bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Rare Incidence of Neonatal Button Battery Ingestion: A Case of Child Abuse and Neglect
Authors: Almagribi Ahmad Zaker M
Published: November 2022

Foreign body (FB) ingestion is not uncommon, especially when the child beings coordination of the hands and mouth from 6 months to 5 years of age. However, FB ingestion in the neonatal period is extremely rare. We present a one-month-old baby with button battery ingestion to report the unusual age of presentation, unusual clinical findings, and child abuse. A radiopaque, spherical FB was visible in the upper chest on the chest X-ray. After performing an oesophagoscopy, the battery was removed, and the patient was put on a plan of anti-GERD medications and gradual nasogastric tube feeding. The patient was coping well under the supervision of the healthcare professional. However, the patient’s father decided to take the patient home against medical advice, and since then, no follow-up has been conducted by the patient’s guardians. In conclusion, neonatal foreign body ingestion is rare, and early detection and management can save neonates’ lives. Saudi Arabia’s national child protection teams, working under the National Family Safety Program, should strictly implement approved programs to prevent child abuse and teach positive parenting skills.
Optimization of the Thickness and Interface Structure of Al2O3-YAG/ZrO1.5-YO1.5-TaO1.5/8YSZ/NiCoCrAlY Multilayer Thermal Barrier Coatings: A Finite Element Simulation
Authors: Su Huai-Yu , Zhou Hong-Xia , Cao Zhi-Jun , Wan Jia-Bao , Liu Yao , Sun Xiao-Wen , Su Jia-Hui , Wu Qian , Wang Liang
Published: November 2022

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) prepared using the atmospheric plasma spraying method fail mainly due to coating delamination caused by thermal mismatch in the absence of high temperature assessment. In this study, the thickness optimization of multiple ceramic layers in a TBCs and the influence of the interface structure on the residual stress of the coating were investigated using a finite element simulation method. The results showed that varying the thickness of each layer of a TBCs with multiple ceramic layers affects the distribution and magnitude of the residual stress of the coating. Therefore, a reasonable range of thickness for each layer can be determined. The thickness of the bonding layer should be 110 μm, the thickness of YSZ layer should be about 270 μm, the thickness of tantalate layer should be about 70 μm, and the thickness of Al2O3-YAG layer should be about 100 μm. Simultaneously, the results show that a rough interface can be more effective in reducing the relief of stress concentrations compared to a smooth interface, but the stress values increase.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Unsteady MHD Carreau Fluid Flow over a Stretching/Shrinking Sheet
Authors: Qayyum Mubashir , Abbas Tariq , Afzal Sidra , Saeed Syed Tauseef , Akgül Ali , Inc Mustafa , Mahmoud Khaled H. , Alsubaie Abdullah Saad
Published: November 2022

This manuscript contains the modeling and analysis of an unsteady Carreau fluid with a magnetohydrodynamical effect over a stretching sheet. The governing momentum and energy equations admit a self-similarity solution. The system of ordinary differential equations has been solved analytically by the homotopy analysis method (HAM) and numerically by BVP4C (Matlab routine). An analysis of results shows that obtained analytical and numerical solutions are in excellent agreement with existing results in the literature. Furthermore, the effect of various fluid parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles are studied graphically. It is observed that velocity increases in the stretching sheet for power law index n and the Weissenberg number We, whereas it decreases for magnetic parameter M2. Tabular analysis on skin friction and heat transfer rate is also presented against pertinent fluid parameters.
Freeze and Thaw Effect on Asphalt Concrete Mixtures Modified with Natural Bentonite Clay
Authors: Bani Baker Mousa Ibraheem , Abendeh Raed Mohammad , Khasawneh Mohammad Ali
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effect of freeze and thaw (FT) cycles on the performance of asphalt concrete (AC) mixtures modified by partial replacement of mineral filler of the aggregate with natural bentonite clay (NBC) in order to reduce damage that occurs due to rapid FT cycles within the pavement structure. After exposure to FT cycles, AC mixture stability is reduced and becomes lower than minimum requirements, which leads to earlier damage of pavement. In order to enhance the AC mixture’s abilities to sustain severe FT cycles, this study used NBC amounts as a substitute for mineral filler by weight of its portion of the total aggregate: 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Marshall stability, flow, and FT cycles were tested, and interior damage degree was assessed by a nondestructive test called ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). The results revealed the viability of combining NBC with asphalt mixtures for the purpose of improving the mixtures’ properties, particularly in environments where asphalt pavement is exposed to alternating FT cycles. The results also revealed that replacement of filler with NBC by 5% in AC mixtures reduced the damage caused over 8 continuous weeks of rapid FT cycles by 13%, which, in future applications, would reduce maintenance cost and prolong the pavement’s service life.
Recent Trends in Synchronous Brain Metastasis Incidence and Mortality in the United States: Ten-Year Multicenter Experience
Authors: Che Wenqiang , Liu Jie , Fu Tengyue , Wang Xiangyu , Lyu Jun
Published: November 2022

