bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postojna-Planina Cave System in Slovenia, a Hotspot of Subterranean Biodiversity and a Cradle of Speleobiology
Authors: Zagmajster Maja , Polak Slavko , Fišer Cene
Published: June 2021

The Postojna-Planina Cave System (PPCS) in central Slovenia is a globally exceptional site of subterranean biodiversity, comprised of many interconnected caves with cumulative passage length exceeding 34 km. Two rivers sink into the caves of the PPCS, called the Pivka and Rak, and join underground into Unica River, which emerges to the surface. The studies of fauna of PPCS began in the 19th century with the first scientific descriptions of specialized cave animals in the world, making it “the cradle of speleobiology”. Currently, the species list of PPCS contains 116 troglobiotic animal species belonging to eight phyla, confirming its status as the richest in the world. Of these, 47 species have been scientifically described from the PPCS, and more than 10 await formal taxonomic descriptions. We expect that further sampling, detailed analyses of less studied taxa, and the use of molecular methods may reveal more species. To keep the cave animals’ checklist in PPCS up-to-date, we have supplemented the printed checklist with an online interface. As the revised checklist is a necessary first step for further activities, we discuss the importance of PPCS in terms of future research and conservation.
Viral Dynamics and Real-Time RT-PCR Ct Values Correlation with Disease Severity in COVID-19
Authors: Rabaan Ali A. , Tirupathi Raghavendra , Sule Anupam A , Aldali Jehad , Mutair Abbas Al , Alhumaid Saad , Muzaheed  , Gupta Nitin , Koritala Thoyaja , Adhikari Ramesh , Bilal Muhammad , Dhawan Manish , Tiwari Ruchi , Mitra Saikat , Emran Talha Bin , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: June 2021

Real-time RT-PCR is considered the gold standard confirmatory test for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, many scientists disagree, and it is essential to understand that several factors and variables can cause a false-negative test. In this context, cycle threshold (Ct) values are being utilized to diagnose or predict SARS-CoV-2 infection. This practice has a significant clinical utility as Ct values can be correlated with the viral load. In addition, Ct values have a strong correlation with multiple haematological and biochemical markers. However, it is essential to consider that Ct values might be affected by pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytical variables such as collection technique, specimen type, sampling time, viral kinetics, transport and storage conditions, nucleic acid extraction, viral RNA load, primer designing, real-time PCR efficiency, and Ct value determination method. Therefore, understanding the interpretation of Ct values and other influential factors could play a crucial role in interpreting viral load and disease severity. In several clinical studies consisting of small or large sample sizes, several discrepancies exist regarding a significant positive correlation between the Ct value and disease severity in COVID-19. In this context, a revised review of the literature has been conducted to fill the knowledge gaps regarding the correlations between Ct values and severity/fatality rates of patients with COVID-19. Various databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched up to April 2021 by using keywords including “RT-PCR or viral load”, “SARS-CoV-2 and RT-PCR”, “Ct value and viral load”, “Ct value or COVID-19”. Research articles were extracted and selected independently by the authors and included in the present review based on their relevance to the study. The current narrative review explores the correlation of Ct values with mortality, disease progression, severity, and infectivity. We also discuss the factors that can affect these values, such as collection technique, type of swab, sampling method, etc.
Effects of Different Application Times of Silver Diamine Fluoride on Mineral Precipitation in Demineralized Dentin
Authors: Srisomboon Surapong , Kettratad Matana , Pakawanit Phakkhananan , Rojviriya Catleya , Phantumvanit Prathip , Panpisut Piyaphong
Published: June 2021

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a cost-effective method for arresting active dental caries. However, the limited cooperation of patients may lead to an SDF application time that is shorter than the recommended 1–3 min for carious lesions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of different application times of SDF on the degree of mineral precipitation in demineralized dentin. Demineralized dentin specimens from permanent maxillary molars were treated by applying 38% SDF for 30, 60, or 180 s. Water was applied in the control group. The specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid for 2 weeks, and the mineral precipitation in demineralized dentin was then analyzed using FTIR-ATR, SEM-EDX, and synchrotron radiation X-ray tomographic microscopy (SRXTM). The FTIR-ATR results showed a significant increase in mineral precipitation in the 180 s group after 1 week. However, after 2 weeks, the SRXTM images indicated comparable mineral density between the 30, 60, and 180 s groups. The precipitation of silver chloride and calcium phosphate crystals that occluded dentinal tubules was similar in all experimental groups. In conclusion, an application time of either 30, 60, or 180 s promoted a comparable degree of mineral precipitation in demineralized dentin.
A Short Form of the Children’s Experiences of Dental Anxiety Measure (CEDAM): Validation and Evaluation of the CEDAM-8
Authors: Porritt Jenny Marie , Morgan Annie , Rodd Helen , Gilchrist Fiona , Baker Sarah R. , Newton Tim , Marshman Zoe
Published: June 2021

