bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Causal Geometry
Authors: Chvykov Pavel , Hoel Erik
Published: December 2020

Information geometry has offered a way to formally study the efficacy of scientific models by quantifying the impact of model parameters on the predicted effects. However, there has been little formal investigation of causation in this framework, despite causal models being a fundamental part of science and explanation. Here, we introduce causal geometry, which formalizes not only how outcomes are impacted by parameters, but also how the parameters of a model can be intervened upon. Therefore, we introduce a geometric version of “effective information”—a known measure of the informativeness of a causal relationship. We show that it is given by the matching between the space of effects and the space of interventions, in the form of their geometric congruence. Therefore, given a fixed intervention capability, an effective causal model is one that is well matched to those interventions. This is a consequence of “causal emergence,” wherein macroscopic causal relationships may carry more information than “fundamental” microscopic ones. We thus argue that a coarse-grained model may, paradoxically, be more informative than the microscopic one, especially when it better matches the scale of accessible interventions—as we illustrate on toy examples.
Towards Generative Design of Computationally Efficient Mathematical Models with Evolutionary Learning
Authors: Kalyuzhnaya Anna V. , Nikitin Nikolay O. , Hvatov Alexander , Maslyaev Mikhail , Yachmenkov Mikhail , Boukhanovsky Alexander
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we describe the concept of generative design approach applied to the automated evolutionary learning of mathematical models in a computationally efficient way. To formalize the problems of models’ design and co-design, the generalized formulation of the modeling workflow is proposed. A parallelized evolutionary learning approach for the identification of model structure is described for the equation-based model and composite machine learning models. Moreover, the involvement of the performance models in the design process is analyzed. A set of experiments with various models and computational resources is conducted to verify different aspects of the proposed approach.
The Relationship of Personality, Emotional Intelligence, and Aggressiveness in Students: A Study Using the Big Five Personality Questionnaire for Children and Adults (BFQ-NA)
Authors: Antoñanzas Jose Luis
Published: December 2020

An analysis of secondary students’ personality traits, along with a description of their emotional intelligence levels and their anger control, could be decisive when educating students to prevent anti-social behavior in academia. Very few studies on personality, emotional intelligence, and aggressive conduct exist in Spain. Some of the studies that do exist, however, only explore the relationship between emotional intelligence, personality, and prosocial behavior in secondary education students. Likewise, there are few studies focusing on personality and aggression control. In this study, using the Big Five personality models as predictors of aggressiveness in subjects and of emotional intelligence, we sought to contribute to the improvement of the education of students on aggressive behavior in education centers. To do this, we conducted a study using the Big Five Personality Questionnaire (BFQ) for Children and Adults (BFQ-NA), the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24) emotional intelligence test, and the State–Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) anger management test. Our main objective was to analyze the relationship of the BFQ with the variables of emotional intelligence and aggressiveness. This was achieved using a range of bivariate correlation and multiple regression tests. The results showed the correlation and predictive value of emotional intelligence and aggression in the Big Five model of personality. This study coincides with other research linking Big Five questionnaires with emotional intelligence and aggression.
Experimental Study and Conjugate Heat Transfer Simulation of Turbulent Flow in a 90° Curved Square Pipe
Authors: Guo Guanming , Kamigaki Masaya , Zhang Qiwei , Inoue Yuuya , Nishida Keiya , Hongou Hitoshi , Koutoku Masanobu , Yamamoto Ryo , Yokohata Hieaki , Sumi Shinji , Ogata Yoichi
Published: December 2020

This paper discusses the turbulent flow and heat transfer from a uniform air flow with high temperature to the outside through a 90° curved square pipe. Both conjugate heat transfer (CHT) simulation and experiments of temperature field measurements at cross sections of the pipe are performed. A straight pipe is investigated and compared with the 90° curved pipe. The temperature of the air flow at the inlet of the pipe is set at 402 K, and the corresponding Reynolds number is approximately 6 × 104. To obtain the spatial average temperature at each cross section, the temperature fields are measured along the streamwise of the pipes and in the circumferential direction using thermocouples at each cross section from the inlet to the outlet of both the straight and curved pipes. Furthermore, the simulation is performed for turbulent flow and heat transfer inside the pipe wall using the Re-normalization group (RNG) k-ε turbulence model and CHT method. Both the experimental and numerical results show that the curvature of the pipe result in a deviation and impingement in the high-temperature core and a separation between the wall and air, resulting in a secondary flow pattern of the temperature distribution.
The Immediate Impacts of COVID-19 on European Electricity Systems: A First Assessment and Lessons Learned
Authors: Bompard Ettore , Mosca Carmelo , Colella Pietro , Antonopoulos Georgios , Fulli Gianluca , Masera Marcelo , Poncela-Blanco Marta , Vitiello Silvia
Published: December 2020

