bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning and Its Applications in Studying the Geographical Distribution of Ants
Authors: Chen Shan , Ding Yuanzhao
Published: August 2022

Traditional species distribution modelling relies on the links between species and their environments, but often such information is unavailable or unreliable. The objective of our research is to take a machine learning (ML) approach to estimate ant species richness in data-poor countries based on published data on the broader distribution of described ant species. ML is a novel black box method that does not consider functional links between species and their environment. Its prediction accuracy is limited only by the quality and quantity of species records data. ML modelling is applied to calculate the global distribution of ant species richness and achieves 71.78% (decision tree), 70.62% (random forest), 71.09% (logistic regression), and 75.18% (neural network) testing accuracy. The results show that in some West African countries, the species predicted by ML are 1.99 times as many as the species currently recorded. These West African countries have many ant species but lack observational data, and policymakers may be overlooking areas that require protection.
The Hymenopterous Parasitoids of the Lime Leaf Miner Phyllonorycter issikii (Kumata) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from Its Native and Invaded Regions in Asian Russia
Authors: Kosheleva Oksana V. , Belokobylskij Sergey A. , Kirichenko Natalia I.
Published: August 2022

The lime leaf miner Phyllonorycter issikii (Kumata) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is an east Asian pest, which has recently distributed across the Palaearctic. Here, we provide the novel data on the diversity of its parasitoids in the Russian Far East (native region) and western Siberia (invaded region). Overall, 19 parasitoids from the Eulophidae (17 species) and Braconidae (2 species) reared from the Ph. issikii larvae and pupae were identified based on morphology and/or DNA barcoding. Among them, 12 species were detected in the Primorskiy Territory (Russian Far East) and 10 species in the Novosibirsk Province (Western Siberia), with only 3 shared species, namely Chrysocharis laomedon (Walker), Elachertus inunctus Nees and Sympiesis gordius (Walker). Pleurotroppopsis japonica (Kamijo) is a novel record for Russia, whereas the other eight eulophids are novel for the Novosibisk Province and two for the Primorskiy Territory. The eulophid Mischotetrastichus nadezhdae (Kostjukov) was recorded as a parasitoid of Ph. issikii for the first time. Four new species were described from the Primorskiy Territory: Achrysocharoides nagasawi sp. nov., A. carinatus sp. nov., Cirrospilus ussuriensis sp. nov., Pholetesor nataliae sp. nov. For all parasitoids, the distribution and hosts are listed; the majority of the species are illustrated. In addition, a checklist of the Ph. issikii parasitoids counting 79 species is compiled for the Palaearctic region.
Legal Obstacles in the Eradication of Bovine Tuberculosis in European bison (Bison bonasus)—A Threat to an Effective Reintroduction Strategy
Authors: Bruczyńska Małgorzata , Didkowska Anna , Dzikowski Andrzej , Rudy Michał , Orłowska Blanka , Welz Mirosław , Krajewska-Wędzina Monika , Olech Wanda , Anusz Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

In Poland, bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is most often detected in cattle, although some cases have also been reported in pigs and in other non-domestic species. BTB is believed to be mainly present in the Bieszczady region, in the south-eastern part of the country. The present study analyses the practical applications of the law regarding the eradication of tuberculosis among European bison in Poland, as well as the influence of legal rules in species conservation effects. Its aim is to present and evaluate the effectiveness of legal provisions in selected cases of BTB detected in European bison. The analysis highlights key “critical points” in the management of cases of BTB in European bison, which resulted from the problematic interpretation and application of the existing legal provisions. Findings indicate that before the Animal Health Law, the eradication of BTB in European bison in Poland was not regulated clearly enough by the applicable laws in force prior to 2021. This posed a threat to an effective reintroduction strategy for bison based on creating larger metapopulations and maintaining small, isolated reservoir herds (breading centers) for fallback in the case of infectious disease. It should be emphasized that in the current legal system, there is no doubt that a District Veterinary Officer has the competence to prevent and control tuberculosis in European bison.
Design of a V-Twin with Crank-Slider Mechanism Wind Energy Harvester Using Faraday’s Law of Electromagnetic Induction for Powering Small Scale Electronic Devices
Authors: Farzidayeri Jamshid , Bedekar Vishwas
Published: August 2022

The maintenance of wireless sensor networks involves challenges such as the periodic replacement of batteries or energy sources in remote locations that are often inaccessible. Therefore, onboard energy harvesting solutions can provide a viable alternative. Experimental energy harvesting from fluid flow, specifically from air flow, is typically restricted to a rotor and stator design or a model that strikes a piezoelectric. On the other hand, energy harvesting from mechanical vibrations routinely uses the linear motion of a magnet passing through a coil or vibrating piezoelectric elements. In this paper, we propose a novel V-twin harvester design that converts wind energy from a rotational input into the linear motion of a magnet inside a coil via a crank-slider mechanism. This design allows for high performance with a smoother voltage output when compared to a reference rotor/stator harvester design or piezoelectric method. At 0.5 Hz, a single crank-slider generated a voltage of 0.176 Vpp with an output power of 0.147 mW, whereas the reference harvester generated 0.14 mW at 1.0 Hz with a 0.432 Vpp. A single crank-slider operating at regulated frequencies of 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 Hz, with a stroke length of 50 mm and a generated continuous power of 0.147, 0.452, 2.00, and 4.48 mW, respectively. We found that under ambient wind speeds of 3.4 and 4.1 m/s the V-twin formation with the optimized configuration, in which the coils and loads were both connected in series, generated 27.0 and 42.2 mW, respectively.
Influence of the Wood Species, Forest Management Practice and Allocation Method on the Environmental Impacts of Roundwood and Biomass
Authors: Dias André Manuel , Machado José Saporiti , Dias Alfredo M. P. G. , Silvestre José Dinis , de Brito Jorge
Published: August 2022

