bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Ethanol Solvents on Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Properties of Seed Extracts of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Varieties and Determination of Phenolic Composition by HPLC-ESI-MS
Authors: Lohvina Hanna , Sándor Makai , Wink Michael
Published: December 2021

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is one of the oldest cultivated plants grown for its leaves and seeds that are used for both culinary and medicinal purpose. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ethanol concentration (30, 50, 70 and 96% (v/v) of ethanol in water) as a solvent for the extraction of total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant properties (antiradical activity (ARA), transition metal reducing power (TMRP), iron chelating ability (ICA)) of seed extracts of spring variety Ovari 4 (FSV) and winter variety PSZ.G.SZ (FWV) fenugreek, and separate and identify the major phenolics of the extracts by HPLC-ESI-MS. The results indicated that 70% ethanol solution resulted in the maximum amount of TPC for both FSV and FWV seeds. The TPC decreased in the treatments in the following order: 70% ethanol > 96% ethanol > 50% ethanol > 30% ethanol, whereas extraction yield changed in a different manner: 30% ethanol > 50% ethanol > 70% ethanol > 96% ethanol. The extracts from seeds of both fenugreek varieties obtained with 70% and 96% ethanol showed equal high RSA while superior TMRP and ICA were observed in 70% ethanol extracts. The TMRP and ICA were strongly correlated with TPC for both varieties. The correlation between RSA and TPC was high, but not significant. Thus, the obtained data indicate the 70% ethanol solvent suitability for efficient extraction of phenolic compounds from seeds of the FWV and FSV. According to an HPLC-ESI-MS analysis, the polyphenolic profiles of fenugreek are presumably formed by flavone C-glycosides with apigenin or luteolin as aglycone linked with different glycones. High antioxidant activity of FWV seeds can be an adaptation to cold stress of the winter variety aimed at strengthening the antioxidant defense of the germinating seeds.
Monitoring Plant Diversity to Support Agri-Environmental Schemes: Evaluating Statistical Models Informed by Satellite and Local Factors in Southern European Mountain Pastoral Systems
Authors: Monteiro Antonio T. , Alves Paulo , Carvalho-Santos Claudia , Lucas Richard , Cunha Mario , Marques da Costa Eduarda , Fava Francesco
Published: December 2021

The spatial monitoring of plant diversity in the endangered species-rich grasslands of European mountain pastoral systems is an important step for fairer and more efficient Agri-Environmental policy schemes supporting conservation. This study assessed the underlying support for a spatially explicit monitoring of plant species richness at parcel level (policy making scale) in Southern European mountain grasslands, with statistical models informed by Sentinel-2 satellite and environmental factors. Twenty-four grassland parcels were surveyed for species richness in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, northern Portugal. Using a multi-model inference approach, three competing hypotheses guided by the species-scaling theoretical framework were established: species–area (P1), species–energy (P2) and species–spectral heterogeneity (P3), each representing a candidate spatial pathway to predict species richness. To evaluate the statistical support of each spatial pathway, generalized linear models were fitted and model selection based on Akaike information criterion (AIC) was conducted. Later, the performance of the most supported spatial pathway(s) was assessed using a leave-one-out cross validation. A model guided by the species–energy hypothesis (P2) was the most parsimonious spatial pathway to monitor plant species richness in mountain grassland parcels (P2, AICc = 137.6, ∆AIC = 0.0, wi = 0.97). Species–area and species–spectral heterogeneity pathways (P1 and P3) were less statistically supported (ΔAICc values in the range 5.7–10.0). The underlying support of the species–energy spatial pathway was based on Sentinel-2 satellite data, namely on the near-infrared (NIR) green ratio in the spring season (NIR/Greenspring) and on its ratio of change between spring and summer (NIR/Greenchange). Both predictor variables related negatively to species richness. Grassland parcels with lower values of near-infrared (NIR) green ratio and lower seasonal amplitude presented higher species richness records. The leave-one-out cross validation indicated a moderate performance of the species–energy spatial pathway in predicting species richness in the grassland parcels covered by the dataset (R2 = 0.44, RMSE = 4.3 species, MAE = 3.5 species). Overall, a species–energy framework based on Sentinel 2 data resulted in a promising spatial pathway for the monitoring of species richness in mountain grassland parcels and for informing decision making on Agri-Environmental policy schemes. The near-infrared (NIR) green ratio and its change in time seems a relevant variable to deliver predictions for plant species richness and further research should be conducted on that.
Sparse Density Estimation with Measurement Errors
Authors: Yang Xiaowei , Zhang Huiming , Wei Haoyu , Zhang Shouzheng
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to estimate an unknown density of the data with measurement errors as a linear combination of functions from a dictionary. The main novelty is the proposal and investigation of the corrected sparse density estimator (CSDE). Inspired by the penalization approach, we propose the weighted Elastic-net penalized minimal ℓ2-distance method for sparse coefficients estimation, where the adaptive weights come from sharp concentration inequalities. The first-order conditions holding a high probability obtain the optimal weighted tuning parameters. Under local coherence or minimal eigenvalue assumptions, non-asymptotic oracle inequalities are derived. These theoretical results are transposed to obtain the support recovery with a high probability. Some numerical experiments for discrete and continuous distributions confirm the significant improvement obtained by our procedure when compared with other conventional approaches. Finally, the application is performed in a meteorology dataset. It shows that our method has potency and superiority in detecting multi-mode density shapes compared with other conventional approaches.
Quality Improvement and Cost Evaluation of Pellet Fuel Produced from Pruned Fruit Tree Branches
Authors: Li Yining , Kang Kang , Wang Wei
Published: December 2021