The worldwide spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 forced most countries to intervene with policies and actions—including lockdowns, social-distancing and smart working measures—aimed at mitigating the health system and socio-economic disruption risks. The electricity sector was impacted as well, with performance largely reflecting the changes in the industrial and commercial sectors operations and in the social behavior patterns. The most immediate consequences concerned the power demand profiles, the generation mix composition and the electricity price trends. As a matter of fact, the electricity sectors experienced a foretaste of the future, with higher renewable energy penetration and concerns for security of supply. This paper presents a systemic approach toward assessing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the power sector. This is aimed at supporting decision making—particularly for policy makers, regulators, and system operators—by quantifying shorter term effects and identifying longer term impacts of the pandemic waves on the power system. Various metrics are defined in different areas—system operation, security, and electricity markets—to quantify those impacts. The methodology is finally applied to the European power system to produce a comparative assessment of the effects of the lockdown in the European context.
Effect of Storage Time on the Physicochemical Properties of Waste Fish Oils and Used Cooking Vegetable Oils
Authors: Bruun Nina , Tesfaye Fiseha , Hemming Jarl , Dirbeba Meheretu Jaleta , Hupa Leena
Published: December 2020

Waste fish oils (FOs) and used cooking vegetable oils (UCOs) are increasingly becoming alternative renewable fuels. However, different physicochemical aspects of these renewable fuels, including the effect of storage, are not well-known. In this work, the effect of the storage period on physicochemical properties of selected samples of FOs and UCOs was investigated. The bio-oils were stored at 4 °C for up to five years before each experimentation. The chemical properties were characterized using capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and high-performance size exclusion chromatography including an evaporative light scattering detector (HPSEC-ELSD). Water contents and acid numbers of the bio-oils were determined using the Karl Fischer (KF) titration and the ASTM D 664 methods. Furthermore, the average heating values and surface tension of the bio-oils were determined. According to the results obtained, for all bio-oil types, the concentrations of polymerized triglycerides, diglycerides, and fatty acids and monoglycerides had increased during the storage periods. The physical properties of the bio-oils also showed a small variation as a function of the storage period. The overall results observed indicate that the deterioration of the physicochemical properties of bio-oils can be controlled through storage in dark, dry, and cold conditions.
Special Issue “Hydrothermal Technology in Biomass Utilization & Conversion II”
Authors: Chiaramonti David , Kruse Andrea , Klemm Marco
Published: December 2020

Hydrothermal processing (HTP) has gained a large amount of attention from the scientific community, the industrial stakeholders, and the economic operators given the significant technology and process developments that have occurred during the last decade [...]
Thermal and Hydrodynamic Phenomena in the Stagnation Zone—Impact of the Inlet Turbulence Characteristics on the Numerical Analyses
Authors: Kura Tomasz , Wajs Jan , Fornalik-Wajs Elzbieta , Kenjeres Sasa , Gurgul Sebastian
Published: December 2020

One of the methods of heat transfer enhancement is utilization of the turbulent impinging jets, which were recently applied, for example, in the heat exchangers. Their positive impact on the heat transfer performance was proven, but many questions related to the origin of this impact are still unanswered. In general, the wall-jet interaction and the near-wall turbulence are supposed to be its main reason, but their accurate numerical analysis is still very challenging. The authors’ aim was to construct the numerical model which can represent the real phenomena with good or very good accuracy. Starting with an analysis of single jet and obtaining the agreement with experimental data, it will be possible to extend the model towards the whole minijets heat exchanger. The OpenFOAM software, Bracknell, UK was used for that purpose, with our own implementation of the ζ-f turbulence model. The most difficult area to model is the stagnation region, where the thermal effects are the most intensive and, at the same time, strongly affected by the conditions in the pipe/nozzle/orifice of various size (conventional, mini, micro), from which the jet is injected. In the following article, summary of authors’ findings, regarding significance of the velocity profile and turbulence intensity at the jet place of discharge are presented. In addition, qualitative analysis of the heat transfer enhancement is included, in relation to the inlet conditions. In the stagnation point, Nusselt number differences reached the 10%, while, in general, its discrepancy in relation to inlet conditions was up to 23%.
Optimization and Analysis of a High Power Density and Fault Tolerant Starter–Generator for Aircraft Application
Authors: Wang Bo , Vakil Gaurang , Liu Ye , Yang Tao , Zhang Zhuoran , Gerada Chris
Published: December 2020