Background: Large epidemiological studies describing the trends in incidence rates and mortality of synchronous brain metastases (SBMs) are lacking. The study aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the changes in the incidence and mortality of SBMs over the previous ten years. Methods: Trends in the incidence of solid malignancies outside of the CNS in patients with SBMs and incidence-based mortality rates were assessed using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Joinpoint analyses were used to calculate annual percent changes (APCs) and 95% CIs. Results: Between 2010 and 2019, 66,655 patients, including 34,821 (52.24%) men and 31,834 (47.76%) women, were found to have SBMs, and 57,692 deaths occurred over this period. Lung cancer SBMs, melanoma SBMs, and breast cancer SBMs were ranked in the top three, having the highest age-standardized incidence rates. The incidence of SBMs decreased significantly with an APC of −0.6% from 2010 to 2019, while the APC was 1.2% for lung cancer SBMs, 2.5% for melanoma SBMs, and 0.6% for breast cancer SBMs. The SBM mortality first experienced a rapid increase (APC = 28.6%) from 2010 to 2012 and then showed a significant decline at an APC of −1.8% from 2012 to 2019. Lung cancer SBMs showed similar trends, while melanoma SBM and breast cancer SBM mortality increased continuously. Conclusions: SBMs incidence (2010–2019) and incidence-based mortality (2012–2019) declined significantly. These findings can advance our understanding of the prevalence of SBMs.
Buffalo on the Edge: Factors Affecting Historical Distribution and Restoration of Bison bison in the Western Cordillera, North America
Authors: Farr Jonathan James , White Clifford A.
Published: November 2022

The historic western edge of the bison (Bison bison) range and the ecological processes that caused its formation are frequently debated with important implications for bison restoration across North America. We test the hypothesis that a combination of bottom-up habitat suitability and top-down harvest pressure from Indigenous peoples were important processes in forming the western edge of bison distribution. Using 9384 historical journal observations from 1691–1928, we employ MaxEnt ecological niche modelling to identify suitable bison habitat across the Western Cordillera from bottom-up climatic, land cover, and topographic factors. We then use mixed-effect logistic regression to test if bison occurrence in journal records can be in part explained by the abundance of humans, wolves, or grizzly bears, in addition to MaxEnt-derived habitat suitability. We find support for our hypothesis because of the limited suitable habitat in the Rocky Mountains that likely prevented westward bison dispersal from their core habitat, and there was a negative relationship between bison occurrence and human harvest pressure. On this basis, we propose that intensive human harvest from large populations in the Western Cordillera, subsidized by other wildlife, salmon, and vegetation resources, is an underappreciated socioecological process that needs to be restored alongside bison populations. Co-managing bison with Indigenous peoples will also mitigate the adverse effects of overabundant bison populations and maximize the ecological and cultural benefits of bison restoration.
Schrödinger’s Cat Meets Occam’s Razor
Authors: Gill Richard D.
Published: November 2022

We discuss V.P. Belavkin’s approach to the Schrödinger cat problem and show its close relation to ideas based on superselection and interaction with the environment developed by N.P. Landsman. The purpose of the paper is to explain these ideas in the most simple possible context, namely: discrete time and separable Hilbert spaces, in order to make them accessible to those coming from the philosophy of science and not too happy with idiosyncratic notation and terminology and sophisticated mathematical tools. Conventional elementary mathematical descriptions of quantum mechanics take “measurement” to be a primitive concept. Paradoxes arise when we choose to consider smaller or larger systems as measurement devices in their own right, by making different and apparently arbitrary choices of location of the “Heisenberg cut”. Various quantum interpretations have different resolutions of the paradox. In Belavkin’s approach, the classical world around us does really exist, and it evolves stochastically and dynamically in time according to probability laws following from successive applications of the Born law. It is a collapse theory. The quantum/classical distinction is determined by the arrow of time. The underlying unitary evolution of the wave-function of the universe enables the designation of a collection of beables which grows as time evolves, and which therefore can be assigned random, classical trajectories. In a slogan: the past is particles, the future is a wave. We, living in the now, are located on the cutting edge between past and future.
A Procedure to Design Feasible Dual Band Matching Networks with Minimum Complexity
Authors: DiCarlofelice Alessandro , DiGiampaolo Emidio , Tognolatti Piero
Published: November 2022

Many applications in communication systems require the development of dual band matching networks. A new method to design dual band matching networks was shown, which resorts to closed form equations based on transmission line theory, and has three particular characteristics: (i) it permits the minimum number of elements (two at most three) in the network; (ii) the topology of the network is not fixed but modular; and (iii) it is able to find multiple solutions within a predefined range of feasible characteristic impedances for the elements of the network. An extensive comparison with the results shown in the literature has been reported showing the improvements introduced by the proposed method. Numerical simulations and experimental results confirm the effectiveness of the method.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Digital Information Technologies in Higher Education: An Empirical Study
Authors: Almaiah Mohammed Amin , Alhumaid Khadija , Aldhuhoori Abid , Alnazzawi Noha , Aburayya Ahmad , Alfaisal Raghad , Salloum Said A. , Lutfi Abdalwali , Al Mulhem Ahmed , Alkhdour Tayseer , Awad Ali Bani , Shehab Rami
Published: November 2022

