bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on the Performance of a Space Radiation Cooling System under Different Environmental Factors
Authors: Zhuang Zhaoyi , Xu Yanbiao , Wu Qian , Liu Bing , Li Bowen , Zhao Jin , Yang Xuebin
Published: October 2022

As a new passive cooling technology, space radiation cooling has great potential for development because the cooling itself has no energy consumption, and the radiation heat exchanger does not affect the appearance, with low noise and low cost. Several rectangular stainless steel plates coated with RLHY-2 material are used as the transmitter for the field test. The experimental results show that, in the case of no windscreen, the increase of outdoor humidity will reduce the cooling effect, and the greater the humidity, the more pronounced the reduction effect. Significantly when the humidity increases from 78% to 90%, the cooling power of the cooler reduces from 102 to 67 W/m2. The thickness of the cloud layer also affects the cooling effect of the space radiative cooler. Compared with the clear weather, the cooling power of the cooler is reduced by 11.65 W/m2 on average under foggy weather conditions. Compared with the force-1 wind and the force-3 wind, the cooling effect of the cooler is the worst under the condition of the force-2 wind, and the average cooling power is only 49.76 W/m2. In addition, laying polyethylene (PE) film as a windscreen is beneficial to improving the radiative cooling effect, and the difference in surface temperature between the two is up to 3 °C. This research provides a theoretical basis and practical reference for applying radiative cooling technology in different regions and seasons and adjusting and improving its effects.
The Potential Role of Flying Vehicles in Progressing the Energy Transition
Authors: Chapman Andrew , Fujii Hidemichi
Published: October 2022

An energy transition is in progress around the globe, notably led by an increase in the deployment of renewable energy and a shift toward less emissions-intense options, notably in the transportation sector. This research investigates the potential role that new transportation options, namely flying vehicles, may play toward progressing the energy transition. As flying vehicles are a relatively new technology yet to penetrate the market, it is also prudent to consider the ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) associated with their implementation, alongside the potential energy and environmental impacts. Through a review of ELSI and energy and environmental literature, we identify research gaps and identify how flying vehicles may impact upon the energy transition over time. Our research identifies several critical aspects of both ELSI and energy and environmental academia relevant to the future deployment of flying vehicles and describes a deployment timeline and the resultant societal outcomes. We find that flying vehicles could drive the energy transition and the hydrogen economy and that their widespread adoption could engender shared socio-environmental benefits. Our findings are relevant to transportation and environmental policymakers and identify critical considerations for the planned introduction of new, shared transportation options to the market, conducive to a sustainable energy transition.
Complex Heat Exchange in Friction Steam of Brakes
Authors: Kernytskyy Ivan , Volchenko Aleksandr , Szlachetka Olga , Horbay Orest , Skrypnyk Vasyl , Zhuravlev Dmytro , Bolonnyi Vasyl , Yankiv Volodymyr , Humenuyk Ruslan , Polyansky Pavlo , Leśniewska Aleksandra , Walasek Dariusz , Koda Eugeniusz
Published: October 2022

In this article the structural features of friction pairs of brakes are analyzed. Heat transfer processes with new boundary conditions are described analytically with the addition of flow conditions and the appearance of a boundary thermal layer to convective heat transfer. The joint action of heat conduction and convection fields is presented. The release of heat during friction is due to the destruction of adhesive bonds in the actual contact zones, and the stress–strain state of micro-roughnesses. It should be said that due to the presence of accompanying transfer processes, complex heat transfer is much more complex compared to purely conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer, which significantly complicates its analytical and experimental study. In this regard, the processes of complex heat transfer are currently studied little. From the point of view of non-equilibrium thermodynamics, the main task of describing the transfer process is to establish a relationship between the magnitude of the specific flux and the surface-volume temperatures that it causes in the metallic friction elements of the brakes. Additionally, as a result, an assessment of conductive and convective heat transfer in friction pairs of brake devices was made.
A Self-Supervised Learning Model for Unknown Internet Traffic Identification Based on Surge Period
Authors: Wei Dawei , Shi Feifei , Dhelim Sahraoui
Published: October 2022

The identification of Internet protocols provides a significant basis for keeping Internet security and improving Internet Quality of Service (QoS). However, the overwhelming developments and updating of Internet technologies and protocols have led to large volumes of unknown Internet traffic, which threaten the safety of the network environment a lot. Since most of the unknown Internet traffic does not have any labels, it is difficult to adopt deep learning directly. Additionally, the feature accuracy and identification model also impact the identification accuracy a lot. In this paper, we propose a surge period-based feature extraction method that helps remove the negative influence of background traffic in network sessions and acquire as many traffic flow features as possible. In addition, we also establish an identification model of unknown Internet traffic based on JigClu, the self-supervised learning approach to training unlabeled datasets. It finally combines with the clustering method and realizes the further identification of unknown Internet traffic. The model has been demonstrated with an accuracy of no less than 74% in identifying unknown Internet traffic with the public dataset ISCXVPN2016 under different scenarios. The work provides a novel solution for unknown Internet traffic identification, which is the most difficult task in identifying Internet traffic. We believe it is a great leap in Internet traffic identification and is of great significance to maintaining the security of the network environment.
Fluorescent Sensing of Ciprofloxacin and Chloramphenicol in Milk Samples via Inner Filter Effect and Photoinduced Electron Transfer Based on Nanosized Rod-Shaped Eu-MOF
Authors: Yue Xiaoyue , Wu Chaoyun , Zhou Zijun , Fu Long , Bai Yanhong
Published: October 2022

