bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mini-Implant Rejection Rate in Teenage Patients Depending on Insertion Site: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bungău Teodora Consuela , Vaida Luminița Ligia , Moca Abel Emanuel , Ciavoi Gabriela , Iurcov Raluca , Romanul Ioana Mihaela , Buhaș Camelia Liana
Published: September 2022

Mini-implants have undeniable advantages in Orthodontics. However, the use of mini-implants shows some limitations and disadvantages related to patient age, the quality of the bone tissue, the characteristics of the oral mucosa, implant site, the state of health of the organism and the quality of oral hygiene. The aim of this paper was to analyze the rejection rate of mini-implants in teenage patients, depending on their insertion site, and examine their stability up to three months after insertion. This retrospective study was conducted on dental charts belonging to patients aged between 12 and 17 years, from Oradea, Romania. The mini-implants were placed for various therapeutic reasons and were inserted in the following sites: buccal maxillary area, the infrazygomatic region, palatal area, buccal mandibular area and lingual area; they had a diameter of 1.6 mm (inter-radicular spaces) and of 2 mm (nonbearing tooth areas), and a length of 6–8 mm (mandible) or 8–10 mm (maxilla). The rejection rate was checked in the first month, second month, third month and after the third month from insertion. A total of 432 patients were included in the study, and they had a total of 573 mini-implants. Most implants were placed in the buccal region of the maxilla (27.7%), and most patients had one mini-implant placed (65.7%). The highest rejection rate was obtained in the first month (15.2%). The rejection rate between genders was similar. The mini-implants from the buccal mandibular region had a significantly higher rate of rejection in the first month (M1) in comparison to the mini-implants from the palatal region (24.4% vs. 8.3%). The mini-implants from the lingual region of the mandible had a significantly higher rate of rejection in the second month (M2) in comparison to the mini-implants from the infrazygomatic or the palatal region (10.5% vs. 0%/0%). Mini-implants are very useful for carrying out various orthodontic treatments, but their stability should be enhanced.
Insights on the Hydrodynamics of Chiari Malformation
Authors: Capel Cyrille , Padovani Pauline , Launois Pierre-Henri , Metanbou Serge , Balédent Olivier , Peltier Johann
Published: September 2022

Background: We propose that the appearance of a ptosis of the cerebellar tonsils and syringomyelia is linked to its own hemohydrodynamic mechanisms. We aimed to quantify cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cerebral blood flow to highlight how neurofluid is affected by Chiari malformations type 1(CMI) and its surgery. Methods: We retrospectively included 21 adult patients with CMI who underwent pre- and postoperative phase contrast MRI (PCMRI) during the period from 2001 to 2017. We analyzed intraventricular CSF, subarachnoid spaces CSF, blood, and tonsils pulsatilities. Results: In preoperative period, jugular venous drainage seems to be less preponderant in patients with syringomyelia than other patients (venous correction factor: 1.49 ± 0.4 vs. 1.19 ± 0.1, p = 0.05). After surgery, tonsils pulsatility decreased significantly (323 ± 175 μL/cardiac cycle (CC) vs. 194 ± 130 μL/CC, p = 0.008) and subarachnoid CSF pulsatility at the foramen magnum increased significantly (201 ± 124 μL/CC vs. 363 ± 231 μL/CC, p = 0.02). After surgery, we found a decrease in venous flow amplitude (5578 ± 2469 mm3/s vs. 4576 ± 2084 mm3/s, p = 0.008) and venous correction factor (1.98 ± 0.3 vs. 1.20 ± 0.3 mm3/s, p = 0.004). Conclusions: Phase-contrast MRI could be a useful additional tool for postoperative evaluation and follow-up, and is complementary to morphological imaging.
Sibling Influences on Trajectories of Maladaptive Behaviors in Autism
Authors: Rosen Nicole E. , Schiltz Hillary K. , Lord Catherine
Published: September 2022

