bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Change in Work-Family/Life or a Return to Traditional Normative Patterns in Spain? Systematic Review
Authors: Morero-Mínguez Almudena , Ortega-Gaspar Marta
Published: June 2022

Family policies to reduce conflict in work-life balance and promote gender equality advanced significantly at the legislative level in Spain in the first decades of the twenty-first century. These advances include the 2007 Law for Equality between Men and Women and the extension of paternity leave to 16 weeks in 2020. However, advances in care work and at the professional level have been limited. The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified existing imbalances in family-work responsibilities in general and the ICT gender gap in particular. In crisis situations, women adopt the role of caregivers more easily than men, and women with fewer educational, economic, and job resources are more likely to assume this role, contributing to increasing gender inequalities at work and in the family. COVID-19 has exposed these imbalances, highlighting the need for new narratives and laws that encourage gender equality. Post-COVID-19 scenarios thus present an opportunity for reflection and progress on Spanish family policy. From this perspective, the paradigm of work-family conflict, although interesting, must be examined and resignified. This article proposes to critically resignify the paradigm of work-family conflict based on the new narrative generated by COVID-19. The present analysis suggests a resignification that should involve changing the expectations and practices around work-family balance, based on family diversity, job insecurity, the technological revolution, and new masculinities. It is proposed a prior reflection to clarify definition of the indicators and indexes that enable operationalization of the concept of work-family reconciliation. It is expected that these measures will help to facilitate practical application of reconciliation in areas such as public or/and private organizations, while also enabling international comparative analysis.
“Downstreaming” Policy Supporting the Competitiveness of Indonesian Cocoa in the Global Market
Authors: Fahmid Imam Mujahidin , Wahyudi  , Salman Darmawan , Kariyasa I Ketut , Fahmid Mirah Midadan , Agustian Adang , Perdana Resty Puspa , Rachman Benny , Darwis Valeriana , Mardianto Sudi
Published: June 2022

Indonesia is one of the cocoa producing countries, where most of it is exported to foreign countries and the rest is marketed domestically. Indonesia cocoa export performance in the world market certainly opens up many opportunities. It is necessary to optimize the potency and competitiveness of its cocoa if Indonesia would make the cocoa exports as the driving of national economy. The objectives of this paper are to (1) analyze Indonesian cocoa performance in the global market compared to its competitors and (2) analyze the competitiveness and market position of Indonesian cocoa in global market and analyze the potency to develop market in 10 main trading partners. The data analysis methods used are the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA), Trade Specialization Index (TSI) and Export Product Dynamics (EDP). The result shows that the comparative competitiveness of Indonesian cocoa beans and processed cocoa is lower than that of other producing countries. However, Indonesia still has the potency to develop market for its cocoa products in several countries such as the United States, China, India, Canada, Mexico and Estonia. Some efforts to improve the competitiveness of Indonesian cocoa beans may be through the replanting for estates rejuvenation and the improvement of fermentation to improve the quality of cocoa beans. In addition, to enhance the export performance of cocoa base products in general, it is necessary to also improve the development of downstream line and processing industries.
Food Flows and the Roles of Cities in West African Food Distribution Networks
Authors: Karg Hanna , Bouscarat Jill , Akoto-Danso Edmund Kyei , Heinrigs Philipp , Drechsel Pay , Amprako Louis , Buerkert Andreas
Published: June 2022

In West Africa, rampant urbanization is changing food systems, including the magnitude and composition of food flows and the length of supply chains. An increasing body of literature discusses pathways to sustainable transformation of urban food systems taking into account links between urban and rural spaces. Research and policy have focused on the role of cities as consumption centers receiving food from local, regional, and global hinterlands. This study aims at widening the perspective on the role of cities in food distribution, by bringing into focus a city's function as a consumption, aggregation, and disaggregation center. The analysis is based on a comprehensive set of primary data on food flows collected in four West African cities across different seasons. The analysis shows that the investigated cities are integrated into multi-scale urban and market networks. Their position within these networks interacts with their reliance on other territories for food supply and with their functions, such as the aggregation of goods. The capital cities of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) and Bamako (Mali) relied more on lower-rank urban settlements further away, while Tamale, a secondary city in Ghana, acted as an assembly market for local rural producers and in turn supplied larger urban centers. Bamenda, a secondary city in Cameroon, acted as a consumption center sourcing mainly from its hinterland. Beyond that, city functions were context-specific and varied according to type of product and season. Extending the perspective on the role of cities has implications for policy, including bringing into focus and strengthening midstream segments, such as market and transport links.
Meta-Analysis: Shouldn’t Prophylactic Corticosteroids be Administered During Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass?
Authors: Chai Tianci , Zhuang Xinghui , Tian Mengyue , Yang Xiaojie , Qiu Zhihuang , Xu Shurong , Cai Meiling , Lin Yanjuan , Chen Liangwan
Published: June 2022

Background

Corticosteroids can effectively inhibit systemic inflammation induced by cardiopulmonary bypass. Recently clinical trials and meta-analyses and current guidelines for cardiac surgery do not support corticosteroids prophylaxis during cardiac surgery because of an increase in myocardial infarction and no benefit for patients. The aim of this study is to determine whether specific corticosteroids dose ranges might provide clinical benefits without increasing myocardial infarction.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Clinical Trials, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before August 1, 2021.