Rapid, facile, and accurate detection of antibiotic residues is vital for practical applications. Herein, we designed a sensitive, visual, and rapid analytical method for sensitive detection of ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol based on a nanosized rod-shaped Europium metal organic framework (Eu-MOF). The fluorescent Eu-MOF was firstly synthesized by a simple synthetic route at room temperature, which displays a red emission. The mechanisms of detecting ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol were confirmed to be the inner filter effect (IFE) and photoinduced electron transfer (PET). Under the optimized experimental conditions, the detection limits of the developed method for ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol detection were 0.0136 and 3.16 μM, respectively. Moreover, the sensor was effectively applied for quantitative determination of ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol milk samples with satisfactory recoveries of 94.5–102% and 97–110%, respectively. This work developed a new method for rapid detection of ciprofloxacin and chloramphenicol residues. In addition, the established method has potential practical application value for on-site safety regulation on antibiotic residues in animal-derived food.
“Unhealthy = Tasty”: How Does It Affect Consumers’ (Un)Healthy Food Expectations?
Authors: Paakki Maija , Kantola Maija , Junkkari Terhi , Arjanne Leena , Luomala Harri , Hopia Anu
Published: October 2022

Consumers having a strong unhealthy = tasty (UT) belief are less likely to choose healthy food even though they recognize its health benefits, because they assume healthy food to be unpalatable. The aim of this study was to profile consumers according to their UT belief and specify the strength of the belief among a demographically representative consumer group. The other aim was to investigate the effect of UT belief on expectations of two food products representing either an unhealthy or a healthy image. A total of 1537 consumers participated in the online survey. The scale-based (1–7) mean for UT belief was 3.27 and related positively to male gender and food pleasure orientation and negatively to general health interest. The results indicate that a strong UT belief correlates with positive expectations of unhealthy food and with negative expectations of healthy food. UT belief seemed to increase expected food-associated guilt, but other strong food-related attitudes (health interest with unhealthy food and pleasure orientation with healthy food) reduced this effect. In practice, understanding the relationship between UT belief and personal factors and attitudes, and the importance of this belief to food expectations can assist in finding the tools to encourage consumers towards healthier food choices.
Early Basal Leaf Removal at Different Sides of the Canopy Improves the Quality of Aglianico Wine
Authors: Gambacorta Giuseppe , Faccia Michele , Natrella Giuseppe , Noviello Mirella , Masi Gianvito , Tarricone Luigi
Published: October 2022

It is well known that the early removal of basal leaves is a viticultural practice adopted to improve the exposure of clusters to direct sunlight and UV radiation and increase the phenolic compounds and anthocyanin concentration in the berries. The aim of this work was to study the influence of early basal leaf removal on Aglianico wines produced in the Apulia region (southern Italy) during three consecutive seasons. Three vine treatments were carried out, where 100% of the cluster-zone leaves on the north, south and both sides of the canopy were removed. Undefoliated plants were used as a control. The effect of the treatments on the basic chemical parameters, phenol content and volatile composition of wines was investigated using WineScan FT-MIR, spectrophotometry, HPLC-DAD and SPME-GC/MS. Early defoliation increased the amounts of flavonoids (+35–40%), anthocyanins (+15–18%), total polyphenols (+10%), antioxidant activity (+8–14%) and colour intensity (+10%), especially when leaf removal was applied on the south side. Moreover, leaf removal led to a 40% increase in free anthocyanins when applied on the south side of the canopy, while a 24% increase was observed when applied to the north side and 21% when applied to the north and south sides. A negative effect was observed on volatile compounds, which decreased by about 18, 14 and 13% when the treatment was applied on the north, north-south and south sides of the canopy, respectively. In conclusion, early leaf removal treatments allow for the modulation of the phenolic and volatile concentrations of Aglianico wines.
Assessing Edible Filamentous Fungal Carriers as Cell Supports for Growth of Yeast and Cultivated Meat
Authors: Ogawa Minami , Moreno García Jaime , Nitin Nitin , Baar Keith , Block David E.
Published: October 2022

