prefrontal gyrus (L-MFG) serving as the regions of interest (ROIs). The ATT group showed decreased RSFC of the left middle frontal gyrus with the left superior parietal gyrus compared to the NAT and HC groups. Decreased RSFC between the left superior frontal gyrus and the right anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) was found in the ATT group compared to the NAT and HC groups. Furthermore, the left prefrontal-parietal connectivity was associated with suicidal ideation and levels of impulsivity, but RSFC of the left prefrontal cortex with the rACC was correlated exclusively with impulsivity levels and was not related to suicidal ideation in the ATT group. Our results demonstrated that altered RSFC of the prefrontal-parietal and prefrontal-rACC regions was associated with suicide attempts in depressed youth, and state-related deficits in their interconnectivity may contribute to traits, such as cognitive impairments and impulsivity to facilitate suicidal acts. Our findings suggest that the neural correlates of suicidal behaviours might be dissociable from those related to the severity of current suicidal ideation. Neural circuits underlying suicide attempts differ from those that underlie suicidal ideation.
Public Psychosocial and Behavioral Responses in the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Large Survey in China
Authors: Yang Huayu , Xian Xiaomeng , Hu Jing , Millis J. Michael , Zhao Haitao , Lu Xin , Sang Xinting , Zhong Shouxian , Zhang Hui , Yin Ping , Mao Yilei
Published: July 2021

Background: The COVID-19 has grown into a global pandemic. This study investigated the public psychosocial and behavioral responses through different time periods of the pandemic, and assessed whether these changes are different in age, gender, and region.

Methods: A three-phase survey was conducted through the DaDui Social Q&A Software for COVID-19. A total of 13,214 effective responses of COVID-19 were collected. Statistical analysis was performed based on their basic information and psychosocial responses.

Results: The degree of attention, understanding, and cooperation with preventive and control measures of the disease increased and then decreased. The panic level gradually increased with the epidemic process. The degree of satisfaction with management measures and of confidence in defeating COVID-19 increased throughout the survey. Compared with residents in other areas, respondents from the COVID-19 epicenter (Wuhan) reported a higher degree of self-protection during the outbreak and a significantly lower degree of satisfaction with respect to government prevention and control measures during all phases. Shortages of medical supplies and low testing capacity were reported as the biggest shortcoming in the prevention and control strategies during COVID-19, and an abundance of disorderly and inaccurate information from different sources was the primary cause of panic.

Conclusions and Relevance: Major public health events elicit psychosocial and behavioral changes that reflect the different phases of the biologic curve. Sufficient medical supplies and improved organization and accurate information during epidemics may reduce panic and improve compliance with requested changes in behavior. We need to recognize this natural phenomenon and our public policy preparedness should attempt to move the social/psychological curve to the left in order to minimize and flatten the biologic curve.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia With Lewy Bodies in China: A 1-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: Chen Zhi-Chao , Liu Shuai , Gan Jinghuan , Ma Lingyun , Du Xiaoshan , Zhu Han , Han Jiuyan , Xu Junying , Wu Hao , Fei Min , Dou Yuchao , Yang Yaqi , Deng Peng , Wang Xiao-Dan , Ji Yong
Published: July 2021

Background: While the lockdown strategies taken by many countries effectively limited the spread of COVID-19, those were thought to have a negative impact on older people. This study aimed to investigate the impact of lockdown on cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms over a 1-year follow-up period in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).

Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients with MCI, probable AD or DLB who were receiving outpatient memory care before the COVID-19 pandemic and followed-up with them after 1 year by face-to-face during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess changes in physical activity, social contact, cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS).

Results: Total 105 probable AD, 50 MCI and 22 probable DLB patients were included and completed the 1-year follow-up between October 31 and November 30, 2020. Among the respondents, 42% of MCI, 54.3% of AD and 72.7% of DLB patients had a decline in MMSE scores and 54.4% of DLB patients had worsening Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) scores. Patients with DLB showed a more rapid decline of MMSE than those with AD. Diminished physical activity and social contact might have hastened the deterioration of cognition and the worsening of NPS.

