bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Simulation on Temperature and Moisture Fields Around Cooling Towers Used in Mine Ventilation System
Authors: Zhelnin Maxim , Kostina Anastasiia , Plekhov Oleg , Zaitsev Artem , Olkhovskiy Dmitriy
Published: September 2022

For heat rejection, small air-cooling towers are widely used in mine ventilation systems. However, the thermal efficiency of the cooling towers can be significantly affected by their geometrical arrangement and crosswind conditions. In certain ambient conditions, heated air coming from an exit of one tower can flow to intakes of other towers, which leads to a reduction in the thermal efficiency of the entire ventilation system. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of crosswind speed and tower spacing on the temperature and moisture content of intakes of cooling towers. For this purpose, a three-dimensional CFD model of the non-isothermal turbulent flow of moist air around cooling towers is proposed. The model is based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations with a standard turbulence model which are supplemented by heat transfer and moisture transport equations. The investigation of the effects of the crosswind speed and the tower spacing was carried out for two cooling towers by multiparametric numerical simulation using the CFD model. It was shown that the upstream tower protects the downstream one from the effect of the crosswind. The increase in the crosswind speed causes a rise in temperature and moisture content at the intakes of the downstream tower. The increase in the tower spacing, in general, contributes to a decrease in air temperature at the intakes of the downstream tower. However, at low crosswind speed, the heat transfer at the intakes can rise with the tower spacing due to a reduction in the protection possibilities of the upstream tower. Results of the numerical simulation of airflow around three cooling towers indicated that the increase in the number of cooling towers contributes to a rise in temperature and moisture content at the intakes.
Using Sequence Similarity Based on CKSNP Features and a Graph Neural Network Model to Identify miRNA–Disease Associations
Authors: Li Mingxin , Fan Yu , Zhang Yiting , Lv Zhibin
Published: September 2022

Among many machine learning models for analyzing the relationship between miRNAs and diseases, the prediction results are optimized by establishing different machine learning models, and less attention is paid to the feature information contained in the miRNA sequence itself. This study focused on the impact of the different feature information of miRNA sequences on the relationship between miRNA and disease. It was found that when the graph neural network used was the same and the miRNA features based on the K-spacer nucleic acid pair composition (CKSNAP) feature were adopted, a better graph neural network prediction model of miRNA–disease relationship could be built (AUC = 93.71%), which was 0.15% greater than the best model in the literature based on the same benchmark dataset. The optimized model was also used to predict miRNAs related to lung tumors, esophageal tumors, and kidney tumors, and 47, 47, and 37 of the top 50 miRNAs related to three diseases predicted separately by the model were consistent with descriptions in the wet experiment validation database (dbDEMC).
Effect of Grafting Compatibility on Fruit Yield and Quality of Cantaloupe in a Mediterranean-Type Climate
Authors: Shrestha Srijana , Mattupalli Chakradhar , Miles Carol
Published: September 2022

Grafting is effectively used worldwide to overcome abiotic and biotic factors impacting yield, including soil temperature. Field studies were conducted in 2020 and 2021 in a cool Mediterranean climate (average daily air temperature range of 12.8–17.1 °C) to identify suitable rootstock combinations for grafted cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) and evaluate fruit yield and quality. Cantaloupe cultivars Sugar Rush (SR), Goddess (G), and Athena (A) were compatible with interspecific hybrid squash (Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata) rootstock cultivars Super Shintosa (SS) and Carnivor (CN) but were incompatible with ‘Carolina Strongback (CS)’ (Citrullus amarus) and ‘Pelop (P)’ (Lagenaria siceraria) rootstocks. Nongrafted cultivars exhibited vine decline at harvest in 2020 but not in 2021, and grafting tended to delay harvest by 15–18 days. Overall, while grafting with interspecific hybrid squash rootstocks may have delayed fruit harvest, fruit quality was not compromised. Further, yield was increased for ‘Goddess’ and ‘Athena’, but not ‘Sugar Rush’. ‘A/CN’ had the highest fruit yield/ha and number per plant. The grafted treatments of each cantaloupe cultivar with interspecific hybrid squash rootstocks met the U.S. fancy grade criteria.
Effects of Social Vulnerability and Spatial Accessibility on COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage: A Census-Tract Level Study in Milwaukee County, USA
Authors: Xu Zengwang , Jiang Bin
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 vaccination coverage was studied by race/ethnicity, up-to-date doses, and by how it was affected by social vulnerability and spatial accessibility at the census-tract level in Milwaukee County, WI, USA. Social vulnerability was quantified at the census-tract level by an aggregate index and its sub-components calculated using the principal components analysis method. The spatial accessibility was assessed by clinic-to-population ratio and travel impedance. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and spatial regression models were employed to examine how social vulnerability and spatial accessibility relate to the vaccination rates of different doses. We found great disparities in vaccination rates by race and between areas of low and high social vulnerability. Comparing to non-Hispanic Blacks, the vaccination rate of non-Hispanic Whites in the county is 23% higher (60% vs. 37%) in overall rate (one or more doses), and 20% higher (29% vs. 9%) in booster rate (three or more doses). We also found that the overall social-vulnerability index does not show a statistically significant relationship with the overall vaccination rate when it is defined as the rate of people who have received one or more doses of vaccines. However, after the vaccination rate is stratified by up-to-date doses, social vulnerability has positive effects on one-dose and two-dose rates, but negative effects on booster rate, and the effects of social vulnerability become increasingly stronger and turn to negative for multi-dose vaccination rates, indicating the increasing challenges of high social vulnerability areas to multi-dose vaccination. The large negative effects of socio-economic status on the booster rate suggests the importance of improving general socio-economic conditions to promote multi-dose vaccination rates.
Assessment of Pharmaceutical Services for Smoking Cessation: An Effectiveness–Implementation Hybrid Study
Authors: Laborne-e-Valle Maria Eduarda Pinheiro , Ahouagi Ana Emília de Oliveira , Braga Debora Gontijo , Pinto Isabela Vaz Leite , Lara-Júnior Célio Rezende , Ferreira Sabrina Gonçalves , Blunk Paula de Fátima Fernandes , Reis Adriano Max Moreira , Reis Edna Afonso , Ramalho-de-Oliveira Djenane , Nascimento Mariana Martins Gonzaga do
Published: September 2022