This study quantifies and compares the environmental impacts of production systems of biomass and roundwood from different wood species—maritime pine, eucalyptus, and cryptomeria. The results showed that roundwood and biomass from eucalyptus had the highest environmental impacts in most of the environmental categories. In contrast, cryptomeria products had the lowest impacts. For biomass, the impacts were higher for the forest production scenario when less biomass was produced (eucalyptus). The literature review showed that one of the main topics under study in the quantification of the environmental impacts of biomass is the allocation methodology. Thus, this study compared the environmental impacts of the various scenarios considering different methods of allocation: sub-division of processes, volume, mass, economy, and energy. The results showed that, for most scenarios, the biomass environmental impacts calculated by subdivision of processes had the highest values. In contrast, the environmental impacts of biomass calculated by economic allocation had the lowest environmental impact in most scenarios. The impacts of mass and energy allocation were similar for both products in all scenarios. Furthermore, this study showed that the system boundaries in biomass production have a strong influence on the environmental impacts and require further research.
Temperature during Seed Maturation Influences Timing of Bud Burst in Seedlings and Saplings of Prunus padus
Authors: Vander Mijnsbrugge Kristine , Moreels Stefaan , Aguas Guerreiro Yorrick , Beeckman Simeon
Published: August 2022

Climate change increases global average temperatures worldwide. We tested whether temperature during seed maturation in a broadleaved woody perennial may influence the phenological performance of the seedlings. We performed two controlled crosses of Prunus padus L. in two subsequent years (2015 and 2016). Clonal mother shrubs were subjected to a cold and a warm condition during seed maturation. In the first year after germination, the seedlings from the warm seed maturation condition burst their buds earlier compared with the cold condition seedlings. In contrast, in the second and third years, these seedlings burst their buds later. A temporary maternal effect may have advanced bud burst for the warm condition seedlings in the first year, whereas a delay of bud burst in the following years may be caused by a transgenerational epigenetic memory, putatively expressing a stress reaction upon the suboptimal elevated temperature during seed maturation. A warm spring treatment in 2020 enlarged the difference in timing of bud burst between the cold and warm seed maturation conditions in offspring of both crosses, suggesting that the epigenetic memory is more strongly expressed in a warmer spring environment. The timing of the autumnal leaf senescence in the seedlings was not influenced by the temperature during seed maturation in all observation years, suggesting that autumnal senescence is less (epi)genetically determined compared with bud burst and more sensitive to ambient temperatures.
Audio-Visual Analysis of Visitors’ Landscape Preference for City Parks: A Case Study from Zhangzhou, China
Authors: Gan Yonghong , Zheng Yibin , Zhang Lihui
Published: August 2022

Soundscape perception is increasingly recognized as an important part of landscape preference and environmental experience. However, few studies have juxtaposed visual landscape preference and soundscape preference to compare their contributions to overall landscape preference. This paper aims to quantify and compare the contribution of audiovisual perception to visitors’ overall park landscape preference. The landscape preferences of visitors at seven sample sites in a city park were investigated through field questionnaires in three dimensions: visual landscape, acoustic landscape, and audiovisual landscape. The results showed that visitors’ visual landscape preference (VLP = 7.53) was generally higher than soundscape preference (SP = 7.08), while the influence of auditory preference (57%) on overall landscape preference (OLP) was found to be greater than that of visual preference (43%). The ratio of audio/visual contribution to the overall landscape preference decreased as the average sound level of the sample sites increased. Of all the population characteristics, only the educational level (sig = 0.034) could be used as an effective predictor of OLP (Impact coefficient = −0.103). In addition, older visitors rated OLP lower than young visitors, and females rated OLP lower than males. It was found that visual harmony, color richness, color contrast, plant coverage, and plant diversity were the main visual landscape attributes that influenced visitors’ visual preferences, while acoustic harmony, quietness, sound vitality, and acoustic richness were the main soundscape attributes that impacts visitors’ auditory preference. The results of this study may be useful for park landscape design and regeneration.
Investigation of Klotho G395A and C1818T Polymorphisms and Their Association with Serum Glucose Level and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Sadiq , Aamir Aziz-ul-Hasan , Khan Ajab , Khan Zahid , Shah Syed Qaiser , Safi Sher Zaman , Batumalaie Kalaivani , Alobaid Hussah M. , Ali Abid , Imran Muhammad
Published: August 2022

