bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevating Subjective Well-Being Through Physical Exercises: An Intervention Study
Authors: Iwon Katarzyna , Skibinska Julia , Jasielska Dorota , Kalwarczyk Sonia
Published: December 2021

Background: Physical activity is associated with higher levels of subjective well-being. However, little research has been conducted in naturalistic conditions with a longitudinal design. In the current study, we aimed to examine whether regular activity initiation can impact happiness, life satisfaction, and self-esteem 4 weeks later.

Methods: The sample (N = 217, 124 women) was divided into three groups based on level of physical activity (active people, beginners, and inactive people). The participants completed measures of happiness, satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and a survey on physical activity. Ninety-five of participants who completed the same set of measures sent by email after 4 weeks were included in the analyses.

Results: The study showed a strong relationship between subjective well-being and physical activity. Active people showed higher levels of happiness and self-esteem compared to beginners and inactive people and a higher level of life satisfaction than inactive people. Furthermore, after 4 weeks of exercising, beginners revealed greater life satisfaction and happiness compared to the baseline.

Conclusion: These findings confirm that regular physical activity leads to higher levels of well-being. It seems that even a short engagement in physical activity (4 weeks) may contribute to an increase in subjective well-being.
Mental Health Problems in Girls Who Committed Sexual Offenses: Similarities and Differences Compared to Girls With Non-sex Offenses and Boys With Sex Offenses
Authors: Manetsch Madleina , Nelson Aguiar Rebecca J. , Hermann Daniel , van der Put Claudia , Grisso Thomas , Boonmann Cyril
Published: December 2021

Female juvenile offenders have only recently shifted into the focus of research. Moreover, a specific subgroup, female juveniles who sexually offended (JSO) are greatly overlooked. Therefore, there is a dearth of knowledge regarding the characteristics of female JSOs. The aim of the current study was to explore mental health problems (MHP) of female JSOs in more detail. Moreover, we compared their mental health with female juveniles who committed non-sexual offenses (JNSOs) and male JSOs. The sample comprised 33 female JSOs (Mean age 14.5, SD 1.8), 33 age-matched female JNSOs, and 33 age-matched male JSOs. We used the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-version 2 to examine MHP. Although both internalizing and externalizing MHP were not uncommon in female JSOs, they reported fewer problems than female JNSOs. No differences were found between female and male JSOs. With regard to their mental health profile, female JSOs resemble male JSOs more than female JNSOs. These results should be taken into account in the assessment and treatment of this group. However, more research is needed.
Mindfulness-Informed Guided Imagery to Target Physical Activity: A Mixed Method Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study
Authors: Mitchell Alexis D. , Martin Laura E. , Baldwin Austin S. , Levens Sara M.
Published: December 2021

Physical activity offers substantial mind-body health benefits and reduced mortality, yet many individuals are chronically underactive. Physical activity interventions may benefit from integrative approaches that join components of mindfulness and neurobiological models of behavior. Mindfulness increases one’s awareness of cognitions and physical sensations to potentially facilitate self-regulation, while neurobiological models such as the dual system model of health behavior offer guidance on improving physical activity intervention targets. This 2-phase study includes an initial development process to create brief (∼4 min) mindfulness informed guided imagery audio files that target distinct cognitive and affective processes to promote physical activity. In the second phase, participants completed a 2-week pilot intervention study to gather qualitative and quantitative data on intervention feasibility and acceptability. Participants endorsed the mindfulness informed guided imagery as easy to use, enjoyable and helpful. Over a 2-week intervention period participants reported positive shifts in behavior change, physical activity enjoyment, increased mindfulness during physical activity, and increased physical exercise self-efficacy and satisfaction. Interview data revealed that participants increased their frequency of physical activity and tended to experience positive affect during physical activity, engaged in future oriented thinking and were able to view physical activity in a more positive light. Findings support the feasibility and acceptability of an integrative online mindfulness informed guided imagery intervention to promote physical activity enjoyment and engagement. This study extends health behavior change intervention research and provides supporting evidence for a flexible and tailorable online mindfulness-based intervention.
If You Believe, It May Come True: The Relationship and Mechanism Between Self-Occupation Stereotypes of Private Kindergarten Teachers and Their Turnover Intention in China-Mainland
Authors: Yang Feng , Han Yang , Li Minyan
Published: December 2021

In China-Mainland, the turnover rate of private kindergarten teachers remains high for a long time. With 692 Chinese private kindergarten teachers as subjects, we applied a questionnaire survey to examine the relationship between self-occupation stereotypes held by private kindergarten teachers and their turnover intention and the underlying mechanisms. The structured equation model (SCM) was conducted to analyze data and revealed a significantly positive correlation between self-occupation stereotypes and turnover intention. Further analyses showed that on the individual level, personal control sense mediated the relationship between self-occupation stereotypes and turnover intention, and on the organization level, professional identity mediated the relationship between them. Additionally, self-occupation stereotypes were also related to turnover intention via the chain-mediating role of personal control sense and professional identity. The current research firstly clarified the acting paths between self-occupation stereotypes of private kindergarten teachers and turnover intention on both the individual and the organization levels. In practice, the research provided a novel perspective for policy makers to alleviate the turnover tendency of private kindergarten teachers.
Effect of Restricted Group Sandplay on Interpersonal Sensitivity in College Students
Authors: Yu Shuhan , Zhan Liyu
Published: December 2021

