bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The early language gap between first- and second-language learners: acquisition of Chinese characters among preschoolers
Authors: Chan Stephanie W. Y. , Cheung Wai Ming , Marton Ference
Published: June 2023

For culturally and linguistically diverse children, early second language (L2) development is important for school achievement and social inclusion. These children face challenges in acquiring L2, especially in Hong Kong, where the dominant Chinese language contrasts strongly with their home languages. Studies that compared the language abilities of first language (L1) and L2 students in English-speaking contexts have reported young L2 learners’ disadvantage in using the dominant language in oral language and comprehension at school entry. The findings raise the question of whether L2 learners who fall behind their L1 peers in language abilities will be further disadvantaged, showing a weaker development gradient. This study used the Chinese Character Acquisition Assessment (CCAA) to compare character acquisition of 491 L2 children aged from 3 to 6 years against that of 240 of their L1 peers from Hong Kong kindergartens. The CCAA is comprised of six subtests and assesses children’s abilities to make associations among character written form (orthography), sound, and meaning. Results showed that L2 learners had greater development in meaning and sound associations across class levels, implying that they may first develop oral language related abilities. In addition, results indicate that diverging gaps between L1 and L2 learners’ Chinese character acquisition existed across class levels for the associations involving written character form, but not in regard to associations between character meaning and sound. This study highlights the Chinese learning needs of L2 preschoolers and provides understanding of their abilities in mapping among character written forms, sounds, and meanings. The findings suggest the importance of supporting L2 children’s oral language at earlier stages of Chinese learning, and the need to provide instructional support to compensate for their relative weakness in literacy at school entry.
Language outcomes from the UK-CDI Project: can risk factors, vocabulary skills and gesture scores in infancy predict later language disorders or concern for language development?
Authors: Jago Lana S. , Alcock Katie , Meints Kerstin , Pine Julian M. , Rowland Caroline F.
Published: June 2023

At the group level, children exposed to certain health and demographic risk factors, and who have delayed language in early childhood are, more likely to have language problems later in childhood. However, it is unclear whether we can use these risk factors to predict whether an individual child is likely to develop problems with language (e.g., be diagnosed with a developmental language disorder). We tested this in a sample of 146 children who took part in the UK-CDI norming project. When the children were 15–18 months old, 1,210 British parents completed: (a) the UK-CDI (a detailed assessment of vocabulary and gesture use) and (b) the Family Questionnaire (questions about health and demographic risk factors). When the children were between 4 and 6  years, 146 of the same parents completed a short questionnaire that assessed (a) whether children had been diagnosed with a disability that was likely to affect language proficiency (e.g., developmental disability, language disorder, hearing impairment), but (b) also yielded a broader measure: whether the child’s language had raised any concern, either by a parent or professional. Discriminant function analyses were used to assess whether we could use different combinations of 10 risk factors, together with early vocabulary and gesture scores, to identify children (a) who had developed a language-related disability by the age of 4–6 years (20 children, 13.70% of the sample) or (b) for whom concern about language had been expressed (49 children; 33.56%). The overall accuracy of the models, and the specificity scores were high, indicating that the measures correctly identified those children without a language-related disability and whose language was not of concern. However, sensitivity scores were low, indicating that the models could not identify those children who were diagnosed with a language-related disability or whose language was of concern. Several exploratory analyses were carried out to analyse these results further. Overall, the results suggest that it is difficult to use parent reports of early risk factors and language in the first 2 years of life to predict which children are likely to be diagnosed with a language-related disability. Possible reasons for this are discussed.
Sustainable employability and work engagement: a three-wave study
Authors: Gürbüz Sait , Bakker Arnold B. , Demerouti Evangelia , Brouwers Evelien P. M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The recent concept of sustainable employability (SE), which refers to being able and enabled to achieve valuable work goals, has lately attracted substantial attention in many developed countries. Although limited cross-sectional studies found that SE in the form of capability set was positively associated with work outcomes, why and through which mechanism SE is related to crucial work outcomes remains still unexplored. Therefore, the present three-wave study aimed to (1) investigate the SE-work outcomes linkage over time, and (2) uncover the psychological pathway between SE and two work outcomes (i.e., task performance and job satisfaction) by proposing work engagement as a mediator.

Methods

To test the mediation process, we approached CentERdata to collect data among a representative sample of 287 Dutch workers. We used a three-wave design with approximately a 2-month time lag.

Results

The results of bootstrap-based path modeling indicated that SE was a significant predictor of task performance but not job satisfaction over time. Work engagement mediated the relationships between SE and (a) task performance and (b) job satisfaction.