Objective: The objective was to study the association of Klotho gene G395A and C1818T single nucleotide polymorphisms with glycemia, serum, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in the Pashtun population of Pakistan. Methods: In this study, 195 normal individuals and 217 T2DM patients were enrolled. All subjects were divided into three groups, namely overall subjects (control + T2DM patients), control individuals and T2DM patients, and their fasting glucose, HbA1c level, lipid profile and C1818T and G395A polymorphisms were determined. Results: The allele frequencies of G395A in overall subjects were 0.568 for A and 0.432 for G. Similarly, allele frequencies for G395A in overall subjects were 0.597 and 0.403 for C and T alleles, respectively. The AA genotype of G395A was observed to be a risk factor for T2DM. In normal individuals, no significant (p > 0.05) association was observed between klotho C1818T and G395A polymorphisms and hyperglycemia. In overall subjects, the C1818T polymorphism was associated (p < 0.05) with high fasting glucose and HbA1c levels in female subjects only. In T2DM patients, both C1818T and G395A polymorphisms were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with high fasting glucose and HbA1c levels both in males and females. Conclusion: The G395A polymorphism was observed to increase the risk of T2DM. Both C1818T and G395 were associated with high fasting glucose and HbA1c levels in T2DM patients.
Circulating microRNAs in Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: De Felice Bruna , Montanino Concetta , Mallardo Marta , Babino Graziella , Mattera Edi , Ragozzino Giovanni , Argenziano Giuseppe , Daniele Aurora , Nigro Ersilia
Published: August 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a pathology characterized by chronic inflammation and skin lesions. The molecular basis of the inflammatory network remains unclear; however, since microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the modulation of inflammation, the composition of a micro-transcriptome RNA library using the blood of HS patients was analysed here. The total miRNA expression profiles of miRNAs from HS patients was assayed by real-time qPCR. Here, compared to healthy controls, miR-24-1-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR26a-5p, miR-206, miR338-3p, and miR-338-5p expression was found significantly different in HS. Knowing the significance of the miRNA mechanism in inflammatory and immune progression, we suggest that miRNA profiles found in HS patients can be significant in understanding the pathogenesis modality and establishing efficient biomarkers for HS early diagnosis. In particular, miR-338-5p was closely related to HS invasiveness and production of cytokines and was atypically overexpressed. miR-338-5p may represent a good promise as a non-invasive clinical biomarker for HS.
Macro- and Microelements and Radionuclides in the Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from Recreational and Harbor Sites of the Crimean Peninsula (The Black Sea)
Authors: Nekhoroshkov Pavel , Zinicovscaia Inga , Vergel Konstantin , Grozdov Dmitry , Chaligava Omar , Kravtsova Alexandra
Published: August 2022

The concentrations of 29 elements in the soft tissues and of 24 elements in the shells of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected in one selected recreational and two relatively polluted zones were determined and are presented. The high levels of elements in the mussels from a relatively polluted zone of the harbor (Kamyshovaya Bay) could be associated with phytoplankton, terrigenous matter and anthropogenic sources, but did not harm the mussel population, according to the calculated average condition factors. The low levels of the studied elements and condition factors in the mussels from another harbor (Sevastopol Bay) can be explained by the high circulation and influence of submarine desalinated waters in this zone. The mussels from a recreational site in the South coast of Crimea (Foros) showed high levels of the examined elements, commonly due to the coastal weathering of typical local rocks. The found levels of the radionuclides 40K, 137Cs, 232Th, 226Ra and 235U in mussel soft tissues were below the minimum detectable concentrations. The calculated enrichment factors and soft tissue/shells ratios demonstrated differences between groups of elements among the studied sites.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Radon Inhalation on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Kataoka Takahiro , Naoe Shota , Murakami Kaito , Fujimoto Yuki , Yukimine Ryohei , Tanaka Ayumi , Yamaoka Kiyonori
Published: August 2022

Typical indications for radon therapy include autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We had previously reported that radon inhalation inhibits Th17 immune responses in RA mice by activating Th1 and Th2 immune responses. However, there are no reports on how radon inhalation affects the activated Th1 and Th17 immune responses, and these findings may be useful for identifying new indications for radon therapy. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of radon inhalation on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory response, focusing on the expression of related cytokines and antioxidant function. Male BALB/c mice were exposed to 2000 Bq/m3 radon for one day. Immediately after radon inhalation, LPS was administered intraperitoneally at 1.0 mg/kg body weight for 4 h. LPS administration increased the levels of Th1- and Th17-prone cytokines, such as interleukin-2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, compared to no treatment control (sham). However, these effects were suppressed by radon inhalation. IL-10 levels were significantly increased by LPS administration, with or without radon inhalation, compared to sham. However, radon inhalation did not inhibit oxidative stress induced by LPS administration. These findings suggest that radon inhalation has immunomodulatory but not antioxidative functions in LPS-induced injury.
The Conditions of Successful Telework: Exploring the Role of Telepressure
Authors: Hong Junyoung , Jex Steve
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this paper is to explore the causes of the inconsistent relationship between telework and work–life conflict, which has been reported in the research literature. We predicted that the qualitative aspects of telework, direction of work–life conflict, and telepressure would influence whether telework decreases work–life conflict. To test these predictions, data from a sample of 328 workers enrolled in the online subject recruitment platform, Prolific, were collected three times, with a one-month interval between each data collection. The analysis, based on these data, revealed that the qualitative aspects of telework had no impact on the relationship between telework and work–life conflict. In addition, telework was significantly related only to work-to-life conflict, but not life-to-work conflict. Finally, the moderating effect of telepressure was significant, such that the positive impact of telework on work–life conflict was found only for people reporting low telepressure. Based on the research findings, theoretical and practical implications were discussed.
Assessing the Public Health Economic Loss from PM2.5 Pollution in ‘2 + 26’ Cities
Authors: Wang Yifeng , Sun Ken , Li Li , Lei Yalin , Wu Sanmang , Jiang Yong , Xi Yanling , Wang Fang , Cui Yanfang
Published: August 2022