Conclusion: Social isolation and physical inactivity even after strict lockdown for at least 6 months were correlated with accelerated decline of cognitive function and NPS in patients with AD and DLB.
Considerations on the Update of the Risk Assessment Document During the Pandemic State by COVID-19 in Italy
Authors: Cirrincione Luigi , Rapisarda Venerando , Ledda Caterina , Vitale Ermanno , Provenzano Rosanna , Cannizzaro Emanuele
Published: July 2021

Immediately after the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic (which had risen to the level of a pandemic according to the World Health Organization), the question arose whether or not to update the risk assessment, which, as required by Legislative Decree 81/2008, with the consequent updating of the prevention measures. In light of these forecasts, we asked ourselves whether the risk of coronavirus infection should be taken into account by the employer by updating the risk assessment or not. An in-depth analysis of current legislation has led to the conclusion that the biological risk from SARS-CoV-2 is to be considered specific only in health-related activities, in other activities it can be considered exclusively generic or generic aggravated. The Risk Assessment Document can therefore only be integrated.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Triple Combination Preparations in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Zhou Yikang , Long Enwu , Xu Qian , Wang Lei , Jiang Xuehua , Hu Ming
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This study analyzed the long-term cost-effectiveness of fluticasone/umeclidinium/vilanterol triple combination (FF/UMEC/VI) vs. budesonide/formoterol double combination (BUD/FOR) in the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and provides evidence for COPD treatment decisions.

Methods: From the perspective of the healthcare system, a Markov model was established that consists of four states—stable period, non-severely deteriorating period, severely deteriorating period, and death—according to real-world COPD progression. The model period comprises 6 months, with a cycle length of 14 years. The initial state, transition probabilities, costs, and utility data were collected from the FULFIL trial, published literature, hospital record surveys, and China Health Statistics Yearbook. The discount rate was 5%, and the threshold was set as the Chinese per capita GDP in 2020 (¥72,447). The cost, utility, transition probabilities, and discount rate were calculated through TreeagePro11 software. The results were analyzed via one-way factor analysis and probability sensitivity analysis.

Results: The baseline study shows that the 14-year treatment for FF/UMEC/VI and BUD/FOR groups are ¥199,765.55 and ¥173,030.05 with effectiveness at 8.54 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and 7.73 QALYs, respectively. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio is ¥33,006.80/QALY, which is below the threshold. A tornado diagram of a one-way sensitivity analysis shows that the top three factors that affected the results are the non-severe deterioration rates of FF/UMEC/VI, the cost of FF/UMEC/VI and the non-severe deterioration rates of BUD/FOR. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis shows that FF/UMEC/VI (compared to BUD/FOR) can be made cost-effective under the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold (¥38,000). Furthermore, the likelihood of cost-effectiveness increases with a higher WTP.

Conclusions: Compared with the double combination (BUD/FOR), the triple combination (FF/UMEC/VI) is more cost-effective under the Chinese per capita GDP threshold.
A Comparative Study of Machine Learning Methods for Persistence Diagrams
Authors: Barnes Danielle , Polanco Luis , Perea Jose A.
Published: July 2021

Many and varied methods currently exist for featurization, which is the process of mapping persistence diagrams to Euclidean space, with the goal of maximally preserving structure. However, and to our knowledge, there are presently no methodical comparisons of existing approaches, nor a standardized collection of test data sets. This paper provides a comparative study of several such methods. In particular, we review, evaluate, and compare the stable multi-scale kernel, persistence landscapes, persistence images, the ring of algebraic functions, template functions, and adaptive template systems. Using these approaches for feature extraction, we apply and compare popular machine learning methods on five data sets: MNIST, Shape retrieval of non-rigid 3D Human Models (SHREC14), extracts from the Protein Classification Benchmark Collection (Protein), MPEG7 shape matching, and HAM10000 skin lesion data set. These data sets are commonly used in the above methods for featurization, and we use them to evaluate predictive utility in real-world applications.
Erratum: Tröster, M.F.; Sauer, J. IoFarm in Field Test: Does a Cost-Optimal Choice of Fertilization Influence Yield, Protein Content, and Market Performance in Crop Production? Agriculture 2021, 11, 571
Authors:   Agriculture Editorial Office
Published: July 2021

