bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a nomogram prediction model for depression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chen Haoyang , Cui Hengmei , Geng Yaqin , Jin Tiantian , Shi Songsong , Li Yunyun , Chen Xin , Shen Biyu
Published: September 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with depression as one of its most common symptoms. The aim of this study is to establish a nomogram prediction model to assess the occurrence of depression in patients with SLE. Based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale cutoff of 8, 341 patients with SLE, recruited between June 2017 and December 2019, were divided into depressive and non-depressive groups. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, medical history, sociopsychological factors, and other risk factors were collected. Between-group differences in clinical characteristics were assessed with depression as the dependent variable and the variables selected by logistic multiple regression as predictors. The model was established using R language. Marital status, education, social support, coping, and anxiety predicted depression (p < 0.05). The nomogram prediction model showed that the risk rate was from 0.01 to 0.80, and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.891 (p < 0.001). The calibration curve can intuitively show that the probability of depression predicted by the nomogram model is consistent with the actual comparison. The designed nomogram provides a highly predictive assessment of depression in patients with SLE, facilitating more comprehensive depression evaluation in usual clinical care.
Do Chinese children need parental supervision to manage their out-of-school visual art activities and academic work time?
Authors: Tadesse Endale , Khalid Sabika , Gao Chunhai , Legese Moges Assefa
Published: September 2022

Unlike in Western countries, scholars and the Chinese government pay less attention to the role of extracurricular activities (ECAs) in fostering children’s cognitive and non-cognitive well-being. Accordingly, essential ECAs such as visual arts programs are serviced by expensive privately owned schools, creating social injustice. The primary aim of the current study is to examine whether children benefit from ECAs if parental support and guidance for managing time spent on ECAs and academics exist based on the threshold model. The study comprised over 2,400 primary school students in one Chinese province and considered the SES of the area. Surprisingly, the present study’s findings illustrate that contemporary Chinese parents differ from traditionally aggressive and overbearing parents who do not value their children’s interests. However, the current study finding suggested that children’s participation in out-of-school visual art activities doesn’t have a substantial value in promoting children’s academic performance in the face of genuine interest and supportive parenting, which negates the threshold model.
Comprehensive metrological and content analysis of the income inequality research in health field: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xiang Guocheng , Liu Jingjing , Zhong Shihu , Deng Mingjun
Published: September 2022

The association between income inequality in a society and the poor health status of its people has attracted the attention of researchers from multiple disciplines. Based on the ISI Web of Science database, bibliometric methods were used to analyze 546 articles related to income inequality research in health field published between 1997 and 2021. We found that the USA contributed most articles, the Harvard Univ was the most influential institution, Social Science & Medicine was the most influential journal, and Kawachi I was the most influential author; the main hotspots included the income inequality, income, health inequality, mortality, socioeconomic factors, concentration index, social capital, self-rated health, income distribution, infant mortality, and population health in 1997–2021; the cardiovascular disease risk factor, social capital income inequality, individual mortality risk, income-related inequalities, understanding income inequalities, income inequality household income, and state income inequality had been the hot research topics in 1997–2003; the self-assessed health, achieving equity, income-related inequalities, oral health, mental health, European panel, occupational class, and cardiovascular diseases had been the hot research topics in 2004–2011; the adolescent emotional problem, South Africa, avoidable mortality, rising inequalities, results from world health survey, working-age adult, spatial aggregation change, prospective study, and mental health-empirical evidence had been the hot research topics in 2012–2021; there were 11 articles with strong transformation potential during 2012–2021. The research results of this paper are helpful to the scientific understanding of the current status of income inequality research in health field.
Vulnerability assessment of Iran's rural-farmer households during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shokati Amghani Mohammad , Savari Moslem , Choobchian Shahla
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused an emergency around the world, especially in rural communities, and imposed great disasters on human societies, so it's devastating effects on mental health indicators, economy, environment, and social relations are known to everyone. But the accurate assessment of its damage to human societies can help to manage this phenomenon during and post-COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, the present study was conducted for vulnerability assessment of wheat farmers to the COVID-19 pandemic in northwest Iran. The main data collection tool in this study was a questionnaire that was designed based on the Me-bar model, but for the accurate vulnerability assessment, new parameters were added based on the theoretical research literature and the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample size was selected from 420 wheat farmers living in East Azerbaijan Province, the northwest of Iran, using the Kerjcie and Morgan's table. The results showed that for economic vulnerability, the rural poverty was the most important cause of vulnerability of the studied rural households and access to information was most important cause of social vulnerability. Also, the results showed that for psychological vulnerability, the self-efficacy was the most important cause of vulnerability. In other results, irrigation parameters of agricultural lands were the most important cause of environmental vulnerability. The study results showed that the studied farmers have experienced high levels of vulnerability and were strongly affected by economic, social, psychological, and environmental damages. Moreover, the results showed that the farmers of Shabestar and Maragheh had the highest level of vulnerability. In general, the study results can provide policymakers with new insights into the field of COVID-19 pandemic management because the vulnerability of farmers has been identified using 39 parameters.
Progress in symmetry preserving robot perception and control through geometry and learning
Authors: Ghaffari Maani , Zhang Ray , Zhu Minghan , Lin Chien Erh , Lin Tzu-Yuan , Teng Sangli , Li Tingjun , Liu Tianyi , Song Jingwei
Published: September 2022

