bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partial Power Processing and Efficiency Analysis of dc-dc Differential Converters
Authors: de Andrade Jéssika Melo , Coelho Roberto Francisco , Lazzarin Telles Brunelli
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a partial power processing and an efficiency analysis of dc-dc differential converters based on the use of two basic converters of the same group: the positive or negative group. The paper contributes theoretical analysis and demonstrates that the differential converters based on the positive group process has more power than the load requires, and that the differential converters based on the negative group process has less power than the load needs. This is an important advantage of the negative group converters, since a parcel of the output power is directly transferred by the input source to the load, resulting in partial power processing. In order to verify the theoretical analysis herein developed, ten prototypes are evaluated considering an input voltage of 20 V and output power of 100 W.
Thermal Investigations of Hemispherical Shell Vapor Chamber Heat Sink
Authors: Ahn Jae-Hyun , Rhi Seok-Ho , Lee Ji-Su , Kim Ki-Bum
Published: February 2022

In the current study, a hemispherical shell vapor chamber (HSVC) was proposed and manufactured. A unique system of the HSVC consists of a very short evaporator space and a large condenser area with an inner and outer surface. The HSVC has a bottom surface that can be easily attached to the heat source and its radius varies from 0.045 m (near the bottom surface) to 0.078 m at the top with a curved side. An entirely new design of the integrated section of the large condenser with the evaporator section was verified using a new but simple concept. The current hemispherical shell vapor chamber (HSVC) was made from stainless steel. The current HSVC was specified with an outer/inner diameter of 78/70 mm at the top, a depth of 47 mm in the inner surface area, a total height of 60 mm, 30 mm at the bottom of the inner center, and a diameter of 45 mm on the surface of the outer bottom area. Three different models were manufactured and tested to verify which HSVC reached a high thermal performance. The effects of various operation parameters such as the filled volume ratio, heat load, coolant flow velocity, orientation, and so forth, were investigated experimentally. The experimental results showed that the optimum charge amount in terms of temperature difference is 20–30% of the charging ratio, and the condenser area has a direct effect on the thermal performance. Moreover, a one-dimensional thermal resistance model was tested to predict and simulate the thermal performance of the current system associated with various empirical correlations. Furthermore, the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model can simulate a lot of detailed flow behavior inside the HSVC. Both simulation methods can predict the thermal performance of the HSVC, and they can help to design the system with a focus on the optimum configuration of the design target for any application.
Water Use Characteristics of Populus euphratica Oliv. and Tamarix chinensis Lour. at Different Growth Stages in a Desert Oasis
Authors: Wan Yanbo , Shi Qingdong , Dai Yue , Marhaba Nijat , Peng Liping , Peng Lei , Shi Haobo
Published: February 2022

Understanding the water use characteristics of vegetation is crucial for guiding the rational allocation of water resources and the restoration of sustainable vegetation in natural oases in arid desert areas. To analyze the water use characteristics of Populus euphratica Oliv. and Tamarix chinensis Lour. at different stages of growth in the Daliyabuyi natural pristine oasis in northwestern China, the δ18O values of plant xylem of 15 sample trees with different sizes per species, potential water sources (i.e., river water, soil water, and groundwater), and the δ13C values of plant leaves of sample trees were measured in August 2019 and June 2020. The results show that the δ18O values of the xylem water of P. euphratica at different growth stages were similar, but water uptake proportions from deep soil water changed in P. euphratica trees at different growth stages between years with (2019) and without (2020) river water. In contrast, the main water source of young T. chinensis shrubs was deep soil water, and those of mature and overmature shrubs were deep soil water and groundwater in 2020. However, the plant leaf water use efficiency (WUE) of the P. euphratica and T. chinensis were higher without river water. Overall, the water uptake proportion from groundwater and the WUE for T. chinensis were higher than those for P. euphratica, and thus, T. chinensis was more dependent on groundwater. This means that vegetation types and growth stages are the essential factors to be considered in ecological restoration management, which can enhance the effectiveness of vegetation restoration strategies.
Buckwheat Milling Waste Effects on Root Morphology and Mycorrhization of Silver Fir Seedlings Inoculated with Black Summer Truffle (Tuber aestivum Vittad.)
Authors: Nahberger Tina Unuk , Grebenc Tine , Žlindra Daniel , Mrak Tanja , Likar Matevž , Kraigher Hojka , Luthar Zlata
Published: February 2022

Large amounts of buckwheat waste are generated annually by the industry and are used in several different ways. To date, there has been little research regarding its suitability as a medium for growing seedlings in nurseries. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the suitability of common and Tartary buckwheat wastes (brans and husks) as media used for raising seedlings. A pot experiment with five different treatments was carried out, in which silver fir root parameters were analyzed and compared 6 and 12 months after summer truffle-spore inoculation. A significantly higher concentration of the antioxidant rutin was confirmed in Tartary buckwheat bran compared to other buckwheat waste used. We also confirmed a significantly positive effect of added Tartary buckwheat husks on specific root length, root tip density, and specific root tip density compared to added common buckwheat husks or Tartary buckwheat bran, for which a significantly negative effect on branching density was confirmed. A significantly negative effect of added buckwheat husks and Tartary buckwheat bran was confirmed for summer truffle mycorrhization level.
Levels of Salt Reduction in Bread, Acceptability and Purchase Intention by Urban Mozambican Consumers
Authors: Jessen Neusa , Damasceno Albertino , Padrão Patrícia , Lunet Nuno
Published: February 2022

