bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Benefits and Participation Barriers of Different Level Horseback Riders Age-Wise
Authors: Sáez Iker , León-Guereño Patxi , Malchrowicz-Mośko Ewa , Balerdi Eneko , Río Xabier , Lavín Beñat , Solabarrieta Josu
Published: April 2022

Although horseback riding is not specifically mentioned in the recommendations for different age groups regarding the level of physical activity necessary for good health, its practice continues to grow in popularity throughout the world. Despite being a minority discipline, it has some characteristics that make it an opportunity for its participants to be active people, so it is important to understand what are the perceived health benefits and barriers to participation. The aim of the study is to describe and analyze the perceived health benefits and barriers in horseback riding among riders categorized by level and age, in order to promote physical activity through these benefits and to overcome the barriers. An online version of the EBBS (Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale) was used to analyze benefits and barriers. The sample consisted of 2,651 participants (95.9% women and 4.1% men) in an equestrian event, distributed in four age groups (79.4% up to 25 years, 11.5% between 26 and 35, 7.9% between 36 and 50, and 1.2 older than 50 years). Perceived benefits and participation barriers to horseback riding were analyzed. The factor analysis identified and confirmed five benefit factors and four barrier factors. Benefit factors were significantly correlated among them but barriers were less interrelated. Higher ages were associated to larger benefits and less barrier effects. Benefit and barrier differences were larger between amateur and professional riders, compared to gender differences.
How Do Green Innovation Strategies Contribute to Firm Performance Under Supply Chain Risk? Evidence From China’s Manufacturing Sector
Authors: Wang Mengmeng , Liu Zhaoqian
Published: April 2022

With environmental issues increasingly becoming prominent in today’s business world, firms may need to pay extra attention to developing their environmental strategies and capabilities in response to environmental concerns and achieving sustainable growth. While a broad consensus exists on the value of green innovation, current empirical research on how different types of green innovation strategies may account for the international performance of a firm remains scant. Addressing this gap is important because determining how to better manage a firm’s green innovation strategies nowadays has become increasingly important for firms hoping to achieve and maintain their sustainable performance advantages. This study aims to bridge this gap by systematically examining how various types of green innovation strategies (i.e., green product, green process, and green service innovations) can be beneficial to firms in an emerging market economy. This study also examined the important role that potential risks of supply chain play in shaping the relationships between various types of green innovation strategies and firm performance. This study proposes that the effective management of supply chain risks may be important to the successful implementation of green innovation strategies because green innovation has increasingly become a collaborative effort. This study empirically tested the hypotheses by gathering survey data from a sample of 337 firms in China’s manufacturing industries. Results demonstrate that the green innovation strategies of firms are positively related to their firm performance. Additionally, the potential risks faced by the firms in efficiently and effectively managing their supply chain significantly moderate the impact of green product innovation and green process innovation strategies on their firm performance. This study not only offers useful theoretical implications for the green innovation strategy research and for better and effective supply chain risk management. It also provides important practical guidelines and managerial actions that practicing managers can implement to accelerate their green innovation strategy, assess the effect of supply chain risks, and thus improve firm performance in the post-pandemic era.
Integrated Family Approach in Mental Health Care by Professionals From Adult and Child Mental Health Services: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Stolper Hanna , van Doesum Karin , Steketee Majone
Published: April 2022

Objective

A multiple case-study in which each case was evaluated by adult and child mental health professionals who used an integrated family approach in their treatments. In this approach, treatment focuses on the mental disorders of the parents as well as on the development of the young child and family relationships. This study evaluated the experiences of professionals from adult and child mental health services using this approach. The aim of the study is identifying key elements of this approach, processes involved in treatment, and barriers to its success, with the aim of contributing to the development of practice based integrated mental health care for the whole family.

Background

Parental mental disorders have an impact on parenting and child development. To stop detrimental cascade effects and prevent parent and child from being caught up in the intergenerational transmission of psychopathology, an integrated family approach in mental health care is needed. Methods: A qualitative case study design using a grounded theory approach. Data were collected through 19 group interviews of professionals (N = 37) from adult and infant mental health teams who worked together in the treatment of a family.

Results

Professionals from the two services were comfortable coping with complexity and felt supported to perform their treatments by staying in touch with each other in multi-disciplinary consultations. They indicated that by attuning the treatment components to each other and tailoring them to the capabilities of the family, their treatments had more impact. A flexible attitude of all involved professionals and commitment to the interest of all family members was essential.

Conclusion

According to professionals, treatment with an integrated family approach in mental health care is of value for families by addressing the distinct roles, positions and relationships, by implementing a flexible complementary treatment plan, and by empowering professionals by multi-disciplinary consultations.
Vocal Acoustic Features as Potential Biomarkers for Identifying/Diagnosing Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhao Qing , Fan Hong-Zhen , Li Yan-Li , Liu Lei , Wu Ya-Xue , Zhao Yan-Li , Tian Zhan-Xiao , Wang Zhi-Ren , Tan Yun-Long , Tan Shu-Ping
Published: April 2022

Background

At present, there is no established biomarker for the diagnosis of depression. Meanwhile, studies show that acoustic features convey emotional information. Therefore, this study explored differences in acoustic characteristics between depressed patients and healthy individuals to investigate whether these characteristics can identify depression.