Smoking is the main preventable cause of illness and early death worldwide. Thus, it is better to promote smoking cessation than to treat tobacco-related diseases. The objective of this study was to assess the implementation and effectiveness of smoking cessation pharmaceutical services offered in primary health care (PHC) in a large Brazilian city through a type 1 effectiveness–implementation hybrid study. The services were offered through individual or group approaches (Jan/2018–Dec/2019). The service indicators were described and the incidence of cessation in the services was evaluated. Factors associated with cessation were assessed by Poisson regression analysis. The services were offered in most PHC centers (61.2%) and by most pharmacists (81.3%). In total, 170 individual (9.7%) and 1591 group (90.3%) approaches occurred, leading to cessation in 39.4% (n = 67) and 44.8% (n = 712) of these, respectively. The use of nicotine plus antidepressants (RR = 1.30; 95%CI = 1.08–1.57; p = 0.006) and the number of sessions with pharmacists (RR = 1.21; 95%CI = 1.19–1.23; p < 0.001) were positively associated with cessation; a very high level of dependence was negatively associated (RR = 0.77; 95%CI = 0.67–0.89; p = 0.001). The smoking cessation services were effective and should be encouraged.
Translation and Validation of the Indicators of Quality Nursing Work Environments in the Portuguese Cultural Context
Authors: Sousa Eliana , Lin Chiou-Fen , Gaspar Filomena , Lucas Pedro
Published: September 2022

The Indicators of Quality Nursing Work Environment scale (IQN-WE) with 65 items, developed by Chiou-Fen Lin, Meei-Shiow Lu, and Hsiu-Ying Huang in 2016, aimed to create a set of quality indicators of the nursing work environment. The translation and validation for the Portuguese cultural context of the IQN-WE scale was performed in this study. Objectives: culturally and linguistically adapt the IQN-WE scale, originating from the Portuguese version, and evaluate its psychometric characteristics. Methods: it is a descriptive, cross-sectional, observational and quantitative study. The IQN-WE scale was validated in a sample of 542 nurses belonging to a hospital center in Portugal. The study obtained a response of 21.69%, of whom 78.0% were women and 22% men. The mean age of the sample was 39 years and a standard deviation of 8.1 years. All nurses who work have a bachelor’s degree, and 13.5% have a master’s degree. Results: the study obtained an instrument with a total explained variance of 52.67% and KMO = 0.843. It found a strong-to-moderate linear correlation matrix between the dimensions. The pre-test and the team of experts ensured the content validity. The determination of internal consistency guaranteed reliability, with 0.95. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the construct. The factorial model presented a goodness of fit index, with five factors. Conclusion: the study achieved an instrument with 50 items in five dimensions: Team Support and Professional Development; Team Organization and Management; Safe Nursing Work Environment; Information Systems and Risk Control; Salary and Welfare. The IQN-WE-PT scale proved to be an appropriate instrument to be applied in health organizations in Portugal.
Coastal Erosion and Flood Coping Mechanisms in Southern Thailand: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Langkulsen Uma , Cheewinsiriwat Pannee , Rwodzi Desire Tarwireyi , Lambonmung Augustine , Poompongthai Wanlee , Chamchan Chalermpol , Boonmanunt Suparee , Nakhapakorn Kanchana , Moses Cherith
Published: September 2022