Excess sodium (Na) consumption is implicated in several health problems, particularly hypertension, and bread is an important dietary source. We aimed to analyze perception of salt, acceptability, and purchase intention of low-salt and unsalted white bread by consumers in Mozambique. Sensory evaluation was performed using a triangular test (N = 42) to perceive if differences in saltiness were detected when comparing low-salt and unsalted with salt-reduced white bread. Nine-point hedonic and five-point purchase intention scales were used to measure acceptability and purchase intention, respectively (N = 120). Difference in saltiness was not detected when fresh white bread with 282 mg Na/100 g vs. 231 mg Na/100 g and 279 mg Na/100 g vs. 123 mg Na/100 g were compared. Difference in saltiness was not detected when comparing unsalted vs. 64 mg Na/100 g, while differences were detected when unsalted vs. 105 mg Na/100 g and unsalted vs. 277 mg Na/100 g were compared. Overall acceptability and purchase intention were not affected by reductions of Na in bread. A reduction of up to more than 50% of Na was not perceived and a small level of Na was not distinguished from unsalted bread. Consumers were shown to accept and be willing to buy both unsalted and salt-reduced bread, suggesting that Na can be reduced from current levels.
Exploring the Future of Edible Insects in Europe
Authors: Mancini Simone , Sogari Giovanni , Espinosa Diaz Salomon , Menozzi Davide , Paci Gisella , Moruzzo Roberta
Published: February 2022

The effects of population increase and food production on the environment have prompted various international organizations to focus on the future potential for more environmentally friendly and alternative protein products. One of those alternatives might be edible insects. Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects by humans, is common in some places but has traditionally been shunned in others, such as European countries. The last decade has seen a growing interest from the public and private sectors to the research in the sphere of edible insects, as well as significant steps forward from the legislative perspective. In the EU, edible insects are considered novel foods, therefore a specific request and procedure must be followed to place them in the market; in fact, until now, four requests regarding insects as a novel food have been approved. Insects could also be used as feed for livestock, helping to increase food production without burdening the environment (indirect entomophagy). Market perspectives for the middle of this decade indicate that most of the demand will be from the feed sector (as pet food or livestock feed production). Undoubtedly, this sector is gaining momentum and its potential relies not only in food, but also in feed in the context of a circular economy.
Microbial Ecology of Sheep Milk, Artisanal Feta, and Kefalograviera Cheeses. Part II: Technological, Safety, and Probiotic Attributes of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolates
Authors: Tsigkrimani Markella , Panagiotarea Konstantina , Paramithiotis Spiros , Bosnea Loulouda , Pappa Eleni , Drosinos Eleftherios H. , Skandamis Panagiotis N. , Mataragas Marios
Published: February 2022

The aim of the present study was to examine 189 LAB strains belonging to the species Enterococcus faecium, E. faecalis, Lactococcus lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Latilactobacillus curvatus, Lp. plantarum, Levilactobacillus brevis, and Weissella paramesenteroides isolated form sheep milk, Feta and Kefalograviera cheeses at different ripening stages, for their technological compatibility with dairy products manufacturing, their activities that may compromise safety of the dairy products as well as their capacity to survive in the human gastrointestinal tract. For that purpose, milk acidification and coagulation capacity, caseinolytic, lipolytic, hemolytic, gelatinolytic, and bile salt hydrolase activity, production of exopolysaccharides, antimicrobial compounds, and biogenic amines, as well as acid and bile salt tolerance and antibiotic susceptibility were examined. The faster acidifying strains were Lc. lactis DRD 2658 and P. pentosaceus DRD 2657 that reduced the pH value of skim milk, within 6 h to 5.97 and 5.92, respectively. Strains able to perform weak caseinolysis were detected in all species assessed. On the contrary, lipolytic activity, production of exopolysaccharides, amino acid decarboxylation, hemolytic, gelatinase, and bile salt hydrolase activity were not detected. Variable susceptibility to the antibiotics examined was detected among LAB strains. However, in the majority of the cases, resistance was evident. None of the strains assessed, managed to survive to exposure at pH value 1. On the contrary, 25.9 and 88.9% of the strains survived after exposure at pH values 2 and 3, respectively; the reduction of the population was larger in the first case. The strains survived well after exposure to bile salts. The strain-dependent character of the properties examined was verified. Many strains, belonging to different species, have presented very interesting properties; however, further examination is needed before their potential use as starter or adjunct cultures.
Functionality of Cordia and Ziziphus Gums with Respect to the Dough Properties and Baking Performance of Stored Pan Bread and Sponge Cakes
Authors: Alamri Mohamed Saleh , Mohamed Abdellatif A. , Hussain Shahzad , Ibraheem Mohamed A. , Qasem Akram A. Abdo , Shamlan Ghalia , Hakeem Mohammed Jamal , Ababtain Ibrahim A.
Published: February 2022

