bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Efficacy, Social Activity, and Spirituality in the Care of Elderly Patients with Polypharmacy in Germany—A Multicentric Cross-Sectional Study within the HoPES3 Trial
Authors: Sturm Noemi , Stolz Regina , Schalhorn Friederike , Valentini Jan , Krisam Johannes , Frick Eckhard , Mächler Ruth , Szecsenyi Joachim , Straßner Cornelia
Published: October 2021

About one third of Europe’s elderly population takes ≥5 drugs. Polypharmacy increases their risk of adverse drug reactions. To ensure drug safety, innovative approaches are needed. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the relationship between psychosocial factors and medication-related beliefs and behaviors. Medication lists of 297 patients were recorded according to the ATC classification. Correlations between the dependent variables, Medication Adherence (MARS) and Beliefs about Medicines (BMQ), and independent variables, General Self-Efficacy (GSE), self-efficacy for managing chronic diseases (SES6G), spiritual needs (SpNQ), patient activity (PAM), loneliness (DJG), and social networks (LSNS), were measured. Patients with higher self-efficacy (OR: 1.113; 95% CI [1.056–1.174]; p < 0.001) or self-confidence in managing their chronic condition (OR: 1.188; 95% CI [1.048–1.346]; p < 0.007) also showed higher adherence. Lonely patients (OR: 0.420; 95% CI [0.267–0.660]; p < 0.001) and those with a need for inner peace (OR: 0.613; 95% CI [0.444–0.846], p = 0.003) were more likely nonadherent. Stronger positive beliefs about medications’ usefulness weakly correlated with higher scores on the SES6G (ρ = 0.178, p = 0.003) and GSES scale (ρ = 0.121, p = 0.042), patient activity (ρ = 0.155, p = 0.010) and functioning social networks scale (ρ = 0.159, p = 0.008). A weak positive correlation was found between loneliness and the belief that drugs were harmful (ρ = 0.194, p = 0.001). Furthermore, interesting correlations were detected regarding the number of medications and overuse beliefs. Psychosocial factors, such as self-efficacy, loneliness, and spiritual needs and medication-related beliefs and behaviors seem to interrelate. Addressing these factors may improve medication management and drug safety.
Association between Cerebral Infarction Risk and Medication Adherence in Atrial Fibrillation Patients Taking Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Akagi Yuuki , Iketaki Akiko , Nakamura Reiko , Yamamura Shigeo , Endo Minori , Morikawa Keisuke , Oikawa Shun , Ohta Takahiro , Tatsumi Shimpei , Suzuki Takafumi , Mizushima Atsuhiro , Koido Keiichi , Takahashi Tatsuya
Published: October 2021

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are available for nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients. The advantage of DOACs is that regular anticoagulation monitoring is not required. However, adherence to the recommended regimen is essential. We investigated the association between medication adherence and the risk of cerebral infarction in patients taking DOACs. Patients admitted to any of the participating hospitals for cerebral infarction from September 2018 to February 2020 and prescribed DOACs before admission were defined as the case group, and patients hospitalized for diseases other than cerebral infarction, except for bleeding disorders, and prescribed DOACs before admission were defined as the control group. A nested case–control study was adapted, and 58 and 232 patients were included in the case and control groups, respectively. Medication adherence was assessed by the pharmacists through standardized interviewing. The adjusted odds ratio for the risk of cerebral infarction for low-adherence patients (<80% adherence rate) against good-adherence patients (100% adherence rate) was 9.69 (95% confidence interval, 3.86–24.3; p < 0.001). The patients’ age and other background characteristics were not found to be risk factors for cerebral infarction. In conclusion, low adherence is a risk factor for cerebral infarction in patients taking DOACs. Pharmacists should focus on maintaining ≥80% adherence to DOAC therapy to prevent cerebral infarction.
Documentation of Commonly Used Ethnoveterinary Medicines from Wild Plants of the High Mountains in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Prakash Pramod , Radha  , Kumar Manoj , Pundir Ashok , Puri Sunil , Prakash Suraj , Kumari Neeraj , Thakur Mamta , Rathour Sonia , Jamwal Radhika , Janjua Salena , Ali Mansoor , Bangar Sneh Punia , Singh Chhatarpal , Chandran Deepak , Rajalingam Sureshkumar , Senapathy Marisennayya , Dhumal Sangram , Singh Surinder , Samota Mahesh Kumar , Damale Rahul D. , Changan Sushil , Natta Suman , Alblihed Mohamd , El-kott Attalla F. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: October 2021