Biomass-based pellet is an important source of renewable energy. In this study, to obtain the high-quality fuel pellet via the densification of pruned branches of fruit trees, we investigated the optimization of blending ratios for different raw materials using branches from jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.), which is a widely distributed waste biomass resource in China. Through the characterization of raw materials and pellets, the effects of different raw materials on the storage, transportation, and combustion performances of the pellets can be understood. The cost evaluation analysis showed that the two optimized, co-densified pellets had great cost advantages compared with the pure jujube branch pellets. This indicates the potential industrial value of optimized pellets. The results of this study can help to improve the application value of orchard residues and generate an additional profit for fruit plantations, simultaneously avoiding the environmental damage caused by its open combustion.
Efficiency of the Wireless Power Transfer System with Planar Coils in the Periodic and Aperiodic Systems
Authors: Stankiewicz Jacek Maciej , Choroszucho Agnieszka
Published: December 2021

This article presents the results of the proposed numerical and analytical analysis of the Wireless Power Transfer System (WPT). The system consists of a transmitting surface and a receiving surface, where each of them is composed of planar spiral coils. Two WPT systems were analysed (periodic and aperiodic) considering two types of coils (circular and square). In the aperiodic system, the adjacent coils were wound in the opposite direction. The influence of the type of coils, the winding direction, the number of turns, and the distance between the coils on the efficiency of the WPT system was compared. In periodic models, higher efficiency was obtained with circular rather than square coils. The results obtained with both proposed methods were consistent, which confirmed the correctness of the adopted assumptions. In aperiodic models, for a smaller radius of the coil, the efficiency of the system was higher in the square coil models than in the circular coil models. On the other hand, with a larger radius of the coil, the efficiency of the system was comparable regardless of the coil type. When comparing both systems (periodic and aperiodic), for both circular and square coils, aperiodic models show higher efficiency values (the difference is even 57%). The proposed system can be used for simultaneous charging of many sensors (located in, e.g., walls, floors).
Identification of Inter-Turn Short-Circuits in Induction Motor Stator Winding Using Simulated Annealing
Authors: Tomczyk Marcin , Mielnik Ryszard , Plichta Anna , Goldasz Iwona , Sułowicz Maciej
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a method of inter-turn short-circuit identification in induction motors during load current variations based on a hybrid analytic approach that combines the genetic algorithm and simulated annealing. With this approach, the essence of the method relies on determining the reference matrices and calculating the distance between the reference matric values and the test matrix. As a whole, it is a novel approach to the process of identifying faults in induction motors. Moreover, applying a discrete optimization algorithm to search for alternative solutions makes it possible to obtain the true minimal values of the matrices in the identification process. The effectiveness of the applied method in the monitoring and identification processes of the inter-turn short-circuit in the early stage of its creation was confirmed in tests carried out for several significant state variables describing physical magnitudes of the selected induction motor model. The need for identification of a particular fault is related to a gradual increase in its magnitude in the process of the induction motor’s exploitation. The occurrence of short-circuits complicates the dynamic properties of the measured diagnostic signals of the system to a great extent.
Evaluation of the Effect of Chassis Dynamometer Load Setting on CO2 Emissions and Energy Demand of a Full Hybrid Vehicle
Authors: Jaworski Artur , Mądziel Maksymilian , Lew Krzysztof , Campisi Tiziana , Woś Paweł , Kuszewski Hubert , Wojewoda Paweł , Ustrzycki Adam , Balawender Krzysztof , Jakubowski Mirosław
Published: December 2021

Among the solutions that make it possible to reduce CO2 emissions in the transport sector, particularly in urban traffic conditions, are hybrid vehicles. The share of driving performed in electric mode for hybrid vehicles is highly dependent on motion resistance. There are different methods for determining the motion resistance function during chassis dynamometer testing, leading to different test results. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the effect of the chassis dynamometer load function on the energy demand and CO2 emissions of a full-hybrid passenger car. Emissions tests according to the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) were carried out on a chassis dynamometer for three different methods of determining the car’s resistance to motion. The study showed that adopting the motion resistance function according to different methods, results in differences in CO2 emissions up to about 35% for the entire cycle. Therefore, the authors suggest that in the case of tests carried out with chassis dynamometers, it is necessary to also provide information on the chassis dynamometer loading function adopted for the tests.
Collaborative Optimization of Electric Vehicles Based on MultiAgent Variant Roth–Erev Algorithm
Authors: Gao Jianwei , Yang Yu , Gao Fangjie , Wu Haoyu
Published: December 2021