The functionality of hydrocolloids of different origins, gum Cordia (GC), and gum ziziphus (GZ) on pan bread and sponge cake quality and their potential use in retarding the staling process have been studied. The effects of the gums were determined by assessing the pasting qualities of wheat flour slurry, dough properties, and the finished product. After 24 and 96 h of storage, investigations were conducted on the finished product. Micro-doughLab was used to assess dough mixing qualities, and a texture profile analysis (TPA) test was used to assess the texture. A hedonic sensory test of texture, scent, taste, color, and general approval was also conducted. The type of gum used had a significant impact on the physical properties of the bread and cake and their evolution through time. Reduced amylose retrogradation was demonstrated by the lower peak viscosity and substantially lower setback of wheat flour gels, which corresponded to lower gel hardness. Gums were superior at increasing the bread loaf volume, especially GZ, although gums had the opposite effect on cake volume. After both storage periods, the hardness of the bread and cake was much lower than that of the control. Except when 2% GC was used, adding GC and GZ gums to bread and cake invariably increased the overall acceptability of the product. In terms of shelf-life, GZ was able to retain all texture parameters, volume, and general acceptability close to the control after storage.
Reclaim and Valorization of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) By-Product: Antioxidant Activity and Chemical Characterization
Authors: Luntraru Cristina Mihaela , Apostol Livia , Oprea Oana Bianca , Neagu Mihaela , Popescu Adriana Florina , Tomescu Justinian Andrei , Mulțescu Mihaela , Susman Iulia Elena , Gaceu Liviu
Published: February 2022

The by-product resulting from the production of the sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) juice may be a functional food ingredient, being a valuable source of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, minerals, and fatty acids. For checking this hypothesis, two extracts were obtained by two different methods using 50% ethyl alcohol solvent, namely through maceration–recirculation (E-SBM) and through ultrasound extraction (E-SBUS), followed by concentration. Next, sea-buckthorn waste (SB sample), extracts (E-SBM and E-SBUS samples) and the residues obtained from the extractions (R-SBM and R-SBUS samples) were characterized for the total polyphenols, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, mineral contents, and fatty acids profile. The results show that polyphenols and flavonoids were extracted better by the ultrasound process than the other methods. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the E-SBUS sample was 91% higher (expressed in Trolox equivalents) and approximately 45% higher (expressed in Fe2+ equivalents) than that of the E-SBM sample. Regarding the extraction of minerals, it was found that both concentrated extracts had almost 25% of the RDI value of K and Mg, and also that the content of Zn, Mn, and Fe is significant. Additionally, it was found that the residues (R-SBM and R-SBUS) contain important quantities of Zn, Cu, Mn, Ca, and Fe. The general conclusion is that using the ultrasound extraction method, followed by a process of concentrating the extract, a superior recovery of sea-buckthorn by-product resulting from the juice extraction can be achieved.
Chitosan@Carboxymethylcellulose/CuO-Co2O3 Nanoadsorbent as a Super Catalyst for the Removal of Water Pollutants
Authors: Maslamani Nujud , Bakhsh Esraa M. , Khan Sher Bahadar , Danish Ekram Y. , Akhtar Kalsoom , Fagieh Taghreed M. , Su Xintai , Asiri Abdullah M.
Published: February 2022

In this work, an efficient nanocatalyst was developed based on nanoadsorbent beads. Herein, carboxymethyl cellulose–copper oxide-cobalt oxide nanocomposite beads (CMC/CuO-Co2O3) crosslinked by using AlCl3 were successfully prepared. The beads were then coated with chitosan (Cs), Cs@CMC/CuO-Co2O3. The prepared beads, CMC/CuO-Co2O3 and Cs@CMC/CuO-Co2O3, were utilized as adsorbents for heavy metal ions (Ni, Fe, Ag and Zn). By using CMC/CuO-Co2O3 and Cs@CMC/CuO-Co2O3, the distribution coefficients (Kd) for Ni, Fe, Ag and Zn were (41.166 and 6173.6 mLg−1), (136.3 and 1500 mLg−1), (20,739.1 and 1941.1 mLg−1) and (86.9 and 2333.3 mLg−1), respectively. Thus, Ni was highly adsorbed by Cs@CMC/CuO-Co2O3 beads. The metal ion adsorbed on the beads were converted into nanoparticles by treating with reducing agent (NaBH4) and named Ni/Cs@CMC/CuO-Co2O3. Further, the prepared nanoparticles-decorated beads (Ni/Cs@CMC/CuO-Co2O3) were utilized as nanocatalysts for the reduction of organic and inorganic pollutants (4-nitophenol, MO, EY dyes and potassium ferricyanide K3[Fe(CN)6]) in the presence of NaBH4. Among all catalysts, Ni/Cs@CMC/CuO-Co2O3 had the highest catalytic activity toward MO, EY and K3[Fe(CN)6], removing up to 98% in 2.0 min, 90 % in 6.0 min and 91% in 6.0 min, respectively. The reduction rate constants of MO, EY, 4-NP and K3[Fe(CN)6] were 1.06 × 10−1, 4.58 × 10−3, 4.26 × 10−3 and 5.1 × 10−3 s−1, respectively. Additionally, the catalytic activity of the Ni/Cs@CMC/CuO-Co2O3 beads was effectively optimized. The stability and recyclability of the beads were tested up to five times for the catalytic reduction of MO, EY and K3[Fe(CN)6]. It was confirmed that the designed nanocomposite beads are ecofriendly and efficient with high strength and stability as catalysts for the reduction of organic and inorganic pollutants.
Republican Reimaginings in Marlowe’s Edward II
Authors: Ivic Christopher
Published: February 2022

