bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated with the Abandonment of Exclusive Breastfeeding before Three Months
Authors: Santacruz-Salas Esmeralda , Segura-Fragoso Antonio , Cobo-Cuenca Ana Isabel , Carmona-Torres Juan Manuel , Pozuelo-Carrascosa Diana P. , Laredo-Aguilera José Alberto
Published: December 2020

The commencement and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding (EB) are dependent on several mother–infant factors. To analyse the prevalence of EB during four different periods and to analyse the factors that can affect its maintenance, we performed a prospective, observational, longitudinal study of 236 mothers and their child between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation and weighing more than 2.5 kg. Four interviews were conducted (T1: on discharge, T2: at 15 days, T3: at one month, T4: at three months). The results showed that EB decreased considerably at three months (69.5% vs. 47.46%). The factors that reduced the risk of abandonment were as following: having decided before giving birth that one wants to offer breastfeeding (T2: odds ratio (OR): 0.02, p = 0.001), T3 (OR: 0.04, p = 0.001) and T4 (OR: 0.07, p = 0.01)) and having previous experience with EB (T2 (OR: 0.36, p = 0.01), T3 (OR: 0.42 p = 0.02) and T4 (OR: 0.51, p = 0.03)). The factors that increased the risk of EB abandonment were offering feeding bottles in the hospital (T2 (OR: 11. 06, p = 0.001); T3 (OR: 5.51, p = 0.001) and T4 (OR: 4.43, p = 0.001)) and thinking that the infant is not satisfied (T2 (OR: 2.39, p = 0.01) and T3 (OR: 2.34, p = 0.01)). In conclusion, the abandonment of EB in the first three months is associated with sociodemographic and clinical variables and psychological factors such as insecurity and doubts of the mother during the process and the absence of a favourable close environment.
Interrater and Intrarater Reliability of Cranial Anthropometric Measurements in Infants with Positional Plagiocephaly
Authors: Pastor-Pons Iñaki , Lucha-López María Orosia , Barrau-Lalmolda Marta , Rodes-Pastor Iñaki , Rodríguez-Fernández Ángel Luis , Hidalgo-García César , Tricás-Moreno Jose Miguel
Published: December 2020

(1) Background: anthropometric measurements with calipers are used to objectify cranial asymmetry in positional plagiocephaly but there is controversy regarding the reliability of different methodologies. Purpose: to analyze the interrater and intrarater reliability of direct anthropometric measurements with caliper on defined craniofacial references in infants with positional plagiocephaly. (2) Methods: 62 subjects (<28 weeks), with a difference of at least 5 mm between cranial diagonal diameters. Maximal cranial circumference, length and width and diagonal cranial diameters were measured. Intrarater (2 measurements) and interrater (2 raters) reliability was analyzed. (3) Results: intra- and interrater reliability of the maximal cranial length and width and right cranial diagonal was excellent: intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.9. Intrarater and interrater reliability for the left cranial diagonal was excellent: ICC > 0.9 and difference in agreement in the Bland-Altman plot 0.0 mm, respectively. Intrarater and interrater reliability for the maximal cranial circumference was good: differences in agreement in Bland-Altman plots: intra: −0.03 cm; inter: −0.12 cm. (4) Conclusions: anthropometric measurements in a sample of infants with moderate positional plagiocephaly have shown excellent intra- and interrater reliability for maximal cranial length, maximal cranial width, and right and left cranial diagonals, and good intra- and interrater reliability in maximal cranial circumference measurement.
Modeling the Soil Response to Rainstorms after Wildfire and Prescribed Fire in Mediterranean Forests
Authors: Lucas-Borja Manuel Esteban , Bombino Giuseppe , Carrà Bruno Gianmarco , D’Agostino Daniela , Denisi Pietro , Labate Antonino , Plaza-Alvarez Pedro Antonio , Zema Demetrio Antonio
Published: December 2020

The use of the Soil Conservation Service-curve number (SCS-CN) model for runoff predictions after rainstorms in fire-affected forests in the Mediterranean climate is quite scarce and limited to the watershed scale. To validate the applicability of this model in this environment, this study has evaluated the runoff prediction capacity of the SCS-CN model after storms at the plot scale in two pine forests of Central-Eastern Spain, affected by wildfire (with or without straw mulching) or prescribed fire and in unburned soils. The model performance has been compared to the predictions of linear regression equations between rainfall depth and runoff volume. The runoff volume was simulated with reliability by the linear regression only for the unburned soil (coefficient of Nash and Sutcliffe E = 0.73–0.89). Conversely, the SCS-CN model was more accurate for burned soils (E = 0.81–0.97), also when mulching was applied (E = 0.96). The performance of this model was very satisfactory in predicting the maximum runoff. Very low values of CNs and initial abstraction were required to predict the particular hydrology of the experimental areas. Moreover, the post-fire hydrological “window-of-disturbance” could be reproduced only by increasing the CN for the storms immediately after the wildfire. This study indicates that, in Mediterranean forests subject to the fire risk, the simple linear equations are feasible to predict runoff after low-intensity storms, while the SCS-CN model is advisable when runoff predictions are needed to control the flooding risk.
Electroless Deposition of Ni-P Coatings on HNBR for Low Friction Rubber Seals
Authors: Vasconcelos Beatriz , Serra Ricardo , Oliveira João , Fonseca Carlos
Published: December 2020