Results

88 RCTs with 18,416 patients (17,067 adults and 1,349 children) were identified. Relative to placebo and high-dose corticosteroids, low-dose corticosteroids (≤20 mg/kg hydrocortisone) during adult cardiac surgery did not increase the risks of myocardial infarction (odds ratio [OR]: 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43–2.17;p = 0.93). However, low-dose corticosteroids were associated with lower risks of atrial fibrillation (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.44–0.76;p < 0.0001) and kidney injury (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–0.96;p = 0.04). Furthermore, low-dose corticosteroids significantly shortened the mechanical ventilation times (mean difference [MD]: −2.74 h, 95% CI: −4.14, −1.33;p = 0.0001), intensive care unit (ICU) stay (MD: −1.48 days, 95% CI: −2.73, −0.22;p = 0.02), and hospital stay (MD: −2.29 days, 95% CI: −4.51, −0.07;p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Low-dose corticosteroids prophylaxis during cardiac surgery provided significant benefits for adult patients, without increasing the risks of myocardial infarction and other complications.
A Prediction Model for Neurological Deterioration in Patients with Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Gao Daiquan , Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhang Yunzhou , Zhang Rujiang , Qiao Yuanyuan
Published: June 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore factors related to neurological deterioration (ND) after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) and establish a prediction model based on random forest analysis in evaluating the risk of ND.

Methods

The clinical data of 411 patients with acute sICH at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University and Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University between January 2018 and December 2020 were collected. After adjusting for variables, multivariate logistic regression was performed to investigate the factors related to the ND in patients with acute ICH. Then, based on the related factors in the multivariate logistic regression and four variables that have been identified as contributing to ND in the literature, we established a random forest model. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the prediction performance of this model.

Results

The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that time of onset to the emergency department (ED), baseline hematoma volume, serum sodium, and serum calcium were independently associated with the risk of ND. Simultaneously, the random forest model was developed and included eight predictors: serum calcium, time of onset to ED, serum sodium, baseline hematoma volume, systolic blood pressure change in 24 h, age, intraventricular hemorrhage expansion, and gender. The area under the curve value of the prediction model reached 0.795 in the training set and 0.713 in the testing set, which suggested the good predicting performance of the model.

Conclusion

Some factors related to the risk of ND were explored. Additionally, a prediction model for ND of acute sICH patients was developed based on random forest analysis, and the developed model may have a good predictive value through the internal validation.
Diagnostic Value of Two-Dimensional Transvaginal Ultrasound Combined with Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hu Rong , Shahai Gulina , Liu Hui , Feng Yuling , Xiang Hong
Published: June 2022

Objective

Explore the value of two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the differential diagnosis of ovarian cancer, so as to provide the basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.

Methods

A total of 100 suspected ovarian cancer patients who were admitted to our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the research subjects, including 62 ovarian cancer patients (ovarian cancer group) and 38 ovarian benign tumor patients (benign group). Two-dimensional vaginal ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were performed in both groups. The differences in PI, RI, EDV, PSV, and VM parameters of the two groups as well as those of patients with ovarian cancer of different grades were compared. Record the contrast-enhanced ultrasound parameters such as AT, TTP and IMAX, and determine the diagnostic value.

Results

The PI and RI of the ovarian cancer group were lower than those of the benign ovarian tumor group, and the EDV, PSV and VM of the ovarian cancer group were higher than those of the benign ovarian tumor group (p < 0.05). The PI and RI of the patients in stage I–II of the ovarian cancer group were higher than those in stage III–IV, and the EDV, PSV and VM were lower than those in the patients in stage III–IV, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). The results of contrast-enhanced ultrasound showed that the AT and TTP values in the ovarian cancer group were significantly shorter than those in the benign group, and the peak intensity was significantly higher than that in the benign group, and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of two-dimensional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer were high, 95.16%(59/62), 86.84%(33/38), 92.19%(59/64), 91.67%(33/36) and 92.00%(92/100), respectively.