The growth and activity of adherent cells can be enabled or enhanced through attachment to a solid surface. For food and beverage production processes, these solid supports should be food-grade, low-cost, and biocompatible with the cell of interest. Solid supports that are edible can be a part of the final product, thus simplifying downstream operations in the production of fermented beverages and lab grown meat. We provide proof of concept that edible filamentous fungal pellets can function as a solid support by assessing the attachment and growth of two model cell types: yeast, and myoblast cells. The filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae was cultured to produce pellets with 0.9 mm diameter. These fugal pellets were inactivated by heat or chemical methods and characterized physicochemically. Chemically inactivated pellets had the lowest dry mass and were the most hydrophobic. Scanning electron microscope images showed that both yeast and myoblast cells naturally adhered to the fungal pellets. Over 48 h of incubation, immobilized yeast increased five-fold on active pellets and six-fold on heat-inactivated pellets. Myoblast cells proliferated best on heat-treated pellets, where viable cell activity increased almost two-fold, whereas on chemically inactivated pellets myoblasts did not increase in the cell mass. These results support the use of filamentous fungi as a novel cell immobilization biomaterial for food technology applications.
Fractal Dimension Analysis of Structure and Bending Strength of Porous Alumina Prepared Using Starch and Carbon Fiber as Pore-Forming Agents
Authors: Chen Chang , Ding Xuecheng , Wang Yubin , Luo Zhixing , Zhai Peiyu
Published: October 2022

Porous alumina was prepared via a sacrificial template method using alumina as the matrix and starch and carbon fibers as the pore-forming agents. After sintering, no residual pore-forming agents were present. The density, porosity, and pore structure of the samples were measured using the Archimedes’ method and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The results showed that the pore size distribution of porous alumina was double-peak when the content of the pore-forming agent was 20, 30, or 50 vol.%, but was single-peak when the content was 40 vol.%. A fractal model based on the measured MIP data was used to calculate and evaluate the fractal dimension (Ds) of porous alumina. The Ds values decreased with an increase in the pore-forming agent content. Furthermore, Ds was negatively correlated with porosity, most probable pore size, and median pore diameter and positively correlated with the bending strength of porous alumina. Since porous alumina has obvious fractal characteristics, the fractal theory can be used to quantitatively describe its complex distribution.
Harm Received, Harm Caused: A Scottish Gael’s Journey to Becoming Pākehā
Authors: Pickering Dani
Published: October 2022

Beurla an donais. The language of the devil. This is how my great-great-great grandfather, Neil McLeod, described English in his native Gaelic as he grieved the loss of his wife Rebecca Henry in 1886. Even as he tried to distance himself socially and linguistically from the Anglophone world, however, he had already long since been caught up in its colonial machinery. After being cleared from his ancestral homeland of Raasay, Scotland in 1864 and relocated to the colonial frontier in Aotearoa New Zealand, Neil went on to spend more than fifteen years in the New Zealand Armed Constabulary and its reconstituted form, the New Zealand Police Force, before being killed on the job in 1890. Drawing on critical family history literature, firsthand accounts from Neil’s personal diaries, other family accounts and additional historical research, this article retraces Neil’s assimilation into white New Zealand. By unsettling the “constitutive forgetting” by which Neil and his descendants forsook our connection to Raasay and the Scottish Gàidhealtachd to become Pākehā settlers, I explore a history prior to and concurrent with the colonisation of Aotearoa which accounts for multi-ethnic Pākehā origins, beyond the Anglo-Saxon, and enables a deeper understanding of how and why Gaels such as Neil participated in the British Empire. I conclude by considering how Neil’s story deepens our understanding of how the settler-colonial subject is produced by highlighting the occasionally fine but always distinct line between coloniser and colonised.
Transforming Social Determinants to Educational Outcomes: Geospatial Considerations
Authors: Banerjee Sri , Szirony G. Michael , McCune Nina , Davis W. Sumner , Subocz Sue , Ragsdale Brian
Published: October 2022

In recovering from one of the worst educational crises in recorded history due to the pandemic, in a mission to rebuild and become more resilient, there has been a heightened urgency to provide resources to communities most in need. However, precisely identifying those needs have become all the more important due to the increase in popularity of e-learning as a suitable option and the improvement of technologies. Most notably, socially disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities were disproportionately and severely impacted by several aspects of the pandemic, in terms of health, economics, access to education, and sustainable well-being. This differential effect was modeled spatially with the combination of aerial photogrammetry, traditional geospatial mapping, and other robust AI-driven techniques to synthesize and analyze the various types of data. In this original research study, we apply various spatial health variables, relate them to educational variables in an initial empirical process of understanding how to address equity-related considerations from the context of the learner’s experience, providing the empirical evidence for the development of locally tailored learner support and assistance, meeting students where they are by specifically identifying and targetting geographically underserved areas. We found that there were clear statistically significant relationships between educational attainment and several physical (p < 0.001), mental (p = 0.003), access to healthy food/food security (p < 0.001), and uptake of preventative health measures (p < 0.001), which also varied geographically. Geographic variations in learning experiences demonstrates the unquestionable need to understand a variety of physical, mental, and dietary factors surrounding the student’s success. Understanding a combination of these factors in a geospatial context will allow educational institutions to best serve the needs of learners.
Online Questionnaire with Fibromyalgia Patients Reveals Correlations among Type of Pain, Psychological Alterations, and Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Therapies
Authors: Demori Ilaria , Molinari Elena , Rapallo Fabio , Mucci Viviana , Marinelli Lucio , Losacco Serena , Burlando Bruno
Published: October 2022