Siblings play an important role in the behavioral trajectories of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While having siblings has been associated with positive outcomes in ASD, including stronger adaptive functioning, social and non-verbal communication, and theory of mind, little is known about the impact of siblings on more negative outcomes, such as maladaptive behaviors. To address this gap, the present longitudinal study tested sibling predictors of trajectories of maladaptive behaviors (e.g., teacher- and parent-reported hyperactivity, irritability, and social withdrawal) from childhood through early adulthood among individuals with ASD and non-spectrum delays. Multilevel models revealed that, while the mere presence of a sibling did not impact maladaptive behavior trajectories apart from teacher-reported hyperactivity, the diagnostic profile of the sibling (e.g., emotional/behavioral disorder, ASD, medical condition) emerged as an important predictor. Specifically, although findings varied across teacher and parent reports, more hyperactivity and irritability across time was identified when the sibling had diagnoses of an emotional/behavioral disorder, ASD, and/or a medical condition. Overall, this study provides novel insight into the broader family-level factors that influence the presentation of maladaptive behaviors across time and across contexts.
Can Quality Improvement Methodologies Derived from Manufacturing Industry Improve Care in Cardiac Surgery? A Systematic Review
Authors: Hoefsmit Paulien Christine , Schretlen Stijn , Burchell George , van den Heuvel Jaap , Bonjer Jaap , Dahele Max , Zandbergen Reinier
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Healthcare is required to be effectively organised to ensure that growing, aging and medically more complex populations have timely access to high-quality, affordable care. Cardiac surgery is no exception to this, especially due to the competition for and demand on hospital resources, such as operating rooms and intensive care capacity. This is challenged more since the COVID-19 pandemic led to postponed care and prolonged waiting lists. In other sectors, Quality Improvement Methodologies (QIM) derived from the manufacturing industry have proven effective in enabling more efficient utilisation of existing capacity and resources and in improving the quality of care. We performed a systematic review to evaluate the ability of such QIM to improve care in cardiac surgery. Methods: A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Clarivate Analytics/Web of Science Core Collection and Wiley/the Cochrane Library according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis methodology. Results: Ten articles were identified. The following QIM were used: Lean, Toyota Production System, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, Root Cause Analysis, Kaizen and Plan-Do-Study-Act. All reported one or more relevant improvements in patient-related (e.g., infection rates, ventilation time, mortality, adverse events, glycaemic control) and process-related outcomes (e.g., shorter waiting times, shorter transfer time and productivity). Elements to enhance the success included: multidisciplinary team engagement, a patient-oriented, data-driven approach, a sense of urgency and a focus on sustainability. Conclusions: In all ten papers describing the application of QIM initiatives to cardiac surgery, positive results, of varying magnitude, were reported. While the consistency of the available data is encouraging, the limited quantity and heterogenous quality of the evidence base highlights that more rigorous evaluation, including how best to employ manufacturing industry-derived QIM in cardiac surgery is warranted.
Performances Recovery of Flax Fiber Reinforced Composites after Salt-Fog Aging Test
Authors: Calabrese Luigi , Fiore Vincenzo , Miranda Riccardo , Badagliacco Dionisio , Sanfilippo Carmelo , Palamara Davide , Valenza Antonino , Proverbio Edoardo
Published: September 2022

In the present paper, the performance recovery under conditions of discontinuous exposure to a marine environment of a natural fiber-reinforced composite (NFRC) reinforced by flax fibers was assessed. In particular, this laminate was initially exposed to salt-fog for 15 and 30 days, and then stored in a controlled air condition for up to 21 days. The flax fiber-reinforced composite showed coupled reversible and irreversible aging phenomena during the wet stage, as well as evidencing a significant mechanical recovery during the dry stage. Unlike the stiffness, the laminate showed a noticeable recovery of its flexural strength. This behavior affected the composite material toughness. A simplified approach was applied to define a topological map of the material toughness at varying drying times. The results highlight that the composite shows maximum toughness at intermediate drying times thanks to the strength recovery, in addition to its residual plasticity. This approach allows us to better determine that the strength is more closely related to reversible degradation phenomena, whereas the stiffness is mainly correlated to irreversible ones, implying relevant effects on the toughness of the composite exposed to a wet/dry cycle.
Design and Construction of a Low-Cost-High-Accessibility 3D Printing Machine for Producing Plastic Components
Authors: Ajao Kajogbola R. , Ibitoye Segun E. , Adesiji Adedire D. , Akinlabi Esther T.
Published: September 2022

The additive manufacturing process creates objects directly by stacking layers of material on each other until the required product is obtained. The application of additive manufacturing technology for teaching and research purposes is still limited and unpopular in developing countries, due to costs and lack of accessibility. In this study, an extruding-based 3D printing additive manufacturing technology was employed to design and construct a low-cost-high-accessibility 3D printing machine to manufacture plastic objects. The machine was designed using SolidWorks 2020 version with a 10 × 10 × 10 cm3 build volume. The fabrication was carried out using locally available materials, such as PVC pipes for the frame, plywood for the bed, and Zinc Oxide plaster for the bed surface. Repetier firmware was the operating environment for devices running on the computer operating system. Cura was used as the slicing software. The fabricated machine was tested, and the printer produced 3D components with desired structural dimensions. The fabricated 3D printer was used to manufacture some plastic objects using PLA filament. The recommended distance between the nozzle tip and the bed is 0.1 mm. The constructed 3D printer is affordable and accessible, especially in developing nations where 3D printing applications are limited and unpopular.
Crafting Metal Surface Morphology to Prevent Formation of the Carbon–Steel Interfacial Composite
Authors: Zheng Yuanhuan , Tay Siok Wei , Hong Liang
Published: September 2022

