bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Tissue-Associated Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Costa Carolina Pinto da , Vieira Patrícia , Mendes-Rocha Melissa , Pereira-Marques Joana , Ferreira Rui Manuel , Figueiredo Ceu
Published: July 2022

The intestinal microbiome is associated with colorectal cancer. Although the mucosal microbiota better represents an individual’s local microbiome, studies on the colorectal cancer microbiota mainly reflect knowledge obtained from fecal samples. This systematic review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the relationship between the mucosal-associated bacterial microbiota and colorectal cancer. Searches were conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases for publications comparing the mucosal microbiome of colorectal cancer patients with that of healthy controls, or with that of non-cancerous mucosal tissues. The primary outcomes were differences in microbial diversity and taxonomy. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Of the 5080 studies identified, 39 were eligible and included in the systematic review. No consistent results were identified for the α- and β-diversity, due to high heterogeneity in reporting and to differences in metrics and statistical approaches, limiting study comparability. Qualitative synthesis of microbial taxonomy identified 12 taxa with strong positive and 18 taxa with strong negative associations with colorectal cancer. Fusobacterium, Campylobacter, Parvimonas, Peptostreptococcus, Streptococcus, and Granulicatella were defined as enriched in colorectal cancer. Despite the methodological limitations of the studies, consistent evidence on bacterial taxa associated with colorectal cancer was identified. Prospective studies in large and well-characterized patient populations will be crucial to validate these findings.
A Novel Late-Stage Autophagy Inhibitor That Efficiently Targets Lysosomes Inducing Potent Cytotoxic and Sensitizing Effects in Lung Cancer
Authors: Molero-Valenzuela Adrià , Fontova Pere , Alonso-Carrillo Daniel , Carreira-Barral Israel , Torres Ana Aurora , García-Valverde María , Benítez-García Cristina , Pérez-Tomás Ricardo , Quesada Roberto , Soto-Cerrato Vanessa
Published: July 2022

Overcoming resistance is one of the most challenging features in current anticancer therapy. Autophagy is a cellular process that confers resistance in some advanced tumors, since it enables cancer cells to adapt to stressful situations, such as anticancer treatments. Hence, the inhibition of this cytoprotective autophagy leads to tumor cells sensitization and death. In this regard, we designed a novel potent anionophore compound that specifically targets lysosomes, called LAI-1 (late-stage autophagy inhibitor-1), and evaluated its role in blocking autophagy and its potential anticancer effects in three lung cancer cell lines from different histological subtypes. Compared to other autophagy inhibitors, such as chloroquine and 3-Methyladenine, the LAI-1 treatment induced more potent anticancer effects in all tested cancer cells. LAI-1 was able to efficiently target and deacidify lysosomes, while acidifying cytoplasmic pH. Consequently, LAI-1 efficiently blocked autophagy, indicated by the increased LC3-II/I ratio and p62/SQSTM1 levels. Moreover, no colocalization was observed between autophagosomes, marked with LC3 or p62/SQSTM1, and lysosomes, stained with LAMP-1, after the LAI-1 treatment, indicating the blockage of autophagolysosome formation. Furthermore, LAI-1 induced cell death by activating apoptosis (enhancing the cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP) or necrosis, depending on the cancer cell line. Finally, LAI-1 sensitized cancer cells to the first-line chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. Altogether, LAI-1 is a new late-stage autophagy inhibitor that causes lysosomal dysfunction and the blockage of autophagolysosome formation, as well as potently induces cancer cell death and sensitization to conventional treatments at lower concentrations than other known autophagy inhibitors, appearing as a potential new therapeutic approach to overcome cancer resistance.
Evidence of the Earliest Thyroid Cancer Operation Performed Successfully
Authors: Papavramidou Niki , Kalogeridou Ourania , Papavramidis Theodossis
Published: July 2022

Thyroid surgery appears early in history, even though the anatomic description and the function of the thyroid gland was not understood [...]
Effects of Toxic AGEs (TAGE) on Human Health
Authors: Takeuchi Masayoshi , Sakasai-Sakai Akiko , Takata Takanobu , Takino Jun-ichi , Koriyama Yoshiki
Published: July 2022

The habitual and excessive consumption of sugar (i.e., sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup, HFCS) is associated with the onset and progression of lifestyle-related diseases (LSRD). Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) have recently been the focus of research on the factors contributing to LSRD. Approaches that inhibit the effects of AGEs may be used to prevent and/or treat LSRD; however, since the structures of AGEs vary depending on the type of reducing sugars or carbonyl compounds to which they respond, difficulties are associated with verifying that AGEs are an etiological factor. Cytotoxic AGEs derived from glyceraldehyde, a triose intermediate in the metabolism of glucose and fructose, have been implicated in LSRD and are called toxic AGEs (TAGE). A dietary imbalance (the habitual and excessive intake of sucrose, HFCS, or dietary AGEs) promotes the generation/accumulation of TAGE in vivo. Elevated circulating levels of TAGE have been detected in non-diabetics and diabetics, indicating a strong relationship between the generation/accumulation of TAGE in vivo and the onset and progression of LSRD. We herein outline current findings on “TAGE as a new target” for human health.
The Current Status of Public Playground Safety and Children’s Risk Taking Behavior in the Park: Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand
Authors: Sansakorn Preeda , Madardam Uraiwan , Pongsricharoen Jutaluck , Srithep Narumon , Janjamsri Nisarat , Mongkonkansai Jittaporn
Published: July 2022

