bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delta Cord as a Radiological Localization Sign of Postoperative Adhesive Arachnoiditis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Tu Yi-Ting , Chiang Yung-Hsiao , Lin Jiann-Her
Published: September 2023

Postoperative adhesive arachnoiditis is an inflammatory response of the spinal leptomeninges that occurs after surgery and results in scar formation in the avascular nature of the arachnoid layer. Clinical manifestations of postoperative adhesive arachnoiditis include pain, sensory deficits, motor dysfunction, reflex abnormalities, and bladder or bowel impairment. In magnetic resonance imaging scans, signs of postoperative adhesive arachnoiditis can vary; however, some indicators can assist surgeons in locating the lesion accurately and, thus, in planning effective surgical interventions. This paper reports the case of a 37-year-old man with postoperative adhesive arachnoiditis after two surgeries for Chiari I malformation. This case illustrates the progressive development of the “delta cord sign”, which refers to the formation of a thick arachnoid band causing the spinal cord to adopt a triangular shape in the axial view. This phenomenon is accompanied by the sequential occurrence of syringomyelia. During intraoperative examination, we identified the presence of the delta cord sign, which had been formed by an arachnoid scar that tethered the dorsal spinal cord to the dura. This discovery enabled us to precisely pinpoint the location of the arachnoid scar and thus provided us with guidance that enabled us to avoid unnecessary exploration of unaffected structures during the procedure. Other localization signs were also reviewed.
New Immunohistochemical Markers for Pleural Mesothelioma Subtyping
Authors: Di Stefano Iosè , Alì Greta , Poma Anello Marcello , Bruno Rossella , Proietti Agnese , Niccoli Cristina , Zirafa Carmelina Cristina , Melfi Franca , Mastromarino Maria Giovanna , Lucchi Marco , Fontanini Gabriella
Published: September 2023

Pleural mesothelioma (PM) comprises three main subtypes: epithelioid, biphasic and sarcomatoid, which have different impacts on prognosis and treatment definition. However, PM subtyping can be complex given the inter- and intra-tumour morphological heterogeneity. We aim to use immunohistochemistry (IHC) to evaluate five markers (Mesothelin, Claudin-15, Complement Factor B, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 and p21-activated Kinase 4), whose encoding genes have been previously reported as deregulated among PM subtypes. Immunohistochemical expressions were determined in a case series of 73 PMs, and cut-offs for the epithelioid and non-epithelioid subtypes were selected. Further validation was performed on an independent cohort (30 PMs). For biphasic PM, the percentage of the epithelioid component was assessed, and IHC evaluation was also performed on the individual components separately. Mesothelin and Claudin-15 showed good sensitivity (79% and 84%) and specificity (84% and 73%) for the epithelioid subtype. CFB and PAK4 had inferior performance, with higher sensitivity (89% and 84%) but lower specificity (64% and 36%). In the biphasic group, all markers showed different expression when comparing epithelioid with sarcomatoid areas. Mesothelin, Claudin-15 and CFB can be useful in subtype discrimination. PAI1 and PAK4 can improve component distinction in biphasic PM.
Comparative Analysis between 3D-Printed Models Designed with Generic and Dental-Specific Software
Authors: Abad-Coronel Cristian , Pazán Doménica Patricia , Hidalgo Lorena , Larriva Loyola Jaime
Published: September 2023

With the great demand in the market for new dental software, the need has been seen to carry out a precision study for applications in digital dentistry, for which there is no comparative study, and there is a general ignorance regarding their applications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the accuracy differences between digital impressions obtained using generic G-CAD (general CAD) and D-CAD (CAD dental) software. Today, there is a difference between the design software used in dentistry and these in common use. Thus, it is necessary to make a comparison of precision software for specific and generic dental use. We hypothesized that there is no significant difference between the software for specific and general dental use. Methods: A typodont was digitized with an intraoral scanner and the models obtained were exported in STL format to four different softwares (Autodesk MeshMixer 3.5, Exocad Dental, Blender for dental, and InLAB). The STL files obtained by each software were materialized using a 3D printer. The printed models were scanned and exported in STL files, with which six pairs of groups were formed. The groups were compared using analysis software (3D Geomagic Control X) by superimposing them in the initial alignment order and using the best fit method. Results: There were no significant differences between the four analyzed software types; however, group 4, composed of the combination of D-CAD (Blender–InLAB), obtained the highest average (−0.0324 SD = 0.0456), with a higher accuracy compared to the group with the lowest average (group 5, composed of the combination of the Meshmixer and Blender models), a generic software and a specific software (0.1024 SD = 0.0819). Conclusion: Although no evidence of significant difference was found regarding the accuracy of 3D models produced by G-CAD and D-CAD, combinations of groups where specific dental design software was present showed higher accuracy (precision and trueness). The comparison of the 3D graphics obtained with the superimposition of the digital meshes of the printed models performed with the help of the analysis software using the best fit method, replicating the same five reference points for the six groups formed, evidenced a greater tolerance in the groups using D-CAD.
Do Women Benefit from Global Production Networks? Evidence from the Indonesian Footwear Industry
Authors: Wicaksono Padang , Hikmah Yulial , Mulyanti Rieka Evy
Published: September 2023