Background: The Children’s Experiences of Dental Anxiety Measure (CEDAM-14) is a child-centred measure of dental anxiety which assesses a range of behaviours, thoughts and feelings/physical symptoms related to dental anxiety. A short form of the CEDAM-14, which places less time burden on patients and clinicians, could promote the feasibility and applicability of the CEDAM in clinical settings. The aim of the study was to develop a short version of the CEDAM that can be used to assess children’s dental anxiety in clinical practice. Methods: A short version of the CEDAM was developed using a combination of item impact and regression methods. Measurement properties including floor/ceiling effects, variance, criterion validity, construct validity and internal consistency was calculated for the short form. Results: An eight-item CEDAM short form was developed (CEDAM-8) that had good psychometric properties, was significantly correlated with the CEDAM measure (r = 0.90; p < 0.01), had minimal floor and ceiling effects (3.5% and 1.2%, respectively) and was sensitive to change. Conclusion: The CEDAM-8 is a useful assessment tool for clinicians that is easy and quick to administer and could help to understand children’s experiences of dental anxiety and changes in anxiety over time and following intervention.
Local Fractal Connections to Characterize the Spatial Processes of Deforestation in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Authors: Urgilez-Clavijo Andrea , Rivas-Tabares David Andrés , Martín-Sotoca Juan José , Tarquis Alfonso Ana María
Published: June 2021

Deforestation by human activities is a common issue in Amazonian countries. This occurs at different spatial and temporal scales causing primary forest loss and land fragmentation issues. During the deforestation process as the forest loses connectivity, the deforested patches create new intricate connections, which in turn create complex networks. In this study, we analyzed the local connected fractal dimension (LCFD) of the deforestation process in the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve (SBR) with two segmentation methods, —CA-wavelet and K-means—to categorize the complexity of deforested patches’ connections and then relate these with the spatial processes. The results showed an agreement with both methods, in which LCFD values below 1 corresponded to isolated patches with simple shapes and those above 1 signified more complex and connected patches. From CA-wavelet a threshold of 1.57 was detected allowing us to identify and discern low and high land transformation, while the threshold for K-means was 1.61. Both values represent the region from which deforestation performs local aggressive expansion networks. The thresholds were used to map the LCFD in which all spatial processes were visually detected. However, the threshold of 1.6 ± 0.03 was more effective in discerning high land transformation. such as shrinkage and attrition, in the deforestation process in the SBR.
Improved Local Search with Momentum for Bayesian Networks Structure Learning
Authors: Liu Xiaohan , Gao Xiaoguang , Wang Zidong , Ru Xinxin
Published: June 2021

Bayesian Networks structure learning (BNSL) is a troublesome problem that aims to search for an optimal structure. An exact search tends to sacrifice a significant amount of time and memory to promote accuracy, while the local search can tackle complex networks with thousands of variables but commonly gets stuck in a local optimum. In this paper, two novel and practical operators and a derived operator are proposed to perturb structures and maintain the acyclicity. Then, we design a framework, incorporating an influential perturbation factor integrated by three proposed operators, to escape current local optimal and improve the dilemma that outcomes trap in local optimal. The experimental results illustrate that our algorithm can output competitive results compared with the state-of-the-art constraint-based method in most cases. Meanwhile, our algorithm reaches an equivalent or better solution found by the state-of-the-art exact search and hybrid methods.
Sensor and Actuator Fault Diagnosis for Robot Joint Based on Deep CNN
Authors: Pan Jinghui , Qu Lili , Peng Kaixiang
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a data-driven method-based fault diagnosis method using the deep convolutional neural network (DCNN). The DCNN is used to deal with sensor and actuator faults of robot joints, such as gain error, offset error, and malfunction for both sensors and actuators, and different fault types are diagnosed using the trained neural network. In order to achieve the above goal, the fused data of sensors and actuators are used, where both types of fault are described in one formulation. Then, the deep convolutional neural network is applied to learn characteristic features from the merged data to try to find discriminative information for each kind of fault. After that, the fully connected layer does prediction work based on learned features. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed deep convolutional neural network model, different fault diagnosis methods including support vector machine (SVM), artificial neural network (ANN), conventional neural network (CNN) using the LeNet-5 method, and long-term memory network (LTMN) are investigated and compared with DCNN method. The results show that the DCNN fault diagnosis method can realize high fault recognition accuracy while needing less model training time.
Entropy Optimization, Maxwell–Boltzmann, and Rayleigh Distributions
Authors: Sebastian Nicy , Mathai Arak M. , Haubold Hans J.
Published: June 2021

In physics, communication theory, engineering, statistics, and other areas, one of the methods of deriving distributions is the optimization of an appropriate measure of entropy under relevant constraints. In this paper, it is shown that by optimizing a measure of entropy introduced by the second author, one can derive densities of univariate, multivariate, and matrix-variate distributions in the real, as well as complex, domain. Several such scalar, multivariate, and matrix-variate distributions are derived. These include multivariate and matrix-variate Maxwell–Boltzmann and Rayleigh densities in the real and complex domains, multivariate Student-t, Cauchy, matrix-variate type-1 beta, type-2 beta, and gamma densities and their generalizations.
First-Generation College Students and Family Support: A Critical Review of Empirical Research Literature
Authors: LeBouef Samantha , Dworkin Jodi
Published: June 2021