Discussion

These findings suggest that organizations may foster workers’ task performance and job satisfaction by configuring a work context that fosters SE–allowing workers to be able and be enabled to achieve important work goals.
Do executive function and family factors predict children’s preference for trendy over classic toys? An experimental investigation
Authors: Gavrilova Margarita , Sukhikh Vera , Veresov Nikolay
Published: June 2023

In the last decade, global trends and social media have covered almost the entire world, including children population. The toy industry is filled with new items whose popularity has been triggered by viral publications on social networks or by popular animated films. The present experimental study is the first to (i) describe the characteristics of toy choice in the context of the spread of global trends, and (ii) examine the influence of family and individual child characteristics on the dependence on trends in toy choice. The sample consisted of N = 127 children aged 3–4  years. Children had individual assessment of non-verbal intelligence main executive function skills (cognitive flexibility, working memory and inhibition control) and took part in the experiment, while their parents completed a questionnaire on family background. Analysis of children’s answers about the reason for choosing a particular toy indicates uncertain motivation in choosing a trendy toy in contrast to the classic ones. It is reflected in the fact that children do not know what exactly and how they will play with it. It is revealed that boys are 1.66 times more likely to prefer the trendy toy than girls. It was also found that as inhibitory control increased, children were less dependent on tendencies to choose toys.
Tool mastering today – an interdisciplinary perspective
Authors: Schubotz Ricarda I. , Ebel Sonja J. , Elsner Birgit , Weiss Peter H. , Wörgötter Florentin
Published: June 2023

Tools have coined human life, living conditions, and culture. Recognizing the cognitive architecture underlying tool use would allow us to comprehend its evolution, development, and physiological basis. However, the cognitive underpinnings of tool mastering remain little understood in spite of long-time research in neuroscientific, psychological, behavioral and technological fields. Moreover, the recent transition of tool use to the digital domain poses new challenges for explaining the underlying processes. In this interdisciplinary review, we propose three building blocks of tool mastering: (A) perceptual and motor abilities integrate to tool manipulation knowledge, (B) perceptual and cognitive abilities to functional tool knowledge, and (C) motor and cognitive abilities to means-end knowledge about tool use. This framework allows for integrating and structuring research findings and theoretical assumptions regarding the functional architecture of tool mastering via behavior in humans and non-human primates, brain networks, as well as computational and robotic models. An interdisciplinary perspective also helps to identify open questions and to inspire innovative research approaches. The framework can be applied to studies on the transition from classical to modern, non-mechanical tools and from analogue to digital user-tool interactions in virtual reality, which come with increased functional opacity and sensorimotor decoupling between tool user, tool, and target. By working towards an integrative theory on the cognitive architecture of the use of tools and technological assistants, this review aims at stimulating future interdisciplinary research avenues.
Configuration paths of community cafe to enhance residents’ well-being: fsQCA analysis of 20 cases in Shanghai
Authors: Zhang Man , Shen Tao , Lou Yongqi
Published: June 2023

Community cafes have emerged as a critical infrastructure for promoting communication and cultural construction in urban areas, and have gradually become an essential public place to enhance residents’ well-being. However, despite their growing importance, more empirical research is needed on the emerging concept of community cafes, including the configuration analysis of their influencing factors. To address this gap, this study employs the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method to examine 20 community cafes in Shanghai, China. The configuration effects on residents’ well-being are explored across five dimensions: activity quality, psychological cognition, physical quality, physical accessibility, and sociability. The findings reveal that sociability is necessary for high levels of residents’ well-being. Three configuration paths are identified to generate high well-being, which can be classified into activity-based or acquaintance-based social interaction patterns based on spatial functions. Additionally, the study identifies five groups of non-high well-being configurations, in which lack of activity quality and sociability are core conditions. Overall, the study contributes to evaluating community public spaces and provides insight into the configuration of factors that contribute to residents’ well-being. The study highlights that community public spaces can have significantly different impacts on residents’ well-being, with sociability emerging as a significant factor. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify community public spaces’ social orientation according to spatial conditions.
How heavy is the medical expense burden among the older adults and what are the contributing factors? A literature review and problem-based analysis
Authors: Chen Jie , Zhao Meizhen , Zhou Renyi , Ou Wenjing , Yao Pin
Published: June 2023

In recent years, the aging population and increasing medical expenses among the older adults have emerged as significant public health concerns. National governments must conduct medical expense accounting and implement measures to reduce the burden of medical costs on the older population. However, limited studies have focused on total medical expenditure from a macro perspective, with many researches exploring individual medical expenses from different perspectives. This review introduces the trend of population aging and its impact on health cost change, reviews research on the medical expense burden of the older population and contributing factors, and points out underlying problems and limitations of current studies. Based on the present studies, the review emphasizes the necessity of medical expense accounting and analyzes the medical expense burden of the older population. Future studies should explore the impacts of medical insurance funds and health service system reforms on reducing medical expenses and developing a supporting medical insurance reform plan.
Psychological well-being, mental distress, metabolic syndrome, and associated factors among people living in a refugee camp in Greece: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Knappe Florian , Filippou Konstantinia , Hatzigeorgiadis Antonis , Morres Ioannis D. , Tzormpatzakis Emmanouil , Havas Elsa , Seelig Harald , Colledge Flora , Ludyga Sebastian , Meier Marianne , de Quervain Dominique , Theodorakis Yannis , von Känel Roland , Pühse Uwe , Gerber Markus
Published: June 2023