The playground is perhaps the one area where school children feel like they can roam free, and public playgrounds provide many learning opportunities through different types of play. A cross-sectional descriptive study is presented with the objective of studying playground safety and the play behavior of primary school children at a park in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand. The total number of playground equipment pieces was 22, the sample group of children was 362 children, and the data were collected using a playground safety survey and an observation form on playground play behavior. Data were collected from 2017 to 2018 and were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, average, and standard deviation. The research showed that: (1) the most common defects of playground equipment included the material selection, the distance of the stair steps, and the height of the playground equipment; (2) the lack of awareness of children in terms of using the playground equipment safely; and (3) the three top risks in the play behavior of children were not checking equipment or toys before play, playing on the equipment over-adventurously, and playing on the equipment carelessly with friends. Related government agencies should provide support and management for playground areas and playground equipment by continuously implementing equipment checks, improvements, and repairs.
Ecological and Cultural Understanding as a Basis for Management of a Globally Significant Island Landscape
Authors: Walker Kim , Baldwin Claudia , Conroy Gabriel , Applegate Grahame , Archer-Lean Clare , Arthington Angela , Behrendorff Linda , Gilby Ben , Hadwen Wade , Henderson Christopher , Jacobsen Chris , Lamb David , Lieske Scott , Ogbourne Steven , Olds Andrew , Ota Liz , Ribbe Joachim , Sargent Susan , Schaffer Vikki , Schlacher Thomas , Stevens Nicholas , Srivastava Sanjeev , Weston Michael , Ellison Aaron
Published: July 2022

Islands provide the opportunity to explore management regimes and research issues related to the isolation, uniqueness, and integrity of ecological systems. K’gari (Fraser Island) is an Australian World Heritage property listed based on its outstanding natural value, specifically, the unique wilderness characteristics and the diversity of ecosystem types. Our goal was to draw on an understanding of the natural and cultural environment of K’gari as a foundation on which to build a management model that includes First Nations Peoples in future management and research. Our research involved an analysis of papers in the peer-reviewed scientific literature, original reports, letters, and other manuscripts now housed in the K’gari Fraser Island Research Archive. The objectives of the research were: (1) to review key historical events that form the cultural, social, and environmental narrative; (2) review the major natural features of the island and threats; (3) identify the gaps in research; (4) analyse the management and conservation challenges associated with tourism, biosecurity threats, vegetation management practices, and climate change and discuss whether the requirements for sustaining island ecological integrity can be met in the future; and (5) identify commonalities and general management principles that may apply globally to other island systems and other World Heritage sites listed on the basis of their unique natural and cultural features. We found that the characteristics that contribute to island uniqueness are also constraints for research funding and publication; however, they are important themes that warrant more investment. Our review suggests that K’gari is a contested space between tourist visitation and associated environmental impacts, with an island that has rich First Nations history, extraordinary ecological diversity, and breathtaking aesthetic beauty. This juxtaposition is reflected in disparate views of custodianship and use, and the management strategies are needed to achieve multiple objectives in an environmentally sustainable way whilst creating cultural equity in modern times. We offer a foundation on which to build a co-management model that includes First Nations Peoples in governance, management, research, and monitoring.
Effects of WC on the Microstructure, Wear and Corrosion Resistance of Laser-Deposited CoCrFeNi High Entropy Alloy Coatings
Authors: Wu Tao , Chen Yunxiang , Lin Bo , Yu Litao , Gui Wanyuan , Li Jiheng , Wu Yuan , Zeng Dawen
Published: July 2022

Wear and corrosion resistant properties of high entropy alloy coatings (HEAC) on H13 steel are of particular interest for industrial applications. The CoCrFeNi HEA/WC composite coatings (HEACC) developed in this study were successfully prepared by incorporating 10–40 wt.% WC into a matrix of CoCrFeNi HEA using laser cladding on an H13 steel substrate. Phase transformation, microstructure evolution, microhardness, wear and corrosion resistance of CoCrFeNi HEACC were investigated. According to the results, all CoCrFeNi HEACC exhibited higher wear and corrosion resistance than the H13 steel substrate. Wear resistance of CoCrFeNi HEACC first increases and then decreases with an increase in the concentration of WC particles, and the lowest coefficient of friction and the shallowest depth of wear groove were observed after adding 30 wt.%. Grain refinement strengthening and second-phase particle strengthening may contribute to enhanced hardness and wear resistance of coatings with WC additions. In addition, all the CoCrFeNi HEACC exhibited improved corrosion resistance. In particular, an addition of 10 wt.% WC helped to significantly improve the corrosion resistance and ease of passivation of CoCrFeNi HEACC.
Microstructure and Wear Resistance of TiCp/Ti6Al4V Composite Coatings by Follow-Up Ultrasonic-Assisted Laser Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Niu Fangyong , Li Yang , Song Chenchen , Yan Xinrui , Zhang Ziao , Ma Guangyi , Wu Dongjiang
Published: July 2022