The majority of empirical literature on first generation college students (FGCSs) in the U.S. asserts that because their parents did not attend college, FGCSs are lacking important resources to be successful in college. However, this results in a deficit-based approach to the study of FGCSs that tends to highlight the differences between first-generation and continuing-education students. However, FGCSs possess a wealth of resources from parents and families that make them successful, and that are often ignored in research. Asset-based approaches to the study of FGCSs are becoming more frequent in the form of books, book chapters, and white papers; however, published empirical research has yet to adopt this approach. As a result, a deeper understanding of FGCSs’ experiences is essential to advancing diversity and equity in higher education. To begin to address this gap, a systematic literature review of empirical studies following the PRISMA framework was conducted on first generation college students and family support; the literature was critically reviewed and future directions for the field were identified. Applying a critical, cultural, and familial lens to the study of first-generation college students will contribute to reframing the research narrative towards an asset-based narrative.
Bats: An Appliance Safety Hazards Factors Detection Algorithm with an Improved Nonintrusive Load Disaggregation Method
Authors: Wang Wei , Wang Zilin , Chen Yanru , Guo Min , Chen Zhengyu , Niu Yi , Liu Huangeng , Chen Liangyin
Published: June 2021

In an electrical safe microenvironment, all kinds of electrical appliances can be operated safely to ensure the safety of life and property. The significance of safety hazard factors detection is to detect safety hazards in advance, to remind the administrators to exclude risk, to reduce the unnecessary loss, and to ensure that the electrical operation is healthy and orderly before the occurrence of accidents. In this paper, batteries are selected as the primary research subject of safety detection because batteries are used more and more in the Internet of Things (IOT), and they often cause fire in the process of discharging and charging. The existing algorithms need to be embedded into the specialized sensor for each important electrical appliance. However, they are limited by the actual deployment, so it is extremely difficult to spread widely. According to the opinions above, an improved load disaggregation algorithm based on dictionary learning and sparse coding with optimal dictionary matrix period is proposed to detect potential safety hazards of battery loads. For safety-related electrical applications, doing so can increase interpretability. Through experiments, we test this algorithm on the REDD dataset, and compare it with the baseline algorithms (combinatorial optimization, factorial hidden Markov model, basic discriminative dictionary sparse coding algorithm) to achieve a degree of trust. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) value is 8.26, which drops by 70%. The Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) value is 97.75, which is also better than those baseline algorithms.
Performance Improvement of a CPV System: Experimental Investigation into Passive Cooling with Phase Change Materials
Authors: Sharma Shivangi , Sellami Nazmi , Tahir Asif A. , Mallick Tapas K. , Bhakar Rohit
Published: June 2021

High temperature and overheating of photovoltaic panels lead to efficiency losses and eventual degradation. For solar PV systems, this is a significant impediment for achieving economic viability. In this study, a novel Window-Integrated Concentrated Photovoltaic (WICPV) system is proposed for window integration. This offers high (50%) transparency and is fabricated and characterised indoors at an irradiance of 1000 Wm−2. Its electrical performance is tested (a) without applied cooling (i.e., under natural ventilation) and (b) with a heat sink to accommodate passive cooling media. The results are compared to study the effects of reduction in operating temperature on system performances. The effectiveness of a sensible cooling medium (water) and two latent heat removal media, phase change materials (or PCMs, RT50 and RT28HC), is investigated. This paper reports the passive temperature regulation of this WICPV at ambient testing conditions. The results demonstrate an increase in electrical power output by (i) 17% (RT28HC), (ii) 19% (RT50), and (iii) 25 % (circulating water) compared with the naturally ventilated system. This shows that PCMs are considerably useful for thermal regulation of the WICPV. Any improvement in efficiencies will be beneficial for increasing electrical energy generation and reducing peak energy demands.
Voltage Profile and Sensitivity Analysis for a Grid Connected Solar, Wind and Small Hydro Hybrid System
Authors: Serem Noah , Letting Lawrence K. , Munda Josiah
Published: June 2021

Due to increase in integration of renewable energy into the grid and power quality issues arising from it, there is need for analysis and power improvement of such networks. This paper presents voltage profile, Q-V sensitivity analysis and Q-V curves analysis for a grid that is highly penetrated by renewable energy sources; solar PV, wind power and small hydro systems. Analysis is done on IEEE 39 bus test system with Wind power injection alone, PV power injection alone, with PV and wind power injection and with PV, wind and micro hydro power injection to the grid. The analysis is used to determine the buses where voltage stability improvement is needed. From the results, it was concluded that injection of the modeled wind power alone helped in stabilizing the voltage levels as determined from voltage profiles and reactive power margins. Replacing some of the conventional sources with PV power led to reduction of voltages for weak buses below the required standards. Injection of power from more than one renewable energy source helped in slightly improving the voltage levels. Distribution Static compensators (D-STATCOMs) were used to improve the voltage levels of the buses that were below the required standards.
Influence of Flow Divider on Overall Efficiency of a Hydrostatic Drivetrain of a Skid-Steer All-Wheel Drive Multiple-Axle Vehicle
Authors: Przybysz Mirosław , Łopatka Marian Janusz , Małek Marcin , Rubiec Arkadiusz
Published: June 2021