This paper reports a simple and cost-effective procedure to coat hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) with a well-adherent Ni-P film by using the electroless plating method. A HNBR surface functionalization process was first optimized, creating an interpenetrating network with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Silver nanoparticles were deposited on PVP and acted as catalysts for the Ni-P film deposition, eliminating the expensive tin-palladium sensitization/activation step. A homogeneous, low phosphorous Ni-P film was obtained after 60–120 min of plating in an alkaline bath, with an average thickness of 3 to 10 µm, respectively. The PVP internetwork played an important role on the strong adhesion of the film, 1.0 ± 0.5 MPa. The tribological behavior of Ni-P-plated HNBR samples was studied for 1, 5 and 10 N applied loads under dry sliding on a pin-on-disc configuration and the coefficient of friction (CoF) was reduced by ~30–49%, compared to uncoated HNBR (loads 1–5N). Based on these results, Ni-P-coated rubber can be regarded as a novel solution for enhancement of the tribological behavior of dynamic seals; it can be regarded as a means to avoid machinery failure. This method offers an alternative to the diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings.
Preparation and Characterization of NbxOy Thin Films: A Review
Authors: Emeka Nwanna Charles , Imoisili Patrick Ehi , Jen Tien-Chien
Published: December 2020

Niobium oxides (NbO, NbO2, Nb2O5), being a versatile material has achieved tremendous popularity to be used in a number of applications because of its outstanding electrical, mechanical, chemical, and magnetic properties. NbxOy films possess a direct band gap within the ranges of 3.2–4.0 eV, with these films having utility in different applications which include; optical systems, stainless steel, ceramics, solar cells, electrochromic devices, capacitor dielectrics, catalysts, sensors, and architectural requirements. With the purpose of fulfilling the requirements of a vast variety of the named applications, thin films having comprehensive properties span described by film composition, morphology, structural properties, and thickness are needed. The theory, alongside the research status of the different fabrication techniques of NbxOy thin films are reported in this work. The impact of fabrication procedures on the thin film characteristics which include; film thickness, surface quality, optical properties, interface properties, film growth, and crystal phase is explored with emphases on the distinct deposition process applied, are also described and discussed.
Australian Strains of Botryococcus braunii Examined for Potential Hydrocarbon and Carotenoid Pigment Production and the Effect of Brackish Water
Authors: Lee-Chang Kim Jye , Albinsson Elisabeth , Clementson Lesley , Revill Andrew T. , Jameson Ian , Blackburn Susan I.
Published: December 2020

The green alga Botryococcus braunii produces abundant hydrocarbons, in the form of drop-in biodiesel, which promoted interest in the species as a renewable fuel. However, despite the observation of dense populations in the wild, Botryococcus grows very slowly in culture, severely limiting its potential for development as a bioresource. Undertaking a biodiscovery program, we found new strains of Botryococcus in locations ranging from tropical to temperate Australia and from both fresh and brackish waters. As part of the ecophysiological characterisation of this new biodiversity, lipid and pigment compositions were studied for six new strains from six different locations. The strains were inoculated in either freshwater or brackish (salinity of 4)-based medium and maintained over 150 days. The growth of cultures was studied continuously, while lipid and pigment composition were analysed at final harvest on day 150. No significant differences in growth rate between fresh and brackish media were observed. Some strains were more tolerable of brackish conditions than others with a link between salinity tolerance and original location. The use of lower salinity (4 ppt) had a minimal effect on lipid composition, with only two of the six strains showing a different hydrocarbon profile in comparison to the other strains; pigment composition showed only minor variations for fresh and brackish water cultures, although the concentrations varied significantly with the freshwater cultures containing higher pigment concentrations.
The Ecological Footprint and Kuznets Environmental Curve in the USMCA Countries: A Method of Moments Quantile Regression Analysis
Authors: Gómez Mario , Rodríguez José Carlos
Published: December 2020

This article examines the environmental Kuznets curve for the member countries of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), using the ecological footprint as a measure of environmental degradation during 1980–2016. Panel data econometric methods are applied in this research, such as the cross-section dependence, unit root, cointegration and causality tests, and the new method of moments quantile regression (MMQR). The results suggest that the variables are characterized by a cross-section dependence, integrated of order one, and cointegrated. The fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) method shows that renewable energy reduces environmental degradation, and the environmental Kuznets curve is validated. In contrast, patents and trade openness do not show a statistically significant relationship. These results are confirmed with the MMQR, where renewable energy reduces environmental degradation in quantiles from 4 to 6, while the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis is valid in quantiles from 3 to 9, and patents and trade openness do not show a statistically significant relationship in any quantile. Therefore, it is essential to promote renewable energies, cleaner technologies, and environmental regulations to reduce polluting emissions.
Multidisciplinary Design Optimization for a Solar-Powered Exploration Rover Considering the Restricted Power Requirement
Authors: Kim Kun-Jung , Yu Kee-Ho
Published: December 2020