The aim of current study is to provide a significant traditional knowledge on wild medicines used for ethnoveterinary purposes in the rural area of Maraog region in district Shimla. The medicinal plants have played a significant role in the treatment of human as well as animal’s diseases. The rural people of the Maraog region were interviewed through a questionnaire and extensive field surveys were conducted from June 2020 to July 2021. The discussion, observations and interviews were conducted in study site and included 96 informants. The information gathered from the residents is presented in a table format and includes scientific and local names, different parts used, diseases treated and mode administration. The most commonly used taxa are calculated with used value. The study revealed 100 plants in which trees (7), shrubs (26), herbs (56), ferns (5), grasses (3) and climbers (3) were identified. The most commonly documented livestock diseases were found to be hoof infections, eyes infections, poisoning and skin infections. In the current study, the Rosaceae family was reported as being the highest number (11), followed by Asteraceae (10) and then Lamiaceae (6). It was found that leaves, roots, flowers and fruits are the commonly used parts for ethnoveterinary medications. The phytochemicals present in the plant, such as alkaloids, sterols, glycosides, flavonoids, lignin, coumarins and terpenoids, etc., may be responsible for their medicinal properties. In this documentation, it was observed that the younger generation does not have good knowledge of medicinal plants as compared to the older ones. Therefore, it is necessary to preserve the traditional knowledge of these medicinal plants before their permanent loss. The documentation and conservation of medicinal plants can be a good start for novel phytopharmacological research in the veterinary field.
Genetic Variability and Structure of Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlecht. Germplasm in Sichuan Province
Authors: Li Hongwen , Bolarić Snježana , Vokurka Aleš , He Jian , Wang Dong , Li Xufeng , Mešić Aleksandar , Wang Jianhui , Duralija Boris
Published: October 2021

Fragaria nilgerrensis Schlecht. (wild strawberry) is widely distributed in Southwest China, characterized by stress tolerance and the fruits of a notable peach aroma. So far there is only limited knowledge of variability and genetic structure in this species. Using AFLP markers, we investigated the genetic variability of 37 plants of F. nilgerrensis sampled in six main mountain areas of Sichuan Province and analyzed their genetic structure. Genetic similarity according to Nei and Li was used for cluster analysis based on UPGMA method and Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering. Stratification of plants into more distinctive genetic groups was determined using Bayesian structure analysis. Six primer combinations produced a total of 1302 fragments of which 818 (62.8%) were polymorphic. Bayesian analysis showed the 37 plants of F. nilgerrensis grouped into five distinctive genetic groups. Most of the plants from the same mountain area clustered into the same genetic group, indicating each area as an area with the unique genetic profile. The genetic parameters analyzed here indicate a huge genetic variability of F. nilgerrensis in Sichuan Province. Our results provide reference data for surveying and protecting the germplasm resources of F. nilgerrensis that could be used in strawberry breeding programs.
Determinants of Continuance Intention to Use Health Apps among Users over 60: A Test of Social Cognitive Model
Authors: Kim Eunhye , Han Semi
Published: October 2021

Promoting healthy behavior among seniors is important in reducing the burden of care and healthcare expenses in a rapidly aging society. Health apps can play an important role in health promotion for older adults, but the level of user retention in health apps is low. To increase continued health app use among older adults, this study examined the factors influencing older users’ continuance intentions to use health apps. The research model was developed based on the social cognitive theory of health behavior, which integrates cognitive, environmental, and behavioral perspectives. To test the research model, an anonymous online survey was conducted among respondents aged 60 to 79 years who were using health apps. The measurement items in the questionnaire were developed based on validated scales from the literature. A total of 250 samples were analyzed. The assessment of the measurement model indicates that the reliability and validity of the items are satisfactory. The results of testing the structural model illustrate the determinants of health app continuance intention: health technology self-efficacy, self-evaluative outcome expectations, self-regulation, and privacy risk. The interrelationships among determinants are also investigated. Theoretical and practical implications are suggested to encourage older adults’ continued health app use and promote their health behavior over the long term.
Extracting Terrain Texture Features for Landform Classification Using Wavelet Decomposition
Authors: Xu Yuexue , Zhang Shengjia , Li Jinyu , Liu Haiying , Zhu Hongchun
Published: October 2021

Accurate landform classification is a crucial component of geomorphology. Although extensive classification efforts have been exerted based on the terrain factor, the scale analysis to describe the macro and micro landform features still needs standard measurement. To obtain the appropriate analysis scale of landform structure feature, and then carry out landform classification using the terrain texture, the texture feature is introduced for reflecting landform spatial differentiation and homogeneity. First, applying the ALOS World 3D-30m (AW3D30) DEM and selecting typical landforms of the southwest Tibet Plateau, the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), which acts as the texture feature analysis method, is executed to dissect the multiscale structural features of the terrain texture. Second, through the structural indices of reconstructed texture images, the optimum decomposition scale of DWT is confirmed. Under these circumstances, wavelet coefficients and wavelet energy entropy are extracted as texture features. Finally, the random forest (RF) method is utilized to classify the landform. Results indicate that the texture feature of DWT can achieve higher classification accuracy, which increases by approximately 11.8% compared with the gray co-occurrence matrix (GLCM).
Application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Models for the Evaluation Cultural Websites: A Framework for Comparative Analysis
Authors: Kabassi Katerina
Published: October 2021