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome with an unclear etiology. In addition to pain, FM patients suffer from a diverse array of symptoms and comorbidities, encompassing fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, mood disorders, sleep deprivation, and dizziness. Due to the complexity of FM, the diagnosis and treatment of it are highly challenging. The aim of the present work was to investigate some clinical and psychological characteristics of FM patients, and to uncover possible correlations with pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study aimed at evaluating pain, psychological traits, and the self-perceived effectiveness of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in an Italian population of FM patients. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and inference analyses were performed. We found a prevalence of a neuropathic/nociplastic type of pain, which correlated with psychological traits such as anxiety, low mood, psychophysical discomfort, and the inability to relax. The pain type and psychological traits proved to play a role in determining the self-perceived effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Patients revealed a better response to non-pharmacological therapies, particularly dietary interventions, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy rather than pharmacological interventions. The sum of our data indicates that for better outcomes, the type of pain and psychological traits should be considered for tailor-made treatments considering non-pharmacological protocols as a complement to the use of drugs.
Storytelling of Young Adults with Chronic Rheumatologic Illnesses: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lanis Aviya , Tu Emilee , Peskin Malki , Melendez Maryann , Tarshish Gabriel , Akinsete Alisha , Hoffman Alicia , Kenney-Riley Kathleen , Rubinstein Tamar , Wahezi Dawn
Published: October 2022

Background: Narrative medicine allows patients to reconstruct medical experiences through written portrayals of perspectives, building a mutual depiction of illness while creating a sense of belonging. This modality has not been previously studied in youth with rheumatologic illnesses, a population with high mental health burden and worse health-related quality of life. We aimed to assess the feasibility of a storytelling intervention in this patient population. Methods: This is a mixed-methods study of 14–21-year-olds with rheumatologic diseases followed in the Bronx, NY. Participants completed an hour-long creative writing session focused on patient experience with chronic disease. Pre- and post-questionnaires assessed patient-reported outcomes, and post-participation video interviews assessed personal experiences through the storytelling session. Results: Thirteen female patients were divided amongst four creative writing sessions. Twelve patients completed pre-study questionnaires and 10 completed post-study questionnaires, with 100% completion of the post-participation interviews. PedsQL surveys showed statistically significant improvement in physical health (p < 0.02), and there was no significant difference between pre- and post-scores for any other questionnaires. Interview thematic domains included writing motivation, prior writing experience, illness experience, relating to others, relationship with providers, and support. Conclusion: Creative writing is a feasible and acceptable intervention for youth with rheumatologic illnesses.
Dynamic Resistance Exercise Alters Blood ApoA-I Levels, Inflammatory Markers, and Metabolic Syndrome Markers in Elderly Women
Authors: Ahn Nayoung , Kim Kijin
Published: October 2022

Combined endurance and dynamic-resistance exercise has important anti-inflammatory effects, altering vascular endothelial function, and helping to prevent and treat aging-related metabolic syndrome (MS). We studied changes in 40 elderly women aged ≥ 65 years (control group (no MS), n = 20, mean age: 68.23 ± 2.56 years; MS group, n = 19, mean age: 71.42 ± 5.87 years; one left). The exercise program comprised dynamic-resistance training using elastic bands, three times weekly, for six months. We analyzed body composition, blood pressure, physical fitness, and MS-related blood variables including ApoA-I, antioxidant factors, and inflammatory markers. After the program, the MS group showed significant reductions in waist-hip ratio, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, blood insulin, and HOMA-IR, and a significant increase in HSP70 (p < 0.05). Both groups showed significant increases in ApoA-I levels, ApoA-I/HDL-C ratio, SOD2, IL-4, and IL-5 levels (p < 0.05). Active-resistance training-induced changes in ApoA-I were significantly positively correlated with changes in HDL-C and HSP70, and significantly negatively correlated with changes in triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and TNF-α (p < 0.05). Active-resistance training qualitatively altered HDL, mostly by altering ApoA-I levels, relieving vascular inflammation, and improving antioxidant function. This provides evidence that dynamic-resistance exercise can improve physical fitness and MS risk factors in elderly women.
Influence of Diabetes Knowledge, Self-Stigma, and Self-Care Behavior on Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Cho Sung Eun , Kwon Myoungjin , Kim Sun Ae
Published: October 2022