This study aims to investigate the intervention effect of group sandplay on the interpersonal sensitivity of college students and analyze the relationship between the theme and interactive behavior characteristics and the intervention effect of group sandplay especially during the period of COVID-19. Sixty college students were randomly assigned to the experimental group (group sandplay) or the control group (neutral task interventions). The results showed that the interpersonal sensitivity level of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. For the experimental group, the variation in the interpersonal sensitivity level was significantly negatively correlated with the change in warm, supportive behavior during group sandplay interaction. These findings suggest that group sandplay is effective in improving the interpersonal sensitivity level of college students, and this effect can be positively predicted by warm and supportive interaction behaviors in group sandplay.
Pre- and Post-treatment Levels of Plasma Metabolites in Patients With Bipolar Depression
Authors: Guo Xiang-Jie , Wu Peng , Cui Xiao-Hong , Jia Jiao , Bao Shuang , Yu Fei , Ma Li-Na , Cao Xiang-Xin , Ren Yan
Published: December 2021

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a serious mental disease with complex clinical manifestations and high recurrence rate. The purpose of this study was to detect metabolites related to the diagnosis and efficacy evaluation of bipolar depression in plasma samples by metabolomics.

Methods: Thirty-one bipolar depression patients were recruited and completed 8 weeks medication and a matched group of 47 healthy controls (HCs) was recruited. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to profile plasma samples of bipolar depression patients at baseline and after 8 weeks medication, and HCs. Then Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to analyze differences of plasma metabolites among the three groups.

Results: We detected seven specific differential metabolites in bipolar depression. Six of the metabolites were returned to the normal levels in different degrees after 8 weeks medication, only Glycine continuously decreased in the acute and significant improvement stages of bipolar depression (VIP > 1 and p < 0.05). These differential metabolites involved several metabolic pathways.

Limitations: The small sample size was one of the most prominent limitations. Each BD patient was given an individualized medication regimen according to the clinical guidelines.

Conclusion: There were metabolites changes before and after 8 weeks medication. Glycine may be a characteristic marker of bipolar depression and does not change with the improvement of bipolar depression, while other 6 differential metabolites may be biomarkers associated with the pathological development or the improvement of bipolar depression. And, these differential metabolites mainly related to energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism and gut microbiota metabolism.
Polygenic Risk Score Prediction for Endometriosis
Authors: Kloeve-Mogensen Kirstine , Rohde Palle Duun , Twisttmann Simone , Nygaard Marianne , Koldby Kristina Magaard , Steffensen Rudi , Dahl Christian Møller , Rytter Dorte , Overgaard Michael Toft , Forman Axel , Christiansen Lene , Nyegaard Mette
Published: December 2021

Endometriosis is a major health care challenge because many young women with endometriosis go undetected for an extended period, which may lead to pain sensitization. Clinical tools to better identify candidates for laparoscopy-guided diagnosis are urgently needed. Since endometriosis has a strong genetic component, there is a growing interest in using genetics as part of the clinical risk assessment. The aim of this work was to investigate the discriminative ability of a polygenic risk score (PRS) for endometriosis using three different cohorts: surgically confirmed cases from the Western Danish endometriosis referral Center (249 cases, 348 controls), cases identified from the Danish Twin Registry (DTR) based on ICD-10 codes from the National Patient Registry (140 cases, 316 controls), and replication analysis in the UK Biobank (2,967 cases, 256,222 controls). Patients with adenomyosis from the DTR (25 cases) and from the UK Biobank (1,883 cases) were included for comparison. The PRS was derived from 14 genetic variants identified in a published genome-wide association study with more than 17,000 cases. The PRS was associated with endometriosis in surgically confirmed cases [odds ratio (OR) = 1.59, p = 2.57× 10−7] and in cases from the DTR biobank (OR = 1.50, p = 0.0001). Combining the two Danish cohorts, each standard deviation increase in PRS was associated with endometriosis (OR = 1.57, p = 2.5× 10−11), as well as the major subtypes of endometriosis; ovarian (OR = 1.72, p = 6.7× 10−5), infiltrating (OR = 1.66, p = 2.7× 10−9), and peritoneal (OR = 1.51, p = 2.6 × 10−3). These findings were replicated in the UK Biobank with a much larger sample size (OR = 1.28, p < 2.2× 10−16). The PRS was not associated with adenomyosis, suggesting that adenomyosis is not driven by the same genetic risk variants as endometriosis. Our results suggest that a PRS captures an increased risk of all types of endometriosis rather than an increased risk for endometriosis in specific locations. Although the discriminative accuracy is not yet sufficient as a stand-alone clinical utility, our data demonstrate that genetics risk variants in form of a simple PRS may add significant new discriminatory value. We suggest that an endometriosis PRS in combination with classical clinical risk factors and symptoms could be an important step in developing an urgently needed endometriosis risk stratification tool.
A Thermodynamic Measure of Sustainability
Authors: Sciubba Enrico
Published: December 2021