We created a coke-repellent inner surface in a stainless steel (SS-321) tube using an enhanced chemical etching tactic. A water-borne etching solution was formulated by combining an ion sequestering ligand (L), hydrogen peroxide (H), hydrochloric acid (C), and a stabilizing agent (E or N). Three etchants, LHC, LHC-E, and LHC-N, were therefore formulated, respectively. The coke-repellent metal surfaces achieved by these etchants all show a characteristic topographic pattern on a micron scale, specifically with grooved spherulite and ridge-like topographic patterns. Fundamentally, these two topographic patterns prompt overhead micro turbulence fields whose agitation mitigates the surface entrapment of aromatic hydrocarbon flocs generated from the overhead lubricant. The surface entrapment of flocs is the crucial step to trigger coke growth. The coke repellency was assessed by placing an SS-321 tube filled with a lubricant in a heat soak. It was found that the topographic pattern and its surface roughness level have opposite effects on coke development. Hence, the three etchants give rise to different coke-resilient surfaces. Moreover, the plug flow rate of the etchant also affects the anti-coking performance, exhibiting an optimal flow rate that offers the highest coke-proof efficacy.
DLP Fabrication of Zirconia Scaffolds Coated with HA/β-TCP Layer: Role of Scaffold Architecture on Mechanical and Biological Properties
Authors: Coppola Bartolomeo , Montanaro Laura , Palmero Paola
Published: September 2022

In order to merge high-mechanical properties and suitable bioactivity in a single scaffold, zirconia porous structures are here coated with a hydroxyapatite layer. The digital light processing (DLP) technique is used to fabricate two types of scaffolds: simple lattice structures, with different sizes between struts (750, 900 and 1050 µm), and more complex trabecular ones, these latter designed to better mimic the bone structure. Mechanical tests performed on samples sintered at 1400 °C provided a linear trend with a decrease in the compressive strength by increasing the porosity amount, achieving compressive strengths ranging between 128–177 MPa for lattice scaffolds and 34 MPa for trabecular ones. Scaffolds were successfully coated by dipping the sintered samples in a hydroxyapatite (HA) alcoholic suspension, after optimizing the HA solid loading at 20 wt%. After calcination at 1300 °C, the coating layer, composed of a mixture of HA and β-TCP (β-TriCalcium Phospate) adhered well to the zirconia substrate. The coated samples showed a proper bioactivity, well pronounced after 14 days of immersion into simulated body fluid (SBF), with a more homogeneous apatite layer formation into the trabecular samples compared to the lattice ones.
Optimization of Algicidal Activity for Alteromonas sp. FDHY-03 against Harmful Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum donghaiense
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Shi Xinguo , Guo Yisong , Lv Pin , Zhong Yuying , Xie Hui , Chen Jianfeng
Published: September 2022

Prorocentrum donghaiense is a harmful-algal-bloom-forming species of planktonic dinoflagellates widely distributed around the world, which threatens the marine environment and human health. Bacteria are promising biological agents to control algal growth in HABs. Previously, we isolated an Alteromonas sp. FDHY-03, a P. donghaiense-lysing bacteria strain, from Xiapu Sea area of China. In order to improve the algicidal activity of this strain, we optimized the medium composition and culture conditions. Based on single-factor method experiment design, the optimum medium component of algicidal effect for strain FDHY-03 was sucrose and peptone. The result of Plackett–Burman design indicated that three significant factors (sucrose, peptone, and rotational speed) appeared. Finally, the concentrations of key factors were confirmed by central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimized medium, the algicidal rate of strain FDHY-03 against P. donghaiense improved by 67.15%, and the OD600 value increased by 2.86-fold. The optimal source and condition were sucrose 0.46% (w/v), peptone 4.25% (w/v) addition, and rotation speed 255 rpm. Overall, this study provides an optimized method and optimum medium for improving the algicidal activity against P. donghaiense, and has a positive influence on algae-lysing bacteria for controlling the blooms of the algae in the environment.
Enabling Underwater Wireless Power Transfer towards Sixth Generation (6G) Wireless Networks: Opportunities, Recent Advances, and Technical Challenges
Authors: Mohsan Syed Agha Hassnain , Khan Muhammad Asghar , Mazinani Alireza , Alsharif Mohammed H. , Cho Ho-Shin
Published: September 2022

In recent decades, wireless power transfer (WPT) has gained significant interest from both academic and industrial experts. It possesses natural electrical isolation between transmitter and receiver components, ensuring a secure charging mechanism in an underwater scenario. This ground-breaking technology has also enabled power transmission in the deep-sea environment. However, the stochastic nature of the ocean highly influences underwater wireless power transmission and transfer efficiency is not up to that of terrestrial WPT systems. Recently, the research fraternity has focused on WPT in the air medium, while underwater wireless power transfer (UWPT) is challenging and yet to be explored. The major concerns are ocean current disturbance, bio-fouling, extreme pressure and temperature, seawater conductivity and attenuation. Thus, it is essential to address these challenges, which cause a substantial energy loss in UWPT. This study presents a comparison between various WPT techniques and highlights the research contributions in UWPT in recent years. Research and engineering challenges, practical considerations, and applications are analyzed in this review. We have also addressed influencing factors such as coil orientation, coil misalignment and seawater effects in order to realize an efficient and flexible UWPT system. In addition, this study proposes multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) wireless power transmission, which can significantly improve the endurance of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVS). This idea can be applied to the design of an underwater wireless power station for self-charging of AUVs.
What Is Hiding in the Israeli Mediterranean Seawater and Beach Sand
Authors: Frenkel Michael , Serhan Hanan , Blum Shlomo E. , Fleker Marcelo , Sionov Edward , Amit Sharon , Gazit Zeela , Gefen-Halevi Shiraz , Segal Esther
Published: September 2022