Globally, almost 9.3% of the population aged 20–80 years have been diagnosed with diabetes making diabetes management a global health problem beyond specific regions or races. This study aimed to determine the effect of diabetes knowledge, self-stigma, and self-care behavior on the quality of life of patients with diabetes. This descriptive research study evaluated 180 patients receiving diabetes treatment at the outpatient Department of Endocrinology at C University Hospital. Data were collected between 30 July 2019, and 30 August 2019. The study variables were general patient characteristics, disease-related characteristics, quality of life, diabetes knowledge, self-stigma, and self-care behavior. Factors affecting the quality of life were analyzed by hierarchical regression. Self-stigma (β = −0.298), monthly income (β = 0.270), and self-care behavior (β = 0.140) significantly affected the quality of life, in that order. The higher the self-stigma, the lower the quality of life, and the higher the monthly income and the level of self-care behavior, the higher the quality of life. A psychosocial support program to positively change the attitude toward diabetes is needed to improve the quality of life among patients with diabetes.
Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Rural Development: The Case of Tàrbena, Spain
Authors: Signes-Pont Maria Teresa , Cortés-Plana José Juan , Boters-Pitarch Joan , Mora-Mora Higinio
Published: October 2022

The population decline of small villages is a very serious problem for our society. This situation is not easy to reverse. The challenge is to generate consensus among the inhabitants of small villages to develop projects that have both a link with social and cultural heritage and the aid of the regional and local authorities. This framework can be successful when it also has the capability to provide new lines of development growing from this initial seed that can attract new inhabitants. In this paper, we present research that follows these requirements. Our proposal is based on a traditional agriculture resource, which is the art of building dry stone walls. We study the case of Tàrbena (642 inhabitants in the province of Alicante, Spain). Stone artifacts are recovered: some of them are still useful for agriculture, and others are cataloged and transformed into a product for cultural tourism. This project is expected to develop local, manual, and specialized work through the development of workshops, crafts, and small businesses. This will provide more income for the municipality and the private sector and more opportunities to attract new inhabitants.
Preliminary Studies of the Coastal Defenses of Cullera’s Cape Built during the Spanish Civil War: From Historical Study to Formal Analysis
Authors: Gil-Piqueras Teresa , Rodríguez-Navarro Pablo , Cabrera Revuelta Elena , Gandía Álvarez Enrique
Published: October 2022

The Spanish Civil War is a chapter of a historical memory that has been avoided for years, rejecting any lived event. In recent years, this trend is changing, and public administrations are beginning to promote its recovery, starting by declaring this heritage as an Asset of Local Relevance. The aim of the current research is to study, analyze, and document the military constructions erected by the Government of the Republic during 1936–1939, at the Cullera’s Cape (Valencia). The research begins with the historical context definition, to subsequently approach the study of the material remains, analyzed after an exhaustive and rigorous graphic documentation work. The methodology followed had to be adapted to the needs of the constructions and their surroundings, which led to the use of a combination of 3D survey techniques based on terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry methods. Accordingly, we were able to digitize, geometrize, and document both the buried and the exposed construction remains, in a correct and precise manner. This is a unique and unprecedented investigation despite its significance and historical relevance. The present work can serve as a basis for the musealization of the site, contributing to its recovery and enhancement.
Detection and Molecular Characterization of Chickpea Chlorotic Dwarf Virus and Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus in Morocco
Authors: Radouane Nabil , Lahlali Rachid , Darif Meryem , Ezrari Said , Benjelloun Meryem , Belabess Zineb , Barka Essaid Ait , Tahiri Abdessalem
Published: October 2022

The chickpea chlorotic dwarf virus (CpCDV) (from the genus Mastrevirus and the family Geminiviridae) and tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) (from the genus Begomovirus and the family Geminiviridae) represent an important threat to different crops worldwide, as they are emerging viruses in the Asian continent, were introduced to the Mediterranean region in 2012, and were then reported in Morocco in 2017 and 2018. The present study addresses the dispersion of the CpCDV and the ToLCNDV and evaluates the genetic diversity of the Moroccan isolates of both viruses. A total of 1333 symptomatic leaf plant samples were analyzed by PCR. The study has reported the detection of the ToLCNDV in melon and tomato, as well as the CpCDV in squash crops for the first time in Morocco. Blast analysis of selected representative isolates showed a 97–99% nucleotide identity with the ToLCNDV and the CpCDV infecting different crops in the Mediterranean region. Phylogenetic analysis showed low variability among the Moroccan isolates for the ToLCNDV compared to the Spanish and Italian isolates, whereas the CpCDV strains were variable regarding strains reported in Tunisia and Egypt. Recombination analysis showed the presence of the ToLCNDV recombinant strains with variable parents. The spread of both geminiviruses represents a threat to different crop production, requiring the development of crop protection and management strategies. To prevent viral outbreaks, restrictive phytosanitary measures and the development of resistance strategies are also necessary.
The Assessment of Climate Change Impacts and Land-use Changes on Flood Characteristics: The Case Study of the Kelani River Basin, Sri Lanka
Authors: Samarasinghe Jayanga T. , Makumbura Randika K. , Wickramarachchi Charuni , Sirisena Jeewanthi , Gunathilake Miyuru B. , Muttil Nitin , Teo Fang Yenn , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: October 2022