Methods

Participants included 71 patients diagnosed with depression from a regional hospital in Beijing, China, and 62 normal controls from within the greater community. We assessed the clinical symptoms of depression of all participants using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and recorded the voice of each participant as they read positive, neutral, and negative texts. OpenSMILE was used to analyze their voice acoustics and extract acoustic characteristics from the recordings.

Results

There were significant differences between the depression and control groups in all acoustic characteristics (p < 0.05). Several mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), including MFCC2, MFCC3, MFCC8, and MFCC9, differed significantly between different emotion tasks; MFCC4 and MFCC7 correlated positively with PHQ-9 scores, and correlations were stable in all emotion tasks. The zero-crossing rate in positive emotion correlated positively with HAMA total score and HAMA somatic anxiety score (r = 0.31, r = 0.34, respectively), and MFCC9 of neutral emotion correlated negatively with HAMD anxiety/somatization scores (r = −0.34). Linear regression showed that the MFCC7-negative was predictive on the PHQ-9 score (β = 0.90, p = 0.01) and MFCC9-neutral was predictive on HAMD anxiety/somatization score (β = −0.45, p = 0.049). Logistic regression showed a superior discriminant effect, with a discrimination accuracy of 89.66%.

Conclusion

The acoustic expression of emotion among patients with depression differs from that of normal controls. Some acoustic characteristics are related to the severity of depressive symptoms and may be objective biomarkers of depression. A systematic method of assessing vocal acoustic characteristics could provide an accurate and discreet means of screening for depression; this method may be used instead of—or in conjunction with—traditional screening methods, as it is not subject to the limitations associated with self-reported assessments wherein subjects may be inclined to provide socially acceptable responses rather than being truthful.
Epilepsy and Molecular Phenotype Affect the Neurodevelopment of Pediatric Angelman Syndrome Patients in China
Authors: Li Shuang , Ma Yu , Wang Tianqi , Jin Huimin , Du Xiaonan , Wang Yi
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study investigated the mental development of children with Angelman syndrome (AS) in China and evaluated the relationship between neurodevelopment and molecular subtype, age, epilepsy, and sex using the Chinese version of the Griffith Mental Development Scale (GMDS-C) to provide detailed baseline data regarding neurodevelopment with AS in China.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the AS Natural History Study. The GMDS-C was used to evaluate all participants' mental age and developmental quotients. The general quotient (GQ) and quotients of five subscales (sports, personal-social, auditory language, eye-hand coordination, and comprehensive performance) were calculated.

Results

A total of 119 children (average age: 42.12 months; range, 7.5–95.5 months) with a genetic diagnosis of AS were enrolled. The median GQ score of the GMDS was 29.6 points (95% confidence interval, 28.6–33.25). The children had relatively good locomotor and personal-social skills but poor language skills. Overall, 89% (106/119) had mental ages younger than 24 months for all five subscales. The non-deletion group (i.e., without deletion in chromosome 15q11–13) had higher GQs and locomotor, personal-social, and performance subscale quotients. The GQ was significantly different among the three age subgroups and significantly correlated with age. Compared with the non-epilepsy group, the epilepsy group had lower GQs and lower quotients for the locomotor, personal-social, speech, language, and eye-hand coordination subscales.

Conclusion

Children with AS in China experience severe neurodevelopmental deterioration. In addition to age, molecular subtypes and the onset of seizures may also correlate with these patients' intellectual development. The GMDS-C is an accurate tool that can assess the clinical characteristics of AS. The data of this study can be used as baseline data for clinical trials performed to evaluate drug development or other AS treatment development.
Usability-Focused Development and Usage of NeoTree-Beta, an App for Newborn Care in a Low-Resource Neonatal Unit, Malawi
Authors: Crehan Caroline , Chiume Msandeni , Mgusha Yamikani , Dinga Precious , Hull-Bailey Tim , Normand Charles , Sassoon Yali , Nkhoma Deliwe , Greenwood Kim , Lorencatto Fabiana , Lakhanpaul Monica , Heys Michelle
Published: April 2022

Background

Neonatal mortality is high in low-resource settings. NeoTree is a digital intervention for neonatal healthcare professionals (HCPs) aiming to achieve data-driven quality improvement and improved neonatal survival in low-resource hospitals. Optimising usability with end-users could help digital health interventions succeed beyond pilot stages in low-resource settings. Usability is the quality of a user's experience when interacting with an intervention, encompassing their effectiveness, efficiency, and overall satisfaction.