Communities in coastal regions are affected by the impacts of extreme climatic events causing flooding and erosion. Reducing the impacts of flood and erosion in these areas by adopting coping strategies that fortify the resilience of individuals and their localities is desirable. This study used summative content analysis to explore the coping mechanisms of coastal communities before, during, and after various dangers relating to flooding and erosion. The findings from the study show that effective surveillance systems, disaster preparedness, risk mapping, early warning systems, availability of databases and functional command systems, as well as reliable funding are essential to efficiently cope with hazards of coastal flooding and erosion. As flooding and erosion have been predicted to be more severe due to climate change in the coming years, the adoption of effective natural and artificial mechanisms with modern technologies could help coastal regions to be more resilient in coping with the dangers associated with flooding and erosion. Pragmatic policies and programs to this end by actors are critical to averting crises induced by flooding and erosion in coastal areas.
The Role of Associations in Reducing the Emotional and Financial Impact on Parents Caring for Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: Rodríguez Alicia Aurora , Amayra Imanol , López-Paz Juan Francisco , Martínez Oscar , García Maitane , Salgueiro Mónika , Al-Rashaida Mohammad , Luna Paula María , Pérez-Nuñez Paula , Passi Nicole , García Irune , Ortega Javiera
Published: September 2022

Caregivers’ emotions and finances are affected by the deterioration of functional capacity of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), both in Mexico and Spain. Patient associations may reduce this impact on caregivers. This study aims to study the role of two models of associations, inspired by two different cultural models, in how the services they provide can help decrease the emotional and financial impact on the caregivers of children with DMD. The sample consisted of 34 caregivers from Mexico and 40 from Spain recruited from Spanish hospitals and rare disease organizations in Spain and Mexico. The instruments used consisted of a sociodemographic and socioeconomic questionnaire, the CarerQol-7D, the PHQ-15, the Zarit Caregiver’s Burden Scale and the SWLS. The results showed that caregivers in Mexico are in better physical and psychological health than caregivers in Spain. They also receive more subsidies than those in Spain. Caregivers in Mexico have a greater well-being and are less affected by the economic impact of the disease due to the associations’ day-to-day work and the fact that they generate a network of health services that they make available to the patient free of charge. These differences may also be attributable to cultural issues and to the fact that Mexico has a deeply established culture of support.
Effects of Fear and Humor Appeals in Public Service Announcements (PSAs) on Intentions to Purchase Medications via Social Media
Authors: Alhabash Saleem , Dong Yao , Moureaud Charlotte , Muraro Iago S. , Hertig John B.
Published: September 2022

The increasing prevalence of online purchase of medications, specifically via social media platforms, poses significant health risks due to high chances of such medications being substandard and falsified (SF). The current study uses a 2 (persuasive appeal: fear vs. humor) x 3 (message repetition) mixed factorial experiment to investigate the effectiveness of persuasive appeals (on intentions to purchase medications online via social media referrals, mediated by psychological reactance (threat to freedom and anger), attitudes toward the public service announcements (PSAs), and viral behavioral intentions. ANOVA results showed the superiority of humor appeals compared to fear appeals in (1) reducing psychological reactance, (2) igniting favorable responses to the PSA, and (3) marginally reducing the intentions to purchase medications vial social media despite lower online engagement intentions (viral behavioral intentions). Pre-existing risk perceptions moderated these differences. A moderated serial mediation model, conducted using PROCESS models, was examined to assess the mechanism by which persuasive appeals and risk perceptions interact in influencing purchase intentions. Findings are discussed theoretically in regard to extending the psychological reactance model within the digital environment and practically in terms of public health, brand protection, and law enforcement recommendations.
Effectiveness of Myofunctional Therapy in Ankyloglossia: A Systematic Review
Authors: González Garrido María del Puerto , Garcia-Munoz Cristina , Rodríguez-Huguet Manuel , Martin-Vega Francisco Javier , Gonzalez-Medina Gloria , Vinolo-Gil Maria Jesus
Published: September 2022

Ankyloglossia is a pathology of the tongue in which the frenulum appears anchored to the floor of the mouth. The treatment of choice for this pathology is frenectomy, but myofunctional therapy is emerging in recent years as a complement to surgical intervention. This systematic review aims to synthesize the scientific evidence and assess its quality regarding the use of myofunctional therapy in ankyloglossia. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Pubmed, Web of Science and Scopus were searched. Study quality was determined using the PEDro scale, STROBE statement and single-case experimental design scale. Eleven studies were selected. Based on the studies included in this review, surgery is more effective than myofunctional therapy, although better results are achieved if both are combined. Improvements have been found in maternal pain, weight gain of babies, duration of breastfeeding, tongue mobility, strength and endurance, sleep apnea, mouth breathing and snoring, quality of life, clenching teeth, myofascial tension, pain after surgery and speech sound production. These findings must be taken with caution because of the small number of articles and their quality. Future clinical trials using larger sample sizes and with higher methodological quality are needed.
Microplastics in Sediments of East Surabaya, Indonesia: Regional Characteristics and Potential Risks
Authors: Ni’am Achmad Chusnun , Hassan Fahir , Shiu Ruei-Feng , Jiang Jheng-Jie
Published: September 2022