Understanding the changes in climate and land use/land cover (LULC) over time is important for developing policies for minimizing the socio-economic impacts of riverine floods. The present study evaluates the influence of hydro-climatic factors and anthropogenic practices related to LULC on floods in the Kelani River Basin (KRB) in Sri Lanka. The gauge-based daily precipitation, monthly mean temperature, daily discharges, and water levels at sub-basin/basin outlets, and both surveyed and remotely sensed inundation areas were used for this analysis. Flood characteristics in terms of mean, maximum, and number of peaks were estimated by applying the peak over threshold (POT) method. Nonparametric tests were also used to identify the climatic trends. In addition, LULC maps were generated over the years 1988–2017 using Landsat images. It is observed that the flood intensities and frequencies in the KRB have increased over the years. However, Deraniyagala and Norwood sub-basins have converted to dry due to the decrease in precipitation, whereas Kithulgala, Holombuwa, Glencourse, and Hanwella showed an increase in precipitation. A significant variation in atmospheric temperature was not observed. Furthermore, the LULC has mostly changed from vegetation/barren land to built-up in many parts of the basin. Simple correlation and partial correlation analysis showed that flood frequency and inundation areas have a significant correlation with LULC and hydro-climatic factors, especially precipitation over time. The results of this research will therefore be useful for policy makers and environmental specialists to understand the relationship of flood frequencies with the anthropogenic influences on LULC and climatic factors.
African American Females Are Less Metabolically Flexible Compared with Caucasian American Females following a Single High-Fat Meal: A Pilot Study
Authors: Olenick Alyssa A. , Pearson Regis C. , Shaker Nuha , Blankenship Maire M. , Tinius Rachel A. , Winchester Lee J. , Oregon Evie , Maples Jill M.
Published: October 2022

The relationship between metabolic flexibility (MF) and components of metabolic disease has not been well-studied among African American (AA) females and may play a role in the higher incidence of chronic disease among them compared with Caucasian American (CA) females. This pilot study aimed to compare the metabolic response of AA and CA females after a high-fat meal. Eleven AA (25.6 (5.6) y, 27.2 (6.0) kg/m2, 27.5 (9.7) % body fat) and twelve CA (26.5 (1.5) y, 25.7 (5.3) kg/m2, 25.0 (7.4) % body fat) women free of cardiovascular and metabolic disease and underwent a high-fat meal challenge (55.9% fat). Lipid oxidation, insulin, glucose, and interleukin (IL)-8 were measured fasted, 2 and 4 h postprandial. AA females had a significantly lower increase in lipid oxidation from baseline to 2 h postprandial (p = 0.022), and trended lower at 4 h postprandial (p = 0.081) compared with CA females, indicating worse MF. No group differences in insulin, glucose or HOMA-IR were detected. IL-8 was significantly higher in AA females compared with CA females at 2 and 4 h postprandial (p = 0.016 and p = 0.015, respectively). These findings provide evidence of metabolic and inflammatory disparities among AA females compared with CA females that could serve as a predictor of chronic disease in individuals with a disproportionately higher risk of development.
Sarcoid-like Lung Disease as a Reaction to Silica from Exposure to Bentonite Cat Litter Complicated by End-Stage Renal Failure—A Case Report
Authors: Hubska Joanna , Shahnazaryan Urszula , Rosłon Marek , Szczepankiewicz Benedykt , Nikiforow Kostiantyn , Pisarek Marcin , Barnaś Małgorzata , Ambroziak Urszula
Published: October 2022

A 44-year-old woman was admitted to hospital with end-stage renal failure, productive cough, and decreased exercise tolerance. She had owned nine cats, which resulted in long-term exposure (18 years) to silica-containing bentonite cat litter. High-resolution computed tomography of the chest showed micronodular lesions in the lungs, and mild mediastinal lymphadenopathy. A lung biopsy revealed multinucleated giant cells, some of which had birefringent material and Schaumann bodies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed the presence of silicon in the lung biopsy specimen, as well as in the patient’s cat litter. The pulmonary condition was suggestive of sarcoid-like lung disease, rather than silicosis, sarcoidosis, or hypersensitivity pneumonitis, according to the clinicopathological findings. Renal failure appeared to be a result of chronic hypercalcemia due to extrarenal calcitriol overproduction in activated alveolar macrophages. Ultimately, the patient was diagnosed with sarcoid-like lung disease complicated by end-stage renal failure from exposure to bentonite cat litter. Therapy with steroids, in addition to elimination of the bentonite cat litter exposure, resulted in a significant improvement in the health condition. At a follow-up visit after 4 months, an almost complete resolution of the lung lesions and a significant improvement in renal function were observed.
Blue-Light-Blocking Lenses Ameliorate Structural Alterations in the Rodent Hippocampus
Authors: Akansha Elizebeth O. , Bui Bang V. , Ganeshrao Shonraj B. , Bakthavatchalam Pugazhandhi , Gopalakrishnan Sivakumar , Mattam Susmitha , Poojary Radhika R. , Jathanna Judith S. , Jose Judy , Theruveethi Nagarajan N.
Published: October 2022

