bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring and Validating the Factors Influenced the SME Business Growth in Germany—Descriptive Analysis and Construct Validation
Authors: Elsaman Hosam Azat , El-Bayaa Nourhan , Kousihan Suriyakumaran
Published: November 2022

In Germany, the medical device industry constitutes a cornerstone of the health sector. In this study, we investigated the challenges and factors affecting the present-day performance of German SMEs concerned with medical devices. The research methodology adopted a cross-sectional and correlational research design, with simple random-sampling techniques, to data obtained from 110 mid-level and senior managers in German SMEs by means of an online structured survey in August 2022. We statistically validated our study data using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) testing, and Bartlett’s test, to assess the relationship between study variables and measure data adequacy using the R4.1.1(21) software, then carried out principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax factor loading and extracted six factors for use as research variables. The researchers also applied descriptive data analysis techniques using SPSS.21. The main study variables were: (1) the business performance of small and medium businesses (SMP); (2) their financial situation (SMEF); and (3) their implementation of new medical device industry regulations (MDR). By such statistical means, results confirmed poorer business performance and lower anticipated growth amongst SMEs affected by MDR, over and above the impacts of the present-day economic situation. The data can be used by management information systems (MIS) and decision system support professionals for planning and developing practical models about how to cope with current industry challenges. We recommend further research involving inferential analysis and triangulation of these data in the form of a semi-structured qualitative study in the larger scope of the population and different sectors.
Middle-Inner Macular Layers Dysfunction in a Case of Stellate Foveomacular Retinoschisis Detected by Abnormal Multifocal Photopic Negative Response Recordings
Authors: Barbano Lucilla , Antonelli Giulio , Parravano Mariacristina , Costanzo Eliana , Parisi Vincenzo , Ziccardi Lucia
Published: November 2022

We describe the macular morpho-functional assessment of a 65-year-old man affected by stellate nonhereditary idiopathic foveomacular retinoschisis (SNIFR), studied by visual field, SD-OCT, autofluorescence, full-field electroretinogram (ffERG), multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and multifocal Photopic Negative Response (mfPhNR) recordings. The typical presentation consists of the foveal appearance of radial cartwheel pattern for the splitting of the retinal layers at the level of the Henle fiber layer (HFL) and the outer plexiform layer (OPL), perfectly seen by Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT). Despite a normal function of the outer retina of the peripheral and central retina evaluated by ffERG and mfERG respectively, we observed a reduced function of the retinal elements involved in the retinoschisis by recording mfPhNR that assesses mainly inner retina function (retinal ganglion cells and their axons). Therefore, it is likely that the observed impaired mfPhNR responses reflect the signaling defects derived from the delaminated middle retina and transmitted to the innermost retinal layers.
Defining the Practice of Dietitians in Malaysia Using the Nutrition Care Process in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Abd Jamil Jamilah , Myers Esther F. , Swee Winnie Chee Siew
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: The quality of dietetic care is crucial to improve patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to measure the current practices regarding the provision of nutrition care in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among dietitians in Malaysia. (2) Methods: A 49-item online survey was distributed via Malaysian Dietitians’ Association and Ministry of Health Malaysia social media platforms. Self-reported dietetic practices in the management of T2DM were evaluated against practice guidelines. (3) Results: A total of 173 dietitians completed the survey, with a response rate of 62%. Three-quarters of dietitians in the public sector consulted patients within two to three weeks or more than four weeks versus less than two weeks (86.3%) among private dietitians (p-value < 0.001). More than 95% of private dietitians spent 31–60 min or more than 60 min on new cases versus 71% among public dietitians (p-value < 0.001). Group counseling was only practiced among public dietitians (36.0%). Different practice settings led to the current findings. A limited use of behavioral counseling theories and strategies was observed among dietitians from both sectors. Limited adherence to nutrition-related recommendations (62.8%) and lack of readiness for diet/lifestyle changes (45.5%) were the key challenges faced by dietitians when managing T2DM. (4) Conclusions: The survey indicates that there is a need for the development of comprehensive training to increase the utilization of behavioral counselling. Practice setting is an element to consider when designing training.
Infrared and Visible Image Fusion with Significant Target Enhancement
Authors: Huo Xing , Deng Yinping , Shao Kun
Published: November 2022

Existing fusion rules focus on retaining detailed information in the source image, but as the thermal radiation information in infrared images is mainly characterized by pixel intensity, these fusion rules are likely to result in reduced saliency of the target in the fused image. To address this problem, we propose an infrared and visible image fusion model based on significant target enhancement, aiming to inject thermal targets from infrared images into visible images to enhance target saliency while retaining important details in visible images. First, the source image is decomposed with multi-level Gaussian curvature filtering to obtain background information with high spatial resolution. Second, the large-scale layers are fused using ResNet50 and maximizing weights based on the average operator to improve detail retention. Finally, the base layers are fused by incorporating a new salient target detection method. The subjective and objective experimental results on TNO and MSRS datasets demonstrate that our method achieves better results compared to other traditional and deep learning-based methods.
Information, Entropy, Life, and the Universe
Authors: Ben-Naim Arieh
Published: November 2022

