bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Placement of UDAP in Advanced Metering Infrastructure for Smart Metering of Electrical Energy Based on Graph Theory
Authors: Machado Luis , Inga Esteban
Published: June 2022

This paper presents an algorithm to optimize the deployment of hubs for smart energy metering based on the Internet of Things. A georeferenced scenario is proposed in which each user must connect to a concentrator, either directly or through another user, minimizing the resources required to achieve connectivity. Consequently, to carry out the optimization, the minimum spanning tree between devices is found, in which the maximum connection distance and the capacity of the hubs are limited. Additionally, this work seeks to achieve a scalable algorithm applicable to any georeferenced scenario to be simulated. The main contribution of this work is an IoT-based smart metering architecture that optimizes resources and adapts to a scenario that changes or integrates more users to the energy metering network without losing the connectivity of the initial users. As a result of the application of the algorithm, a scenario route map is generated. The scenario’s parameters include the number of hops in the network, the optimal number of concentrators and their geographical location, the average number of hops, and the total distance of the path, among others. In this project, a georeferenced urban scenario was considered in which residential areas coexist with intelligent buildings. The scenario has growth stages in which the algorithm is applied, and in each one, the optimal route map is generated.
An 8-Gbps, Low-Jitter, Four-Channel Transmitter with a Fractional-Spaced Feed-Forward Equalizer
Authors: Huang Yibin , Yang Haohan , Chen Wenya , Yang Zhong , Qiao Shushan
Published: June 2022

An 8 gigabits per second (Gbps), low-jitter, four-channel transmitter with fractional-spaced feed-forward equalizer (FFE) is designed to meet the demand for broad transmission bandwidth in serial data communications. A novel frequency divider chain (FDC) architecture is developed, to satisfy the time requirements for high-speed data serialization. Moreover, a reconfigurable output driver circuit is employed to ensure compatibility with different protocols. In addition, a three-tap fractional-spaced FFE, which can enhance signal bandwidth significantly, is proposed, to compensate for channel loss. The transmitter was simulated and validated based on the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) 55-nm process. The post-layout simulation results show the following: The tuning range of the phase-locked loop (PLL) can cover 1.6 to 4.6 GHz. At an output frequency of 4 GHz, the root-mean-square jitter (RJ) of the PLL after integration from phase noise was 1.93 ps. With an 8 Gbps output data rate, using the pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS)-31 as a data source to simulate the whole transmitter, the power consumption values of the PLL and drive circuit were 27.0 and 29.2 mW, respectively, and the eye width and the valid eye height of output data were 0.76 unit interval (UI) and 0.68.
Gravity-Law Based Critical Bots Identification in Large-Scale Heterogeneous Bot Infection Network
Authors: He Qinglin , Wang Lihong , Cui Lin , Yang Libin , Luo Bing
Published: June 2022

The explosive growth of botnets has posed an unprecedented potent threat to the internet. It calls for more efficient ways to screen influential bots, and thus precisely bring the whole botnet down beforehand. In this paper, we propose a gravity-based critical bots identification scheme to assess the influence of bots in a large-scale botnet infection. Specifically, we first model the propagation of the botnet as a Heterogeneous Bot Infection Network (HBIN). An improved SEIR model is embedded into HBIN to extract both heterogeneous spatial and temporal dependencies. Within built-up HBIN, we elaborate a gravity-based influential bots identification algorithm where intrinsic influence and infection diffusion influence are specifically designed to disclose significant bots traits. Experimental results based on large-scale sample collections from the implemented prototype system demonstrate the promising performance of our scheme, comparing it with other state-of-the-art baselines.
A Formal Modeling and Verification Scheme with an RNN-Based Attacker for CAN Communication System Authenticity
Authors: Wang Yihua , Zhou Qing , Zhang Yu , Zhang Xian , Du Jiahao
Published: June 2022

To enhance the attack resistance of the Controller Area Network (CAN) system and optimize the communication software design, a comprehensive model that combines a variable attacker with the CAN bus (VACB) is proposed to evaluate the bus communication risk. The VACB model consists of a variable attacker and the CAN bus model. A variable attacker is a visualized generation of the attack traffic based on a recurrent neural network (RNN), which is used to evaluate the anti-attack performance of the CAN bus; the CAN bus model combines the data link layer and the application layer to analyze the anomalies in CAN bus data transmission after the attack message. The simulation results indicate that the transmission accuracy and successful response rate decreased by 1.8% and 4.3% under the constructed variable attacker. The CAN bus’s authenticity was promoted after the developers adopted this model to analyze and optimize the software design. The transmission accuracy and the successful response rate were improved by 2.5% and 5.1%, respectively. Moreover, the model can quantify the risk of potential attacks on the CAN bus, prompting developers to avoid it in early development to reduce the loss caused by system crashes. The comprehensive model can provide theoretical guidance for the timing design of embedded software.
Fermentation Quality, Bacterial Community, and Aerobic Stability of Perennial Recut Broussonetia papyrifera Silage with Different Additives and Wilting Time
Authors: Hao Jun , Sun Wen-Tao , Wu Chang-Rong , Zhang Ming-Zhu , Xia Guang-Hao , Zheng Yu-Long , Chen Chao
Published: June 2022