A novel thermodynamic approach to the quantification of the “degree of sustainability” is proposed and discussed. The method includes a rigorous -and innovative- conversion procedure of the so-called externalities that leads to their expression in terms of the exergy of their equivalent primary resources consumption. Such a thermodynamic approach suggests a detailed re-evaluation of the concept of sustainability because it is well-known that the Second Law strictly negates the possibility for any open and evolving system to maintain itself in a “sustainable” state without availing itself of a continuous supply of low-entropy (i.e., high specific exergy) input. If a human society is modeled as an open system, its capacity to “grow sustainably” depends not only on how it uses non-renewable resources, but also on the rate at which it exploits the renewable ones. The necessary inclusion of different forms of energy- and material flows in such an analysis constitutes per se an argument in favor of a resource-based exergy metrics. While it is true that the thermodynamically oriented approach proposed here neglects all of the non-thermodynamic attributes of a “sustainable system” (in the Bruntland sense), it is also clear that it constitutes a rigorous basis on which different physically possible scenarios can be rigorously evaluated. Non-thermodynamic indicators can be still used at a “second level analysis” and maintain their usefulness to indicate which one of the “thermodynamically least unsustainable” scenarios is most convenient from an ethical or socio-economic perspective for the considered community or for the society as a whole. The proposed indicator is known as “Exergy Footprint,” and the advantages of its systematic application to the identification of “sustainable growth paths” is discussed in the Conclusions.
Development of an Online Tool for Pasteurella multocida Genotyping and Genotypes of Pasteurella multocida From Different Hosts
Authors: Peng Zhong , Liu Junyang , Liang Wan , Wang Fei , Wang Li , Wang Xueying , Hua Lin , Chen Huanchun , Wilson Brenda A. , Wang Jia , Wu Bin
Published: December 2021

Pasteurella multocida is a versatile zoonotic pathogen. Multiple systems have been applied to type P. multocida from different diseases in different hosts. Recently, we found that assigning P. multocida strains by combining their capsular, lipopolysaccharide, and MLST genotypes (marked as capsular: lipopolysaccharide: MLST genotype) could help address the biological characteristics of P. multocida circulation in different hosts. However, there is still lack of a rapid and efficient tool to diagnose P. multocida according to this system. Here, we developed an intelligent genotyping platform PmGT for P. multocida strains according to their whole genome sequences using the web 2.0 technologies. By using PmGT, we determined capsular genotypes, LPS genotypes, and MLST genotypes as well as the main virulence factor genes (VFGs) of P. multocida isolates from different host species based on their whole genome sequences published on NCBI. The results revealed a closer association between the genotypes and pasteurellosis rather than between genotypes and host species. With the advent of high-quality, inexpensive DNA sequencing, PmGT represents a more efficient tool for P. multocida diagnosis in both epidemiological studies and clinical settings.
Safety, Immunogenicity and Antibody Persistence of Rift Valley Fever Virus Clone 13 Vaccine in Sheep, Goats and Cattle in Tanzania
Authors: Sindato Calvin , Karimuribo Esron D. , Swai Emmanuel S. , Mboera Leonard E. G. , Rweyemamu Mark M. , Paweska Janusz T. , Salt Jeremy
Published: December 2021

Background:Vaccination is considered to be the best approach to control Rift Valley fever (RVF) in animals and consequently in humans. This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the RVF virus (RVFV) Clone 13 vaccine under field conditions.

Methodology:A vaccine trial was conducted in sheep (230), goats (230), and cattle (140) in Ngorongoro district, Tanzania. Half of each of the animal species were vaccinated and the other half received the placebo. Animals were clinically monitored and bled before vaccination and at days 15, 30, 60, 180 and 360 (+/– 10) post-vaccination to measure Immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG antibody responses to RVFV. Survival analysis was conducted using cox-proportional hazard regression model to measure the time until an event of interest had occurred and to compare the cumulative proportion of events over time.

Results:Of 600 animals included in the study, 120 animals were lost during the study, leaving a total of 480 (243 in the vaccinated group and 237 in the control group) for complete follow-up sampling. There was no adverse reaction reported at the injection site of the vaccine/placebo in all animals. Abortions, deaths, or body temperature variations were not associated with vaccination (p > 0.05). By day 15 post-inoculation, the IgG seroconversion in vaccinated goats, cattle and sheep was 27.0% (n= 115), 20.0% (n= 70) and 10.4% (n= 115), respectively. By day 30 post-inoculation, it was 75.0% (n= 113), 74.1% (n= 112) and 57.1% (n= 70) in vaccinated sheep, goats and cattle, respectively. By day 60 post-inoculation, IgG seroconversion in sheep, goats and cattle was 88.1% (n= 109), 84.3% (n= 108) and 64.60% (n= 65), respectively. By day 180, the IgG seroconversion in sheep, goats and cattle was 88.0% (n= 108), 83.8% (n= 105) and 66.1% (n= 62), respectively. By day 360, the IgG seroconversion in sheep, goats and cattle was 87.2% (n= 94), 85.6% (n= 90) and 66.1% (n= 59), respectively. Only five animals from the vaccinated group were RVFV IgM positive, which included four sheep and a goat.