Evidence suggests that prolonged blue-light exposure can impact vision; however, less is known about its impact on non-visual higher-order functions in the brain, such as learning and memory. Blue-light-blocking lenses (BBLs) claim to reduce these potential impacts. Hence, we assessed structural and functional hippocampal alterations following blue-light exposure and the protective efficacy of BBLs. Male Wistar rats were divided into (n = 6 in each group) normal control (NC), blue-light exposure (LE), and blue-light with BBLs (Crizal Prevencia, CP and DuraVision Blue, DB) groups. After 28 days of light exposure (12:12 light: dark cycle), rats were trained for the Morris water maze memory retention test, and brain tissues were sectioned for hippocampal neuronal analysis using Golgi and Cresyl violet stains. The memory retention test was significantly delayed (p < 0.05) in LE compared with DB groups on day 1 of training. Comparison of Golgi-stained neurons showed significant structural alterations, particularly in the basal dendrites of hippocampal neurons in the LE group, with BBLs significantly mitigating these structural changes (p < 0.05). Comparison of Cresyl-violet-stained neurons revealed significantly (p < 0.001) increased degenerated hippocampal neurons in LE rats, with fewer degenerated neurons in the CP lens group for CA1 neurons (p < 0.05), and for both CP and DB groups (p < 0.05) for CA3 neurons. Thus, in addition to documented effects on visual centers, high-level blue-light exposure also results in degeneration in hippocampal neurons with associated behavioral deficits. These changes can be partially ameliorated with blue-light-blocking lenses.
Nutrition-Education-Based Interventions in Gestational Diabetes: A Scoping Review of Clinical Trials
Authors: Helm Macy M. , Izuora Kenneth , Basu Arpita
Published: October 2022

Cases of diabetes mellitus have seen a global increase in prevalence, but there are inherent differences in the pathology and management of different types of diabetes. Type 2 and gestational diabetes have the most similar pathophysiology. For that reason, many similar management strategies exist between type 2 and gestational diabetes, including nutrition-based interventions. Diabetes self-management education and medical nutrition therapy have been advanced as cost-effective interventions to manage hyperglycemia. Many of these interventions, however, were designed for type 2 diabetes and adapted for diabetes in gestation. Nutrition-education-based interventions in gestational diabetes have not been fully elucidated. We scrutinized this gap by conducting a scoping review of recently published peer-reviewed studies that evaluated clinical endpoints in cases of gestational diabetes with nutrition-education-based interventions. The search yielded 621 articles, and the 12 articles included were published between 2012 and 2022. The nutrition information varied across the heterogeneous diabetes self-management education, whereas the medical nutrition therapy studies were more consistent. Our literature search revealed similar outcomes across self-management education and medical nutrition therapy interventions implemented during the third trimester of pregnancies with diabetes. These results suggest that both generalized and personalized approaches to nutrition education in gestational diabetes can manage hyperglycemia and offset its adverse consequences.
Nurses’ Quality of Life and Healthy Behaviors
Authors: Orszulak Natalia , Kubiak Klaudia , Kowal Adam , Czapla Michał , Uchmanowicz Izabella
Published: October 2022

Quality of life (QoL) is closely linked to the health status of the individual. In turn, health status strongly depends on lifestyle. Health behavior, which is defined as the actions and attitudes of a person that affect their physical and mental health, is one of many lifestyle components. The nursing community, which is exposed to a range of dangers associated with the job position and responsibilities of the nursing profession, has to contend with several negative impacts. This results in a decreased quality of life among the nursing staff and reduced effectiveness in providing care services to patients. Methods: This study was conducted using an online Google questionnaire, which was completed by 312 nurses nationwide. The questionnaire included questions about the respondents’ socio-demographic survey and included the Health Behavior Inventory (HBI) by Juczyński and the WHOQoL-BREF questionnaire. Results: The mean QoL reported by respondents was 3.65 points (SD = 0.67), meaning that QoL ranked between good and average results. The respondents’ mean rating of their own health was 3.58 points (SD = 0.79), indicating that they rated their health status between satisfactory and average. Low health-behavior prevalence was reported by 139 of the 312 survey participants (44.55%), while 111 respondents (35.58%) had average health-behavior prevalence and 62 (19.87%) had high health-behavior prevalence. Each of the QoL domains correlated significantly (p ˂ 0.05) and positively (r ˃ 0) with the total HBI score and all its subscales. Conclusions: Higher quality of life improves the level of health behavior by nursing staff. Obesity lowers the quality of life in physical, psychological, and social domains. The psychological sphere was the best-rated quality of life domain by nurses. A good material situation for nurses has a positive effect on their quality of life.
Mental Health, Support System, and Perceived Usefulness of Support in University Students in Hong Kong Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Survey
Authors: Lai Agnes Y. K. , Cheung George O. C. , Choi Asa C. M. , Wang Man-Ping , Chan Polly S. L. , Lam Angie H. Y. , Lo Esther W. S. , Lin Chia-Chin , Lam Tai-Hing
Published: October 2022