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in marine environments has become increasingly apparent. Owing to the lack of effective solid waste management, Indonesia is the second largest producer of ocean plastic waste after China. Currently, information about pollution of MPs in the sediments of East Surabaya, Indonesia, is not available, and this issue is addressed in this study for the first time. Sediment samples were collected from 16 sampling sites along urban and mangrove coastal areas. MPs were observed in most of the sampling sites, with abundances ranging from ND (not detected) to 598 items/kg. MP shapes constituted fragments (30%), foam (28%), granules (22%), and fibers (20%). The 500–1000 µm fraction was the dominant size of MPs. Polypropylene was the major polymer constituent, followed by high-density polyethylene and polyethylene. Findings from Spearman’s correlation coefficients, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis reveal that the spatial pattern of MPs is closely related to coastal characteristics and population density. MPs in different coastal regions were assessed by the polymer risk index. Results reveal that coastal areas in the Bulak district exhibit the highest risk. Our results confirm the prevalence of MPs as anthropogenic pollutants in East Surabaya and highlight the importance of management action and education on environmental protection for the mitigation of MP pollution.
Gender Transformative Interventions for Perinatal Mental Health in Low and Middle Income Countries—A Scoping Review
Authors: Raghavan Archana , Satyanarayana Veena A. , Fisher Jane , Ganjekar Sundarnag , Shrivastav Monica , Anand Sarita , Sethi Vani , Chandra Prabha S.
Published: September 2022

Perinatal mental health problems are linked to poor outcomes for mothers, babies and families. In the context of Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC), a leading risk factor is gender disparity. Addressing gender disparity, by involving fathers, mothers in law and other family members can significantly improve perinatal and maternal healthcare, including risk factors for poor perinatal mental health such as domestic violence and poor social support. This highlights the need to develop and implement gender-transformative (GT) interventions that seek to engage with men and reduce or overcome gender-based constraints. This scoping review aimed to highlight existing gender transformative interventions from LMIC that specifically aimed to address perinatal mental health (partner violence, anxiety or depression and partner support) and identify components of the intervention that were found to be useful and acceptable. This review follows the five-stage Arksey and O’Malley framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Six papers that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review (four from Africa and two from Asia). Common components of gender transformative interventions across studies included couple-based interventions and discussion groups. Gender inequity and related factors are a strong risk for poor perinatal mental health and the dearth of studies highlights the strong need for better evidence of GT interventions in this area.
The Interplay of GPER1 with 17β-Aminoestrogens in the Regulation of the Proliferation of Cervical and Breast Cancer Cells: A Pharmacological Approach
Authors: Segovia-Mendoza Mariana , Mirzaei Elahe , Prado-Garcia Heriberto , Miranda Luis D. , Figueroa Alejandra , Lemini Cristina
Published: September 2022

The G-protein-coupled receptor for estrogen (GPER1) is a transmembrane receptor involved in the progression and development of various neoplasms whose ligand is estradiol (E2). 17β-aminoestrogens (17β-AEs) compounds, analogs to E2, are possible candidates for use in hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but our knowledge of their pharmacological profile is limited. Thus, we explored the molecular recognition of GPER1 with different synthetic 17β-AEs: prolame, butolame, and pentolame. We compared the structure and ligand recognition sites previously reported for a specific agonist (G1), antagonists (G15 and G36), and the natural ligand (E2). Then, the biological effects of 17β-AEs were analyzed through cell viability and cell-cycle assays in two types of female cancer. In addition, the effect of 17β-AEs on the phosphorylation of the oncoprotein c-fos was evaluated, because this molecule is modulated by GPER1. Molecular docking analysis showed that 17β-AEs interacted with GPER1, suggesting that prolame joins GPER1 in a hydrophobic cavity, similarly to G1, G15, and E2. Prolame induced cell proliferation in breast (MCF-7) and cervical cancer (SIHA) cells; meanwhile, butolame and pentolame did not affect cell proliferation. Neither 17β-AEs nor E2 changed the activation of c-fos in MCF-7 cells. Meanwhile, in SIHA cells, E2 and 17β-AEs reduced c-fos phosphorylation. Thus, our data suggest that butolame and pentolame, but not prolame, could be used for HRT without presenting a potential risk of inducing breast- or cervical-cancer-cell proliferation. The novelty of this work lies in its study of compound analogs to E2 that may represent important therapeutic strategies for women in menopause, with non-significant effects on the cell viability of cancer cells. The research focused on the interactions of GPER1, a molecule recently associated with promoting and maintaining various neoplasms.
A New Sight of Influencing Effects of Major Factors on Cd Transfer from Soil to Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Based on Threshold Regression Model
Authors: Chen Zhifan , Geng Wencai , Jiang Xingyuan , Ruan Xinling , Wu Di , Li Yipeng
Published: September 2022