The efficiency of a skid-steer, all-wheel drive, multiple-axle vehicle with a hydrostatic drivetrain equipped with low-speed motors when it operates on soft terrain was studied. A flow divider enables a single pump to simultaneously power more than one motor circuit with different pressures in each. It prevents kinematic discrepancy and improves vehicle mobility. There are two types of flow divider: spool type and gear type, where each type has its own set of performance characteristics, such as flow range, pressure drop, accuracy and application parameters. In the present work, the influence of the characteristics of both types of flow divider on overall vehicle driveline efficacy is described.
Effect of Temperature and Nanoparticle Concentration on Free Convective Heat Transfer of Nanofluids
Authors: Cieśliński Janusz T. , Smolen Slawomir , Sawicka Dorota
Published: June 2021

A theoretical analysis of the influence of temperature and nanoparticle concentration on free convection heat transfer from a horizontal tube immersed in an unbounded nanofluid was presented. The Nusselt (Nu) number and heat transfer coefficient were parameters of the intensity of the convective heat transfer. For free convection, the Nu number was a function of the Rayleigh (Ra) number and Prandtl (Pr) number. The Rayleigh (Ra) number and Prandtl (Pr) number were functions of the thermophysical properties of nanofluids. The thermophysical properties of nanofluids varied with temperature and nanoparticle concentration. Therefore, an analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects on the performance of nanofluids due to variations of thermal conductivity, viscosity, thermal expansion, density, and specific heat, which are functions of nanoparticle concentration and temperature. Water- and ethylene glycol (EG)-based nanofluids with dispersed alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles at mass concentrations of 0.01%, 0.1%, and 1% were considered. Calculated Nu numbers and heat transfer coefficients were compared with experimental values taken from the published literature.
Antagonistic Properties and Screening of Bacillus Velezensis Nhw-B72 against Wood Fungal Decay
Authors: Huang Congxun , Xu Guoqi , Wang Lihai , Zhang Ping , Zhao Pengwei , Zhong Yan
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Wood decay is a serious issue that results from the presence of wood-destroying fungi and has a great influence on the international wood industry. The utilization of biological control methods offers good prospects for wood preservation. (2) Methods: The plate-screening experiment, the soil block test of the Chinese stand method (GB/T 13942.1), and the characterization of wood blocks were used to achieve biological control of brown rot and white rot. (3) Results: Through isolation, screening, and identification, the antagonistic bacterium Bacillus velezensis Nhw-B72 strain was obtained. In the plate-screening experiment, the inhibition zone diameter of Nhw-B72 for Gloeophyllum trabeum was 1.68 cm and that for Coriolus versicolor was 2.33 cm. After inhibition, the morphology of mycelia was distorted, malformed, and broken. In the soil block test, the average weight loss percentage of wood blocks in the control group was 61.66%. In the treatment group, the average weight loss percentage of the wood blocks with drying was 28.18% and that of the wood blocks without drying was 34.97%. (4) Conclusions: The strain has an obvious antagonistic effect on the wood-destroying fungi and the sterile fermentative liquid can effectively inhibit wood decay. In addition, compared to the drying of wood blocks, the air-drying of blocks after impregnation with the fermentative liquid had a better inhibition effect.
An Updated Infrageneric Classification of the North American Oaks (Quercus Subgenus Quercus): Review of the Contribution of Phylogenomic Data to Biogeography and Species Diversity
Authors: Manos Paul S. , Hipp Andrew L.
Published: June 2021

The oak flora of North America north of Mexico is both phylogenetically diverse and species-rich, including 92 species placed in five sections of subgenus Quercus, the oak clade centered on the Americas. Despite phylogenetic and taxonomic progress on the genus over the past 45 years, classification of species at the subsectional level remains unchanged since the early treatments by WL Trelease, AA Camus, and CH Muller. In recent work, we used a RAD-seq based phylogeny including 250 species sampled from throughout the Americas and Eurasia to reconstruct the timing and biogeography of the North American oak radiation. This work demonstrates that the North American oak flora comprises mostly regional species radiations with limited phylogenetic affinities to Mexican clades, and two sister group connections to Eurasia. Using this framework, we describe the regional patterns of oak diversity within North America and formally classify 62 species into nine major North American subsections within sections Lobatae (the red oaks) and Quercus (the white oaks), the two largest sections of subgenus Quercus. We also distill emerging evolutionary and biogeographic patterns based on the impact of phylogenomic data on the systematics of multiple species complexes and instances of hybridization.
Soil Respiration Variation among Four Tree Species at Young Afforested Sites under the Influence of Frequent Typhoon Occurrences
Authors: Chiang Po-Neng , Yu Jui-Chu , Lai Yen-Jen
Published: June 2021