Background

Forcibly displaced people face various challenges and are therefore at higher risk of being affected by mental and physiological distress. The present study aimed to determine levels of psychological well-being, PTSD symptom severity, metabolic syndrome, and associated factors among forcibly displaced people in Greece in response to WHO’s call for evidence-based public health policies and programs for forcibly displaced people.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among n = 150 (50% women) forcibly displaced people originating from Sub-Sahara Africa and Southwest Asia living in a Greek refugee camp. Self-report questionnaires were used to assess psychological well-being, symptoms of PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder and insomnia, perceived stress, headache, and perceived fitness. Cardiovascular risk markers were assessed to determine metabolic syndrome, and cardiorespiratory fitness was measured with the Åstrand-Rhyming Test of Maximal Oxygen Uptake.

Results

The prevalence of mental distress and physiological disorders was overall elevated. Only 53.0% of participants rated their psychological well-being as high. Altogether, 35.3% scored above the clinical cut-off for PTSD, 33.3% for depression, 27.9% for generalized anxiety disorder, and 33.8% for insomnia. One in four (28.8%) participants met criteria for metabolic syndrome. While the prevalence of moderate or severe insomnia symptoms and metabolic syndrome differed little from the global population, the risk of being affected by mental distress was markedly increased. In multivariable analysis, higher perceived fitness was associated with higher psychological well-being (OR = 1.35, p = 0.003) and a decreased likelihood for metabolic syndrome (OR = 0.80, p = 0.031). Participants with elevated psychiatric symptoms were less likely to report high psychological well-being (OR = 0.22, p = 0.003) and had increased odds for higher PTSD severity (OR = 3.27, p = 0.034). Increased stress perception was associated with higher PTSD symptoms (OR = 1.13, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

There is an elevated risk for mental distress compared to the global population and an overall high mental and physiological burden among people living in a Greek refugee camp. The findings underpin the call for urgent action. Policies should aim to reduce post-migration stressors and address mental health and non-communicable diseases by various programs. Sport and exercise interventions may be a favorable add-on, given that perceived fitness is associated with both mental and physiological health benefits.
Causal relationship between obesity and iron deficiency anemia: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Tingting , Gao Qi , Yao Yuanyuan , Luo Ge , Lv Tao , Xu Guangxin , Liu Mingxia , Xu Jingpin , Li Xuejie , Sun Dawei , Cheng Zhenzhen , Wang Ying , Wu Chaomin , Wang Ruiyu , Zou Jingcheng , Yan Min
Published: June 2023

Background

Observational studies have suggested an association between obesity and iron deficiency anemia, but such studies are susceptible to reverse causation and residual confounding. Here we used Mendelian randomization to assess whether the association might be causal.

Methods

Data on single-nucleotide polymorphisms that might be associated with various anthropometric indicators of obesity were extracted as instrumental variables from genome-wide association studies in the UK Biobank. Data on genetic variants in iron deficiency anemia were extracted from a genome-wide association study dataset within the Biobank. Heterogeneity in the data was assessed using inverse variance-weighted regression, Mendelian randomization Egger regression, and Cochran's Q statistic. Potential causality was assessed using inverse variance-weighted, Mendelian randomization Egger, weighted median, maximum likelihood and penalized weighted median methods. Outlier SNPs were identified using Mendelian randomization PRESSO analysis and “leave-one-out” analysis.

Results

Inverse variance-weighted regression associated iron deficiency anemia with body mass index, waist circumference, trunk fat mass, body fat mass, trunk fat percentage, and body fat percentage (all odds ratios 1.003–1.004, P ≤ 0.001). Heterogeneity was minimal and no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy was found.

Conclusion

Our Mendelian randomization analysis suggests that obesity can cause iron deficiency anemia.
Interventions to promote medication adherence for chronic diseases in India: a systematic review
Authors: Tolley Abraham , Hassan Refaat , Sanghera Rohan , Grewal Kirpal , Kong Ruige , Sodhi Baani , Basu Saurav
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cost-effective interventions that improve medication adherence are urgently needed to address the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India. However, in low- and middle-income countries like India, there is a lack of analysis evaluating the effectiveness of adherence improving strategies. We conducted the first systematic review evaluating interventions aimed at improving medication adherence for chronic diseases in India.

Methods

A systematic search on MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted. Based on a PRISMA-compliant, pre-defined methodology, randomized control trials were included which: involved subjects with NCDs; were located in India; used any intervention with the aim of improving medication adherence; and measured adherence as a primary or secondary outcome.