The Agriculture Editorial Office would like to make the following correction to the published paper [...]
A Study on Petal Morphological and Physiological Characteristics of Styrax japonicus during the Flowering Period
Authors: Chen Chen , Chen Hong , Ni Ming , Yu Fangyuan
Published: July 2021

Styrax japonicus is a small ornamental tree with medicinal values, although its flowering period is short. To date, information about the morphological and physiological characteristics of the petals during the flowering period is limited. In this study, we observed the structure of the petals at the full flowering stage with a scanning electron microscope and detected the contents of nutrients, minerals, and endogenous hormones and the activities of enzymes at different flowering stages. The results showed that the content of soluble sugar exhibited an ‘increase-decrease’ trend, whereas the contents of soluble protein, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and abscisic acid (ABA) showed a ‘decrease-increase’ pattern. The content of starch descended continuously, but the contents of potassium (K), gibberellic acid (GA3), indoleacetic acid (IAA), and malondialdehyde (MDA) ascended continuously. The activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) first rose and then declined during the flowering period. Higher contents of soluble sugar, N, K, and IAA promoted S. japonicus flowering; meanwhile, lower contents of starch, soluble protein, P, and GA3 in addition to the lower activity of SOD might be some of the causes of the short flowering period. This work will serve as the foundation for a scientific technique to utilize the flowers and extend the flowering period in S. japonicus.
Medical-Grade Honey as an Alternative Treatment for Antibiotics in Non-Healing Wounds—A Prospective Case Series
Authors: Holubová Adéla , Chlupáčová Lucie , Cetlová Lada , Cremers Niels A. J. , Pokorná Andrea
Published: July 2021

Non-healing wounds are usually colonised by various types of bacteria. An alternative to antibiotic treatment in patients with infected wounds with local signs of inflammation may be medical-grade honey (MGH), which favourably affects the healing process with its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of MGH therapy on the healing process of non-healing wounds of various aetiologies and different wound colonisations. Prospective, observation–intervention case studies (n = 9) of patients with wounds of various aetiologies (venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wound dehiscence) are presented. All wounds were treated with MGH and the healing trajectory was rigorously and objectively monitored. In all cases, pain, odour, and exudation were quickly resolved, which led to an improvement in the quality of life of patients. Despite the proven bacterial microflora in wounds, antibiotic treatment was not necessary. The effects of MGH alleviated the signs of local infection until their complete elimination. In eight out of nine cases, the non-healing wound was completely healed. MGH has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in wounds of various aetiologies and forms an effective alternative for the use of antibiotics for treating locally infected wounds.
Phytochemical Study and In Vitro Screening Focusing on the Anti-Aging Features of Various Plants of the Greek Flora
Authors: Sklirou Aimilia D. , Angelopoulou Maria T. , Argyropoulou Aikaterini , Chaita Eliza , Boka Vasiliki Ioanna , Cheimonidi Christina , Niforou Katerina , Mavrogonatou Eleni , Pratsinis Harris , Kalpoutzakis Eleftherios , Aligiannis Nektarios , Kletsas Dimitris , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Skaltsounis Alexios Leandros
Published: July 2021

Skin health is heavily affected by ultraviolet irradiation from the sun. In addition, senile skin is characterized by major changes in the collagen, elastin and in the hyaluronan content. Natural products (NPs) have been shown to delay cellular senescence or in vivo aging by regulating age-related signaling pathways. Moreover, NPs are a preferable source of photoprotective agents and have been proven to be useful against the undesirable skin hyperpigmentation. Greek flora harvests great plant diversity with approximately 6000 plant species, as it has a wealth of NPs. Here, we report an extensive screening among hundreds of plant species. More than 440 plant species and subspecies were selected and evaluated. The extracts were screened for their antioxidant and anti-melanogenic properties, while the most promising were further subjected to various in vitro and cell-based assays related to skin aging. In parallel, their chemical profile was analyzed with High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and/or Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS). A variety of extracts were identified that can be of great value for the cosmetic industry, since they combine antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-melanogenic and anti-aging properties. In particular, the methanolic extracts of Sideritis scardica and Rosa damascena could be worthy of further attention, since they showed interesting chemical profiles and promising properties against specific targets involved in skin aging.
Nepetoidin B from Salvia plebeia R. Br. Inhibits Inflammation by Modulating the NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways in Macrophage Cells
Authors: Kim Mina , Kim Ji Yeong , Yang Hee Sun , Choe Jeong-Sook , Hwang In Guk
Published: July 2021