Afforestation is an effective solution for restoring forest ecosystems and mitigating climate change in the tropics. In this study, we analyzed the soil respiration (Rs) at four afforested sites with different tree species exposed to a monsoon climate with frequent typhoon occurrences in southern Taiwan. The aim of this study is to examine (1) the distinct seasonal variation that strongly affects the Rs among four tree species at afforested sites, (2) the patterns of Rs that differ among the four species at the afforested sites, and (3) the influence of typhoons on forest structure and consequently the degree of Rs. The annual mean Rs among the four tree species at the afforested sites in the pretyphoon disturbance year was approximately 7.65 t C ha−1, with the post-typhoon year having an annual mean Rs of approximately 9.13 t C ha−1. Our results clearly show Rs variations in the four tree species at the young afforested sites under the influence of typhoon disturbances. The high seasonal variations in Rs were controlled by soil temperature and soil moisture. The different tree species also led to variations in litterfall production and consequently influenced Rs variation. Forest structures, such as aboveground biomass and consequently the degree of Rs, were disturbed by severe typhoon impacts in 2016, resulting in high aboveground biomass with tree height losses and litterfall accumulation. Furthermore, Rs increased immediately after litterfall input to the soil, and the addition effect of litter and the soil C release occurred throughout the year after typhoon disturbances. Our results contribute to understanding impact of typhoon disturbances on the degree of Rs at tropical afforested sites.
Cellulose δ18O of Tree Rings Reflects Vapour Pressure Variations in the Ordos Plateau
Authors: Liu Wentai , Li Qiang , Song Huiming , Deng Ruolan , Liu Yu
Published: June 2021

In arid and semi-arid regions, a better understanding of the effect of climate change mechanisms on environmental evolution can be used to guide regional ecological conservation and to improve water resource availability. Increased aridity in arid and semi-arid regions considerably affects the physiological functions of plants and the exchange of carbon and water with the environment. We collected Pinus tabuliformis Carr. samples from Ordos, Inner Mongolia, and measured their δ18O variations. Vapour pressure (VP) was the main factor dominating δ18O variations from July to August, indicating the regulatory role of plant leaf stomata. Based on the δ18O series in the Ordos region, we reconstructed VP variations for July–August (VPJA) for the past 205 years. Spatial analysis showed the reconstruction as spatially highly representative. VP variations in the Ordos region mainly reflected precipitation variations and did not show a significant correlation with temperature. Since the late 1950s, VP has been decreasing, which is related to the weakening of the Asian monsoon. The results of reconstruction decomposed using ensemble empirical mode decomposition showed that El Niño–Southern Oscillation may affect VP in the study area, and the effect of sea surface temperature on the central and eastern Pacific Ocean in the Ordos region may lead to an increase in the drought.
AOSR 2.0: A Novel Approach and Thorough Validation of an Agent-Oriented Storage and Retrieval WMS Planner for SMEs, under Industry 4.0
Authors: Ud Din Fareed , Paul David , Ryan Joe , Henskens Frans , Wallis Mark
Published: June 2021

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0), with the help of cyber-physical systems (CPS), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is transforming the way industrial setups are designed. Recent literature has provided insight about large firms gaining benefits from Industry 4.0, but many of these benefits do not translate to SMEs. The agent-oriented smart factory (AOSF) framework provides a solution to help bridge the gap between Industry 4.0 frameworks and SME-oriented setups by providing a general and high-level supply chain (SC) framework and an associated agent-oriented storage and retrieval (AOSR)-based warehouse management strategy. This paper presents the extended heuristics of the AOSR algorithm and details how it improves the performance efficiency in an SME-oriented warehouse. A detailed discussion on the thorough validation via scenario-based experimentation and test cases explain how AOSR yielded 60–148% improved performance metrics in certain key areas of a warehouse.
Peritoneal Tuberculosis Mimicking Ovarian Cancer: Gynecologic Ultrasound Evaluation with Histopathological Confirmation
Authors: Arezzo Francesca , Cazzato Gerardo , Loizzi Vera , Ingravallo Giuseppe , Resta Leonardo , Cormio Gennaro
Published: June 2021

Peritoneal tuberculosis (TBP) is a very rare condition, accounting for about 1–2% of all tuberculosis cases. The diagnosis of TBP can be easily mistaken for advanced ovarian cancer (AOC) or peritoneal carcinoma because of overlapping laboratory and clinical findings. We reported the ultrasound characteristics of a case of TBP in a 67-year-old woman who presented to our institute with a 1-month history of intermittent lower abdominal pain, fever, and asthenia. Overall, 20 biopsy-retrieved specimen histopathological features were suggestive of peritoneal tuberculosis. Gynecologic ultrasound revealed increased adnexa with multiple nodular formations spread across the surface, suggestive of caseous nodules. Although this is a rare occurrence, clinicians should consider TBP as a differential diagnosis of ovarian or peritoneal cancer.
Non-Specific Immunity Associated Gut Microbiome in Aristichthys nobilis under Different Rearing Strategies
Authors: Yuan Jianming , Wang Zhijian , Wang Bo , Mei Huiqing , Zhai Xuliang , Zhuang Zhenhua , Chen Maoshan , Zhang Yaoguang
Published: June 2021