This article reports on recent progress in robot perception and control methods developed by taking the symmetry of the problem into account. Inspired by existing mathematical tools for studying the symmetry structures of geometric spaces, geometric sensor registration, state estimator, and control methods provide indispensable insights into the problem formulations and generalization of robotics algorithms to challenging unknown environments. When combined with computational methods for learning hard-to-measure quantities, symmetry-preserving methods unleash tremendous performance. The article supports this claim by showcasing experimental results of robot perception, state estimation, and control in real-world scenarios.
Your health is in your mouth: A comprehensive view to promote general wellness
Authors: Barranca-Enríquez Antonia , Romo-González Tania
Published: September 2022

Background

Even though various studies recognize the importance of the oral cavity to have general health, in multidisciplinary professional practice it is almost always excluded and on an individual basis, very commonly neglected. Oral diseases are preventable, still, they are highly prevalent. Although some studies consider oral health within integral health, currently, there is no model in which the mouth is integrated within other levels for the achievement of well-being. The objective of this article was to review the importance of oral health and its connection with well-being and, based on these findings, propose a complex and comprehensive perspective for approach and care.

Methods

The databases MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar were revised for randomized controlled trials and reviews that included search terms related to oral health and its relationship with the general health in its different levels (physical, psychological, social and environmental).

Results

The review shows that oral health is critical, as the teeth and mouth are not only an integral part of the body, but also, they also support and enable essential human functions. That is, oral health has a multidimensional nature, as it includes the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains that are essential for overall health and well-being. Likewise, the mouth is the psychological seat of the first physiological needs and emotional gratifications, with it we take a taste of the world around us. Thus, the mouth plays an important role in the feeling of unity and in the constitution of the self. Based on these results we propose an integrative model in which the mouth is the first step for well-being and from this integrative model we build a multidisciplinary approach which could be used in the clinical practice for the promotion of oral care and general health.

Conclusion

The effort on the part of oral health professionals is essential for people's well-being and must be integrated as part of health promotion. Dental treatments alone cannot solve this problem, it requires a comprehensive and approach in which the bio-psychological, behavioral, and socio-environmental determinants are included to face this global oral health challenge. That is, without a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to medical science that includes dental and oral health, our public policies cannot provide the best answers to health promotion, disease prevention, early detection, and treatment.
Climate induced water security risks on agriculture in the Abbay river basin: A review
Authors: Tibebe Degefie , Teferi Ermias , Bewket Woldeamlak , Zeleke Gete
Published: September 2022

Climate induced water security risks on agriculture are assessed in the Abbay river basin by reviewing journal articles, book chapters and research reports. The intent of the review is to understand the state of water security issues in the agricultural sector in relation to climate variability and climate change, existing agricultural water management practices and identification of gaps in knowledge and practices that need to be addressed in the future. It is found that the basin has huge potential of water resources but it is constrained by high spatiotemporal climate variability which has resulted in very variable water supply for agriculture. The challenge is aggravated by lack of effective and locally relevant agricultural water management practices. The central part of the basin in particular is characterized by very short rainy season and long dry season and thus it is the main hotspot of water security risks to agriculture. Climate change, growing demand for water due to increasing population, and land degradation will exacerbate water security risks on agriculture. Research and development efforts to addressing the challenges have generally been limited in scope and spatial scale, so much remains to be done. This review identifies major gaps that need to be investigated and understood in the future to address water security issues on agriculture in the basin.
“Nothing Is Gonna Change If We Don't Care for Everyone”: A Narrative Inquiry Alongside Urban Indigenous Youth in an Afterschool Physical Activity Wellness Program
Authors: Lewis Brian , Schaefer Lee , Lessard Sean , Koch Jordan
Published: September 2022

In the fall of 2013, the authors received funding to help develop and implement an afterschool wellness program alongside Indigenous youth aged 6–10 years old in the North Central neighborhood of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. The Growing Young Movers (GYM) afterschool program was funded, in part, as a corrective response to a broader social trend in which Indigenous youth in this neighborhood reported declining health and wellness outcomes, as well as multiple other barriers to social inclusion. This article discusses the reflections of three senior high school Indigenous youth (16–18 years old) who participated in the afterschool program as peer-mentors over a 2-year period from 2015 to 2017. Our inquiry reveals how these youth viewed the program—and their role(s) within it—in far more complex, active, and even political terms, than the program's initial framing as a physical activity-based “intervention” had anticipated. Our analysis (re)positions youth according to their own personalized voice and narratives as: cultural leaders, knowledge holders, and as agents of change in their community.
Case report: Atypical and chronic masticatory muscle myositis in a 5-month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Clinical and diagnostic findings, treatment and successful outcome
Authors: Di Tosto Martin , Callegari Carolina , Matiasek Kaspar , Lacava Giuseppe , Salvatore Giovanna , Muñoz Declara Sara , Betti Barbara , Tirrito Federica
Published: September 2022

Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) is the second most common inflammatory myopathy diagnosed in dogs, but it is rarely described in puppies. The disease is characterized by the production of autoantibodies against 2M myofibers contained in masticatory muscle, although the cause of this production is still unclear. The aim of the present case report was to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, treatment, and follow-up of an atypical case of chronic masticatory muscle myositis in a very young dog. A 5-month old Cavalier king Charles Spaniel (CKCS) was presented to the AniCura Istituto Veterinario Novara with a two weeks, progressive history of lethargy and difficulty in food prehension. Neurological examination revealed bilateral masticatory muscle atrophy, mandibular ptosis with the jaw kept open, inability to close the mouth without manual assistance, jaw pain, and bilateral reduction of palpebral reflex and menace reaction; vision was maintained. A myopathy was suspected. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test for 2M antibodies, and histopathological examination of masticatory muscle biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of MMM. Glucocorticoids treatment was started and clinical signs promptly improved. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case describing mandibular ptosis in a dog affected by chronic MMM, successfully managed with medical treatment and the first report describing the CT and MRI findings in a young CKCS affected by MMM.
Composite Sliding Mode Control of High Precision Electromechanical Actuator Considering Friction Nonlinearity
Authors: Fu Bangsheng , Qi Hui , Xu Jiangtao , Yang Ya
Published: September 2022

Friction nonlinearity, which is common in electromechanical actuator (EMA) systems, leads to undesired dynamic responses such as “flat top”, low-speed crawl, which brings challenges to high precision attitude control of flight vehicles. In order to improve the robustness of the actuator control system under friction nonlinearity, and suppress the chattering caused by high gain of sliding mode control (SMC), a composite SMC scheme based on modified extended state observer (MESO) is proposed. Nonlinear MESO is adopted for estimating the nonlinear friction dynamics, unmodeled disturbance, and external real-time load dynamics so as to compensate for their adverse effect. At the same time, in order to improve the robustness of EMA, and reduce the tracking error of the servo system, SMC is adopted to ensure the tracking error convergence in a finite time. The stability of the proposed method is proved, and the effectiveness is verified by simulations.
Aquatic and Semiaquatic Heteroptera (Hemiptera: Insecta) Distribution in Streams on the Cerrado–Amazon Ecotone in Headwaters of Xingu River
Authors: Silva-Costa Iluany , Giehl Nubia França Silva , Pozzobom Ully Mattilde , Carvalho-Soares Anderson André , Oliveira-Junior José Max Barbosa , Cabette Helena Soares Ramos , Dias-Silva Karina
Published: September 2022

The modification of landscapes surrounding water bodies leads to changes in limnological characteristics and decreased aquatic biodiversity, such as fish and macroinvertebrates. Aquatic insects are sensitive to changes in aquatic ecosystems and quickly respond to those changes. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the relationship between the compositions of aquatic and semi-aquatic Heteroptera with environmental variables along an environmental gradient in streams at the headwaters of the Xingu River, Brazil. We collected samples from 12 streams belonging to the Suiá-Miçú river basin and tributaries of the Xingu River, in September (dry season), 2008. The Suiá-Miçú river is one of the tributaries on the right bank of the Xingu River, and it is located in the ecotone between the Cerrado and the Amazon rainforest in the area characterized as the “arc of deforestation’’. Insects were sampled in fixed 100 m transections and divided into 20 segments of 5 meters each. To assess the habitat integrity in each stream, the habitat integrity index (HII) was applied. The following environmental variables were measured: electrical conductivity, turbidity, depth, and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The ordering of species composition was performed with the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and the relationship between environmental variables and composition was performed using a Mantel test. Of the 263 individuals collected, distributed in 8 families, there were 20 genera, of these, 12 were from Nepomorpha and 8 from Gerromorpha. The most abundant genera were Limnocoris (n = 121) and Rhagovelia (n = 32). Naucoridae was the most diverse family. Together, the environmental variables explained ~50% of the species distribution (r = 0.49; p = 0.001). These results reinforce the efficacy of aquatic Heteroptera to monitor environmental conditions. Here, in particular, the responses of this group to variations in landscape metrics, environmental integrity, and water variables together demonstrate that it can be useful to indicate the quality of habitat in streams.
On-Clamp vs. Off-Clamp Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for cT2 Renal Tumors: Retrospective Propensity-Score-Matched Multicenter Outcome Analysis
Authors: Brassetti Aldo , Cacciamani Giovanni E. , Mari Andrea , Garisto Juan D. , Bertolo Riccardo , Sundaram Chandru P. , Derweesh Ithaar , Bindayi Ahmet , Dasgupta Prokar , Porter James , Mottrie Alexander , Schips Luigi , Rah Koon Ho , Chen David Y. T. , Zhang Chao , Jacobsohn Kenneth , Anceschi Umberto , Bove Alfredo M. , Costantini Manuela , Ferriero Mariaconsiglia , Mastroianni Riccardo , Misuraca Leonardo , Tuderti Gabriele , Kutikov Alexander , White Wesley M. , Ryan Stephen T. , Porpiglia Francesco , Kaouk Jihad , Minervini Andrea , Gill Inderbir , Autorino Riccardo , Simone Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