In this study, we present the results of an assessment of an initiative that seeks to transcend the application of digital information in the higher education sector by recommending an integrative approach that quantifies both the flow of digital information and tutors’ quality impacts concerning technology acceptance model (TAM) constructs and the perceived experience of digital information in education (DIE). There is a mounting evidence that the educational institutions that prioritize the perceived experience and the quality of the tutors do not, generally, take into account the limited exposure to digital information and technologies. Data gathered from a survey of 485 college students were used to evaluate the model and hypotheses. The findings show that users’ perceptions of the value of DIE may depend on several extrinsic conditions that improve their experiences of learning and teaching. The user’s traits, such as technological preparedness, are vital in determining perceived ease of use. In some cultures, the superior quality of the tutor may further increase perceptions of the technology’s perceived usefulness. The intention to adopt technology may also be highly influenced by other variables such as information flow. Therefore, academic institutions must reevaluate the usefulness of digital information technology as a tool for improving educational sections. This research limited its focus to educational environments in which DIE has a significant impact on the teaching and learning setting. Future works may concentrate on health or monetary organizations.
DA-Transfer: A Transfer Method for Malicious Network Traffic Classification with Small Sample Problem
Authors: Wang Ruonan , Fei Jinlong , Zhao Min , Zhang Rongkai , Guo Maohua , Li Xue , Qi Zan
Published: November 2022

Deep learning is successful in providing adequate classification results in the field of traffic classification due to its ability to characterize features. However, malicious traffic captures insufficient data and identity tags, which makes it difficult to reach the data volume required to drive deep learning. The problem of classifying small-sample malicious traffic has gradually become a research hotspot. This paper proposes a small-sample malicious traffic classification method based on deep transfer learning. The proposed DA-Transfer method significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of the small-sample malicious traffic classification model by integrating both data and model transfer adaptive modules. The data adaptation module promotes the consistency of the distribution between the source and target datasets, which improves the classification performance by adaptive training of the prior model. In addition, the model transfer adaptive module recommends the transfer network structure parameters, which effectively improves the network training efficiency. Experiments show that the average classification accuracy of the DA-Transfer method reaches 93.01% on a small-sample dataset with less than 200 packets per class. The training efficiency of the DA-Transfer model is improved by 20.02% compared to traditional transfer methods.
The Semi-Scheduling Mode of Multi-Energy System Considering Risk–Utility in Day-Ahead Market
Authors: Yang Xian , Cai Ye , Cao Yijia , Duan Shaowei , Tang Liang , Jia Zhijian
Published: November 2022

The large-scale development of renewable energy has an urgent demand for an adjustable power supply. For a multi-energy system with multiple types of heterogeneous power sources, including wind power, photovoltaic (PV) power, hydropower, thermal power and pumped storage, a novel semi-scheduling mode and a solution method were proposed in this paper. Firstly, based on the load and the reserve demand during the peak load period, the semi-scheduling mode was adopted to determine the start-up combination of thermal power units. Furthermore, by predicting the generating/pumping power, the working state of pumped storage units was determined to realize the independent solution of discrete integer variables. Secondly, the risk–utility function was constructed to quantify the attitude of pumped storage towards the uncertainty of renewable energy output, which completed the quotation and clearing of the pumped storage in the ancillary service market. Finally, by taking the minimum total quotation cost as the objective, the wind–solar–hydro- thermal-pumped storage coordinated (WSHTPC) model was built in the day-ahead market. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model were verified through the simulation of a typical day with different renewable energy penetration rates.
The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Yusaf Talal , Kadirgama K. , Hall Steve , Fernandes Louis
Published: November 2022

The widespread COVID-19 epidemic and political instability worldwide caused a significant transformation in the world’s fuel market [...]
A Study of Thermoelectric Generation Coupled with Methanol Steam Reforming for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Wang Guoqiang , Wang Feng , Guan Delun
Published: November 2022

Waste heat recovery was considered as a promising candidate for energy conservation and emission reduction. Methanol steam reforming was considered to be an effective means for hydrogen production because of its advantages. In this work, a micro reactor was constructed and thermoelectric generation coupled with hydrogen production from methanol steam reforming was innovatively used to recycle waste heat, which was simulated by hot air from a hot air gun. The waste heat was converted into electricity and hydrogen at the same time. The characteristic of thermoelectric generation coupled with methanol steam reforming was investigated. It was experimentally verified that both the hydrogen production rate and methanol conversion increased with the increasing inlet temperature, but thermal efficiency increased firstly and then decreased with the increasing temperature. The methanol steam reforming could effectively maintain cold side temperature distribution of thermoelectric generation. In the case of the thermoelectric module (1), the highest temperature difference of 37 °C was determined and the maximum open circuit voltage of 2 V was observed. The highest methanol conversion of 64.26% was achieved at a space velocity of 0.98 h−1 when the temperature was 543 K, comprehensively considering the CO content and thermal efficiency.
Optimized Network Reconfiguration with Integrated Generation Using Tangent Golden Flower Algorithm
Authors: Swaminathan Dhivya , Rajagopalan Arul
Published: November 2022