With the implementation of the carbon neutral policy, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing. Thus, it is urgently needed to manage the charging and discharging behavior of EVs scientifically. In this paper, EVs are regarded as agents, and a multiagent cooperative optimization scheduling model based on Roth–Erev (RE) algorithm is proposed. The charging and discharging behaviors of EVs will influence each other. The charging and discharging strategy of one EV owner will affect the choice of others. Therefore, the RE algorithm is selected to obtain the optimal charging and discharging strategy of the EV group, with the utility function of the prospect theory proposed to describe EV owners’ different risk preferences. The utility function of the prospect theory has superior effectiveness in describing consumers’ utility. Finally, in the case of residential electricity, the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified. Compared with that of random charging, this method reduces the total EV group cost of EVs by 52.4%, with the load variance reduced by 26.4%.
Genetic Etiology of Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Topaloglu Ali Kemal , Turan Ihsan
Published: December 2021

Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) is a group of rare developmental disorders characterized by low gonadotropin levels in the face of low sex steroid hormone concentrations. IHH is practically divided into two major groups according to the olfactory function: normal sense of smell (normosmia) nIHH, and reduced sense of smell (hyposmia/anosmia) Kallmann syndrome (KS). Although mutations in more than 50 genes have been associated with IHH so far, only half of those cases were explained by gene mutations. Various combinations of deleterious variants in different genes as causes of IHH have been increasingly recognized (Oligogenic etiology). In addition to the complexity of inheritance patterns, the spontaneous or sex steroid-induced clinical recovery from IHH, which is seen in approximately 10–20% of cases, blurs further the phenotype/genotype relationship in IHH, and poses challenging steps in new IHH gene discovery. Beyond helping for clinical diagnostics, identification of the genetic mutations in the pathophysiology of IHH is hoped to shed light on the central governance of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis through life stages. This review aims to summarize the genetic etiology of IHH and discuss the clinical and physiological ramifications of the gene mutations.
Sensory Features Introduced by Brewery Spent Grain with Impact on Consumers’ Motivations and Emotions for Fibre-Enriched Products
Authors: Curutchet Ana , Serantes Maite , Pontet Carolina , Prisco Fatima , Arcia Patricia , Barg Gabriel , Menendez Juan Andres , Tárrega Amparo
Published: December 2021

The aim of this work was both to formulate three different fibre-enriched products by the addition of Brewery Spent Grain (BSG), and to evaluate the impact of this fibre enrichment on sensory quality, acceptability, and purchase intention under blind conditions. BSG was incorporated into bread, pasta, and chocolate milk at levels of 8.3%, 2.8%, and 0.35% (w/w), respectively. The fibre-enriched products and their regular counterparts were evaluated together by consumers through a CATA questionnaire, the EsSense 25 Profile, an overall acceptability rating, and a purchase intention ranking. Although fibre-enriched bread and chocolate milk ranked lower in overall acceptability compared with their counterparts, no significant difference was found for fibre-enriched pasta (p > 0.05). Purchase intention did not differ significantly for both bread and pasta (p > 0.05), yet the reasons for purchasing them differed significantly (p < 0.05). Consumers recognised the fibre enrichment in these two products and, therefore, were willing to partially compromise on sensory attributes. The fibre-enriched chocolate milk, nonetheless, scored significantly (p < 0.05) lower in purchase intention than the control. This work demonstrates that the effect of BSG addition is product-specific, and that fibre perception makes consumers feel more confident.
Development of Cellular High-Protein Foods: Third-Generation Yellow Pea and Red Lentil Puffed Snacks
Authors: Sinaki Nasibeh Y. , Masatcioglu Mustafa Tugrul , Paliwal Jitendra , Koksel Filiz
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to evaluate how extrusion cooking conditions and microwave heating play a role in enhancing physical and thermal properties of third-generation expanded cellular snacks made from yellow pea (YP) and red lentil (RL) flours for the first time. Increasing temperature and moisture content during extrusion resulted in darker, crunchier and crispier products with higher expansion index (EI). Microwave heating after extrusion led to an increase in cell size and porosity of YP and RL products when qualitatively compared to extrusion alone. Additionally, extrusion followed by microwave heating resulted in extensive damage to starch granular structure and complete denaturation of proteins. Using microwave heating, as a fast and inexpensive process, following partial cooking with extrusion was demonstrated to greatly improve the physical and thermal properties of YP and RL snacks. Microwave heating following mild extrusion, instead of severe extrusion cooking alone, can potentially benefit the development of high quality nutritionally-dense expanded cellular snacks made from pulse flours.
A Water-Dispersible Carboxylated Carbon Nitride Nanoparticles-Based Electrochemical Platform for Direct Reporting of Hydroxyl Radical in Meat
Authors: Han Tingting , Huang Yang , Sun Chong , Wang Daoying , Xu Weimin
Published: December 2021