We compared perioperative outcomes after on-clamp versus off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for >7 cm renal masses. A multicenter dataset was queried for patients who had undergone RAPN for a cT2cN0cM0 kidney tumor from July 2007 to February 2022. The Trifecta achievement (negative surgical margins, no severe complications, and ≤ 30% postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction) was considered a surrogate of surgical quality. Overall, 316 cases were included in the analysis, and 58% achieved the Trifecta. A propensity-score-matched analysis generated two cohorts of 89 patients homogeneous for age, ASA score, preoperative eGFR, and RENAL score (all p > 0.21). Compared to the on-clamp approach, OT was significantly shorter in the off-clamp group (80 vs. 190 min; p < 0.001), the incidence of sRFD was lower (22% vs. 40%; p = 0.01), and the Trifecta rate higher (66% vs. 46%; p = 0.01). In a crude analysis, >20 min of hilar clamping was associated with a significantly higher risk of sRFD (OR: 2.30; 95%CI: 1.13–4.64; p = 0.02) and with reduced probabilities of achieving the Trifecta (OR: 0.46; 95%CI: 0.27–0.79; p = 0.004). Purely off-clamp RAPN seems to be a safe and viable option to treat cT2 renal masses and may outperform the on-clamp approach regarding perioperative surgical outcomes.
Impact of SSTR PET on Inter-Observer Variability of Target Delineation of Meningioma and the Possibility of Using Threshold-Based Segmentations in Radiation Oncology
Authors: Kriwanek Florian , Ulbrich Leo , Lechner Wolfgang , Lütgendorf-Caucig Carola , Konrad Stefan , Waldstein Cora , Herrmann Harald , Georg Dietmar , Widder Joachim , Traub-Weidinger Tatjana , Rausch Ivo
Published: September 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of including somatostatin receptor agonist (SSTR) PET imaging in meningioma radiotherapy planning by means of changes in inter-observer variability (IOV). Further, the possibility of using threshold-based delineation approaches for semiautomatic tumor volume definition was assessed. Patients and Methods: Sixteen patients with meningioma undergoing fractionated radiotherapy were delineated by five radiation oncologists. IOV was calculated by comparing each delineation to a consensus delineation, based on the simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE) algorithm. The consensus delineation was used to adapt a threshold-based delineation, based on a maximization of the mean Dice coefficient. To test the threshold-based approach, seven patients with SSTR-positive meningioma were additionally evaluated as a validation group. Results: The average Dice coefficients for delineations based on MRI alone was 0.84 ± 0.12. For delineation based on MRI + PET, a significantly higher dice coefficient of 0.87 ± 0.08 was found (p < 0.001). The Hausdorff distance decreased from 10.96 ± 11.98 mm to 8.83 ± 12.21 mm (p < 0.001) when adding PET for the lesion delineation. The best threshold value for a threshold-based delineation was found to be 14.0% of the SUVmax, with an average Dice coefficient of 0.50 ± 0.19 compared to the consensus delineation. In the validation cohort, a Dice coefficient of 0.56 ± 0.29 and a Hausdorff coefficient of 27.15 ± 21.54 mm were found for the threshold-based approach. Conclusions: SSTR-PET added to standard imaging with CT and MRI reduces the IOV in radiotherapy planning for patients with meningioma. When using a threshold-based approach for PET-based delineation of meningioma, a relatively low threshold of 14.0% of the SUVmax was found to provide the best agreement with a consensus delineation.
Molecular Divergence upon EGFR-TKI Resistance Could Be Dependent on the Exon Location of the Original EGFR-Sensitizing Mutation
Authors: Serna-Blasco Roberto , Sánchez-Herrero Estela , Robado de Lope Lucía , Sanz-Moreno Sandra , Rodríguez-Festa Alejandro , Ares-Trotta Dunixe , Cruz-Bermúdez Alberto , Franco Fabio , Sánchez-Hernández Alfredo , Campayo María de Julián , García-Girón Carlos , Dómine Manuel , Blasco Ana , Sánchez José M. , Oramas Juana , Bosch-Barrera Joaquim , Sala María Á. , Sereno María , Romero Atocha , Provencio Mariano
Published: September 2022