Objective

To evaluate the usability and usage of NeoTree beta-app and conduct Agile usability-focused intervention development.

Method

A real-world pilot of NeoTree beta-app was conducted over 6 months at Kamuzu Central Hospital neonatal unit, Malawi. Prior to deployment, think-aloud interviews were conducted to guide nurses through the app whilst voicing their thoughts aloud (n = 6). System Usability Scale (SUS) scores were collected before the implementation of NeoTree into usual clinical care and 6 months after implementation (n = 8 and 8). During the pilot, real-world user-feedback and user-data were gathered. Feedback notes were subjected to thematic analysis within an Agile “product backlog.” For usage, number of users, user-cadre, proportion of admissions/outcomes recorded digitally, and median app-completion times were calculated.

Results

Twelve overarching usability themes generated 57 app adjustments, 39 (68%) from think aloud analysis and 18 (32%) from the real-world testing. A total of 21 usability themes/issues with corresponding app features were produced and added to the app. Six themes relating to data collection included exhaustiveness of data schema, prevention of errors, ease of progression, efficiency of data entry using shortcuts, navigation of user interface (UI), and relevancy of content. Six themes relating to the clinical care included cohesion with ward process, embedded education, locally coherent language, adaptability of user-interface to available resources, and printout design to facilitate handover. SUS scores were above average (88.1 and 89.4 at 1 and 6 months, respectively). Ninety-three different HCPs of 5 cadres, recorded 1,323 admissions and 1,197 outcomes over 6 months. NeoTree achieved 100% digital coverage of sick neonates admitted. Median completion times were 16 and 8 min for admissions and outcomes, respectively.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates optimisation of a digital health app in a low-resource setting and could inform other similar usability studies apps in similar settings.
Suicide Risk and Association With the Different Trauma During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period: A Cross-Sectional Study on Adolescent With Different Learning Stage in Chongqing, China
Authors: Yu Yao , Wu Tingting , Wang Shanshan , Liu Weiwei , Zhao Xin
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to examine the current suicidal risk and whether the suicidal risk was associated with a wide range of trauma. The self-administered online questionnaire was adopted to collect suicide risk (SR) such as suicidal ideation, self-harm, suicide attempts, and different trauma information of the adolescents by cluster sampling in Chongqing, China. Multivariable linear regression was presented to assess the association between different risks of trauma and SR scores. Approximately 14.7% of adolescents enrolled reported suicide ideation and more than 10% of adolescents have experienced one kind of trauma during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic period. After adjusting for confounding variables, adolescents who suffered family hurt had a higher risk score of SR (beta coefficients (β) = 0.289, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.115–0.463). A positive association was found among participants from junior and senior school (β = 0.415, 95% CI = 0.152, 0.768), and the SR score was positively associated with sexism among participants from the university/college (β = 0.238, 95% CI = 0.042, 0.434). The most potentially obvious trauma that contributed to SR in junior and senior school adolescents might be cyberbullying. Family neglect or abuse might be a detrimental factor in SR for adolescents whether those in junior school or those in university school in China. More interventions, like education related to cyberbullying and family abuse, should be prioritized to reduce the risk of suicide.
Global Trade Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicines and China's Trade Position
Authors: Xiang Liyao , Chen Zaoyu , Wei Shaobin , Zhou Haiyan
Published: April 2022

To depict the evolution of the global trade of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) products, this article analyzes the 2001–2020 trade data of TCM products in the World Bank and United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database to discern the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics of global and China's trade patterns of TCM products from 2001 to 2020 and thereby assess the changes in the global trade of TCM products and in the positions of various countries or regions in the global trade of TCM products. Research findings are as follows: First, on the whole, the total trade volume of TCM products and the number of participating economies and trade connections are on the rise. Second, in terms of topological structure, with higher network density and rising transmission efficiency, the global trade network of TCM products has typical small-world and scale-free network characteristics and has begun to be controlled by a few countries. Judging from the co-opetition between major trading countries, there are more diversified sources of imports for major trading countries, and there is competition between supplying countries. Third, For China, the trade volume of TCM products between China and various countries worldwide has grown rapidly and exhibits a trend of continuous increase followed by decline. China has established extensive trade partnerships and its position in the global trade network of TCM products has been continuously improved. China's participation has contributed to a closer connection among trading entities, but its network heterogeneity remains to be further improved. From the perspective of trade interdependence, the number of countries or regions maintaining high interdependence with China has been gradually increasing, and most of them are European and American countries, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries. The number of countries or regions maintaining low interdependence with China has gradually decreased, and countries or regions that are completely one-way dependent on China are nonexistent.
Predicting the Mass Adoption of eDoctor Apps During COVID-19 in China Using Hybrid SEM-Neural Network Analysis
Authors: Yang Qing , Al Mamun Abdullah , Hayat Naeem , Md. Salleh Mohd Fairuz , Salameh Anas A. , Makhbul Zafir Khan Mohamed
Published: April 2022