In 2015, I wrote a book with the same title as this article. The book’s subtitle is: “What we know and what we do not know.” On the book’s dedication page, I wrote: “This book is dedicated to readers of popular science books who are baffled, perplexed, puzzled, astonished, confused, and discombobulated by reading about Information, Entropy, Life and the Universe.” In the first part of this article, I will present the definitions of two central concepts: the “Shannon measure of information” (SMI), in Information Theory, and “Entropy”, in Thermodynamics. Following these definitions, I will discuss the framework of their applicability. In the second part of the article, I will examine the question of whether living systems and the entire universe are, or are not within the framework of applicability of the concepts of SMI and Entropy. I will show that much of the confusion that exists in the literature arises because of people’s ignorance about the framework of applicability of these concepts.
Energy Transformation and the UAE Green Economy: Trade Exchange and Relations with Three Seas Initiative Countries
Authors: Krzymowski Adam
Published: November 2022

In 2015, on the initiative of Poland and Croatia, the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) was adopted, combining economic and political cooperation between 12 countries of Central and Eastern Europe, located between the three seas of the Adriatic, the Baltic, and the Black Sea. Since then, there has been a dynamic relationship between these countries and the United Arab Emirates. Consequently, most 3SI states have signed economic cooperation agreements, establishing the Joint Economic Committees (JEC). Therefore, this manuscript aims to answer the research question to what extent the visits at the highest level support the trade exchange between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the 3SI countries. Another question is, what are the cooperation prospects related to the energy transformation and initiatives on the green economy for sustainable development? To find the answer, the author implemented quantitative methods together with case studies. The results show that regular top-level visits support trade. At the same time, the study demonstrates a strategic potential for energy transformation.
Exploring the Relationship between Forest Scenic Beauty with Color Index and Ecological Integrity: Case Study of Jiuzhaigou and Giant Panda National Park in Sichuan, China
Authors: Jia Honghong , Luo Peng , Yang Hao , Luo Chuan , Li Honglin , Wu Sujuan , Cheng Yue , Huang Yu , Xie Wenwen
Published: November 2022

Aesthetics of natural landscapes and the conservation of forest ecological integrity have received much attention because of the increasing public demand for aesthetic quality and the shift of forest conservation management objectives from single elements to multiple ecosystem services. However, existing research has not adequately addressed the relationship between forest scenic beauty with the color index and ecological integrity. This study aimed to evaluate and quantify the scenic beauty of forests and the vegetation color index using web questionnaires and Python color interpretation, with Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage and Giant Panda National Park in western Sichuan, China, as examples. The relationships between forest scenic beauty with vegetation color and ecological integrity were explored via correlation and linear regression analyses, respectively. The results showed that: (1) The overall scenic beauty of the autumn forests in the study area was at a “medium” level; (2) the scenic beauty of the autumn forest was significantly positively correlated with the saturation and value ratio; and (3) the scenic beauty was not significantly negatively correlated with ecological integrity. This research provides an important reference for the renovation of autumn foliage forests and ecotourism planning. This study also provides a theoretical basis for the transformation of forest conservation management objectives, offering the possibility for nature reserves to achieve the “win-win” management goal of ecological protection and local economic development.
Initial Carbon Quality of Newly Shed Foliar Litter in an Alpine Forest from Proximate Analysis and 13C NMR Spectroscopy Perspectives
Authors: Yang Jiaping , Mu Junpeng , Zhang Yu , Fu Changkun , Dong Qing , Yang Yulian , Wu Qinggui
Published: November 2022

The initial carbon (C) quality of plant litter is one of the major factors controlling the litter decomposition rate and regulating C sequestration, but a comprehensive understanding is still lacking. Here, we used proximate analysis and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) with spectral editing techniques to quantify the variations in the initial C quality for four dominant species (fir: Abies faxoniana Rehd. et Wils.; spruce: Picea asperata Mast; willow: Salix paraplesia Schneid; and rosa: Rosa omeiensis Rolfe.), including the organic compositions and C-based chemical structures of newly shed foliar litter over eight months in an alpine forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. The results indicated that the fractions of acid-soluble extractives (ASE) and acid-unhydrolyzable residues (AUR) were the main fractions of organic components, and aliphatic C and O-alkyl C were the main functional C groups for all plant species. Under the effects of the plant species, higher levels of ASE (37.62%) and aliphatic C (35.44%) were detected in newly shed rosa foliar litter, while higher levels of AUR (fir: 37.05%; spruce: 41.45%; and willow: 40.04%) and O-alkyl C (fir: 32.03%; spruce: 35.02%; and willow: 32.34%) were detected in newly shed fir, spruce and willow foliar litter. Moreover, the A/O-A and HB/HI ratios in rosa litter were 0.88 and 1.15, respectively, which were higher than those in fir, spruce and willow litter. The C quality of newly shed foliar litter varied seasonally due to the litter quality and environmental conditions, especially nitrogen (N), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), manganese (Mn) and monthly air temperature. We also found that C loss during 4-year litter decomposition was highly related to the aromatic C and phenolic C contents in newly shed foliar litter, suggesting that litter decomposition was strongly controlled by the initial recalcitrant C fractions. We conclude that the C quality of newly shed foliar litter in rosa might be structurally stable and more resistant to degradation than that of fir, spruce and willow, which contain abundant labile C fractions, and the initial recalcitrant C fractions are closely related to C loss during litter decomposition, which might contribute to soil C sequestration in alpine forests.
Bearing Capacity of Forest Roads on Poor-Bearing Road Subgrades following Six Years of Use
Authors: Trzciński Grzegorz
Published: November 2022