The energy requirements of a solar-powered exploration rover constrain the mission duration, traversability, and tractive capability under the given limited usable power. Thus, exploration rover design, more specifically, rover wheel design (related to considerable energy consumption in driving), plays a significant role in the success of exploration missions. This paper describes the modeling of an operational environment and a multi-body dynamics (MBD) simulation tool based on wheel-terrain interaction model to predict the dynamic behavior on a digital elevation model (DEM) map. With these simulation environments, a multidisciplinary optimal wheel design methodology, integrating the MBD simulation tool and non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II), is developed. Design parameters are chosen through sensitivity analysis. These multi-objective optimizations in dynamic states are conducted to obtain the optimal wheel dimension that meet the limited power condition with maximal tractive capability under the given operational environment. Furthermore, numerical and experimental verification using a single wheel testbed on lunar simulant are conducted to convincingly validate the derived optimization results. Finally, these results reveal that the proposed design methodology is an effective approach to deciding the best design parameter among a large variety of candidate design points considering the restricted power requirement.
Analysis of the Gravity Movement and Decoupling State of China’s CO2 Emission Embodied in Fixed Capital Formation
Authors: Zhang Xi , Gao Ziyan , Geng Yong , Tong Yen Wah , Kua Harn Wei , Song Xiaoqian , Xu Yue , Wu Fei
Published: December 2020

Investment is an essential engine of economic growth and a major source of China’s CO2 emission. It is therefore crucial to explore the gravity movement and decoupling state of China’s CO2 emission embodied in fixed capital formation (FCF). This study aims to estimate China’s CO2 emissions embodied in various categories of FCF by using input–output tables. The gravity model and Shapley decomposition method are used to explore the gravity movement and regional contributions for China’s CO2 emissions embodied in FCF. Then, the Tapio decoupling model and logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method are combined to uncover the decoupling relationship between CO2 emissions and economic growth embodied in FCF and the corresponding driving factors. The results show that China’s CO2 emissions embodied in FCF experienced a rapid increase during 2002–2012 and remained almost stable during 2012–2017. The gravity center for CO2 emissions embodied in FCF moved toward northwest during 2002–2015, with the northwestern region and middle Yellow River region being the main engine regions. The relations between CO2 emissions and added values embodied in various categories of FCF were weak decoupling during 2002–2017. Investment scale was the major factor inhibiting the decoupling, while embodied energy intensity was the major factor promoting the decoupling. Finally, several policy recommendations are proposed based on these findings.
Development of a Static Equivalent Model for Korean Power Systems Using Power Transfer Distribution Factor-Based k-Means++ Algorithm
Authors: Lee Bae-Geun , Lee Joonwoo , Kim Soobae
Published: December 2020

This paper presents a static network equivalent model for Korean power systems. The proposed equivalent model preserves the overall transmission network characteristics focusing on power flows among areas in Korean power systems. For developing the model, a power transfer distribution factor (PTDF)-based k-means++ algorithm was used to cluster the bus groups in which similar PTDF characteristics were identified. For the reduction process, the bus groups were replaced by a single bus with a generator or load, and an equivalent transmission line was determined to maintain power flows in the original system model. Appropriate voltage levels were selected, and compensation for real power line losses was made for the correct representation. A Korean power system with more than 1600 buses was reduced to a 38-bus system with 13 generators, 25 loads, and 74 transmission lines. The effectiveness of the developed equivalent model was evaluated by performing power flow simulations and comparisons of various characteristics of the original and reduced systems. The simulation comparisons show that the developed equivalent model maintains inter-area power flows as close as possible to the original Korean power systems.
Adsorption and Degradation of Three Pesticides in a Vineyard Soil and in an Organic Biomix
Authors: Vischetti Costantino , Monaci Elga , Casucci Cristiano , De Bernardi Arianna , Cardinali Alessandra
Published: December 2020

A soil and an organic biomix (soil/vine branch/garden compost 20/40/40) were used in this lab experiment to evaluate adsorption and degradation parameters for three pesticides (chlorpyrifos, metalaxyl and cymoxanil) used in a vineyard. Adsorption in the biomix material was higher than in the soil for the three pesticides and chlorpyrifos was the most adsorbed pesticide. The role of the organic carbon is essential for enhancing the adsortion of the three pesticides, especially for the most apolar chlorpyrifos. Degradation was generally faster in the biomix material than in the soil although the process was slower in the case of chlorpyrifos if compared with the other two chemicals, due to a more toxic effect of this pesticide on soil microflora and a larger adsorption of this pesticide on the organic biomix that reduces its availability for dissipation. Amendment with cheap and available organic wastes or a grass-covered management of soil in the vineyard could reduce the impact of pesticides in the vineyard ecosystem and contribute to the sustainable management of chemicals in the environment.
Modeling Heavy-Gas Dispersion in Air with Two-Layer Shallow Water Equations
Authors: Chiapolino Alexandre , Courtiaud Sébastien , Lapébie Emmanuel , Saurel Richard
Published: December 2020