Broussonetia papyrifera L. (paper mulberry) is an alternative woody plant, which can used to replace part of the protein feed for ruminants. Ensiling is an effective way to preserve fresh pasture and to solve the problem of stable storage and feed conversion of paper mulberry in the rapid growth period. However, low dry matter (DM), water-soluble carbohydrate, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) reduce the quality of paper mulberry silage. This study assesses the influence of wilting time (0 h and 3.5 h; lighting: 3.43 × 104 Lux) and three additives (Enterococcus durans, CL; cellulase, CE; and formic acid, FA) on the fermentation quality, aerobic stability, and bacterial community of whole plant B. papyrifera silage. The whole plant B. papyrifera sample was mowed and wilted for 0 h and 3.5 h, and then had CL, CE, or FA added, followed by 60 days of ensiling. The results show all silage samples had high fermentation quality with pH below 4.2, ammonia-nitrogen below 100 g/kg DM, and no detectable butyric acid. The additives protected the DM and the crude protein from protease activity (p < 0.05), and CL was the most effective among them. Furthermore, wilting time influenced the silage’s bacterial communities, but overall, CL treatment had the greatest impact on bacterial communities. Wilting time and formic acid treatment significantly improved aerobic stability (p < 0.05). Enterococcus was positively correlated with lactic acid (LA), while negatively correlated with LA and Weissella (p < 0.001). Enterococcus was identified as the main driver of the whole plant paper mulberry ensiling process in the present study. In conclusion, compared to other additives, LAB is the most effective and economical to improve the fermentation quality and reduce the protein degradation of whole plant paper mulberry silage. Our findings provide a theoretical basis to improve the quality and production of paper mulberry silage.
Characteristics and Quality Analysis of Radio Frequency-Hot Air Combined Segmented Drying of Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum)
Authors: Xu Yanrui , Zang Zepeng , Zhang Qian , Wang Tongxun , Shang Jianwei , Huang Xiaopeng , Wan Fangxin
Published: June 2022

To overcome the problems of a long conventional drying time, low energy efficiency, and poor product quality, a segmented drying approach was developed for fresh wolfberry (Lycium barbarum) using a radio frequency (RF)-hot air drying process, which was investigated under different parameters of plate spacing (80, 90, 100 mm), vacuum degree (0.015, 0.025, 0.035 Mpa), and hot air temperature (50, 55, 60 °C). Analysis of the wolfberry’s drying characteristics, comprehensive quality, and microstructure indicated that: combined drying was faster and less time-consuming than natural drying or hot air drying, and components such as polysaccharides, ascorbic acid, and betaine in wolfberries were effectively retained. Based on the acceptable drying rate, stable temperature application, and avoidance of arcing effects, the optimal combined segmented drying parameters were determined to be as follows: a plate spacing of 90 mm, vacuum degree of 0.025 MPa, and air temperature of 55 °C. For the dried wolfberries under these conditions, the total drying time was 17 h and the berries had an improved comprehensive quality, the content of total soluble sugars was 0.62 g/g, total phenol was 10.01 mg/g, total flavonoids was 2.60 mg/g, VC was 3.18 mg/100 g, betaine was 3.48%, oxidation resistance represented by an inhibition rate was 66.14%, color was better, and rehydration rate was 48.56%. The microstructure was more regular because of the special dielectric heating characteristics of RF vacuuming. Despite the differing drying characteristics of individual materials, the overall RF-hot air combined drying process was found to achieve high-quality dehydration of wolfberries.
The Effect of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion on the Antioxidants, Antioxidant Activity, and Hypolipidemic Activity of Green Jujube Vinegar
Authors: Li Guifeng , Yan Ni , Li Guoqin
Published: June 2022

Healthy fruit vinegar has been extensively favored in China in recent years. As a new type of fruit vinegar developed by our laboratory, green jujube vinegar has the characteristics of good taste and rich nutrition. To study the effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the antioxidant and hypolipidemic activity of green jujube vinegar, so as to provide basic data for research and the development of healthy food antioxidants, including the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total acid content, and volatile acid content, were measured. The antioxidant activity was measured by using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging methods and the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), and the hypolipidemic activity was measured by cholesterol adsorption and the sodium cholate adsorption capacities. The results show that gastric digestion significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the TPC, TFC, total acid content, and volatile acid content, for which the highest reductions were up to 54.17%, 72%, 88.83% and 82.35%, respectively. During intestinal digestion, the TFC remained at a high level and unchanged, and the TFC and volatile acid content significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by 72.66% and 89.05%, respectively. The volatile acid content did not significantly (p > 0.05) change within 2 h. The ABTS free radical scavenging ability and the reducing power free radical scavenging rate were correlated with the TPC, TFC, and total acid contents, and the DPPH free radical scavenging ability and cholesterol adsorption capacity were not. These findings suggest that green jujube vinegar can be a potential functional food for people’s use.
A Higher-Order Numerical Scheme for Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Fractional Volterra Integral Equations with Uniform Accuracy
Authors: Wang Zi-Qiang , Liu Qin , Cao Jun-Ying
Published: June 2022