Despite the remarkable improvements in key economic and social standards, the Indonesian footwear industry still struggles to ensure decent work, particularly for women workers. In this paper, female workers are divided into production and non-production workers. Women production workers are used as a proxy for occupational segregation based on sex, called non-skilled workers, while women non-production workers are used as a proxy for women’s share of work in managerial and administrative work, called skilled workers. This paper examines the close links between decent work (DW) and global production networks (GPNs) in the Indonesian footwear industry. More specifically, this article scrutinizes fair employment treatment for local female employees within the DW framework in the country’s footwear industry with the expansion of GPNs based on Indonesian footwear firm-level panel data from 2001 to 2015. Vertical specialization is a proxy for GPNs and is the main independent variable in this paper. The results show that vertical specialization is in line with the fair treatment indicators and has a significant level for female production workers. In addition, the other independent variable, namely the wages of production workers, has a significant level, and the results are inversely proportional to the fair treatment indicator, while the wages of non-production workers show results that are inversely proportional to female production workers but positive for female non-production workers. This shows that an increase in the wages of production workers is less profitable for female production workers than for female non-production workers. Thus, the results show that the expansion of GPNs in the Indonesian footwear sector has essentially led to improved fair employment treatment, especially for women workers.
The Personal Resources of Successful Leaders: A Narrative Review
Authors: Leithwood Kenneth
Published: September 2023

Leaders’ practices or overt behaviors are the proximal causes of leaders’ effects on their organizations; they also dominate the research about successful leadership and often the content of leadership development programs, as well. But knowledge about those practices is, at best, a necessary but insufficient explanation for successful leadership and how it can be developed. This paper explores three categories of “personal leadership resources” that help explain why especially successful leaders behave as they do. These resources are often referred to as “dispositions”, a term sometimes considered synonymous with traits, abilities, personal leadership resources and elements of a leader’s personal “capital”. The focus of this chapter is on three categories of resources (social, psychological and ethical) identified primarily through systematic research methods. For each category, the paper identifies the conceptual lens through which its dispositions are viewed and provides an explanation for how each of the specific dispositions within the category contributes to leaders’ success. The paper also reviews a sample of evidence about contributions each disposition makes to leaders’ success in achieving valued organizational outcomes. Implications for research and leader development are discussed in the concluding section of the paper.
Psychological Predictors of COVID-19-Related Anxiety in Vulnerable Groups
Authors: Bakalova Diana , Nacheva Ilina , Panchelieva Tsvetelina
Published: September 2023

This study responds to the need to explore psychological predictors of COVID-19-related anxiety in vulnerable groups. An anonymous voluntary online survey was conducted (n = 520) with (a) working parents with young children (0–12 y.o.), (b) people with chronic physical conditions, (c) people with multiple vulnerability characteristics and (d) a control group (no self-reported vulnerability) in 2022. Findings showed that perceived stress of the parents and trait anxiety of the chronic sufferers were single weak positive predictors of COVID-19 anxiety. However, both psychological factors had a stronger effect on the pandemic-related anxiety for the group with multiple vulnerabilities. In the control group, trait resilience and optimistic expectations (combined with perceived stress) were moderate negative predictors of COVID-19 anxiety. The findings emphasize the importance of perceptions, expectations, trait anxiety as well as the need for intersectional research of vulnerability from multiple perspectives. Furthermore, they highlight the necessity of group-specific policies and interventions aimed both at handling the negative psychological tendencies of the vulnerable groups and at strengthening the positive tendencies of non-vulnerable groups, rather than tackling only emergent anxiety conditions in crisis times.
Psychological Counseling among University Students Worldwide: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cerolini Silvia , Zagaria Andrea , Franchini Costanza , Maniaci Vito Giuseppe , Fortunato Alexandro , Petrocchi Chiara , Speranza Anna Maria , Lombardo Caterina
Published: September 2023

University counseling services (UCSs) are actively involved in mental health assessment and in supplying interventions aimed at preventing, facing and possibly overcoming psychological problems. However, we do not have a global overview of psychological counseling among universities. This systematic review aims at reviewing the literature on university psychological counseling, including articles documenting: (1) mental health and attitudes regarding help-seeking behaviors and UCSs among university students or counselors, (2) the description of protocols/services among UCSs, (3) the efficacy of psychological counseling/interventions among university students (both face-to-face and internet-delivered interventions). The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. After defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, a literature search was conducted, identifying 7085 records. Finally, 152 articles met the review eligibility criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results are divided into seven thematic topics that emerged during the analysis of the literature. The results mainly showed that face-to-face and web-based counseling/psychological interventions improve university students’ mental health. Cross-sectional studies showed that many biases exist toward help-seeking behaviors, especially among international students. Both students and counselors must strive to overcome cultural barriers. Available resources for UCSs are scarce and need to be strengthened, as well as efficacy studies through randomized clinical trials.
A Machine Learning-Based Interest Flooding Attack Detection System in Vehicular Named Data Networking
Authors: Magsi Arif Hussain , Mohsan Syed Agha Hassnain , Muhammad Ghulam , Abbasi Suhni
Published: September 2023

A vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) has significantly improved transportation efficiency with efficient traffic management, driving safety, and delivering emergency messages. However, existing IP-based VANETs encounter numerous challenges, like security, mobility, caching, and routing. To cope with these limitations, named data networking (NDN) has gained significant attention as an alternative solution to TCP/IP in VANET. NDN offers promising features, like intermittent connectivity support, named-based routing, and in-network content caching. Nevertheless, NDN in VANET is vulnerable to a variety of attacks. On top of attacks, an interest flooding attack (IFA) is one of the most critical attacks. The IFA targets intermediate nodes with a storm of unsatisfying interest requests and saturates network resources such as the Pending Interest Table (PIT). Unlike traditional rule-based statistical approaches, this study detects and prevents attacker vehicles by exploiting a machine learning (ML) binary classification system at roadside units (RSUs). In this connection, we employed and compared the accuracy of five (5) ML classifiers: logistic regression (LR), decision tree (DT), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), and Gaussian naïve Bayes (GNB) on a publicly available dataset implemented on the ndnSIM simulator. The experimental results demonstrate that the RF classifier achieved the highest accuracy (94%) in detecting IFA vehicles. On the other hand, we evaluated an attack prevention system on Python that enables intermediate vehicles to accept or reject interest requests based on the legitimacy of vehicles. Thus, our proposed IFA detection technique contributes to detecting and preventing attacker vehicles from compromising the network resources.
Interfacing the Control Systems of Enterprise-Level Process Equipment with a Robot Operating System
Authors: Micieta Branislav , Binasova Vladimira , Marcan Peter , Gaso Martin
Published: September 2023

The analytical section of this paper deals with theoretical knowledge, considering the latest trends in the subject area. To achieve the successful implementation of cobots based on operating systems in manufacturing systems, it is necessary to pay attention specifically to the interfacing of Robot Operating Systems with the control systems of manufacturing systems at the process level of an enterprise. In the practical section, an algorithm with well-defined steps towards the successful implementation of cobots in holonic manufacturing processes is proposed. By setting up an experimental workstation in a laboratory, the proposed procedures are verified at the end of the paper. The creation of a design for the implementation of a collaborative robot with a human represents the missing link in the whole chain of commercial applications of the latest trends from the field of robotic systems in the industrial sphere. The main contributions of this study include the establishment of a communication channel between cobots and programmable logic PLCs (Programmable logic controllers), and an experimental verification of the proposed solution for the implementation of a cooperating robot with a human in a manufacturing system in the laboratory. Another advantage of this paper is the creation of a new procedure for conducting a risk analysis of cooperating robots and multipurpose autonomous devices.
Hyperspectral Image Classification Based on Transposed Convolutional Neural Network Transformer
Authors: Liu Baisen , Jia Zongting , Guo Penggang , Kong Weili
Published: September 2023

Hyperspectral imaging is a technique that captures images of objects within a wide spectrum range, allowing for the acquisition of additional spectral information to reveal subtle variations and compositional components in the objects. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown remarkable feature extraction capabilities for HSI classification, but their ability to capture deep semantic features is limited. On the other hand, transformer models based on attention mechanisms excel at handling sequential data and have demonstrated great potential in various applications. Motivated by these two facts, this paper proposes a multiscale spectral–spatial transposed transformer (MSSTT) that captures the high-level semantic features of an HSI while preserving the spectral information as much as possible. The MSSTT consists of a spectral–spatial Inception module that extracts spectral and spatial features using multiscale convolutional kernels, and a spatial transpose Inception module that further enhances and extracts spatial information. A transformer model with a cosine attention mechanism is also included to extract deep semantic features, with the QKV matrix constrained to ensure the output remains within the activation range. Finally, the classification results are obtained by applying a linear layer to the learnable tokens. The experimental results from three public datasets show that the proposed MSSTT outperforms other deep learning methods in HSI classification. On the India Pines, Pavia University, and Salinas datasets, accuracies of 97.19%, 99.47%, and 99.90% were achieved, respectively, with a training set proportion of 5%.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Total and Labile Soil Organic Carbon Pools in Poplar Agroforestry Systems
Authors: Wang Bo , Su Xiaolong , Wang Tongli , Yang Tao , Xu Cheng , Lin Zeyang , Tian Di , Tang Luozhong
Published: September 2023