Technology plays an increasingly important role in our daily lives. The use of technology-based healthcare apps facilitates and empowers users to use such apps and saves the burden on the public healthcare system during COVID-19. Through technology-based healthcare apps, patients can be virtually connected to doctors for medical services. This study explored users' intention and adoption of eDoctor apps in relation to their health behaviors and healthcare technology attributes among Chinese adults. Cross-sectional data were collected through social media, resulting in a total of 961 valid responses for analysis. The hybrid analysis technique of partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) analysis was applied. The obtained results revealed the significant influence of eDoctor apps in terms of usefulness, compatibility, accuracy, and privacy on users' intention to use eDoctor apps. Intention and product value were also found to suggestively promote the adoption of eDoctor apps. This study offered practical recommendations for the suppliers and developers of eHealth apps to make every attempt of informing and building awareness to nurture users' intention and usage of healthcare technology. Users' weak health consciousness and motivation are notable barriers that restrict their intention and adoption of the apps. Mass adoption of eDoctor apps can also be achieved through the integration of the right technology features that build the product value and adoption of eDoctor apps. The limitations of the current study and recommendations for future research are presented at the end of this paper.
The Replica Set Method is a Robust, Accurate, and High-Throughput Approach for Assessing and Comparing Lifespan in C. elegans Experiments
Authors: Cornwell Adam , Llop Jesse R. , Salzman Peter , Rasmussen Niels , Thakar Juilee , Samuelson Andrew V.
Published: April 2022

The advent of feeding based RNAi in Caenorhabditis elegans led to an era of gene discovery in aging research. Hundreds of gerogenes were discovered, and many are evolutionarily conserved, raising the exciting possibility that the underlying genetic basis for healthy aging in higher vertebrates could be quickly deciphered. Yet, the majority of putative gerogenes have still only been cursorily characterized, highlighting the need for high-throughput, quantitative assessments of changes in aging. A widely used surrogate measure of aging is lifespan. The traditional way to measure mortality in C. elegans tracks the deaths of individual animals over time within a relatively small population. This traditional method provides straightforward, direct measurements of median and maximum lifespan for the sampled population. However, this method is time consuming, often underpowered, and involves repeated handling of a set of animals over time, which in turn can introduce contamination or possibly damage increasingly fragile, aged animals. We have previously developed an alternative “Replica Set” methodology, which minimizes handling and increases throughput by at least an order of magnitude. The Replica Set method allows changes in lifespan to be measured for over one hundred feeding-based RNAi clones by one investigator in a single experiment- facilitating the generation of large quantitative phenotypic datasets, a prerequisite for development of biological models at a systems level. Here, we demonstrate through analysis of lifespan experiments simulated in silico that the Replica Set method is at least as precise and accurate as the traditional method in evaluating and estimating lifespan, and requires many fewer total animal observations across the course of an experiment. Furthermore, we show that the traditional approach to lifespan experiments is more vulnerable than the Replica Set method to experimental and measurement error. We find no compromise in statistical power for Replica Set experiments, even for moderate effect sizes, or when simulated experimental errors are introduced. We compare and contrast the statistical analysis of data generated by the two approaches, and highlight pitfalls common with the traditional methodology. Collectively, our analysis provides a standard of measure for each method across comparable parameters, which will be invaluable in both experimental design and evaluation of published data for lifespan studies.
Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to Prioritize People for COVID-19 Vaccination When Vaccines Are in Short Supply
Authors: Chaker Masmoudi Hend , Rhili Amal , Zamali Imen , Ben Hmid Ahlem , Ben Ahmed Melika , Khrouf Myriam Razgallah
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for a rapid tool supporting decision-makers in prioritizing patients in the immediate and overwhelming context of pandemics, where shortages in different healthcare resources are faced. We have proposed Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) to create a system of criteria and weights to prioritize uses of COVID-19 vaccines in groups of people at significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease or death, when vaccines are in short supply, for use in Tunisia. The prioritization criteria and the levels within each criterion were identified based on available COVID-19 evidence with a focus on the criteria selected by Tunisian scientific committees. To determine the weights for the criteria and levels, reflecting their relative importance, a panel of frontline physicians treating COVID-19 were invited to participate in an online survey using 1,000 minds MCDA software (www.1000minds.com) which implements the PAPRIKA (Potentially All Pairwise RanKings of all possible Alternatives) method. Ten criteria and twenty-three levels have been selected for prioritizing the uses of COVID-19 vaccines in groups of people at significantly higher risk of severe disease or death. Among the invited physicians, sixty have completed the survey. The obtained scores were, in decreasing order of importance (mean weights in parentheses, summing to 100%). Obesity (16.2%), Age (12.7%), Chronic pulmonary diseases (10.8%), Chronic cardiovascular conditions (10.3%), Bone marrow or organ transplantation (10.1%), Immunodeficiency or Immunosuppression (9.6%), Diabetes (9%), Renal failure (8.4%), evolutive cancer (6.9%), and high blood pressure (6%). MCDA-based prioritization scoring system comprising explicit criteria and weights provides an adaptable and multicriteria approach that can assist policy-makers to prioritize uses of COVID-19 vaccines.
Framework for Armature-Based 3D Shape Reconstruction of Sensorized Soft Robots in eXtended Reality
Authors: Borges Elvis I. A. , Rieder Jonas S. I. , Aschenbrenner Doris , Scharff Rob B. N.
Published: April 2022