Tumor molecular profiling upon disease progression enables investigations of the tumor evolution. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) of liquid biopsies constitutes a noninvasive readily available source of tumor molecular information. In this study, 124 plasma samples from advanced EGFR-positive NSCLC patients, treated with a first-line EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) were collected upon disease progression. The circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) was sequenced using the Oncomine Pan-Cancer Cell-Free Assay™. Excluding EGFR mutations, the most frequently mutated gene was TP53 (57.3%), followed by APC (11.3%), FGFR3 (7.3%), and KRAS (5.6%). Different molecular alterations were observed upon disease progression depending on the location of the original EGFR-sensitizing mutation. Specifically, the detection of the p.T790M mutation was significantly associated with the presence of exon 19 mutations in EGFR (Fisher p-value: 0.028). All KRAS activating mutations (n = 8) were detected in tumors with EGFR mutations in exons 18 and 21 (Fisher p-value < 0.001). Similarly, mutations in NRAS and HRAS were more frequently detected in samples from tumors harboring mutations in exons 18 or 21 (Fisher p-value: 0.050 and Fisher p-value: 0.099, respectively). In conclusion, our data suggest that the mechanisms underlying EGFR-TKI resistance could be dependent on the exon location of the original EGFR-sensitizing mutation.
Co-Targeting MAP Kinase and Pi3K-Akt-mTOR Pathways in Meningioma: Preclinical Study of Alpelisib and Trametinib
Authors: Mondielli Gregoire , Mougel Gregory , Darriet Florent , Roche Catherine , Querdray Adeline , Lisbonis Christophe , Appay Romain , Dufour Henry , Chinot Olivier , Graillon Thomas , Barlier Anne
Published: September 2022

Recurrent or high-grade meningiomas are an unmet medical need. Recently, we demonstrated that targeting mTOR by everolimus was relevant both in vitro and in humans. However, everolimus induces an AKT activation that may impact the anti-proliferative effect of the drug. Moreover, the MAP kinase pathway was shown to be involved in meningioma tumorigenesis. We therefore targeted both the Pi3k-AKT-mTOR and MAP kinase pathways by using combinations of the Pi3k inhibitor alpelisib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib. Our study was performed in vitro on the human meningioma cell lines and on a large series of primary cultures providing from 63 freshly operated meningiomas including 35 WHO grade 1, 23 grade 2, and five grade 3, half of which presented a NF2 genomic alteration. Alpelisib induced a higher inhibitory effect on cell viability and proliferation than everolimus in all cell lines and 32 randomly selected tumors no matter the genomic status, the histological subtype or grade. Trametinib also strongly inhibited cell proliferation and induced AKT activation. Combined treatment with alpelisib plus trametinib reversed the AKT activation induced by trametinib and induced an additive inhibitory effect irrespective of the cell lines or tumor features. Co-targeting pathways seems promising and may be considered particularly for aggressive meningioma.
Radiomics for the Prediction of Overall Survival in Patients with Bladder Cancer Prior to Radical Cystectomy
Authors: Woźnicki Piotr , Laqua Fabian Christopher , Messmer Katharina , Kunz Wolfgang Gerhard , Stief Christian , Nörenberg Dominik , Schreier Andrea , Wójcik Jan , Ruebenthaler Johannes , Ingrisch Michael , Ricke Jens , Buchner Alexander , Schulz Gerald Bastian , Gresser Eva
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: To evaluate radiomics features as well as a combined model with clinical parameters for predicting overall survival in patients with bladder cancer (BCa). (2) Methods: This retrospective study included 301 BCa patients who received radical cystectomy (RC) and pelvic lymphadenectomy. Radiomics features were extracted from the regions of the primary tumor and pelvic lymph nodes as well as the peritumoral regions in preoperative CT scans. Cross-validation was performed in the training cohort, and a Cox regression model with an elastic net penalty was trained using radiomics features and clinical parameters. The models were evaluated with the time-dependent area under the ROC curve (AUC), Brier score and calibration curves. (3) Results: The median follow-up time was 56 months (95% CI: 48–74 months). In the follow-up period from 1 to 7 years after RC, radiomics models achieved comparable predictive performance to validated clinical parameters with an integrated AUC of 0.771 (95% CI: 0.657–0.869) compared to an integrated AUC of 0.761 (95% CI: 0.617–0.874) for the prediction of overall survival (p = 0.98). A combined clinical and radiomics model stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with significantly different overall survival (p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: Radiomics features based on preoperative CT scans have prognostic value in predicting overall survival before RC. Therefore, radiomics may guide early clinical decision-making.
Characteristics of Dry-Mesic Old-Growth Oak Forests in the Eastern United States
Authors: Spetich Martin A. , Jenkins Michael A. , Shifley Stephen R. , Wittwer Robert F. , Graney David L.
Published: September 2022