Computation of gas dispersal in urban places or hilly grounds requires a large amount of computer time when addressed with conventional multidimensional models. Those are usually based on two-phase flow or Navier-Stokes equations. Different classes of simplified models exist. Among them, two-layer shallow water models are interesting to address large-scale dispersion. Indeed, compared to conventional multidimensional approaches, 2D simulations are carried out to mimic 3D effects. The computational gain in CPU time is consequently expected to be tremendous. However, such models involve at least three fundamental difficulties. The first one is related to the lack of hyperbolicity of most existing formulations, yielding serious consequences regarding wave propagation. The second is related to the non-conservative terms in the momentum equations. Those terms account for interactions between fluid layers. Recently, these two difficulties have been addressed in Chiapolino and Saurel (2018) and an unconditional hyperbolic model has been proposed along with a Harten-Lax-van Leer (HLL) type Riemann solver dealing with the non-conservative terms. In the same reference, numerical experiments showed robustness and accuracy of the formulation. In the present paper, a third difficulty is addressed. It consists of the determination of appropriate drag effect formulation. Such effects also account for interactions between fluid layers and become of particular importance when dealing with heavy-gas dispersion. With this aim, the model is compared to laboratory experiments in the context of heavy gas dispersal in quiescent air. It is shown that the model accurately reproduces experimental results thanks to an appropriate drag force correlation. This function expresses drag effects between the heavy and light gas layers. It is determined thanks to various experimental configurations of dam-break test problems.
Improvement of Phenylpropanoid Production with Elicitor Treatments in Pimpinella brachycarpa Nakai
Authors: Kim Nam Su , Jung Dae Hui , Jung Chung Ryul , Jeon Kwon Seok , Park Hong Woo , Park Sang Un
Published: December 2020

Pimpinella brachycarpa Nakai, known as cham-na-mul in Korea, is a popular edible herb and vegetable. Phenolic compounds are recognized as a vital group of plant secondary metabolites that provide innumerable, valuable therapeutic properties. Elicitors are biofactors or chemicals from diverse sources that can trigger morphological and physiological responses in the target organism. This study examined the effect of methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), and chitosan treatment on the accretion of phenolic compounds in P. brachycarpa Nakai. This plant was harvested under different concentration of elicitor treatment for time course. Eight phenolic compounds including were detected in response to elicitor using HPLC. While the untreated controls showed the lowest phenolic content, treatment with 0.3% chitosan, 0.1 mM SA, and 0.1 mM MeJA resulted in 1.43-, 1.39-, and 1.35-fold increase in the phenolic content, respectively. The highest content of most of the individual phenolic compounds followed a similar trend according to treatment type, with chitosan treatment showing the highest content, followed by SA and then MeJA treatments. Thus, we demonstrate that the treatment with optimal concentrations of these elicitors for an optimal period of time increases the production of phenolic compounds in P. brachycarpa Nakai.
A Contrastive Study on Travel Costs of Car-Sharing and Taxis Based on GPS Trajectory Data
Authors: Hu Beibei , Sun Yue , Sun Huijun , Dong Xianlei
Published: December 2020

The emergence and development of car-sharing has not only satisfied people’s diverse travel needs, but also brought new solutions for improving urban traffic conditions and achieving low-carbon and green sustainable development. In recent years, car-sharing has had competition with other ways of getting around, as the acceptance of car-sharing has grown, notably taxis. Therefore, it is particularly important to explore car-sharing travel costs advantages from the perspective of consumers and discover the competitive and complementary spaces between car-sharing and other modes. Therefore, taking Beijing as an example, this paper uses GPS trajectory data based on car-sharing orders to design a travel cost framework of car-sharing and taxis. We calculate and compare the travel cost difference between these two modes under different travel characteristics. The results indicate that car-sharing is a more economical way for consumers to travel for short or medium lengths of time, while people are more inclined to take taxis for distances of long duration. Compared with on workdays, at the weekend, the cost advantage of car-sharing is greater for long-distance trips. Moreover, the cost advantage of car-sharing increases gradually with the increase in travel distance. In addition, the travel costs of car-sharing and taxis are also affected by peak and off-peak traffic periods. Compared with off-peak periods, it is more cost-effective for travelers to take taxis during peak traffic periods for various travel distances. From the perspective of the travel cost, it is of great theoretical significance to discuss the substitution (market competition) and complementary relationship (market cooperation) between car-sharing and taxis in a detailed and systematic way. It provides methods and ideas for the comparative cost calculation of car-sharing and other travel modes. This paper also provides enlightenment and guidance for the development of car-sharing. Enterprises should implement differentiated pricing, designing different charging methods for different traffic periods, travel miles, and rental times, and set up additional stations in the surrounding areas of the city. Relevant government departments should also strictly manage the market access of car-sharing, and add or open car-sharing parking lots in centralized areas and for specific periods.
The Economic Cost of Tobacco Farming in Bangladesh
Authors: Hussain AKM Ghulam , Rouf Abu Shara Shamsur , Shimul Shafiun Nahin , Nargis Nigar , Kessaram Tara Mona , Huq Syed Mahfuzul , Kaur Jagdish , Shiekh Md Khairul Alam , Drope Jeffrey
Published: December 2020