Soft robots are typically intended to operate in highly unpredictable and unstructured environments. Although their soft bodies help them to passively conform to their environment, the execution of specific tasks within such environments often requires the help of an operator that supervises the interaction between the robot and its environment and adjusts the actuation inputs in order to successfully execute the task. However, direct observation of the soft robot is often impeded by the environment in which it operates. Therefore, the operator has to depend on a real-time simulation of the soft robot based on the signals from proprioceptive sensors. However, the complicated three-dimensional (3D) configurations of the soft robot can be difficult to interpret using traditional visualization techniques. In this work, we present an open-source framework for real-time 3D reconstruction of soft robots in eXtended Reality (Augmented and Virtual Reality), based on signals from their proprioceptive sensors. This framework has a Robot Operating System (ROS) backbone, allowing for easy integration with existing soft robot control algorithms for intuitive and real-time teleoperation. This approach is demonstrated in Augmented Reality using a Microsoft Hololens device and runs at up to 60 FPS. We explore the influence that system parameters such as mesh density and armature complexity have on the reconstruction's key performance metrics (i.e., speed, scalability). The open-source framework is expected to function as a platform for future research and developments on real-time remote control of soft robots operating in environments that impede direct observation of the robot.
Forecasting Global Maize Prices From Regional Productions
Authors: Zelingher Rotem , Makowski David
Published: April 2022

This study analyses the quality of six regression algorithms in forecasting the monthly price of maize in its primary international trading market, using publicly available data of agricultural production at a regional scale. The forecasting process is done between one and twelve months ahead, using six different forecasting techniques. Three (CART, RF, and GBM) are tree-based machine learning techniques that capture the relative influence of maize-producing regions on global maize price variations. Additionally, we consider two types of linear models—standard multiple linear regression and vector autoregressive (VAR) model. Finally, TBATS serves as an advanced time-series model that holds the advantages of several commonly used time-series algorithms. The predictive capabilities of these six methods are compared by cross-validation. We find RF and GBM have superior forecasting abilities relative to the linear models. At the same time, TBATS is more accurate for short time forecasts when the time horizon is shorter than three months. On top of that, all models are trained to assess the marginal contribution of each producing region to the most extreme price shocks that occurred through the past 60 years of data in both positive and negative directions, using Shapley decompositions. Our results reveal a strong influence of North-American yield variation on the global price, except for the last months preceding the new-crop season.
Consensus on MR Imaging of Endolymphatic Hydrops in Patients With Suspected Hydropic Ear Disease (Meniere)
Authors: Liu Yupeng , Pyykkö Ilmari , Naganawa Shinji , Marques Pedro , Gürkov Robert , Yang Jun , Duan Maoli
Published: April 2022

Endolymphatic hydrops (EH) is considered the histological hallmark of Meniere's disease. Visualization of EH has been achieved by special sequences of inner ear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a gadolinium-based contrast agent via intravenous or intratympanic administration. Although it has been applied for more than 10 years since 2007, a unified view on this technique has not yet been achieved. This paper presents an expert consensus on MRI of endolymphatic hydrops in the following aspects: indications and contra-indications for patient selection, methods of contrast-agent administration (intravenous or intratympanic), MRI sequence selection, the specific scanning parameter settings, and standard image evaluation methods and their advantages and disadvantages. For each part of this consensus, a comment is attached to elucidate the reasons for the recommendation.
Monocyte Count on Admission Is Predictive of Shunt-Dependent Hydrocephalus After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Cuoco Joshua A. , Guilliams Evin L. , Klein Brendan J. , Witcher Mark R. , Marvin Eric A. , Patel Biraj M. , Entwistle John J.
Published: April 2022