Permanent magnet synchronous machines provide many dramatic electromagnetic performances such as high efficiency and high power density, which make them more competitive in aircraft electrification, whereas, designing a permanent magnet starter–generator (PMSG), with given consideration to fault tolerance (FT), is a significant challenge and requires great effort. In this paper, a comprehensive FT PMSG design process is proposed which is applied to power systems of turboprops. Firstly, potential slot/pole combinations were selected based on winding factor, harmonic losses and manufacture issues. Then, pursuing high power density, a multiple objective optimization process was carried out to comprehensively rank performances. To meet a fault tolerance target, electrical, magnetic and thermal isolation topologies were investigated and compared, among which 18 slot/12 pole with dual three-phase was selected as the optimal one, with a power density of 7.9 kW/kg. Finally, a finite element analysis verified the performance in normal and post-fault scenarios. The candidate machine has merits concerning high power density and post-fault performance.
Application of Genetic Algorithm Elements to Modelling of Rotation Processes in Motion Transmission Including a Long Shaft
Authors: Chaban Andriy , Lis Marek , Szafraniec Andrzej , Jedynak Radoslaw
Published: December 2020

Genetic algorithms are used to parameter identification of the model of oscillatory processes in complicated motion transmission of electric drives containing long elastic shafts as systems of distributed mechanical parameters. Shaft equations are generated on the basis of a modified Hamilton–Ostrogradski principle, which serves as the foundation to analyse the lumped parameter system and distributed parameter system. They serve to compute basic functions of analytical mechanics of velocity continuum and rotational angles of shaft elements. It is demonstrated that the application of the distributed parameter method to multi-mass rotational systems, that contain long elastic elements and complicated control systems, is not always possible. The genetic algorithm is applied to determine the coefficients of approximation the system of Rotational Transmission with Elastic Shaft by equivalent differential equations. The fitness function is determined as least-square error. The obtained results confirm that application of the genetic algorithms allow one to replace the use of a complicated distributed parameter model of mechanical system by a considerably simpler model, and to eliminate sophisticated calculation procedures and identification of boundary conditions for wave motion equations of long elastic elements.
The Effect of Tab Attachment Positions and Cell Aspect Ratio on Temperature Difference in Large-Format LIBs Using Design of Experiments
Authors: Lee Jeong-Joo , Kim Ji-San , Chang Hyuk-Kyun , Lee Dong-Chan , Kim Chang-Wan
Published: December 2020

Large-format lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) suffer from problems in terms of their product life and capacity due to large temperature differences in LIB cells. This study analyzes the effect of design factors on temperature distribution using a 3D electrochemical–thermal model. The design of experiments methodology is used to obtain the sampling points and analyze the effect of the cell aspect ratio, negative tab attachment position, and positive tab attachment position. These were considered as design factors for the maximum and minimum temperatures, as well as their difference, in large-format LIB cells. The results reveal that the cell aspect ratio, negative tab attachment position, and positive tab attachment position considerably influence temperature distribution. The cell aspect ratio has the most significant effect on the temperature distribution by changing the longest current pathway and the distance between tabs and the lowest temperature point in the LIB cell. A positive tab attachment position affects the maximum temperature, minimum temperature, and the temperature difference due to the heat generation caused by the high resistance of aluminum, which the positive tab is made. Furthermore, a negative tab attachment position affects the minimum temperature due to low resistance.
Numerical Modeling and Safety Design for Lithium-Ion Vehicle Battery Modules Subject to Crush Loading
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhou Runzhou , Sypeck David J.
Published: December 2020

In this work, a computational study was carried out to simulate crushing tests on lithium-ion vehicle battery modules. The tests were performed on commercial battery modules subject to wedge cutting at low speeds. Based on loading and boundary conditions in the tests, finite element (FE) models were developed using explicit FEA code LS-DYNA. The model predictions demonstrated a good agreement in terms of structural failure modes and force–displacement responses at both cell and module levels. The model was extended to study additional loading conditions such as indentation by a cylinder and a rectangular block. The effect of other module components such as the cover and cooling plates was analyzed, and the results have the potential for improving battery module safety design. Based on the detailed FE model, to reduce its computational cost, a simplified model was developed by representing the battery module with a homogeneous material law. Then, all three scenarios were simulated, and the results show that this simplified model can reasonably predict the short circuit initiation of the battery module.
A Review of Forest Management Effects on Terrestrial Leaf Litter Inhabiting Arthropods
Authors: Hartshorn Jess
Published: December 2020