In this paper, carboxylated carbon nitride nanoparticles (carboxylated-g-C3N4 NPs) were prepared through a one-step molten salts method. The synthesized material was characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectra (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), etc. An electrochemical sensor based on single-stranded oligonucleotide/carboxylated-g-C3N4/chitosan/glassy carbon electrode (ssDNA/carboxylated-g-C3N4/chitosan/GCE) was constructed for determination of the hydroxyl radical (•OH), and methylene blue (MB) was used as a signal molecule. The sensor showed a suitable electrochemical response toward •OH from 4.06 to 122.79 fM with a detection limit of 1.35 fM. The selectivity, reproducibility, and stability were also presented. Application of the sensor to real meat samples (i.e., pork, chicken, shrimp, and sausage) was performed, and the results indicated the proposed method could be used to detect •OH in practical samples. The proposed sensor holds a great promise to be applied in the fields of food safety.
Determination of Floral Origin Markers of Latvian Honey by Using IRMS, UHPLC-HRMS, and 1H-NMR
Authors: Labsvards Kriss Davids , Rudovica Vita , Kluga Rihards , Rusko Janis , Busa Lauma , Bertins Maris , Eglite Ineta , Naumenko Jevgenija , Salajeva Marina , Viksna Arturs
Published: December 2021

The economic significance of honey production is crucial; therefore, modern and efficient methods of authentication are needed. During the last decade, various data processing methods and a combination of several instrumental methods have been increasingly used in food analysis. In this study, the chemical composition of monofloral buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), clover (Trifolium repens), heather (Calluna vulgaris), linden (Tilia cordata), rapeseed (Brassica napus), willow (Salix cinerea), and polyfloral honey samples of Latvian origin were investigated using several instrumental analysis methods. The data from light stable isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis methods were used in combination with multivariate analysis to characterize honey samples originating from Latvia. Results were processed using the principal component analysis (PCA) to study the potential possibilities of evaluating the differences between honey of different floral origins. The results indicate the possibility of strong differentiation of heather and buckwheat honeys, and minor differentiation of linden honey from polyfloral honey types. The main indicators include depleted δ15N values for heather honey protein, elevated concentration levels of rutin for buckwheat honey, and qualitative presence of specific biomarkers within NMR for linden honey.
Peeling Affects the Nutritional Properties of Carrot Genotypes
Authors: Conversa Giulia , Bonasia Anna , Natrella Giuseppe , Lazzizera Corrado , Elia Antonio
Published: December 2021

Peeling may result in changes in carrot’s nutritional properties; therefore, the present study focused on its effect on the retention of principal nutrients (minerals, sugars, organic acids) and antioxidants (carotenoids and phenols) in the peeled roots of two landraces (‘Carota a punta lunga’—CPL and ‘Carota a punta tonda’—CPT) and a hybrid cultivar (‘Presto’) grown in the area of the “Salterns of Margherita di Savoia” area (Puglia region). The peel had a higher concentration of cations (+92%), organic acids (+103%), carotenoids (+42%), and phenolic acids (seven times) than root flesh. For each chemical class, the most abundant components were K, malic acid, ß-carotene, and chlorogenic acid, respectively. The two landraces stand out for the accumulation of the phenolic acids and ß-carotene, whereas the peel of ‘Presto’ was distinguished by the concentration of Ca and ascorbic and pyruvic acids. The root flesh had a greater accumulation of simple sugars, nitrate (mainly in CPL), oxalic acid, and in particular in the flesh of ‘Presto’, of Na and Cl. For local varieties, peel removal seems to impact the nutritional and antioxidative properties of carrots more consistently compared to the advanced cultivar, since it represents on average 21% and 59% of the total carotenoids and phenols, respectively, of the intact roots.
Synthesis and In Vitro Evaluation of Aspartic Acid Based Microgels for Sustained Drug Delivery
Authors: Suhail Muhammad , Xie An , Liu Jia-Yu , Hsieh Wan-Chu , Lin Yu-Wen , Minhas Muhammad Usman , Wu Pao-Chu
Published: December 2021