With the increasing demand for the high agility and fast response of high-level equipment in the aerospace and energy power fields, it is increasingly urgent to improve the performance of the high-temperature and wear resistance of the corresponding high-level components. Ceramic-reinforced titanium matrix composites have excellent high-temperature and wear resistance, but, in laser additive manufacturing, the primary ceramic phase is coarse, and the morphology of the ceramic phase is difficult to control, which limits their further development. In this investigation, a follow-up ultrasonic-assisted laser-additive-manufacturing method was proposed to prepare a 30 wt.% TiC/Ti6Al4V composite coating on a Ti6Al4V surface. Under the effects of ultrasonic cavitation and acoustic streaming, the content of the unmelted TiC was reduced, the dendritic primary TiC in the solidification process was broken and the distribution uniformity of the primary TiC was improved. The content of the unmelted TiC in the composite coating decreased significantly under ultrasonic action, and it was only 50.23% of that without ultrasonic action. At the same time, the average size of the dendritic primary TiC in the composite coating decreased from 61.59 μm to 27.04 μm, which was 56.10% smaller than that without ultrasonic action. The average microhardness of the composite coating reached the maximum of 656.70 HV0.2 under ultrasonic power, and it was 83.21% higher than that of the Ti6Al4V substrate, and 26.44% higher than that of the composite coating without ultrasonic power. Due to the ultrasonic-cavitation and acoustic-streaming effects, the content of the unmelted TiC obviously decreased, so that the average friction coefficient of the composite coating increased, and the wear mechanism changed from abrasive wear to adhesive wear.
A Systematic Review of Deep Knowledge Graph-Based Recommender Systems, with Focus on Explainable Embeddings
Authors: Doh Ronky Francis , Zhou Conghua , Arthur John Kingsley , Tawiah Isaac , Doh Benjamin
Published: July 2022

Recommender systems (RS) have been developed to make personalized suggestions and enrich users’ preferences in various online applications to address the information explosion problems. However, traditional recommender-based systems act as black boxes, not presenting the user with insights into the system logic or reasons for recommendations. Recently, generating explainable recommendations with deep knowledge graphs (DKG) has attracted significant attention. DKG is a subset of explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) that utilizes the strengths of deep learning (DL) algorithms to learn, provide high-quality predictions, and complement the weaknesses of knowledge graphs (KGs) in the explainability of recommendations. DKG-based models can provide more meaningful, insightful, and trustworthy justifications for recommended items and alleviate the information explosion problems. Although several studies have been carried out on RS, only a few papers have been published on DKG-based methodologies, and a review in this new research direction is still insufficiently explored. To fill this literature gap, this paper uses a systematic literature review framework to survey the recently published papers from 2018 to 2022 in the landscape of DKG and XAI. We analyze how the methods produced in these papers extract essential information from graph-based representations to improve recommendations’ accuracy, explainability, and reliability. From the perspective of the leveraged knowledge-graph related information and how the knowledge-graph or path embeddings are learned and integrated with the DL methods, we carefully select and classify these published works into four main categories: the Two-stage explainable learning methods, the Joint-stage explainable learning methods, the Path-embedding explainable learning methods, and the Propagation explainable learning methods. We further summarize these works according to the characteristics of the approaches and the recommendation scenarios to facilitate the ease of checking the literature. We finally conclude by discussing some open challenges left for future research in this vibrant field.
Lung Ultrasound B-Lines in the Evaluation of the Extent of Interstitial Lung Disease in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Bruni Cosimo , Mattolini Lavinia , Tofani Lorenzo , Gargani Luna , Landini Nicholas , Roma Nicola , Lepri Gemma , Orlandi Martina , Guiducci Serena , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Romei Chiara , Wang Yukai , Matucci-Cerinic Marco
Published: July 2022

Background: Chest computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for the evaluation of systemic sclerosis-related interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a radiation-free tool that identifies the B-lines as a main feature of ILD. We aimed to investigate the role of LUS in the evaluation of the extent of SSc-ILD. Methods: Adult SSc patients underwent pulmonary function tests (PFTs), LUS and CT. The CT images were qualitatively, semi-quantitatively (the Wells score on five levels and the categorical Goh et al. staging) and quantitatively (histogram-based densitometry) analysed for ILD. LUS quantified B-lines in 21 intercostal spaces on both the anterior and posterior chest wall. Results: Out of the 77 SSc patients eligible for the study, 35 presented with ILD on CT (21 limited, 14 extensive). Total B-lines significantly differentiated ILD vs. no ILD (median 24 vs. 8, p < 0.001). Posterior and total B-lines significantly differentiated limited from absent ILD, while anterior B-lines distinguished extensive from limited ILD. Total B-lines correlated with the Wells score (r = 0.446, p < 0.001) and MLA (r = −0.571, p < 0.001); similar results were confirmed when anterior and posterior B-lines were analysed separately. Conclusions: LUS is a useful tool to identify SSc-ILD and to correlate with different evaluations of ILD extent and severity.
Analysis of Peripheral Blood Basophils in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Dossybayeva Kuanysh , Bexeitov Yergali , Mukusheva Zaure , Almukhamedova Zhaina , Assylbekova Maykesh , Abdukhakimova Diyora , Rakhimzhanova Marzhan , Poddighe Dimitri
Published: July 2022