Due to the fast growth of China’s economy, urban atmospheric pollution has become a serious problem affecting the public’s physical and mental health. The ‘2 + 26’ cities, as the Jing-Jin-Ji atmospheric pollution transmission channel, has attracted widespread concern. There were several previous studies on the economic loss of public health caused by PM2.5 pollution in ‘2 + 26’ cities. To assess the economic loss caused by PM2.5 on human health in ‘2 + 26’ cities, this paper used the exposure-response model, the health effect loss model and willingness to pay method to obtain the economic loss from PM2.5 pollution with the latest available data in 2020. It was concluded that, in 2020, the economic loss of ‘2 + 26’ cities from PM2.5 was spatially distributed low in the east and high in the west. In addition, it was larger in the southern and northern part, which was smaller in the middle of the region. Based on the conclusions, policy recommendations were put forward.
County-Level Life Expectancy Change: A Novel Metric for Monitoring Public Health
Authors: Chandran Aruna , Purbey Ritika , Leifheit Kathryn M. , Evans Kirsten McGhie , Baez Jocelyn Velasquez , Althoff Keri N.
Published: August 2022

Life expectancy (LE) is a core measure of population health. Studies have confirmed the predictive importance of modifiable determinants on LE, but less is known about their association with LE change over time at the US county level. In addition, we explore the predictive association of LE change with COVID-19 mortality. We used a linear regression model to calculate county-level annual LE change from 2011 to 2016, and categorized LE change (≤−0.1 years change per year as decreasing, ≥0.1 years as increasing, otherwise no change). A multinomial regression model was used to determine the association between modifiable determinants of health indicators from the County Health Rankings and LE change. A Poisson regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between change in life expectancy and COVID-19 mortality through September 2021. Among 2943 counties, several modifiable determinants of health were significantly associated with odds of being in increasing LE or decreasing LE counties, including adult smoking, obesity, unemployment, and proportion of children in poverty. The presence of an increasing LE in 2011–2016, as compared to no change, was significantly associated with a 5% decrease in COVID-19 mortality between 2019 and 2021 (β = 0.953, 95% CI: 0.943, 0.963). We demonstrated that change in LE at the county level is a useful metric for tracking public health progress, measuring the impact of public health initiatives, and gauging preparedness and vulnerability for future public health emergencies.
Adaptation and Validation of the Malay Version of the SAVE-9 Viral Epidemic Anxiety Scale for Healthcare Workers
Authors: Wasimin Fatin Syafiqah , Thum Sean Chern Choong , Tseu Mathias Wen Leh , Kamu Assis , Ho Chong Mun , Pang Nicholas Tze Ping , Chung Seockhoon , Wider Walton
Published: August 2022

Viral epidemics have surfaced frequently over the past quarter-century, with multiple manifestations of psychological distress. This study sought to establish the psychometric properties of the Malay version of SAVE-9 among healthcare workers. A total of 203 healthcare workers across Malaysia participated in the research. The Malay version of SAVE-9 was translated and back-translated using the WHO instrument validation protocols. Classical Test Theory (CTT) and Rasch analysis were used to assess the validity and reliability of the Malay version of the SAVE-9 scale. The analysis was run using IBM SPSS 26.0 and JAPS. Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure the internal consistency of SAVE-9, which was found to be satisfactory (Cronbach’s α = 0.795). The correlations between the SAVE-9 and other measured scales (GAD-7 and PHQ-9) were statistically significant. A score of 22 was defined as a cut-off point with good sensitivity (0.578) and specificity (0.165). The Malay version of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 (SAVE-9) scale is valid and reliable after testing among healthcare workers. It is psychometrically suitable to be used in assessing healthcare workers’ stress and anxiety specific to viral epidemics.
Oral Healthcare during Pregnancy: Its Importance and Challenges in Lower-Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)
Authors: Jahan Shah Saif , Hoque Apu Ehsanul , Sultana Zeeba Zahra , Islam Md Irteja , Siddika Nazeeba
Published: August 2022