Objective: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the presence of fungi that may affect human health in sand and water on Israeli Mediterranean Sea coast beaches. Methods: The study included screening of the sand and water of six urban beaches from north to south on the Israeli Mediterranean coast. Sand samples were extracted with water, and the water wash was cultured and quantitated. Water samples were quantitated as well. MALDI-TOF MS analysis and ITS sequencing identified the fungi. Results: The study considered several parameters: 1. Presence of fecal-contamination-related fungi; 2. Presence of dermal-infection-related fungi. 3. Presence of allergy-related fungi; 4. Presence of fungi posing risk for immunocompromised individuals. The screen revealed that about 80% of the isolates were molds and about 20% yeasts. The mold species included opportunistic pathogens and potential allergens: Aspergillus fumigatus and other Aspergillus species, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Mucorales species. Yeast isolates included Candida—including the human commensals Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis—Cryptococcus, and Rhodotorula species. Conclusions: The results suggest that beaches should be monitored for fungi for safer use, better management, and the benefit of public health.
Diagnosis, Management and Prescription Practices of Adrenaline in Children with Food-Induced Anaphylaxis: Audit in a Specialized Pediatric Allergy Department
Authors: Vamvakaris Konstantinos , Koumpoura Alkmini , Farmaki Maria , Lakoumentas John , Pasioti Maria , Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Xepapadaki Paraskevi
Published: September 2022

In the era of evidence-based medicine, physicians worldwide should abide by universally approved practices and healthcare units should seek quality control and operational improvement. This audit evaluates the degree of compliance with the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of anaphylaxis in a pediatric Allergy Department. Medical records of 248 children with food-induced allergic reactions who presented both on emergency and outpatient basis were reviewed. Data were also collected from the e-prescription database and anaphylaxis severity was graded according to Sampson’s criteria. An accuracy metric was used to calculate the consistency rate. Anaphylaxis was documented in 188/423 allergic reactions. The degree of agreement for the classification of the reactions as anaphylactic was 88.3%, while the respective rate for non-anaphylactic was 58.7%. In the anaphylactic cases, adrenaline was prescribed in 84.8%, while the respective rates for other drugs were: antihistamines: 27.6%; corticosteroids: 26.1%; inhaled β2-agonists: 11.8%. This study, through the example of pediatric food-induced anaphylaxis, underlines the significance of compliance to guidelines, organized documentation in healthcare units using specially formulated medical history forms and continuous medical stuff training. Thus, diagnosis and treatment practices can be improved for the benefit of patients.
Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Prebiotic Intervention with Polyphenols Extracted from European Black Elderberry—Sustained Expansion of Akkermansia spp.
Authors: Reider Simon , Watschinger Christina , Längle Julia , Pachmann Ulrike , Przysiecki Nicole , Pfister Alexandra , Zollner Andreas , Tilg Herbert , Plattner Stephan , Moschen Alexander R.
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The intestinal microbiome has emerged as a central factor in human physiology and its alteration has been associated with disease. Therefore, great hopes are placed in microbiota-modulating strategies. Among various approaches, prebiotics, substrates with selective metabolization conferring a health benefit to the host, are promising candidates. Herein, we studied the prebiotic properties of a purified extract from European black elderberries, with a high and standardized content of polyphenols and anthocyanins. (2) Methods: The ELDERGUT trial represents a 9-week longitudinal intervention study divided into 3 distinct phases, namely a baseline, an intervention and a washout period, three weeks each. The intervention consisted of capsules containing 300 mg elderberry extract taken twice a day. Patient-reported outcomes and biosamples were collected weekly. Microbiome composition was assessed using 16S amplicon metagenomics. (3) Results: The supplementation was well tolerated. Microbiome trajectories were highly individualized with a profound shift in diversity indices immediately upon initiation and after termination of the compound. This was accompanied by corresponding changes in species abundance over time. Of particular interest, the relative abundance of Akkermansia spp. continued to increase in a subset of participants even beyond the supplementation period. Associations with participant metadata were detected.
Molecular Bases of Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Antidepressant-Attributed Effects in COVID-19: A New Insight on the Role of Bradykinins
Authors: Gouda Ahmed S. , Mégarbane Bruno
Published: September 2022