Basophils are the least abundant circulating leukocytes, and their immunological role has not yet been completely elucidated. There is evidence supporting their immunomodulatory role in several pathological settings; recently, studies in both experimental models and humans suggested that basophil homeostasis may be altered in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here, we first assessed circulating basophils in children affected with pediatric SLE (pSLE). In this cross-sectional study, circulating basophils were enumerated by fluorescence-based flow cytometry analysis in children affected with pSLE, in addition to children suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or non-inflammatory/non-rheumatic conditions. This study included 52 pediatric patients distributed in these three groups. We observed a statistically significant reduction of peripherally circulating basophils in children with pSLE compared to the other two groups of patients. This preliminary study is consistent with the available studies in adult patients with SLE showing a reduced number of circulating basophils. However, further research is needed to draw final conclusions on basophils’ homeostasis in pSLE, in addition to their correlation with the disease activity and concomitant therapies.
Integrated Risk Analysis of Aggregators: Policy Implications for the Development of the Competitive Aggregator Industry
Authors: Zoričić Davor , Knežević Goran , Miletić Marija , Dolinar Denis , Sprčić Danijela
Published: July 2022

One of the important goals of the EU is to ensure a secure, sustainable, and competitive energy system that is less dependent on external energy supply. Greater independence is planned to be achieved by diversifying energy sources, as well as investing in renewables and energy efficiency. One of the mechanisms is the demand response (DR) that provides a high level of energy independence for the consumer. In this paper, we explore perspectives of the development of DR with a mediating effect of the independent aggregators from an EU member state standpoint. We use a hybrid research methodology that combines instruments of strategic analysis, i.e., PESTLE framework and SWOT analysis, along with the integrated risk management framework in order to identify, evaluate and rank prominent risks to which this initiative is exposed. Interdependencies between the identified risk factors are also included and efficient mitigation measures are proposed. The findings of this exploratory research are aimed at developing the policies and strategies for the aggregators’ development in the medium term. The most emphasized risks detected in analysis are the investment risk, the legal risk, the risk of substitute technologies, the consumer behavior risk, the risk of opportunistic behavior and the risk of entry barriers.
Mineralogy and Geochemistry of the Lower Cretaceous Coals in the Junde Mine, Hegang Coalfield, Northeastern China
Authors: Wei Yingchun , He Wenbo , Qin Guohong , Wang Anmin , Cao Daiyong
Published: July 2022

Hegang coalfield is one of the areas with abundant coal resources in Heilongjiang Province. Characteristics of minerals and geochemistry of No. 26 coal (lower Cretaceous coals) from Junde mine, Hegang coalfield, Heilongjiang province, China, were reported. The results showed that No. 26 coal of Junde mine is slightly enriched in Cs, Pb, and Zr compared with world coals. The minerals in No. 26 coal of Junde mine primarily include clay minerals and quartz, followed by calcite, siderite, pyrite, monazite, and zircon. The diagrams of Al2O3–TiO2, Zr/Sc–Th/Sc, Al2O3/TiO2–Sr/Y, and Al2O3/TiO2–La/Yb indicate that the enriched elements in No. 26 coal were mainly sourced from the Late Paleozoic meta-igneous rocks in Jiamusi block. The volcanic ash contribution to No. 26 coal seems very low. Sulfate sulfur indicating oxidation/evaporation gradually decreases during No. 26 coal formation.
A Review on the Long-Term Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells: From Degradation Modeling to the Effects of Bipolar Plates, Sealings, and Contaminants
Authors: Pourrahmani Hossein , Siavashi Majid , Yavarinasab Adel , Matian Mardit , Chitgar Nazanin , Wang Ligang , Van herle Jan
Published: July 2022

Proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are regarded as promising alternatives to internal combustion engines (ICEs) to reduce pollution. Recent research on PEMFCs focuses on achieving higher power densities, reducing the refueling time, mitigating the final price, and decreasing the degradations, to facilitate the commercialization of hydrogen mobility. The design of bipolar plates and compression kits, in addition to their coating, can effectively improve performance, increase durability, and support water/thermal management. Past reviews usually focused on the specific aspect, which can hardly provide readers with a complete picture of the key challenges facing and advances in the long-term performance of PEMFCs. This paper aims to deliver a comprehensive source to review, from both experimental, analytical and numerical viewpoints, design challenges, degradation modeling, protective coatings for bipolar plates, and key operational challenges facing and solutions to the stack to prevent contamination. The significant research gaps in the long-term performance of PEMFCs are identified as (1) improved bipolar-plate design and coating, (2) the optimization of the design of sealing and compression kits to reduce mechanical stresses, and (3) stack degradation regarding fuel contamination and dynamic operation.
Modeling of an Elastocaloric Cooling System for Determining Efficiency
Authors: Bachmann Nora , Schwarz Daniel , Bach David , Schäfer-Welsen Olaf , Koch Thomas , Bartholomé Kilian
Published: July 2022