Salvia plebeia has been used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases, as well as colds and bronchitis. Macrophages have antioxidant defense mechanisms to cope with the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced as part of the immune response. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase (HO)-1 pathway in inflamed macrophages is an appealing target due to its protective effect against ROS-induced cell damage. In this study, nepetoidin B (NeB) was first isolated from S. plebeia and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. NeB reduced pro-inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β) in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway. In the NeB-treated group, catalase and superoxide dismutase levels were significantly higher, and ROS expression decreased. By activating Nrf2 signaling, NeB enhanced HO-1 expression. Furthermore, when the cells were pretreated with tin protoporphyrin (an HO-1 inhibitor), the anti-inflammatory effects of NeB were reduced. Therefore, NeB may activate the Nrf2/ HO-1 pathway. These results reveal the NeB isolated from S. plebeia exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating NF-κB signaling and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells.
Spectroscopic Studies of Laser-Based Far-Ultraviolet Plasma Light Source
Authors: Masnavi Majid , Richardson Martin
Published: July 2021

A series of experiments is described which were conducted to measure the absolute spectral irradiances of laser plasmas created from metal targets over the wavelength region of 123–164 nm by two separate 1.0 μm lasers, i.e., using 100 Hz, 10 ns, 2–20 kHz, 60–100 ns full-width-at-half-maximum pulses. A maximum radiation conversion efficiency of ≈3%/2πsr is measured over a wavelength region from ≈125 to 160 nm. A developed collisional-radiative solver and radiation-hydrodynamics simulations in comparison to the spectra detected by the Seya–Namioka-type monochromator reveal the strong broadband experimental radiations which mainly originate from bound–bound transitions of low-ionized charges superimposed on a strong continuum from a dense plasma with an electron temperature of less than 10 eV.
Transient Current Density in a Pair of Long Parallel Conductors
Authors: Coufal Oldřich
Published: July 2021

Two infinitely long parallel conductors of arbitrary cross section connected to a voltage source form a loop. If the source voltage depends on time, then due to induction there is no constant current density in the loop conductors. It is only recently that a method has been published for accurately calculating current density in a group of long parallel conductors. The method has thus far been applied to the calculation of steady-state current density in a loop connected to a sinusoidal voltage source. In the present article, the method is used for an accurate calculation of transient current using transient current density. The transient current is analysed when connecting and short-circuiting the sources of sinusoidal, constant and sawtooth voltages. For circular cross section conductors, the dependences of maximum current density, maximum current and the time of achieving steady state on the source frequency, the distance of the conductors and their resistivity when connecting the source of sinusoidal voltage are examined.
Combined Multi-Time Series SAR Imagery and InSAR Technology for Rice Identification in Cloudy Regions
Authors: Zhang Rui , Tang Zhanzhong , Luo Dong , Luo Hongxia , You Shucheng , Zhang Tao
Published: July 2021