In this paper, based on the modified block-by-block method, we propose a higher-order numerical scheme for two-dimensional nonlinear fractional Volterra integral equations with uniform accuracy. This approach involves discretizing the domain into a large number of subdomains and using biquadratic Lagrangian interpolation on each subdomain. The convergence of the high-order numerical scheme is rigorously established. We prove that the numerical solution converges to the exact solution with the optimal convergence order O(hx4−α+hy4−β) for 0<α,β<1. Finally, experiments with four numerical examples are shown, to support the theoretical findings and to illustrate the efficiency of our proposed method.
Morphological and Molecular Analyses of the Interaction between Rosa multiflora and Podosphaera pannosa
Authors: Bao Ying , Zhang Xue , Sun Xiaoxiang , Bao Manzhu , Wang Yuanyuan
Published: June 2022

Powdery mildew disease caused by Podosphaerapannosa is the most widespread disease in global cut-rose production, as well as a major disease in garden and pot roses. In this study, the powdery mildew resistance of different wild rose varieties was evaluated. Rose varieties with high resistance and high sensitivity were used for cytological observation and transcriptome and expression profile analyses to study changes at the morphological and molecular levels during the interaction between Rosa multiflora and P. pannosa. There were significant differences in powdery mildew resistance among three R. multiflora plants; R. multiflora ‘13’ had high resistance, while R. multiflora ‘4’ and ‘1’ had high susceptibility. Cytological observations showed that in susceptible plants, 96 and 144 h after inoculation, hyphae were observed in infected leaves; hyphae infected the leaf tissue through the stoma of the lower epidermis, while papillae were formed on the upper epidermis of susceptible leaf tissue. Gene ontology enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in biological process functions were related to the secondary metabolic process, the most significantly enriched cellular component function was cell wall, and the most significantly enriched molecular function was chitin binding. Changes in the transcript levels of important defense-related genes were analyzed. The results showed that chitinase may have played an important role in the interactions between resistant R. multiflora and P. pannosa. Jasmonic acid and ethylene (JA/ET) signaling pathways might be triggered in the interaction between susceptible R. multiflora and P. pannosa. In the resistant R. multiflora, the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway was induced earlier. Between susceptible plants and resistant plants, key phenylpropanoid pathway genes were induced and upregulated after P. pannosa inoculation, demonstrating that the phenylpropanoid pathway and secondary metabolites may play important and active roles in R. multiflora defense against powdery mildew infection.
Developing Gene-Based Personalised Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Freitag Christine M. , Persico Antonio M. , Vorstman Jacob A. S.
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in early childhood [...]
Biallelic Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1) Related Disorder—Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Othman Bayan Al , Ong Jia Ern , Dumitrescu Alina V.
Published: June 2022

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA), MIM # 605290, is the most common hereditary optic neuropathy inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. Clinically, it presents a progressive decrease in vision, central visual field defects, and retinal ganglion cell loss. A biallelic mode of inheritance causes syndromic DOA or Behr phenotype, MIM # 605290. This case report details a family with Biallelic Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1). The proband is a child with a severe phenotype and two variants in the OPA1 gene. He presented with congenital nystagmus, progressive vision loss, and optic atrophy, as well as progressive ataxia, and was found to have two likely pathogenic variants in his OPA1 gene: c.2287del (p.Ser763Valfs*15) maternally inherited and c.1311A>G (p.lIle437Met) paternally inherited. The first variant is predicted to be pathogenic and likely to cause DOA. In contrast, the second is considered asymptomatic by itself but has been reported in patients with DOA phenotype and is presumed to act as a phenotypic modifier. On follow-up, he developed profound vision impairment, intractable seizures, and metabolic strokes. A literature review of reported biallelic OPA1-related Behr syndrome was performed. Twenty-one cases have been previously reported. All share an early-onset, severe ocular phenotype and systemic features, which seem to be the hallmark of the disease.
Clinical Targeted Panel Sequencing Analysis in Clinical Evaluation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China
Authors: Hu Chunchun , He Linlin , Li Huiping , Ding Yanhua , Zhang Kaifeng , Li Dongyun , Zhu Guoqing , Wu Bingbing , Xu Xiu , Xu Qiong
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an early-onset neurodevelopmental disorder in which genetics play a major role. Molecular diagnosis may lead to a more accurate prognosis, improved clinical management, and potential treatment of the condition. Both copy number variations (CNVs) and single nucleotide variations (SNVs) have been reported to contribute to the genetic etiology of ASD. The effectiveness and validity of clinical targeted panel sequencing (CTPS) designed to analyze both CNVs and SNVs can be evaluated in different ASD cohorts. CTPS was performed on 573 patients with the diagnosis of ASD. Medical records of positive CTPS cases were further reviewed and analyzed. Additional medical examinations were performed for a group of selective cases. Positive molecular findings were confirmed by orthogonal methods. The overall positive rate was 19.16% (109/569) in our cohort. About 13.89% (79/569) and 4.40% (25/569) of cases had SNVs only and CNVs only findings, respectively, while 0.9% (5/569) of cases had both SNV and CNV findings. For cases with SNVs findings, the SHANK3 gene has the greatest number of reportable variants, followed by gene MYT1L. Patients with MYT1L variants share common and specific clinical characteristics. We found a child with compound heterozygous SLC26A4 variants had an enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome and autistic phenotype. Our results showed that CTPS is an effective molecular diagnostic tool for ASD. Thorough clinical and genetic evaluation of ASD can lead to more accurate diagnosis and better management of the condition.
Can the Digital Economy Facilitate Carbon Emissions Decoupling? An Empirical Study Based on Provincial Data in China
Authors: Zhong Kaiming , Fu Hongyan , Li Tinghui
Published: June 2022