When it comes to covering the growing demand for cooling power worldwide, elastocalorics offer an environmentally friendly alternative to compressor-based cooling technology. The absence of harmful and flammable coolants makes elastocalorics suitable for energy applications such as battery cooling. Initial prototypes of elastocaloric systems, which transport heat by means of thermal conduction or convection, have already been developed. A particularly promising solution is the active elastocaloric heat pipe (AEH), which works with latent heat transfer by the evaporation and condensation of a fluid. This enables a fast and efficient heat transfer in a compression-based elastocaloric cooling system. In this publication, we present a simulation model of the AEH based on MATLAB-Simulink. The model showed very good agreement with the experimental data pertaining to the maximum temperature span and maximum cooling power. Hereby, non-measurable variables such as efficiency and heat fluxes in the cooling system are accessible, which allows the analysis of individual losses including the dissipation effects of the material, non-ideal isolation, losses in heat transfer from the elastocaloric material to the fluid, and other parasitic heat flux losses. In total, it can be shown that using this AEH-approach, an optimized system can achieve up to 67% of the material efficiency.
Control Strategy of Dual-Winding Motor for Vehicle Electro-Hydraulic Braking Systems
Authors: Jo Taeho , Joo Kyoungjin , Lee Ju
Published: July 2022

The electro-hydraulic brake (EHB) system of a vehicle should operate normally under all circumstances to ensure automotive safety. This redundant system guarantees the minimum required performance in the event of a critical failure of the brake system. In this study, we propose a redundant motor control strategy for the EHB to fully realize a functional safety design. The EHB system is composed of two identical electronic control units (ECUs), a dual three-phase dual-winding permanent magnet synchronous motor (DW-PMSM), and hydraulic components to generate brake pressure through the movement of an actuator. First, we propose a method to acquire the necessary motor current for generating brake pressure. Second, we present an initial driving method for the DW-PMSM for achieving stability before generating the braking pressure that involves setting the actuator’s origin position without a position sensor. Lastly, we describe a redundant motor control strategy for continuous brake operation depending on whether each ECU experiences system failure. The experimental results showed the effectiveness and feasibility of the control strategy of the dual-winding motor for a functional safety design.
Parametric Study on Thermo-Hydraulic Performance of NACA Airfoil Fin PCHEs Channels
Authors: Wang Wei , Ding Liang , Han Fangming , Shuai Yong , Li Bingxi , Sunden Bengt
Published: July 2022

In this work, a discontinuous airfoil fin printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) was used as a recuperator in a micro gas turbine system. The effects of the airfoil fin geometry parameters (arc height, maximum arc height position, and airfoil thickness) and the airfoil fin arrangements (horizontal and vertical spacings) on the PCHE channel’s thermo-hydraulic performance were extensively examined by a numerical parametric study. The flow features, local heat transfer coefficient, and wall shear stress were examined in detail to obtain an enhanced heat transfer mechanism for a better PCHE design. The results show that the heat transfer and flow resistance were mainly increased at the airfoil leading edge owing to a flow jet, whereas the airfoil trailing edge had little effect on the thermo-hydraulic performance. The airfoil thickness was the most significant while the arc height and the vertical spacing were moderately significant to the performance. Moreover, only the airfoil thickness had a significant effect on the PCHE compactness. Based on a comprehensive investigation, two solutions NACA-6230 and -3220 were selected owing to their better thermal performance and smaller pressure drop, respectively, with horizontal spacings of 2 mm and vertical spacings of 2 or 3 mm.
Soil Aggregate Stability and Carbon Density in Three Plantations in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Dong Lili , Kou Meng
Published: July 2022

Afforestation plays an important role in mitigating soil erosion and improving soil quality in the Loess Plateau. However, there is no consistent conclusion about the effect of tree species on soil properties. Robinia pseudoacacia, Pinus tabulaeformis, and Malus pumila plantations were selected as the research objects. Soil indices such as the content of soil organic carbon (SOC) and inorganic carbon (SIC), carbon density, soil aggregate stability, and bulk density were selected to study the effects of different plantations on soil properties. The mean weight diameter (MWD) was calculated to evaluate soil aggregate stability. The results showed that: (1) MWD of R. pseudoacacia was 22%–67% lower than that of P. tabuliformis across the 0–80 cm soil layers. MWD of M. pumila was 27%–45% and 57%–78% lower than that of R. pseudoacacia and P. tabuliformis across 0–50 cm layers. (2) SOC of P. tabuliformis was 61%–127% and 67%–148% higher than that of R. pseudoacacia and M. pumila, respectively, while SIC was 55%–82% and 12%–14% lower than that of R. pseudoacacia and M. pumila. (3) Soil carbon density, including soil organic carbon density and inorganic carbon density, of P. tabuliformis was 36%–49% and 3%–31% lower than that of R. pseudoacacia and M. pumila, respectively. (4) Aggregate organic carbon increased with increasing aggregate size, while inorganic carbon decreased. Water-stable aggregates with larger sizes had higher soil organic carbon and lower carbonate calcium. (5) The inorganic carbon in soil was both a binder and a dispersant of soil aggregates, which depends on its content. P. tabuliformis should be planted in the semi-arid area of the Loess Plateau in China, because this species was able to increase soil organic matter and improve soil structure compared with the other two species.
Potential European Geographical Distribution of Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch, 1858) (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) under Current and Future Climate Conditions
Authors: Witkowski Radosław , Dyderski Marcin K. , Bełka Marta , Mazur Andrzej
Published: July 2022