Results

The search strategy yielded 1,552 unique articles of which 22 met inclusion criteria. Interventions assessed by these studies included education-based interventions (n = 12), combinations of education-based interventions with regular follow up (n = 4), and technology-based interventions (n = 2). Non-communicable diseases evaluated commonly were respiratory disease (n = 3), type 2 diabetes (n = 6), cardiovascular disease (n = 8) and depression (n = 2).

Conclusions

Although the vast majority of primary studies supporting the conclusions were of mixed methodological quality, patient education by CHWs and pharmacists represent promising interventions to improve medication adherence, with further benefits from regular follow-up. There is need for systematic evaluation of these interventions with high quality RCTs and their implementation as part of wider health policy.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022345636, identifier: CRD42022345636.
Assessment of solid and liquid wastes management and health impacts along the failed sewerage systems in capital cities of African countries: case of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Ouattara Zié Adama , Dongo Kouassi , Akpoti Komlavi , Kabo-Bah Amos T. , Attiogbé Francis , Siabi Ebenezer Kwadwo , Iweh Chu Donatus , Gogo Guemegbo Hypolithe
Published: June 2023

The management of domestic wastewater and rainwater is a major concern for the population of Yopougon. The study presents the causes of wastewater discharge from dysfunctional sewers and their health impacts on the population. It also highlights the environmental and health risk associated with poor solid and liquid waste management. This was based on literature search, semi-participatory workshop, physicochemical and bacteriological characterization of wastewater and finally through a household survey. The field survey was conducted on 245 household heads obtained using the Canadian statistical guidelines. The results obtained indicated that all main pollution indicators were; total nitrogen (TN, 525 ± 0.02 to 3077 ± 0.3 mg/l), nitrates (NO3, 146 ± 0.01 to 1347 ± 0.12 mg/l), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD, 278 ± 195.16 to 645 ± 391.74 mg/l), chemical oxygen demand (COD, 940 ± 650.54 to 4050.5 ± 71.42 mg/l) and total dissolved solids (TDS, 151 ± 9.9 to 766 ± 237.59 mg/l) which were above the values recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Cote d'Ivoire national policy guidelines standards for the discharge of effluents into the environment. The analysis of the bacterial flora of the effluents revealed that the concentrations of Total Coliforms and fecal streptococci exceeded the values recommended by the WHO and national policy guidelines standards. This means that the populations of this area are prone to infectious diseases. Diseases such as malaria (84.53%), respiratory infections (61%), diarrhea (48.66%), intestinal diseases (44.5%), and typhoid fever (28.84%) were prevalent in the surveyed households.
Prediction model for tibial plateau fracture combined with meniscus injury
Authors: Lv Hongzhi , Li Wenjing , Wang Yan , Chen Wei , Yan Xiaoli , Yuwen Peizhi , Hou Zhiyong , Wang Juan , Zhang Yingze
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To investigate a prediction model of meniscus injury in patients with tibial plateau fracture.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with tibial plateau fractures who were treated in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 1, 2015, to June 30, 2022. Patients were divided into a development cohort and a validation cohort based on the time-lapse validation method. Patients in each cohort were divided into a group with meniscus injury and a group without meniscus injury. Statistical analysis with Student’s t-test for continuous variables and chi square test for categorical variables was performed for patients with and without meniscus injury in the development cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen the risk factors of tibial plateau combined with meniscal injury, and a clinical prediction model was constructed. Model performance was measured by examining discrimination (Harrell’s C-index), calibration (calibration plots), and utility [decision analysis curves (DCA)]. The model was validated internally using bootstrapping and externally by calculating their performance in a validation cohort.

Results

Five hundred patients (313 [62.6%] males, 187 [37.4%] females) with a mean age of 47.7 ± 13.8 years were eligible and were divided into development (n = 262) and validation (n = 238) cohorts. A total of 284 patients had meniscus injury, including 136 in the development cohort and 148 in the validation cohort We identified high-energy injuries as a risk factor (OR = 1.969, 95%CI 1.131–3.427). Compared with blood type A, patients with blood type B were more likely to experience tibial plateau fracture with meniscus injury (OR = 2.967, 95%CI 1.531–5.748), and office work was a protective factor (OR = 0.279, 95%CI 0.126–0.618). The C-index of the overall survival model was 0.687 (95% CI, 0.623–0.751). Similar C-indices were obtained for external validation [0.700(0.631–0.768)] and internal validation [0.639 (0.638–0.643)]. The model was adequately calibrated and its predictions correlated with the observed outcomes. The DCA curve showed that the model had the best clinical validity when the threshold probability was 0.40 and 0.82.