Conclusion

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound to some extent makes up for the deficiencies of conventional ultrasound, is helpful to detect early ovarian cancer, and can be used for the differential diagnosis of small ovarian tumors with difficult two-dimensional ultrasound diagnosis. Two-dimensional ultrasound combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound can effectively improve the detection rate and differential diagnosis value of ovarian cancer, which is of great significance in the early diagnosis and differentiation of ovarian cancer.
Effects of Carbon and Nitrogen Fertilisers on Rice Quality of the OsNRT2.3b-Overexpressing Line
Authors: Zhang Yong , Kong Pulin , Wang Fan , Zhao Limei , Qian Kaiyun , Zhang Yadong , Fan Xiaorong
Published: June 2022

Excessive nitrogen fertiliser use reduces nitrogen use efficiency and causes significant damage to the environment. Carbon fertilisers have the advantage of improving soil fertility; however, the effects of carbon and nitrogen fertilisers on rice yield and quality are not clear. In this study, the nitrogen-efficient line (OsNRT2.3b-overexpressing [O8]) and wild type (WT) were treated with different levels of nitrogen and carbon fertilisers under field conditions to study the effects of different fertilisation treatments on rice quality. The results showed that the appearance, nutrition, and taste qualities of O8 were generally high compared with WT under various fertilisation treatment conditions in 2019 and 2020. Compared with 90 kg/ha and 270 kg/ha nitrogen fertiliser, a single application of 90 kg/ha and 270 kg/ha carbon fertiliser significantly reduced the protein content of O8 by approximately 37.08% and 35.50% in 2019 and 2020, respectively, compared with WT, and improved the eating quality of O8 and WT. However, the replacement of nitrogen fertiliser with 20% carbon fertiliser did not improve the eating quality of O8 and WT compared with a single application of nitrogen fertiliser. This study identifies a high-quality gene, OsNRT2.3b, for breeding high-quality rice and provides a theoretical basis for obtaining high-quality rice and molecular breeding.
Serine Hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) Gene Family in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): Identification, Evolution, and Expression Analysis
Authors: Liu Hao , Li Na , Zhao Yuan , Kang Guo-Zhang , Zhao Yan-Hong , Xu Hua-Wei
Published: June 2022

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) plays a vital role in one-carbon metabolic, photorespiration, and various stress responses. However, the genome-wide analysis has not been performed in wheat. In this study, a total of 12 TaSHMT genes were identified in wheat and classified into groups Ⅰa, Ⅰb, and Ⅱb. TaSHMT genes in each group shared similar conserved domain distributions. Chromosomal location, synteny, and cis-elements analysis of TaSHMTs were also analyzed. Real-time PCR results indicated that most TaSHMT genes were mainly expressed in leaves and stems during the wheat seedling stage. Most TaSHMT genes could respond to various abiotic stress. The growth of yeast cells expressing TaSHMT2.1 was inhibited under salt and dehydration stress. Moreover, the gene ontology (GO) annotation and protein interaction of TaSHMT genes were analyzed. These results increase our understanding of SHMT genes and provide robust candidate genes for further functional investigations aimed at crop improvement.
An Avant-Garde Construction for Subclasses of Analytic Bi-Univalent Functions
Authors: Yousef Feras , Amourah Ala , Frasin Basem Aref , Bulboacă Teodor
Published: June 2022

The zero-truncated Poisson distribution is an important and appropriate model for many real-world applications. Here, we exploit the zero-truncated Poisson distribution probabilities to construct a new subclass of analytic bi-univalent functions involving Gegenbauer polynomials. For functions in the constructed class, we explore estimates of Taylor–Maclaurin coefficients a2 and a3, and next, we solve the Fekete–Szegő functional problem. A number of new interesting results are presented to follow upon specializing the parameters involved in our main results.
Hydroxychloroquine on the Pulmonary Vascular Diseases in Interstitial Lung Disease: Immunologic Effects, and Virus Interplay
Authors: Yeh Jun-Jun , Syue Shih-Hueh , Sun Yi-Fun , Yeh Yi-Ting , Zheng Ya-Chi , Lin Cheng-Li , Hsu Chung Y. , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: June 2022

To investigate the effects of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) drug use on the risk of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in an interstitial lung disease cohort (ILD cohort, ILD+ virus infection), we retrospectively enrolled the ILD cohort with HCQ (HCQ users, N = 4703) and the ILD cohort without HCQ (non-HCQ users, N = 4703) by time-dependence after propensity score matching. Cox models were used to analyze the risk of PVD. We calculated the adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PVD after adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, index date and immunosuppressants, such as steroids, etc. Compared with the HCQ nonusers, in HCQ users, the aHRs (95% CIs) for PVD were (2.24 (1.42, 3.54)), and the women’s aHRs for PVD were (2.54, (1.49, 4.35)). The aHRs based on the days of HCQ use for PVD of 28–30 days, 31–120 days, and >120 days were (1.27 (0.81, 1.99)), (3.00 (1.81, 4.87)) and (3.83 (2.46, 5.97)), respectively. The medium or long-term use of HCQ or young women receiving HCQ were associated with a higher aHR for PVD in the ILD cohort. These findings indicated interplay of the primary immunologic effect of ILD, comorbidities, women, age and virus in the HCQ users.
Therapy Effect of the Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on Acute Pancreatitis as Vascular Failure-Induced Severe Peripheral and Central Syndrome in Rats
Authors: Smoday Ivan Maria , Petrovic Igor , Kalogjera Luka , Vranes Hrvoje , Zizek Helena , Krezic Ivan , Gojkovic Slaven , Skorak Ivan , Hriberski Klaudija , Brizic Ivan , Kubat Milovan , Strbe Sanja , Barisic Ivan , Sola Marija , Lovric Eva , Lozic Marin , Boban Blagaic Alenka , Skrtic Anita , Seiwerth Sven , Sikiric Predrag
Published: June 2022