The importance of integrating distributed generation (DG) units into the distribution network (DN) recently developed. To decrease power losses (PL), this article presents a meta-heuristic population-based tangent golden flower pollination algorithm (TGFPA) as an optimization technique for selecting the ideal site for DG. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm also finds the optimal routing configuration for power flow. TGFPA requires very few tuning parameters and is comprised of a golden section and a tangent flight algorithm (TFA). Hence, it is easy to update these parameters to obtain the best values, which provide highly reliable results compared to other existing techniques. In different case studies, the TGFPA’s performance was assessed on four test bus systems: IEEE 33-bus, IEEE 69-bus, IEEE 119-bus, and Indian-52 bus. According to simulation results, TGFPA computes the optimal reconfigured DN embedded along with DG, achieving the goal of minimal power loss.
A Review of Recent Aerodynamic Power Extraction Challenges in Coordinated Pitch, Yaw, and Torque Control of Large-Scale Wind Turbine Systems
Authors: Palanimuthu Kumarasamy , Mayilsamy Ganesh , Basheer Ameerkhan , Lee Seong-Ryong , Song Dongran , Joo Young
Published: November 2022

As the impacts of environmental change become more severe, reliable and sustainable power generation and efficient aerodynamic power collection of onshore and offshore wind turbine systems present some of the associated key issues to address. Therefore, this review article aims to present current advances and challenges in the aerodynamic power extraction of wind turbines, associated supporting technologies in pitch, yaw, and torque control systems, and their advantages and implications in the renewable energy industry under environmental challenges. To do this, first, mathematical modeling of the environmental characteristics of the wind turbine system is presented. Next, the latest technological advances consider the environmental challenges presented in the literature, and merits and drawbacks are discussed. In addition, pioneering research works and state-of-the-art methodologies are categorized and evaluated according to pitch, yaw, and torque control objectives. Finally, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the impact of environmental issues, improvement claims, findings, and trade-offs of techniques found in the literature on super-large wind turbine systems. Thus, this study is expected to lay the groundwork for future intensive efforts to better understand the performance of large-scale wind turbine systems in addressing environmental issues.
Individuation of Wind Turbine Systematic Yaw Error through SCADA Data
Authors: Astolfi Davide , Pandit Ravi , Gao Linyue , Hong Jiarong
Published: November 2022

Much attention in the wind energy literature is devoted to condition monitoring [...]
Socio-Economic Impact of the Imposed Lockdowns in Food Chains: A Case Study in Cyprus
Authors: Koumoulides Dimitrios , Katsenios Nikolaos , Kasimatis Christoforos-Nikitas , Xydis George , Efthimiadou Aspasia
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 has affected the entire existence of humans. Despite the mass vaccination programs globally deployed, some governments are still struggling to minimize human losses, high rates of virus transmission, and the socio-economic shock the entire planet has being gone through. COVID-19 has seriously affected all global socio-economic sectors. In this direction, agriculture, food-security and the environment could not be outside of the high-scale negative impacts, especially during the first year of the imposed lockdowns on both national and global scales. The present study provides information on the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdowns imposed, having as its study area the Republic of Cyprus. The study focuses on potato cultivation and production, and on which level entire agricultural procedures were affected during the examined period of the lockdown. A survey methodology study was done with questionnaires distributed to local potato farmers across the country to quantify and identify the link between the pandemic and the potato sector of the island. It was revealed that manpower was limited due to the lockdowns, the distribution of crops to markets disrupted, long delays in transactions in the agricultural sector were experienced, and economic uncertainty, in general, in Cyprus was experienced, among other impacts. Results of the study indicated that—since COVID-19 is not going to be the last disease—a global transition towards a more resilient and spatially localised food network is required.
Mineral-Solubilizing Soil Bacteria Permanently Green Rocky Slopes by Enhancing Soil Adhesion to the Surface of Rocky Slopes
Authors: Wang Lingjian , Tang Xinggang , Liu Xin , Zhang Jinchi
Published: November 2022