This essay explores the intersection of republican and nationalist ideas in Marlowe’s Elizabethan history play Edward II. I read the play less in terms of recent dominant readings: that is, focussing on the same-sex relation between King Edward and his ‘minion’ Gaveston. Instead, I focus on the play’s critique of Edward’s authoritarian and arbitrary rule, a critique of monarchy informed by proto-republican ideology and a nascent nationalism. This essay also considers the play’s archipelagic angles within the context of the play’s initial inscription—Queen Elizabeth’s two-kingdom, three-nation rule—as well as its Jacobean publications.
The Influence of Social Determinants of Health on the Provision of Postpartum Contraceptives in Medicaid
Authors: Nsiah Irene , Mali Nidhi Vij , Barnard Marie , Goswami Swarnali , Lyle Christy , Ramachandran Sujith
Published: February 2022

Disparities continue to exist in the timely provision of postpartum contraception. This study aimed to identify prevalence and factors associated with postpartum contraception provision among women enrolled in Medicaid. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the 2014 National Medicaid data, linked to county-level social vulnerability index (SVI) data. Women aged 15–44 with a live birth in 2014 were included. Multivariable logistic regression was used to predict 3-day provision of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and 60-day provision of most effective or moderately effective contraceptives (MMEC). Overall, 3-day LARC provision was 0.2% while 60-day MMEC was 36.3%. Significantly lower odds of receiving MMEC was found among women aged 15–20 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.87; 95% CI:0.86–0.89) compared to women 20–44 years as well as among Asian women (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI:0.66–0.72) and Hispanic women (aOR = 0.73; 95% CI:0.72–0.75) compared to White women. The provision of postpartum contraception remains low, generally, and needs attention in communities experiencing poor maternal outcomes.
Elevated Risk of Chronic Respiratory Conditions within 60 Days of COVID-19 Hospitalization in Veterans
Authors: Park Catherine , Razjouyan Javad , Hanania Nicola A. , Helmer Drew A. , Naik Aanand D. , Lynch Kristine E. , Amos Christopher I. , Sharafkhaneh Amir
Published: February 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection prominently affects the respiratory system, and patients hospitalized with COVID-19 are at an increased risk of developing respiratory conditions. We examined the risk of new respiratory conditions of COVID-19 among hospitalized patients in the national Veterans Health Administration between 15 February 2020 and 16 June 2021. The study cohort included all COVID-19-tested, hospitalized individuals who survived the index admission and did not have any previously diagnosed chronic respiratory conditions (asthma, bronchitis, chronic lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or venous thromboembolism) before SARS-CoV-2 testing. Of 373,048 patients hospitalized after SARS-CoV-2 testing, 18,686 positive and 37,372 negative patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were matched by age, sex, and race using propensity score matching. The results showed that the SARS-CoV-2 positive group had a greater risk of developing asthma (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.37), bronchitis (aOR = 2.81), chronic lung disease (aOR = 2.14), COPD (aOR = 1.56), emphysema (aOR = 1.52), and venous thromboembolism (aOR = 1.92) within 60 days after the index COVID date of testing. These findings could inform that the clinical care team considers a risk of new respiratory conditions and address these conditions in the post-hospitalization management of the patient, which could potentially lead to reduce the risk of complications and optimize recovery.
Recycling Cigarette Filters as Plant Growing Substrate in Soilless System
Authors: Mariotti Lorenzo , Huarancca Reyes Thais , Curadi Maurizio , Guglielminetti Lorenzo
Published: February 2022

Two massive wastes are cigarette butts (CB) and stone wool (SW), both representing a threat to the environment. Although the cellulose acetate filters (CAF) in CB are long-term degradable, SW soilless substrates are not. Here, a soilless substrate for growing ornamental plants was manufactured with CAF and compared to commercial SW substrate. CB treatment consisted of a washing in boiling water with a dramatic reduction of pollutants in CAF. Then, cleaned filters were separated, dried, carded to fibers, and subsequently compacted into plugs. The trace pollutants in recycled CAF substrate did not negatively affect the germination of Spartium junceum L. and Lavandula angustifolia Miller seeds as well as the root development of Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia rosmarinus Schleid. stem cuttings. Plants grown in recycled CAF showed a differential species-dependent change of pigments in comparison with those in SW, without compromising their photosynthesis performance. Overall, the results demonstrated that these plants can be well established and grow in recycled CAF, as comparable to SW substrate. This study highlights a novel and promising solution in CAF recycling by turning this litter into an efficient soilless substrate for growing ornamental plants, thus limiting the use of SW and indirectly decreasing its industrial waste flow.
Hydrogen Gas Inhalation Prevents Erythrocyte Aggregation and Promotes Leukocyte Phagocytosis Together with Increases in Serum Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Takada Yuki , Miwa Nobuhiko
Published: February 2022