The extent of tobacco cultivation remains substantially high in Bangladesh, which is the 12th largest tobacco producer in the world. Using data from a household survey of current, former, and never tobacco farmers, based on a multi-stage stratified sampling design with a mix of purposive and random sampling of households, this study estimated the financial and economic profitability per acre of land used for tobacco cultivation. The environmental effects of tobacco cultivation on land and water resources were estimated using laboratory tests of sample water and soil collected from tobacco-cultivating and non-tobacco cultivating areas. The study finds that tobacco cultivation turns into a losing concern when the opportunity costs of unpaid family labour and other owned resources, and the health effects of tobacco cultivation are included. Tobacco cultivation poses a significantly high environmental cost that causes a net loss to society. Nevertheless, the availability of unpaid family labour and the options of advanced credit as well as a buy back guarantee from the tobacco companies attract farmers to engage in and continue tobacco cultivation. Therefore, supply side interventions to curb the tobacco epidemic in Bangladesh need to address major drivers of tobacco cultivation to correct the wrong incentives and motivate tobacco farmers to switch to alternative livelihood options.
Parental Self-Efficacy as a Predictor of Children’s Nutrition and the Potential Mediator Effect between the Health Promotion Program “Join the Healthy Boat” and Children’s Nutrition
Authors: Möhler Ricarda , Wartha Olivia , Steinacker Jürgen Michael , Szagun Bertram , Kobel Susanne
Published: December 2020

Overweight and obesity, as well as their associated risk factors for diseases, are already prevalent in childhood and, therefore, promoting healthy eating is important. Parental self-efficacy (PSE) and early health-promotion can be helpful in promoting healthy eating. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of PSE on children’s nutrition behavior and identify PSE as a mediator between an intervention and children’s nutrition. The kindergarten-based health-promotion program “Join the Healthy Boat” was evaluated in a randomized controlled trial with 558 children (4.7 ± 0.6 years; 52.3% male) participating at both times. Linear and logistic regressions as well as mediation analyses with potential covariates such as parental outcome expectancies or parental nutrition were carried out using questionnaire data. In children, PSE was positively associated with fruit and vegetable intake (β = 0.237; p < 0.001) and showed a protective effect on soft drink consumption (OR 0.728; p = 0.002). Parental nutrition was a stronger predictor of children’s intake of fruit, vegetables (β = 0.451; p < 0.001), and soft drinks (OR 7.188; p < 0.001). There was no mediator effect of PSE. However, outcome expectancies were associated with PSE (β = 0.169; p = 0.032). In conclusion, interventions should promote self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and healthy nutrition for parents as well in order to strengthen the healthy eating habits of children.
Gender Differences in Subjective Pain Perception during and after Tattooing
Authors: Witkoś Joanna , Hartman-Petrycka Magdalena
Published: December 2020

Background: The aim of the research was to analyse the impact of gender on pain perception during and directly after tattooing, with the following predictors as covariates: the body area chosen for a tattoo, the character of the pain, the time it takes to complete the tattoo, bleeding, the level of stress, analgesics taken before the tattooing procedure, and the cycle phase. Methods: A total of 1092 participants took part in this study (F: 863, M: 229). A proprietary survey was used in the research, including patient characteristics and questions relating to the above-mentioned variables. Multiple regression analyses were used for continuous outcomes and multiple logistic regression analyses for binary outcomes. Results: Factors increasing pain during tattooing include: time B: 0.35; 95% CIs: 0.27–0.43; p = 0.001; bleeding B: 0.36; 95% CIs: 0.00–0.72; p = 0.052; level of stress B: 0.45; 95% CIs: 0.31–0.60; p = 0.001; pain medications taken before tattooing B: 1.42; 95% CIs: 0.60–2.23; p = 0.001. Factors increasing pain after tattooing include: time B: 0.21; 95% CIs: 0.15–0.27; p = 0.001; bleeding B: 0.47; 95% CIs: 0.20–0.72; p = 0.001; level of stress B: 0.15; 95% CIs: 0.04–0.26; p = 0.001. Conclusions: There was no difference between females and males in pain intensity during tattooing. Directly after the procedure, however, pain intensity was higher in women when compared to men. The most important factors increasing pain were time, bleeding, and the level of stress.
Neighborhood Social Cohesion and Sleep Health by Age, Sex/Gender, and Race/Ethnicity in the United States
Authors: Alhasan Dana M. , Gaston Symielle A. , Jackson W.  Braxton , Williams Patrice C. , Kawachi Ichiro , Jackson Chandra L.
Published: December 2020