Background: This study explored the association of students’ mental health with their support system, identified the preferred ways and sources of support, investigated the perceived usefulness of available university support, and recommended actionable strategies to enhance students’ mental health. Method: An online questionnaire survey and semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted in 2021. Results: Among 1121 university students, 39.4% reported anxiety symptoms, which were less common in Chinese students and those pursuing medical and health programmes. Overall, 32.6% reported depression symptoms, which were more common in undergraduates. Both anxiety and depression symptoms were less common in students with higher resilience and support system and more common in students with family distress. Students with higher resilience had a better support system and less family distress. Perceived support from universities was lower than from peers and families. Peer support and phone contacts were the most preferred sources and ways of support. The most useful available university support was updated university guidelines, and the least useful was the emotional hotline service from universities The qualitative findings corroborated the quantitative results. Conclusion: We suggested that a holistic care approach and more proactive student-oriented university support would help students face adversity and enhance mental health.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Mental Stress within Diverse Sociodemographic Groups
Authors: Khan Wasiq , Khan Bilal M. , Yasen Salwa , Al-Dahiri Ahmed , Al-Jumeily Dhiya , Dajani Khalil , Hussain Abir
Published: October 2022

In this study, we surveyed 635 participants to determine: (a) major causes of mental stress during the pandemic and its future impacts, and (b) diversity in public perception of the COVID-19 vaccination and its acceptance (specifically for children). Statistical results and intelligent clustering outcomes indicate significant associations between sociodemographic diversity, mental stress causes, and vaccination perception. For instance, statistical results indicate significant dependence between gender (we will use term ‘sex’ in the rest of the manuscript) and mental stress due to COVID-19 infection (p = 1.7 × 10−5). Over 25% of males indicated work-related stress compared to 35% in females, however, females indicated that they were more stressed (17%) due to relationships compared to males (12%). Around 30% of Asian/Arabic participants do not feel that the vaccination is safe as compared to 8% of white British and 22% of white Europeans, indicating significant dependence (p = 1.8 × 10−8) with ethnicity. More specifically, vaccination acceptance for children is significantly dependent with ethnicity (p = 3.7 × 10−5) where only 47% participants show willingness towards children’s vaccination. The primary dataset in this study along with experimental outcomes identifying sociodemographic information diversity with respect to public perception and acceptance of vaccination in children and potential stress factors might be useful for the public and policymakers to help them be better prepared for future epidemics, as well as working globally to combat mental health issues.
Advancing Health Research Impact through a Systemic Multi-Sectoral Approach: A Protocol for Introducing Reduced-Sodium Salts and Salty Condiments in Vietnam
Authors: Rosewarne Emalie , Hoek Annet C. , Palu Aliyah , Trieu Kathy , Taylor Colman , Ha Do Thi Phuong , Sieburg Michael , Ide Nicole , Buse Kent , Webster Jacqui
Published: October 2022

Better alignment between health research organisations with the needs (and interests) of key stakeholders in the health policy and research system is critical to improving research impact. The George Institute for Global Health’s ‘Healthier Societies’ program focuses on harnessing the power of governments, markets, and communities to improve population level health equity outcomes and maximise research impact. This protocol outlines a systemic multi-sectoral approach to advance health research impact globally applied to a project to reduce population salt intake in Vietnam by introducing reduced-sodium salts and salty condiments. We defined a systemic multi-sectoral approach to be a strategy that involves engaging with government, market and communities in a deliberate and joined-up way to solve a problem in which they all have a role to play. The project objectives are to: (i) produce reduced-sodium fish sauce products and test consumer acceptability; (ii) investigate the market feasibility of introducing reduced-sodium foods (salt, bot canh and fish sauce) into the Vietnamese market; (iii) estimate the cost-effectiveness of three different government strategies to support the implementation of reduced-sodium products; and (iv) develop an advocacy roadmap to maximise potential research impact. Methods will include standard quality and safety assessments, consumer sensory testing for the locally produced reduced-sodium fish sauces, market feasibility assessment (including collating market data and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders), cost-effectiveness modelling (Markov cohort model), multi-sector stakeholder engagement, and the development of a coordinated advocacy strategy using the Kotter Plus framework. Health research organisations are increasingly seeking ways to achieve greater impact with their research. Through the application of a systemic multi-sectoral approach with governments, markets and communities, this protocol provides an example of how health research projects can achieve such impact.