The use of remote sensing technology to monitor farmland is currently the mainstream method for crop research. However, in cloudy and misty regions, the use of optical remote sensing image is limited. Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology has many advantages, including high resolution, multi-mode, and multi-polarization. Moreover, it can penetrate clouds and mists, can be used for all-weather and all-time Earth observation, and is sensitive to the shape of ground objects. Therefore, it is widely used in agricultural monitoring. In this study, the polarization backscattering coefficient on time-series SAR images during the rice-growing period was analyzed. The rice identification results and accuracy of InSAR technology were compared with those of three schemes (single-time-phase SAR, multi-time-phase SAR, and combination of multi-time-phase SAR and InSAR). Results show that VV and VH polarization coherence coefficients can well distinguish artificial buildings. In particular, VV polarization coherence coefficients can well distinguish rice from water and vegetation in August and September, whereas VH polarization coherence coefficients can well distinguish rice from water and vegetation in August and October. The rice identification accuracy of single-time series Sentinel-1 SAR image (78%) is lower than that of multi-time series SAR image combined with InSAR technology (81%). In this study, Guanghan City, a cloudy region, was used as the study site, and a good verification result was obtained.
Estimation via Laser Ultrasonics of the Ultrasonic Attenuation in a Polycrystalline Aluminum Thin Plate Using Complex Wavenumber Recovery in the Vicinity of a Zero-Group-Velocity Lamb Mode
Authors: Yan Guqi , Raetz Samuel , Groby Jean-Philippe , Duclos Aroune , Geslain Alan , Chigarev Nikolay , Gusev Vitalyi E. , Tournat Vincent
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we present a method to recover the complex wavenumber dispersion relations using spatial Laplace transform from experimental spatiotemporal signals measured by laser ultrasonic technique. The proposed method was applied on zero-group-velocity Lamb modes in order to extract the ultrasonic attenuation in a polycrystalline aluminum plate of about 70 μm thickness. The difference between the experimental and theoretical Laplace Fourier transforms was minimized in the least square sense to extract the complex amplitudes and complex wavenumbers of the modes at about 40 MHz. The experimental results were compared to values reported in the literature that were measured by other means and those estimated by using the quality factor extracted from a single temporal signal.
Genomic Overlap between Platelet Parameters Variability and Age at Onset of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Tirozzi Alfonsina , Parisi Roberta , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , de Gaetano Giovanni , Iacoviello Licia , Gialluisi Alessandro
Published: July 2021

With the increasing burden of common neurodegenerative disorders and their long-hypothesized link with platelet biology, genomic approaches have been recently used to investigate the presence of a shared genetic basis between neurodegenerative risk and platelet parameters, reporting a significant though moderate genetic correlation between Parkinson Disease (PD) risk and platelet distribution width, an index of platelet size variability. Here, we investigated the genetic overlap of platelet parameters with an endophenotype of PD, age-at-onset (PD-AAO). First, we applied a Linkage Disequilibrium (LD)-score regression to the summary statistics of a large independent Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) previously conducted, to estimate the co-heritability based on common genetic variants. Then, we analyzed multitrait single-variant associations to identify novel loci associated with both PD-AAO and mean platelet volume (MPV). Finally, we performed gene and gene-set enrichment analyses of these associations. We observed a statistically significant genetic correlation between MPV and PD-AAO (rg (SE) = −0.215 (0.082); p = 0.009). The multitrait analysis revealed eight novel variants associated with PD-AAO and 33 with MPV. The genes most significantly enriched for associations with PD-AAO included ARHGEF3 (Rho Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor 3), previously associated with depression, and KALRN (Kalirin RhoGEF Kinase), encoding a PINK1 interactor previously implicated in schizophrenia, Alzheimer Disease and PD itself. Interestingly, these genes were also identified in the analysis of MPV. The most significant gene-set enrichments shared between MPV and PD-AAO were observed for coagulation- and megakaryopoiesis-related pathways. These findings provide novel hints into the common genetic basis of PD endophenotypes, platelet biology and its neuropsychiatric comorbidities, paving the way for investigating common underlying mechanisms.
Theoretical Modeling and Vibration Isolation Performance Analysis of a Seat Suspension System Based on a Negative Stiffness Structure
Authors: Liao Xin , Zhang Ning , Du Xiaofei , Zhang Wanjie
Published: July 2021