The digital economy plays a dual role in the process of global carbon emissions decoupling; for this reason, its overall impact direction and mechanism are worth discussing. This paper attempts to answer the question of the role of the digital economy, based on a review of the existing literature. By constructing a panel smooth transition regression (PSTR) model, this paper empirically tests the effect of the digital economy on carbon emissions decoupling, based on panel data from 30 provinces in China from 2010 to 2019. In order to study the impact mechanism of the digital economy on carbon emissions decoupling, the mediating effect of industrial structure optimization is analyzed through a mediating effect model; the moderating effect is also explored by analyzing the network centrality characteristics of the digital economy. The core-periphery analysis method is adopted to group the samples to test the impact heterogeneity of the digital economy on carbon emissions decoupling. Based on this empirical analysis, the following conclusions are drawn. First, the digital economy has a promoting effect on carbon emissions decoupling, but this effect gradually weakens with the development of the digital economy. Second, the digital economy can promote carbon emissions decoupling through industrial structure optimization, and network centrality has a positive moderating effect on this mechanism. Third, heterogeneity exists in the promoting effect of the digital economy on carbon emissions decoupling, which is reflected in the different intensities of the promotion effect between the core nodes and the peripheral nodes in the network; the attenuation range of the promotion effect is also different when the regime switches.
Diabetes in the News: Readability Analysis of Malaysian Diabetes Corpus
Authors: Hamat Afendi , Jaludin Azhar , Mohd-Dom Tuti Ningseh , Rani Haslina , Jamil Nor Aini , Abdul Aziz Aznida Firzah
Published: June 2022

This paper describes a study to evaluate the readability scores of Malaysian newspaper articles meant to create awareness of diabetes among the public. In contrast to patient-specific sources of information, mass media may potentially reach healthy people, thus preventing them from becoming part of the diabetes statistics. Articles published within a selected corpus from the years 2013 to 2018 and related to awareness regarding diabetes were sampled, and their readability was scored using Flesch Kinkaid Reading Ease (FKRE). Features of three articles ranked as the best and worst for readability were qualitatively analyzed. The average readability for the materials is low at 49.6 FKRE, which may impede the uptake of information contained in the articles. Feature analysis of articles with the best and worst readability indicates that medical practitioners may not be the best spokesperson to reach the public. It also indicates that simple sentence structures could help improve readability. There is still much room for improvement in attaining good public health literacy through mass media communication. Public health and media practitioners should be vigilant of the language aspects of their writing when reaching out to the public.
Can Volunteering Buffer the Negative Impacts of Unemployment and Economic Inactivity on Mental Health? Longitudinal Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Wang Senhu , Ling Wanying , Lu Zhuofei , Wei Yuewei , Li Min , Gao Ling
Published: June 2022

Previous research suggests that volunteering can mitigate the negative mental health impacts of unemployment but has yielded mixed results. This study extends the previous literature by examining whether volunteering can buffer the negative impacts of both unemployment and economic inactivity on mental health. Using nationally representative panel data from the United Kingdom Longitudinal Household Study (2010–2020) and fixed effects models, this study yields three important findings: First, volunteering cannot mitigate the adverse effects of unemployment, regardless of gender. Second, frequent volunteering (at least once per month) can benefit the mental health of economically inactive groups (e.g., family care and long-term sickness). Third, the study reveals the gendered patterns of the impacts of volunteering. Specifically, frequent volunteering can buffer the negative impacts of family care or long-term sickness for men, and the negative impacts of unpaid work for women. Overall, these findings contribute towards a more nuanced understanding of the buffering role of volunteering and its gendered patterns. Policymakers should offer more volunteering opportunities and training to these economically inactive groups to reduce their risk of mental issues.
Workplace Violence in the Emergency Department: Case Study on Staff and Law Enforcement Disagreement on Reportable Crimes
Authors: McGuire Sarayna S. , Mullan Aidan F. , Clements Casey M.
Published: June 2022