The research was conducted on a forest road on the territory of the State Forests in Poland, in the Brzeziny Forest District, where eight test sections with a total length of 422 m were created with different pavement system on a low-bearing soil substrate (clay, silt loam) as part of the road reconstruction in 2016. The bearing capacity of the pavement was evaluated based on the static strain modulus ME MN·m−2 by measuring with a statistic plate (VSS), the dynamic deformation modulus Evd MN·m−2 obtained from lightweight deflectometer measurements, and the elastic deflection of the pavement Us mm evaluated from Benkelaman beam measurements. It has been shown that pavements made of crushed aggregate and common gravel on timber roller substructure maintain good bearing capacity parameters, where the average values of secondary modulus of strain are above 130 MN·m−2, and in the case of pine rollers, this modulus has increased. Pavements on low-bearing soils reinforced with willow brushwood mattresses have low bearing capacity parameters, with averages of 26.09 ≤ MEII ≤ 53.93 and 22.1 ≤ Evd ≤ 39.1 MN·m−2, but the technical condition of the pavement makes it possible to continue carrying out forestry-related transportation. The research confirms the possibility of reinforcing soils with poor bearing capacity with wooden rollers, and in the case of willow mats for roads with light truck movements.
Impact of Field-Protective Forest Belts on the Microclimate of Agroforest Landscape in the Zone of Chestnut Soils of the Volgograd Region
Authors: Potashkina Yustina Nikolaevna , Koshelev Alexander Valentinovich
Published: November 2022

Protective afforestation at the regional level is aimed at ensuring optimal agroecological conditions on agricultural land, including the regulation of microclimate on agricultural land. However, the issue of seasonal variability of microclimatic indicators in the zone of the forest shelterbelt and in different soil and climatic conditions is insufficiently studied. The research purpose is to determine the seasonal influence of aerodynamic parameters of the forest belt on the complex of microclimatic factors in the zone of chestnut soils of southern Russia. The research object is represented with agroforest landscapes of the Kachalinskoe experimental farm of the Ilovlinsky district of the Volgograd region. The study area is typical for this region in terms of soil cover and structure of protective forest plantations. The paper presents the results of study of the microclimate in the openwork-structure forest belt of a 30-year old. The ameliorative influence of the forest belt is determined by its height and construction. We have studied the microclimate indicators, such as wind speed, soil temperature and moisture, air temperature and humidity. We have carried out their instrumental measurements in the forest belt and in the adjacent territory at distances of 3H, 5H, 8H, 10H, 15H, 20H, 25H, 30H (H is the height of the stand in the forest belt) from the forest belt. The measurements were made once a season (summer, autumn, winter) in three-time intervals during the day. The research has shown that positive influence of forest belt on soil temperature in spring and autumn periods is traced up to 10–15H, in winter period there is no influence. The most distinct influence was noted in summer observations, so the average difference of temperatures in summer at 15H in the in the forest belt was 28%; in autumn, the same difference was 15%. The positive influence on soil moisture in the autumn period is most clearly traced, so the average difference in soil moisture indicators near the forest belt and agrolandscape is 18% and 2% in the summer period. The average temperature difference near the forest belt and 20H is only 4%, and 1% in the summer period. Effective reduction of wind speed occurs at 25–30H in the summer season, 15H in the autumn, and 15H in the winter periods. The difference in wind speed near the forest belt and average temperature in the agrolandscape is 52% in summer, 40% in fall, and 30% in winter. The results obtained are an attempt to assess the ameliorative impact of the forest belt on microclimatic indicators under conditions of regional climate change, and to make adjustments in the applied agricultural technologies for cultivation of crops in the inter-belt space.
Influence of Biochar on Physico-Chemical, Microbial Community and Maturity during Biogas Residue Aerobic Composting Process
Authors: Qu Youpei , Qu Jingbo , Yan Wencong , Yue Tian , Zhang Quanguo , Yi Weiming , Liu Xiaofeng , Sun Yong
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of large and medium-sized biogas projects, the high-value utilization of anaerobic fermentation residues has become a hot spot in recent years. In this study, biogas residue from biogas engineering was used as composting raw material, and 0 (CK), 2.5% (T1), 5.0% (T2), 7.5% (T3), and 10.0% (T4) biochar was added to investigate its effects on physico-chemical properties, microbial populations, and maturity degree during the aerobic composting process. Results show that the addition of biochar shortens the time (3 days) to reach the high-temperature period, increases the composting temperature (63.8 °C) and germination index (GI), decreases the electrical conductivity (EC), reduces the loss of C and N elements, and increases the microbial population during composting. These results suggest that biochar can improve the maturity and fertility of compost products, and significantly regulate the structure and function of microbial communities during the composting process.
Effects of Dietary Tannic Acid on Growth, Digestion, Immunity and Resistance to Ammonia Stress, and Intestinal Microbial Community in Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Gong Han , Qin Zhen , Chen Zhao , Li Jitao , Chang Zhiqiang , Li Jian , Chen Ping
Published: November 2022