Although low neighborhood social cohesion (nSC) has been linked with poor sleep, studies of racially/ethnically diverse participants using multiple sleep dimensions remain sparse. Using National Health Interview Survey data, we examined overall, age, sex/gender, and racial/ethnic-specific associations between nSC and sleep health among 167,153 adults. Self-reported nSC was categorized into low, medium, and high. Very short sleep duration was defined as <6 hours; short as <7 h, recommended as 7–9 h, and long as ≥9 h. Sleep disturbances were assessed based on trouble falling and staying asleep, waking up feeling unrested, and using sleep medication (all ≥3 days/times in the previous week). Adjusting for sociodemographics and other confounders, we used Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sleep dimensions by low and medium vs. high nSC. The mean age of the sample was 47 ± 0.1 years, 52% of those included were women, and 69% were Non-Hispanic (NH)-White. Low vs. high nSC was associated with a higher prevalence of very short sleep (PR = 1.29; (95% CI = 1.23–1.36)). After adjustment, low vs. high nSC was associated with very short sleep duration among NH-White (PR = 1.34 (95% CI = 1.26–1.43)) and NH-Black (PR = 1.14 (95% CI = 1.02–1.28)) adults. Low nSC was associated with shorter sleep duration and sleep disturbances.
The Plant Sesquiterpene Nootkatone Efficiently Reduces Heterodera schachtii Parasitism by Activating Plant Defense
Authors: Habash Samer S. , Könen Philipp P. , Loeschcke Anita , Wüst Matthias , Jaeger Karl-Erich , Drepper Thomas , Grundler Florian M. W. , Schleker A. Sylvia S.
Published: December 2020

Plant parasitic nematodes, including the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii, constitute a devastating problem for crops worldwide. The limited availability of sustainable management options illustrates the need for new eco-friendly control means. Plant metabolites represent an invaluable source of active compounds for the discovery of such novel antagonistic agents. Here, we evaluated the impact of eight plant terpenoids on the H. schachtii parasitism of Arabidopsis thaliana. None of the metabolites affected the plant development (5 or 10 ppm). Nootkatone decreased the number of adult nematodes on A. thaliana to 50%, with the female nematodes being smaller compared to the control. In contrast, three other terpenoids increased the parasitism and/or female size. We discovered that nootkatone considerably decreased the number of nematodes that penetrated A. thaliana roots, but neither affected the nematode viability or attraction to plant roots, nor triggered the production of plant reactive oxygen species or changed the plant’s sesquiterpene profile. However, we demonstrated that nootkatone led to a significant upregulation of defense-related genes involved in salicylic and jasmonic acid pathways. Our results indicate that nootkatone is a promising candidate to be developed into a novel plant protection agent acting as a stimulator of plant immunity against parasitic nematodes.
Src/CK2/PTEN-Mediated GluN2B and CREB Dephosphorylations Regulate the Responsiveness to AMPA Receptor Antagonists in Chronic Epilepsy Rats
Authors: Kim Ji-Eun , Lee Duk-Shin , Park Hana , Kang Tae-Cheon
Published: December 2020

Both α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor (AMPAR) and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) have been reported as targets for treatment of epilepsy. To investigate the roles and interactions of AMPAR and NMDAR in ictogenesis of epileptic hippocampus, we analyzed AMPAR antagonists (perampanel and GYKI 52466)-mediated phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) regulation and glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GluN2B) tyrosine (Y) 1472 phosphorylation in epilepsy rats. Both perampanel and GYKI 52466 increased PTEN expression and its activity (reduced phosphorylation), concomitant with decreased activities (phosphorylations) of Src family-casein kinase 2 (CK2) signaling pathway. Compatible with these, they also restored the upregulated GluN2B Y1472 and Ca2+/cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) serine (S) 133 phosphorylations and surface expression of glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 1 (GRIA1) to basal level in the epileptic hippocampus. These effects of perampanel and GYKI 52466 are observed in responders (whose seizure activities are responsive to AMPAR antagonists), but not non-responders (whose seizure activities were uncontrolled by AMPAR antagonists). Therefore, our findings suggest that Src/CK2/PTEN-mediated GluN2B Y1472 and CREB S133 regulations may be one of the responsible signaling pathways for the generation of refractory seizures in non-responders to AMPAR antagonists.
Coconuts and Health: Different Chain Lengths of Saturated Fats Require Different Consideration
Authors: Hewlings Susan
Published: December 2020

The diet heart hypothesis has driven nutrition recommendations and policy for decades. Recent studies have questioned the hypothesis and sparked great controversy over the assumed connection between saturated fat intake and heart disease. Recent evidence suggests that dietary patterns should be the focus of dietary recommendations, not any one food or nutrient. Furthermore, to classify foods as simply saturated fat, polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats is to ignore the many other potential nutrients and health benefits. Coconut is classified as a saturated fat and therefore listed as a food to limit to reduce heart disease risk. However, different saturated fats, medium-chain or long-chain, act differently metabolically and thus have different health effects. The medium-chain fatty acids predominate in coconut are absorbed differently and have been associated with several health benefits, including improvements in cognitive function and a more favorable lipid profile compared to longer chain fatty acids. Coconuts provide a healthful source of saturated fats and should not be considered the same as foods with longer chain saturated fats. Future recommendations should take this research into consideration. It is the purpose of this review to discuss the research regarding the connection between saturated fat intake, specifically coconut consumption, and health, while focusing on dietary patterns and lifestyle behaviors.
The Empirical Watershed Wavelet
Authors: Hurat Basile , Alvarado Zariluz , Gilles Jérôme
Published: December 2020