Gnathotrichus materiarius (Fitch, 1858) is an alien ambrosia beetle from North America, that has been spreading across Europe since the 1930s. The species infests coniferous trees, excavating galleries in sapwood. However, to date very few studies have predicted changes in ambrosia beetle habitat suitability under changing climate conditions. To fill that gap in the current knowledge, we used the MaxEnt algorithm to estimate areas potentially suitable for this species in Europe, both under current climate conditions and those forecasted for the years 2050 and 2070. Our analyses showed areas where the species has not been reported, though the climatic conditions are suitable. Models for the forecasted conditions predicted an increase in suitable habitats. Due to the wide range of host trees, the species is likely to spread through the Balkans, the Black Sea and Caucasus region, Baltic countries, the Scandinavian Peninsula, and Ukraine. As a technical pest of coniferous sapwood, it can cause financial losses due to deterioration in quality of timber harvested in such regions. Our results will be helpful for the development of a climate-change-integrated management strategy to mitigate potential adverse effects.
Spatial Analysis of the Occurrence and Spread of Wildfires in Southwest Madagascar
Authors: Champin Laura , Taïbi Aude Nuscia , Ballouche Aziz
Published: July 2022

The island of Madagascar, located in the southern hemisphere between the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Indian Ocean, 450 km from the African continent, is particularly affected by wildfires. The vegetation of the phytogeographic Western Domain of the island consists largely of savannas, wooded grassland, and secondary grassland, maintained by the repeated action of fire operating each year on a seasonal cycle. Rural populations employ fire to manage land use. Depending on the burning practice and the environment in which the fires happen, the impacts vary. This paper supplement the studies that have so far located and quantified wildfires by taking into account their different behaviors, particularly their spread. We analyzed the modalities of the relationship between the two fire products, active fire and burned area, derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data to establish a typology based on fire spread patterns. We identified three general patterns of fire behaviors, as well as their locations in the studied area. Spatial analysis of this patterns enabled us to understand spatial logics better. Type 1 fires are the least frequently observed and have many active fires, but little or no burned area. Type 2 fires are the most common and have areas that burn like a mosaic. Type 3 fires are observed slightly less frequently than the previous type and have few active fires and large burned areas. An inter-annual analysis reveals the spatial stability or variability of these fire types.
Identification of Runs of Homozygosity Islands and Genomic Estimated Inbreeding Values in Caqueteño Creole Cattle (Colombia)
Authors: Toro-Ospina Alejandra M. , Herrera Rios Ana C. , Pimenta Schettini Gustavo , Vallejo Aristizabal Viviana H. , Bizarria dos Santos Wellington , Zapata Cesar A. , Ortiz Morea Edna Gicela
Published: July 2022

The Caqueteño Creole (CAQ) is a native breed of cattle from the Caquetá department (Colombia), adapted to tropical conditions, which is extremely important to production systems in those regions. However, CAQ is poorly studied. In this sense, population structure studies associated with runs of homozygosity (ROH) analysis would allow for a better understanding of CAQ. Through ROH analysis, it is possible to reveal genetic relationships between individuals, measure genome inbreeding levels, and identify regions associated with traits of economic interest. Samples from a CAQ population (n = 127) were genotyped with the Bovine HD BeadChip (777,000 SNPs) and analyzed with the PLINK 1.9 program to estimate FROH and ROH islands. We highlighted a decrease in inbreeding frequency for FROH 4–8 Mb, 8–16 Mb, and >16 Mb classes, indicating inbreeding control in recent matings. We also found genomic hotspot regions on chromosomes 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 20, and 22, where chromosome 20 harbored four hotspots. Genes in those regions were associated with fertility and immunity traits, muscle development, and environmental resistance, which may be present in the CAQ breed due to natural selection. This indicates potential for production systems in tropical regions. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the CAQ production objective.
Fusarium Dry Rot of Garlic Bulbs Caused by Fusarium proliferatum: A Review
Authors: Gálvez Laura , Palmero Daniel
Published: July 2022