Violence in the emergency department (ED) remains underreported. Patient factors are often cited as a source of confusion in determining the culpability of perpetrators and whether to proceed with incident reporting. This study’s objective was to determine how ED staff at one academic medical center perceive certain clinical scenarios and how this compares to local law enforcement officers (LEO). An anonymous survey with 4 scenarios was sent to multidisciplinary ED staff at our academic medical center, as well as local LEO and inquired whether respondents considered any of the scenarios to be reportable as a crime. Chi-square analysis was used for comparison. The study was deemed exempt by the Institutional Review Board. A total of 261 ED staff and 77 LEO completed the survey. Both groups were equally likely to believe that a reportable crime occurred in Scenario 1, where a patient with dementia punches a nurse (LEO: 26.0% vs. ED: 31.4%, p = 0.44), and in Scenario 2, where an intoxicated patient spits at a phlebotomist (LEO: 97.4% vs. ED: 95.0%, p = 0.56). However, the two groups differed in Scenario 3, in which a patient with delirium makes verbal threats to a doctor (LEO: 20.8% vs. ED: 42.9%, p < 0.001), and Scenario 4, in which a patient’s parent throws a chair at a medical student (LEO: 66.2% vs. ED: 81.2%, p = 0.009). As health systems seek to improve workplace safety, it is important to consider the barriers to reporting violent incidents, including staff’s understanding of what acts may constitute reportable violence, as well as LEO understanding of the unique ED environment and patient responsibilities.
General and Device-Specific Reasons for ENDS Use: A Qualitative Study with Adult ENDS Users
Authors: Alqahtani Mohammed M. , Massey Zachary B. , Fairman Robert T. , Churchill Victoria , Ashley David L. , Popova Lucy
Published: June 2022

Background: A scientific consensus on the public health impact of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) remains elusive. This is partly due to the wide variation in product characteristics often lumped together under one category. Research is needed to better understand what ENDS device type characteristics motivate their use by adults. Methods: Nine focus groups of 32 current ENDS users who were 18+ years old, had used ENDS in the previous 30 days, and had been using ENDS for more than two months were held either in person or online between February and June 2020. Results: Participants’ reasons for their choice of ENDS characteristics included both general, applying to all ENDS products, and specific, relating to particular ENDS devices. Health benefits and the lack of offensive odor were commonly identified as important reasons for using ENDS in general. Flavor and product discreteness were both general and device-specific determinants of ENDS use. Conversely, nicotine delivery, cloud size, battery properties, aesthetics, ease of use, and cost were device-specific drivers of participants’ choice. Conclusions: The reasons that adults choose to use ENDS are complex and sometimes related to both ENDS as a category and as specific ENDS product types. Regulations and public communication campaigns should reflect their ultimate objective and consider both general and specific motivations when attempting to achieve public health objectives.
Psychotherapists’ Reports regarding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Their Patients: A Cross-National Descriptive Study Based on the Social-Ecological Model (SEM)
Authors: Schaffler Yvonne , Kuska Martin , Barke Antonia , Doering Bettina K. , Gossmann Katharina , Meier Zdenek , Kascakova Natalia , Tavel Peter , Humer Elke , Pieh Christoph , Stippl Peter , Schimböck Wolfgang , Haid Barbara , Probst Thomas
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 outbreak has raised questions about how vulnerable groups experience the pandemic. Research that focuses on the view of individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions is still limited, and so are cross-country comparative surveys. We gathered our sample of qualitative data during the first lockdown after governmental measures against the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus came into force in Austria, Czechia, Germany, and Slovakia. A total of n = 1690 psychotherapists from four middle European countries answered the question of how the COVID-19 pandemic was addressed in sessions by their patients during the early stage of unprecedented public health conditions. We employed a descriptive qualitative methodology to determine themes following levels of the social-ecological model (SEM) regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic affected patients. At the public policy level, stressful environmental conditions concerned the governmental mitigation efforts. At the level of community/society, reported key themes were employment, restricted access to educational and health facilities, socioeconomic consequences, and the pandemic itself. Key themes at the interpersonal level regarded forced proximity, the possibility of infection of loved ones, childcare, and homeschooling. Key themes at the individual level were the possibility of contracting COVID-19, having to stay at home/isolation, and a changing environment. Within the SEM framework, adaptive and maladaptive responses to these stressors were reported, with more similarities than differences between the countries. A quantification of word stems showed that the maladaptive reactions predominated.
A Community-Based Participatory Action Research with Women from Disadvantaged Populations: Strengths and Weaknesses of a Multiple Health Behaviour Change Intervention
Authors: Sanz-Remacha María , Aibar Alberto , Abós Ángel , Generelo-Lanaspa Eduardo , García-González Luis
Published: June 2022