We revealed the therapy effect of the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (10 μg/kg, 10 ng/kg ig or po) with specific activation of the collateral rescuing pathways, the azygos vein, on bile duct ligation in particular, and acute pancreatitis as local disturbances (i.e., improved gross and microscopy presentation, decreased amylase level). Additionally, we revealed the therapy’s effect on the acute pancreatitis as vascular failure and multiorgan failure, both peripherally and centrally following “occlusion-like” syndrome, major intoxication (alcohol, lithium), maintained severe intra-abdominal hypertension, and myocardial infarction, or occlusion syndrome, and major vessel occlusion. The application-sacrifice periods were ligation times of 0–30 min, 0–5 h, 0–24 h (cured periods, early regimen) and 4.30 h–5 h, 5 h–24 h (cured periods, delayed regimen). Otherwise, bile duct-ligated rats commonly presented intracranial (superior sagittal sinus), portal and caval hypertension and aortal hypotension, gross brain swelling, hemorrhage and lesions, heart dysfunction, lung lesions, liver and kidney failure, gastrointestinal lesions, and severe arterial and venous thrombosis, peripherally and centrally. Unless antagonized with the key effect of BPC 157 regimens, reversal of the inferior caval and superior mesenteric vein congestion and reversal of the failed azygos vein activated azygos vein-recruited direct delivery to rescue the inferior-superior caval vein pathway; these were all antecedent to acute pancreatitis major lesions (i.e., acinar, fat necrosis, hemorrhage). These lesions appeared in the later period, but were markedly attenuated/eliminated (i.e., hemorrhage) in BPC 157-treated rats. To summarize, while the innate vicious cycle may be peripheral (bile duct ligation), or central (rapidly developed brain disturbances), or peripheral and central, BPC 157 resolved acute pancreatitis and its adjacent syndrome.
Recent Biophysical Advances in Drug Discovery
Authors: Ng Ho Leung
Published: June 2022

In recent years, we have seen an explosion of technological progress related to drug discovery, including computing power, artificial intelligence, and electron microscopy [...]
Copper and Iron Cooperation on Micro-Spherical Silica during Methanol Synthesis via CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Todaro Serena , Frusteri Francesco , Wawrzyńczak Dariusz , Majchrzak-Kucęba Izabela , Pérez-Robles Juan-Francisco , Cannilla Catia , Bonura Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

A series of mono- and bi-metallic copper and iron samples were prepared by impregnation method on micro-spherical silica and used for the synthesis of methanol via CO2 hydrogenation. Compared with conventional carrier oxides, micro-spherical silica has obvious advantages in terms of absorption capacity and optimal distribution of active phases on its surface, also exhibiting excellent heat resistance properties and chemical stability. The prepared catalysts were characterized by various techniques including XRF, XRD, SEM, TEM, H2-TPR and CO2-TPD techniques, while catalytic measurements in CO2 hydrogenation reaction to methanol were performed in a fixed bed reactor at a reaction pressure of 30 bar and temperature ranging from 200 to 260 °C. The obtained results revealed that the mutual interaction of copper–iron induces promotional effects on the formation of methanol, especially on systems where Fe enrichment on the silica support favours the presence of a larger concentration of oxygen vacancies, consequently responsible for higher CO2 adsorption and selective methanol production. Surface reconstruction phenomena rather than coke or metal sintering were responsible for the slight loss of activity recorded on the catalyst samples during the initial phase of reaction; however, with no appreciable change on the product selectivity.
Breastfeeding, Complementary Feeding, Physical Activity, Screen Use, and Hours of Sleep in Children under 2 Years during Lockdown by the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile
Authors: Bustos-Arriagada Edson , Etchegaray-Armijo Karina , Liberona-Ortiz Ángelo , Duarte-Silva Lissette
Published: June 2022