Agroforestry systems are considered effective methods of carbon sequestration. In these systems, most of the carbon is stored in the soil, and the pattern of tree planting can influence the spatial distribution of organic matter input into the soil. However, limited information is available about the extent of this influence. In this study, the horizontal and vertical distributions of soil organic carbon (SOC) and labile fractions were investigated in four planting systems: a pure poplar (Populus deltoides cv. “35”) planting system, a wide-row (14 m spacing) poplar and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) agroforestry system, a narrow-row (7 m spacing) poplar and wheat agroforestry system, and a pure wheat field. The results showed that although the poplar system had the highest vegetation biomass (147.50 t ha−1), the agroforestry systems overall had higher SOC contents than the pure poplar system and wheat fields. Especially in the wide-row agroforestry system, the SOC, readily oxidizable carbon, and dissolved organic carbon contents were, respectively, 25.3%, 42.4%, and 99.3% higher than those of the pure poplar system and 60.3%, 148.7%, and 6.3% higher than those of the wheat field in a 1 m soil profile, and it also had the highest fine root biomass. However, the microbial biomass carbon content was highest in the pure poplar system. The SOC of the three poplar planting systems was spatially heterogeneous, with the highest values occurring at 1.5 m in the narrow-row systems and within the tree rows in the wide-row system, similar to the distribution of fine root biomass. Additionally, we found that the larger the diameter at the breast height of the trees, the greater their positive effect on SOC at greater distances.
Fermentation and Microbial Community of Maize Silage Inoculated with Lentilactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788 and Contaminated with Bacillus and Clostridium Spore Formers
Authors: Huffman Jesse , Drouin Pascal , Dunière Lysiane , LaPointe Gisèle
Published: September 2023

Spore-forming bacteria in silage may reduce dry matter intake or affect dairy product quality when transferred to milk. The present study investigated the effects of three facultative anaerobes (Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, and Bacillus licheniformis) and two strict anaerobes (Clostridium tyrobutyricum and Clostridium beijerinckii) commonly found in low-quality silage, milk, and cheese. Maize silage was intentionally contaminated with these spore formers in separate mini silos at 1 × 105 CFU spore former per g and treated with commercial silage inoculant Lentilactobacillus buchneri NCIMB 40788 at 4 × 105 CFU per g or left untreated. The microbial and chemical profiles of maize silage, which were determined using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), were measured after fermentation for 100 days, and they were also measured for silage exposed to air for 72 h after opening at 100 days. The effect of the inoculant strain L. buchneri NCIMB 40788 on these contaminated silages was investigated to determine if the inoculant could prevent/limit the negative impacts caused by the spore former contaminants. Overall, inoculation improved silage quality and aerobic stability. Acetic acid content was higher in the INOC samples than in the NIS (p < 0.001), while lactic acid content was lower in INOC than in NIS (p < 0.001). Both lactic and acetic acid levels were higher in the silage samples contaminated with B. cereus. Contamination with the spore formers increased the aerobic and anaerobic spore counts of the samples contaminated with B. subtilis and B. licheniformis compared to the control silage after opening. After 3 days of aerobic exposure, the samples contaminated with B. cereus, B. subtilis, and B. licheniformis showed higher aerobic spore counts than the control. The dominant bacterial population was significantly modified by inoculation. Neither inoculation nor contamination types impacted fungal populations upon opening, but a dominance of Wickerhamomyces was observed after aerobic exposure in the B. cereus silages. The γ-aminobutyrate (GABA) content after aerobic exposure was higher than the uncontaminated control for the silage contaminated with B. licheniformis. The samples contaminated with Clostridium species remained largely unchanged compared to the control samples. Physicochemical and bacterial profiles were mainly affected by inoculation, and a limited impact of spore contaminant was noted. Our results show that when L. buchneri inoculation was carried out, higher aerobic and anaerobic spore counts following contamination with bacterial spore formers were mitigated after reaching aerobic stability.
Comparative Analysis of Cellulosic Ethanol Production from Lignocellulosic Substrate Moringa oleifera Using Kluyveromyces marxianus and Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: Sivarathnakumar Shanmugam , Al-Ghanim Khalid A. , Nicoletti Marcello , Govindarajan Marimuthu , Gurunathan Baskar
Published: September 2023

In the current investigation, the woody stem of Moringa oleifera was processed by chipping and milling and was subsequently exposed to a combination of pretreatments involving a 3% v/v solution of nitric acid and autohydrolysis. The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of the pretreated hydrolysate of M. oleifera was conducted using Zymomonas mobilis and Kluyveromyces marxianus in occurrence of commercial cellulase enzyme, Tween 80, and sodium azide. The fermentation process parameters for Z. mobilis were optimized individually, including a substrate concentration of 5% (w/v), concentration of inoculum 5% (v/v), pH 5.4, and temperature 34 °C. Similarly, for K. marxianus, the process parameters were optimized individually, with a substrate concentration of 5% (w/v), an inoculum concentration of 3% (v/v), a pH of 5.1, and a temperature of 41 °C. The highest cellulosic ethanol concentration was achieved by the micro-organism K. marxianus after a fermentation period of 96 h.
Preparation and Impact of Fermented Sheep Bone Powder on Sausage Quality
Authors: Wang Chenlei , Zhao Siyu , Wang Xiaolin , Le Wenjia , Hu Guanhua , Liu Ting , Zhao Congying , Jin Ye , Su Lin
Published: September 2023