Oral health is essential in general health and well-being to maintain overall quality of life [...]
Patients Who Die by Suicide: A Study of Treatment Patterns and Patient Safety Incidents in Norway
Authors: Krvavac Sanja , Jansson Billy , Bukholm Ida Rashida Khan , Wynn Rolf , Bystad Martin
Published: August 2022

Underlying patterns and factors behind suicides of patients in treatment are still unclear and there is a pressing need for more studies to address this knowledge gap. We analysed 278 cases of suicide reported to The Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation, drawing on anonymised data, i.e., age group, gender, diagnostic category, type of treatment provided, inpatient vs. outpatient status, type of treatment facility, and expert assessments of medical errors. The data originated from compensation claim forms, expert assessments, and medical records. Chi-square tests for independence, multinominal logistic regression, and Bayes factors for independence were used to analyse whether the age group, gender, diagnostic category, inpatient/outpatient status, type of institution, and type of treatment received by patients that had died by suicide were associated with different types of medical errors. Patients who received medication tended to be proportionally more exposed to an insufficient level of observation. Those who received medication and psychotherapy tended to be proportionally more exposed to inadequate treatment, including inadequate medication. Inpatients were more likely to be exposed to inappropriate diagnostics and inadequate treatment and follow up while outpatients to insufficient level of observation and inadequate suicide risk assessment. We conclude that the patients who had received medication as their main treatment tended to have been insufficiently observed, while patients who had received psychotherapy and medication tended to have been provided insufficient treatment, including inadequate medication. These observations may be used as learning points for the suicide prevention of patients in treatment in Norwegian psychiatric services.
Development and Validation of Waist Girth-Based Equations to Evaluate Body Composition in Colombian Adults: Rationale and STROBE–Nut-Based Protocol of the F20 Project
Authors: Bonilla Diego A. , Duque-Zuluaga Leidy T. , Muñoz-Urrego Laura P. , Moreno Yurany , Vélez-Gutiérrez Jorge M. , Franco-Hoyos Katherine , Agudelo-Martínez Alejandra , Humeres Gustavo , Kreider Richard B. , Petro Jorge L.
Published: August 2022

Waist girth (WG) represents a quick, simple, and inexpensive tool that correlates with excess of fat mass in humans; however, this measurement does not provide information on body composition. The evaluation of body composition is one of the main components in the assessment of nutritional status. Indeed, the use of anthropometry-based equations to estimate body fat and fat-free mass is a frequent strategy. Considering the lack of validation in the Colombian population, the aim of this research study (the F20 Project) is to externally validate WG-based equations (e.g., relative fat mass), and also to develop and validate new models that include WG to estimate body composition in Colombian adults compared to DXA. This cross-sectional study will be carried out following the guidelines for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology–Nutritional Epidemiology (STROBE–nut). Using stratified probabilistic sampling, the study population will be adults with different levels of physical activity residing in Medellín and its metropolitan area. The results of this study will not only validate the estimation performance of the current WG-based equations, but they will also develop new equations to estimate body composition in the Colombian population. This will improve professional practice in health, exercise, and sports sciences (ClinicalTrials.gov ID #NCT05450588).
Increased Oral Care Needs and Third Molar Symptoms in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Finnish Gestational Diabetes Case–Control Study
Authors: Pukkila Jenni , Mustaniemi Sanna , Lingaiah Shilpa , Lappalainen Olli-Pekka , Kajantie Eero , Pouta Anneli , Kaaja Risto , Eriksson Johan G. , Laivuori Hannele , Gissler Mika , Vääräsmäki Marja , Keikkala Elina
Published: August 2022

(1) Hyperglycemia and oral pathology accelerate each other in diabetes. We evaluated whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is associated with self-reported increased oral health care needs and oral symptoms, including third molar symptoms, during pregnancy. (2) Pregnant women with (n = 1030) and without GDM (n = 935) were recruited in this multicenter Finnish Gestational Diabetes study in 2009–2012. Of the women with GDM, 196 (19.0%) receiving pharmacological treatment, 797 (77.0%) receiving diet treatment and 233 (23.0%) with recurrent GDM were analyzed separately. Oral health was assessed using structured questionnaires and analyzed by multivariable logistic regression adjusted for background risk factors. (3) Women with GDM were more likely to report a higher need for oral care than controls (31.1% vs. 24.5%; odds ratio (OR) 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.69), particularly women with recurrent GDM (38.1% vs. 24.5%; OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.40–2.58). Women with pharmacologically treated GDM (46.9%) more often had third molar symptoms than controls (36.1%; OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.15–2.15) than women with diet-treated GDM (38.0%; OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.07–2.02). (4) GDM is associated with perceived oral care needs. Third molar symptoms were associated with pharmacologically treated GDM.
Update on COVID-19 and Effectiveness of a Vaccination Campaign in a Global Context
Authors: Charitos Ioannis Alexandros , Ballini Andrea , Lovero Roberto , Castellaneta Francesca , Colella Marica , Scacco Salvatore , Cantore Stefania , Arrigoni Roberto , Mastrangelo Filiberto , Dioguardi Mario
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 remains a significant issue for global health, the economy, and society. When SARS-CoV-2 began to spread, the most recent serious infectious disease of this century around the world, with its high morbidity and mortality rates, it is understandable why such infections have generally been spread in the past, mainly from international travel movements. This perspective review aimed to provide an update for clinicians on the recent developments related to the microbiological perspectives in pandemics, diagnostics, prevention (such as the spread of a virus), vaccination campaigns, treatment options, and health consequences for COVID-19 based on the current literature. In this way, the authors attempt to raise awareness on the transversal nature of these challenges by identifying the main risk/vulnerability factors that the scientific community must face including our current knowledge on the virus capacity of the mechanism of entry into the cells, the current classifications of viral variants, the knowledge of the mathematical model on the spread of viruses (the possible routes of transmission), and the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns in a global context of pandemic, particularly from COVID-19, with a look at new or future vaccines.
Exploration of Telemidwifery: An Initiation of Application Menu in Indonesia
Authors: Stellata Alyxia Gita , Rinawan Fedri Ruluwedrata , Winarno Gatot Nyarumenteng Adhipurnawan , Susanti Ari Indra , Purnama Wanda Gusdya
Published: August 2022