Conclusions

Patients with blood type B and high-energy injuries are more likely to have meniscal injury. This may help in clinical trial design and individual clinical decision-making.
A Multithreaded Algorithm for the Computation of Sample Entropy
Authors: Manis George , Bakalis Dimitrios , Sassi Roberto
Published: June 2023

Many popular entropy definitions for signals, including approximate and sample entropy, are based on the idea of embedding the time series into an m-dimensional space, aiming to detect complex, deeper and more informative relationships among samples. However, for both approximate and sample entropy, the high computational cost is a severe limitation. Especially when large amounts of data are processed, or when parameter tuning is employed premising a large number of executions, the necessity of fast computation algorithms becomes urgent. In the past, our research team proposed fast algorithms for sample, approximate and bubble entropy. In the general case, the bucket-assisted algorithm was the one presenting the lowest execution times. In this paper, we exploit the opportunities given by the multithreading technology to further reduce the computation time. Without special requirements in hardware, since today even our cost-effective home computers support multithreading, the computation of entropy definitions can be significantly accelerated. The aim of this paper is threefold: (a) to extend the bucket-assisted algorithm for multithreaded processors, (b) to present updated execution times for the bucket-assisted algorithm since the achievements in hardware and compiler technology affect both execution times and gain, and (c) to provide a Python library which wraps fast C implementations capable of running in parallel on multithreaded processors.
Quantifying Uncertainties in OC-SMART Ocean Color Retrievals: A Bayesian Inversion Algorithm
Authors: Pachniak Elliot , Fan Yongzhen , Li Wei , Stamnes Knut
Published: June 2023

The Ocean Color—Simultaneous Marine and Aerosol Retrieval Tool (OC-SMART) is a robust data processing platform utilizing scientific machine learning (SciML) in conjunction with comprehensive radiative transfer computations to provide accurate remote sensing reflectances (Rrs estimates), aerosol optical depths, and inherent optical properties. This paper expands the capability of OC-SMART by quantifying uncertainties in ocean color retrievals. Bayesian inversion is used to relate measured top of atmosphere radiances and a priori data to estimate posterior probability density functions and associated uncertainties. A framework of the methodology and implementation strategy is presented and uncertainty estimates for Rrs retrievals are provided to demonstrate the approach by applying it to MODIS, OLCI Sentinel-3, and VIIRS sensor data.
Assessing the Impacts of Internal Communication: Employer Branding and Human Resources
Authors: Fernandes Raquel , Sousa Bruno Barbosa , Fonseca Manuel , Oliveira José
Published: June 2023

Human capital is considered the most important resource in any organization. However, most companies are concerned with external customer satisfaction, without devoting much attention to the satisfaction of their employees. Indisputably, employee satisfaction is fundamental and determines the success or failure of what the customer experiences. Technological developments have changed our lives and habits, and even the way we relate to others, so the online increasingly influences the offline. The purpose of this manuscript was to examine the relationship between the Digital Communication of companies and their Employer Branding, with a special focus on the close relationship that employees feel with the company. To perform this analysis, a case study was carried out using a qualitative approach. Interviews with seven managers from three different companies, two of whom are responsible for the Digital Communication of their organizations, were performed. With the analysis of the data obtained, it is concluded that the Employer Branding perceived by the employees is of a positive image of the company, but they do not feel emotionally more connected with the organization through the Digital Communication practiced by it. With this study, it is expected that organizations recognize the importance that an online presence has in the image of their brand as a whole, and that it is important to invest in Digital Communication, but it has to be performed with an action plan to achieve the objectives intended. From an interdisciplinary perspective, the manuscript presents insights for marketing (digital marketing and employer branding) and for socially responsible behavior by organizations (in a Portuguese context).
Two-Sex Life Table Analysis of the Predator Arma chinensis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) and the Prediction of Its Ability to Suppress Populations of Scopula subpunctaria (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)
Authors: Cao Kunqian , Lan Rongmeng , Yang Xiuju , Gong Bing , Zhang Jingjing , Zhou Xia , Jin Linhong
Published: June 2023

Scopula subpunctaria (Herrich-Schaeffer) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) is a leaf-eating pest in tea plantations that often causes serious economic losses. Arma chinensis (Fallou) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) as a polyphagous insect has become one of the main biological control agents for tea plantation pests due to its wide feeding habit, predatory ability, and adaptability. However, studies related to the predation using A. chinensis on the third instar S. subpunctaria have not been reported. In this study, we used the age-stage, two-sex life table method to analyze the developmental duration and fecundity of S. subpunctaria fed on tea, and A. chinensis fed on third instar S. subpunctaria larvae, under a 25 °C regime. The growth, development, survival, fecundity, and predation rates of the insect populations were investigated. The results showed that the predator and the prey can complete their respective life histories, but the developmental durations at each stage were different, and the developmental stages overlapped significantly. In addition, we used the computer program TIMING-MSChart to project the stage structure and the total population size of A. chinensis and S. subpunctaria. We also simulated the population changes of S. subpunctaria using an A. chinensis intervention. These results showed that S. subpunctaria can support A. chinensis to finish its life history and A. chinensis has great potential to control S. subpunctaria. This study contributes to the understanding of the biological characteristics of S. subpunctaria and provides a theoretical basis for releasing A. chinensis in the field to suppress S. subpunctaria.
Can Nematode Communities Work as an Indicator of Soil Health in a Multiyear Miscanthus × Giganteus Plantation Growing in Lead-Contaminated Soil?
Authors: Stefanovska Tatyana , Skwiercz Andrzej , Pidlisnyuk Valentina , Zhukov Oleksandr , Shapoval Pavlo
Published: June 2023