Due to the high toxicity and potential health risk of cadmium (Cd), the influencing effects of major factors (like pH, OM, and clay, etc.) on Cd bioaccumulation and transfer from soil to crop grains are highly concerned. Multiple linear regression models were usually applied in previous literature, but these linear models could not reflect the threshold effects of major factors on Cd transfer under different soil environmental conditions. Soil pH and other factors on Cd transfer in a soil–plant system might pose different or even contrary effects under different soil Cd exposure levels. For this purpose, we try to apply a threshold regression model to analyze the effects of key soil parameters on Cd bioaccumulation and transfer from soil to wheat. The results showed that under different soil pH or Cd levels, several factors, including soil pH, organic matter, exchangeable Cd, clay, P, Zn, and Ca showed obvious threshold effects, and caused different or even contrary impacts on Cd bioaccumulation in wheat grains. Notably, the increase of soil pH inhibited Cd accumulation when pH > 7.98, but had a promotional effect when pH ≤ 7.98. Thus, threshold regression analysis could provide a new insight that can lead to a more integrated understanding of the relevant factors on Cd accumulation and transfer from soil to wheat. In addition, it might give us a new thought on setting regulatory limits on Cd contents in wheat grains, or the inhibitory factors of Cd transfer.
Source, Distribution and Potential Risk of Antimony in Water and Sediments of Danjiangkou Reservoir: Impact from Dam
Authors: Zhuo Haihua , Wu Yunli , Liu Yunbing , Xu Jie , Guo Xueqin , Chen Jie , Ouyang Xuejiao
Published: September 2022

Danjiangkou Reservoir is the water source of the mid-route of the South-to-North Water Transfer Project. The source, distribution and potential risk of antimony in its water and sediments are rarely reported. In this study, symmetrical investigation results demonstrated that the concentration of antimony in the Han sub-reservoir and water in front of the dam fluctuated at about 0.9 mg L−1, while it was relatively higher and increased with the distance from the dam in Dan sub-reservoir water, with an annual average of 0.93~3.15 mg L−1. In recent years, the concentration of antimony in the Danjiangkou Reservoir showed a downward trend, and the difference between the Han and Dan sub-reservoirs decreased significantly. The antimony in the sediments in the reservoir was primarily derived from the inflowing rivers, and it was higher in the Dan sub-reservoir than in the Han sub-reservoir. The concentration of antimony in the water in the reservoir was considerably higher than the background value in the watersheds, indicating that there is an external input with decreasing input intensity. The content of antimony in the sediments in the reservoir and its inflow rivers was substantially higher than the background value of watersheds, indicating that there is a certain degree of enrichment. In addition, the antimony mining industry in the water source area poses a risk to the water safety of the reservoir. Antimony is not a conventional pollutant. Consequently, the collection of antimony monitoring results is a challenging task. Additionally, this study fills the gap in regional antimony research. Furthermore, the ecological risk assessment of antimony in China is still in its infancy. Unquestionably, the study of the temporal and spatial distribution of antimony concentration will be beneficial for the protection of water sources in relevant regions.
Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and Hearing Impairment in Japan: A Longitudinal Analysis Using Large-Scale Occupational Health Check-Up Data
Authors: Miyake Hiroshi , Michikawa Takehiro , Nagahama Satsue , Asakura Keiko , Nishiwaki Yuji
Published: September 2022

Several longitudinal studies have examined associations between renal dysfunction and hearing impairment. Here, we explored the longitudinal association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and hearing impairment among the working-age population in Japan. Participants were 88,425 males and 38,722 females aged 20–59 years, without hearing impairment at baseline (2013), who attended Japanese occupational annual health check-ups from 2013 to 2020 fiscal year. eGFR was categorized into four groups (eGFR upper half of ≥90, lower half of ≥90 (reference), 60–89, and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Low- and high-frequency hearing impairment were assessed using data from pure-tone audiometric testing. A Cox proportional hazards model was applied to estimate hazard ratio (HR) values for hearing impairment. Low eGFR did not increase the risk of low- or high-frequency hearing impairment. For males, multivariable-adjusted HR of high-frequency hearing impairment was 1.16 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.34) for the upper half of the ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2; however, this positive association between high eGFR and high-frequency hearing impairment did not appear to be robust in a number of sensitivity analyses. We conclude that, among the Japanese working-age population, eGFR was not generally associated with hearing impairment in people of either sex.
Early Prediction of Diabetes Using an Ensemble of Machine Learning Models
Authors: Dutta Aishwariya , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Ahmad Mohiuddin , Awal Md. Abdul , Islam Md. Akhtarul , Masud Mehedi , Meshref Hossam
Published: September 2022