Widely available effective drugs to treat coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) are still limited. Various studies suggested the potential contribution of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants to alleviate the clinical course of COVID-19. Initially, SSRI antidepressant-attributed anti-COVID-19 activity was attributed to their direct agonistic or indirect serotonin-mediated stimulation of sigma-1 receptors (Sig1-R). Thereafter, attention was drawn to the property of SSRI antidepressants to decrease ceramide production, as functional inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase. Ceramides are cell membrane waxy lipids formed by sphingosine and a fatty acid, playing a major role in receptor signaling and infection. In COVID-19 patients, ceramide production is increased due to acid sphingomyelinase activation. Here, we aimed to review the relationships between bradykinins and the proposed pathways supporting SSRI antidepressant-attributed effectiveness in COVID-19. In COVID-19 patients, bradykinin receptor-B1 stimulation is enhanced following the downregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, which is responsible for the inactivation of des-Arg9-bradykinin, a bradykinin metabolite, contrasting with the decrease in bradykinin receptor-B2 (BDKRB2) stimulation, which results from the inhibition of cathepsin L, a kininogenase involved in bradykinin production and present at the infection site. Sig1-R stimulation modulates the inflammatory response by regulating cytokine production and counterbalances COVID-19-attributed BDKRB2 inhibition by potentiating its effects on the cytosolic calcium concentration. Moreover, the beneficial effects obtained with acid sphingomyelinase inhibition are parallel to those expected with BDKRB2 stimulation in COVID-19. Altogether, these findings suggest that one ultimate pathway of SSRI antidepressant-attributed anti-COVID-19 activity is the potentiation of BDKRB2 effects shown to be inhibited in COVID-19. In conclusion, SSRI antidepressants are able to interact positively with the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in COVID-19. However, their exact benefits in preventing morbidities or improving the outcome in COVID-19 patients remain unknown.
Predicting Local Failure after Partial Prostate Re-Irradiation Using a Dosiomic-Based Machine Learning Model
Authors: Pirrone Giovanni , Matrone Fabio , Chiovati Paola , Manente Stefania , Drigo Annalisa , Donofrio Alessandra , Cappelletto Cristina , Borsatti Eugenio , Dassie Andrea , Bortolus Roberto , Avanzo Michele
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study is to predict local failure after partial prostate re-irradiation for the treatment of isolated locally recurrent prostate cancer by using a machine learning classifier based on radiomic features from pre-treatment computed tomography (CT), positron-emission tomography (PET) and biological effective dose distribution (BED) of the radiotherapy plan. The analysis was conducted on a monocentric dataset of 43 patients with evidence of isolated intraprostatic recurrence of prostate cancer after primary external beam radiotherapy. All patients received partial prostate re-irradiation delivered by volumetric modulated arc therapy. The gross tumor volume (GTV) of each patient was manually contoured from planning CT, choline-PET and dose maps. An ensemble machine learning pipeline including unbalanced data correction and feature selection was trained using the radiomic and dosiomic features as input for predicting occurrence of local failure. The model performance was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under receiver operating characteristic curves of the score function in 10-fold cross validation repeated 100 times. Local failure was observed in 13 patients (30%), with a median time to recurrence of 36.7 months (range = 6.1–102.4 months). A four variables ensemble machine learning model resulted in accuracy of 0.62 and AUC 0.65. According to our results, a dosiomic machine learning classifier can predict local failure after partial prostate re-irradiation.
Herding Behavior in Developed, Emerging, and Frontier European Stock Markets during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bogdan Siniša , Suštar Natali , Draženović Bojana Olgić
Published: September 2022

The behavior of market participants often does not rely on market signals, but replicates the investment decisions of other parties. The convergence of their investment behavior leads to the emergence of herd behavior with negative implications for financial stability. Moreover, this phenomenon may be even more pronounced in times of crisis. Although herding is an interesting topic which invites the interest of academic researchers, it still has not been sufficiently studied in terms of comparing the herd effect between differently developed stock markets. The first objective of this research was to determine the herd behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic using static and rolling regression analysis. The second objective was to investigate whether the herd behavior was triggered by the pandemic, while the third objective was to compare the differences in herd behavior between differently developed European stock markets. The results show that this phenomenon is most pronounced in emerging markets, followed by frontier markets and developed markets. Therefore, the results of this study are of particular importance for individual and institutional investors to achieve efficient risk diversification and for financial authorities to establish rules and avoid an increase in herd behavior.
Human Resource Skill Adjustment in Service Sector: Predicting Dynamic Capability in Post COVID-19 Work Environment
Authors: Zayed Nurul Mohammad , Edeh Friday Ogbu , Darwish Saad , Islam K. M. Anwarul , Kryshtal Halyna , Nitsenko Vitalii , Stanislavyk Olena
Published: September 2022

The havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on hospitality businesses across the world affected the human resource skills of the industry to the extent that managers and industry experts are still finding difficult how best to upgrade the skills of their workforce and enhance their capability to withstand future disruptions. It is based on this problem that this research investigated the effect of human resource skill adjustment on the dynamic capability of hospitality businesses in sub-Saharan Africa post the COVID-19 work environment. The study employed cross-sectional survey design with a total population of two hundred and twenty participants drawn from sixty hospitality businesses in the south-eastern part of Nigeria. Formulated research hypotheses were analysed with linear regression. The results of the research demonstrated that human resource skill adjustment predicted the dynamic capability of hospitality businesses. The study concludes that human resource skill adjustment measured with upskilling and reskilling methodologies predicted the dynamic capability. The implication of the finding is that managers and operators of hospitality businesses should implement human resource skill adjustment in all the functional areas of their management to enable each section or department to attain its goals equally, and enhance the dynamic capability of the industry.
An Alternative to Coping with COVID-19—Knowledge Management Applied to the Banking Industry in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Chih-Hsiung , Chang Wu-Hua , Hsieh Hsiu-Chin , Shih Yi-Yu
Published: September 2022