The main focus of the current study was to sustain the releasing behavior of theophylline by fabricated polymeric microgels. The free radical polymerization technique was used for the development of aspartic acid-co-poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) microgels while using various combinations of aspartic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, and N′,N′-methylene bisacrylamide as a polymer, monomer, and cross-linker, respectively. Ammonium peroxodisulfate and sodium hydrogen sulfite were used as initiators. Characterizations such as DSC, TGA, SEM, FTIR, and PXRD were performed for the fabricated microgels to assess their thermal stability with unreacted polymer and monomer, their surface morphology, the formation of a new polymeric system of microgels by evaluating the cross-linking of functional groups of the microgels’ contents, and to analyze the reduction in crystallinity of the theophylline by fabricated microgels. Various studies such as dynamic swelling, drug loading, sol–gel analysis, in vitro drug release studies, and kinetic modeling were carried out for the developed microgels. Both dynamic swelling and percent drug release were found higher at pH 7.4 as compared to pH 1.2 due to the deprotonation of functional groups of aspartic acid and AMPS. Similarly, sol–gel analysis was performed and an increase in gel fraction was observed with the increasing concentration of microgel contents, while sol fraction was decreased. Conclusively, the prepared carrier system has the potential to sustain the release of the theophylline for an extended period of time.
Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2-Doped Fe, Ag, and Ni with N under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Park Byung-Geon
Published: December 2021

Doping with noble metal ions or doping with nitrogen has been attempted to prepare TiO2 that reacts even in visible light. In this study, TiO2 was doped with nitrogen and various metal ions instead of noble metals. The TiO2 photocatalysts doped with metal ions (Fe, Ag, Ni) and nitrogen were prepared by a sol-gel method. Their physicochemical properties were characterized and their photocatalytic activities were investigated under visible light irradiation. In TiO2 doped with metal ions and nitrogen, the light absorption region was extended to visible light. The photoluminescence intensity was much greater in N/Ni/TiO2 than in N/Ag/TiO2 and N/Fe/TiO2. The photolysis activities of N/Ni/TiO2 were the highest in formaldehyde decomposition and methylene blue decomposition. The sterilization efficiency of N/Ni/TiO2 was the highest in the evaluation test for the inhibition of the proliferation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The bandgap of N/Ni/TiO2 was 2.4 eV, which was significantly lower than that of anatase TiO2 (3.2 eV). The N/Ni/TiO2 had a much higher optical intensity than other metal ion-doped TiO2, so it was highly active under visible light irradiation.
Ancestral Selfies and Historical Traumas: Who Do You Feel You Are?
Authors: Jarvis Pam
Published: December 2021

The potential for ‘historical trauma’ is deeply rooted within the evolved human mind, which constructs its reality through narrative in the shape of personally and culturally relevant stories. From its roots within psychoanalytic theory and practice and through its clear links with infant attachment, historical trauma can be theoretically linked with stress biology and the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences. Via this trajectory, it has the potential to become more commonly drawn upon in the field of public health, despite inconclusive attempts to link it to social epigenetics. It is proposed that when the historical trauma narrative invades family histories via negative experiences that have deeply impacted upon the lives of ancestors, descendants may be drawn to ‘traumatic reenactment’ through fantasy. This is explored with reference to my own recently published novel, examining its content through the perspective of the ‘psychic work’ it represents with respect to reconciling the self to the traumatic experiences of ancestors.
Detection of A-to-I RNA Editing in SARS-COV-2
Authors: Picardi Ernesto , Mansi Luigi , Pesole Graziano
Published: December 2021

ADAR1-mediated deamination of adenosines in long double-stranded RNAs plays an important role in modulating the innate immune response. However, recent investigations based on metatranscriptomic samples of COVID-19 patients and SARS-COV-2-infected Vero cells have recovered contrasting findings. Using RNAseq data from time course experiments of infected human cell lines and transcriptome data from Vero cells and clinical samples, we prove that A-to-G changes observed in SARS-COV-2 genomes represent genuine RNA editing events, likely mediated by ADAR1. While the A-to-I editing rate is generally low, changes are distributed along the entire viral genome, are overrepresented in exonic regions, and are (in the majority of cases) nonsynonymous. The impact of RNA editing on virus–host interactions could be relevant to identify potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Ischemic Stroke Genetics: What Is New and How to Apply It in Clinical Practice?
Authors: Ekkert Aleksandra , Šliachtenko Aleksandra , Grigaitė Julija , Burnytė Birutė , Utkus Algirdas , Jatužis Dalius
Published: December 2021