Conclusion:RVFV Clone 13 vaccine was well tolerated by sheep, goats, and cattle. The vaccine induced detectable, but variable levels of IgG responses, and of different duration. The vaccine is considered safe, with high immunogenicity in sheep and goats and moderate in cattle.
Prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Amphibians From 2000 to 2021: A Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Zhongle , Wang Qi , Sun Keping , Feng Jiang
Published: December 2021

Chytridiomycosis is an amphibian fungal disease caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which has caused large-scale death and population declines on several continents around the world. To determine the current status of Bd infection in amphibians, we conducted a global meta-analysis. Using PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang database searches, we retrieved a total of 111 articles from 2000 to 2021. Based on these, we estimated the Bd prevalence to be 18.54% (95% CI: 13.76–20.52) in current extent amphibians. Among these populations, the prevalence of Bd in Asia was the lowest at 7.88% (95% CI: 1.92–8.71). Further, no Bd infection was found in Vietnam. However, the prevalence of Bd in Oceania was the highest at 36.34% (95% CI: 11.31–46.52). The Bd prevalence in Venezuela was as high as 49.77% (95% CI: 45.92–53.62). After 2009, the global Bd prevalence decreased to 18.91% (95% CI: 13.23–21.56). The prevalence of Bd in epizootic populations was significantly higher than enzootic populations. The highest prevalence of Bd was detected with real-time PCR at 20.11% (95% CI: 13.12–21.38). The prevalence of Bd in frogs was the highest at 20.04% (95% CI: 13.52–21.71), and this different host was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the same time, we analyzed the geographic factors (longitude, latitude, elevation, rainfall and temperature) that impacted the fungal prevalence in amphibians. Our meta-analysis revealed that factors including region, disease dynamic, detection method, host and climate may be sources of the observed heterogeneity. These results indicate that chytridiomycosis was a consistent threat to amphibians from 2000 to 2021. Based on different habitat types and geographical conditions, we recommend formulating corresponding control plans and adopting reasonable and efficient biological or chemical methods to reduce the severity of such diseases.
Synthesis of Thin Titania Coatings onto the Inner Surface of Quartz Tubes and Their Photoactivity in Decomposition of Methylene Blue and Rhodamine B
Authors: Svetlov Stanislav D. , Sladkovskiy Dmitry A. , Semikin Kirill V. , Utemov Alexander V. , Abiev Rufat Sh. , Rebrov Evgeny V.
Published: December 2021

An evaporation-deposition coating method for coating the inner surface of long (>1 m) quartz tubes of small diameter has been studied by the introduction of two-phase (gas-liquid) flow with the gas core flowing in the middle and a thin liquid film of synthesis sol flowing near the hot tube wall. The operational window for the deposition of continuous titania coatings has been obtained. The temperature range for the deposition of continuous titania coatings is limited to 105–120 °C and the gas flow rate is limited to the range of 0.4–1.0 L min−1. The liquid flow rate in the annular flow regime allows to control the coating thickness between 3 and 10 micron and the coating porosity between 10% and 20%. By increasing the liquid flow rate, the coating porosity can be substantially reduced. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 chemisorption, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The coatings were tested in the photocatalytic decomposition of methylene blue and rhodamine B under UV-light and their activity was similar to that of a commercial P25 titania catalyst.
Improving Newborn Resuscitation by Making Every Birth a Learning Event
Authors: Bettinger Kourtney , Mafuta Eric , Mackay Amy , Bose Carl , Myklebust Helge , Haug Ingunn , Ishoso Daniel , Patterson Jackie
Published: December 2021

One third of all neonatal deaths are caused by intrapartum-related events, resulting in neonatal respiratory depression (i.e., failure to breathe at birth). Evidence-based resuscitation with stimulation, airway clearance, and positive pressure ventilation reduces mortality from respiratory depression. Improving adherence to evidence-based resuscitation is vital to preventing neonatal deaths caused by respiratory depression. Standard resuscitation training programs, combined with frequent simulation practice, have not reached their life-saving potential due to ongoing gaps in bedside performance. Complex neonatal resuscitations, such as those involving positive pressure ventilation, are relatively uncommon for any given resuscitation provider, making consistent clinical practice an unrealistic solution for improving performance. This review discusses strategies to allow every birth to act as a learning event within the context of both high- and low-resource settings. We review strategies that involve clinical-decision support during newborn resuscitation, including the visual display of a resuscitation algorithm, peer-to-peer support, expert coaching, and automated guidance. We also review strategies that involve post-event reflection after newborn resuscitation, including delivery room checklists, audits, and debriefing. Strategies that make every birth a learning event have the potential to close performance gaps in newborn resuscitation that remain after training and frequent simulation practice, and they should be prioritized for further development and evaluation.
New Functions of Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid on Epidermis Filaggrin Production and Degradation
Authors: Hashimoto Moe , Maeda Kazuhisa
Published: December 2021