The midwifery continuity-of-care model improves the quality and safety of midwifery services and is highly dependent on the quality of communication and information. The service uses a semi-automated chatbot-based digital health media service defined with the new term “telemidwifery”. This study aimed to explore the telemidwifery menu content for village midwives and pregnant women in the Purwakarta Regency, West Java, Indonesia. The qualitative research method was used to explore with focus group discussion (FGD). The data collection technique was purposive sampling. The research subjects were 15 village midwives and 6 multiparous pregnant women. The results of this study involved 15 characteristics of menu content: (1) Naming, (2) Digital Communication, (3) Digital Health Services, (4) Telemidwifery Features, (5) Digital Check Features, (6) Media Services, (7) Attractiveness, (8) Display, (9) Ease of Use, (10) Clarity of Instructions, (11) Use of Language, (12) Substances, (13) Benefits, (14) Appropriateness of Values, and (15) Supporting Components. The content characteristics of this telemidwifery menu were assigned to the ISO 9126 Model standards for usability, functionality, and efficiency. The conclusion is that the 15 themes constitute the characteristic menu content required within the initiation of telemidwifery.
Impact of Coastal Urbanization on Marine Pollution: Evidence from China
Authors: Xu Weicheng , Zhang Zhendong
Published: August 2022

The increasing marine pollution in China’s coastal areas has seriously affected the sustainable development of the economy and the living standards of residents. It is of great significance to explore the relationship between urbanization and marine pollution in coastal areas for the sustainable development of coastal cities. Based on the marine pollution data and nighttime light (NTL) data of 46 coastal cities from 2006 to 2015, the paper discusses the impact of urbanization on marine pollution by using the generalized spatial two-stage least square method (GS2SlS), and analyzes the role of technological innovation, financial development, and human capital in the impact of urbanization on marine pollution by using the three-stage least square method (3SLS). Results show that China’s coastal marine pollution has a strong spatial spillover effect, and a U-shaped relationship exists between urbanization and marine pollution. Regional heterogeneity analysis shows that an inverted U-shaped relationship was found between coastal urbanization and marine pollution in the northern marine economic circle, while the eastern and southern marine economic circles have a U-shaped correlation. The heterogeneity of the urbanization pattern indicates that the relationship between different urbanization patterns and marine pollution in coastal areas is generally in a positive correlation stage, but the depth of urbanization occupies a dominant position. Further mechanism tests show that urbanization can effectively reduce coastal marine pollution and improve the marine environment through the technological innovation effect, financial development effect, and human capital effect.
The Effect of Autonomy and Self-Control on Changes in Healthy Lifestyles of Inactive College Students through Regular Exercise
Authors: Ahn Jihoon , Kim Inwoo
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to verify the influence of autonomy and self-control as psychological factors on the changes in lifestyles of inactive college students by participating in regular exercise. A total of 188 university students in Seoul, Korea, taking physical fitness classes for 5 weeks held three times a week participated in the surveys. Surveys were conducted in the first session (T1) and 15th session (T2) of the classes. Autonomy in exercise participation and self-control were measured at T1, and healthy lifestyle was measured at both T1 and T2. A paired t-test was used to measure the changes in healthy lifestyle between two time points, and hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of autonomy in exercise participation and self-control measured at T1 on the healthy lifestyle score at T2. According to the analysis, participants’ healthy lifestyles were improved with a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-exercise. Furthermore, the levels of autonomy and self-control before the fitness classes positively influenced the participants’ healthy lifestyle after the classes even when the influence of healthy lifestyle measured before the classes was controlled. Thus, it was confirmed that autonomy for participation and self-control are important to change one’s healthy lifestyle through regular exercise participation.
Current Advances in Specialised Niosomal Drug Delivery: Manufacture, Characterization and Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Witika Bwalya A. , Bassey Kokoette E. , Demana Patrick H. , Siwe-Noundou Xavier , Poka Madan S.
Published: August 2022