Sheep bones are a rich resource in China, but their deep processing is limited by outdated technology. Sausages are popular among various consumer groups due to their unique flavor. The purpose of this study was to optimize the preparation process of fermented-enzymatic sheep bone powder and develop calcium-fortified functional sausages with an excellent flavor, aroma, and taste. In this experiment, the fermented-enzymatic sheep bone powder was prepared by optimizing the two-bacterial fermentation process of Lactobacillus Plantarum BNCC336421 and Pediococcus Pentosaceus BNCC193259. The nutritional indexes and micro-structure were analyzed. Additionally, different ratios of fermented sheep bone powder were added into the sausages to investigate their effects on the nutritional indexes, physicochemical properties, and organoleptic quality of the sausages. The results showed that the optimal process conditions for the fermented sheep bone sludge were as follows: a strain inoculation of 3%; a compounding ratio of 1:1; a bone sludge concentration of 1:20; and fermentation time of 24 h. Under these conditions, the Ca2+ content and protein hydrolysis degree of the sheep bone were 2441.31 mg/100 mL and 23.78%, respectively. The fermented sheep bone powder analyzed using SEM, and the particle size analysis showed it was loose and porous with a small particle size. The addition of fermented sheep bone powder to the sausage increased its amino acid and calcium ion contents, improved the texture indexes such as cohesion, and enhanced both the L* value and sensory scores. The best result was observed in the 1% group (p < 0.05). It serves as a data source for developing fermented sheep bone powder and its application in sausage, offering a fresh idea and approach to achieving the high-value utilization of sheep bone.
Exploitation of Cocoa Pod Residues for the Production of Antioxidants, Polyhydroxyalkanoates, and Ethanol
Authors: Ramos Licelander Hennessey , Cisneros-Yupanqui Miluska , Santisteban Soto Diana Vanessa , Lante Anna , Favaro Lorenzo , Casella Sergio , Basaglia Marina
Published: September 2023

Cocoa pod husks (CPH) and cocoa bean shells (CBS) are the main by-products of the cocoa industry and a source of bioactive compounds. These residues are not completely used and thrown in the fields without any treatment, causing environmental problems. Looking for a holistic valorization, the aim of this work was first to deeply characterize CPH and CBS in their chemical composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles, as well as their application as antioxidants. CBS had a high level of protein (17.98% DM) and lipids (16.24% DM) compared with CPH (4.79 and 0.35% DM respectively). Glutamic acid and aspartic acid were the predominant amino acids. The total phenolic compounds (TPC) detected in the ethanolic extracts of CPH and CBS were similar to pyrogallol as the main detected polyphenol (72.57 mg/L). CBS ethanolic extract showed a higher antioxidant activity than CPH. Both extracts increased the oxidation stability of soybean oil by 48% (CPH) and 32% (CBS). In addition, alkaline pretreatment of CPH was found suitable for the release of 15.52 ± 0.78 g glucose/L after subsequent saccharification with the commercial enzyme Cellic®. CTec2. Alkaline hydrolyzed and saccharified CPH (Ahs-CPH) was assessed for the first time to obtain polyhydroxy alkanoate (PHAs) and bioethanol. Ahs-CPH allowed the growth of both Cupriavidus necator DSM 545 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Fm17, well-known as PHA- and bioethanol-producing microbes, respectively. The obtained results suggest that such agricultural wastes have interesting characteristics with new potential industrial uses that could be a better alternative for the utilization of biomass generated as million tons of waste annually.
Metabolome and Microbiome Analysis to Study the Flavor of Summer Black Tea Improved by Stuck Fermentation
Authors: Wen Lianghua , Sun Lingli , Chen Ruohong , Li Qiuhua , Lai Xingfei , Cao Junxi , Lai Zhaoxiang , Zhang Zhenbiao , Li Qian , Song Guang , Sun Shili , Cao Fanrong
Published: September 2023