Hydrogen gas inhalation has not yet been elucidated to improve blood behaviors or antioxidant activity in blood. In the present study, the PEM (proton-exchange-membrane)-/platinum-plated electrode-equipped electrolyzer was examined as a hydrogen gas inhaler, which was estimated to supply 3% hydrogen as rapidly as post-operating 10–15 min, together with continuous 30 min retention of 20.8% oxygen being nearly equal to atmospheric oxygen contents. The 40 min inhalation of 3% hydrogen gas and thereafter 60 min rest were shown to enhance the antioxidant ability in human serum, as evaluated by ORAC (oxygen radical absorbing capacity)-based fluorometry, although scarcely enhanced for air dummy inhalation. Unexpectedly, antioxidant ability was 2.50-fold more enhanced for post-inhalational 0–60 min rest than during 40 min inhalation. Oxidative stress-suffering erythrocytes formed a rosary-chain-like aggregation composed of 3–6 cells, together with loss of a single hollow/biconcave-discoid structure in the cell central-part being necessary for erythrocyte passing through capillary vessels, both of which were prevented by 3% hydrogen gas inhalation. Hydrogen gas inhalation increased the intracellular foreign bodies, being distinguished from vacuole/cyst, in leucocytes, suggesting the hydrogen-activated leukocyte phagocytosis-associated events. Thus, 3%-hydrogen gas inhalation is suggested to potentially improve both the erythrocyte rheological/morphologic behaviors and the leucocyte phagocytosis-associated activity, concurrently with the enhanced antioxidant ability in blood.
Exploring Mental Health Presentations in Remote Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia Using an Audit and File Reviews
Authors: Carlin Emma , Cox Zaccariah , Orazi Kristen , Derry Kate L. , Dudgeon Pat
Published: February 2022

The study aims to explore the role of mental health care in remote Aboriginal health services in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and provide a more nuanced understanding of the patients presenting for care, their needs, and the clinical response. Little is currently known about primary health care presentations for mental health, suicide, and self-harm for remote dwelling Aboriginal residents of the Kimberley region, despite high rates of psychological distress, self-harm, and suicide across the area. This study was progressed through a retrospective, cross-sectional audit of the electronic medical records system used by three remote clinics to explore the interactions recorded by the clinics about a patient’s mental health. In addition, an in-depth file review was conducted on a stratified purposive sample of 30 patients identified through the audit. Mental ill-health and psychological distress were found to be prominent within clinical presentations. Psychosocial factors were frequently identified in relation to a patient’s mental health presentation. Optimizing patients’ recovery and wellness through service improvements, including an enhanced mental health model of care, is an important next step.
Implementation of Sequence-Based Classification Methods for Motion Assessment and Recognition in a Traditional Chinese Sport (Baduanjin)
Authors: Li Hai , Khoo Selina , Yap Hwa Jen
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to assess the motion accuracy of Baduanjin and recognise the motions of Baduanjin based on sequence-based methods. Motion data of Baduanjin were measured by the inertial sensor measurement system (IMU). Fifty-four participants were recruited to capture motion data. Based on the motion data, various sequence-based methods, namely dynamic time warping (DTW) combined with classifiers, hidden Markov model (HMM), and recurrent neural networks (RNNs), were applied to assess motion accuracy and recognise the motions of Baduanjin. To assess motion accuracy, the scores for motion accuracies from teachers were used as the standard to train the models on the different sequence-based methods. The effectiveness of Baduanjin motion recognition with different sequence-based methods was verified. Among the methods, DTW + k-NN had the highest average accuracy (83.03%) and shortest average processing time (3.810 s) during assessing. In terms of motion reorganisation, three methods (DTW + k-NN, DTW + SVM, and HMM) had the highest accuracies (over 99%), which were not significantly different from each other. However, the processing time of DTW + k-NN was the shortest (3.823 s) compared to the other two methods. The results show that the motions of Baduanjin could be recognised, and the accuracy can be assessed through an appropriate sequence-based method with the motion data captured by IMU.
Promising Occupational Safety, Health, and Well-Being Approaches to Explore the Future of Work in the USA: An Editorial
Authors: Tamers Sara L. , Streit Jessica M. K. , Chosewood Casey
Published: February 2022

The future of work continues to undergo profound and fundamental changes in response to shifting social, technological, economic, environmental, and political contexts [...]
Application of Pattern Mining Methods to Assess Exposures to Multiple Airborne Chemical Agents in Two Large Occupational Exposure Databases from France
Authors: Sauvé Jean-François , Emili Andrea , Mater Gautier
Published: February 2022