Development of nanomaterials for drug delivery has received considerable attention due to their potential for achieving on-target delivery to the diseased area while the surrounding healthy tissue is spared. Safe and efficiently delivered payloads have always been a challenge in pharmaceutics. Niosomes are self-assembled vesicular nanocarriers formed by hydration of a non-ionic surfactant, cholesterol or other molecules that combine to form a versatile drug delivery system with a variety of applications ranging from topical delivery to targeted delivery. Niosomes have advantages similar to those of liposomes with regards to their ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic payloads. Moreover, niosomes have simple manufacturing methods, low production cost and exhibit extended stability, consequently overcoming the major drawbacks associated with liposomes. This review provides a comprehensive summary of niosomal research to date, including the types of niosomes and critical material attributes (CMA) and critical process parameters (CPP) of niosomes and their effects on the critical quality attributes (CQA) of the technology. Furthermore, physical characterisation techniques of niosomes are provided. The review then highlights recent applications of specialised niosomes in drug delivery. Finally, limitations and prospects for this technology are discussed.
The Optimal Concentration of Nanoclay Hydrotalcite for Recovery of Reactive and Direct Textile Colorants
Authors: López-Rodríguez Daniel , Micó-Vicent Bàrbara , Bonet-Aracil Marilés , Cases Francisco , Bou-Belda Eva
Published: August 2022

Concerns about the health of the planet have grown dramatically, and the dyeing sector of the textile industry is one of the most polluting of all industries. Nanoclays can clean dyeing wastewater using their adsorption capacities. In this study, as a new finding, it was possible to analyze and quantify the amount of metal ions substituted by anionic dyes when adsorbed, and to determine the optimal amount of nanoclay to be used to adsorb all the dye. The tests demonstrated the specific amount of nanoclay that must be used and how to optimize the subsequent processes of separation and processing of the nanoclay. Hydrotalcite was used as the adsorbent material. Direct dyes were used in this research. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns allowed the shape recovery of the hydrotalcite to be checked and confirmed the adsorption of the dyes. An FTIR analysis was used to check the presence of characteristic groups of the dyes in the resulting hybrids. The thermogravimetric (TGA) tests corroborated the dye adsorption and the thermal fastness improvement. Total solar reflectance (TSR) showed increased radiation protection for UV-VIS-NIR. Through the work carried out, it has been possible to establish the maximum adsorption point of hydrotalcite.
Taste Receptors beyond Taste Buds
Authors: Ki Su Young , Jeong Yong Taek
Published: August 2022

Taste receptors are responsible for detecting their ligands not only in taste receptor cells (TRCs) but also in non-gustatory organs. For several decades, many research groups have accumulated evidence for such “ectopic” expression of taste receptors. More recently, some of the physiologic functions (apart from taste) of these ectopic taste receptors have been identified. Here, we summarize our current understanding of these ectopic taste receptors across multiple organs. With a particular focus on the specialized epithelial cells called tuft cells, which are now considered siblings of type II TRCs, we divide the ectopic expression of taste receptors into two categories: taste receptors in TRC-like cells outside taste buds and taste receptors with surprising ectopic expression in completely different cell types.
Titica Vine Fiber (Heteropsis flexuosa): A Hidden Amazon Fiber with Potential Applications as Reinforcement in Polymer Matrix Composites
Authors: Cunha Juliana dos Santos Carneiro da , Nascimento Lucio Fabio Cassiano , Luz Fernanda Santos da , Garcia Filho Fabio da Costa , Oliveira Michelle Souza , Monteiro Sergio Neves
Published: August 2022

The titica vine fiber (TVF) (Heteropsis flexuosa) is a natural lignocellulose fiber (NLF) from the Amazon rainforest that was, for the first time, investigated in terms of its basic properties such as dimensions, porosity, and density as well as its chemical composition, moisture content, crystallinity, and microfibrillar angle. In this study, the apparent density of TVF was determined as one of the lowest-ever reported for NLFs). Using both the geometric method and Archimedes’ principle, density values in the range of 0.5–0.6 g/cm3 were obtained. The moisture content was measured as around 11%, which is in accordance with the commonly reported values for NLFs. The TVF exhibited a high porosity, approximately 70%, which was confirmed by SEM images, where a highly porous morphological structure associated with the presence of many voids and lumens was observed. The crystallinity index and microfibrillar angle were determined as 78% and 7.95°, respectively, which are of interest for a stiff NLF. A preliminary assessment on the mechanical properties of the TVFs revealed a tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation of 26 MPa, 1 GPa, and 7.4%, respectively. Furthermore, the fiber presented a critical length of 7.62 mm in epoxy matrix and an interfacial shear strength of 0.97 MPa. These results suggest the TVFs might favors applications where lighter materials with intermediate properties are required.
A New Semi-Analytical Solution for an Arbitrary Hardening Law and Its Application to Tube Hydroforming
Authors: Strashnov Stanislav , Alexandrov Sergei , Lang Lihui
Published: August 2022