Fusarium dry rot (FDR) is a postharvest disease of garlic crops causing yield losses worldwide. Fusarium proliferatum has been identified as the main species causing the disease. Symptoms begin as small brown lesions with a dehydrated appearance that can progress to cover the entire clove during the storage period. Symptoms on growing plants cause brown lesions on the basal plates and roots, and sometimes damping-off is observed. F. proliferatum is a polyphagous pathogen with a wide range of hosts. This pathogen colonizes garlic roots, remaining as a latent pathogen, and develops rot during storage. The pathogen can overwinter in the soil, infested crop residues, and weeds. The fungus can also persist on garlic cloves, acting as primary inoculum in the field and contributing to the long-distance spread. Using healthy plant material, rotating crops, burying crop residues, avoiding bulb injury during harvest and subsequent handling, and providing appropriate postharvest environmental conditions are crucial factors that greatly influence the disease severity. Choosing a suitable non-host crop to achieve truly effective rotation is sometimes difficult. Chemical control in the form of seed treatments or field spraying of the crop has a limited effect on controlling FDR. Field applications of biological control agents have shown some efficacy, but conditions to optimize their activity must be determined. Moreover, different soil management strategies to reduce soil inoculum must be also studied.
Childhood Trauma and Suicide: The Mediating Effect of Stress and Sleep
Authors: Wu Ran , Zhu Hong , Wu Meng-Yang , Wang Guang-Hai , Jiang Chun-Lei
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between suicide risk, perceived stress, and sleep quality through a structural equation modeling approach. This study used convenience sampling to survey 780 undergraduate and graduate students aged 18–30 years. Students were invited to participate in the online questionnaires, which included the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The results showed that suicide ideation and suicidal behavior were positively correlated with childhood trauma, stress, and sleep. A well-fitted structural equation model (χ2 = 1.52, df = 1, χ2/df = 1.52, RMSEA = 0.03, CFI = 1.00, NFI = 1.00) was constructed in this study. The hierarchical regression test showed significance in all the path coefficients of the model. The total effect of emotional abuse on suicide behaviors was 49.5%. The mediating effects accounted for 73.7% of the total effects of emotional abuse on suicidal behaviors. The results demonstrate efforts targeting stress and poor sleep might mitigate the risk of suicidal behaviors among individuals with early emotional abuse experiences.
Strength Asymmetries Are Muscle-Specific and Metric-Dependent
Authors: Boccia Gennaro , D'Emanuele Samuel , Brustio Paolo Riccardo , Beratto Luca , Tarperi Cantor , Casale Roberto , Sciarra Tommaso , Rainoldi Alberto
Published: July 2022

We investigated if dominance affected upper limbs muscle function, and we calculated the level of agreement in asymmetry direction across various muscle-function metrics of two heterologous muscle groups. We recorded elbow flexors and extensors isometric strength of the dominant and non-dominant limb of 55 healthy adults. Participants performed a series of explosive contractions of maximal and submaximal amplitudes to record three metrics of muscle performance: maximal voluntary force (MVF), rate of force development (RFDpeak), and RFD-Scaling Factor (RFD-SF). At the population level, the MVF was the only muscle function that showed a difference between the dominant and non-dominant sides, being on average slightly (3–6%) higher on the non-dominant side. At the individual level, the direction agreement among heterologous muscles was poor for all metrics (Kappa values ≤ 0.15). When considering the homologous muscles, the direction agreement was moderate between MVF and RFDpeak (Kappa = 0.37) and low between MVF and RFD-SF (Kappa = 0.01). The asymmetries are muscle-specific and rarely favour the same side across different muscle-performance metrics. At the individual level, no one side is more performative than the other: each limb is favoured depending on muscle group and performance metric. The present findings can be used by practitioners that want to decrease the asymmetry levels as they should prescribe specific exercise training for each muscle.
The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Patients with Malignant Melanoma at a Romanian Academic Center: A Four-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Aabed Hazzaa , Bloanca Vlad , Crainiceanu Zorin , Bratosin Felix , Citu Cosmin , Diaconu Mircea Mihai , Ciorica Ovidiu , Bratu Tiberiu
Published: July 2022

Considering cancer patients may be at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease, their oncologic treatment cannot be delayed without risking their oncologic outcomes. Considering this, a comprehensive evaluation is required for the management of malignant diseases such as melanoma. The current study aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of cancer care services for patients diagnosed with malignant melanoma in Romania; to document the difference in patients’ addressability and melanoma staging between the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods; as well as to determine the risk factors responsible for disease progression during the pandemic. We developed a retrospective analysis using a monocentric hospital database to compare the final 24 months of the pre-pandemic era to the first 24 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. All outpatients and inpatients with a diagnosis of malignant melanoma were screened during the study period and included in the analysis if matching the inclusion criteria. A total of 301 patients were included in the study, with 163 cases identified in the 24 months before the COVID-19 pandemic and 138 patients during the first 24 months of the pandemic. It was observed during the first two lockdown periods from March to May 2020, and, respectively, from October to December 2020, that significantly fewer patients with malignant melanoma presented for specialized medical care, while there was a statistically significantly lower proportion of outpatients due to COVID-19 restrictions (18.1% vs. 42.9%). The average Breslow depth was 1.1 mm before the pandemic, compared with 1.8 mm during the pandemic (p-value < 0.001). Third-stage patients were the most prevalent during both study periods, although with a statistically significant difference during the pandemic, with an increase from 90 (55.2%) patients to 94 (68.1%) (p-value < 0.001). The significant risk factors for disease progression were advanced AJCC stage (HR = 3.48), high Breslow index (HR = 3.19), postponed treatment (HR = 2.46), missed appointments (HR = 2.31), anemia at presentation (HR = 1.60), and patient’s age (HR = 1.57). After the pandemic limitations are brought to an end, a broad skin-cancer-screening campaign is warranted to detect the missed cases during COVID-19.
Weaving Social Connectivity into the Community Fabric: Exploring Older Adult’s Relationships to Technology and Place
Authors: Paulovich Belinda , Pedell Sonja , Tandori Erica , Beh Jeanie
Published: July 2022