Surveys of the French working population estimate that approximately 15% of all workers may be exposed to at least three different chemical agents, but the most prevalent coexposure situations and their associated health risks remain relatively understudied. To characterize occupational coexposure situations in France, we extracted personal measurement data from COLCHIC and SCOLA, two large administrative occupation exposure databases. We selected 118 chemical agents that had ≥100 measurements with detected concentrations over the period 2010–2019, including 31 carcinogens (IARC groups 1, 2A, and 2B). We grouped measurements by work situations (WS, combination of sector, occupation, task, and year). We characterized the mixtures across WS using frequent itemset mining and association rules mining. The 275,213 measurements extracted came from 32,670 WS and encompassing 4692 unique mixtures. Workers in 32% of all WS were exposed to ≥2 agents (median 3 agents/WS) and 13% of all WS contained ≥2 carcinogens (median 2 carcinogens/WS). The most frequent coexposures were ethylbenzene-xylene (1550 WS), quartz-cristobalite (1417 WS), and toluene-xylene (1305 WS). Prevalent combinations of carcinogens also included hexavalent chromium-lead (368 WS) and benzene-ethylbenzene (314 WS). Wood dust (6% of WS exposed to at least one other agent) and asbestos (8%) had the least amount of WS coexposed with other agents. Tasks with the highest proportions of coexposure to carcinogens include electric arc welding (37% of WS with coexposure), polymerization and distillation (34%), and construction drilling and excavating (34%). Overall, the coexposure to multiple chemical agents, including carcinogens, was highly prevalent in the databases, and should be taken into account when assessing exposure risks in the workplace.
Changes in Access to Health Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pujolar Georgina , Oliver-Anglès Aida , Vargas Ingrid , Vázquez María-Luisa
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures adopted are having a profound impact on a major goal of public healthcare systems: universal access to health services. The objective is to synthesize the available knowledge on access to health care for non-COVID-19 conditions and to identify knowledge gaps. A scoping review was conducted searching different databases (Medline, Google Scholar, etc.) for original articles published between December 2019 and September 2021. A total of 53 articles were selected and analyzed using the Aday and Andersen framework as a guide. Of these, 37 analyzed changes in levels of use of health services, 15 focused on the influencing factors and barriers to access, and 1 studied both aspects. Most focused on specific diseases and the early stages of the pandemic, based on a review of records. Analyses of the impact on primary care services’ use, unmet needs or inequalities in access were scarce. A generalized reduction in the use of health services was described. The most frequent access barrier described for non-COVID-19 conditions related to the services was a lack of resources, while barriers related to the population were predisposing (fear of contagion, stigma, or anticipating barriers) and enabling characteristics (worse socioeconomic status and an increase in technological barriers). In conclusion, our results show a general reduction in services’ use in the early stages of the pandemic, as well as new barriers to access and the exacerbation of existing ones. In view of these results, more studies are required on the subsequent stages of the pandemic, to shed more light on the factors that have influenced access and the pandemic’s impact on equity of access.
An Epidemiologic Analysis of Associations between County-Level Per Capita Income, Unemployment Rate, and COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in the United States
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Kaniuka Andrea R. , Gao Jingjing , Sims Omar T.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to examine associations between per capita income, unemployment rates, and COVID-19 vaccination rates at the county-level across the United States (U.S.), as well as to identify the interaction effects between county-level per capita income, unemployment rates, and racial/ethnic composition on COVID-19 vaccination rates. All counties in the U.S. that reported COVID-19 vaccination rates from January 2021 to July 2021 were included in this longitudinal study (n = 2857). Pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) with fixed-effects were employed to longitudinally examine economic impacts on racial/ethnic disparities on county-level COVID-19 vaccination rates. County-level per capita income and county-level unemployment rates were both positively associated with county-level COVID-19 vaccination rates across the U.S. However, the associations were divergent in the context of race/ethnicity. Public health efforts to bolster COVID-19 vaccination rates are encouraged to consider economic factors that are associated with decreases in COVID-19 vaccination rates.
222Rn and 226Ra Concentrations in Spring Water and Their Dose Assessment Due to Ingestion Intake
Authors: Yamada Ryohei , Hosoda Masahiro , Tabe Tomomi , Tamakuma Yuki , Suzuki Takahito , Kelleher Kevin , Tsujiguchi Takakiyo , Tateyama Yoshiki , Nugraha Eka Djatnika , Okano Anna , Narumi Yuki , Kranrod Chutima , Tazoe Hirofumi , Iwaoka Kazuki , Yasuoka Yumi , Akata Naofumi , Sanada Tetsuya , Tokonami Shinji
Published: February 2022

222Rn and 226Ra concentrations of less than a few to several thousands of Bq L−1 have been observed in several underground bodies of water around the world. Although regulations for these concentrations in water have been implemented internationally, there are currently no regulations in place in Japan. However, concentrations that exceed these internationally recognized regulatory values have also been observed in Japan. In this study, concentrations in spring water in the northern part of Japan were measured and the effective dose from intake of the water was evaluated. 222Rn concentrations were measured using a liquid scintillation counter, and 226Ra concentrations were measured using a high purity germanium detector after chemical preparation. The measured 222Rn concentrations (=12.7 ± 6.1 Bq L−1) and 226Ra concentrations (<0.019–0.022 Bq L−1) did not exceed the reference values set by international and European/American organizations. A conservative estimate of the annual effective ingestion dose of 8 μSv for 222Rn and 226Ra obtained in this study is much smaller than the estimated overall annual effective dose of 2.2 mSv from natural radiation to the Japanese population. However, this dosage accounts for 8% of the WHO individual dosing criteria of 0.1 mSv/year for drinking water.
Associations between Dietary Patterns and Malnutrition, Low Muscle Mass and Sarcopenia in Adults with Cancer: A Scoping Review
Authors: Curtis Annie R. , Livingstone Katherine M. , Daly Robin M. , Marchese Laura E. , Kiss Nicole
Published: February 2022