Infants and children are a risk group in terms of developing healthy habits, an important aspect if we consider that many of them were born during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our objective was to evaluate compliance with lifestyle recommendations proposed at the national and international levels in children aged 0 to 23 months during confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Chile. A cross-sectional study was conducted, and 211 online questionnaires were completed with sociodemographic and lifestyle information of children. Our results show high compliance with the recommendations on breastfeeding intake (78.3% and 69.5% in 0–5-month-old and 6–23-month-old children, respectively); age of starting complementary feeding (87.4%); non-consumption of salt and sugar (80.1%), non-caloric sweeteners (90.7%), and sweet and salty snacks (68.9%); and hours of physical activity (66.8%) and sleep (65.4%). However, we observed low compliance with the recommendations on the age of introduction of dinner (58.0%), eggs (23.0%), legumes (39.2%), and fish (35.1%); low consumption of legumes (43.4%) and fish (20.5%); and low compliance with the recommendations on screen use during meals (59.2%) and daily screen hours (41.2%). In conclusion, feeding behavior, physical activity, use of screens, and hours of sleep in children were altered by confinement during the pandemic, harming the development of healthy lifestyles.
Molecular Determination of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, miRNA-423 Gene Abnormalities by Utilizing ARMS-PCR and Their Association with Fetal Hemoglobin Expression in the Patients with Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Hamadi Abdullah , Mir Rashid , Mahzari Ali , Hakami Abdulrahim , Almotairi Reema , Dobie Gasim , Hamdi Fawaz , Nahari Mohammed , Alhefzi Razan , Alasseiri Mohammed , Hakami Nora , Al Sadoun Hadeel , Al-Amer Osama , Barnawi Jameel , Madkhali Hassan
Published: June 2022

Recent studies have indicated that microRNA and VEGF are considered to be genetic modifiers and are associated with elevated levels of fetal haemoglobin HbF, and thus they reduce the clinical impact of sickle haemoglobin (HbS) patients. This cross-sectional study was performed on clinical confirmed subjects of SCD cases. miR-423-rs6505162 C>T and VEGF-2578 C>A genotyping was conducted by ARMS-PCR in SCD and healthy controls. A strong clinical significance was reported while comparing the association of miR-423 C>T genotypes between SCD patients and controls (p = 0.031). The microRNA-423 AA genotype was associated with an increased severity of SCD in codominant model with odd ratio (OR = 2.36, 95% CI, (1.15–4.84), p = 0.018) and similarly a significant association was observed in recessive inheritance model for microRNA-423 AA vs (CC+CA) genotypes (OR = 2.19, 95% CI, (1.32–3.62), p < 0.002). The A allele was associated with SCD severity (OR = 1.57, 95% CI, (1.13–2.19), p < 0.007). The distribution of VEGF-2578 C>A genotypes between SCD patients and healthy controls was significant (p < 0.013). Our results indicated that in the codominant model, the VEGF-2578-CA genotype was strongly associated with increased SCD severity with OR = 2.56, 95% CI, (1.36–4.82), p < 0.003. The higher expression of HbA1 (65.9%), HbA2 (4.40%), was reported in SCD patients carrying miR-423-AA genotype than miR-423 CA genotype in SCD patients carrying miR-423 CA genotype HbA1 (59.98%), HbA2 (3.74%) whereas SCD patients carrying miR-423 CA genotype has higher expression of HbF (0.98%) and HbS (38.1%) than in the patients carrying AA genotype HbF (0.60%), HbS (36.1%). ARMS-PCR has been proven to be rapid, inexpensive and is highly applicable to gene mutation screening in laboratories and clinical practices. This research highlights the significance of elucidating genetic determinants that play roles in the amelioration of the HbF levels that is used as an indicator of severity of clinical complications of the monogenic disease. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm our findings.
How Customers Evaluate Genitalia versus Torso Sex Toys on Amazon.com: A Content Analysis of Product Reviews
Authors: Döring Nicola , Mikhailova Veronika , Noorishad Pari-Gole
Published: June 2022

Sex toys are widely marketed on the Internet. Browsing for, buying, and reviewing sex toys online are popular cybersexual activities. The aim of this study was to investigate consumers’ experiences with different types of realistic sex toys via online product reviews on Amazon.com. Toys were categorized in a 2 × 2 design regarding their representation of the human body (genitalia sex toys representing reproductive organs only versus torso toys representing larger parts of the human body) and their depiction of gender (toys representing female versus male body parts). Informed by feminist discourses on sex toys as well as sexual script theory and consumer research, the study explored the overall evaluations (RQ1), most frequently addressed characteristics (RQ2), usage patterns (RQ3), and perceived effects (RQ4) of the four groups of sex toys. A quantitative manual content analysis of N = 778 online sex toy reviews showed that 79% of consumers gave popular realistic sex toys positive ratings (RQ1). The most frequently mentioned characteristics were quality, material, and shape (RQ2). Most reviewers were men and used sex toys for solo sexual activities (RQ3). An additional qualitative analysis of n = 69 reviews addressing the perceived effects of sex toy use revealed that consumers predominantly mentioned positive effects (RQ4). Genitalia sex toys received better evaluations than torso sex toys and were perceived to be complementary tools to enhance sexual arousal, whereas the use of torso toys entailed anthropomorphization and symbolic social interactions. Implications for future research and design of different types of sex toys are discussed.
Spin Orbit Torque-Assisted Magnetic Tunnel Junction-Based Hardware Trojan
Authors: Kumar Rajat , Divyanshu Divyanshu , Khan Danial , Amara Selma , Massoud Yehia
Published: June 2022