Disadvantaged populations usually adopt risk behaviours, resulting in obesity and mental health-related disorders. Grounded in the socioecological model and self-determination theory, the aims were firstly to describe and implement a two-year multiple health behaviour change intervention, and secondly, to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the intervention. In total, 11 women from a disadvantaged population participated in this programme, which encompassed 117 sessions. Qualitative techniques were used to collect data and a thematic analysis was conducted. The variety of activities and the group-based intervention were the main strengths, and the decrease in attendance and the programme’s tight schedule were the main weaknesses. This is the first intervention in a disadvantaged population mainly comprised of Roma women. The design described in detail and its assessment provide relevant knowledge to improve their health status and decrease inequalities. The practical implications for future research are useful for replicating interventions in similar contexts.
Study on Driving Factors and Spatial Effects of Environmental Pollution in the Pearl River-Xijiang River Economic Belt, China
Authors: Liang Yutian , Zhang Jiaxi , Zhou Kan
Published: June 2022

As a typical basin area in China, the Pearl River-Xijiang River Economic Belt (PRXREB) faces multiple types of environmental problems caused by the different development conditions of basins. To identify the situations of environmental pollution in the PRXREB, this paper constructed the Environment Pollution Composite Index (EPCI) by using four environmental pollutant emission indicators based on the entropy weight method, and explored the spatial effects and driving factors of environmental pollution by using the Spatial Error Model (SEM). The results showed that: (1) EPCI of the PRXREB decreased significantly from 2012 to 2016, and the spatial patterns were relatively stable. Wherein, the midstream and downstream were always the critical areas of environmental pollution. (2) Spatial spillover effects were significant in the PRXREB, which revealed that the local environmental pollution degree was affected by adjacent areas. (3) Industrial structure, infrastructure construction, and regulatory measures were the main driving factors of environmental pollution in the PRXREB. (4) To balance economic development and environmental protection in basin areas, environmental regulations such as environmental access, pollution payment, and cross-border early warning should be jointly established.
Integrative Analysis of Transcriptomic and Proteomic Changes Related to Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Spring Stem Mustard (Brassica juncea var. tumida Tsen et Lee)
Authors: Shen Ying , Wang Jie , Xia Rui , Tong Minyang , Huang Yunping , Xu Liai , Zhu Zhujun , Meng Qiufeng , Yu Youjian
Published: June 2022

The development of flower and pollen is a complex biological process that involves multiple metabolic pathways in plants. In revealing novel insights into flower and pollen development underlying male sterility (MS), we conducted an integrated profiling of gene and protein activities in developing buds in cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) mutants of mustard (Brassica juncea). Using RNA-Seq and label-free quantitative proteomics, 11,832 transcripts and 1780 protein species were identified with significant differential abundance between the male sterile line 09-05A and its maintainer line 09-05B at the tetrad stage and bi-nucleate stage of B. juncea. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) involved in carbohydrate and energy metabolism, including starch and sucrose metabolism, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, glycolysis, and oxidoreductase activity pathways, were significantly downregulated in 09-05A buds. The low expression of these DEGs or functional loss of DAPs, which can lead to an insufficient supply of critical substrates and ATP, could be associated with flower development, pollen development, and changes in fertility in B. juncea. Therefore, this study provided transcriptomic and proteomic information of pollen abortion for B. juncea and a basis for further research on the molecular regulatory mechanism of MS in plants.
Advancements in Postoperative Care after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Kanclerz Piotr , Tuuminen Raimo
Published: June 2022

Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in many countries [...]
Special Issue “Early Intervention for Hearing Loss in Children: Drafting from Theory to Clinical Practice”
Authors: Holzinger Daniel , Fellinger Johannes , Hofer Johannes
Published: June 2022

Globally, around 34 million children are affected by disabling hearing loss [...]
Automatic Determination of the Center of Macular Hole Using Optical Coherence Tomography En Face Images
Authors: Sasaki Takanori , Shoji Takuhei , Kanno Junji , Ishii Hirokazu , Yoshikawa Yuji , Ibuki Hisashi , Shinoda Kei
Published: June 2022

To evaluate the automated determination of the center of an idiopathic macular hole (MH) by using swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) images with new macro-based algorithms in ImageJ and to compare the difference between the MH center measurements obtained automatically and manually. This cross-sectional study included 39 eyes of 39 elderly individuals (22 women, 17 men) with stage 3 and 4 MH. The MH center was automatically determined using the ImageJ macro. The foveal center was also manually identified by two masked examiners using horizontal and vertical serial B-scan OCT angiography images. The mean age was 68.8 ± 8.3 years. After adjusting for the effect of magnification, the mean distance between the MH center determined manually by Examiner 1 and that determined automatically was 15.5 ± 9.9 µm. The mean distance between the two manually determined measurements of the MH center was 20.3 ± 19.7 µm. These two mean distance values did not differ significantly (Welch t-test, p = 0.27) and was non-inferior (p < 0.0001). The automated ImageJ-based method for determining the MH center was comparable to manual methods. This study showed that automated measurements were non-inferior to manual measurements, and demonstrated a substitutable usefulness, at least for use in clinical practice.
Hypercapnia in COPD: Causes, Consequences, and Therapy
Authors: Csoma Balázs , Vulpi Maria Rosaria , Dragonieri Silvano , Bentley Andrew , Felton Timothy , Lázár Zsófia , Bikov Andras
Published: June 2022