Websites in the post COVID-19 era play a very important role as the Internet gains more visitors. A website may significantly contribute to the electronic presence of a cultural organization, such as a museum, but its success should be confirmed by an evaluation experiment. Taking into account the importance of such an experiment, we present in this paper DEWESA, a generalized framework that uses and compares multi-criteria decision-making models for the evaluation of cultural websites. DEWESA presents in detail the steps that have to be followed for applying and comparing multi-criteria decision-making models for cultural websites’ evaluation. The framework is implemented in the current paper for the evaluation of museum websites. In the particular case study, five different models are implemented (SAW, WPM, TOPSIS, VIKOR, and PROMETHEE II) and compared. The comparative analysis is completed by a sensitivity analysis, in which the five multi-criteria decision-making models are compared concerning their robustness.
VERCASM-CPS: Vulnerability Analysis and Cyber Risk Assessment for Cyber-Physical Systems
Authors: Northern Bradley , Burks Trey , Hatcher Marlana , Rogers Michael , Ulybyshev Denis
Published: October 2021

Since Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) are widely used in critical infrastructures, it is essential to protect their assets from cyber attacks to increase the level of security, safety and trustworthiness, prevent failure developments, and minimize losses. It is necessary to analyze the CPS configuration in an automatic mode to detect the most vulnerable CPS components and reconfigure or replace them promptly. In this paper, we present a methodology to determine the most secure CPS configuration by using a public database of cyber vulnerabilities to identify the most secure CPS components. We also integrate the CPS cyber risk analysis with a Controlled Moving Target Defense, which either replaces the vulnerable CPS components or re-configures the CPS to harden it, while the vulnerable components are being replaced. Our solution helps to design a more secure CPS by updating the configuration of existing CPS to make them more resilient against cyber attacks. In this paper, we will compare cyber risk scores for different CPS configurations and show that the Windows® 10 build 20H2 operating system is more secure than Linux Ubuntu® 20.04, while Red Hat® Enterprise® Linux is the most secure in some system configurations.
Phenotypic Plasticity of Common Wasps in an Industrially Polluted Environment in Southwestern Finland
Authors: Badejo Oluwatobi , Skaldina Oksana , Peräniemi Sirpa , Carrasco-Navarro Victor , Sorvari Jouni
Published: October 2021

Insects vary in the degree of their adaptability to environmental contamination. Determining the responses with phenotypic plasticity in ecologically important species in polluted environments will ease further conservation and control actions. Here, we investigated morphological characteristics such as body size, body mass, and color of the common wasp Vespula vulgaris in an industrially polluted environment, considering different levels of metal pollution, and we studied the localization of contaminants in the guts of wasps. We revealed some differences in morphological characteristics and melanization of wasps collected in habitats with high, moderate, and low levels of pollution. The results indicated that V. vulgaris from highly polluted environments had reduced melanin pigmentation on the face but increased melanin pigmentation on the 2nd tergite of the abdomen. In addition, with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), we found metal particles from the midgut of wasps originating from the polluted environment. Most of the particles were encapsulated with melanin pigment. This finding confirmed that in wasps, ingested metal particles are accumulated in guts and covered by melanin layers. Our data suggest that wasps can tolerate metal contamination but respond phenotypically with modification of their size, coloration, and probably with the directions of the melanin investments (immunity or coloration). Thus, in industrially polluted areas, wasps might probably survive by engaging phenotypic plasticity with no significant or visible impact on the population.
Tackling the Taxonomic Challenges in the Family Scoliidae (Insecta, Hymenoptera) Using an Integrative Approach: A Case Study from Southern China
Authors: Liu Zhen , Yang Sheng-Jie , Wang Yu-Yuan , Peng Yan-Qiong , Chen Hua-Yan , Luo Shi-Xiao
Published: October 2021

Species of the family Scoliidae are larval parasitoids of scarabaeoid beetles and pollinators of various plants. Despite their great importance in pest biological control and plant pollination, the taxonomy and systematics of these parasitoids are far from clear. Some species of the family are extremely morphologically similar and difficult to identify, especially in males. In this study, an integrative taxonomic approach, combining morphology and molecular data, was used to discriminate the species of Scoliidae from southern China. In total, 52 COI sequences belonging to 22 morphospecies of 9 genera in two tribes were obtained. The COI sequences worked well for the identification of all the studied species, with intraspecific genetic distances generally less than 2%, while interspecific distances ranged between 5.3% and 20.8%. The delimitations of the problematic species and subspecies of Scolia and Megacampsomeris are well solved by COI sequences, suggesting that DNA barcoding could be a useful identification tool for Scoliidae. Based on both morphological and molecular evidence, we discovered one undescribed cryptic species of the polytypic species Solia (Discolia) superciliaris Saussure, 1864, five newly recorded species, i.e., Scolia (Discolia) sikkimensis Bingham, 1896, Sericocampsomeris flavomaculata Gupta and Jonathan, 1989, Megacampsomeris asiatica (Saussure, 1858), Megacampsomeris pulchrivestita (Cameron, 1902) and Megacampsomeris shillongensis (Betrem, 1928) and one pending subspecies of Scolia (Discolia) watanabei (Matsumura, 1912) from China. Our study indicates that such an integrative approach, combing both molecular and morphological evidence, is a potent tool to tackle the taxonomic challenges in the family Scoliidae, or even, in other diverse groups of Aculeata, of which sexual dimorphism and cryptic species are common.
The Identification of Boll Weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Genes Involved in Pheromone Production and Pheromone Biosynthesis
Authors: Perkin Lindsey C. , Perez Jose L. , Suh Charles P.-C.
Published: October 2021