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide with high moisturizing power. It is composed of repeating disaccharides of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and D-glucuronic acid. Low-molecular-weight hyaluronan (LMHA) is obtained by changing the molecular weight or modifying the functional groups of HA and is commonly used together with HA in cosmetics. The objective of this study was to determine whether LMHA promotes the synthesis of filaggrin (FLG). We also investigated whether LMHA activates FLG-degrading enzymes. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the human epidermis were cultured with LMHA. Real-time PCR was used to quantify the mRNA levels of profilaggrin (proFLG), involucrin (IVL), and FLG-degrading enzymes. FLG protein levels were measured by fluorescent antibody staining and Western blotting. The mRNA was quantified using a 3D epidermis model, and it was observed that the mRNA levels of proFLG, IVL, caspase-14 (CASP14), and bleomycin hydrolase were increased by the application of LMHA. Immunofluorescence results showed an increase in FLG proteins, and results from experiments using 3D epidermis models showed that LMHA increased the activity of CASP14. This suggests that the topical application of LMHA would result in an increase in natural moisturizing factor and promote moisturization of the stratum corneum.
The Protective Effect of Hamamelis virginiana Stem and Leaf Extract on Fine Dust-Induced Damage on Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Choi Jiyoung , Yang Dongki , Moon Mi Yeon , Han Gi Yeon , Chang Moon Sik , Cha Joonseok
Published: December 2021

Witch hazel extracts have been used for decades as cosmetic ingredients in skin care products. Our present study aims to evaluate its potential in anti-pollution products using a previously reported in vitro model. Calcium is a universal second messenger, and we used human respiratory and skin cells to detect changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentrations upon particulate matter contact. Both an increase in pro-inflammatory markers and a decrease in tight junction proteins were confirmed, as previously reported. Witch hazel stem and leaf extract showed significant attenuation of Ca2+ response upon the challenge; it displayed systematic regulations of the signal generator, PAR-2; a pro-inflammatory marker, NF-κB; and a tight junction protein, Occludin. We identified hexagalloylglucose from the extract and concluded that it is a major component regulating protection from particulate matter. Based on these results, witch hazel extract containing hexagalloylglucose is an active ingredient in anti-pollution skin care products.
Implementation of PI and MPC-Based Speed Controllers for a Drive with Elastic Coupling on a PLC Controller
Authors: Serkies Piotr , Gorla Adam
Published: December 2021

This paper presents some of the issues related to the implementation of advanced control structures (PI controller with additional feedback, Model Predictive Controller) for drives with elastic coupling on a programmable logic controller (PLC). The predominant solutions to electric drive control include the use of rapid prototyping cards, signal processors or programmable matrices. Originally, PLC controllers were used to automate sequential processes, but for several years now, a trend related to their implementation for advanced control objects can be observed. This is mainly due to their compact design, immunity to disturbances and standard programming languages. The following chapters of the paper present the mathematical model of the drive and describe the implementation of the proposed control structures. A PI controller with additional feedback loops and a predictive controller are taken into consideration. Their impact on the CPU load was analysed, and the work was summarised by a comprehensive experimental study. The presented results confirm that it is possible to implement advanced control structures on a PLC controller for drives with elastic coupling while maintaining a sufficiently low load on its CPU.
Aspergillus oryzae Grown on Rice Hulls Used as an Additive for Pretreatment of Starch-Containing Wastewater from the Pulp and Paper Industry
Authors: Costa Stefania , Summa Daniela , Zappaterra Federico , Blo Riccardo , Tamburini Elena
Published: December 2021

From an industrial point of view, the use of microorganisms as a wastewater bioremediation practice represents a sustainable and economic alternative for conventional treatments. In this work, we investigated the starch bioremediation of paper mill wastewater (PMW) with Aspergillus oryzae. This amylase-producing fungus was tested in submerged fermentation technology (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF) on rice hulls. The tests were conducted to assay the concentration of the reducing sugars on paper mill wastewater. The bioremediation of starch in the wastewater was carried out by A. oryzae, which proved capable of growing in this complex media as well as expressing its amylase activity.
Quantifying Groundwater Resources for Municipal Water Use in a Data-Scarce Region
Authors: Borzì Iolanda , Bonaccorso Brunella
Published: December 2021

Groundwater is a major source of drinking water worldwide, often considered more reliable than surface water and more accessible. Nowadays, there is wide recognition by the scientific community that groundwater resources are under threat from overexploitation and pollution. Furthermore, frequent and prolonged drought periods due to climate change can seriously affect groundwater recharge. For an appropriate and sustainable management of water systems supplied by springs and/or groundwater withdrawn from aquifers through drilling wells or drainage galleries, the need arises to properly quantify groundwater resources availability, mainly at the monthly scale, as groundwater recharge is influenced by seasonality, especially in the Mediterranean areas. Such evaluation is particularly important for ungauged groundwater bodies. This is the case of the aquifer supplying the Santissima Aqueduct, the oldest water supply infrastructure of the city of Messina in Sicily (Southern Italy), whose groundwater flows are measured only occasionally through spring water sampling at the water abstraction plants. Moreover, these plants are barely maintained because they are difficult to reach. In this study, groundwater recharge assessment for the Santissima Aqueduct is carried out through a GIS-based inverse hydrogeological balance methodology. Although this approach was originally designed to assess aquifer recharge at the annual scale, wherever a model conceptualization of the groundwater system was hindered by the lack of data, in the present study some changes are proposed to adjust the model to the monthly scale. In particular, the procedure for evapotranspiration assessment is based on the Global Aridity Index within the Budyko framework. The application of the proposed methodology shows satisfactory results, suggesting that it can be successfully applied for groundwater resources estimation in a context where monthly information is relevant for water resources planning and management.
What Is the Optimal Dialysate Sodium Concentration?
Authors: Lindley Elizabeth , Tattersall James
Published: December 2021