With the advancement of beyond-CMOS devices to keep Moore’s law alive, several emerging devices have found application in a wide range of applications. Spintronic devices offer low power, non-volatility, inherent spatial and temporal randomness, simplicity of integration with a silicon substrate, etc. This makes them a potential candidate for next-generation hardware options. This work explores the giant spin Hall effect (GSHE)-driven spin-orbit torque (SOT) magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) as a potential candidate for creating an externally triggered hardware Trojan and insertion into logic-locked hardware security considering the effect of process and temperature variations.
Modeling and Analysis of Non-Linear Phenomena of Satellite Power System in Space Environment and Hazard-Risk Evaluations
Authors: Meng Yanchen , Zhang Donglai , Wang Chao , Liu Zhigang , Zhu Liying , Li Anshou
Published: June 2022

With the aim to solve the problem of the non-linear phenomenon of the satellite power system under the influence of the space environment factors, which threatens the stability of the power system, in this paper, the abnormal charging and discharging of solar arrays and solar array drive assembly (SADA) induced by the space plasma environment and accidental events, such as debris impact, and the non-linear behaviors of the solar array and load during the Earth eclipse are modeled and analyzed. On this basis, the hazard risk evaluations of the above non-linear phenomena are carried out, and the weak links of the satellite power system in the space environment are identified. The results show that the unexpected energy of the solar array will increase the current stress and power loss of the power device, resulting in S3R over-regulation. An SADA arc fault will reduce the power supply capacity of the solar array, damage the shunt regulator, and affect the quality of the bus. The non-linear behavior of the solar array and load during the Earth eclipse may damage the battery charge and discharge regulator, seriously affecting the stability of the power system.
An Analytical TOOLBOX for the Characterization of Chalks and Other Fine-Grained Rock Types within Enhanced Oil Recovery Research and Its Application—A Guideline
Authors: Zimmermann Udo , Minde Mona Wetrhus , Madland Merete Vadla , Bredal Tine Vigdal
Published: June 2022

Analyses of fine-grained rocks like shales, cherts, and specifically chalk are challenging with regards to spatial resolution. We propose a “toolbox” to understand mineralogical alteration in chalk, especially those induced by non-equilibrium fluids or polymers and silicates during production of hydrocarbons. These data are fundamental in experiments related to improved/enhanced oil recovery (IOR/EOR) research with the aim to increase hydrocarbon production in a sustainable and environmentally friendly process. The ‘toolbox’ methods analyse rock–fluid or polymer–rock interaction and can be applied to any fine-grained rock type. In our ‘toolbox’, we include methods for routine analysis and evaluate the economic side of the usage together with the complexity of application and the velocity of data acquisition. These methods are routine methods for identification and imaging of components at the same time by chemical or crystallographic means and here applied to petroleum geology. The ‘toolbox’ principle provides a first workflow to develop a road map with clear focus on objectives for maximizing EOR. Most importantly, the methods provide a robust dataset that can identify mineralogical properties and alterations in very fine-grained rocks over several scales (nanometer-decimeter).
Galerkin Approximation for Stochastic Volterra Integral Equations with Doubly Singular Kernels
Authors: Li Yuyuan , Song Wanqing , Jiang Yanan , Kudreyko Aleksey
Published: June 2022

This paper is concerned with the more general nonlinear stochastic Volterra integral equations with doubly singular kernels, whose singular points include both s=t and s=0. We propose a Galerkin approximate scheme to solve the equation numerically, and we obtain the strong convergence rate for the Galerkin method in the mean square sense. The rate is min{2−2(α1+β1),1−2(α2+β2)} (where α1,α2,β1,β2 are positive numbers satisfying 0<α1+β1<1, 0<α2+β2<12), which improves the results of some numerical schemes for the stochastic Volterra integral equations with regular or weakly singular kernels. Moreover, numerical examples are given to support the theoretical result and explain the priority of the Galerkin method.
How Is Quality of Care in Home Healthcare Created? A Qualitative Study of Health Professionals’ Perspectives
Authors: Nakrem Sigrid , Kvanneid Katrine
Published: June 2022

The demographic challenges with an increase in older adults in need of nursing care has put home healthcare services under pressure. However, research on what constitutes quality of home healthcare services and what factors influence good nursing care and patient safety is scarce. The aim of this study was to gain insight into health professionals’ perceptions of how quality of care in home healthcare is created and what factors put patient safety at risk. The present study was a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews of eight health professionals working in home healthcare services. Qualitative content analysis was used. Four categories of factors the staff thought had to be present to provide good quality services were identified: (1) A workplace with adequate competence; (2) Communication, information flow and collaboration; (3) Continuity and organisation of care; and (4) Resources. Conclusions: The healthcare professionals perceived that the quality of the services overall was good, and if important factors were present, quality of care was achieved. However, they pointed out some factors that were important to prevent inadequate care and improve services, as quality of care was at risk when deficiencies in these areas occurred.
Impact of Drug and Alcohol Use on Hospitalization for Injuries in Riders of Electric Bikes or Powered Scooters: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hamzani Yafit , Demtriou Helena , Zelnik Adi , Cohen Nir , Drescher Michael J. , Chaushu Gavriel , Yahya Bahaa Haj
Published: June 2022