Rocky slopes are vulnerable to landslides and mudslides, which pose a major threat to human life and property. Research is being conducted to improve the adhesion between soil and minerals by mineral-solubilizing bacteria to manage slopes scientifically and develop novel methods for slope greening. From the soil of Nanjing Mufu Mountain’s weathered rock walls, we isolated various soil mineral-solubilizing soil bacteria. During the soil bacterial solubilization test, we discovered that some soil bacteria could enhance the adherence of soil to minerals; therefore, we selected three soil bacteria (NL-7, NL-8, and NL-11) with higher performance for further investigation. Controlled experiments were used to investigate the effects of soil bacteria on soil characteristics (soil moisture content, soil pH, and soil exchangeable metal content) and soil adhesion to minerals. According to the findings, soil bacteria can improve the soil’s adhesion to minerals, improve the soil’s capacity to hold water, regulate soil pH, and solubilize and release exchangeable calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium ions. A structural equation modeling analysis was performed to thoroughly examine the relationship between soil characteristics and soil adherence to minerals. The analysis findings showed that soil moisture had the greatest total and direct positive impact on soil adherence to minerals. The most significant indirect impact of soil pH on soil adhesion to minerals is mainly caused by the exchangeable sodium and magnesium ions. Additionally, soil exchangeable sodium ions can only indirectly affect the adhesion of soil to minerals, which is accomplished by controlling soil exchangeable magnesium ions. Therefore, mineral-solubilizing soil bacteria primarily work by enhancing the soil’s water retention capacity to improve the soil’s adherence to minerals. Our study on the effect of mineral-solubilizing bacteria on the adhesion of soil and minerals demonstrates the significant potential of mineral-solubilizing bacteria in spray seeding greening, which will provide data and theoretical support for the formation, application, and promotion of mineral-solubilizing bacteria greening methods and gradually form a new set of scientific and efficient greening methods with Chinese characteristics.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger in Black Soldier Fly Co-Fermentation
Authors: Liu He , Yang Xia , Mai Liwen , Lin Jiacong , Zhang Liang , Wang Dingmei , Li Qinfen
Published: November 2022

Black soldier fly larvae have gained popularity as an organic waste bio-conversional tool and fodder protein replacement in recent decades. It can consume all kinds of animal feces, kitchen waste and agricultural waste with great efficiency and transform them into high-value insect protein, fatty acids, and amino acids, which makes the larva a good substitute for costly fish meal and bean pulp in animal diets. However, excess chitin in the larva skin limits its application as an animal feed additive, consequently, employing fermentation with zymocytes to remove the chitin is necessary. In this study, we raised black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) with different carbon sources, such as chicken feces, straws and glucose, and examined the growth condition; we applied Bacillus subtilis and Aspergillus niger to co-ferment BSFL paste to analyze its nutrition changes. Data revealed that among the four kinds of cultures, the body weight of the corn powder group increased most rapidly; the wood chip group was the most underweight; however, it increased faster than others before day 4, and contained the least fat. Label-free quantitative proteomic analysis revealed that the expression of multiple enzymes from B. subtilis and A. niger involved in polysaccharide hydrolysis, amino acid biosynthesis and fatty acid metabolism, such as peptidase of S8 family, maltogenic α-amylase, oligo-1,6-glucosidase and lysophospholipase like protein changed significantly compared to the control group. Production detection showed that free amino acids, acid-soluble proteins, and short-chain fatty acids increased after fermentation; 13 out of 17 amino acids were increased and total free amino acids were increased from 0.08 g/100 g to 0.3 g/100 g; organic acids increased by 4.81 to 17 fold through fermentation, respectively; the actual protein content declined from 3.03 g/100 g to 1.81 g/100 g, the peptide content increased from 1.3 g/100 g to 2.46 g/100 g, the chitin degradation rate was 40.3%, and fat decreased 30% (p < 0.05). These findings might provide important information for future applications of black soldier fly larvae in different carbon waste recycling measures and material for animal feed/organic fertilizer after fermentation.
Collaborative and Intelligent Networks and Decision Systems and Services for Supporting Engineering and Production Management
Authors: Varela Leonilde , Putnik Goran D.
Published: November 2022

Collaborative networks and systems (CNS) have received much attention in recent decades to reach a competitive advantage [...]
ApoE/NOS3 Knockout Mice as a Novel Cardiovascular Disease Model of Hypertension and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Ke , Chen Bangzhu , Zeng Fanwen , Wang Gang , Wu Xin , Liu Yueshu , Li Guiling , Yan Jiarong , Zhang Shouquan
Published: November 2022

Hypertension is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, few models of hypertensive atherosclerosis have been established in medical research. In this study, we crossed the ApoE knockout (ApoE-KO; ApoE−/−) atherosclerotic mouse model with the NOS3 knockout (NOS3-KO; NOS3−/−) hypertensive mouse model to establish an ApoE/NOS3 double knockout (ApoE/NOS3-KO; ApoE/NOS3−/−) hypertensive atherosclerosis mouse model. We found that ApoE/NOS3−/− mice reproduced normally, had a blood pressure of 133.00 ± 3.85 mmHg, and developed hypertensive fundus retinopathy and hypertensive nephropathy. In addition, serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in the blood were abnormally elevated, steatosis was observed in the liver cells, and atherosclerotic lesions were observed in the aortic vessels in ApoE/NOS3−/− adult mice. In conclusion, ApoE/NOS3−/− adult mice are a satisfactory model of hypertension and atherosclerosis and can be utilized for studies on cardiovascular diseases.
A Genome-Wide Scan Divulges Key Loci Involved in Resistance to Aphids (Aphis craccivora) in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Ongom Patrick Obia , Togola Abou , Fatokun Christian , Boukar Ousmane
Published: November 2022