The present study consists of two parts. The first part supplies an exact semi-analytical solution for a general model of rigid plastic strain hardening material at large strains. The second part applies this solution to tube hydroforming design. The solution provides stress and velocity fields in a hollow cylinder subject to simultaneous expansion and elongation/contraction. No restriction is imposed on the hardening law. A numerical method is only required to evaluate ordinary integrals. The solution is facilitated using Lagrangian coordinates. The second part of the paper is regarded as an alternative to the finite element design of tube hydroforming processes, restricted to rather simple final shapes. An advantage of this approach is that the hardening law is not required for calculating many process parameters. Therefore, the corresponding design is universally valid for all strain hardening materials if these parameters are of concern. In particular, the prediction of fracture initiation at the outer surface is independent of the hardening law for widely used ductile fracture criteria. The inner pressure is the only essential process parameter whose value is controlled by the hardening law.
Synthesis, Sorting, and Applications of Single-Chirality Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kharlamova Marianna V. , Burdanova Maria G. , Paukov Maksim I. , Kramberger Christian
Published: August 2022

The synthesis of high-quality chirality-pure single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is vital for their applications. It is of high importance to modernize the synthesis processes to decrease the synthesis temperature and improve the quality and yield of SWCNTs. This review is dedicated to the chirality-selective synthesis, sorting of SWCNTs, and applications of chirality-pure SWCNTs. The review begins with a description of growth mechanisms of carbon nanotubes. Then, we discuss the synthesis methods of semiconducting and metallic conductivity-type and single-chirality SWCNTs, such as the epitaxial growth method of SWCNT (“cloning”) using nanocarbon seeds, the growth method using nanocarbon segments obtained by organic synthesis, and the catalyst-mediated chemical vapor deposition synthesis. Then, we discuss the separation methods of SWCNTs by conductivity type, such as electrophoresis (dielectrophoresis), density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGC), low-speed DGC, ultrahigh DGC, chromatography, two-phase separation, selective solubilization, and selective reaction methods and techniques for single-chirality separation of SWCNTs, including density gradient centrifugation, two-phase separation, and chromatography methods. Finally, the applications of separated SWCNTs, such as field-effect transistors (FETs), sensors, light emitters and photodetectors, transparent electrodes, photovoltaics (solar cells), batteries, bioimaging, and other applications, are presented.
Joining of Dissimilar Al and Mg Metal Alloys by Friction Stir Welding
Authors: Sidhu Ramandeep Singh , Kumar Raman , Kumar Ranvijay , Goel Pankaj , Singh Sehijpal , Pimenov Danil Yurievich , Giasin Khaled , Adamczuk Krzysztof
Published: August 2022

In engineering applications, such as automobile, marine, aerospace, and railway, lightweight alloys of aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg) ensure design fitness for fuel economy, better efficiency, and overall cost reduction. Friction stir welding (FSW) for joining dissimilar materials has been considered better than the conventional fusion welding process because of metallurgical concerns. In this study, dissimilar joints were made between the AA6061 (A), AZ31B (B), and AZ91D (C) combinations based on the varying advancing side (AS) and retreating side (RS). The dissimilar joints prepared by the FSW process were further characterized by tensile testing, impact testing, corrosion testing, fracture, and statistical and cost analysis. The results revealed a maximum tensile strength of 192.39 MPa in AZ91 and AZ31B, maximum yield strength of 134.38 MPa in a combination of AA6061 and AZ91, maximum hardness of 114 Hv in AA6061 and AZ31B, and lowest corrosion rate of 7.03 mV/A in AA6061 and AZ31B. The results of the properties were supported by photomicrographic fracture analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. Further, the performance of dissimilar joints was statistically analyzed and prioritized for preference by similarity to the ideal solution (TOPSIS) method.
Distortion Prediction in Inconel-718 Part Fabricated through LPBF by Using Homogenized Support Properties from Experiments and Numerical Simulation
Authors: Ananda Varun , Saravana Kumar Gurunathan , Jayaganthan Rengaswamy , Srinivasan Balamurugan
Published: August 2022

The Laser Powder-Bed Fusion (LPBF) process produces complex part geometry by selectively sintering powder metal layer upon layer. During the LPBF process, parts experience the challenge of residual stress, distortions, and print failures. Lattice-based structures are used to support overhang parts and reduce distortion; this lattice support has complex geometry and demands high computational effort to predict distortion using simulation. This study proposes a computational efforts reduction strategy by replacing complex lattice support geometry with homogenization using experimentally determined mechanical properties. Many homogenization models have been established to relate the lattice topology and material properties to the observed mechanical properties, like the Gibson–Ashby model. However, these predicted properties vary from as printed lattice geometry. In this work, the power-law relationship of mechanical properties for additively manufactured Inconel 718 part is obtained using tensile tests of various lattice support topologies and the model is used for homogenization in simulation. The model’s accuracy in predicting distortion in printed parts is demonstrated using simulation results for a cantilever model. Simulation studies show that computational speed is significantly increased (6–7 times) using the homogenization technique without compromising the accuracy of distortion prediction.