Eradication programs for the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), rely almost exclusively on pheromone traps to indicate the need for insecticide applications. However, the effectiveness of traps in detecting weevil populations is reduced during certain times of the year, particularly when cotton is actively fruiting. Consequently, this could result in fields becoming heavily infested with weevils. It is widely speculated that the lack of weevil captures in traps during this period is largely due to the overwhelming amount of pheromone released by weevils in the field, which outcompete the pheromone released from traps. Thus, this work sought to identify genes involved in pheromone production so that new control methods that target these genes can be explored. We conducted an RNA-seq experiment that revealed 2479 differentially expressed genes between pheromone-producing and non-pheromone-producing boll weevils. Of those genes, 1234 were up-regulated, and 1515 were down-regulated, and most had gene annotations associated with pheromone production, development, or immunity. This work advances our understanding of boll weevil pheromone production and brings us one step closer to developing gene-level control strategies for this cotton pest.
Is the Sympathetic System Detrimental in the Setting of Septic Shock, with Antihypertensive Agents as a Counterintuitive Approach? A Clinical Proposition
Authors: Petitjeans Fabrice , Geloen Alain , Pichot Cyrille , Leroy Sandrine , Ghignone Marco , Quintin Luc
Published: October 2021

Mortality in the setting of septic shock varies between 20% and 100%. Refractory septic shock leads to early circulatory failure and carries the worst prognosis. The pathophysiology is poorly understood despite studies of the microcirculatory defects and the immuno-paralysis. The acute circulatory distress is treated with volume expansion, administration of vasopressors (usually noradrenaline: NA), and inotropes. Ventilation and anti-infectious strategy shall not be discussed here. When circulation is considered, the literature is segregated between interventions directed to the systemic circulation vs. interventions directed to the micro-circulation. Our thesis is that, after stabilization of the acute cardioventilatory distress, the prolonged sympathetic hyperactivity is detrimental in the setting of septic shock. Our hypothesis is that the sympathetic hyperactivity observed in septic shock being normalized towards baseline activity will improve the microcirculation by recoupling the capillaries and the systemic circulation. Therefore, counterintuitively, antihypertensive agents such as beta-blockers or alpha-2 adrenergic agonists (clonidine, dexmedetomidine) are useful. They would reduce the noradrenaline requirements. Adjuncts (vitamins, steroids, NO donors/inhibitors, etc.) proposed to normalize the sepsis-evoked vasodilation are not reviewed. This itemized approach (systemic vs. microcirculation) requires physiological and epidemiological studies to look for reduced mortality.
Biomarker Value in the Diagnosis of Community-Acquired Pneumonia with Concomitant Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Rachina Svetlana , Bobylev Andrey , Lazarev Pavel , Mladov Vladimir , Carrouel Florence , Avdeev Sergey , Kozlov Roman , Bourgeois Denis
Published: October 2021

The diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with objective difficulties. Our case–control study aims to establish whether established serum inflammatory biomarkers are relevant to the diagnosis of CAP in patients with CHF. Seventy inpatients with previously diagnosed CHF and suspected non-severe CAP were recruited and then stratified into two subgroups with confirmed and rejected diagnosis of CAP. C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured. The value of biomarkers was determined using logistic regression, and their discriminatory efficacy was assessed by analyzing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Significantly higher levels of CRP 50.0 (35.5–98.5) mg/L, PCT 0.10 (0.05–0.54) ng/mL and IL-6 46.1(21.4–150.3) pg/mL in cases were identified as compared to the control group—15.0 (9.5–25.0) mg/L, 0.05 (0.05–0.05) ng/mL and 13.6 (9.5; 25.0) pg/mL, respectively. The Area Under the ROC Curve (95% CI) was the highest for CRP—0.91 (0.83–0.98), followed by PCT—0.81 (0.72–0.90) and IL-6—0.81 (0.71–0.91). A CRP value of >28.5 mg/L had an optimal sensitivity and specificity ratio (85.7/91.4%). In conclusion, the measurement of serum CRP, PCT and IL-6 levels can be useful for the diagnosis of CAP in patients with CHF. CRP showed optimal diagnostic utility in this population.
Fast Energy Dependent Scatter Correction for List-Mode PET Data
Authors: Álvarez-Gómez Juan Manuel , Santos-Blasco Joaquín , Moliner Martínez Laura , Rodríguez-Álvarez María José
Published: October 2021

Improvements in energy resolution of modern positron emission tomography (PET) detectors have created opportunities to implement energy-based scatter correction algorithms. Here, we use the energy information of auxiliary windows to estimate the scatter component. Our method is directly implemented in an iterative reconstruction algorithm, generating a scatter-corrected image without the need for sinograms. The purpose was to implement a fast energy-based scatter correction method on list-mode PET data, when it was not possible to use an attenuation map as a practical approach for the scatter degradation. The proposed method was evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations of various digital phantoms. It accurately estimated the scatter fraction distribution, and improved the image contrast in the simulated studied cases. We conclude that the proposed scatter correction method could effectively correct the scattered events, including multiple scatters and those originated in sources outside the field of view.
Effects of Various Fuels on Combustion and Emission Characteristics of a Four-Stroke Dual-Fuel Marine Engine
Authors: Pham Van Chien , Rho Beom-Seok , Kim Jun-Soo , Lee Won-Ju , Choi Jae-Hyuk
Published: October 2021