Dry-mesic old-growth oak forests are widely distributed remnants across the eastern U.S. and are expected to increase in number and extent as second-growth forests mature. In this study, we synthesize published and unpublished information to better define the species, structure and extent of these forests. Mean site tree density for trees ≥10 cm dbh ranged from 341–620 trees ha−1. In the eastern part of the region, most stand basal areas were >23 m2 ha−1, compared to ≤23 m2 ha−1 in the westernmost stands. Overall, woody species diversity was relatively low compared to old-growth oak forests on moister sites, with tree species per forest ranging from 5–18. The most common species among the stands were white oak (Quercus alba), northern red oak (Quercus rubra), and black oak (Quercus velutina). Shrub and vine species per forest ranged from 1–10, with common species or genera including Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Vaccinium spp., and grapevines (Vitis spp.). Within the southern Appalachian Mountains, rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) and mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia L.) were common. Herbaceous species per stand ranged from 4–51, with the highest richness occurring in a southern Appalachian oak-hickory forest. The maximum within-stand age of the large trees ranged from 170 to over 365 years. The mean density of standing dead trees ≥10 cm dbh ranged from 31–78 ha−1 and the volume of coarse woody debris ≥10 cm in diameter averaged 52 m3 ha−1. We more fully describe the characteristics of these forests and fill gaps in the collective knowledge of this increasingly important forest type. However, over the past 20 years, there has been scant research on these forests, and older research studies have used a variety of research plots and methods. A uniform approach to surveying these sites is needed to gain a better understanding of these forests before we are faced with caring for an increase in old-growth forest areas.
Research Progress in High-Throughput Screening of CO2 Reduction Catalysts
Authors: Wu Qinglin , Pan Meidie , Zhang Shikai , Sun Dongpeng , Yang Yang , Chen Dong , Weitz David A. , Gao Xiang
Published: September 2022

The conversion and utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) have dual significance for reducing carbon emissions and solving energy demand. Catalytic reduction of CO2 is a promising way to convert and utilize CO2. However, high-performance catalysts with excellent catalytic activity, selectivity and stability are currently lacking. High-throughput methods offer an effective way to screen high-performance CO2 reduction catalysts. Here, recent advances in high-throughput screening of electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction are reviewed. First, the mechanism of CO2 reduction reaction by electrocatalysis and potential catalyst candidates are introduced. Second, high-throughput computational methods developed to accelerate catalyst screening are presented, such as density functional theory and machine learning. Then, high-throughput experimental methods are outlined, including experimental design, high-throughput synthesis, in situ characterization and high-throughput testing. Finally, future directions of high-throughput screening of CO2 reduction electrocatalysts are outlooked. This review will be a valuable reference for future research on high-throughput screening of CO2 electrocatalysts.
Analyzing Porpoising on High Downforce Race Cars: Causes and Possible Setup Adjustments to Avoid It
Authors: Gadola Marco , Chindamo Daniel , Magri Paolo , Sandrini Giulia
Published: September 2022

The so-called porpoising is a well-known problem similar to bouncing that is affecting the dynamic behavior of basically all the field of 2022 Formula 1 racing cars. It is due to the extreme sensitivity of aerodynamic loads to ride height variations along a lap. Mid-way through the season race engineers are still struggling to cope with this phenomenon and its consequences, with regard to either physiological stress experienced by the drivers or to overall vehicle performance and stability. The paper introduces two kinds of models based on real-world chassis and aerodynamic data, where the above-mentioned downforce sensitivity has been arbitrarily recreated through the application of a decay function to aero maps. The first one is a quasi-static model, usually adopted as a trackside tool for controlling ride heights and aero balance, while the second, a fully dynamic model, recreates the interaction between oscillating aerodynamic loads and suspension dynamics resulting in a visible porpoising phenomenon. Basic setup changes have been tested, including significant static ride height variations. The paper should be seen as a proposal of guidelines in the search of a trade-off between aerodynamic stability and overall performance, without pretention of quantitative accuracy due to the highly confidential topic, which makes numerical validation impossible.
The New Techniques for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting: Design, Optimization, Applications, and Analysis
Authors: Altabey Wael A. , Kouritem Sallam A.
Published: September 2022

The importance of energy harvesting is considered when harvesting the neglected ambient energy that graduated from different systems and dissipates around us, such as electromagnetic waves, heat, vibration, etc [...]
Analysis of the Influence of Organophosphorus Compounds and of Aluminium and Magnesium Hydroxides on Combustion Properties of Epoxy Materials
Authors: Staszko Sebastian , Półka Marzena , Kozikowski Paweł
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the influence of selected flame retardant additives on heat release rate and thermokinetics properties of epoxy materials made of epoxy resin—Epidian 5. The epoxy resin underwent flame retardant modification with the use of organophosphorus compounds (Roflam F5, Roflam B7) and Al(OH)3, Mg(OH)2. The fire characteristics of the analysed epoxy resin were determined using the cone calorimeter method, and thermal analysis of epoxy resin and the surface morphology of the analysed epoxy materials was with the use of an SEM microscope with an EDS attachment. The lowest value of the heat release rate was recorded for hardened epoxy resin containing one component additive 5% by weight of Mg(OH)2, as well as two component additive 10% by weight of Roflam F5 and 5% by weight of Al(OH)3. Moreover, the initial temperature of thermal decomposition of phase I of the modified epoxy resin samples with Mg(OH)2 (sample 5M) or organophosphorus compounds and Mg(OH)2 (samples 5B + 10M and 5F + 10M) were higher compared to the unmodified epoxy resin for these samples. Considering the surface morphology of the samples with Mg(OH)2, it can be concluded that the additives cause a homogeneous charred layer.
Anti-Disturbance Integrated Position Synchronous Control of a Dual Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor System
Authors: Zhang Xiuyun , Wang Zhiqiang , Liu Tao
Published: September 2022