Analysis of the nematode community has been considered a key indicator of soil health. In this study, the assessment of nematodes was performed two times during the third growing season in soil contaminated by chemical elements where Miscanthus × giganteus was cultivated in the years 2019–2022. A morphological approach was used to identify the nematode communities that showed sensitivity to the level of soil contamination. In contrast, the value of M × g dry biomass was a more conservative indicator and displayed only a small yield, which decreased (3.6%) at the highest level of soil contamination by lead to 290.5 ± 75.4 µg/g. Principal component analysis revealed four trends associated with the coherent variability of contamination in soil and various organs of M × g. The variability of elements was reflected by the first three principal components and did not affect the nematode community. The variability of lead concentration was associated with principal component 4, which was the largest driver of changes in the nematode community. The trophic structure of the nematode communities was the most sensitive to soil contamination by lead. A decrease in the Structural Index was the general indicator in the transformation of the nematode community structure due to increasing levels of soil contamination.
Disentangling Exploitative and Interference Competition on Forest Dwelling Salamanders
Authors: Rosa Giacomo , Salvidio Sebastiano , Costa Andrea
Published: June 2023

Exploitative competition and interference competition differ in the way access to resources is modulated by a competitor. Exploitative competition implies resource depletion and usually produces spatial segregation, while interference competition is independent from resource availability and can result in temporal niche partitioning. Our aim is to infer the presence of spatial or temporal niche partitioning on a two-species system of terrestrial salamanders in Northern Italy: Speleomantes strinatii and Salamandrina perspicillata. We conducted 3 repeated surveys on 26 plots in spring 2018, on a sampling site where both species are present. We modelled count data with N-mixture models accounting for directional interactions on both abundance and detection process. In this way we were able to disentangle the effect of competitive interaction on the spatial scale, i.e., local abundance, and from the temporal scale, i.e., surface activity. We found strong evidence supporting the presence of temporal niche partitioning, consistent with interference competition. At the same time, no evidence of spatial segregation has been observed.
Microencapsulated Diets as an Alternative to Bivalve Feeding: Particle Size and Microalga Content Affect Feed Intake
Authors: Pereira Vitória , Pires Sílvia F. S. , Rodrigues Andreia C. M. , Ofoegbu Pearl , Bem-Haja Pedro , Soares Amadeu M. V. M. , Conceição Luís E. C. , Rocha Rui J. M. , Pacheco Mário
Published: June 2023

Bivalve mollusks represent a nutritious source with a low environmental impact; as a result, they are one of the most attractive aquaculture options. Advances in microencapsulation technology offer great potential to face key bivalve nutrition problems, and an alga-based microencapsulated diet can turn enriched bivalves into potential functional foods. The central goal of this study was the evaluation of food intake as a function of particle size and microalga content following the supply of four microencapsulated diets, incorporating as core material Nannochloropsis sp. or Tetraselmis sp. in 20 or 40 µm diameter pellets (diets N20, T20, N40, and T40, respectively) in five bivalve species (Magallana gigas, Solen marginatus, Ruditapes decussatus, Ruditapes philippinarum, and Cerastoderma edule). Overall, all tested diets were easily ingested, although food intake was higher for N20 (except for the S. marginatus, which showed a higher rate for the diet T40). Concerning a size-related analysis, C. edule and S. marginatus favored, respectively, smaller and bigger pellet-sized diets, with no signs of selectivity for microalga species. The diet T20 was the lesser ingested, except for C. edule. This knowledge enables a better selection of feed with appropriate and species-adjusted profiles, contributing to the optimization of microencapsulated diets for bivalve rearing and a better final product.
Critical-Illness: Combined Effects of Colistin and Vasoactive Drugs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stamatiou Rodopi , Vasilaki Anna , Tzini Dimitra , Tsolaki Vasiliki , Zacharouli Konstantina , Ioannou Maria , Fotakopoulos George , Sgantzos Markos , Makris Demosthenes
Published: June 2023