To understand the intestinal microbial diversity and community structure of bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis) under different feeding strategies, 39 fish from three groups (A: 9 fish, natural live food only; B: 15 fish, natural live food + fish formulated feeds; C: 15 fish, natural live food + fish formulated feed + lactic acid bacteria) were obtained for the high throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We first examined five non-specific immunity indications of the carp—lysozyme (LZM), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Interestingly, the composition of gut microbiota and related non-specific immune indices were affected by the feeding treatment of the bighead carp. Notably, all enzyme activity indexes were significantly different (p < 0.01) in the spleen and three enzyme activity indexes (LZM, GSH-PX, and SOD) had significant differences in the hepatopancreas (p < 0.001) of the carp from the three groups. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed higher diversity in groups B and C. Compared to group A, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria increased significantly and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes decreased significantly in groups B and C at the phylum level. Functional analysis revealed the association between non-specific immune indicators and import genera in the hepatopancreas and spleen of bighead carp. This study provides new insights into the gut microbiomes and non-specific immune of bighead carp.
Rare Variant in the SLC6A2 Encoding a Norepinephrine Transporter Is Associated with Elite Athletic Performance in the Polish Population
Authors: Fichna Jakub P. , Humińska-Lisowska Kinga , Safranow Krzysztof , Adamczyk Jakub G. , Cięszczyk Paweł , Żekanowski Cezary , Berdyński Mariusz
Published: June 2021

Numerous genetic factors have been shown to influence athletic performance, but the list is far from comprehensive. In this study, we analyzed genetic variants in two genes related to mental abilities, SLC6A2 (rs1805065) and SYNE1 (rs2635438) in a group of 890 athletes (320 endurance, 265 power, and 305 combat athletes) vs. 1009 sedentary controls. Genotyping of selected SNPs was performed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. SLC6A2 codes for norepinephrine transporter, a protein involved in modulating mood, arousal, memory, learning, and pain perception, while SYNE1 encodes protein important for the maintenance of the cerebellum—the part of the brain that coordinates complex body movements. Both SNPs (rs2635438 and rs1805065) showed no statistically significant differences between the frequencies of variants in the athletes and the sedentary controls (athletes vs. control group) or in the athlete subgroups (martial vs. control, endurance vs. control, and power vs. control). The rs1805065 T variant of SLC6A2 was found to be overrepresented in male high-elite martial sports athletes when compared to sedentary controls (OR = 6.56, 95%CI = 1.82–23.59, p = 0.010). This supports the hypothesis that genetic variants potentially affecting brain functioning can influence elite athletic performance and indicate the need for further genetic association studies, as well as functional analyses.
The Use of TERRA-ASTER Satellite for Landslide Detection
Authors: Vecchiotti Filippo , Tilch Nils , Kociu Arben
Published: June 2021

In August 2005, numerous shallow landslides occurred in the region of Vorarlberg (Austria), particularly induced by unfavourable event-related weather conditions. Two scenes of TERRA-ASTER sensor were used for the identification of the vegetation change induced by the landslides. The focus of this study is the establishment of a reliable method, comparable to aerial-photo visual interpretation standards, able to identify accurately landslides by processing a series of medium-resolution remote sensing optical data, before and after a catastrophic event. A very intuitive workflow for a semi-automatic image classification for the detection of landslide-induced change on the image data is proposed. The accuracy and validation assessment was carried out by means of a landslide (aerial-photos derived) inventory. By taking into account the central area of investigation, the landslide detection method, which adopted an innovative double classification workflow (a first supervised followed by an unsupervised algorithm), delivered a very high producer accuracy (81.5%) coupled to a more-than-acceptable user accuracy (68.9%) and kappa coefficient (72.9%).
A Case Study of Using Telehealth in a Rural Healthcare Facility to Expand Services and Protect the Health and Safety of Patients and Staff
Authors: Anderson Jessica , Singh Jitendra
Published: June 2021

This case study aimed to gain an understanding of the implementation and usage of a telehealth program during the COVID-19 pandemic at a rural healthcare facility. An action research methodology, utilizing cycles of planning, implementation, review and adaptation was adopted to improve use of telehealth as COVID-19 cases continued to increase. Data was collected from literature review, examination of existing documents, review of gap and SWOT analysis, and examination of staffing plans. This helped in ensuring that adequate resources were in place to start and continue usage of telehealth. Additionally, review of the entire process was conducted as the program advanced through various phases of implementation. By conducting rigorous analysis and reflection, these data informed cycles of improvement in the telehealth program. Challenges surrounding the continuation and usage of telehealth have also been described. Because there is a paucity of research on the use of telehealth programs in rural healthcare facilities, especially during the pandemic, this study can provide practical tips to leaders and healthcare managers.
Attitudes towards Green Urban Space: A Case Study of Two Italian Regions
Authors: Grigoletto Alessia , Mauro Mario , Campa Francesco , Loi Alberto , Zambon Maria Cristina , Bettocchi Marzia , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Bragonzoni Laura , Maietta Latessa Pasqualino , Toselli Stefania
Published: June 2021