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder that may lead to gas exchange abnormalities, including hypercapnia. Chronic hypercapnia is an independent risk factor of mortality in COPD, leading to epithelial dysfunction and impaired lung immunity. Moreover, chronic hypercapnia affects the cardiovascular physiology, increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and promotes muscle wasting and musculoskeletal abnormalities. Noninvasive ventilation is a widely used technique to remove carbon dioxide, and several studies have investigated its role in COPD. In the present review, we aim to summarize the causes and effects of chronic hypercapnia in COPD. Furthermore, we discuss the use of domiciliary noninvasive ventilation as a treatment option for hypercapnia while highlighting the controversies within the evidence. Finally, we provide some insightful clinical recommendations and draw attention to possible future research areas.
Obstetric Anesthesia Practice in the Tertiary Care Center: A 7-Year Retrospective Study and the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Obstetric Anesthesia Practice
Authors: Krawczyk Paweł , Jaśkiewicz Remigiusz , Huras Hubert , Kołak Magdalena
Published: June 2022

There are many benefits of neuraxial anesthesia (NA) in the obstetric population. We performed a retrospective analysis of anesthesia provided to obstetric patients in the tertiary care center between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2020 and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on anesthetic practice. A total of 15,930 anesthesia procedures were performed. A total of 2182 (17.52%) cesarean sections (CS) required general anesthesia (GA), including 383 (3.07%) of emergency conversion from NA. NA for CS consisted of 9971 (80.04%) spinal anesthesia (SA) and 304 (2.44%) epidural anesthesia (EPI). We found a decrease in the GA rate for CS in 2020 (11.87% vs. 14.81%; p < 0.001). The conversion rate from NA to GA for CS was 2.39% for SA and 31.38% for EPI. The conversion rate from labor EPI to SA for CS increased in 2020 (3.10% vs. 1.24%; p < 0.001), as well as the SA rate for other obstetric procedures (61.32%; p < 0.001). We report 2670 NA for vaginal delivery, representing 31.13% of all vaginal deliveries. NA constituted the vast majority of obstetric anesthesia. However, we report a relatively high incidence of GA. There was a decrease in GA use in the obstetric population during the pandemic. Further reduction in GA use is possible, including an avoidable conversion from NA to GA.
In-Hospital Antibiotic Use for COVID-19: Facts and Rationales Assessed through a Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Stoichitoiu Laura Elena , Pinte Larisa , Ceasovschih Alexandr , Cernat Roxana Carmen , Vlad Nicoleta Dorina , Padureanu Vlad , Sorodoc Laurentiu , Hristea Adriana , Purcarea Adrian , Badea Camelia , Baicus Cristian
Published: June 2022

It is well known that during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, antibiotics were overprescribed. However, less is known regarding the arguments that have led to this overuse. Our aim was to understand the factors associated with in-hospital antibiotic prescription for COVID-19, and the rationale behind it. We chose a convergent design for this mixed-methods study. Quantitative data was prospectively obtained from 533 adult patients admitted in six hospitals (services of internal medicine, infectious diseases and pneumology). Fifty-six percent of the patients received antibiotics. The qualitative data was obtained from interviewing 14 physicians active in the same departments in which the enrolled patients were hospitalized. Thematic analysis was used for the qualitative approach. Our study revealed that doctors based their decisions to prescribe antibiotics on a complex interplay of factors regarding the simultaneous appearance of consolidation on the chest computer tomography together with a worsening of clinical conditions suggestive of bacterial infection and/or an increase in inflammatory markers. Besides these features which might suggest bacterial co-/suprainfection, doctors also prescribed antibiotics in situations of uncertainty, in patients with severe disease, or with multiple associated comorbidities.
Gender and Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Relevant Aspects in Clinical Practice
Authors: Invernizzi Federica , Cilla Marta , Trapani Silvia , Guarino Maria , Cossiga Valentina , Gambato Martina , Morelli Maria Cristina , Morisco Filomena , Burra Patrizia , Floreani Annarosa
Published: June 2022

Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The etiologies of AILD are not well understood but appear to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. AILDs commonly affect young individuals and are characterized by a highly variable clinical course. These diseases significantly influence quality of life and can progress toward liver decompensation or the onset of hepatocellular or cholangiocarcinoma; a significant number of patients eventually progress to end-stage liver disease, requiring liver transplantation. In this review, we focus on the sex characteristics and peculiarities of AILD patients and highlight the relevance of a sex-specific analysis in future studies. Understanding the sex differences underlying AILD immune dysregulation may be critical for developing more effective treatments.
Discovery of the Earliest Rice Paddy in the Mixed Rice–Millet Farming Area of China
Authors: Huan Xiujia , Wei Xingtao , Zhang Jianping , Li Jindou , Zhang Xiaohu , Shao Konglan , Ge Yong , Yang Xiaoyan , Lu Houyuan
Published: June 2022