The empirical wavelet transform is an adaptive multi-resolution analysis tool based on the idea of building filters on a data-driven partition of the Fourier domain. However, existing 2D extensions are constrained by the shape of the detected partitioning. In this paper, we provide theoretical results that permits us to build 2D empirical wavelet filters based on an arbitrary partitioning of the frequency domain. We also propose an algorithm to detect such partitioning from an image spectrum by combining a scale-space representation to estimate the position of dominant harmonic modes and a watershed transform to find the boundaries of the different supports making the expected partition. This whole process allows us to define the empirical watershed wavelet transform. We illustrate the effectiveness and the advantages of such adaptive transform, first visually on toy images, and next on both unsupervised texture segmentation and image deconvolution applications.
The Application of Trichoderma Strains or Metabolites Alters the Olive Leaf Metabolome and the Expression of Defense-Related Genes
Authors: Marra Roberta , Coppola Mariangela , Pironti Angela , Grasso Filomena , Lombardi Nadia , d’Errico Giada , Sicari Andrea , Bolletti Censi Sergio , Woo Sheridan L. , Rao Rosa , Vinale Francesco
Published: December 2020

Biocontrol fungal strains of the genus Trichoderma can antagonize numerous plant pathogens and promote plant growth using different mechanisms of action, including the production of secondary metabolites (SMs). In this work we analyzed the effects of repeated applications of selected Trichoderma strains or SMs on young olive trees on the stimulation of plant growth and on the development of olive leaf spot disease caused by Fusicladium oleagineum. In addition, metabolomic analyses and gene expression profiles of olive leaves were carried out by LC–MS Q-TOF and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. A total of 104 phenolic compounds were detected from olive leave extracts and 20 were putatively identified. Targeted and untargeted approaches revealed significant differences in both the number and type of phenolic compounds accumulated in olive leaves after Trichoderma applications, as compared to water-treated plants. Different secoiridoids were less abundant in treated plants than in controls, while the accumulation of flavonoids (including luteolin and apigenin derivatives) increased following the application of specific Trichoderma strain. The induction of defense-related genes, and of genes involved in the synthesis of the secoiridoid oleuropein, was also analyzed and revealed a significant variation of gene expression according to the strain or metabolite applied.
Diversity within Aspergillus niger Clade and Description of a New Species: Aspergillus vinaceus sp. nov.
Authors: Silva Josué J. da , Iamanaka Beatriz T. , Ferranti Larissa S. , Massi Fernanda P. , Taniwaki Marta H. , Puel Olivier , Lorber Sophie , Frisvad Jens C. , Fungaro Maria Helena P.
Published: December 2020

Diversity of species within Aspergillus niger clade, currently represented by A. niger sensu stricto and A. welwitshiae, was investigated combining three-locus gene sequences, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA, secondary metabolites profile and morphology. Firstly, approximately 700 accessions belonging to this clade were investigated using calmodulin gene sequences. Based on these sequences, eight haplotypes were clearly identified as A. niger (n = 247) and 17 as A. welwitschiae (n = 403). However, calmodulin sequences did not provide definitive species identities for six haplotypes. To elucidate the taxonomic position of these haplotypes, two other loci, part of the beta-tubulin gene and part of the RNA polymerase II gene, were sequenced and used to perform an analysis of Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition. This analysis enabled the recognition of two new phylogenetic species. One of the new phylogenetic species showed morphological and chemical distinguishable features in comparison to the known species A. welwitschiae and A. niger. This species is illustrated and described as Aspergillus vinaceus sp. nov. In contrast to A. niger and A. welwitschiae, A. vinaceus strains produced asperazine, but none of them were found to produce ochratoxin A and/or fumonisins. Sclerotium production on laboratory media, which does not occur in strains of A. niger and A. welwitschiae, and strictly sclerotium-associated secondary metabolites (14-Epi-hydroxy-10,23-dihydro-24,25-dehydroaflavinine; 10,23-Dihydro-24,25-dehydroaflavinine; 10,23-Dihydro-24,25-dehydro-21-oxo-aflavinine) were found in A. vinaceus. The strain type of A. vinaceus sp. nov. is ITAL 47,456 (T) (=IBT 35556).
What Makes Consumers Purchase Mobile Apps: Evidence from Jordan
Authors: Al-Adwan Ahmad Samed , Sammour George
Published: December 2020