The authors sought to evaluate whether immunologic counts on admission were associated with shunt-dependent hydrocephalus following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. A retrospective analysis of 143 consecutive patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage over a 9-year period was performed. A stepwise algorithm was followed for external ventricular drain weaning and determining the necessity of shunt placement. Data were compared between patients with and without shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. Overall, 11.19% of the cohort developed shunt-dependent hydrocephalus. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, acute hydrocephalus (OR: 61.027, 95% CI: 3.890–957.327; p = 0.003) and monocyte count on admission (OR: 3.362, 95% CI: 1.024–11.037; p = 0.046) were found to be independent predictors for shunt dependence. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for the prediction of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus confirmed that monocyte count exhibited an acceptable area under the curve (AUC = 0.737, 95% CI: 0.601–0.872; p < 0.001). The best predictive cutoff value to discriminate between successful external ventricular drain weaning and shunt-dependent hydrocephalus was identified as a monocyte count ≥0.80 × 103/uL at initial presentation. These preliminary data demonstrate that a monocyte count ≥0.80 × 103/uL at admission predicts shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage; however, further large-scale prospective trials and validation are necessary to confirm these findings.
The Impact of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia on Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Wakabayashi Naohiro , Kikuchi Shinsuke , Kuriyama Naoya , Kikuchi Yuta , Tsutsui Masahiro , Ise Hayato , Yoshida Yuri , Uchida Daiki , Koya Atsuhiro , Shirasaka Tomonori , Azuma Nobuyoshi , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The effect of chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) on advanced cardiac disease, which requires surgical treatment, has rarely been reported. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of cardiac surgery in patients with CLTI and determine the risk factors, with a particular focus on the severity of CLTI.

Patients

The baseline characteristics and outcomes of 33 patients who were treated for CLTI and underwent cardiac surgery were retrospectively analyzed. The states of CLTI were evaluated based on the Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) classification system, and 33 patients were divided into the low-WIfI group (stages 1–2, n = 13) and high-WIfI group (stages 3–4, n = 20).

Results

The in-hospital mortality rate was 0% in low-WIfI group and 35% in high-WIfI group (p = 0.027). Postoperative complications, particularly severe infections, occurred more frequently among high-WIfI group than low-WIfI group (70.0% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.01). Multivariable analysis identified foot infection grade as a WIfI classification factor and lower albumin levels as factors significantly associated with postoperative complications. The 1-year and 2-year survival rates were 84.6% and 67.7% in low-WIfI group and 45% and 28.1% in high-WIfI group, respectively (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Cardiac surgery in patients with high WIfI stage was an extremely high-risk procedure. In such patients, lowering the WIfI stage by lower extremity revascularization and/or debridement of diseased parts prior to cardiac surgery can be considered.
Azole Fungicides and Their Endocrine Disrupting Properties: Perspectives on Sex Hormone-Dependent Reproductive Development
Authors: Draskau Monica Kam , Svingen Terje
Published: April 2022

Azoles are antifungal agents used in both agriculture and medicine. They typically target the CYP51 enzyme in fungi and, by so doing, disrupt cell membrane integrity. However, azoles can also target various CYP enzymes in mammals, including humans, which can disrupt hormone synthesis and signaling. For instance, several azoles can inhibit enzymes of the steroidogenic pathway and disrupt steroid hormone biosynthesis. This is of particular concern during pregnancy, since sex hormones are integral to reproductive development. In other words, exposure to azole fungicides during fetal life can potentially lead to reproductive disease in the offspring. In addition, some azoles can act as androgen receptor antagonists, which can further add to the disrupting potential following exposure. When used as pharmaceuticals, systemic concentrations of the azole compounds can become significant as combatting fungal infections can be very challenging and require prolonged exposure to high doses. Although most medicinal azoles are tightly regulated and used as prescription drugs after consultations with medical professionals, some are sold as over-the-counter drugs. In this review, we discuss various azole fungicides known to disrupt steroid sex hormone biosynthesis or action with a focus on what potential consequences exposure during pregnancy can have on the life-long reproductive health of the offspring.
Eugenol Improves Follicular Survival and Development During in vitro Culture of Goat Ovarian Tissue
Authors: Silva R. F. , Lima L. F. , Ferreira Anna C. A. , Silva A. F. B. , Alves D. R. , Alves B. G. , Oliveira A. C. , Morais Selene M. , Rodrigues Ana Paula R. , Santos Regiane R. , Figueiredo J. R.
Published: April 2022