A numerical study was carried out to investigate the effects of methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and dimethyl ether (DME) on the combustion and emission characteristics of a four-stroke gas-diesel dual-fuel (DF) marine engine at full load. Three-dimensional simulations of the combustion process and emission formation inside the engine cylinder in the diesel and DF modes were performed using the AVL FIRE R2018a simulation software to analyze the in-cylinder pressure, temperature, and emission characteristics. The simulation results agreed well with the measured values reported in the engine shop test technical data. The simulation results showed reductions in the in-cylinder peak pressure and temperatures, as well as the emission formations, in the DF modes in comparison to the diesel mode. The DF mode could significantly reduce nitric oxide (NO) emissions (up to 96.225%) of DME compared to the diesel mode. Meanwhile, C3H8 and CH4 fuels effectively reduced the soot (up to 82.78%) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions (by 21.33%), respectively, compared to the diesel mode. However, the results also showed longer ignition delay times of the combustion processes when the engine operated in the DF mode, particularly in the DME-diesel mode. The combustion and emission characteristics of the engine were also analyzed when varying the injection timing; the results showed that applying the injection timing adjustment method could further address NO emission problems but led to a decrease in the engine power. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the benefits and disadvantages of adopting the injection timing adjustment strategy to address certain engine emission problems. This study successfully analyzed the benefits of using various gas fuels as alternative fuels and the injection timing adjustment method in DF marine engines to meet the International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission regulations without the use of any emission after-treatment devices.
Express Image and Video Analysis Technology QAVIS: Application in System for Video Monitoring of Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan/East Sea)
Authors: Fischenko Vitaly K. , Goncharova Anna A. , Dolgikh Grigory I. , Zimin Petr S. , Subote Aleksey E. , Klescheva Nelly A. , Golik Andrey V.
Published: October 2021

The article describes the technology of express analysis of images and videos, recorded by coastal video monitoring systems, developed by the authors. Its main feature is its ability to measure or evaluate in real time the signals of sea waves, sea level fluctuations, variations of underwater currents, etc., on video recordings or streaming video from coastal cameras. The real-time mode is achieved due to processing video information read not from files, but from the graphic memory of the screen. Measurements of sea signals can be carried out continuously for a long time, up to several days, with high sampling rate, up to 16 Hz, at several points of the observed water area simultaneously. This potentially allows studying the entire spectrum of wave movements, from short waves with periods of 0.3–0.5 s to multi-day fluctuations at the sea level of a synoptic scale. The paper provides examples of the use of this technology for analyzing images and videos obtained in the network of scientific video monitoring of the Peter the Great Bay (Sea of Japan/East Sea), deployed by the authors.
A Modified Approach of Extracting Landfast Ice Edge Based on Sentinel-1A InSAR Coherence Image in the Gulf of Bothnia
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Wang Zihao , Li Hao , Ni Ping , Liu Jian
Published: October 2021

Landfast ice is an integral component of the coastal ecosystem. Extracting the edge and mapping the extent of landfast ice are one of the main methods for studying ice changes. In this work, a standardized process for extracting landfast ice edge in the Baltic Sea using the InSAR coherence image is established with Sentinel-1 radar data and InSAR technology. A modified approach combining multiscale segmentation and morphological erosion is then proposed to provide a reliable way to extract landfast ice edge. Firstly, the coherence image is obtained using InSAR technology. Then, the edge is separated and extracted with the modified approach. The modified approach is essentially a four-step procedure involving image segmentation, median filter, morphological erosion, and rejection of small patches. Finally, the full extent of landfast ice can be obtained using floodfill algorithm. Multiple InSAR image pairs of Sentinel-1A acquired from 2018 to 2019 are utilized to successfully extract the landfast ice edge in the Gulf of Bothnia. The results show that the landfast ice edge and the extents obtained by the proposed approach are visually consistent with those shown in the ice chart issued by the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) over a coastline length of 345 km. The mean distance between land–water boundary and the coastline issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is 109.1 m. The modified approach obviously preserves more details in local edge than the reference method. The experimental results show that the modified approach proposed in this paper can extract the edge and map the extent of landfast ice more accurately and quickly, and is therefore expected to contribute to the further understanding and analyzing the changes of landfast ice in the future.
Alien Species Threat across Marine Protected Areas of Turkey—An Updated Inventory
Authors: Bilecenoğlu Murat , Çınar Melih Ertan
Published: October 2021