In this study, to improve the vibration isolation performance of a cab seat and the ride comfort of the driver, we propose a mathematical model for a seat suspension system of a construction machinery cab based on a negative stiffness structure (NSS). First, a static analysis of a seat suspension system is conducted and the different parameters and their influences on the dynamic stiffness are discussed. Thereby, the ideal configuration parameter range of the suspension system is obtained. Moreover, the nonlinear dynamic model of the designed seat suspension system is established. The frequency response and the stability are analyzed by using the HBM method and numerical simulation. The vibration transmissibility characteristics and vibration suppression effects of the seat suspension system are presented in detail. The results show that, as compared with a quasi-zero-stiffness system, the QZS-IE system has higher vibration suppression advantages under large excitation and small damping, as well as lower transmissibility and a wider vibration isolation frequency range. In addition, an inerter element with a larger mass ratio and relatively shorter distance ratio is better for vibration isolation performance of the QZS-IE system in a practical engineering application. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for the design and improvement of a seat suspension system.
Changes in Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Juice Concentrate Polyphenols during Storage
Authors: Neves Cláudia M. B. , Pinto António , Gonçalves Fernando , Wessel Dulcineia F.
Published: July 2021

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) juice concentrate is highly rich in polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and flavonols, which have been associated with a wide range of health-promoting properties. Phenolic compounds, in particular anthocyanins, are unstable and may change during storage, which might influence the product color quality and its potential health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in the polyphenols profile of elderberry juice concentrate produced at an industrial scale during seven months of storage at 5 °C and at room temperature. The total phenolic content, the total monomeric anthocyanins, the percent polymeric color, and the ABTS•+ scavenging activity were monitored over time. In addition, the profile and content of the main individual phenolic compounds were also assessed by HPLC-DAD. The results show that cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, chlorogenic acid, rutin, and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were the main phenolic compounds identified. Storage at room temperature resulted in a strong reduction in total monomeric anthocyanin content accompanied by an increase in percent polymeric color values. Cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside degraded faster than cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside and cyanidin-3-O-sambubioside-5-O-glucoside. Concentration of chlorogenic acid also decreased over storage, whereas rutin and quercetin-3-O-glucoside were quite stable. Storage at 5 °C caused a lower impact on the contents of anthocyanins and chlorogenic acid and the percent polymeric color was not affected. The total phenolic content and the in vitro antioxidant activity remained quite similar over the time, for both temperatures, suggesting that elderberry concentrates still preserve their health benefits of antioxidant capacity after seven months of storage.
Time-Dependent Cytokine-Release of Platelet-Rich Plasma in 3-Chamber Co-Culture Device and Conventional Culture Well
Authors: Chiu Chih-Hao , Chen Poyu , Chen Alvin Chao-Yu , Chan Yi-Sheng , Hsu Kuo-Yao , Lei Kin Fong
Published: July 2021

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains bioactive cytokines to enhance tissue healing. The best PRP preparation protocol and timing of the treatment have not been determined yet. To screen the best-fit PRP, a 3-chamber co-culture device was developed. We hypothesized the concentrations of the cytokines from different PRPs in the co-culture plates had a high correlation with those in conventional 24-well culture plates at different time points. The concentrations of the cytokine from PRPs would be correlated with platelet concentrations. The correlation of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor AB (PDGF-AB) in both devices were compared at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h from two PRPs as well as that of platelet and cytokines concentrations. The results revealed that there was a moderate to high correlation in TGF-β1 concentrations between the 3-chamber co-culture and conventional culture device until 96 h. The correlation of PDGF-AB concentrations in both devices had moderate to high correlation in the first 24 h, and then it became modestly correlated from 48 to 96 h. A high correlation was found between platelet and TGF-β1 concentration at 96 h. However, they were modestly correlated in other time points. A negative or modest correlation was found between platelet and PDGF-AB concentration in all time points. In conclusion, TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB revealed a time-dependent manner of release at five time points. There is a moderate to high correlation of the TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB concentration in both devices at different time points. However, TGF-β1 and PDGF-AB concentrations are not always proportional to the platelet concentration of the PRPs.
A Combined Non-Destructive and Micro-Destructive Approach to Solving the Forensic Problems in the Field of Cultural Heritage: Two Case Studies
Authors: Ricca Michela , Alberghina Maria F. , Randazzo Luciana , Schiavone Salvatore , Donato Antonio , Albanese Maria P. , La Russa Mauro F.
Published: July 2021