In order to solve the problem that the position synchronous performance of dual permanent magnet synchronous motor servo system is easily affected by parameter perturbation and load disturbance, an anti-disturbance integrated position synchronous control strategy of dual permanent magnet synchronous motor system is proposed. Firstly, the integral mathematical model of a dual permanent magnet synchronous motor system is established. After that, the third-order linear extended state observer is constructed to observe and compensate for disturbance in order to improve the anti-disturbance performance of the position loop. At the same time, a cross-coupled position synchronous compensator is added to improve the synchronous performance of the system, and through the Bode diagram analysis method in the frequency domain, the system stability and anti-disturbance performance are researched. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by experimental research.
Does Economic Globalisation Harm Climate? New Evidence from European Union
Authors: Vlahinić Lenz Nela , Fajdetić Barbara
Published: September 2022

The issue of globalisation-induced greenhouse gas emissions is an ongoing topic and a major challenge to the EU climate goals of achieving non-zero emissions by 2050. In the light of this ongoing debate on the globalisation–environment nexus, the paper examines the impact of economic globalisation on climate in EU countries over the period 2000–2019 and provide some new empirical evidence. After applying the panel cointegration analysis and the Granger causality test, the dynamic panel analysis is performed for 26 EU countries using the Arellano–Bond estimator. For the policy perspective, the analysed sample of countries is grouped into two subpanels according to their level of development—EU countries with above-average and below-average GDP per capita. After testing the effects of different dimensions of economic globalisation and environmental taxes on GHG emissions, the results revealed the following: (1) Trade globalisation is detrimental to the climate, as trade openness significantly increases emissions in both country groups. Financial globalisation has a weaker impact and increases emissions only in below-average countries, suggesting that FDI inflows could be important for the transfer of green technologies when a country reaches higher development level. (2) Passenger transport reduces GHG emissions in both groups of countries, while FDI are beneficiary for the climate in above-average countries. (3) Environmental taxes as a proxy for environmental policy show statistically significant results, but with different outcomes in the two groups; they have a negative impact on emissions in countries that are below the GDP p/c average, indicating the shortcomings of the tax system in addressing climate change. (4) The total energy consumption increases emissions in both country groups and, thus, harms the climate. Therefore, despite the current unfavourable circumstances, EU countries should continue to expand the green economy, increase energy consumption from renewables, and develop low-carbon technologies that do not depend on imported fossil fuels.
Overview of Inertia Enhancement Methods in DC System
Authors: Wang Feng , Sun Lizheng , Wen Zhang , Zhuo Fang
Published: September 2022

The modern power system is experiencing transformation from the rotational-generation-equipment-dominated system to a power-electronics-converter-dominated system, with the increasing penetration of renewable energy resources such as wind and photovoltaic. The power-electronics-based renewable generation, as well as energy storage system, can lead to the reduction of system inertia. As dc systems such as dc microgrids are attracting more attention, the low-inertia issues will challenge their stability. In this paper, a comprehensive review of inertia-enhancement methods in dc power systems is presented. The concept and significance of the inertia in dc systems is firstly introduced, and then the types of inertia-providing sources in dc systems are discussed. After that, the different virtual inertia control strategies applied in power electronics converters are classified and investigated. These virtual inertia control methods are proven to have a great ability to enhance the inertia of a dc system. The challenges and future research direction are discussed at the end of the article. In this paper, the previous research work on the inertia of dc power systems is summarized in detail, the inertia-enhancement methods of DC systems are comprehensively introduced, and the future research directions are prospected.
Serum IL-1ra Is Associated with but Has No Genetic Link to Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Tran Paul M. H. , Dong Fran , Bin Satter Khaled , Richardson Katherine P. , Patel Roshni , Tran Lynn K. H. , Hopkins Diane , Kolhe Ravindra , Waugh Kathleen , Rewers Marian , Purohit Sharad
Published: September 2022