This study seeks to find an alternative strategy to cope with the impact of COVID-19. Though various measures have been adopted to respond to the threat of the pandemic, the problem remains unchanged. Undoubtedly, COVID-19 is also a crisis of knowledge, so this study explores whether the banking industry in Taiwan can apply knowledge management (KM) and fight the catastrophe of the century successfully and effectively. This study adopts an actual case to analyze the relationship between KM implementation and the banking industry; applies consistent fuzzy preference relations (CFPRs) to evaluate influential criteria including computational simplicity and guarantee the consistency of decision matrices; illustrates a decision-making model with seven criteria; and conducts pairwise comparisons, which are utilized to determine the priority weights of influential criteria amongst the outcome rankings and to formulate accurate KM strategies. The results show that predictions of success probabilities are higher than those of failure probabilities among the seven influential criteria and, in particular, the headquarters system and human resources are the most important priority indicators for implementing KM successfully during the pandemic or post-pandemic. The conclusion suggests significant policy implications for policymakers within other industries or countries in coping with COVID-19.
Editorial for Special Issue “Land Use Change and Anthropogenic Disturbances: Relationships, Interactions, and Management”
Authors: Xu Feng , Chi Guangqing , Rao Yongheng , Zhang Jianjun
Published: September 2022

Land use has become a highly attractive research topic for understanding human–environment interactions in the Anthropocene [...]
Will the Experience of Human–Wildlife Conflict Affect Farmers’ Cultivated Land Use Behaviour? Evidence from China
Authors: Yan Zhongcheng , Wei Feng , Deng Xin , Li Chuan , He Qiang , Qi Yanbin
Published: September 2022

Effectively managing and mitigating “human–wildlife conflict” (HWC) by adjusting the use of cultivated land to realise the coexistence of humans and wildlife plays an important role in protecting biodiversity, ensuring food security, improving cultivated land use efficiency, and improving the livelihoods of community residents in nature reserves. Based on the “harmful experience–expectation change–behavioural adjustment” theoretical analysis framework and survey data on 1008 farmers in China’s Giant Panda National Park, this paper uses a binary logit model and a mediating utility model to analyse the effect of HWC experience on the cultivated land use of farmers and the action mechanisms. The results show the following: (1) HWC experience increases the probability that farmers’ cultivated land use behaviour will be adjusted, which will not only increase the probability that farmers’ planting structure of cultivated land will be adjusted but also increase the probability that farmers will abandon cultivated land. (2) Farmers in the national park have a higher probability of adjusting their cultivated land use behaviour after experiencing HWCs than those outside the national park. Farmers in the national park mainly prefer to adjust the planting structure, while farmers outside the park are more inclined to abandon cultivated land. (3) Low-income farmers are more likely to adjust their cultivated land use behaviour after experiencing HWCs than high-income farmers. The low-income group mainly tends to adjust the planting structure of cultivated land, while the high-income group is more inclined to directly abandon cultivated land. (4) The farmers in the group with a high degree of dependence on cultivated land for their livelihood have a higher probability of adjusting their cultivated land use behaviour after experiencing HWC than those in the low-dependency group, and they tend to adjust the planting structure. (5) HWC experience mainly improves farmers’ adjustment of cultivated land use behaviour by improving their awareness of future risks of HWC. In other words, “HWC” will change the behavioural decision-making of farmers and the differences in constraints, such as different regions and different income levels, will lead to differences in “HWC” affecting farmers’ behaviours. The conclusions of this paper not only help in understanding the adjustment mechanism of farmers’ cultivated land use behaviour in the context of HWCs but also provide a decision-making reference for actively changing cultivated land use methods to address HWCs.
Decision-Making Evaluation of the Pilot Project of Comprehensive Land Consolidation from the Perspective of Farmers and Social Investors: A Case Study of the Project Applied in Xianning City, Hubei Province, in 2020
Authors: Xia Wei , Yang Gangqiao
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive land consolidation is an important means to implement the rural revitalization strategy. The decision-making of comprehensive land consolidation projects is the basis of scientifically selecting land consolidation projects, ensuring the quality of project, and making the project advance in an orderly manner. Compared with the traditional land consolidation project, the overall land consolidation project has a large demand for funds, and the participation of social capital has become an important way to solve the project funding problem. From the perspective of farmers and social investors, this research constructs a comprehensive land consolidation project decision-making evaluation index system and evaluation method from five aspects, including agricultural land consolidation, construction land consolidation, rural ecological protection and restoration, rural historical and cultural protection, and rural industrial development goals. The results show that there is a big difference in the evaluation results from the perspective of farmers and social investors. Considering the urgency of farmers’ needs and the investment willingness of social investors in comprehensive land consolidation, the evaluation results are basically consistent with the actual project approval. The index system and evaluation method established in this study are helpful to scientifically select pilot projects of comprehensive land consolidation and invest limited government financial funds into the consolidation contents that are both urgently needed by farmers and willing to be invested by social investors.
Climate Envelopes Do Not Reflect Tree Dynamics after Euro-American Settlement in Eastern North America
Authors: Hanberry Brice B.
Published: September 2022