Cowpea aphids (Aphis craccivora Koch) double as a direct damaging pest and a virus vector to cowpea, threatening the economic yield of the crop. Given the multiple ecotypes, different alleles have been implicated in aphid resistance, necessitating the identification of key genes involved. The present study implemented a genome-wide scan using 365 cowpea mini-core accessions to decipher loci involved in resistance to aphid ecotype from Kano, Nigeria. Accessions were artificially inoculated with A. craccivora in insect-proof cages and damage severity assessed at 21 days after infestation. Significant phenotypic differences based on aphid damage severity were registered among the accessions. Skewed phenotypic distributions were depicted in the population, suggesting the involvement of major genes in the control of resistance. A genome-wide scan identified three major regions on chromosomes Vu10, Vu08 and Vu02, and two minor ones on chromosomes Vu01 and Vu06, that were significantly associated with aphid resistance. These regions harbored several genes, out of which, five viz Vigun01g233100.1, Vigun02g088900.1, Vigun06g224900.1, Vigun08g030200.1 and Vigun10g031100.1 were the most proximal to the peak single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) positions. These genes are expressed under stress signaling, mechanical wounding and insect feeding. The uncovered loci contribute towards establishing a marker-assisted breeding platform and building durable resistance against aphids in cowpea.
Archaeometric Characterization of Wall Paintings from Isera and Ventotene Roman Villas
Authors: Ferretti Paolo , Canali Michela , Maurina Barbara
Published: November 2022

The authors present the first results of an archaeometric research project set up by the Rovereto Civic Museum Foundation in collaboration with MUSE–Trento Science Museum, aiming at analysing and comparing Roman plasters from different sites in order to highlight similarities and differences related to the preparation and realization of Roman wall renderings. The data concern the characterization of plaster samples from the Roman Villa of Isera and Ventotene (northern and central Italy) by means of a thin-section mineropetrographic examination under an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Metal-Hydride-Based Hydrogen Storage as Potential Heat Source for the Cold Start of PEM FC in Hydrogen-Powered Coaches: A Comparative Study of Various Materials and Thermal Management Techniques
Authors: Gkanas Evangelos I. , Wang Chongming , Shepherd Simon , Curnick Oliver
Published: November 2022

The successful and fast start-up of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) at subfreezing temperatures (cold start) is very important for the use of PEMFCs as energy sources for automotive applications. The effective thermal management of PEMFCs is of major importance. When hydrogen is stored in hydride-forming intermetallics, significant amounts of heat are released due to the exothermic nature of the reaction. This excess of heat can potentially be used for PEMFC thermal management and to accelerate the cold start. In the current work, this possibility is extensively studied. Three hydride-forming intermetallics are introduced and their hydrogenation behavior is evaluated. In addition, five thermal management scenarios of the metal hydride beds are studied in order to enhance the kinetics of the hydrogenation. The optimum combination of the intermetallic, hydrogenation behavior, weight and complexity of the thermal management system was chosen for the study of thermal coupling with the PEMFCs. A 1D GT-SUITE model was built to stimulate the thermal coupling of a 100 kW fuel cell stack with the metal hydride. The results show that the use of the heat from the metal hydride system was able to reduce the cold start by up to 8.2%.
Ten-Year Trend in Emergency Department Visits for Sexually Transmitted Infections among Adolescents: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study in Italy
Authors: Viottini Elena , Albanesi Beatrice , Casabona Elena , Onorati Roberta , Campagna Sara , Borraccino Alberto
Published: November 2022

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are frequently underdiagnosed, representing a serious public health concern, especially during adolescence and in more vulnerable communities. Aim: to describe the last ten years of emergency department (ED) visits for STIs among adolescents. Methods: a retrospective cross-sectional observation was carried out in the Piedmont region in Italy. Data were retrieved through the Italian National Information System database. ED visits related to specific ICD-9-CM codes carried out on 11 to 19-year-old youths between 2011 and 2020 were investigated. Age-specific, crude, and standardized rates and admission ratios, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated to estimate the STI trend. Results: from a total of 1,219,075 ED visits, 339 were related to STIs, representing an increasing ratio of 28 per 100,000 visits, primarily in females. Most infections occurred in girls (83.5%) and among 17 to 19-year-olds (71.5%). A drop in both ED visits and STI cases was observed in 2020. Genital Herpes and Genital Warts were more frequent in girls while Gonorrhea was more frequent in boys. Conclusions: the increasing trend of ED visits for STIs, particularly in girls, represents an emerging relevant public health issue that needs to be urgently tackled.
Prevalence of Insomnia in the Early Post-COVID-19 Recovery Period
Authors: Pudlo Robert , Jaworska Izabela , Szczegielniak Anna , Niedziela Jacek , Kułaczkowska Zofia , Nowowiejska-Wiewióra Alicja , Jaroszewicz Jerzy , Gąsior Mariusz
Published: November 2022