Tannic acid (TA) has great potential as a new feed additive. In this study, we investigated the effects of dietary TA on growth, digestion, nonspecific immunity, and resistance to ammonia stress and intestinal microbiota in Litopenaeus vannamei. The shrimp were fed diets containing different levels of TA: 0 mg/kg (TA-0), 200 mg/kg (TA-200), 400 mg/kg (TA-400), and 800 mg/kg (TA-800) for 56 days, followed by acute ammonia stress for 48 h. The results showed that dietary TA increased the survival rate of the TA-800 group. Dietary TA could improve the morphology of the hepatopancreas and intestinal tissues. After feeding different levels of TA for 56 days, the activities of amylase (AMS) and trypsin (Tryp) were increased, but the activity of lipase (LPS) was decreased. The activities of T-AOC, SOD, and PPO were higher in the hepatopancreas of the three TA treatment groups (p < 0.05). When shrimp were exposed to ammonia stress for 48 h, the activity of immune enzymes (LZM, T-AOC and SOD) and the expression levels of immune genes (LZM, proPO and Cu/Zn-SOD) were higher in the three TA treatment groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, dietary TA also changed the composition of intestinal microflora by increasing the abundance of Planctomycetes, but decreasing the abundance of Bacteroides and Proteobacteria. The abundance of Rhodopirellula, Ruegeria, and Rhodobacter were higher, but that of Paracoccus, Algoriphagus, Cellvibrio, Flavobacteriaceae, and Bacteroides were lower in response to dietary TA. These results revealed that dietary TA had a positive effect on growth and intestinal microbial composition and enhanced the immune response to ammonia stress in shrimp. Therefore, TA can be a potential natural alternative antibiotic substitute for feed additives in shrimp, and the appropriate supplemental dosage is 400–800 mg/kg in the diet.
X-ray Tomography Coupled with Finite Elements, A Fast Method to Design Aerogel Composites and Prove Their Superinsulation Experimentally
Authors: Foray Genevieve , Randrianalisoa Jaona Harifidy , Adrien Jerome , Maire Eric
Published: November 2022

Composite aerogels can include fibers, opacifiers and binders but are rarely designed and optimized to achieve the best thermal/mechanical efficiency. This paper proposes a three-dimensional X-ray tomography-based method for designing composites. Two types of models are considered: classical and inexpensive homogenization models and more refined finite element models. XrFE is based on the material’s real three-dimensional microstructure and/or its twin numerical microstructure, and calculates the effective conductivity of the material. First, the three-dimensional sample is meshed and labeled. Then, a finite element method is used to calculate the heat flow in the samples. The entire three-dimensional microstructure of a real or fictitious sample is thus associated with a heat flow and an effective conductivity. Parametric studies were performed to understand the relationship between microstructure and thermal efficiency. They highlighted how quickly a low volume fraction addition can improve or ruin thermal conductivity. A reduced set of three formulations was developed and fully characterized. The mechanical behavior was higher than 50 KPa, with thermal efficiencies ranging from 14 to 15 mW·m·K−1.
A Pharmaco-Technical Investigation of Thymoquinone and Peat-Sourced Fulvic Acid Nanoemulgel: A Combination Therapy
Authors: Khan Rahmuddin , Mirza Mohd Aamir , Aqil Mohd , Hassan Nazia , Zakir Foziyah , Ansari Mohammad Javed , Iqbal Zeenat
Published: November 2022

Thymoquinone has a multitude of pharmacological effects and has been researched for a wide variety of indications, but with limited clinical success. It is associated with pharmaco-technical caveats such as hydrophobicity, high degradation, and a low oral bioavailability. A prudent approach warrants its usage through an alternative dermal route in combination with functional excipients to harness its potential for treating dermal afflictions, such as psoriasis. Henceforth, the present study explores a nanoformulation approach for designing a fulvic acid (peat-sourced)-based thymoquinone nanoemulsion gel (FTQ-NEG) for an enhanced solubility and improved absorption. The excipients, surfactant/co-surfactant, and oil selected for the o/w nanoemulsion (FTQ-NE) are Tween 80/Transcutol-P and kalonji oil. The formulation methodology includes high-energy ultrasonication complemented with a three-dimensional/factorial Box–Behnken design for guided optimization. The surface morphology assessment through scanning/transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy revealed a 100 nm spherical, globule-like structure of the prepared nanoemulsion. Furthermore, the optimized FTQ-NE had a zeta potential of −2.83 ± 0.14 Mv, refractive index of 1.415 ± 0.036, viscosity of 138.5 ± 3.08 mp, and pH of 5.8 ± 0.16, respectively. The optimized FTQ-NE was then formulated as a gel using Carbopol 971® (1%). The in vitro release analysis of the optimized FTQ-NEG showed a diffusion-dominant drug release (Higuchi model) for 48 h. The drug permeation flux observed for FTQ-NEG (3.64 μg/cm2/h) was much higher compared to that of the pure drug (1.77 mg/cm2/h). The results were further confirmed by confocal microscopy studies, which proved the improved penetration of thymoquinone through mice skin. Long-term stability studies of the purported formulation were also conducted and yielded satisfactory results.
The TRIM25 Gene in Ducks: Cloning, Characterization and Antiviral Immune Response
Authors: Liu Jinlu , Gu Tiantian , Chen Jianzhou , Luo Shuwen , Dong Xiaoqian , Zheng Ming , Chen Guohong , Xu Qi
Published: November 2022