This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of alien species occurrences within the selected 11 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) located on the Aegean and Levantine coasts of Turkey. The inventory includes a total of 289 species belonging to 15 phyla, in which lowest and highest diversities were observed in Saros Bay MPA (27 species, northern Aegean Sea) and Fethiye-Göcek Bay MPA (150 species, northwest Levantine Sea), respectively. Alien species distributions that were revealed in protected areas located in the southern Aegean and Levantine Seas were 56.9% similar (based on presence vs. absence data), while northern Aegean sites formed another distinct group. According to the breakdown of major phyla through the entire study areas, Mollusca had the highest alien diversity (22.1% of alien species), followed by Actinopterygii (19.0%), Arthropoda (15.2%) and Annelida (13.5%). Casual aliens were represented by very low proportions in each MPA, proving that most species were already established in the region, with a significant proportion of invasive species. Regardless of the localities, the majority of the species originated from the Red Sea, whose primary pathway of introduction is the corridor, the Suez Canal. In the absence of effective management actions against bioinvasions, MPAs located along the Turkish coastline do not currently seem to provide any protection, revealing a large conservation gap to be filled.
Artificial Intelligence and COVID-19 Using Chest CT Scan and Chest X-ray Images: Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches for Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Fusco Roberta , Grassi Roberta , Granata Vincenza , Setola Sergio Venanzio , Grassi Francesca , Cozzi Diletta , Pecori Biagio , Izzo Francesco , Petrillo Antonella
Published: October 2021

Objective: To report an overview and update on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and COVID-19 using chest Computed Tomography (CT) scan and chest X-ray images (CXR). Machine Learning and Deep Learning Approaches for Diagnosis and Treatment were identified. Methods: Several electronic datasets were analyzed. The search covered the years from January 2019 to June 2021. The inclusion criteria were studied evaluating the use of AI methods in COVID-19 disease reporting performance results in terms of accuracy or precision or area under Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). Results: Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria: 13 papers were based on AI in CXR and 10 based on AI in CT. The summarized mean value of the accuracy and precision of CXR in COVID-19 disease were 93.7% ± 10.0% of standard deviation (range 68.4–99.9%) and 95.7% ± 7.1% of standard deviation (range 83.0–100.0%), respectively. The summarized mean value of the accuracy and specificity of CT in COVID-19 disease were 89.1% ± 7.3% of standard deviation (range 78.0–99.9%) and 94.5 ± 6.4% of standard deviation (range 86.0–100.0%), respectively. No statistically significant difference in summarized accuracy mean value between CXR and CT was observed using the Chi square test (p value > 0.05). Conclusions: Summarized accuracy of the selected papers is high but there was an important variability; however, less in CT studies compared to CXR studies. Nonetheless, AI approaches could be used in the identification of disease clusters, monitoring of cases, prediction of the future outbreaks, mortality risk, COVID-19 diagnosis, and disease management.
Increased Glycated Hemoglobin but Decreased Cholesterol after a Loss of Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Community-Based Longitudinal Metabolic Parameters Follow-Up Study
Authors: Chen Li-Wei , Chien Cheng-Hung , Lin Chih-Lang , Chien Rong-Nan
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection on metabolic parameters in a longitudinal follow-up manner. From August 2013 to August 2019, a community-based prospective study of H. pylori and metabolic syndrome (MetS) was performed in the northeastern region of Taiwan. A total of 1865 subjects were divided into four groups according to the serial results of urea breath test (UBT): new H. pylori infection (group 1, n = 41), null H. pylori infection (group 2, n = 897), loss of H. pylori infection (group 3, n = 369), and persistent H. pylori infection (group 4, n = 558). When comparing the subjects between groups 1 and 2, HBA1c was associated with a new H. pylori infection. Body mass index (BMI) was associated with a loss of H. pylori when comparing subjects between groups 3 and 4. Elevated HBA1c and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels but lower values of cholesterol and white blood cells (WBCs) were found during serial analyses within group 3. Conclusively, HBA1c was associated with a new H. pylori infection. BMI was associated with H. pylori loss. Increased HBA1c and HDL values but decreased values of cholesterol and WBC were associated with a loss of H. pylori infection.
The Influence of the Independent Non-Executive Board Members on the Financial Performance of the Companies Listed in the Bucharest Stock Exchange
Authors: Mihail Bogdan Aurelian , Micu Carmen Daniela
Published: October 2021

This paper studies the impact of independent board members on the financial performance of companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange during the period 2016–2020. Different characteristics of the board of directors have been examined extensively in the literature and board independence was identified as one of the most effective corporate governance tools. In this context, the present study contributes to the relevant literature by examining recent data for Romania and investigating alternative performance indicators such as return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and Tobin’s Q. The correlation analysis, scatter plots, and regression results document that a higher share of the independent board members was associated with higher returns on equity ratio. Specifically, a 10% rise in the share of independent members was associated with an approximately 0.9%-point increase in ROE.
Mapping Panlongcheng: New Work on the Type-Site of the Early Shang Period (1500–1300 BC) in Hubei Province, China
Authors: Su Xin , Zou Qiushi , Yao Shuchun , Li Chunhai , Zhu Sanyuan , Zhang Changping
Published: October 2021