Mobile applications (mobile Apps) have changed the ecosystem of the business world. The rapid progression in the market for smart devices and mobile Apps has brought about a revolution with regard to the mobile Apps’ economy. The major revenue stream of this economy is the sale of mobile Apps, with such sales being expected to increase dramatically every year. However, in spite of this, a considerable number of mobile Apps fail to capture consumers’ attention. Additionally, in developing countries such as Jordan, there is lack of research into understanding and determining the major factors that influence consumers’ decisions to purchase mobile Apps. Accordingly, the main objective of this study is to identify the key factors that Jordanian consumers consider in determining whether or not to purchase mobile Apps for their smartphones. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach is adopted. An exploratory study involving a qualitative methods approach (interviews with consumers) is first conducted in order to determine the factors that influence consumers’ purchase behavior decisions. Then, a confirmatory study that employs a quantitative approach (a survey questionnaire) is undertaken to test the proposed model, the building of which is based on the findings of the exploratory study. The results indicate that seven factors are recognized as being pre-eminent when it comes to decisions to purchase mobile Apps. These factors include the price value of the App, App performance, App enjoyment, App trialability, electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) about the App, App technical reliability and App usefulness. While this study advances our understanding of the main factors that influence mobile Apps purchase, it also reveals useful implications for mobile Apps publishers and developers, in order to promote and increase the sales of Apps.
The Influence of Surgical Experience and Bone Density on the Accuracy of Static Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery in Edentulous Jaws Using a Mucosa-Supported Surgical Template with a Half-Guided Implant Placement Protocol—A Randomized Clinical Study
Authors: Kivovics Márton , Pénzes Dorottya , Németh Orsolya , Mijiritsky Eitan
Published: December 2020

The aim of our randomized clinical study was to analyze the influence of surgical experience and bone density on the accuracy of static computer-assisted implant surgery (CAIS) in edentulous jaws using a mucosa-supported surgical template with a half-guided implant placement protocol. Altogether, 40 dental implants were placed in the edentulous jaws of 13 patients (novice surgeons: 18 implants, 6 patients (4 male), age 71 ± 10.1 years; experienced surgeons: 22 implants, 7 patients (4 male), age 69.2 ± 4.55 years). Angular deviation, coronal and apical global deviation and grey level measurements were calculated for all implants by a blinded investigator using coDiagnostiX software. 3DSlicer software was applied to calculate the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) for each site of implant placement. There were no statistically significant differences between the two study groups in either of the primary outcome variables. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between angular deviation and both grey level measurements (R-value: −0.331, p < 0.05) and BV/TV (R-value: −0.377, p < 0.05). The results of the study suggest that surgical experience did not influence the accuracy of implant placement. The higher the bone density at the sites of implant placement, the higher the accuracy of static CAIS.
Femtosecond-Laser Nanostructuring of Black Diamond Films under Different Gas Environments
Authors: Girolami Marco , Bellucci Alessandro , Mastellone Matteo , Orlando Stefano , Serpente Valerio , Valentini Veronica , Polini Riccardo , Sani Elisa , De Caro Tilde , Trucchi Daniele M.
Published: December 2020

Irradiation of diamond with femtosecond (fs) laser pulses in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions results in the formation of surface periodic nanostructures able to strongly interact with visible and infrared light. As a result, native transparent diamond turns into a completely different material, namely “black” diamond, with outstanding absorptance properties in the solar radiation wavelength range, which can be efficiently exploited in innovative solar energy converters. Of course, even if extremely effective, the use of UHV strongly complicates the fabrication process. In this work, in order to pave the way to an easier and more cost-effective manufacturing workflow of black diamond, we demonstrate that it is possible to ensure the same optical properties as those of UHV-fabricated films by performing an fs-laser nanostructuring at ambient conditions (i.e., room temperature and atmospheric pressure) under a constant He flow, as inferred from the combined use of scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and spectrophotometry analysis. Conversely, if the laser treatment is performed under a compressed air flow, or a N2 flow, the optical properties of black diamond films are not comparable to those of their UHV-fabricated counterparts.
Enhancing Electrical Conductivity of Composites of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Ethyl Cellulose with Water Vapor
Authors: Rdest Monika , Janas Dawid
Published: December 2020

Electrically conducting composites are highly sought-after materials. Their capacity to withstand mechanical deformation while simultaneously offering facile charge transport recently opened numerous exploitation fields for them. In this contribution, composites were made from single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and ethyl cellulose (EC). Then, a straightforward process of doping involving water vapor was developed and tested over 30 days. The inclusion of water in the EC/SWCNT network resulted in a notable increase in the electrical conductivity from 250 ± 21 S/cm to 905 ± 34 S/cm. Interestingly, doping of the material experienced remarkable stability due to the favorable surface chemistry of the EC filler.
Structural Dependent Eu3+ Luminescence, Photoelectric and Hysteresis Effects in Porous Strontium Titanate
Authors: Rudenko Maryia , Gaponenko Nikolai , Litvinov Vladimir , Ermachikhin Alexander , Chubenko Eugene , Borisenko Victor , Mukhin Nikolay , Radyush Yuriy , Tumarkin Andrey , Gagarin Alexander
Published: December 2020

Eu3+ doped porous nanostructured SrTiO3 films and powder fabricated by sol-gel route without using any precursor template are characterized by different morphology and phase composition. The films and the power show red and yellow luminescence with the most intensive photoluminescence (PL) bands at 612 nm and 588 nm, respectively. Raman, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of undoped nanostructured porous SrTiO3 films showed the presence of TiO2, SrO, and SrTiO3 phases and their components. The undoped porous SrTiO3 films are photosensitive and demonstrate resistive switching. The capacitance-voltage hysteresis loops with the width of about 6 V in the frequency range of 2 kHz—2 MHz were observed.