Diabetes is one of the most rapidly spreading diseases in the world, resulting in an array of significant complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, diabetic retinopathy, and neuropathy, among others, which contribute to an increase in morbidity and mortality rate. If diabetes is diagnosed at an early stage, its severity and underlying risk factors can be significantly reduced. However, there is a shortage of labeled data and the occurrence of outliers or data missingness in clinical datasets that are reliable and effective for diabetes prediction, making it a challenging endeavor. Therefore, we introduce a newly labeled diabetes dataset from a South Asian nation (Bangladesh). In addition, we suggest an automated classification pipeline that includes a weighted ensemble of machine learning (ML) classifiers: Naive Bayes (NB), Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), XGBoost (XGB), and LightGBM (LGB). Grid search hyperparameter optimization is employed to tune the critical hyperparameters of these ML models. Furthermore, missing value imputation, feature selection, and K-fold cross-validation are included in the framework design. A statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA) test reveals that the performance of diabetes prediction significantly improves when the proposed weighted ensemble (DT + RF + XGB + LGB) is executed with the introduced preprocessing, with the highest accuracy of 0.735 and an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.832. In conjunction with the suggested ensemble model, our statistical imputation and RF-based feature selection techniques produced the best results for early diabetes prediction. Moreover, the presented new dataset will contribute to developing and implementing robust ML models for diabetes prediction utilizing population-level data.
Changes in the Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Peruvian Children under Five Years before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Vargas-Fernández Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to identify changes in the prevalence of childhood (children under five years of age) overweight and obesity in Peru as a whole and at the departmental level, before and during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. We performed a secondary data analysis of two Demographic and Family Health Surveys (2019 and 2021) in Peru. The outcome was childhood overweight and obesity, defined as a weight-for-height score greater than 2 standard deviations. Poisson log generalized linear regression models adjusted for sex and/or age in months of the child were fitted to obtain the prevalence ratios of the changes in childhood overweight and obesity from 2019 to 2021. The analysis included 41,533 (2019: 20,414; 2021: 21,119) participants. The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity was 6.4% in 2019 and 7.8% in 2021. Female children, aged 2, 3 and 4 years, and mothers who self-identified as non-native, had secondary and higher education, belonged to the middle and richer wealth quintile and resided in an urban area, in a village, in a small city and in the coastal region showed the largest increases in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity in 2021 compared to 2019. The departments of Pasco, Apurímac, Junín, Cusco, Lambayeque and La Libertad presented the largest increases in the prevalence of these nutritional disorders. During the pandemic, an increase in the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity was observed, with demographic and socioeconomic factors accounting for the largest increases in the prevalence rates. A restructuring of overweight and obesity control strategies is required to curb this steady increase.
WNT1 Inducible Signaling Pathway Protein 1 Is a Stroma-Specific Secreting Protein Inducing a Fibroblast Contraction and Carcinoma Cell Growth in the Human Prostate
Authors: Chang Kang-Shuo , Chen Syue-Ting , Sung Hsin-Ching , Hsu Shu-Yuan , Lin Wei-Yin , Hou Chen-Pang , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Feng Tsui-Hsia , Tsui Ke-Hung , Juang Horng-Heng
Published: September 2022

The WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), a member of the connective tissue growth factor family, plays a crucial role in several important cellular functions in a highly tissue-specific manner. Results of a RT-qPCR indicated that WISP1 expressed only in cells of the human prostate fibroblasts, HPrF and WPMY-1, but not the prostate carcinoma cells in vitro. Two major isoforms (WISP1v1 and WISP1v2) were identified in the HPrF cells determined by RT-PCR and immunoblot assays. The knock-down of a WISP1 blocked cell proliferation and contraction, while treating respectively with the conditioned medium from the ectopic WISP1v1- and WISPv2-overexpressed 293T cells enhanced the migration of HPrF cells. The TNFα induced WISP1 secretion and cell contraction while the knock-down of WISP1 attenuated these effects, although TNFα did not affect the proliferation of the HPrF cells. The ectopic overexpression of WISP1v1 but not WISP1v2 downregulated the N-myc downstream regulated 1 (NDRG1) while upregulating N-cadherin, slug, snail, and vimentin gene expressions which induced not only the cell proliferation and invasion in vitro but also tumor growth of prostate carcinoma cells in vivo. The results confirmed that WISP1 is a stroma-specific secreting protein, enhancing the cell migration and contraction of prostate fibroblasts, as well as the proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth of prostate carcinoma cells.
miR-140-5p and miR-140-3p: Key Actors in Aging-Related Diseases?
Authors: Toury Léa , Frankel Diane , Airault Coraline , Magdinier Frédérique , Roll Patrice , Kaspi Elise
Published: September 2022

microRNAs (miRNAs) are small single strand non-coding RNAs and powerful gene expression regulators. They mainly bind to the 3′UTR sequence of targeted mRNA, leading to their degradation or translation inhibition. miR-140 gene encodes the pre-miR-140 that generates the two mature miRNAs miR-140-5p and miR-140-3p. miR-140-5p/-3p have been associated with the development and progression of cancers, but also non-neoplastic diseases. In aging-related diseases, miR-140-5p and miR-140-3p expressions are modulated. The seric levels of these two miRNAs are used as circulating biomarkers and may represent predictive tools. They are also considered key actors in the pathophysiology of aging-related diseases. miR-140-5p/-3p repress targets regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and inflammation. This work focuses on the roles of miR-140-3p and miR-140-5p in aging-related diseases, details their regulation (i.e., by long non-coding RNA), and reviews the molecular targets of theses miRNAs involved in aging pathophysiology.
Study of SLA Printing Parameters Affecting the Dimensional Accuracy of the Pattern and Casting in Rapid Investment Casting
Authors: Badanova Nazym , Perveen Asma , Talamona Didier
Published: September 2022