Green spaces are defined as open spaces of ground, covered by vegetation, including parks and gardens. This kind of environment is linked to many positive effects and its importance is growing due to increasing urbanization. Understanding what drives people to use green urban space is fundamental to creating appropriate campaigns to develop the use of such spaces and improve the citizens’ quality of life. A questionnaire on the attitude towards green space was developed and submitted to people from two Italian regions. Emilia-Romagna and Veneto are two regions in the North of Italy with different territorial policies. Three hundred and ten surveys were collected (167 in Emilia-Romagna and 143 in Veneto). Significant differences were observed between regions, age groups and in relation to the kind of work (p < 0.05). People from Emilia-Romagna have higher scores of attitudes towards green space than people from Veneto, underlining the importance of territorial policies. Moreover, younger participants (18–30 years) seem to be less attracted to green urban space. Being an employee seems to influence the attitude towards green space. Particular attention should be given to subjects of the younger age groups and to the number of hours spent at work. This could be an important element for future research, so that political action can be implemented with these categories in mind.
COVID-Related Concerns, the Need for Help, and Perceived Microaggression among Young Ultra-Orthodox Jewish Respondents in Israel
Authors: Weiden Faiga , Levinsky Michal , Schiff Miriam , Becker Nati , Pat-Horenczyk Ruth , Benbenishty Rami
Published: June 2021

Minority groups are especially vulnerable to the negative psychological and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focused on one prominent minority group in Israel: ultra-Orthodox Jews. It examined the rate of exposure to COVID-19, adherence to COVID-19 mitigation guidelines, difficulties with adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, COVID-related concerns, financial hardships, the need for help, and microaggression during the first wave of the pandemic (April–May 2020). It then examined multivariate prediction of COVID-related concerns, the need for help, and microaggression. The sample comprised 252 respondents, with 67% female and a mean age of 32.85 (SD = 10.63). Results showed that 78.8% of the participants knew at least one person who had tested positive for COVID-19, and 31.4% knew at least one person who had passed away from COVID-19. Only 59.7% of the participants reported high adherence to social distancing guidelines. Perceived microaggression was predicted by the difficulties with adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, the level of stress associated with exposure to the media, and financial hardships. The study’s implications point to the centrality of perceived microaggression and the necessity of adopting culturally sensitive approaches to engage minorities in public efforts to fight the spread of viruses.
Bayesian Spatial Modeling of Anemia among Children under 5 Years in Guinea
Authors: Barry Thierno Souleymane , Ngesa Oscar , Onyango Nelson Owuor , Mwambi Henry
Published: June 2021

Anemia is a major public health problem in Africa, affecting an increasing number of children under five years. Guinea is one of the most affected countries. In 2018, the prevalence rate in Guinea was 75% for children under five years. This study sought to identify the factors associated with anemia and to map spatial variation of anemia across the eight (8) regions in Guinea for children under five years, which can provide guidance for control programs for the reduction of the disease. Data from the Guinea Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS5) 2016 was used for this study. A total of 2609 children under five years who had full covariate information were used in the analysis. Spatial binomial logistic regression methodology was undertaken via Bayesian estimation based on Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) using WinBUGS software version 1.4. The findings in this study revealed that 77% of children under five years in Guinea had anemia, and the prevalences in the regions ranged from 70.32% (Conakry) to 83.60% (NZerekore) across the country. After adjusting for non-spatial and spatial random effects in the model, older children (48–59 months) (OR: 0.47, CI [0.29 0.70]) were less likely to be anemic compared to those who are younger (0–11 months). Children whose mothers had completed secondary school or above had a 33% reduced risk of anemia (OR: 0.67, CI [0.49 0.90]), and children from household heads from the Kissi ethnic group are less likely to have anemia than their counterparts whose leaders are from Soussou (OR: 0.48, CI [0.23 0.92]).
Educational Processes for Health and Disease Self-Management in Public Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ruiz-Ramírez Jessica Alejandra , Olarte-Arias Yury Arenis , Glasserman-Morales Leonardo David
Published: June 2021