Tea is the most popular and widely consumed beverage worldwide, especially black tea. Summer tea has a bitter and astringent taste and low aroma compared to spring tea due to the higher content of polyphenols and lower content of amino acids. Microbial fermentation is routinely used to improve the flavor of various foods. This study analyzed the relationship between the quality of black tea, metabolic characteristics, and microbial communities after microbial stuck fermentation in summer black tea. Stuck fermentation decreased the bitterness, astringency sourness, and freshness, and increased the sweetness, mellowness, and smoothness of summer black tea. The aroma also changed from sweet and floral to fungal, with a significant improvement in overall quality. Metabolomics analysis revealed significant changes in 551 non-volatile and 345 volatile metabolites after fermentation. The contents of compounds with bitter and astringent taste were decreased. Sweet flavor saccharides and aromatic lipids, and acetophenone and isophorone that impart fungal aroma showed a marked increase. These changes are the result of microbial activities, especially the secretion of extracellular enzymes. Aspergillus, Pullululanibacillus, and Bacillus contribute to the reduction of bitterness and astringency in summer black teas after stuck fermentation, and Paenibacillus and Basidiomycota_gen_Incertae_sedis contribute positively to sweetness. In addition, Aspergillus was associated with the formation of fungal aroma. In summary, our research will provide a suitable method for the improvement of tea quality and utilization of summer tea, as well as provide a reference for innovation and improvement in the food industry.
The Antioxidant Activities In Vitro and In Vivo and Extraction Conditions Optimization of Defatted Walnut Kernel Extract
Authors: Zhou Xiaomei , Gong Xiaojian , Li Xu , An Ning , He Jiefang , Zhou Xin , Zhao Chao
Published: September 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the antioxidant activities of defatted walnut kernel extract (DWE) and whole walnut kernel extract (WE) in vitro and in vivo. Three spectrophotometric methods, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP, were used in in vitro experiments, and mice were used in in vivo experiments. In addition, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize reflux-assisted ethanol extraction of DWE for maximum antioxidant activity and total phenolic content. The results of in vitro experiments showed that both extracts showed antioxidant activity; however, the antioxidant activity of DWE was higher than that of WE. Both extracts improved the mice’s oxidative damage status in in vivo studies. An ethanol concentration of 58%, an extraction temperature of 48 °C, and an extraction time of 77 min were the ideal parameters for reflux-assisted ethanol extraction of DWE. The results may provide useful information for further applications of defatted walnut kernels and the development of functional foods.
Data-Driven Methods for the State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries: An Overview
Authors: Eleftheriadis Panagiotis , Giazitzis Spyridon , Leva Sonia , Ogliari Emanuele
Published: September 2023

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards electric mobility and an increasing emphasis on integrating renewable energy sources. Consequently, batteries and their management have been prominent in this context. A vital aspect of the BMS revolves around accurately determining the battery pack’s SOC. Notably, the advent of advanced microcontrollers and the availability of extensive datasets have contributed to the growing popularity and practicality of data-driven methodologies. This study examines the developments in SOC estimation over the past half-decade, explicitly focusing on data-driven estimation techniques. It comprehensively assesses the performance of each algorithm, considering the type of battery and various operational conditions. Additionally, intricate details concerning the models’ hyperparameters, including the number of layers, type of optimiser, and neuron, are provided for thorough examination. Most of the models analysed in the paper demonstrate strong performance, with both the MAE and RMSE for the estimation of SOC hovering around 2% or even lower.
Aerogel-Based Materials in Bone and Cartilage Tissue Engineering—A Review with Future Implications
Authors: Lázár István , Čelko Ladislav , Menelaou Melita
Published: September 2023