TRIM25, as a significant member of the TRIM family, has been frequently demonstrated in regulating the host’s antiviral response by activating innate immunity. Ducks are often asymptomatic carriers of influenza A viruses, but the beneficial roles of TRIM25 in modulating the immune response remain largely unknown in ducks. In this study, we characterized the TRIM25, which contains a 16 bp 5′-UTR, a 279 bp 3′-UTR and a 2052 bp ORF that encodes 683 amino acid residues. In addition, we found that duTRIM25 transcripts were widely expressed in the 10 tissues tested, with higher expression levels in the kidney, liver, muscle and spleen and lower expression levels in the duodenum and blood. In addition, the six kinds of virus- or bacteria-mimicking stimuli were transfected into DEFs, and duTRIM25 was induced significantly with 5′ppp dsRNA stimulation. Furthermore, overexpression of duTRIM25 followed by treatment with 5′ppp dsRNA resulted in an increase in IFN-β. The SPRY domain of duTRIM25 contributed to promoting IFN-β activity in DEFs challenged with 5′ppp dsRNA. Taken together, our findings suggest that duck TRIM25 can induce the production of IFN-β against double-stranded RNA virus stimuli and that the SPRY domain of duTRIM25 was critical for the infection.
The Association between Total Genotype Score and Athletic Performance in Weightlifters
Authors: Homma Hiroki , Saito Mika , Saito Aoto , Kozuma Ayumu , Matsumoto Ryutaro , Matsumoto Shingo , Kobatake Naoyuki , Okamoto Takanobu , Nakazato Koichi , Nishiyama Tetsunari , Kikuchi Naoki
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between power-oriented genetic polymorphisms and weightlifting status, create a total genotype score (TGS), and validate the association between TGS models and power-oriented athletes. First, 192 weightlifters and 416 controls were studied, and 12 polymorphisms that have previously been associated with strength, power status, and phenotype were genotyped using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. We calculated the TGS for the 12 polymorphisms using a PWM (power-oriented whole model) and for 6 of them using a WRM (weightlifting-related model) based on a case–control study. Second, the TGS of the WRM was compared for 177 strength and power athletes and 416 controls. There was no significant difference in the PWM score between weightlifters and the controls. Weightlifters and elite weightlifters had higher WRM scores than the controls. However, the WRM score had no association with weightlifting performance. There was no significant difference in the WRM between power-oriented athletes and the controls. Our study was able to create a TGS model for weightlifters based on case–control results. However, the TGS model could not be applied to other power-oriented athletes.
Population Diversity Analysis Provide Insights into Provenance Identification of Dendrobium catenatum
Authors: Wu Xin-Yi , Li Ting-Zhang , Zheng Fang , Chen Jian-Bing , Yan Yue-Hong , Huang Jiu-Xiang
Published: November 2022

Dendrobium catenatum (Dendrobium officinale) is a valuable genuine herb. The source of this species is difficult to be identified by traditional methods including morphology, spectroscopy, and chromatography. We used the restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) approach to perform the high-throughput sequencing of 24 D. catenatum provenances. In this study, 371.18 Gb clean data were obtained, and 655,057 high-quality SNPs were selected after their filtration. We used phylogenetic tree, genetic structure, and principal component analyses to examine the genetic diversities and genetic relationships of the 109 accessions. We found that D. catenatum could be divided into two groups, and each group was closely related to the distribution of the sampling sites. At the population level, the average nucleotide diversity (π) of the D. catenatum population mutation parameters was 0.1584 and the expected heterozygosity (HE) was 0.1575. The GXLPTP07 accessions showed the highest genetic diversity in terms of the private allele number, observed heterozygosity, and nucleotide diversity. The Mantel test showed a significant positive correlation between the genetic and geographic distances among the overall distribution. A genetic information database of D. catenatum was established, which confirmed that RAD-seq technology has the potential to be applied in the identification of medicinal Dendrobium of different origins.
Predicting Eye and Hair Color in a Turkish Population Using the HIrisPlex System
Authors: Sari O Ilksen , Simsek Sumeyye Zulal , Filoglu Gonul , Bulbul Ozlem
Published: November 2022