In haemodialysis, sodium and fluid balance (where intake matches loss) is achieved by ultrafiltration and by diffusion between the plasma water and dialysate. If a patient’s sodium intake does not change, any reduction in fluid gain obtained by lowering dialysate sodium concentration will result in less sodium removal by ultrafiltration. The corresponding change in diffusion to achieve balance may mean the benefit of lower fluid gain is offset by morbidity caused by a fall in serum sodium during dialysis. The standard dialysate sodium should minimise harm caused by both high ultrafiltration rates and osmotic disequilibrium. For most units, this is likely to be 138 to 140 mmol/L.
An Unusual Presentation of Crohn’s Disease Diagnosed Following Accidental Ingestion of Fruit Pits: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sinagra Emanuele , Raimondo Dario , Iacopinelli Salvatore Marco , Rossi Francesca , Conoscenti Giuseppe , Di Maggio Maria Angela , Testai Sergio , Alloro Rita , Marasà Marta , Calandra Alberto , Costanza Claudia , Cristofalo Serena , Pallio Socrate , Maida Marcello , Tarantino Ilaria , Arena Goffredo
Published: December 2021

The clinical course of Crohn’s disease (CD) is often complicated by intestinal strictures, which can be fibrotic, inflammatory, or mixed, therefore leading to stenosis and eventually symptomatic obstruction. We report two cases of subclinical CD diagnosed after fruit pit ingestion, causing bowel obstruction; additionally, we conducted a narrative review of the scientific literature on cases of intestinal obstruction secondary to impacted bezoars due to fruit pits. Symptoms of gastrointestinal bezoars in CD patients are not diagnostic; and the diagnosis should be based on a combined assessment of history, clinical presentation, imaging examination and endoscopy findings. This report corroborates the concept that CD patients are at a greater risk of bowel obstruction with bezoars generally and shows that accidental ingestion of fruit pits may lead to an unusual presentation of the disease. Therapeutic options in this group of patients differ from the usual approaches implemented in other patients with strictures secondary to CD.
Position Estimation of a Two-Phase Switched Reluctance Motor at Standstill
Authors: Fan Jiayi , Jung Insu , Lee Yongkeun
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a sensorless position detection method of a two-phase switched reluctance motor (SRM) at standstill is proposed based on the voltage pulse injection method. Due to the torque dead zone and the lack of starting capability in the two-phase SRM, a rotor with a stepped structure is adopted to ensure continuous torque generation. The inductance characteristics of the asymmetric SRM are analyzed, and the region of the rotor position is categorized into linear regions and nonlinear regions with several key rotor positions and threshold values of self-inductance. A simple analytical model of the phase self-inductance profile of the asymmetric rotor SRM is proposed, which only requires a few linear equations, to replace the conventional look-up table. A pulse injection-based position estimation method is proposed based on the aforementioned analytical model. Short voltage pulses are injected into both phases at the same time to determine the position where the rotor is actually located at standstill. The proposed position detection method is simple and requires no extra circuitry. The simulation results are given and show the proposed estimation method can acquire a precise rotor position accurately at a standstill condition.
Novel Analytical Approach for the Space-Time Fractional (2+1)-Dimensional Breaking Soliton Equation via Mathematical Methods
Authors: Alruwaili Abdulmohsen D. , Seadawy Aly R. , Ali Asghar , Beinane Sid Ahmed O.
Published: December 2021

The aim of this work is to build novel analytical wave solutions of the nonlinear space-time fractional (2+1)-dimensional breaking soliton equations, with regards to the modified Riemann–Liouville derivative, by employing mathematical schemes, namely, the improved simple equation and modified F-expansion methods. We used the fractional complex transformation of the concern fractional differential equation to convert it for the solvable integer order differential equation. After the successful implementation of the presented methods, a comprehensive class of novel and broad-ranging exact and solitary travelling wave solutions were discovered, in terms of trigonometric, rational and hyperbolic functions. Hence, the present methods are reliable and efficient for solving nonlinear fractional problems in mathematics physics.
On Some Generalized Simpson’s and Newton’s Inequalities for (α, m)-Convex Functions in q-Calculus
Authors: Sial Ifra Bashir , Mei Sun , Ali Muhammad Aamir , Nonlaopon Kamsing
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we first establish two right-quantum integral equalities involving a right-quantum derivative and a parameter m∈ 0,1. Then, we prove modified versions of Simpson’s and Newton’s type inequalities using established equalities for right-quantum differentiable α,m-convex functions. The newly developed inequalities are also proven to be expansions of comparable inequalities found in the literature.
Highly Dispersive Optical Solitons with Complex Ginzburg–Landau Equation Having Six Nonlinear Forms
Authors: Zayed Elsayed M. E. , Gepreel Khaled A. , El-Horbaty Mahmoud , Biswas Anjan , Yıldırım Yakup , Alshehri Hashim M.
Published: December 2021