The growing popularity of E-bikes and P-scooters has led to their increasing involvement in injuries. This study sought to evaluate the impact of drug and alcohol consumption on hospitalization rates for electric-vehicle-associated injuries. A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used, including patients evacuated to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary medical center in 2014–2020 for injuries sustained while riding E-bikes or P-scooters. Data on clinical characteristics were collected from the medical files, including pre-accident usage of alcohol or drugs. Of the 1234 patients (75.7% male) who met the inclusion criteria, 90 (7.3%) were hospitalized. The mean (SD) number of admission days was 5.44 (±0.12). Alcohol consumption was associated with 2.2% of injuries and drug use with 0.6%. Patients who rode under the influence of alcohol were significantly more likely to be hospitalized than discharged (6.7% vs. 1.8%, χ2 (2) =19.25, p < 0.001); the odds ratio was 14.1. A similar association with hospitalization was found for drug use (χ2 (2) = 7.83, p = 0.02). Riding an E-bike or P-scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases the probability of severe injury requiring hospital admission. These results should prompt the relevant authorities to initiate effective legislation of alcohol and drug use.
Systematic Review of Mind–Body Modalities to Manage the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Kwon Chan-Young , Lee Boram
Published: June 2022

Healthcare workers (HCWs) have suffered physical and psychological threats since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Mind-body modalities (MBMs) can reduce the long-term adverse health effects associated with COVID-specific chronic stress. This systematic review aims to investigate the role of MBMs in managing the mental health of HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comprehensive search was conducted using 6 electronic databases, resulting in 18 clinical studies from 2019 to September 2021. Meta-analysis showed that MBMs significantly improved the perceived stress of HCWs (standardized mean difference, −0.37; 95% confidence intervals, −0.53 to −0.21). In addition, some MBMs had significant positive effects on psychological trauma, burnout, insomnia, anxiety, depression, self-compassion, mindfulness, quality of life, resilience, and well-being, but not psychological trauma and self-efficacy of HCWs. This review provides data supporting the potential of some MBMs to improve the mental health of HCWs during COVID-19. However, owing to poor methodological quality and heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes of the included studies, further high-quality clinical trials are needed on this topic in the future.
Integrating Archaeological Data in Multidisciplinary Environmental Studies—Methodological Notes from High-Resolution Mapping of Ancient Features in Southern Israel
Authors: Haiman Moti Mordechai
Published: June 2022

The article presents two aspects of a project of high-resolution mapping of archaeological features in the southern region of Israel, which was conducted intermittently between 2003 and 2016. One aspect is archaeological, with emphasis on the dense features underlying the area on the periphery of ancient settlements; the second aspect is the objective of integrating the data in multidisciplinary environmental studies. The main conclusion derived from the mapping project is that the existing data in the databases and publications, despite their richness, will not suffice and that there is a need to return to the field and supplement the features in accordance with the aims of the study. Sorting the collected features is a no less complex challenge, as is the relationship with the settlements in question. This challenge calls for expertise gained from cumulative experience gained in fieldwork, for the simple reason that the features date from different periods, and the potential correlation of certain features with a specific settlement is the test. This kind of upgrading with regard to the archaeological aspect in multidisciplinary environmental studies is critical because, in our view, the archaeological data lag behind the technological development of accompanying research, including research that has employed remote sensing as well as a variety of laboratory tests. It has been found that quite a few of these advanced studies use terms such as “site”, which in many cases is no more than a point indicating the general location of feature distribution. The same applies to the use of dating as a preferred goal before investing the necessary effort in sorting the features. If this effort is not invested first, there is no way of conclusively determining what is being dated and how dating a specific object contributes to understanding the settlement distribution in a region.
Palmyrene Polychromy: Investigations of Funerary Portraits from Palmyra in the Collections of the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen
Authors: Brøns Cecilie , Stenger Jens , Bredal-Jørgensen Jørn , Di Gianvincenzo Fabiana , Brandt Luise Ørsted
Published: June 2022

The current study is the first comprehensive investigation of the polychromy of Palmyrene funerary portraits. It presents the technical examinations of six portraits (ca. 150–250 CE) from the collection of the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, illustrating the marvellous splendour of the cultural heritage of ancient Palmyra. The six portraits were examined with various analytical methods, including microscopy, ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence imaging and visible light-induced infrared luminescence imaging, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Finally, two samples were collected for liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry to obtain the amino acid sequence information. Various pigments were detected in the polychromy including lapis lazuli, pyromorphite, mimetite, yellow ochre, red ochre, a red lake, lead carbonate, zinc oxide, bone black, and charcoal black. The proteinaceous binding medium was identified as collagen-based and possibly also keratin-based animal glue. The examinations of the Palmyrene portraits in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek have proven that these artefacts, despite their current uniform, white appearance, originally presented themselves in a wealth of colours. This is illustrated by the digital reconstructions carried out of two of the examined portraits, which show how the original painting of these portraits would have given them an entirely different expression from what we see today.
A Detailed Comparative Study on Some Physicochemical Properties, Volatile Composition, Fatty Acid, and Mineral Profile of Different Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) Varieties
Authors: Levent Okan
Published: June 2022