Recent work at the early Shang period type site in Panlongcheng, Hubei Province, China, provides a new understanding of changes in the landscape and water environment over time. In the past few decades, the research at this site has obtained important results and shown progress in many aspects, but few scholars have discussed the geomorphological environment of Panlongcheng, especially the water environment. Researchers have long believed that the present-day environment and landscape of Panlongcheng are no different than during the early Shang period. However, recent archaeological discoveries indicate that there may still be some cultural remains underwater. Therefore, we used a combination of underwater surveys, drilling and digital mapping to expand our knowledge of the landscape of Panlongcheng during the early Shang period. This included mapping the lake basin using single-beam echo sounders and drilling to preliminarily observe the stratum and collect samples from underwater. We also conducted radiocarbon dating on the samples collected from the bottom of the lake. The results suggest that there might not have been a lake during the early Shang period. Therefore, the landscape and environment of Panlongcheng and other related issues should be reexamined. In addition, we hope the methods used in this study can provide a reference for related archaeological work in shallow water areas in inland China.
Basic Quality Controls Used in Skin Tissue Engineering
Authors: Linares-Gonzalez Laura , Rodenas-Herranz Teresa , Campos Fernando , Ruiz-Villaverde Ricardo , Carriel Víctor
Published: October 2021

Reconstruction of skin defects is often a challenging effort due to the currently limited reconstructive options. In this sense, tissue engineering has emerged as a possible alternative to replace or repair diseased or damaged tissues from the patient’s own cells. A substantial number of tissue-engineered skin substitutes (TESSs) have been conceived and evaluated in vitro and in vivo showing promising results in the preclinical stage. However, only a few constructs have been used in the clinic. The lack of standardization in evaluation methods employed may in part be responsible for this discrepancy. This review covers the most well-known and up-to-date methods for evaluating the optimization of new TESSs and orientative guidelines for the evaluation of TESSs are proposed.
Water–Sulfuric Acid Foam as a Possible Habitat for Hypothetical Microbial Community in the Cloud Layer of Venus
Authors: Skladnev Dmitry A. , Karlov Sergei P. , Khrunyk Yuliya Y. , Kotsyurbenko Oleg R.
Published: October 2021

The data available at the moment suggest that ancient Venus was covered by extensive bodies of water which could harbor life. Later, however, the drastic overheating of the planet made the surface of Venus uninhabitable for Earth-type life forms. Nevertheless, hypothetical Venusian organisms could have gradually adapted to conditions within the cloud layer of Venus—the only niche containing liquid water where the Earth-type extremophiles could survive. Here we hypothesize that the unified internal volume of a microbial community habitat is represented by the heterophase liquid-gas foam structure of Venusian clouds. Such unity of internal space within foam water volume facilitates microbial cells movements and trophic interactions between microorganisms that creates favorable conditions for the effective development of a true microbial community. The stabilization of a foam heterophase structure can be provided by various surfactants including those synthesized by living cells and products released during cell lysis. Such a foam system could harbor a microbial community of different species of (poly)extremophilic microorganisms that are capable of photo- and chemosynthesis and may be closely integrated into aero-geochemical processes including the processes of high-temperature polymer synthesis on the planet’s surface. Different complex nanostructures transferred to the cloud layers by convection flows could further contribute to the stabilization of heterophase liquid-gas foam structure and participate in chemical and photochemical reactions, thus supporting ecosystem stability.
KBE009: A Bestatin-Like Inhibitor of the Trypanosoma cruzi Acidic M17 Aminopeptidase with In Vitro Anti-Trypanosomal Activity
Authors: González-Bacerio Jorge , Arocha Irina , Aguado Mirtha Elisa , Méndez Yanira , Marsiccobetre Sabrina , Izquierdo Maikel , Rivera Daniel G. , Figarella Katherine , Uzcátegui Néstor L.
Published: October 2021

Chagas disease, caused by the kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a human tropical illness mainly present in Latin America. The therapies available against this disease are far from ideal. Proteases from pathogenic protozoan have been considered as good drug target candidates. T. cruzi acidic M17 leucyl-aminopeptidase (TcLAP) mediates the major parasite’s leucyl-aminopeptidase activity and is expressed in all parasite stages. Here, we report the inhibition of TcLAP (IC50 = 66.0 ± 13.5 µM) by the bestatin-like peptidomimetic KBE009. This molecule also inhibited the proliferation of T. cruzi epimastigotes in vitro (EC50 = 28.1 ± 1.9 µM) and showed selectivity for the parasite over human dermal fibroblasts (selectivity index: 4.9). Further insight into the specific effect of KBE009 on T. cruzi was provided by docking simulation using the crystal structure of TcLAP and a modeled human orthologous, hLAP3. The TcLAP-KBE009 complex is more stable than its hLAP3 counterpart. KBE009 adopted a better geometrical shape to fit into the active site of TcLAP than that of hLAP3. The drug-likeness and lead-likeness in silico parameters of KBE009 are satisfactory. Altogether, our results provide an initial insight into KBE009 as a promising starting point compound for the rational design of drugs through further optimization.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS, TRADE OPENNESS AND CO2 EMISSIONS RELATIONSHIP: THE CASE OF 1995-2019 EU COUNTRIES
Authors: Kamaci Ahmet , Gul Ekrem , Torusdag Mustafa
Published: October 2021

Foreign direct investments (FDI), which are very important in the economic development of countries, prefer regions with free trade. Since the share of international trade in the world economy is constantly increasing, trade openness and foreign direct investments have become more important for countries. However, the increase in trade and FDI entries can have negative effects on the environment. Although many different variables are included in the literature as determinants of carbon emission, foreign direct investments are mostly taken as an explanatory variable with the effect of the economic globalization process. 