Colistin is often used as a last resort for treating multidrug-resistant infections, particularly in critically ill patients in intensive care units. Nonetheless, its side effects, including myopathy, require careful monitoring. Vasoconstrictive drugs are also used in intensive care to increase blood pressure and improve blood flow to vital organs, which can be compromised in critically ill patients. The exact mechanism of colistin-induced muscle toxicity is of significant interest due to its potential intensive-care clinical implications. Colistin alone or in combination with vasoconstrictive agents was administrated in non-septic and LPS-induced septic animals for 10 days. Histopathological evaluation of the gastrocnemius muscle and dot-blot protein tissue analysis were performed. Increased intramuscular area, de-organization of the muscle fibers and signs of myopathy were observed in colistin-treated animals. This effect was ameliorated in the presence of vasoconstrictive drugs. Administration of colistin to septic animals resulted in a decrease of AMPK and cyclin-D1 levels, while it had no effect on caspase 3 levels. Vasoconstrictive drugs’ administration reversed the effects of colistin on AMPK and cyclin D1 levels. Colistin’s effects on muscle depend on septic state and vasoconstriction presence, highlighting the need to consider these factors when administering it in critically ill patients.
Docosahexaenoic Acid as Master Regulator of Cellular Antioxidant Defenses: A Systematic Review
Authors: Borgonovi Sara Margherita , Iametti Stefania , Di Nunzio Mattia
Published: June 2023

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a polyunsaturated fatty acid that benefits the prevention of chronic diseases. Due to its high unsaturation, DHA is vulnerable to free radical oxidation, resulting in several unfavorable effects, including producing hazardous metabolites. However, in vitro and in vivo investigations suggest that the relationship between the chemical structure of DHA and its susceptibility to oxidation may not be as clear-cut as previously thought. Organisms have developed a balanced system of antioxidants to counteract the overproduction of oxidants, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the key transcription factor identified for transmitting the inducer signal to the antioxidant response element. Thus, DHA might preserve the cellular redox status promoting the transcriptional regulation of cellular antioxidants through Nrf2 activation. Here, we systematically summarize the research on the possible role of DHA in controlling cellular antioxidant enzymes. After the screening process, 43 records were selected and included in this review. Specifically, 29 studies related to the effects of DHA in cell cultures and 15 studies concerned the effects of consumption or treatment with DHA in animal. Despite DHA’s promising and encouraging effects at modulating the cellular antioxidant response in vitro/in vivo, some differences observed among the reviewed studies may be accounted for by the different experimental conditions adopted, including the time of supplementation/treatment, DHA concentration, and cell culture/tissue model. Moreover, this review offers potential molecular explanations for how DHA controls cellular antioxidant defenses, including involvement of transcription factors and the redox signaling pathway.
Red Quinoa Hydrolysates with Antioxidant Properties Improve Cardiovascular Health in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: López-Moreno Miguel , Jiménez-Moreno Estefanía , Márquez Gallego Antonio , Vera Pasamontes Gema , Uranga Ocio José Antonio , Garcés-Rimón Marta , Miguel-Castro Marta
Published: June 2023

In recent years, quinoa has been postulated as an emerging crop for the production of functional foods. Quinoa has been used to obtain plant protein hydrolysates with in vitro biological activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of red quinoa hydrolysate (QrH) on oxidative stress and cardiovascular health in an in vivo experimental model of hypertension (HTN) in the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR). The oral administration of QrH at 1000 mg/kg/day (QrHH) showed a significant reduction in SBP from baseline (−9.8 ± 4.5 mm Hg; p < 0.05) in SHR. The mechanical stimulation thresholds did not change during the study QrH groups, whereas in the case of SHR control and SHR vitamin C, a significant reduction was observed (p < 0.05). The SHR QrHH exhibited higher antioxidant capacity in the kidney than the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). The SHR QrHH group showed an increase in reduced glutathione levels in the liver compared to the SHR control group (p < 0.05). In relation to lipid peroxidation, SHR QrHH exhibited a significant decrease in plasma, kidney and heart malondialdehyde (MDA) values compared to the SHR control group (p < 0.05). The results obtained revealed the in vivo antioxidant effect of QrH and its ability to ameliorate HTN and its associated complications.
Performance Analysis of QoS-Oriented OFDMA Protocol Based on IEEE 802.11ax for Cognitive Radio Network
Authors: Li Suoping , Yang Hailing , Gao Ruiman , Jia Tongtong , Li Hongli
Published: June 2023

To improve the quality of service (QoS) on the internet of medical things, a cognitive radio (CR) protocol based on orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) is proposed, named CR-OFDMA. In this protocol, we divide a complete channel into multiple orthogonal subchannels and enhance the subchannel assignment scheme, which achieves QoS improvement under consideration of priority and fairness. Furthermore, we improve spectrum resource utilization by fully utilizing the remaining subchannels, feedback slots, and backoff slots. Then, a two-dimensional Markov model is established to describe the dynamic characteristics of the protocol operation, where the backoff stage and the backoff counter value constitute the system state. By establishing the traffic conservation equations for the system operation, the transmission probability and collision probability are calculated, and expressions of system throughput, channel utilization, and fairness index are derived. Finally, numerical results validate the advantages of CR-OFDMA.
Two-Step CFAR-Based 3D Point Cloud Extraction Method for Circular Scanning Ground-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar
Authors: Shen Wenjie , Zhi Jie , Wang Yanping , Sun Jinping , Lin Yun , Li Yang , Jiang Wen
Published: June 2023