Aerogels are fascinating solid materials known for their highly porous nanostructure and exceptional physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. They show great promise in various technological and biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, and bone and cartilage substitution. To evaluate the bioactivity of bone substitutes, researchers typically conduct in vitro tests using simulated body fluids and specific cell lines, while in vivo testing involves the study of materials in different animal species. In this context, our primary focus is to investigate the applications of different types of aerogels, considering their specific materials, microstructure, and porosity in the field of bone and cartilage tissue engineering. From clinically approved materials to experimental aerogels, we present a comprehensive list and summary of various aerogel building blocks and their biological activities. Additionally, we explore how the complexity of aerogel scaffolds influences their in vivo performance, ranging from simple single-component or hybrid aerogels to more intricate and organized structures. We also discuss commonly used formulation and drying methods in aerogel chemistry, including molding, freeze casting, supercritical foaming, freeze drying, subcritical, and supercritical drying techniques. These techniques play a crucial role in shaping aerogels for specific applications. Alongside the progress made, we acknowledge the challenges ahead and assess the near and far future of aerogel-based hard tissue engineering materials, as well as their potential connection with emerging healing techniques.
Sleep Quality and Its Affecting Factors among Hemodialysis Patients: A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alshammari Bushra , Alkubati Sameer A. , Pasay-an Eddieson , Alrasheeday Awatif , Alshammari Hasna B. , Asiri Sabah M. , Alshammari Sadaa B. , Sayed Fatimah , Madkhali Norah , Laput Vivian , Alshammari Farhan
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Sleep quality is one of the most important clinical outcomes of hemodialysis (HD) patients, as it can affect their physical and mental health. This study aimed to investigate sleep quality and its affecting factors among patients with HD. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to investigate the quality of sleep among HD patients in two cities in Saudi Arabia. The data were collected during the period from January to December 2022. A convenience sample of 250 HD patients was selected in this study. Data were collected using the Arabic version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). (3) Results: About two-thirds of participants (63.6%) had normal sleep, while one-third had poor sleep (36.4%). There was a significant relationship between the participants’ age and the quality of sleep, where participants who were aged more than 50 had poorer sleep than those who were younger (p < 0.001). Male and married participants significantly had poor sleep more than female and single participants (p = 0.011 and 0.015, respectively). In addition, participants who were retired, had a higher number of dependents, did not adhere to exercise, and had more comorbidities had significantly poorer sleep than other groups (p = 0.002, 0.016, 0.023, and <0.001, respectively). The level of education, financial status, distance from home to dialysis center, and participants’ satisfaction at the time of dialysis had no influence on the quality of sleep among HD patients. The multiple linear regression shows that exercise (p = 0.017), the number of comorbidities (p = 0.008), and the duration of dialysis (p < 0.020) were the independent factors affecting the quality of sleep among HD patients. (4) Conclusions: About one-third of HD patients in this study had poor sleep. There were significant differences between patients’ age, gender, marital status, and sleep-quality levels. Moreover, participants who retired, had a higher number of dependents, did not adhere to exercise, and had more comorbidities had significantly poorer sleep than other groups. Future studies should develop appropriate interventions to address the problem of poor sleep quality among HD patients.
Privatization of Medical Services and Revenue Development Project: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Staff Perceptions at the University of Jeddah Medical Center
Authors: Tobaiqy Mansour , Alrefai Ahlam , Qashqary Mohammed Esmail , Al Sulami Rashed , Aldahery Shrooq T.
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to assess the perceptions of staff working at the University of Jeddah (UJ) Medical Center on the possibility of finding new financing methods for the administration and privatization of the primary and specialized medical care services it provides. A questionnaire link was sent online targeting all staff at the UJ Medical Center (n = 141). The questionnaire comprised 17 items under the following sections: demographic information, staff perceptions about the current status of the services provided by the UJ Medical Center and the possibility of finding new financing methods and additional sources of revenue for the administration. Of the 101 questionnaires returned, the majority were filled by males (n = 71; 70.3%). One-third of the participants (n = 39; 38.6%) have between 5 and 9 years of working experience in Medical Administration, and most of them (n = 42; 41.6%) reported that they have a background in the concept of revenue development/privatization/self-resources/paid treatment. Most were satisfied with the current status of the services provided (average rating = 3.39/5). However, most participants (n = 72; 71.3%) reported that the UJ Medical Center is not ready for the Revenue Development Project of privatization. The survey respondents demonstrated satisfaction with the medical services provided by the UJ Medical Center and the potential application of the Revenue Development Project. However, streamlining the privatization process according to the governmental structures is crucial for it to be implemented properly at the UJ Medical Center.
Violence and Clinical Learning Environments in Medical Residencies
Authors: Hamui-Sutton Liz , Paz-Rodriguez Francisco , Sánchez-Guzmán Alejandra , Vives-Varela Tania , Corona Teresa
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The objective of this study was to describe and analyze residents’ perceptions of characteristics on the expansive/restrictive continuum of their clinical learning environment. Methods: We conducted a quantitative, descriptive and cross-sectional study. A self-administered questionnaire was designed, programmed and applied to residents at the Faculty of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico. The instrument was structured in eight sections, and for this article, Section 3, which referred to clinical environments and violence was considered. The questionnaire had an 85% response rate, with 12,612 residents from 113 medical units and 78 specialties participating. The reliability and internal consistency measured with alpha omega obtained a value of ω 0.835 (CI; 0.828–0.843). Results: Unpleasant, competitive, tense and conflictive contexts were related to restrictive environments. Sexual orientation influenced the perception of intolerance in the clinical setting with respect to discriminatory comments, such that for gender minorities, the environment was experienced as exclusionary. First-year residents perceived environments as more aggressive, a perception that tended to decrease in later years of residency. Discussion: Abuses in power relations, rigid hierarchical positions and offensive clinical interactions may foster restrictive environments. In such settings, the reproduction of socio-culturally learned violence is feasible; however, asymmetrical relationships may be deconstructed and transformed.
Polyvictimization and Adolescent Health and Well-Being in Ethiopia: The Mediating Role of Resilience
Authors: Miller Lior , Butera Nicole M. , Ellsberg Mary , Baird Sarah
Published: September 2023

Interpersonal violence is a pervasive experience affecting one billion children and adolescents annually, resulting in adverse health and well-being outcomes. Evidence suggests that polyvictimization, the experience of multiple forms of violence, is associated with more harmful consequences for adolescents than experiencing individual types of violence, although data from low-and middle-income countries are limited. This study analyzed data on over 4100 adolescents from the Gender and Adolescence, Global Evidence Study in Ethiopia to examine the association between polyvictimization and adolescent mental and physical health and the mediating role of resilience using linear regression and path analysis. We hypothesized that adolescents experiencing polyvictimization would experience worse mental and physical health than those experiencing no types or individual types of victimization, and that resilience would mediate these relationships. Half of sampled girls and over half of boys experienced polyvictimization. Among both sexes, polyvictimization was associated with worse mental but not worse physical health. Resilience mediated the association between polyvictimization and mental health among girls only. Strengthening resilience among girls may be an effective avenue for mitigating polyvictimization’s negative mental health effects, but additional research and programming for preventing and identifying polyvictimized adolescents and linking them to care is needed.
Analysis of the Effectiveness of Public Health Measures on COVID-19 Transmission
Authors: Silva Thiago Christiano , Anghinoni Leandro , Chagas Cassia Pereira das , Zhao Liang , Tabak Benjamin Miranda
Published: September 2023