The wellbeing of older adults is positively impacted by ease of access to social networks and opportunities. In urban fringe communities, longer geographical distances, combined with mobility and health issues, can lead to decreased access to community life. Technology can facilitate socialisation opportunities for older adults living in more geographically isolated locations, but we need to work with communities to better understand how technology can fit into their existing social tapestry and community infrastructure. We conducted an explorative, qualitative study consisting of in-depth semi-structured interviews with members of an urban fringe community (n = 2), and a community mapping focus group (n = 14). Transcripts and mapping materials were analysed thematically, and also the method’s suitability explored. The community mapping proved suitable to uncover the complexity of technology use to support social connectivity. We found that while technology was perceived as valuable by our participants, there were also significant fears and concerns surrounding its use related to the abstract concept of online friendship and the steep learning curve required to master some platforms. Inclusive communities connected by technology require tailored and customised community-led technology initiatives in order to accommodate for the unique social and geographical contexts in which they live. We outline the next steps for future research on technology-supported social connectivity within urban fringe communities.
Why Do We Not Follow Lifesaving Rules? Factors Affecting Nonadherence to COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines in Indonesia: Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Seran Alfonsa Liquory , Raymond Christopher , Merry Maria Silvia , Tahir Roheena , Asa Gregorius Abanit , Ward Paul Russell
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to understand Indonesian healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions and experiences regarding barriers to both HCP and community adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines in their social life. This methodologically qualitative study employed in-depth interviewing as its method for primary data collection. Twenty-three HCP participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data analysis was guided by the Five Steps of Qualitative Data Analysis introduced through Ritchie and Spencer’s Framework Analysis. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to guide study conceptualisation, data analysis and discussions of the findings. Results demonstrated that HCP adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines was influenced by subjective norms, such as social influence and disapproval towards preventive behaviours, and perceived behavioural control or external factors. Findings also demonstrated that HCPs perceived that community nonadherence to preventive guidelines was influenced by their behavioural intentions and attitudes, such as disbelief in COVID-19-related information provided by the government, distrust in HCPs, and belief in traditional ritual practices to ward off misfortune. Subjective norms, including negative social pressure and concerns of social rejection, and perceived behavioural control reflected in lack of personal protective equipment and poverty, were also barriers to community adherence. The findings indicate that policymakers in remote, multicultural locales in Indonesia such as East Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Timur or NTT) must take into consideration that familial and traditional (social) ties and bonds override individual agency where personal action is strongly guided by long-held social norms. Thus, while agency-focused preventive policies which encourage individual actions (hand washing, mask wearing) are essential, in NTT they must be augmented by social change, advocating with trusted traditional (adat) and religious leaders to revise norms in the context of a highly transmissible pandemic virus. Future large-scale studies are recommended to explore the influence of socio-cultural barriers to HCP and community adherence to preventive guidelines, which can better inform health policy and practice.
Health Disparity Resulting from the Effect of Built Environment on Temperature-Related Mortality in a Subtropical Urban Setting
Authors: Huang Zhe , Chan Emily Ying-Yang , Wong Chi-Shing , Liu Sida , Zee Benny Chung-Ying
Published: July 2022

Whereas previous studies have assessed the overall health impact of temperature in Hong Kong, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the health impact is modified by local temperature of small geographic units, which may be related to the diverse socioeconomic characteristics of these units. The effects of local temperature on non-accidental and cause-specific mortality were analyzed using Bayesian spatial models at a small-area level, adjusting for potential confounders, i.e., area-level air pollutants, socioeconomic status, and green space, as well as spatial dependency. We found that a 10% increase in green space density was associated with an estimated 4.80% decrease in non-accidental mortality risk and a 5.75% decrease in cardiovascular disease mortality risk in Hong Kong, whereas variation in local annual temperature did not significantly contribute to mortality. We also found that the spatial variation of mortality within this city could be explained by the geographic distribution of green space and socioeconomic factors rather than local temperature or air pollution. The findings and methodology of this study may help to further understanding and investigation of social and structural determinants of health disparities, particularly place-based built environment across class-based small geographic units in a city, taking into account the intersection of multiple factors from individual to population levels.