Background: Sleep is a complex, reversible process that is responsible for the modulation of various physiological mechanisms. COVID-19-related sleep disorders are affecting different populations with a heterogenous prevalence, yet high rates among infected patients are frequently reported. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of insomnia in the early post-COVID-19 recovery period and explore the differences in the results acquired by the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) by gender and selected infection severity parameters. Methods: The data presented in the paper come from a prospective, observational study on COVID-19 complications (SILCOV-19) consisting of 200 COVID-19 patients. The AIS was used for the quantitative measurement of insomnia symptoms based on ICD-10 criteria. Results: 32% (n = 64) of all patients in the study group obtained results indicating sleep disturbances (>5 points on the scale), while 21.5% (n = 43) obtained results indicating insomnia (>10 points on the scale). The analysis of the results obtained by all patients in the AIS showed a significant correlation with the duration of symptoms (Spearman’s rank-order: R = 0.18; p < 0.05), but not with the number of days spent in the hospital or age. Women achieved a higher score in overall AIS, as well as in questions assessing total sleep time, well-being the next day, physical and mental fitness the next day, and sleepiness during the day (p < 0.05). Conclusions: the prevalence of insomnia in the early post-COVID-19 recovery period is high.
Impacts of Social Inequality, Air Pollution, Rural–Urban Divides, and Insufficient Green Space on Residents’ Health in China: Insight from Chinese General Social Survey Data Analysis
Authors: Zhou Peng , Sun Siwei , Chen Tao , Pan Yue , Xu Wanqing , Zhang Hailu
Published: November 2022

Attention to physical and mental health is becoming more intensive. In China, factors and mechanisms are now a focus of research. We used dynamic air quality monitoring data and the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) to assess the spatial differences and the coupling between subjective and objective air pollution. In addition, a logistic model was used to explore the impact mechanisms of social inequality, air pollution, food safety, and lack of green space on health. The results show that (1) the impact of subjective and objective air pollution on the health level of the population is significant; (2) income inequality, air pollution, food pollution, and travel behavior significantly affect the residents’ health; and (3) environmental health has a significant differentiation mechanism between urban and rural areas. The negative health effects of air pollution and insufficient green space are more significant in cities; food pollution is more likely in rural areas. In terms of socioeconomic inequality, gender, family size, travel, and physical exercise had no significant effect on rural health. Health improvement was higher in the low-income group than in the high-income group. The adverse effect of travel behavior on environmental pollution is conducive to improving health. Therefore, social equality, strictly controlled environmental pollution, exercise, and travel can help narrow the gap between rich and poor, promote urban–rural health equity, and improve human health.
Association between Sedentary Behavior and Cognitive Performance in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults: Cross-Sectional Results from ELSA-Brasil
Authors: Moreira Pricilla de Almeida , Matos Sheila Maria Alvim de , Pitanga Francisco José Gondim , Giatti Luana , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Harter Griep Rosane , Almeida Maria da Conceição Chagas de , Santos Carlos Antônio de Souza Teles
Published: November 2022

Background: This study aimed to verify the association between Sedentary Behavior (SB) and performance on cognitive function tests in middle-aged and elderly adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 6505 participants (55.2% women) of ELSA-Brasil, with a median age of 61 years. The different types of SB considered were sitting time and screen time. The scores obtained in the memory, language, and executive function tests were used to assess cognitive performance (CP). The association between SB and CP was assessed using linear regression. Results: For men, sitting time was associated with better performance in memory, language, and executive function tests. Screen time on the weekend, showed a favorable association with performance in the executive function test. Occupational screen time on weekdays was positively associated with language test performance. For women, sitting time and occupational screen time were positively associated with performance on memory tests. SB was favorably associated with performance in language tests and executive function tests. Conclusions: SB seems to favor CP in this population without evident dementia and with a high level of education. The type of SB (mentally active or passive) and the schooling seem to be of particular interest for cognitive performance.
A Systems Theory of Mental Health in Recreational Sport
Authors: Vella Stewart A. , Schweickle Matthew J. , Sutcliffe Jordan , Liddelow Caitlin , Swann Christian
Published: November 2022

The focus on mental health outcomes in sport, including the ways in which mental health can be protected and promoted, has become a major international priority for all sports, including the recreational sports system. The aim of this paper is to outline a systems theory of mental health care and promotion that is specific to needs of the recreational sport system so that context-specific, effective policies, interventions, and models of care can be articulated and tested. Based on general systems theory, we offer a preliminary theory and accompanying postulates that outline the general principles that explain mental health in recreational sports. Namely: one of the purposes of the recreational sport system is to protect and promote the mental health of all involved; the recreational sport system is comprised of components (individuals, groups, organisations, communities, society); the role and function of those components vary by context; the purpose of the system is achieved through coordinated and reciprocal relationships between its components; and, the system should be regulated from within to ensure that mental health is protected and promoted. We have also outlined the ways in which the subcomponents of the system interact, their potential influence on mental health in recreational sports, and the ways in which they may be regulated. This information provides a theoretical foundation upon which research, programming, and policy can be based to protect and promote the mental health of all involved in recreational sports.
The Effect of Technical Training Provided by Agricultural Cooperatives on Farmers’ Adoption of Organic Fertilizers in China: Based on the Mediation Role of Ability and Perception
Authors: Liu Yuying , Shi Kaiyao , Liu Ziqi , Qiu Ling , Wang Yan , Liu Hao , Fu Xinhong
Published: November 2022