In this study, we investigate the COVID-19 epidemics in Brazilian cities, using early-time approximations of the SIR model in networks and combining the VAR (vector autoregressive) model with machine learning techniques. Different from other works, the underlying network was constructed by inputting real-world data on local COVID-19 cases reported by Brazilian cities into a regularized VAR model. This model estimates directional COVID-19 transmission channels (connections or links between nodes) of each pair of cities (vertices or nodes) using spectral network analysis. Despite the simple epidemiological model, our predictions align well with the real COVID-19 dynamics across Brazilian municipalities, using data only up until May 2020. Given the rising number of infectious people in Brazil—a possible indicator of a second wave—these early-time approximations could be valuable in gauging the magnitude of the next contagion peak. We further examine the effect of public health policies, including social isolation and mask usage, by creating counterfactual scenarios to quantify the human impact of these public health measures in reducing peak COVID-19 cases. We discover that the effectiveness of social isolation and mask usage varies significantly across cities. We hope our study will support the development of future public health measures.
Determinants of Out-of-Pocket Health Spending in Households in Peru in the Times of the Pandemic (COVID-19)
Authors: Quispe Mamani Julio Cesar , Cutipa Quilca Balbina Esperanza , Cáceres Quenta Rolando , Quispe Maquera Nelly Beatriz , Quispe Quispe Betsy , Mamani Flores Adderly , Incacutipa Limachi Duverly Joao , Esteves Villanueva Angela Rosario , Málaga Apaza Vicente , Tintaya Choquehuanca Olimpia
Published: September 2023

In 2021, the expenses paid by households worldwide due to COVID-19 showed an increasing behavior and directly affected economic income since they were part of unforeseen expenses among households and became a factor that contributed to the increase in the levels of poverty mainly in households that were not part of the health system. The objective of this research was to establish the main determinants of out-of-pocket spending on health in Peruvian households in the times of the pandemic. A quantitative approach, of a nonexperimental type, with a descriptive and correlational methodological design was considered. The database of the National Household Survey of the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics for 2021 was used as a source of information, applying the binomial logit econometric model. Out-of-pocket expenses during the pandemic compared to normal periods were shared by the members of the households. Since they were part of unforeseen expenses, these expenses mainly impacted the heads of the households and strongly affected household budgets. For this reason, the type of insurance, the suffering of household members from a disease, the results of tests for COVID-19, the expenditure on individual health, the existence of permanent limitations to any member of the household, the presence of an older adult in the household, and the marital status of the head of the household determined and positively influenced out-of-pocket spending in households in Peru with 36.85, 8.48, 6.50, 0.0065, 23.73, 16.79, and 2.44 percentage units. However, the existence of a drinking water service in the household, educational level, and the area of residence determined and negatively influenced out-of-pocket spending in households in Peru with 4.81, 6.75, and 19.26 percentage units, respectively. The type of insurance, the suffering of an individual from a disease, the results of COVID-19 tests, health spending, the existence of permanent limitations, the presence of an older adult in the household, and the marital status of the head of the household positively determined out-of-pocket spending in households in Peru, while the existence of a potable water service, educational level, and the area of residence determined out-of-pocket expenses in a negative or indirect way.
Green Electronic Auditing and Accounting Information Reliability in the Jordanian Social Security Corporation: The Mediating Role of Cloud Computing
Authors: Alrabei Ali Mahmoud
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this research is to examine the impact of green electronic auditing on accounting information reliability and the mediating role of cloud computing in the Jordanian Social Security Corporation. A survey of 500 employees in the Jordanian Social Security Corporation was used to gather data, with a response rate of 31.4% (157 employees). The researcher used structural equation modeling to investigate the connections between cloud computing, auditing on data processing processes, auditing the inputs, auditing the outputs, prior auditing on inputs, and accounting information reliability. The findings revealed that auditing data processing activities, auditing outputs, cloud computing, and earlier auditing on inputs all have a substantial impact on accounting information reliability. However, auditing the inputs and the link between cloud computing and accounting information reliability were not significant. This study’s conclusions have ramifications for policymakers and auditing and accounting practitioners. The Jordanian Social Security Corporation must consider the significance of adequate auditing methods to assure correct accounting information, particularly in the context of cloud computing. This report also highlights the need for more research on the influence of cloud computing on accounting and auditing processes in underdeveloped countries.