Neolithic rice remains were recovered from a mixed rice–millet farming area in China outside the original centers of rice farming. Whether the rice remains were the result of local cultivation or obtained through trade remains unclear. Rice paddy fields are direct evidence of local cultivation. In this study, phytolith samples from the Zhangwangzhuang site were analyzed. The discriminant function distinguished 17 of 30 samples in the suspected paddy field area as rice paddy fields with an average probability of 74%; The proportion of rice bulliform phytoliths with ≥9 scales indicated that rice (Oryza sativa) was still being domesticated and, moreover, six η-type phytoliths from broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) were identified. These results suggested that the suspected paddy field at Zhangwangzhuang might be the earliest rice paddy field (ca. 6000 cal. BP) in northern China and that mixed farming was practiced here since the early Yangshao period. This study adopted discriminant analysis methods to discover ancient rice paddy fields, observed rice paddy fields outside the core rice origin area, and provided the earliest evidence regarding the development of mixed rice–millet farming in the upper Huai River region.
Applying Analytic Hierarchy Process for Identifying Best Management Practices in Erosion Risk Areas of Northwestern Himalayas
Authors: Alam Nurnabi Meherul , Jana Chayna , Mandal Debashis , Meena Sunita Kumari , Shrimali Shashi Shekhar , Mandal Uday , Mitra Sabyasachi , Kar Gouranga
Published: June 2022

Despite the growing importance of soil and water conservation and watershed development projects as an approach to rural development and natural resource management, there has been relatively little research on devising site-specific best management practice (BMP) to check the soil erosion losses within permissible limits, especially in hilly regions. For a sustainable watershed management programme and implementation, site specific BMPs assume importance and hold the promise of making conservation planning and watershed management simpler and more effective. The study was attempted to develop a methodology to obtain BMPs, aiming to reduce the erosion losses in erosion risk areas of the northwestern Himalayas by employing Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The AHP technique was employed to prioritise the potential technologies and select the BMP suitable for a particular land area. The prioritization of technologies was performed with four criteria viz. soil erosion resistance, cost, benefit, maintenance and environment friendliness of conservation measures. The soil erosion scenario of the study area located in the northwestern Himalayas was generated with each selected measure in a SWAT model using DEM, land use maps, a soil map and climate data of the study area. Then, the resultant erosion scenario of the conservation measures was compared and used for the AHP analysis. However, other criteria were assessed based on the judgement of a group of experts as well as farmers. In this study, four conservation measures, viz. Bench Terraces (BT), Vegetative Barrier (VB), Contour Farming (CF) and Zero Tillage + Live Mulch (ZL), were considered for BMP selection. Three scenarios, viz. experts’ judgement, farmers’ opinions and combined expert and farmer opinion, were analyzed to uncover the BMP for the different zones. The result revealed that experts and farmers unanimously preferred ZL as a BMP because of its low-cost implementation value and lower maintenance requirement while significantly controlling the erosion level as well as being environment friendly. The BT was the second most preferred technology for the study area. However, BMP was recommended for different zones having high to very severe erosion (soil loss > 10 t/ha/yr). Therefore, ZL was recommended for the areas with low altitude, whereas BT was recommended for the areas having high slopes because of its high capability for erosion control in the high slopping area. The methodology will act as a useful strategy for decision makers to prioritize the technology and recommend the best management for any region after considering suitable criteria. Future work may consider more criteria for inclusion to thus recommend the technology for a region in a more realistic way.
Contributions of Intercultural Socioenvironmental Justice to the 2030 Agenda in the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Senent-De Frutos Juan Antonio , Herrera Arango Johana
Published: June 2022

The 2030 Agenda has influenced the design of public policies in Colombia and other countries in the region, but there are many gaps in the way a global policy can be interpreted and adapted to the territories. Thus, this article aims to critically evaluate the public policy of sustainability implemented in the Colombian Caribbean and to suggest contributions from an intercultural socioenvironmental justice perspective. For this purpose, the public policy of sustainability that orients the plans for the use of insular ecosystems in Cartagena de Indias has been examined and confronted with local evidence that shows significant changes in the forms of life and ecological degradation in multi-temporally analysed coverages. Methodologically, this research is based on three aspects: the theoretical discussion of the notions of sustainability and justice in public policies, spatial databases to analyse the transformation of landscapes and ethnographic work with Afro-descendant peoples to recognise their socioecological systems. We found that the public policy of territorial planning aligned with the 2030 Agenda nominally includes a rights approach, but management practices or governance structures do not consider the very high asymmetry in land tenure, the growing private and non-participatory regulation of coasts and the sea or the exclusion of Afro-descendant peoples who claim tenure and autonomy rights. Then, we propose integrated dimensions of sustainability that overcome the socioecological negativity observed and articulate criteria of intercultural justice in public, social and environmental policies.