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between FDI, trade openness and CO2 emission for the 1995-2019 period in 24 EU countries. The relationship between variables was estimated by applying panel AMG estimator and Emirmahmutoglu and Kose causality tests to series with cross-sectional dependency. Empirical results for the overall panel show that there is unidirectional causality from carbon emission to trade openness and FDI. There is a directional causality from FDI to trade openness for the general panel has been determined.     

When analyzed on a country basis, there is unidirectional causality from carbon emission to trade openness for Bulgaria, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia. Likewise, for Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland, there is unidirectional causality from carbon emission to FDI. In addition, when analyzed on a country basis, there is a one-way causality relationship from foreign direct investments to trade openness for Bulgaria, Italia, Latvia, Poland, Portugal and Slovenia. For Bulgaria, Finland and Germany, there is a one-way causality from trade openness to foreign direct investment.  The importance of this study derives from the emphasis on the need for environmentally protective FDIs to reduce carbon emissions.
Cтратегії вдосконалення управління публічними фінансами
Authors: Бліщук К.
Published: October 2021

Розглянуто особливості та проведено аналіз діючих стратегій, на основі яких здійснюється управління публічними фінансами в сучасних умовах. Вокремлено проблеми, які пов’язані із розвитком управлінських відносин у сфері публічних фінансів. Обґрунтовано потребу прийняття стратегій, які сприятимуть вдосконаленню управління публічними фінансами на перспективу.
Educação Ambiental e popularização do conhecimento: percepção de estudantes sobre uma Unidade de Conservação na Bahia
Authors: Carvalho Jéssica Vinhático de , Alves Laís , Santos Andrea Karla Almeida dos
Published: October 2021

O acesso à informação é fundamental para o desenvolvimento da consciência ambiental crítica. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa buscou realizar o levantamento da quantidade de estudos sobre o Parque Municipal da Serra do Periperi, bem como, diagnosticar o alcance da popularização das informações desses estudos na população escolar/universitária de Vitória da Conquista. Os dados foram levantados através de questionário aplicado a alunos de três escolas e uma unidade de ensino superior, entre outubro e novembro de 2018. O estudo evidenciou um desequilíbrio entre a quantidade de informações disponíveis e o nível de conhecimento do público estudado. A inexistência de um programa sistemático de Educação Ambiental possivelmente contribui para esse cenário.
Realidade virtual como ferramenta de sensibilização do público na conservação da biodiversidade marinha
Authors: Santos Ana Julieta Ratzka Guedes dos , Abessa Denis Moledo de Souza
Published: October 2021

Esta pesquisa avaliou o uso de óculos de realidade virtual (VR) para envolver o público na conservação marinha, verificando sua eficiência a partir da análise da percepção dos indivíduos sobre aspectos do ambiente marinho e da conservação da biodiversidade marinha. Foram entrevistadas oitenta pessoas, por meio de dois questionários, realizados antes e depois da exibição de vídeos com auxílio dos óculos de VR. As reações do público foram bastante positivas, e conclui-se que a VR pode ser uma importante ferramenta para a educação ambiental, estimulando a sensibilização e as mudanças de atitudes do público em relação à conservação marinha, com implicações positivas sobre o ambiente e a sociedade.
Educação Ambiental com enfoque na preservação da Reserva Biológica Estadual do Aguaí (SC)
Authors: Martins Miram da Conceição , Santos Lia Cristiam Nascimento dos , Marcello Carlos Henrique Devilla , Hoffmann Marta Valéria Guimarães de Souza , Pavei Paula Tramontim
Published: October 2021

A Educação Ambiental (EA) é um processo permanente, no qual os indivíduos e a sociedade se conscientizam da condição do seu ambiente e adquirem os conhecimentos que os tornam aptos a agirem individual e coletivamente. Na região sul de Santa Catarina, temos a Reserva Biológica Estadual do Aguaí (REBIO), Unidade de Conservação (UC) de proteção integral, fundamental para o abastecimento humano e função ecológica. O estudo objetivou possibilitar o envolvimento da comunidade escolar em ações de integração da Reserva Biológica Estadual do Aguaí no contexto educacional, desenvolvendo atividades pedagógicas com estudantes de ensino médio dos municípios de Nova Veneza, Siderópolis e Treviso (SC). Os estudantes mostraram seu protagonismo durante a participação no projeto.
Educação Ambiental e oficinas pedagógicas interdisciplinares: entrelaçando saberes
Authors: Macedo Andréa Brito , Miranda Sabrina do Couto de , Santos Gabriel Jeronimo Silva Santos , Carvalho Plauto Simão de
Published: October 2021

O campo da Educação Ambiental ganha cada vez mais notoriedade devido aos impactos ambientais causados pelo ser humano e sua presença marcante no planeta. A literatura, enquanto fator de humanização, pode ser um instrumento para auxiliar na conscientização ecológica do cidadão. O referido estudo tem o intuito de apresentar um relato de experiências advindas da realização de um ciclo de oficinas pedagógicas interdisciplinares, em espaços formais e não formais ensino, com estudantes do Ensino Médio em um Colégio Estadual no interior de Goiás. O trabalho buscou potencializar discussões interdisciplinares no contexto escolar, sensibilização para as questões da contemporaneidade e formação integral dos estudantes.