The etiology of ischemic stroke is multifactorial. Although receiving less emphasis, genetic causes make a significant contribution to ischemic stroke genesis, especially in early-onset stroke. Several stroke classification systems based on genetic information corresponding to various stroke phenotypes were proposed. Twin and family history studies, as well as candidate gene approach, are common methods to discover genetic causes of stroke, however, both have their own limitations. Genome-wide association studies and next generation sequencing are more efficient, promising and increasingly used for daily diagnostics. Some monogenic disorders, despite covering only about 7% of stroke etiology, may cause well-known clinical manifestations that include stroke. Polygenic disorders are more frequent, causing about 38% of all ischemic strokes, and their identification is a rapidly developing field of modern stroke genetics. Current advances in human genetics provide opportunity for personalized prevention of stroke and novel treatment possibilities. Genetic risk scores (GRS) and extended polygenic risk scores (PRS) estimate cumulative contribution of known genetic factors to a specific outcome of stroke. Combining those scores with clinical information and risk factor profiles might result in better primary stroke prevention. Some authors encourage the use of stroke gene panels for stroke risk evaluation and further stroke research. Moreover, new biomarkers for stroke genetic causes and novel targets for gene therapy are on the horizon. In this article, we summarize the latest evidence and perspectives of ischemic stroke genetics that could be of interest to the practitioner and useful for day-to-day clinical work.
Areas of Work Life as Predictors of Occupational Burnout of Nurses and Doctors in Operating Theaters in Poland—Multicenter Studies
Authors: Jarzynkowski Piotr , Piotrkowska Renata , Mędrzycka-Dąbrowska Wioletta , Książek Janina
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Researchers’ interest in occupational burnout results primarily from the dangerous and extensive consequences of this phenomenon. The aim of the study was to analyze the level of occupational burnout among nurses and doctors in operating theaters. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey study conducted on 325 nurses and doctors of seven hospitals in Poland. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) by Michael Leiter and Christina Maslach. Results: The mean values for the level of occupational burnout for the entire sample according to the scale from the Maslach Burnout Inventory by C. Maslach amounted to 14.35 for emotional exhaustion, 8.56 for depersonalization, and 11.90 for personal accomplishment; when compared to reference levels, they classified emotional exhaustion at a low level, depersonalization at an average level, and personal accomplishment at a high level of burnout. Areas of work life are predictors of occupational burnout. The analysis showed a relationship between three of the six variables. As the workload increased, so did the level of burnout among participants, and the categories of honesty and values. Conclusions: The conducted research has shown that occupational burnout among nurses and doctors in operating theaters occurs in all dimensions of this phenomenon (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, job satisfaction). It was also shown that the areas of work life (workload, control, community, rewards, fairness, values) are predictors of occupational burnout among the respondents. This article shows how important the problem of burnout among operating theater medical staff is. Perhaps it will allow nurses and doctors to recognize this syndrome and encourage them make changes to their work to prevent burnout.
A Country-Level Empirical Study on the Fiscal Effect of Elderly Population Health: The Mediating Role of Healthcare Resources
Authors: Tang Bo , Li Zhi
Published: December 2021

Demographic shifts towards an aging population are becoming a significant fiscal challenge for governments. Previous research has explored the fiscal consequences of the expanding elderly population, but the impact on the elderly’s health quality is less mentioned. The balanced relationship between elderly population health and public finance is a major concern of the global political agenda on the aging society. This article used cross-country panel data from 2000 to 2019 to examine the fiscal effect of the elderly health burden and the mediating role of healthcare resources. The results are demonstrated: The elderly health burden has a negative impact on fiscal balance, especially in aged society and longevity countries. Moreover, the mediating effect of healthcare resources is significant, whereby various forms of healthcare resources such as funds, labor, and facilities all have significant effects. Thus, the conceptual framework of elderly population health, healthcare resources, and public finance is confirmed that the elderly health burden specifically leads to the growing consumption of healthcare resources, which reduces the fiscal balance. It is concluded that reducing the elderly health burden and improving healthcare resource efficiencies are two feasible strategies to enhance fiscal sustainability.
Federalists and the Beginnings of the Council of Europe: Converting Institutions and Opinion to Supranationality (1949–1951)
Authors: Vayssière Bertrand
Published: December 2021

In 1949, it seemed that Western governments were ready to accept some delegation of sovereignty, which met the ambitions of increasingly well-organised Europeanists. One of the most ambitious advances was the proposal for a European Assembly, which could have heralded the beginning of an integration process. However, on this point, as on many others, there was not total agreement between the unionists and the federalists: for some, the Assembly was simply a co-operation structure, while others thought it should be a constituent body. The federalists—who had been united since December 1946 within the European Union of Federalists (EUF), which claimed to have no fewer than 150,000 members—were very demanding. After the adoption of the Statute of the Council of Europe on 5 May 1949, the EUF Central Committee approved a “motion on the Consultative Assembly” in which it openly demanded the drafting of a federal pact that would lead to real European power. Faced with the modest intergovernmental status of the Council of Europe, the EUF proposed that the Assembly of this Council should be transformed from a “consultative” to a “constituent” assembly, which amounted to condemning any kind of conciliatory attitude. Therefore, the constituent path was becoming more and more important within the federalist organisation: it was now a matter of pressing, without restraint, for the triumph of ideals freed from initial reluctance, in the most diverse forums. The most important of these remained the Council of Europe, which was, in the eyes of the federalists, an institution that could be improved. Defending an integrated Europe, the federalists called for the creation of a democratic power on the scale of the challenges of the time, which seemed to them to exceed that of the nation states. To achieve this, they defended a “political” vision of integration, of which the Council of Europe could be the spearhead. It is this struggle, which took place at a time when the construction of Europe seems to be based on a simple but firm act of will, that this article will examine.
Real-Time Detection and Location of Potted Flowers Based on a ZED Camera and a YOLO V4-Tiny Deep Learning Algorithm
Authors: Wang Jizhang , Gao Zhiheng , Zhang Yun , Zhou Jing , Wu Jianzhi , Li Pingping
Published: December 2021