In the present investigation, the main purpose of the research was to reveal the differences among the almond genotypes in terms of their physicochemical properties, volatile composition, fatty acid, and mineral profile. For that reason, ten different almond genotypes originated from different countries were subjected to relevant analysis. The results showed that the total oil, protein, and ash levels of the almond samples ranged between 30.84–41.43%, 17.43–22.72%, and 2.90–3.40%, respectively. Additionally, total phenolic content of the samples was in the range of 38.7–101.03 mg GAE/100 g sample. It was revealed that the almond samples were rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, and oleic acid was the major one with levels of 61.22–77.63%. For all samples, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus were the major minerals, and the highest concentration was for potassium with levels of 6192.08–11,046.05 mg/kg. Volatile profile analysis showed that the toluene, 4-octanone, pinacol, and 2-methylpentanal were the dominant volatile compounds for all almond genotypes. The results revealed that the different almond varieties showed significant differences depending on the origin.
Combining Ability and Heterosis for Market Yield in Green Asparagus
Authors: Amato Lucía Dolores , Martin Eugenia Alejandra , López-Anido Fernando Sebastián
Published: June 2022

In asparagus, current cultivars are mostly hybrids (known as clonal hybrids) derived from crosses between two parents, female and male, with good combining ability. Despite the fact that clonal hybrids have been obtained for more than 40 years, studies of the heterosis and combining abilities involved are limited. Similarly, there are no published studies regarding the association between genetic divergence and heterosis. In this sense, we evaluated two sets of diallel crosses including 12 accessions from 11 different origins for marketable green asparagus production. Parentals were also included as a way to assess heterosis. The variation for market yield was highly significant for both sets. Best parent heterosis was over 100% in four cases. The best experimental hybrid did not significant differ from the Atticus F1 all-male check. The general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant, with a relative greater contribution of the SCA than the GCA to the variation among crosses. The association between genetic distances and heterosis failed to be significant. The best experimental hybrids were obtained when UC157 and KBF (origins from the USA and the UK) were crossed to Argenteuil, Limburgia and Espárrago de Navarra (origins from France, the Netherlands and Spain).
Recognizing Building Group Patterns in Topographic Maps by Integrating Building Functional and Geometric Information
Authors: He Xianjin , Deng Min , Luo Guowei
Published: June 2022

Recognizing building group patterns is fundamental to numerous fields, such as urban landscape evaluation, social analysis, and map generalization. Despite the increasing number of algorithms available for building group pattern recognition, there is still a lack of satisfactory grouping results due to insufficient information and only geometric features being provided to recognition methods. This study aims to provide a novel building grouping method that combines building function and geometric information. We specifically focus on the process of recognizing building groups in topographic maps as a prerequisite to subsequent map generalization. First, the building functions are inferred using the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm based on Tencent user density data and POIs (points of interest). Then, two types of constrained Delaunay triangulations (CDTs) are created for each building block, from which several spatial indices, such as the continuity index (SCI), direction, and distance of every two adjacent buildings, are derived. Finally, each building block is modeled as a graph on the grounds of derived matrices and building function information, and a graph segmentation approach is proposed to extract building groups. A case study is conducted to test the proposed approach. The experimental results indicate that the proposed approach can produce satisfactory results, given that the correctness value is above 81.63% for our study area. Comparative studies reveal that the method without building function information is an ineffective grouping method when buildings with different functions are close to each other. In addition, generalization results derived from the proposed method are more in line with those of maps for daily use, as they provide users with more accurate spatial divisions of urban buildings.
CRISPR-Based Diagnostics for Point-of-Care Viral Detection
Authors: Mosa Alexander I.
Published: June 2022

Point-of-care detection of viral infection is required for effective contact-tracing, epidemiological surveillance, and linkage to care. Traditional diagnostic platforms relying on either antigen detection or nucleic amplification are limited by sensitivity and the need for costly laboratory infrastructure, respectively. Recently, CRISPR-based diagnostics have emerged as an alternative, combining equipment light workflows with high specificity and sensitivity. However, as a nascent technology, several outstanding challenges to widespread field deployment remain. These include the need for pre-detection amplification of target molecules, the lack of standardization in sample preparation and reagent composition, and only equivocal assessments of the unit-economics relative to traditional antigen or polymerase chain reaction-based diagnostics. This review summarizes recent advances with the potential to overcome existing translational barriers, describes the events in CRISPR-based detection of target molecules, and offers perspective on how multiple approaches can be combined to decrease the limit of detection without introducing pre-amplification.