This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations (10, 20, or 40 μM) of eugenol (EUG 10, EUG 20, or EUG 40), ascorbic acid (50 μg/mL; AA) or anethole (300 μg/mL; ANE 300) on the in-vitro survival and development of goat preantral follicles and oxidative stress in the cultured ovarian tissue. Ovarian fragments from five goats were cultured for 1 or 7 days in Alpha Minimum Essential Medium (α-MEM+) supplemented or not with AA, ANE 300, EUG 10, EUG 20 or EUG 40. On day 7 of culture, when compared to MEM, the addition of EUG 40 had increased the rate of follicular development, as observed by a decrease in the proportion of primordial follicles alongside with an increase in the rate of normally developing follicles. Furthermore, EUG 40 significantly increased both follicular and oocyte diameters. Subsequently, ovarian fragments from three goats were cultured for 1 or 7 days in α-MEM+ supplemented or not with AA, ANE 300 or EUG 40. All tested antioxidants, except ANE 300, were able to significantly decrease the levels of reactive oxygen species in the ovarian tissue, but EUG 40 could most efficiently neutralize free radicals. All ovarian tissues cultured in the presence of antioxidants, especially EUG 40, presented a significant decrease in H3K4me3 labeling, indicating a silencing of genes that play a role in the inhibition of follicular activation and apoptosis induction. When compared to cultured control tissues, both EUG 40 and ANE 300 significantly increased the intensity of calreticulin labeling in growing follicles. The mRNA relative expression of ERP29 and KDM3A was significantly increased when the culture medium was supplemented with EUG 40, indicating a response to ER stress experienced during culture. In conclusion, EUG 40 improved in-vitro follicle survival, activation and development and decreased ROS production, ER stress and histone lysine methylation in goat ovarian tissue.
MEF2C Expression Is Regulated by the Post-transcriptional Activation of the METTL3-m6A-YTHDF1 Axis in Myoblast Differentiation
Authors: Yang Xinran , Ning Yue , Abbas Raza Sayed Haidar , Mei Chugang , Zan Linsen
Published: April 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) plays an essential role in regulating gene expression. However, the effect of m6A on skeletal myoblast differentiation and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we ascertained mRNA m6A methylation exhibited declined changes during bovine skeletal myoblast differentiation, and both MEF2C mRNA expression and m6A levels were significantly increased during myoblast differentiation. We found that MEF2C with mutated m6A sites significantly inhibited myoblast differentiation compared with wild-type MEF2C. METTL3 promoted MEF2C protein expression through posttranscriptional modification in an m6A-YTHDF1-dependent manner. Moreover, MEF2C promoted the expression of METTL3 by binding to its promoter. These results revealed that there is a positive feedback loop between these molecules in myoblast differentiation. Our study provided new insights into skeletal muscle differentiation and fusion, which may provide an RNA methylation-based approach for molecular genetics and breeding in livestock as well as for the treatment of muscle-related diseases.
Measuring the Non-Transitivity in Chess
Authors: Sanjaya Ricky , Wang Jun , Yang Yaodong
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we quantify the non-transitivity in chess using human game data. Specifically, we perform non-transitivity quantification in two ways—Nash clustering and counting the number of rock–paper–scissor cycles—on over one billion matches from the Lichess and FICS databases. Our findings indicate that the strategy space of real-world chess strategies has a spinning top geometry and that there exists a strong connection between the degree of non-transitivity and the progression of a chess player’s rating. Particularly, high degrees of non-transitivity tend to prevent human players from making progress in their Elo ratings. We also investigate the implications of non-transitivity for population-based training methods. By considering fixed-memory fictitious play as a proxy, we conclude that maintaining large and diverse populations of strategies is imperative to training effective AI agents for solving chess.
Universities and CSR Teaching: New Challenges and Trends
Authors: Schimperna Federico , Nappo Fabio , Collaretti Federica
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to analyse how universities are currently improving CSR teaching, pointing out some new challenges and trends emerging from a context in which CSR issues have become increasingly important. The research provides a longitudinal study of the literature for a period of 20 years. After screening the retrieved documents, we based our analysis on 31 main scientific documents. Our findings highlight how universities are improving CSR teaching by utilising the development of new curricula and new teaching methods, such as case methods, service learning, problem-based learning, and action and experiential learning. The paper is novel because it explores how the request for human resources with CSR skills forced universities to widen their teaching programs. Our findings suggest valuable and useful insights for the academic and professional community.
Polyploid Miscanthus Lutarioriparius: A Sustainable and Scalable Biomass Feedstock for Cellulose Nanocrystal Preparation in Biorefinery
Authors: Wang Sheng , Yi Zili , Iqbal Yasir , Chen Zhiyong , Xue Shuai , Fu Tongcheng , Li Meng
Published: April 2022

In this study, polyploid Miscanthus lutarioriparius (PML) was introduced as a new sustainable and scalable source for cellulose nanocrystal (CNC). The agronomic traits of PML were significantly different from Miscanthus × giganteus (MG), but their chemical components and physical features were similar. Notably, a remarkable co-extraction of hemicellulose, lignin and ash and non-crystalline cellulose was observed during crude cellulose isolation from PML than it from MG by modified alkaline peroxide pretreatment. In addition, subjecting crude cellulose of PML and MG biomass to sulfuric acid hydrolysis provided high-quality CNC. The analysis of particle size distribution, zeta potential, crystalline index, the degree of polymerization, SEM and yield potential suggested that the CNC extracted from PML showed higher stability, processability and productivity than that from MG. Therefore, it provides a new theoretical basis for the applications of CNC prepared by PML and MG. The results also revealed potential genetic approaches for Miscanthus spp. to enhance biomass and CNC yield.
Numerical Experiment and Optimized Design of Pipeline Spraying On-Line Pesticide Mixing Apparatus Based on CFD Orthogonal Experiment
Authors: Sun Daozong , Liu Weikang , Li Zhi , Zhan Xurui , Dai Qiufang , Xue Xiuyun , Song Shuran
Published: April 2022