Interleukin-1 antagonism is a proposed biomarker and potential therapy for the delay and/or treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We evaluated the role of circulating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in a prospectively monitored cohort of T1D patients. In order to determine a mechanistic association between IL-1ra and T1D, we performed co-localization analyses between serum IL-1ra protein quantitative trait loci and T1D genome-wide analysis studies. Adjusting for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes, first degree relative status, gender, and age, serum levels of IL-1ra were lower in subjects who progressed to T1D compared to the controls (p = 0.023). Our results suggest that females have higher levels of IL-1ra compared to males (p = 0.005). The 2q14.1 region associated with serum IL-1ra levels is not associated with a risk of developing T1D. Our data suggest that IL-1 antagonism by IL-1ra is not an effective therapy in T1D, but IL-1ra may be a biomarker for progression to T1D.
Correction: Flepp et al. Temporal Dynamics of Root Reinforcement in European Spruce Forests. Forests 2021, 12, 815
Authors: Flepp Gianluca , Robyr Roger , Scotti Roberto , Giadrossich Filippo , Conedera Marco , Vacchiano Giorgio , Fischer Christoph , Ammann Peter , May Dominik , Schwarz Massimiliano
Published: September 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Are Consumers Interested in Colored Beech Wood and Furniture Products?
Authors: Sedliačiková Mariana , Moresová Mária
Published: September 2022

The beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) is the most represented tree from the deciduous trees in Slovakia. This paper deals with the issue of color tones of steamed beech wood and furniture products made of it. The main objective of this paper was to identify the interest of Slovak consumers in colored beech wood and furniture made of it. An empirical survey was used to map the issue, while the basic set was the population of Slovakia. The representativeness of the sample set was verified through the chi-square test. The results showed that Slovak consumers are highly interested in buying beech wood and products made of it. In addition to the price and quality of the wood raw material, the color of the wood is also an important factor for them. The majority of respondents stated that they were not interested in buying wood and furniture products in the native color of beech wood. On the contrary, Slovaks especially prefer deep brown-red tones of beech wood. The results of the conducted survey are up to date and take into account consumers’ behavior after the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the current economic crisis. This information will help woodworking and furniture enterprises operating in the Slovak business environment to better adapt their offer of products for the end consumers. At the same time, it will help in working efficiently with wood raw material, which is becoming a short commodity from a global point of view.
Spatiotemporal Statistics for Analyzing Climatic Conditions Influencing Lymantria dispar Outbreaks
Authors: Song Jae-Woo , Jung Jae-Min , Nam Young-Woo , Byun Hye-Min , Yoon Sun-Hee , Jung Sung-Hoon , Lee Wang-Hee
Published: September 2022

The spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) is a forest pest that damages a variety of trees in North America and Eurasia. A spongy moth outbreak occurred in part of South Korea in 2020 and caused severe damage to domestic forests and human society. Since the occurrence of spongy moths is influenced by climatic factors, this study examines the causes of spongy moth outbreaks by analyzing the temporal and spatial differences in climatic factors, influencing spongy moth occurrence using specimens collected during field surveys. Climatic factors were identified using global occurrence coordinates to compare the weather characteristics of spongy moth occurrence in domestic regions, using the kernel density function. Spatial and temporal comparisons were performed for monthly weather factors obtained from field surveys in 2020 and 2021 in areas with high and low spongy moth larvae densities. Spongy moth outbreaks may result from particular combinations of variable seasonality in temperature and precipitation, including high temperatures during cold periods and low precipitation during developmental periods.
Perception of Climate Change and Pro-Environmental Behavioral Intentions of Forest Recreation Area Users—A Case of Taiwan
Authors: Chang Min-Yen , Kuo Hung-Yu , Chen Han-Shen
Published: September 2022

This study aims to extend the theory of planned behavior to explore climate change perception, adaptation intention, and behavioral patterns of PEB of tourists in the Xitou Nature Education Area (XNEA) in Taiwan. Furthermore, we analyzed the correlation among various variables using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Data were collected from the close-ended question questionnaires; sample size (n = 626). SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 22.0 for Windows were used as tools for analysis. The results are as follows: the perception of tourists on climate change exerts a significant positive effect on attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control, which, in turn, exerts significant positive effects on climate change adaptation intentions. Furthermore, climate change adaptation intentions exert a significant positive influence on the behavioral patterns of PEB. Finally, political trust exerts a moderating effect on the relationship between subjective norms and climate change adaptation intentions and between perceived behavioral control and climate change adaptation intentions. Our findings indicate that it is necessary to encourage awareness of climate change, and that it is also very important to increase the value of political trust when making environmental policies.
Trade-offs between Risk and Operational Cost in SDN Failure Recovery Plan
Authors: Astaneh Saeed A. , Shah Heydari Shahram , Taghavi Motlagh Sara , Izaddoost Alireza
Published: September 2022

We consider the problem of SDN flow optimization in the presence of a dynamic probabilistic link failures model. We introduce a metric for path risk, which can change dynamically as network conditions and failure probabilities change. As these probabilities change, the end-to-end path survivability probability may drop, i.e., its risk may rise. The main objective is to reroute at-risk end-to-end flows with the minimum number of flow operation so that a fast flow recovery is guaranteed. We provide various formulations for optimizing network risk versus operational costs and examine the trade-offs in flow recovery and the connections between operational cost, path risk, and path survival probability. We present our suboptimal dynamic flow restoration methods and evaluate their effectiveness against the Lagrangian relaxation approach. Our results show a significant improvement in operational cost against a shortest-path approach.