Forensic DNA Phenotyping (FDP) can reveal the appearance of an unknown individual by predicting the ancestry, phenotype (i.e., hair, eye, skin color), and age from DNA obtained at the crime scene. The HIrisPlex system has been developed to simultaneously predict eye and hair color. However, the prediction accuracy of the system needs to be assessed for the tested population before implementing FDP in casework. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the HIrisPlex system on 149 individuals from the Turkish population. We applied the single-based extension (SNaPshot chemistry) method and used the HIrisPlex online tool to test the prediction of the eye and hair colors. The accuracy of the HIrisPlex system was assessed through the calculation of the area under the receiver characteristic operating curves (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The results showed that the proposed method successfully predicted the eye and hair color, especially for blue (100%) and brown (95.60%) eye and black (95.23) and brown (98.94) hair colors. As observed in previous studies, the system failed to predict intermediate eye color, representing 25% in our cohort. The majority of incorrect predictions were observed for blond hair color (40.7%). Previous HIrisPlex studies have also noted difficulties with these phenotypes. Our study shows that the HIrisPlex system can be applied to forensic casework in Turkey with careful interpretation of the data, particularly intermediate eye color and blond hair color.
Development and Implementation of a Professional Practices Evaluation during Radiopharmaceuticals Administration
Authors: Donzé Charlotte , Rubira Léa , Santoro Lore , Kotzki Pierre Olivier , Deshayes Emmanuel , Fersing Cyril
Published: November 2022

Securing both the patient and radiopharmaceuticals (RPs) circuit is an essential concern in nuclear medicine (NM). These circuits converge at the RP administration phase, a key step in patient management in NM. In a continuous quality improvement approach, we developed and implemented an evaluation of professional practices (EPPs) methodology focused on RPs injection to identify and correct deviations from good practices. The nuclear medicine technologists (NMTs) of a single center were evaluated. A specific audit grid was designed for this purpose, covering 4 main themes. Following the audit campaign, an improvement action plan was set up to address the non-conformities observed. Nine NMTs were audited on 4 RPs injections each. The mean total score was 93.36% with, on average, 7.01% and 3.00% of unmet and partially met criteria, respectively. In view of the non-compliance rates of hygiene and radiation protection items, theoretical reviews of these themes were included in the improvement action plan. As a part of the quality assurance system of a healthcare unit, EPPs are useful for identifying and correcting practice deviations at an early stage. They should be regularly repeated and combined with rigorous training and qualification of operators involved in RPs injection.
Barriers and Facilitators of Working with Dying Patients among Novice Nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsalamah Turki S. , Alsalamah Yasir S. , Aldrees Basmah , Alslamah Thamer , Yousif Sarah M. , Fawaz Mirna
Published: November 2022

Novice nurses face immense challenges while they transition from being students to becoming professional nurses. Dealing with dying patients has been documented to be an immense task among professional nurses, especially for new nurses. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of working with dying patients, experienced by novice nurses in Saudi Arabia. This study employed a phenomenological qualitative research methodology among the nurses who participated in this study, which were twelve participants, of various ages, genders, religions, and nationalities, who took part in semi-structured focus group discussions. The identified barriers included a lack of experience with dying patients; a language barrier with patients and medical staff; inadequate staffing; and patients’ responses or cooperation. Furthermore, the facilitators were categorized into three themes: caring/compassion, teamwork/collaboration, and mentors/experienced colleagues. Based on the findings of this study, an action plan must be developed to improve the experience of novice nurses in Saudi Arabia, and to minimize the impact of the barriers on the new nurses when working with such patients.
The Psychological Impact of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Pollution in the Veneto Region, Italy: A Qualitative Study with Parents
Authors: Menegatto Marialuisa , Lezzi Sara , Musolino Michele , Zamperini Adriano
Published: November 2022

Little is known about the psychosocial impact on people who live in polluted areas, and its consequences for the parental role have been neglected. This study addresses this gap, proposing qualitative research referring to the case of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) water pollution in the Veneto Region of Italy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chronic exposure contamination (CEC) experience of parents. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 parents living in the so-called ‘Red Area’ considered to have had maximum exposure. Grounded theory was used to analyse the data. The three themes to emerge were three phases of a dynamic process: shock around the discovery (phase 1), lifestyle change (phase 2), and living with PFAS (phase 3). The two transitions (loss of innocence and environmental adaptation) linked the phases. Our findings show that PFAS CEC experience is a process whereby parents need to move from the shock of discovery to adapting to the new situation in order to incorporate a change into their daily life, especially in regard to children. Two emerging aspects that characterised the process as a constant were uncertainty and health concerns, while role strains could be a stress source in the context of CEC. We suggest introducing the notion of chronic role strain (CRS).
Environmental Regulation, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Disclosure and Enterprise Green Innovation: Evidence from Listed Companies in China
Authors: Xu Xiumei , Jing Ruolan , Lu Feifei
Published: November 2022