Dimensional accuracy and geometric characteristics of the manufactured parts bear significant importance in product assembly. In Rapid Investment Casting, these characteristics can be affected by the printing parameters of the Additive Manufacturing method used in the pattern production process. Stereolithography is one of the important AM techniques mostly exploited in RIC due to its accuracy, smooth surface, and precision. However, the effect of SLA printing parameters on the dimensional accuracy and geometric characteristics have not been studied thoroughly. This study considers an experimental approach to study the effect of SLA printing parameters such as layer thickness, build angle, support structure density, and support touchpoint size on the dimensional accuracy and geometrical characteristics of the Castable Wax printed patterns and the Al cast parts. Taguchi’s Design of Experiment was used to define the number of experimental runs. SolidCast simulation was used to design the orientation of casting feeder to achieve directional solidification. Coordinate Measuring Machine measurements of deviations in the printed and cast parts were analyzed using the “Smaller-the-better” scheme in the two-step optimization method of Taguchi experiments. Build angle and Layer thickness were identified to be the first and the second most impactful parameters, respectively, affecting both the dimensional and geometric accuracy of Castable Wax patterns and Al cast parts, with optimal values of 0 deg and 0.25 μm, respectively. Both printed and cast parts had twice as many deviations in geometry as in dimensions. The sphere roundness and angularity were found to be the most and least accurate geometric characteristics, respectively. The dimensions in the Z direction were more accurate than in the X-Y directions, showing the smallest size deviations for height measurements and large deviations in the length, width, and diameter of the hole.
An Improvement in Enclosure Design Can Positively Impact Welfare, Reduce Aggressiveness and Stabilise Hierarchy in Captive Galapagos Giant Tortoises
Authors: Fieschi-Méric Léa , Ellis Charlotte , Servini Francesca , Tapley Benjamin , Michaels Christopher J.
Published: September 2022

The interest in the welfare of zoo animals, from both the public and the scientific community, has long been biased towards mammals. However, growing evidence of the complex behavioural repertoires of less charismatic animals, such as reptiles, reveals the necessity to better comply with their welfare needs in captivity. Here, we present the effects of an enclosure change towards a more natural habitat in captive Galapagos tortoises (Chelonoidis spp.) held at ZSL London Zoo. Using behavioural observations, we found that the tortoises habituated to their new enclosure in six days. This represents the first quantification of habituation latency to a new enclosure in a reptile model to our knowledge—which is important information to adapt policies governing animal moves. The tortoises expressed time budgets more similar to those of wild individuals after their transition to the new enclosure. Interestingly, the hierarchy between the individuals was inverted and more stable after this change in environment. The tortoises interacted less often, which led to a decrease in the frequency of agonistic encounters. We also found that higher ambient sound volume was associated with increased likelihood of interactions turning into fights. Taken together, our results demonstrate the potential of appropriate enclosure design to improve reptile welfare.
RETRACTED: Cao, X.; Hsu, Y. The Effects of Soundscapes in Relieving Stress in an Urban Park. Land 2021, 10, 1323
Authors:   Land Editorial Office
Published: September 2022

The journal retracts the article “The Effects of Soundscapes in Relieving Stress in an Urban Park” [...]
Effect of Mo Content on In-Situ Anisometric Grains Growth and Mechanical Properties of Mo2FeB2-Based Cermets
Authors: Shen Yupeng , Xie Wuxi , Sun Bingbing , Liu Yunfei , Li Yajin , Cao Zhen , Jian Yongxin , Huang Zhifu
Published: September 2022

Mo2FeB2-based cermets have wide applications in fields of wear resistance, corrosion resistance and heat resistance due to their simple preparation process, low-cost raw materials, and prominent mechanical properties. Herein, Mo2FeB2-based cermets with xMo (x = 43.5, 45.5, 47.5, 49.5, wt.%) were prepared by means of the vacuum liquid phase sintering technique. Investigations on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mo2FeB2-based cermets with Mo addition were performed. Experimental results show that, with Mo content increasing, the average particle size decreases gradually, revealing that the grain coarsening of Mo2FeB2-based cermets is controlled by interface reaction. In addition, Mo2FeB2 grains gradually transform from an elongated shape to a nearly equiaxed shape. The improvement of Mo2FeB2 hard phase on the morphology is mainly due to the inhibition of solution–precipitation reaction by increasing Mo. Furthermore, the relative density of cermets decreases due to the reduced Fe content. When Mo content is 47.5 wt.%, a relatively small grain size of Mo2FeB2 is obtained (about 2.03 μm). Moreover, with the increase in Mo content, hardness and transverse rupture strength (TRS) of Mo2FeB2-based cermets increase firstly and then decrease. Whereas, with increasing Mo content, the fracture toughness deteriorates gradually. When Mo content is 47.5 wt.%, the comprehensive mechanical properties of cermets are the best. The optimal raw material ratio for the preparation of Mo2FeB2-based cermets in this study is determined to be 47.5 wt.% Mo–6.0 wt.% B-Fe.
Research on Structural Performance of Hybrid Ferro Fiber Reinforced Concrete Slabs
Authors: Saeed Hafiz Zain , Saleem Muhammad Zubair , Chua Yie Sue , Vatin Nikolai Ivanovich
Published: September 2022