Tree distributions and densities have been dynamic since Euro-American settlement in North America. Historically dominant fire-tolerant tree species have decreased, and fire-sensitive, successional species have increased, and tree species have expended westward since the 1800s into the central Great Plains grasslands. Divergent compositional trajectories and the westward expansion of tree species may be explained by climate change. To establish patterns expected by climate change, I predicted climate envelopes in eastern North America during 7 intervals, from the 1500s to 1961–1990, of 16 wide-ranging fire-tolerant and fire-sensitive species. The climate envelopes demonstrated that suitable climate area has remained relatively stable for all species: compared with the 1500s, areal extents during the 1900s increased 104% for fire-sensitive species and 106% for fire-tolerant species. Additionally, a pattern of northeastern shifts (i.e., following the North American land mass) resulted from climate change. Climate envelopes demonstrated northeastern shifts with slight expansion for all species, which did not accord with realized dynamics of westward tree expansion or increases in fire-sensitive species. In accordance with other lines of evidence, land use disturbance change, incorporating fire exclusion, likely has caused the divergent trajectories of fire-tolerant and fire-sensitive species and westward expansion into the Great Plains grasslands.
Survival and Neurogenesis-Promoting Effects of the Co-Overexpression of BCLXL and BDNF Genes on Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Borkowska Paulina , Morys Julia , Zielinska Aleksandra , Sadlocha Marcin , Kowalski Jan
Published: September 2022

The main problem with using MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) to treat the deficient diseases of the central nervous system is the low cell survival rate after the transplant procedure and their low ability to spontaneously differentiate into functional neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genetically modifying MSC. A co-overexpression of two genes was performed: BCLXL was supposed to increase the resistance of the cells to the toxic agents and BDNF was supposed to direct cells into the neuronal differentiation pathway. As a result, it was possible to obtain the functional overexpression of the BCLXL and BDNF genes. These cells had an increased resistance to apoptosis-inducing toxicants (staurosporine, doxorubicin and H2O2). At the same time, the genes of the neuronal pathway (CHAT, TPH1) were overexpressed. The genetically modified MSC increased the survival rate under toxic conditions, which increased the chance of surviving a transplant procedure. The obtained cells can be treated as neural cell progenitors, which makes them a universal material that can be used in various disease models. The production of neurotransmitters suggests that cells transplanted into the brain and subjected to the additional influence of the brain’s microenvironment, will be able to form synapses and become functional neurons.
Role of WRKY Transcription Factors in Regulation of Abiotic Stress Responses in Cotton
Authors: Guo Xiaoqiang , Ullah Abid , Siuta Dorota , Kukfisz Bożena , Iqbal Shehzad
Published: September 2022

Environmental factors are the major constraints in sustainable agriculture. WRKY proteins are a large family of transcription factors (TFs) that regulate various developmental processes and stress responses in plants, including cotton. On the basis of Gossypium raimondii genome sequencing, WRKY TFs have been identified in cotton and characterized for their functions in abiotic stress responses. WRKY members of cotton play a significant role in the regulation of abiotic stresses, i.e., drought, salt, and extreme temperatures. These TFs either activate or repress various signaling pathways such as abscisic acid, jasmonic acid, salicylic acid, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and the scavenging of reactive oxygen species. WRKY-associated genes in cotton have been genetically engineered in Arabidopsis, Nicotiana, and Gossypium successfully, which subsequently enhanced tolerance in corresponding plants against abiotic stresses. Although a few review reports are available for WRKY TFs, there is no critical report available on the WRKY TFs of cotton. Hereby, the role of cotton WRKY TFs in environmental stress responses is studied to enhance the understanding of abiotic stress response and further improve in cotton plants.
Utility of an Automated Artificial Intelligence Echocardiography Software in Risk Stratification of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Wang Tom Kai Ming , Cremer Paul C. , Chan Nicholas , Piotrowska Hania , Woodward Gary , Jaber Wael A.
Published: September 2022