Pipeline spraying can be adopted for greatly improving spraying efficiency in hillside orchard spraying operations. However, residual phytosanitary product still remains in the pipeline after the completion of pipeline spraying operations. Currently, residual phytosanitary liquid is handled according to the following general method: pipeline flushing with fresh water. The method can easily lead to pesticide waste and environment pollution. On-line pesticide mixing technology can be adopted for reducing pesticide waste and environmental pollution. However, on-line pesticide mixing technology is not applied in pipeline spraying operations. Therefore, the mixing principle of jet-mixing apparatus is adopted as a reference in the paper for designing the basic structure of on-line pesticide mixing apparatus based on pipeline spraying. The structure is mainly composed of a constricted tube, suction chamber, Venturi, and diffusion tube. An analysis method based on the CFD orthogonal experiment is adopted for studying the influence of the changes of four key structure parameters on on-line pesticide mixing apparatus, pesticide dissolution performance, and pesticide mixing performance; the four parameters include constricted tube falloff angle, diffusion tube divergence angle, Venturi diameter, and Venturi length. Since there may be interaction among them, three experiment evaluation indexes of lifting height, turbulent kinetic energy, and pressure recovery distance are set for judgment. The change of three evaluation indexes with change of constricted tube falloff angle, diffusion tube divergence angle, Venturi diameter, and Venturi length, respectively, is revealed through single-index variance analysis; the three indexes include lifting height, turbulent kinetic energy, and pressure recovery distance. The primary and secondary sequences of respective influences of all structure parameters and their interaction on all evaluation indexes are obtained. Analysis results of all evaluation indexes are comprehensively considered in order to finally discover the comprehensive optimal pesticide mixing apparatus structure parameters, namely: constricted tube falloff angle is 22°, diffusion tube divergence angle is 9°, Venturi diameter is 2 mm, Venturi length is 6 mm, and pesticide mixing apparatus structure parameters are optimized. Theoretical reference is provided in the paper for on-line pesticide mixing apparatus prototype production on the basis of pipeline spraying.
Water Evaporation Reduction Using Sunlight Splitting Technology
Authors: Ali Abaker Omer Altyeb , Li Ming , Liu Wen , Liu Xinliang , Zheng Jianan , Zhang Fangxin , Zhang Xinyu , Osman Hamid Mohammed Samia , Liu Yang , Ingenhoff Jan , Kumar Rohitashw
Published: April 2022

The imbalance between precipitation and water evaporation has caused crop yield reduction, drought, and desertification. Furthermore, most parts of the world are short of water, including China. We proposed a low-cost polymer multilayer film to reduce water evaporation by only passing through several sunlight wavelengths necessary for photosynthesis. A series of experiments were conducted to characterize the influence of partial sunlight on the reduction of water evaporation. Evaporation containers and evaporation pans were placed in open-air (CK), under a glass shed (GS), and under a glass-shed covered with multilayer films (GMF). Our results showed a significant reduction in water evaporation under GMF. Cumulative soil surface evaporation of CK, GS and GMF over 45 days was 80.53 mm, 68.12 mm, and 56.79 mm, respectively. Under GMF, cumulative water evaporation from soil and pan surfaces decreased by 29% and 26%. The slope (β1≠0) of simple linear regression showed a significant relationship between evaporation time and cumulative water evaporation (p = 0.000 < α = 0.05 shown in the ANOVA table). The correlation coefficient was more than 0.91 in all treatments, suggesting a strong positive linear relationship. This study may contribute to future drought resistance and agrivoltaic sustainability development.
Recent Approaches to Determine Static and Dynamic Redox State-Related Parameters
Authors: Mas-Bargues Cristina , García-Domínguez Esther , Borrás Consuelo
Published: April 2022

Oxidative stress refers to an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant molecules, which is usually associated with oxidative damage to biomolecules and mitochondrial malfunction. Redox state-related parameters include (1) the direct measurement of ROS, (2) the assessment of the antioxidant defense status, and (3) the analysis of the resulting oxidative damage to molecules. Directly measuring ROS appears to be the preferred method among scientists, but most ROS are extremely unstable and difficult to measure. The processes of determining both the oxidative damage to biomolecules and the antioxidant system status, although both are indirect approaches, provide a reliable method to measure oxidative stress on a given sample. Recently, the Seahorse XF and the Oroboros O2k systems have provided new insights into the redox state from a more dynamic point of view. These techniques assess mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation function and bioenergetics on isolated mitochondria, cultured cells, or specific tissues such as permeabilized fibers. This review describes a range of methodologies to measure redox state-related parameters, their strengths, and their limitations. In conclusion, all these techniques are valid and none of them can be replaced by another. Indeed, they have the potential to complement each other for a complete evaluation of the redox state of a given sample.