The resource and environmental constraints on China’s economic development have become more prominent; thus there is an urgent need for enterprises to achieve green innovation transformation to promote high-quality economic development. We obtained data on 655 on Chinese A-share companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2010 to 2020, a total of 7205 samples, and explored the influencing mechanism of environmental regulation on corporate green innovation and the moderating mechanism of CSR disclosure by constructing a nonlinear fixed-effect regression model. The results showed: (1) the overall level of green innovation of listed companies is low, and the relationship between environmental regulation and enterprise green innovation presents the U-shaped characteristic of changing from cost effect to innovation compensation effect; (2) non-state-owned enterprises have less tolerance and more sensitive response to environmental regulation than state-owned enterprises; (3) social responsibility information disclosure has a positive regulatory effect on environmental regulation and enterprise green innovation, and non-state-owned enterprises are more significant. It provides references for the government to adjust the intensity of environmental regulation, and, meanwhile, for enterprises to improve the level of environmental protection and the CSR disclosure, and enhance the green innovation ability of enterprises in emerging market.
Working Time Control and Variability in Europe Revisited: Correlations with Health, Sleep, and Well-Being
Authors: Backhaus Nils
Published: November 2022

Working time control (WTC) and working time variability (WTV) are two important dimensions of working times, especially with regard to the dynamics of irregular working hours in a changing world of work. Both dimensions are closely related, and the terms are sometimes used synonymously. However, a high degree of WTC does not automatically lead to variable or irregular working hours. On the contrary, WTV is often imposed by the employer and does not necessarily occur in conjunction with high WTC. This article gives an overview of different European WTC and WTV regimes using a typological approach. Based on the European Working Conditions Survey 2015 (EWCS, n = 27,607), four employee groups are compared: those with (1) high WTC and high WTV, (2) high WTC and low WTV, (3) low WTC and high WTV, and (4) low WTC and low WTV. Firstly, the analyses aim to assess whether WTC and WTV vary across European countries due to different working time regimes and in different occupational sectors, i.e., hospitality, retail, and health and social work. Secondly, multi-level analyses are used to describe correlations with health (self-rated health, psychosomatic complaints), sleep (sleep problems), and well-being (WHO-5-Scale). The analyses suggest that WTC and WTV differ between European countries: in the northern countries, high WTC/high WTV is most prevalent, whereas low WTV/low WTC is more common in the other countries. As far as employee health and sleep are concerned, high WTV is associated with poor health, i.e., a greater number of psychosomatic health complaints, worse self-rated health status, and more sleep problems. However, the correlation appears to be weaker for psychosomatic health complaints when employees have high WTC. Significant correlations could not be found for WTC. Low WTC and high WTV is more common in occupational sectors in hospitality, retail, and health and social care; however, these occupational sectors show the same correlations regarding health, sleep, and well-being. The analyses indicate that it is crucial to consider WTV and WTC together in order to understand the dynamics of irregular working hours and health.
Diets, Dietary Patterns, Single Foods and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses
Authors: Gianfredi Vincenza , Ferrara Pietro , Dinu Monica , Nardi Mariateresa , Nucci Daniele
Published: November 2022

Pancreatic cancer (PC) represents the third leading cause of cancer death in 2020. Despite the fact that, in 2018, the World Cancer Research Fund report concluded that there is still a lack of evidence on the role of foods or diets and risk for PC, a flourishing body of evidence has been published and needs to be analyzed. For this reason, we conducted an umbrella review on the association between different dietary patterns/food components and PC. Data sources PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Collaboration were searched. The Joanna Briggs Institute Umbrella Review Methodology was used. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO. A total of 23 articles were included, covering a wide range of dietary patterns/food components: healthy/prudent dietary patterns (n = 4), Mediterranean diets (MedDiet) (n = 1), plant-based diets (n = 2), the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) (n = 2), western diets (n = 2), and, lastly, unhealthy diets (n = 2). Regarding dietary components, the following were assessed: total fruit (n = 2), citrus fruit (n = 1), total vegetables (n = 2), cruciferous vegetables (n = 1), red meat (n = 6), processed meat (n = 4), poultry (n = 2), eggs (n = 1), fish (n = 5), whole grain (n = 2), potato (n = 1), and nuts (n = 2). The methodological quality of the included meta-analyses was generally low or critically low. Although the strength of evidence was generally weak, convincing or suggestive evidence was found for a healthy/prudent, plant-based diet, fruit and vegetables, and lower risk of PC, whereas a high intake of red meat was associated with a higher risk of PC at a convincing level of evidence. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of the other dietary patterns/food components and the risk of PC.
The Relationship between the Need for Closure and Coronavirus Fear: The Mediating Effect of Beliefs in Conspiracy Theories about COVID-19
Authors: Staszak Sara , Maciejowska Julia , Urjasz Wiktoria , Misiuro Tomasz , Cudo Andrzej
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the relationship between fear of the coronavirus, belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and dimensions of the need for cognitive closure. As there is evidence of associations between these variables, we hypothesized that the relationship between the need for closure dimensions and coronavirus fear may be mediated by conspiracy beliefs about COVID-19. We analyzed the results from 380 individuals who completed online versions of three scales: the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, a short version of the Need for Closure Scale, and—designed for this study—the Conspiracy Theories about the Coronavirus Scale. The results showed that belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories fully mediated the relationship between the fear of the coronavirus and avoidance of ambiguity, as well as closed-mindedness. The findings provided evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories may play a significant role in reducing the level of coronavirus fear in people with high levels of these traits. In addition, a partial mediation between the fear of the coronavirus and the need for predictability was found. The limitations and implications of the research are discussed.
The Spatial Differentiation and Driving Forces of Ecological Welfare Performance in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Bai Ling , Guo Tianran , Xu Wei , Luo Kang
Published: November 2022