This paper retrieves highly dispersive optical solitons to complex Ginzburg–Landau equation having six forms of nonlinear refractive index structures for the very first time. The enhanced version of the Kudryashov approach is the adopted integration tool. Thus, bright and singular soliton solutions emerge from the scheme that are exhibited with their respective parameter constraints.
A Note on New Construction of Meyer-König and Zeller Operators and Its Approximation Properties
Authors: Cai Qing-Bo , Ansari Khursheed J. , Usta Fuat
Published: December 2021

The topic of approximation with positive linear operators in contemporary functional analysis and theory of functions has emerged in the last century. One of these operators is Meyer–König and Zeller operators and in this study a generalization of Meyer–König and Zeller type operators based on a function τ by using two sequences of functions will be presented. The most significant point is that the newly introduced operator preserves {1,τ,τ2} instead of classical Korovkin test functions. Then asymptotic type formula, quantitative results, and local approximation properties of the introduced operators are given. Finally a numerical example performed by MATLAB is given to visualize the provided theoretical results.
Dynamic Analysis of a Stochastic Rumor Propagation Model with Regime Switching
Authors: Jia Fangju , Cao Chunzheng
Published: December 2021

We study the rumor propagation model with regime switching considering both colored and white noises. Firstly, by constructing suitable Lyapunov functions, the sufficient conditions for ergodic stationary distribution and extinction are obtained. Then we obtain the threshold Rs which guarantees the extinction and the existence of the stationary distribution of the rumor. Finally, numerical simulations are performed to verify our model. The results indicated that there is a unique ergodic stationary distribution when Rs>1. The rumor becomes extinct exponentially with probability one when Rs<1.
Cytotoxic Tumour-Selective 1,5-Diaryl-3-Oxo-1,4-Pentadienes Mounted on a Piperidine Ring
Authors: Roayapalley Praveen K. , Sakagami Hiroshi , Satoh Keitaro , Amano Shigeru , Bandow Kenjiro , Aguilera Renato J. , Hernandez Karla G. Cano , Schiaffino Bustamante Austre Y. , Dimmock Stephen G. , Sharma Rajendra K. , Das Umashankar , Dimmock Jonathan R.
Published: December 2021

A series of 3,5-bis(benzylidene)-4-piperidones 2a–u were prepared as candidate cytotoxic agents. In general, the compounds are highly toxic to human gingival carcinoma (Ca9-22), human squamous carcinoma-2 (HSC-2) and human squamous carcinoma-4 (HSC-4) neoplasms, but less so towards non-malignant human gingival fibroblast (HGF), human periodontal ligament fibroblast (HPLF) and human pulp cells (HPC), thereby demonstrating tumour-selective toxicity. A further study revealed that most of the compounds in series 2 were more toxic to the human Colo-205 adenocarcinoma cell line (Colo-205), human HT29 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (HT-29) and human CEM lymphoid cells (CEM) neoplasms than towards non-malignant human foreskin Hs27 fibroblast line (Hs27) cells. The potency of the cytotoxins towards the six malignant cell lines increased as the sigma and sigma star values of the aryl substituents rose. Attempts to condense various aryl aldehydes with 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidone led to the isolation of some 1,5-diaryl-1,4-pentadien-3-ones. The highest specificity for oral cancer cells was displayed by 2e and 2r. In the case of 2r, its selective toxicity exceeded that of doxorubicin and melphalan. The enones 2k, m, o have the highest SI values towards colon cancer and leukemic cells. Both 2e,r inhibited mitosis and increased the subG1 population (with a transient increase in G2/M phase cells). Slight activation of caspase-3, based on the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) and procaspase 3, was detected.
Incidence of Histoplasmosis in a Cohort of People with HIV: From Estimations to Reality
Authors: Medina Narda , Rodriguez-Tudela Juan Luis , Aguirre Luis , Salazar Luis R. , Gamboa Osmar , Bonilla Oscar , Pérez Juan C. , Arathoon Eduardo , Denning David W. , Alastruey-Izquierdo Ana
Published: December 2021