In order to realize the real-time and accurate detection of potted flowers on benches, in this paper we propose a method based on the ZED 2 stereo camera and the YOLO V4-Tiny deep learning algorithm for potted flower detection and location. First, an automatic detection model of flowers was established based on the YOLO V4-Tiny convolutional neural network (CNN) model, and the center points on the pixel plane of the flowers were obtained according to the prediction box. Then, the real-time 3D point cloud information obtained by the ZED 2 camera was used to calculate the actual position of the flowers. The test results showed that the mean average precision (MAP) and recall rate of the training model was 89.72% and 80%, respectively, and the real-time average detection frame rate of the model deployed under Jetson TX2 was 16 FPS. The results of the occlusion experiment showed that when the canopy overlap ratio between the two flowers is more than 10%, the recognition accuracy will be affected. The mean absolute error of the flower center location based on 3D point cloud information of the ZED 2 camera was 18.1 mm, and the maximum locating error of the flower center was 25.8 mm under different light radiation conditions. The method in this paper establishes the relationship between the detection target of flowers and the actual spatial location, which has reference significance for the machinery and automatic management of potted flowers on benches.
Analysis of Compounds with Oenological Interest in Somatic Variants of Grapevines
Authors: Jiménez-Cantizano Ana , Sancho-Galán Pau , Barbero Gerardo F. , Palacios Víctor , Amores-Arrocha Antonio
Published: December 2021

Grapevine varieties can be identified genetically by microsatellite markers. However, these molecular markers are not available to discriminate between somatic mutations that give rise to clones. Therefore, the study of compounds with oenological interest could be used to identify variability in grapevine somatic variants. In this research, sugars (glucose, fructose), acids (tartaric and malic acid) and polyphenols (22 phenolic compounds, including 13 anthocyanins) were analyzed in grape berries of two somatic variants known with different names—‘Graciano’ and ‘Tintilla de Rota’—cultivated in the same vineyard under warm climate conditions. The organic acid results show significant differences between the performance of the two accessions. Regarding phenolic compound (excluding anthocyanins) content, significant differences were observed between the two accessions. Kaempferol, caftaric acid and epicatechin were the compounds responsible for the reported differences. Differences in anthocyanin content showed opposite behavior between ‘Tintilla de Rota’ and ‘Graciano’. In this sense, ‘Graciano’ accession showed an increase in all forms of anthocyanins, with a remarkable increment of peonidin 3-O-glucoside. Principal component analysis of polyphenolic compounds revealed clearly distinguished behaviors concerning these compounds, besides showing similar tendencies between the two accessions during the ripening stage. These results could allow for the discrimination of the two accessions into somatic variants highlighting their individual identity.
Effect of Family Practice Contract Services on the Perceived Quality of Primary Care among Patients with Multimorbidity: A Cross-Sectional Study in Guangdong, China
Authors: Liao Jingyi , Zhou Mengping , Zhong Chenwen , Liang Cuiying , Hu Nan , Kuang Li
Published: December 2021

Family practice contract services, an important primary-care reform policy for improving primary healthcare quality in China, incorporate patients with multiple chronic conditions into the priority coverage groups and focus on their management. This study aims to explore the family practice contract services’ effectiveness in improving the quality of primary care experienced by this population. A cross-sectional study using a three-stage sampling was conducted from January to March 2019 in Guangdong, China. A multivariable linear regression, including interaction terms, was applied to examine the associations between the contract services and primary care quality among people with different chronic conditions. The process quality of primary care was measured in six dimensions using the validated assessment survey of primary care (ASPC) scale. People with contract services scored higher in terms of quality of primary care than those without contract services. Contract services moderated the association between chronic condition status and primary care quality. Significantly positive interactions were observed in the patient-centred care dimension and negative interactions were reflected in the accessibility dimension. Our findings suggest that family practice contract services play a crucial role in improving patient-perceived primary care quality and provide emerging evidence that patients with multimorbidity tend to benefit more from the services, especially in patient-centred care.
Synonyms and Symptoms of COVID-19 and Individual and Official Actions against the Disease—A Brief Online Survey 6 Months into the Pandemic and on the Threshold of the Second Wave in Germany
Authors: Auth Katharina , Bohnet Sabine , Borck Cornelius , Drömann Daniel , Franzen Klaas F.
Published: December 2021