This study systematically reviewed processes and educational programs for self-management of health and diseases that are the subject of public health attention. This systematic review of the literature (SRL) is relevant to recognizing the characteristics of the educational processes in self-managing chronic diseases in contexts where technology did not play a significant role. Following the PRISMA protocol, the authors independently reviewed full-text articles from several databases using the following criteria: (1) intervention studies evaluating the effects of self-management health programs; (2) educational process of disease self-management; (3) studies that included at least one control group, and (4) peer-reviewed studies. In addition, the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network measurement tool was used to assess the risk of bias in each trial. In the final sample, 38 articles were included. The findings regarding health education methods of self-care, using community-based care and technological tools, are considered fundamental. Among the conclusions, the relevance of the pedagogy that health education processes demand improvement in post-pandemic program effectiveness stands out.
The Association between the Five-Minute Apgar Score and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes among Children Aged 8−66 Months in Australia
Authors: Hassen Tahir Ahmed , Chojenta Catherine , Egan Nicholas , Loxton Deborah
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the association of the five-minute Apgar score and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children by taking the entire range of Apgar scores into account. Data from the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health (ALSWH) and Mothers and their Children’s Health (MatCH) study were linked with Australian state-based Perinatal Data Collections (PDCs) for 809 children aged 8−66 months old. Generalized estimating equations were used to model the association between the five-minute Apgar scores and neurodevelopmental outcomes, using STATA software V.15. Of the 809 children, 614 (75.3%) had a five-minute Apgar score of 9, and 130 (16.1%) had an Apgar score of 10. Approximately 1.9% and 6.2% had Apgar scores of 0−6 and 7−8, respectively. Sixty-nine (8.5%) of children had a neurodevelopmental delay. Children with an Apgar score of 0−6 (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 1.2, 27.8) and 7−8 (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 14.1) had greater odds of gross-motor neurodevelopment delay compared to children with an Apgar score of 10. Further, when continuously modelled, the five-minute Apgar score was inversely associated with neurodevelopmental delay (AOR = 0.75; 95% CI: 0.60, 0.93). Five-minute Apgar score was independently and inversely associated with a neurodevelopmental delay, and the risks were higher even within an Apgar score of 7−8. Hence, the Apgar score may need to be taken into account when evaluating neurodevelopmental outcomes in children.
Assessment of Nutrition Status in Amateur Windsurfers during Regattas in the Competitive Period—A Field Study
Authors: Gogojewicz Anna , Pospieszna Barbara , Bartkowiak Jakub , Śliwicka Ewa , Karolkiewicz Joanna
Published: June 2021

Windsurfing is a demanding activity that requires a high level of physical fitness as well as appropriate training and nutritional strategies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the dietary intake of amateur windsurfers and consider possible dietary mistakes. This field study was conducted among 10 Polish male amateur windsurfers (aged 22 ± 2 years, mean training experience of 9.5 ± 4 years). Dietary intake was assessed using a standardized 3-day food record. The total energy expenditure of each participant was estimated using a mobile fitness application. The daily energy supply in assessed portions of the windsurfers’ food was lower than the estimated demand during the competition. The contribution of macronutrients to the total energy intake adhered to those guidelines, but not with the ones recommended for athletes practicing extreme sports. Daily fluid consumption was insufficient. In the windsurfers’ diet, we noticed low consumption of vitamin D and calcium, while cholesterol, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake was too high. Nutritional practices of amateur windsurfers during the competitive period do not comply with current sports nutrition guidelines. The results suggest that windsurfers are in need of nutritional education and dietary counseling in order to meet macronutrient intake targets.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Self-Isolation Policy on the Occupations of Vulnerable Groups
Authors: Amirudin Amirudin , Urbański Mariusz , Saputra Jumadil , Johansyah Muhamad Deni , Latip Latip , Tarmizi Ahmad , Afrizal Teuku
Published: June 2021

Today, the spread of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact on world public health and bring about considerable human suffering partly due to government policies on reducing the spread. COVID-19 has significantly affected human health and it has impacted on the occupation of vulnerable groups such as tour guides, drivers and shop assistants. Of these, the present study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 self-isolation policy on the occupation of vulnerable groups in Semarang City, Indonesia. To achieve this objective, this study uses a qualitative method with an ethnography approach considering a rational or non-rational thinking model. The binary opposition thinking pattern pioneered by Lévi-Strauss was used in the interview process with 25 informants in Semarang City, Indonesia. The data analyzed the response pattern of informants through the taxonomy analysis. Three levels of vulnerability among groups relating to occupation were identified; jobs lost, income decreased, and delayed salary. The result of the analysis found that the group who obeyed self-isolation was categorized as a rational thinking; these groups stay at home, do not go to work, and have no income. Besides that, the group who ignored self-isolation is categorized as non-rational thinking; they work, as usual, get their salary, and believe that the COVID-19 pandemic is a disaster and they pray for their safety to God. In conclusion, COVID-19 brings a significant impact on occupation in the forms of postponing, declining, and missing income besides the health effects among vulnerable groups in Semarang city, Indonesia. In avoiding COVID-19 infection, the circumstances of vulnerable groups are worse when self-isolation is required. Thus, this study suggests that the government needs to assist vulnerable groups by focusing on strategic policies, such as strategies for survival, providing access to basic needs, including health, and offering livelihood plans by providing access to medical services and other source of income.