Among people with HIV, histoplasmosis represents an important cause of mortality. Previous studies provided estimates of the disease incidence. Here, we compared those estimates with the results obtained from a screening program implemented in Guatemala, which included histoplasmosis detection for people with HIV. To compare the results of this program with previous estimations, a literature search was performed and reports concerning histoplasmosis incidence were analyzed. The screening program enrolled 6366 patients. The overall histoplasmosis incidence in the screening program was 7.4%, which was almost double that estimated in previous studies. From 2017 to 2019, the screening program showed an upward trend in histoplasmosis cases from 6.5% to 8.8%. Histoplasmosis overall mortality among those who were newly HIV diagnosed showed a decrease at 180 days from 32.8% in 2017 to 21.2% in 2019. The screening approach using rapid diagnostic assays detects histoplasmosis cases more quickly, allowing a specific treatment to be administered, which decreases the mortality of the disease. Therefore, the use of these new techniques, especially in endemic areas of histoplasmosis, must be implemented.
Assessment of Marine Gill Disease in Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) in Chile Using a Novel Total Gross Gill Scoring System: A Case Study
Authors: Fridman Sophie , Tsairidou Smaragda , Jayasuriya Nilantha , Sobolewska Halina , Hamilton Alastair , Lobos Carlos , Houston Ross D. , Rodger Hamish , Bron James , Herath Tharangani
Published: December 2021

Gill disorders have become more prevalent and widespread in finfish aquaculture in recent years. Their aetiology is often considered to be multifactorial. Effective diagnosis, control and prevention are hindered by the lack of standardised methodologies to characterise the aetiological agents, which produce an array of clinical and pathological presentations. The aim of this study was to define a novel gross pathological scoring system suitable for field-based macroscopic assessment of complex or multifactorial gill disease in farmed Atlantic salmon, using samples derived from a gill disease outbreak in Chile. Clinical assessment of gross gill morphology was performed, and gill samples were collected for qPCR and histology. A novel total gill scoring system was developed, which assesses gross pathological changes combining both the presumptive or healed amoebic gill disease (AGD) and the presence of other types of gill lesions. This scoring system offers a standardised approach to characterise the severe proliferative pathologies in affected gills. This total gill scoring system can substantially contribute to the development of robust mitigation strategies and could be used as an indicator trait for incorporating resistance to multifactorial gill disease into breeding goals.
Influence of the Alcoholic/Ethanolic Extract of Mangifera indica Residues on the Green Synthesis of FeO Nanoparticles and Their Application for the Remediation of Agricultural Soils
Authors: Bautista-Guzman Jhordi , Gomez-Morales Rosa , Asmat-Campos David , Checca Noemi Raquel
Published: December 2021

The green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NP) has been investigated using the extract in absolute ethanolic and alcoholic solvents 96% from the peel of the mango fruit (Mangifera indica), thus evaluating the influence of the type of solvent on the extraction of reducing metabolites. A broad approach to characterization initially controlled by UV-vis spectrophotometry has been directed, the formation mechanism was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the magnetic properties by characterization by Physical Property Measurement System (PPSM), in addition to a large number of techniques such as X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (DRX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM/STEM), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), and Z potential to confirm the formation of FeO NP. The results suggest better characteristics for FeO NP synthesized using 96% alcoholic solvent extract. The successful synthesis was directly proven in the removal of metals (Cr-VI, Cd, and Pb) as a potential alternative in the remediation of agricultural soils.
From Impure to Purified Silver Nanoparticles: Advances and Timeline in Separation Methods
Authors: Martins Catarina S. M. , Sousa Helena B. A. , Prior João A. V.
Published: December 2021

AgNPs have exceptional characteristics that depend on their size and shape. Over the past years, there has been an exponential increase in applications of nanoparticles (NPs), especially the silver ones (AgNPs), in several areas, such as, for example, electronics; environmental, pharmaceutical, and toxicological applications; theragnostics; and medical treatments, among others. This growing use has led to a greater exposure of humans to AgNPs and a higher risk to human health and the environment. This risk becomes more aggravated when the AgNPs are used without purification or separation from the synthesis medium, in which the hazardous synthesis precursors remain unseparated from the NPs and constitute a severe risk for unnecessary environmental contamination. This review examines the situation of the available separation methods of AgNPs from crude suspensions or real samples. Different separation techniques are reviewed, and relevant data are discussed, with a focus on the sustainability and efficiency of AgNPs separation methods.
Monolithic, Optically Coupled, Multi-Section Mid-IR Quantum Cascade Lasers
Authors: Pierściński Kamil , Pierścińska Dorota , Sobczak Grzegorz , Kuźmicz Aleksandr , Chmielewski Krzysztof , Krajewska Katarzyna , Gutowski Piotr
Published: December 2021

Mid-infrared (mid-IR λ ≈ 3–12 μm), single-mode-emission Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) are of significant interest for a wide range of applications, especially as the laser sources are chosen for laser absorption spectroscopy. In this work, we present the design, fabrication and characterization of multi-section, coupled-cavity, mid-IR quantum cascade lasers. The purpose of this work is to propose a design modification for a coupled-cavity device, yielding a single-mode emission with a longer range of continuous tuning during the pulse, in contrast to a 2-section device. This effect was obtained and demonstrated in the work. The proposed design of a 3-section coupled-cavity QCL allows for a single-mode emission with 35 dB side-mode suppression ratio. Additionally, the time-resolved spectra of the wavelength shift during pulse operation, show a continuous tuning of ~3 cm−1 during the 2 μs pulse. The devices were fabricated in a slightly modified, standard laser process using dry etching.