Dietary patterns examine the combinations, types and quantities of foods consumed in the diet. Compared to individual nutrients, dietary patterns may be better associated with cancer-related malnutrition, low muscle mass and sarcopenia. This scoping review identified associations between dietary patterns, assessed using data-driven methods (i.e., statistical methods used to derive existing dietary patterns) and hypothesis-orientated methods (i.e., adherence to diet quality indices), and malnutrition, low muscle (lean) mass and sarcopenia. MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases were searched up to September 2021. Of the 3341 studies identified, seven studies were eligible for review. Study designs included experimental (n = 5) and observational (n = 2), and people with prostate, ovarian and endometrial, bladder, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers. One study used data-driven methods to derive dietary patterns, finding adherence to a ‘fat and fish’ diet was associated with lower odds of low muscle mass. Two studies examined adherence to hypothesis-orientated methods including the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener and Healthy Eating Index 2010 and four studies used ‘non-traditional’ approaches to analyse dietary patterns. Hypothesis-orientated dietary patterns, developed to improve general health and prevent chronic disease, and ‘non-traditional’ dietary patterns demonstrated inconsistent effects on muscle (lean) mass. All studies investigated muscle (lean) mass, omitting malnutrition and sarcopenia as cancer-related outcomes. This scoping review highlights the limited research examining the effect of dietary patterns on cancer-related outcomes.
Nightmares’ Pattern and Predictors among a Saudi University Students during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alghamdi Amal A. , Alafif Nora O. , BaHammam Ahmed S. , Almuammar May , Alharbi Najd S. , Alhefdhi Nouf A. , Al-Musharaf Sara , Al Ghamdi Kholoud S. , AlYousif Ghada F. , Al Muhanna Norah F.
Published: February 2022

Purpose: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic quarantine, university students were under various types of stressors, including the exams period, which might have affected their quality and quantity of sleep, and consequently, their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the pattern and predictors of nightmares among university students and coinvestigate the presence of other types of sleep disturbances, mental disorders, and quarantine-related stressors. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 368 university students who answered a self-completed questionnaire covering their sociodemographic features, nightmare indicators, and associated quarantine stressors. Additionally, sleep disturbances were measured using the Generalized Sleep Disturbance Scale (GSDS), anxiety using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2 scale, and depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2. Results: The participants’ mean age was 20.4 ± 1.6 years, and male participants represented 35.9% of the sample. Nightmares were experienced by 117 (31.8%) of the participants, of whom 44.4% had new-onset nightmares. The mean GSDS was 45.0 ± 14.9 (min. = 12, max. = 130). This value is associated with elevated odds of the following outcomes: the presence of nightmares (odds ratio [OR] = 1.8; confidence interval [CI] 95% = 1.1–3.0); new-onset nightmares at the time of pandemic (OR = 2.6; CI 95% = 1.3–5.5); and anxiety (OR = 1.74; CI 95% = 1.0–2.9). The presence of nightmares elevated the score of GSDS by 11.3 points (S.E. = 1.6, p < 0.001), elevated the odds of anxiety by 4.1 (CI 95% = 2.5–6.8), and depression by 2.1 (CI 95% = 1.3–3.4). Conclusions: Stressors resulting from both the exams period and the fact that it was conducted during COVID-19 quarantine increased the rate and affected the pattern of nightmares. These stressors also led to other sleep disturbances and mental disorders that were significantly more prevalent among females.
Temporal and Spatial Dynamics of EEG Features in Female College Students with Subclinical Depression
Authors: Zhao Shanguang , Ng Siew-Cheok , Khoo Selina , Chi Aiping
Published: February 2022

Synchronization of the dynamic processes in structural networks connect the brain across a wide range of temporal and spatial scales, creating a dynamic and complex functional network. Microstate and omega complexity are two reference-free electroencephalography (EEG) measures that can represent the temporal and spatial complexities of EEG data. Few studies have focused on potential brain spatiotemporal dynamics in the early stages of depression to use as an early screening feature for depression. Thus, this study aimed to explore large-scale brain network dynamics of individuals both with and without subclinical depression, from the perspective of temporal and spatial dimensions and to input them as features into a machine learning framework for the automatic diagnosis of early-stage depression. To achieve this, spatio–temporal dynamics of rest-state EEG signals in female college students (n = 40) with and without (n = 38) subclinical depression were analyzed using EEG microstate and omega complexity analysis. Then, based on differential features of EEGs between the two groups, a support vector machine was utilized to compare performances of spatio–temporal features and single features in the classification of early depression. Microstate results showed that the occurrence rate of microstate class B was significantly higher in the group with subclinical depression when compared with the group without. Moreover, the duration and contribution of microstate class C in the subclinical group were both significantly lower than in the group without subclinical depression. Omega complexity results showed that the global omega complexity of β-2 and γ band was significantly lower for the subclinical depression group compared with the other group (p < 0.05). In addition, the anterior and posterior regional omega complexities were lower for the subclinical depression group compared to the comparison group in α-1, β-2 and γ bands. It was found that AUC of 81% for the differential indicators of EEG microstates and omega complexity was deemed better than a single index for predicting subclinical depression. Thus, since temporal and spatial complexity of EEG signals were manifestly altered in female college students with subclinical depression, it is possible that this characteristic could be adopted as an early auxiliary diagnostic indicator of depression.
A Long Journey before Cycling: Regulation of Quiescence Exit in Adult Muscle Satellite Cells
Authors: Zhou Shaopu , Han Lifang , Wu Zhenguo
Published: February 2022