Ground-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar (GBSAR) has non-contact, all-weather, high resolution imaging and microdeformation sensing capabilities, which offers advantages in applications such as building structure monitoring and mine slope deformation retrieval. The Circular Scanning Ground-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar (CS-GBSAR) is one of its newest developed working mode, in which the radar rotates around an axis in a vertical plane. Such nonlinear observation geometry brings the unique advantage of three-dimensional (3D) imaging compared with traditional GBSAR modes. However, such nonlinear observation geometry causes strong sidelobes in SAR images, which makes it a difficult task to extract point cloud data. The Conventional Cell Averaging Constant False Alarm Rate (CA-CFAR) algorithm can extract 3D point cloud data layer-by-layer at different heights, which is time consuming and is easily influenced by strong sidelobes to obtain inaccurate results. To address these problems, this paper proposes a new two-step CFAR-based 3D point cloud extraction method for CS-GBSAR, which can extract accurate 3D point cloud data under the influence of strong sidelobes. It first utilizes maximum projection to obtain three-view images from 3D image data. Then, the first step CA-CFAR is applied to obtain the coarse masks of three-views. Then, the volume mask in the original 3D image is obtained via inverse projection. This can remove strong sidelobes outside the potential target region and obtain potential target area data by intersecting it with the SAR 3D image. Then, the second step CA-CFAR is applied to the potential target area data to obtain 3D point clouds. Finally, to further eliminate the residual strong sidelobes and output accurate 3D point clouds, the modified Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) clustering algorithm is applied. The original DBSCAN method uses a spherical template to cluster. It covers more points, which is easily influenced by the strong sidelobe. Hence, the clustering results have more noise points. Meanwhile, modified DBSCAN clusters have a cylindrical template to accommodate the data’s features, which can reduce false clustering. The proposed method is validated via real data acquired by the North China University of Technology (NCUT)-developed CS-GBSAR system. The laser detection and ranging (LiDAR) data are used as the reference ground truth to demonstrate the method. The comparison experiment with conventional method shows that the proposed method can reduce 95.4% false clustered points and remove the strong sidelobes, which shows the better performance of the proposed method.
Project Portfolio Planning Taking into Account the Effect of Loss of Competences of Project Team Members
Authors: Bocewicz Grzegorz , Szwarc Eryk , Thibbotuwawa Amila , Banaszak Zbigniew
Published: June 2023

This paper deals with a declarative model of the performance of employees conducting variably repetitive tasks based on the assumption of aging competences. An analytical model is used to consider refreshing the competences of the team’s multi-skilled members and shaping the structure of staff’s competences to maximize their mutual substitutability in processes typical for a multi-item lot-size production. Its impact on maintaining the skill level of employees is important in cases of an unplanned event, e.g., caused by employee absenteeism and/or a change in the priorities of orders carried out, disrupting the task of software companies. The developed model implemented in the constraint programming environment enables the formulation of decision-making versions of both the problem of analysis (seeking an answer to the question to discover whether there is a solution that meets the given expectations) and synthesis (seeking an answer to the question, assuming there is a solution that meets the given expectations). The potential of the proposed reference model-based approach is illustrated with examples.
Prediction and Optimization of Blasting-Induced Ground Vibration in Open-Pit Mines Using Intelligent Algorithms
Authors: Guo Jiang , Zhao Peidong , Li Pingfeng
Published: June 2023

Prediction and parameter optimization are effective methods for mine personnel to control blast-induced ground vibration. However, the challenge of effective prediction and optimization lies in the multi-factor and multi-effect nature of open-pit blasting. This study proposes a hybrid intelligent model to predict ground vibrations using a least-squares support vector machine (LSSVM) optimized by a particle swarm algorithm (PSO). Meanwhile, multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) was used to optimize the blast design parameters by considering the vibration of particular areas and the bulk rate of blast fragmentation. To compare the prediction performance of PSO-LSSVM, a genetic-algorithm-optimized BP neural network (GA-BP), unoptimized LSSVM, and BP were used, by applying the same database. In addition, the root-mean-squared error (RMSE), the mean absolute error (MAE), and the correlation coefficient (r) were regarded as the evaluation indicators. Furthermore, the optimization results of the blasting parameters were obtained by quoting the established vibration prediction model and bulk rate proxy model in MOPSO and verified by field tests. The results indicated that the PSO-LSSVM model provided the highest efficiency in predicting vibrations with an RMSE of 1.954, MAE of 1.717, and r of 0.965. Furthermore, the blasting vibration can be controlled by using the two-objective optimization model to obtain the best blasting parameters. Consequently, this study can provide more specific recommendations for vibration hazard control.