To control the ongoing global pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2, we need to influence people’s behavior. To do so, we require information on people’s knowledge and perception of the disease and their opinions about the importance of containment measures. Therefore, in August 2020, we conducted an anonymous cross-sectional online survey on these topics in 913 participants in Germany. Participants completed a questionnaire on various synonyms and symptoms of corona virus and specified the importance they attributed to individual and regulatory measures. The virus was linked more closely with most synonyms and the discovery in China than with the places of the first larger European outbreaks. General (cold-like) symptoms, such as “cough” and “fever,” were more widely known than COVID-19-specific ones, e.g., “loss of taste and smell.” The widely promoted individual measures “distancing,” “hygiene,” and “(facial) mask wearing” were rated as highly important, as were the corresponding official measures, e.g., the “distancing rule” and “mask mandate.” However, the “corona warning app” and a “vaccine mandate” were rated as less important. A subgroup analysis showed broad agreement between the subgroups on nearly all issues. In conclusion, the survey provided information about the German population’s perception and knowledge of the coronavirus five months into the pandemic; however, participants were younger and more educated than a representative sample. To learn from the beginning and still ongoing pandemic and develop concepts for the future, we need more conclusive studies, especially on the acceptance of further specified lockdowns, the population’s willingness to be vaccinated, and the influence of misinformation on public opinion.
Effect of an Educational Nursing Intervention on the Mental Adjustment of Patients with Chronic Arterial Hypertension: An Interventional Study
Authors: Alves Ana Margarida , Rodrigues Alexandre , Sa-Couto Pedro , Simões João Lindo
Published: December 2021

The objective of this analytical and interventional prospective quantitative study was to assess the effect of an educational intervention performed by nurses for mental adjustment to chronic disease in patients with hypertension. A convenience sample was studied, composed of 329 participants with chronic hypertension, followed in a primary healthcare unit in the Central Region of Portugal. Data collection was carried out by applying the Mental Adjustment to Disease Scale (MADS) before and 1 month after the educational nursing intervention between September 2017 and February 2018. Prior to the application of the educational intervention, 43.5% of the participants were classified as “unadjusted” in at least one of the subscales of MADS. After the educational intervention, 21.3% of the participants classified as “unadjusted” became “adjusted” in all MADS subscales. The success rate of the intervention varied from 26.9% (in the fatalism subscale) to 44.6% (for the anxious concern subscale). Participants were more likely to be mentally “unadjusted” to hypertension if they lived with other family members, had an active professional situation before the diagnosis of hypertension, still had an active professional situation now, were under 65 years old, had a shorter time to diagnosis (1–2 years), and measured blood pressure less regularly. The educational intervention performed by nurses is relevant for the mental adjustment of hypertensive patients, contributing to increased knowledge, as well as improvement in preventive and self-care practices, facilitating the experience of the health/disease transition process.
Comparison of Road Noise Policies across Australia, Europe, and North America
Authors: Perna Maxime , Padois Thomas , Trudeau Christopher , Bild Edda , Laplace Josée , Dupont Thomas , Guastavino Catherine
Published: December 2021

Developing innovative noise policies that build on international best practices is difficult when policies around the world differ along many dimensions, ranging from different sources covered to different levels of governance involved. This is particularly critical in the context of road traffic, identified as one of the main culprits leading to noise-associated complaints and health issues. In this article, we document the wide range of specifications observed in road traffic policies and propose a methodology to compare noise limits across noise policies. First, we present the responsibilities of administrative governments according to the scope (e.g., emission vs. exposure). Second, we compare noise limits by scope and geographic areas by separating acoustic indicators (overall and event indicators). Third, we convert overall outdoor noise limits into a common basis using the method described by Brink and his associates (2018) and compare them with the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recommendations (2018). Finally, measurement protocols are also compared across outdoor noise policies. This paper shows that road noise is managed at several administrative levels using approaches that are either centralized or decentralized. We also observed disparities in the associated noise limits across geographic areas. The converted outdoor noise limits generally exceeded the WHO’s recommendations (2018). Finally, this paper outlines how outdoor measurement protocols vary across geographic areas. However, similarities were identified between state and provincial noise policies within the same country.
Ethnic Identity and Collective Self-Esteem Mediate the Effect of Anxiety and Depression on Quality of Life in a Migrant Population
Authors: Urzúa Alfonso , Henríquez Diego , Caqueo-Urízar Alejandra , Landabur Rodrigo
Published: December 2021

Migration processes can often trigger negative interactions with the context, generating problems in both the physical and mental health of migrants, which have an impact on both their well-being and their quality of life. In this framework, the research aimed to assess the mediating effect of ethnic identity and collective self-esteem on the inverse relationship between mental health problems and quality of life. Data were collected from 908 first-generation Colombian migrants living in Chile, of whom 50.2% were women and with an average age of 35 years. They were assessed with The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQoL)-Bref, Smith’s ethnic identity questionnaire, Basabe’s collective self-esteem, and Beck’s Anxiety and Depression questionnaires. The results provide evidence that both collective self-esteem and ethnic identity exert a partial mediation effect on the relationship between anxiety and depression on quality of life. The study provides evidence of the protective role that the maintenance and reinforcement of ethnic identity and collective self-esteem can have, with a view to strengthening the planning of interventions both in the field of prevention of mental health problems and in the improvement of quality of life based on evidence.