Ecological welfare performance contributes directly to human well-being and regional sustainable development. Improving the regional ecological welfare performance in the process of pursuing green and sustainable development demands theoretical innovation and empirical exploration. Based on the super-efficiency SBM model, this study evaluated the ecological welfare performance of 108 cities during the period of 2009 to 2019. The Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition and spatial convergence model were employed to analyze the differences in ecological welfare performance across and within the study area and explore the underlining causes of such spatial differentiation in the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the upper, middle and lower reaches. It can be seen from the results that: (1) the overall difference in the ecological welfare performance of the Yangtze River Economic Belt is associated with a fluctuating downward trend during the study period. Regional and inter-regional differences were revealed and hypervariable density was identified as the main source of the differences. (2) The ecological welfare performance of the Yangtze River Economic Belt has absolute and conditional β convergence, and the ecological welfare performance of each city-region and surrounding urban areas has a positive impact on each other. (3) The difference in the spatial-temporal differentiation trend is manifested by the difference in the convergence rate. The cities in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River have the fastest convergence rate, followed by the cities in the upper reaches, and the cities in the lower reaches are the slowest. This geographic difference is mainly driven by the combined effects of industrial structure, urban characteristics, environmental regulation, foreign direct investment, and transportation accessibility. Finally, it is proposed that future policies should focus on the imbalanced regional development in the study area, and each region needs to explore ways to improve local ecological welfare performance according to local conditions, and ultimately promote the overall green, coordinated and high-quality development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
Epidemiological Profile and Social Welfare Index as Factors Associated with COVID-19 Hospitalization and Severity in Mexico City: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Téllez-González Mario Antonio , Pineda-Juárez Juan Antonio , Suárez-Cuenca Juan Antonio , Escamilla-Tilch Mónica , Santillán-Cortez Daniel , García Silvia , Alcaraz-Estrada Sofía Lizeth , Pérez-Razo Juan Carlos , Delgado-Quintana Carlos Alberto , Vargas-Hernández Joel , Muñoz-López Sandra , Escarela-Serrano Maricela , Santosbeña-Lagunes Maribel , Alanís-Vega Alejandro , Vázquez-Alvarado Ricardo Platón , Merino-Rajme José Alfredo , Mondragón-Terán Paul
Published: November 2022

Epidemiological data indicate that Mexico holds the 19th place in cumulative cases (5506.53 per 100,000 inhabitants) of COVID-19 and the 5th place in cumulative deaths (256.14 per 100,000 inhabitants) globally and holds the 4th and 3rd place in cumulative cases and deaths in the Americas region, respectively, with Mexico City being the most affected area. Several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors have been linked to a poor clinical outcome in COVID-19 infection; however, whether socioeconomic and welfare factors are associated with clinical outcome has been scanty addressed. This study tried to investigate the association of Social Welfare Index (SWI) with hospitalization and severity due to COVID-19. A retrospective analysis was conducted at the Centro Médico Nacional “20 de Noviembre”—ISSSTE, based in Mexico City, Mexico. A total of 3963 patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, registered from March to July 2020, were included, retrieved information from the Virology Analysis and Reference Unit Database. Demographic, symptoms and clinical data were analyzed, as well as the SWI, a multidimensional parameter based on living and household conditions. An adjusted binary logistic regression model was performed in order to compare the outcomes of hospitalization, mechanical ventilation requirement (MVR) and mortality between SWI categories: Very high (VHi), high (Hi), medium (M) and low (L). The main findings show that lower SWI were independently associated with higher probability for hospital entry: VHi vs. Hi vs. M vs. L-SWI (0 vs. +0.24 [OR = 1.24, CI95% 1.01–1.53] vs. +0.90 [OR = 1.90, CI95% 1.56–2.32] vs. 0.73 [OR = 1.73, CI95% 1.36–2.19], respectively); Mechanical Ventilation Requirement: VHi vs. M vs. L-SWI (0 vs. +0.45 [OR = 1.45, CI95% 1.11–1.87] vs. +0.35 [OR = 1.35, CI95% 1.00–1.82]) and mortality: VHi vs. Hi vs. M (0 vs. +0.54 [OR = 1.54, CI95% 1.22–1.94] vs. +0.41 [OR = 1.41, CI95% 1.13–1.76]). We concluded that SWI was independently associated with the poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19, beyond demographic, epidemiological and clinical characteristics.