The present paper discusses the importance of non-destructive and micro-destructive technology in forensic investigations in the field of cultural heritage. Recent technological developments and the wide availability of modern analytical instrumentation are creating new possibilities for performing scientific measurements and acquiring data directly on-site—thereby limiting, where possible, sampling activity—as well as learning about the technologies and materials that were employed in the past to create cultural assets. Information on periods, chemical composition, manufacturing techniques, etc., can be gathered more easily. Overall, the benefits of on-site forensic investigations are multiple, including the potential to increase substantially the speed and efficacy of the criminal justice system. However, such benefits are only realized when data quality is guaranteed and findings can be used as forensic evidence in court. The present paper shows data from the non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis of different artworks and objects provided by the Cosenza Carabinieri Unit for the Protection of Cultural Heritage and Anti-Counterfeiting (Calabria, Italy). In particular, two oil paintings on canvas depicting cherubs (Italian: putti), recovered as fragments of larger religious artworks, and two bronze belt and helmet fragments were investigated. In the first case, the research aimed to define the original pictorial layer, identify any reconstruction pictorial areas or pictorial retouching, assess the state of conservation, reconstruct the previous conservation treatments, and provide indications about the chronology of the artworks. In the second case, analysis was performed both to define the bronze chemical composition and the origin of the soil (earth) found within the objects during their recovery. For these purposes, the analytical approach involved the use of non-destructive and micro-destructive analysis as follows: infrared reflectography (IRR), ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UV), X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), digital optical microscopy (DOM), scanning electron microscopy equipped with EDX microanalysis (SEM-EDX), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results made it possible to collect valuable diagnostic information and answer questions posed by the institutions for the resolution of various doubts about forensic science and cases concerning the seizure, recovery, or return of archaeological or historical-artistic objects of cultural interest.
Differential Transform Method as an Effective Tool for Investigating Fractional Dynamical Systems
Authors: Rysak Andrzej , Gregorczyk Magdalena
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the use of the differential transform method (DTM) for integrating the Rössler system of the fractional order. Preliminary studies of the integer-order Rössler system, with reference to other well-established integration methods, made it possible to assess the quality of the method and to determine optimal parameter values that should be used when integrating a system with different dynamic characteristics. Bifurcation diagrams obtained for the Rössler fractional system show that, compared to the RK4 scheme-based integration, the DTM results are more resistant to changes in the fractionality of the system.
A Wideband Termination Based on Laser-Scribed Lossy Microstrip Line Structures
Authors: Li Ruo-Zhou , Wu Zheyuan , Ji Junhui , Yin Xiaoxing , Yan Jing , Fang Yuming , Yu Ying
Published: July 2021

Laser-direct writing has become an alternative method to fabricate microwave devices. We present a laser-scribed wideband open-end termination that relies on conductor loss of the microstrip line structure to obtain effective absorption. The proposed design consists of a resistive film overlapped on a strip conductor, providing an enlarged sheet-resistance range (20 Ω/□~1.2 kΩ/□) of the resistive film to reduce the fabrication difficulties. The resistive film is in tapered shape to enable small gradual changes in impedance, yielding minimized reflections (|S11|). The prototype is demonstrated utilizing the laser-direct writing technique, with a measured |S11| over −15 dB from 6 GHz to at least 30 GHz. The termination can also be used for attenuation over a −10 dB attenuation level (>8.5 GHz) with a low reflection level better than −15 dB (>2.0 GHz). This study can be employed for the applications where cheap wideband planar terminations are needed and promote fast, flexible, and low-cost prototyping or modification of the existing microwave circuits.
An Analysis on the Effectiveness of Nitrogen Oxide Reduction from Applying Titanium Dioxide on Urban Roads Using a Statistical Method
Authors: Lee Sang-Hyuk , Lee Jong-Won , Kim Moon-Kyung , Park Hee-Mun
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations using the statistical method of the Anderson-Darling test. To compare and analyze this effect, a spray-type form of TiO2 was applied to the asphalt pavement surface on urban roads. Data acquisition for NOx concentration was collected from a test section with TiO2 applied and a reference section without TiO2 applied. The probabilities of occurrence of the NOx concentration in the test and reference section were estimated and compared using the Anderson-Darling test. In sum, most of the NOx concentrations were probabilistically lower in the test section. The average probability of the NOx concentration in the test section in the ‘low’ range was 46.2% higher than in the reference section. In the ‘high’ and ‘moderate’ ranges, the average probability of the NOx concentration compared to that of the reference section was lower by 28.1% and 18.8%, respectively. These results revealed that the photochemical reaction from the TiO2 material applied on asphalt pavement was effective in reducing NOx.
Factoring Continuous Characters Defined on Subgroups of Products of Topological Groups
Authors: Tkachenko Mikhail G.
Published: July 2021