Organic fertilizers can be crucial in promoting sustainable agricultural development, but they are not used in a wide-ranging way among smallholder farmers in many developing countries. In China, cooperatives are considered essential subjects of agricultural technical training, but it is more common to join cooperatives without participating in their technical training. Thus, joining cooperatives or not cannot simply be used to assess the role of cooperatives in influencing the farmers’ production behavior. Based on survey data of 1160 citrus farmers in Sichuan Province, China, this study estimated the effect of the technical training provided by agricultural cooperatives on farmers’ adoption of organic fertilizers, taking into account the farmers’ ability and perception as the mediation variables. The findings showed that participating in the technical training provided by agricultural cooperatives could significantly enhance the likelihood that farmers will adopt organic fertilizers. The impact was 81.6% in influencing the farmer’s abilities and 7.64% in their perceptions of organic fertilizers. Furthermore, other variables, such as farm sizes, land transfers, and education levels, also make a difference in the effectiveness of the agricultural cooperatives’ technical training. This study provides support for developing pertinent policies to promote the complete adoption of agricultural cooperatives’ technical training functions and the widespread use of organic fertilizers.
Analysis of the Face Mask Use by Public Transport Passengers and Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shashina Ekaterina A. , Sannikova Ekaterina A. , Shcherbakov Denis V. , Zhernov Yury V. , Makarova Valentina V. , Isiutina-Fedotkova Tatiana S. , Zabroda Nadezhda N. , Belova Elena V. , Ermakova Nina A. , Khodykina Tatiana M. , Skopin Anton Yu. , Sukhov Vitaly A. , Klimova Anna A. , Turnic Tamara Nikolic , Yakushina Irina I. , Manerova Olga A. , Reshetnikov Vladimir A. , Mitrokhin Oleg V.
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: The use of face masks and gloves in public places directly shows the commitment of the population to the established regulations. Public transport is one of the most-at-risk places of contamination. The aim of the study was to analyze the face mask use by public transport passengers and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: Public transport passengers and workers were surveyed. Periodic intermittent selective observation was used to gauge the level of adherence to the established regulations among public transport passengers. Factor analysis was used to identify factors determining the face-mask-wearing comfort. (3) Results: The majority of passengers (87.5%) and all transport workers (100%) used face masks and gloves. Most of the users wore only face masks. Only 41.6% of passengers and 74.7% of transport workers wore face masks correctly. Motivational attitudes at the implementation of preventive measures were determined: established regulations in the public place (55.8%) and the protection of one’s own health and the health of family members (44.2%). Only 22.5% of those wearing face masks believed that doing so will have any effect on the spread of an infectious disease, and 10.8% wore masks to maintain the health of people around themselves. A low level of social responsibility was demonstrated. For 53.4% of workers, face mask wearing was uncomfortable. The majority of workers had adverse reactions to mask wearing: feeling short of breath (52.8%), hyperemia of face skin (33.8%), and facial hyperhidrosis (67.4%). (4) Conclusions: The comfort of wearing a mask is determined by adverse reactions occurrence, the properties of the mask, working conditions, and the duration of wearing the face mask. It is necessary to develop recommendations to reduce wearing discomfort. These recommendations, along with methods of raising the social responsibility of the population, can contribute to a greater commitment of the population to non-specific prevention measures.
Workplace Aesthetic Appreciation and Exhaustion in a COVID-19 Vaccination Center: The Role of Positive Affects and Interest in Art
Authors: Scrima Fabrizio , Foddai Elena , Hamel Jean-Félix , Carrein-Lerouge Cindy , Codou Olivier , Montalan Benoit , Vallée Boris , Zerhouni Oulmann , Rioux Liliane , Marchesa Pierenrico
Published: November 2022

Background: Recently, workers employed in vaccination points around the world have been subjected to very high workloads to counter the progress of the COVID-19 epidemic. This workload has a negative effect on their well-being. Environmental psychology studies have shown how the physical characteristics of the workplace environment can influence employees’ well-being. Furthermore, studies in the psychology of art show how art can improve the health of individuals. Objectives: The aim of this research was to test a moderated mediation model to verify how appreciation of workplace aesthetics can impact the level of exhaustion of staff working in a vaccination center, the mediating role of positive and negative affects, and the moderating role of interest in art. Methods: Data were collected from a sample of 274 workers (physicians, nurses, reception, and administrative staff) working in the same vaccination center in Italy. Participants answered a self-report questionnaire during a rest break. We used a cross-sectional design. Results: The results show that appreciation of workplace aesthetics impacts employees’ level of exhaustion. This relationship is mediated by positive and negative affects, and interest in art moderates the relationship between positive affects and exhaustion. Conclusions: These findings indicate the central role of workplace aesthetics in influencing healthcare workers’ well-being, and how interest in art can reduce exhaustion levels. Practical implications of the results are discussed.