Skeletal muscle harbors a pool of stem cells called muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) that are mainly responsible for its robust regenerative capacities. Adult satellite cells are mitotically quiescent in uninjured muscles under homeostasis, but they exit quiescence upon injury to re-enter the cell cycle to proliferate. While most of the expanded satellites cells differentiate and fuse to form new myofibers, some undergo self-renewal to replenish the stem cell pool. Specifically, quiescence exit describes the initial transition of MuSCs from quiescence to the first cell cycle, which takes much longer than the time required for subsequent cell cycles and involves drastic changes in cell size, epigenetic and transcriptomic profiles, and metabolic status. It is, therefore, an essential period indispensable for the success of muscle regeneration. Diverse mechanisms exist in MuSCs to regulate quiescence exit. In this review, we summarize key events that occur during quiescence exit in MuSCs and discuss the molecular regulation of this process with an emphasis on multiple levels of intrinsic regulatory mechanisms. A comprehensive understanding of how quiescence exit is regulated will facilitate satellite cell-based muscle regenerative therapies and advance their applications in various disease and aging conditions.
The Absence of the AtSYT1 Function Elevates the Adverse Effect of Salt Stress on Photosynthesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Krausko Miroslav , Kusá Zuzana , Peterková Darina , Labajová Mária , Kumar Ajay , Pavlovič Andrej , Bačovčinová Michaela , Bačkor Martin , Jásik Ján
Published: February 2022

Arabidopsis thaliana SYNAPTOTAGMIN 1 (AtSYT1) was shown to be involved in responses to different environmental and biotic stresses. We investigated gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence in Arabidopsis wild-type (WT, ecotype Col-0) and atsyt1 mutant plants irrigated for 48 h with 150 mM NaCl. We found that salt stress significantly decreases net photosynthetic assimilation, effective photochemical quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), stomatal conductance and transpiration rate in both genotypes. Salt stress has a more severe impact on atsyt1 plants with increasing effect at higher illumination. Dark respiration, photochemical quenching (qP), non-photochemical quenching and ΦPSII measured at 750 µmol m−2 s−1 photosynthetic photon flux density were significantly affected by salt in both genotypes. However, differences between mutant and WT plants were recorded only for qP and ΦPSII. Decreased photosynthetic efficiency in atsyt1 under salt stress was accompanied by reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid and increased flavonol content in atsyt1 leaves. No differences in the abundance of key proteins participating in photosynthesis (except PsaC and PsbQ) and chlorophyll biosynthesis were found regardless of genotype or salt treatment. Microscopic analysis showed that irrigating plants with salt caused a partial closure of the stomata, and this effect was more pronounced in the mutant than in WT plants. The localization pattern of AtSYT1 was also altered by salt stress.
Drought-Responsive NAC Transcription Factor RcNAC72 Is Recognized by RcABF4, Interacts with RcDREB2A to Enhance Drought Tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jia Xin , Zeng Zhen , Lyu Yingmin , Zhao Shiwei
Published: February 2022

RcNAC72, a key transcription factor that may respond to drought stress in Rosa chinensis ‘Old Blush’, was selected in our previous study. In the present study, we found that RcNAC72 is localized in the nucleus and is a transcriptional activator. RcNAC72 expression could be significantly induced by drought, low temperature, salt as well as abscisic acid (ABA) treatment. Analysis of the promoter revealed that multiple abiotic stress and hormone response elements were located in the promoter region. The promoter could respond to drought, low temperature, salt and ABA treatments to activate GUS gene expression. Overexpressing RcNAC72 in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced sensitivity to ABA and tolerance to drought stress. Silencing of RcNAC72 by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in rose leaves significantly reduced leaf water loss tolerance and leaf extension capacity. Physical interaction of RcNAC72 with RcDREB2A was shown by means of the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays. RcABF4 was demonstrated to be able to bind to the promoter of RcNAC72 by means of the yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assay. These results provide new insights into the regulatory network of RcNAC72 response to drought stress in roses.
The Absence of Retroelement Activity Is Characteristic for Childhood Acute Leukemias and Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Urazbakhtin Shamil , Smirnova Anastasia , Volakhava Anastasiya , Zerkalenkova Elena , Salyutina Maria , Doubek Michael , Jelinkova Hana , Khudainazarova Nelly , Volchkov Egor , Belyaeva Laima , Komech Ekaterina , Pavlova Sarka , Lebedev Yuri , Plevova Karla , Olshanskaya Yulia , Komkov Alexander , Mamedov Ilgar
Published: February 2022

Retroelements (RE) have been proposed as important players in cancerogenesis. Different cancer types are characterized by a different level of tumor-specific RE insertions. In previous studies, small cohorts of hematological malignancies, such as acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia have been characterized by a low level of RE insertional activity. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in adults and childhood acute leukemias have not been studied in this context. We performed a search for new RE insertions (Alu and L1) in 44 childhood ALL, 14 childhood acute myeloid leukemia, and 14 adult ALL samples using a highly sensitive NGS-based approach. First, we evaluated the method sensitivity revealing the 1% detection threshold for the proportion of cells with specific RE insertion. Following this result, we did not identify new tumor-specific RE insertions in the tested cohort of acute leukemia samples at the established level of sensitivity. Additionally, we analyzed the transcription levels of active L1 copies and found them increased. Thus, the increased transcription of active L1 copies is not sufficient for overt elevation of L1 retrotranspositional activity in leukemia.