Cardiovascular risk factors, biomarkers, and diseases are associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 infections. Significant progress in artificial intelligence (AI) applied to cardiac imaging has recently been made. We assessed the utility of AI analytic software EchoGo in COVID-19 inpatients. Fifty consecutive COVID-19+ inpatients (age 66 ± 13 years, 22 women) who had echocardiography in 4/17/2020–8/5/2020 were analyzed with EchoGo software, with output correlated against standard echocardiography measurements. After adjustment for the APACHE-4 score, associations with clinical outcomes were assessed. Mean EchoGo outputs were left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) 121 ± 42 mL, end-systolic volume (LVESV) 53 ± 30 mL, ejection fraction (LVEF) 58 ± 11%, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) −16.1 ± 5.1%. Pearson correlation coefficients (p-value) with standard measurements were 0.810 (<0.001), 0.873 (<0.001), 0.528 (<0.001), and 0.690 (<0.001). The primary endpoint occurred in 26 (52%) patients. Adjusting for APACHE-4 score, EchoGo LVEF and LVGLS were associated with the primary endpoint, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.92 (0.85–0.99) and 1.22 (1.03–1.45) per 1% increase, respectively. Automated AI software is a new clinical tool that may assist with patient care. EchoGo LVEF and LVGLS were associated with adverse outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and can play a role in their risk stratification.
A Comparison of the Reliability of Five Sleep Questionnaires for the Detection of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Solecka Šárka , Matler Karel , Kostlivý Tomáš , Kubec Vojtěch , Tomášková Hana , Betka Jaroslav
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to compare the reliability of five sleep questionnaires in detecting the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The study was conducted on a group of 201 patients. The patients completed five sleep questionnaires: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the STOP-Bang questionnaire, the STOP questionnaire, the Berlin questionnaire (BQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Subsequently, the patients were examined using limited polygraphy, and the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaires were evaluated. The STOP-Bang, Berlin and STOP questionnaires had the highest sensitivity for OSA detection (81.6%, 78.7%, and 74.2%, respectively), while the sensitivities of PSQI and ESS were low (50.8% and 34.5%). The ESS, STOP-Bang, STOP and Berlin questionnaires had the highest specificity (82.6%, 75%, 61.9%, and 61.9%). In our sample, we found the STOP-Bang and Berlin questionnaires to be the most suitable for OSA screening with the highest sensitivities (81.6%, 78.7%) and satisfactory specificities (75%, 61.9%). The STOP questionnaire was also relatively reliable, especially given its time-saving nature; though short, it preserved satisfactory sensitivity (74.2%) and specificity (61.9%). The ESS and PSQI were unsuitable for OSA screening.
Exosomes and Biomaterials: In Search of a New Therapeutic Strategy for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ojeda-Hernández Doddy Denise , Hernández-Sapiéns Mercedes A. , Reza-Zaldívar Edwin E. , Canales-Aguirre Alejandro , Matías-Guiu Jordi A. , Matías-Guiu Jorge , Mateos-Díaz Juan Carlos , Gómez-Pinedo Ulises , Sancho-Bielsa Francisco
Published: September 2022

Current efforts to find novel treatments that counteract multiple sclerosis (MS) have pointed toward immunomodulation and remyelination. Currently, cell therapy has shown promising potential to achieve this purpose. However, disadvantages such as poor survival, differentiation, and integration into the target tissue have limited its application. A series of recent studies have focused on the cell secretome, showing it to provide the most benefits of cell therapy. Exosomes are a key component of the cell secretome, participating in the transfer of bioactive molecules. These nano-sized vesicles offer many therapeutical advantages, such as the capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier, an enrichable cargo, and a customizable membrane. Moreover, integrating of biomaterials into exosome therapy could lead to new tissue-specific therapeutic strategies. In this work, the use of exosomes and their integration with biomaterials is presented as a novel strategy in the treatment of MS.
Identification of Allergenic Proteins in Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina) Pollen: An Immunoproteomics Approach
Authors: Huerta-Ocampo José Ángel , Batista-Roche Lino Gerardo , Morales-Amparano Martha Beatriz , Robles-Burgueño María del Refugio , Ramos-Clamont Montfort Gabriela , Vázquez-Moreno Luz , Ramírez-Jiménez Fernando , Terán Luis M.
Published: September 2022

Velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) is a native legume of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, contributing significantly to the desert ecosystem and playing key ecological roles. It is also an important cause of allergic respiratory disease widely distributed in the Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave Deserts. However, no allergens from velvet mesquite pollen have been identified to date. Pollen proteins were extracted and analyzed by one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis and immunoblotting using a pool of 11 sera from mesquite-sensitive patients as the primary antibody. IgE-recognized protein spots were identified by mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis. Twenty-four unique proteins, including proteins well known as pollen, food, airway, or contact allergens and four proteins not previously reported as pollen allergens, were identified. This is the first report on allergenic proteins in velvet mesquite pollen. These findings will contribute to the development of specific diagnosis and treatment of mesquite pollen allergy.
Experimental Investigation of the Failure Scenario of Various Connection Types between Thin-Walled Beam and Sandwich Panel
Authors: Ciesielczyk Katarzyna , Studziński Robert
Published: September 2022

The paper presents failure scenarios for various types of connections between a thin-walled beam and a sandwich panel. In addition to standard connections used in civil engineering applications, that is, self-drilling fasteners for sandwich panels, the study examined the use of bolts, blind rivets, and double-sided acrylic tape applied linearly and pointwise. The connections were subjected to the horizontal load applied with constant eccentricity with respect to the plane of the connection surface. This load arrangement simulates the behaviour of a free flange of the thin-walled beam in bending while lateral-torsional buckling occurs. In this way, the research covers the determination of the lateral stiffness of the thin-walled beam-free flange, while the other flange is connected to the sandwich panel using various connection systems.