Reinforced concrete structures, particularly in cold areas, experience early deterioration due to steel corrosion. Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) is an emerging construction material and cost-effective substitute for conventional concrete to enhance the durability and resistance against crack development. This article examines the structural performance of hybrid ferro fiber reinforced concrete slabs (mix ratio of mortar 1:2) comprising silica fume, layers of spot-welded mesh and different ratios of polypropylene fibers. The ferrocement slabs are compared with a conventional Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) slab (mix ratio of 1:2:4). The experimental work comprised a total of 13 one-way slabs, one control specimen and three groups of ferrocement slabs divided based on different percentages of Poly Propylene Fibers (PPF) corresponding to 0.10%, 0.30% and 0.50% dosage in each group. Furthermore, in each group, the percentage of steel ratio in ferrocement slabs varied between 25% and 100% of the steel area in the reinforced concrete control slab specimen. For evaluating the structural performance, the observation of deflection, stress-strain behavior, cracking load and energy absorption are critical parameters assessed using LVDTs and strain gauges. At the same time, the slabs were tested in flexure mode with third point loading. The experimental results showed that the first cracking load and ultimate deflection for fibrous specimens with 0.5% fiber and 10% silica fume increased by 15.25% and 13.2% compared with the reference RCC control slab. Therefore, by increasing the percentage of PPF and steel wire mesh reinforcement in the ferrocement slab, the post-cracking behavior in terms of deflection properties and energy absorption capacity was substantially enhanced compared to the RCC control slab.
Improvements in Brazed-Joint Properties of Silicon Nitride and Titanium Alloys Using Laser-Induced Microscale Rice Leaf Structures
Authors: He Jian-Guo , Dai Shou-Jun , Zhao Yang , Huang Min , Liu Yang , Yu Jia-Qi , Tan Yu , Fan Lian-Wen , Ge Wen-Qi , Ma Yun-Feng
Published: September 2022

Si3N4 ceramics with a microscale rice leaf structure (MRLS) and titanium alloy were connected via brazing, and the influence of the surface microstructure on the ceramic connection was analyzed. MRLS fabrication is an efficient and high-degree-of-freedom method that can be used to change a material’s surface morphology and wettability. The MRLS was obtained at a laser power of 110 W, with line spacings of 100 and 50 μm. The laser-treated surface included nanoparticles and micro particles, exhibiting a coral-like structure after agglomeration. When the MRLS was used to braze the titanium alloy, no defects were observed at the brazing interface, and the formation was excellent. Throughout the brazed joint, the MRLS remained intact and formed a strong metallurgical bond with the brazing filler metal. A finite element analysis was performed to study the cross-sectional morphology after joint fracture; from the load-time curve, it was found that the MRLS on the surface not only helped improve the mechanical occlusion and brazing area at the interface, but also helped generate compressive stress on the Si3N4 side. Crack propagation was hindered, thereby increasing the joint strength.
Advances in Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Khan Yusra Habib , Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Khan Tahir Mehmood , Salman Muhammad
Published: September 2022

Infectious diseases pose substantial challenges to the healthcare system and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality [...]
Epigenetic Regulation of Obesity-Associated Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ibrahim Hairul Islam Mohamed
Published: September 2022

Obesity is becoming more widespread, and epidemics of this condition are now considered present in all developed countries, leading to public health concerns. The dramatic increases in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and related vascular difficulties are causing a public health crisis. Thus, it is imperative that these trends are curbed. Understanding the molecular underpinnings of these diseases is crucial to aiding in their detection or even management. Thus, understanding the mechanisms underlying the interactions between environment, lifestyle, and genetics is important for developing effective strategies for the management of obesity. The focus is on finding the vital role of epigenetic changes in the etiology of obesity. Genome and epigenome-wide approaches have revealed associations with T2DM. The epigenome indicates that there is a systematic link between genetic variants and environmental factors that put people at risk of obesity. The present review focuses on the epigenetic mechanism linked with obesity-associated T2DM. Although the utilization of epigenetic treatments has been discussed with reference to certain cancers, several challenges remain to be addressed for T2DM.
A Monolithic 3-Dimensional Static Random Access Memory Containing a Feedback Field Effect Transistor
Authors: Oh Jong Hyeok , Yu Yun Seop
Published: September 2022

A monolithic three-dimensional integrated static random access memory containing a feedback field effect transistor (M3D-FBFET-SRAM) was proposed. The M3D-FBFET-SRAM cell consists of one metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and one FBFET, and each transistor is located on the top tier and one on the bottom tier in a monolithic 3D integration, respectively. The electrical characteristics and operation of the NFBFET in the M3D-FBFET-SRAM cell were investigated using a TCAD simulator. For SRAM operation, the optimum doping profile of the NFBFET was used for non-turn-off characteristics. For the M3D-FBFET-SRAM cell, the operation of the SRAM and electrical coupling occurring between the top and bottom tier transistor were investigated. As the thickness of interlayer dielectric decreases, the reading ‘ON’ current decreases. To prevent performance degradation, two ways to compensate for current level were suggested.