This study is on the factorization properties of continuous homomorphisms defined on subgroups (or submonoids) of products of (para)topological groups (or monoids). A typical result is the following one: Let D=∏i∈IDi be a product of paratopological groups, S be a dense subgroup of D, and χ a continuous character of S. Then one can find a finite set E⊂I and continuous characters χi of Di, for i∈E, such that χ=∏i∈Eχi∘piS, where pi:D→Di is the projection.
Dual Network Composites of Poly(vinyl alcohol)-Calcium Metaphosphate/Alginate with Osteogenic Ions for Bone Tissue Engineering in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Iskandar Lilis , DiSilvio Lucy , Acheson Jonathan , Deb Sanjukta
Published: July 2021

Despite considerable advances in biomaterials-based bone tissue engineering technologies, autografts remain the gold standard for rehabilitating critical-sized bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial (OMF) region. A majority of advanced synthetic bone substitutes (SBS’s) have not transcended the pre-clinical stage due to inferior clinical performance and translational barriers, which include low scalability, high cost, regulatory restrictions, limited advanced facilities and human resources. The aim of this study is to develop clinically viable alternatives to address the challenges of bone tissue regeneration in the OMF region by developing ‘dual network composites’ (DNC’s) of calcium metaphosphate (CMP)—poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/alginate with osteogenic ions: calcium, zinc and strontium. To fabricate DNC’s, single network composites of PVA/CMP with 10% (w/v) gelatine particles as porogen were developed using two freeze–thawing cycles and subsequently interpenetrated by guluronate-dominant sodium alginate and chelated with calcium, zinc or strontium ions. Physicochemical, compressive, water uptake, thermal, morphological and in vitro biological properties of DNC’s were characterised. The results demonstrated elastic 3D porous scaffolds resembling a ‘spongy bone’ with fluid absorbing capacity, easily sculptable to fit anatomically complex bone defects, biocompatible and osteoconductive in vitro, thus yielding potentially clinically viable for SBS alternatives in OMF surgery.
Stem Cell Niche Microenvironment: Review
Authors: Abdul-Al Mohamed , Kyeremeh George Kumi , Saeinasab Morvarid , Heidari Keshel Saeed , Sefat Farshid
Published: July 2021

The cornea comprises a pool of self-regenerating epithelial cells that are crucial to preserving clarity and visibility. Limbal epithelial stem cells (LESCs), which live in a specialized stem cell niche (SCN), are crucial for the survival of the human corneal epithelium. They live at the bottom of the limbal crypts, in a physically enclosed microenvironment with a number of neighboring niche cells. Scientists also simplified features of these diverse microenvironments for more analysis in situ by designing and recreating features of different SCNs. Recent methods for regenerating the corneal epithelium after serious trauma, including burns and allergic assaults, focus mainly on regenerating the LESCs. Mesenchymal stem cells, which can transform into self-renewing and skeletal tissues, hold immense interest for tissue engineering and innovative medicinal exploration. This review summarizes all types of LESCs, identity and location of the human epithelial stem cells (HESCs), reconstruction of LSCN and artificial stem cells for self-renewal.