Leaf litter arthropods are some of the most abundant and diverse communities in forests and provide myriad ecosystem services from decomposition and mineralization to pollination and predation. They are important to forest health and management and, in turn, are affected by how we manage our forests. Various forest management techniques such as clear cutting, burning, and chemical control of invasive species all have differing effects on ground dwelling arthropods and, despite their importance, a review of the literature on these effects does not currently exist. My objective with this paper is to review the effects of different types of forest management on arthropods in leaf litter systems.
Wood Pastures: A Transitional Habitat between Forests and Pastures for Dung Beetle Assemblages
Authors: Somay László , Szigeti Viktor , Boros Gergely , Ádám Réka , Báldi András
Published: December 2020

Wood pastures are home to a variety of species, including the dung beetle. Dung beetles are an important functional group in decomposition. Specifically, in terms of livestock manure, they not only contribute to nutrient cycling but are key players in supporting human and animal health. Dung beetles, however, are declining in population, and urgent recommendations are needed to reverse this trend. Recommendations need to be based on solid evidence and specific habitats. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of an intermediate habitat type between forests and pastures. Wood pastures are key areas for dung beetle conservation. For this reason, we compared dung beetle assemblages among forests, wood pastures, and grasslands. We complemented this with studies on the effects of dung type and season at three Hungarian locations. Pitfall traps baited with cattle, sheep, or horse dung were used in forests, wood pastures, and pasture habitats in spring, summer, and autumn. Dung beetle assemblages of wood pastures showed transient characteristics between forests and pastures regarding their abundance, species richness, Shannon diversity, assemblage composition, and indicator species. We identified a strong effect of season and a weak of dung type. Assemblage composition proved to be the most sensitive measure of differences among habitats. The conservation of dung beetles, and the decomposition services they provide, need continuous livestock grazing to provide fresh dung, as well as the maintenance of wood pastures where dung beetle assemblages typical of forests and pastures can both survive.
Fractal Structure in Silica and Composites Aerogels
Authors: Woignier Thierry , Primera Juan , Alaoui Adil , Dieudonne Philippe , Duffours Laurent , Beurroies Isabelle , Calas-Etienne Sylvie , Despestis Florence , Faivre Annelise , Etienne Pascal
Published: December 2020

Silica aerogels are known to be materials with exceptional characteristics, such as ultra-low density, high surface area, high porosity, high adsorption, and low-thermal conductivity. In addition, these unique properties are mainly related to their specific processing. Depending on the aerogel synthesis procedure, the aerogels texture can be tailored with meso and/or macroporosity. Fractal geometry has been observed and used to describe silica aerogels at nanoscales in certain conditions. In this review paper, we describe the fractal structure of silica aerogels that can develop depending on the synthesis conditions. X-ray and neutron scattering measurements allow to show that silica aerogels can exhibit a fractal structure over one or even more than two orders of magnitude in length. The fractal dimension does not depend directly on the material density but can vary with the synthesis conditions. It ranges typically between 1.6 and 2.4. The effect of the introduction of silica particles or of further thermal treatment or compression of the silica aerogels on their microstructure and their fractal characteristics is also resumed.
IMGT® Biocuration and Comparative Analysis of Bos taurus and Ovis aries TRA/TRD Loci
Authors: Pégorier Perrine , Bertignac Morgane , Nguefack Ngoune Viviane , Folch Géraldine , Jabado-Michaloud Joumana , Giudicelli Véronique , Duroux Patrice , Lefranc Marie-Paule , Kossida Sofia
Published: December 2020

The adaptive immune response provides the vertebrate immune system with the ability to recognize and remember specific pathogens to generate immunity, and mount stronger attacks each time the pathogen is encountered. T cell receptors are the antigen receptors of the adaptive immune response expressed by T cells, which specifically recognize processed antigens, presented as peptides by the highly polymorphic major histocompatibility (MH) proteins. T cell receptors (TR) are divided into two groups, αβ and γδ, which express distinct TR containing either α and β, or γ and δ chains, respectively. The TRα locus (TRA) and TRδ locus (TRD) of bovine (Bos taurus) and the sheep (Ovis aries) have recently been described and annotated by IMGT® biocurators. The aim of the present study is to present the results of the biocuration and to compare the genes of the TRA/TRD loci among these ruminant species based on the Homo sapiens repertoire. The comparative analysis shows similarities but also differences, including the fact that these two species have a TRA/TRD locus about three times larger than that of humans and therefore have many more genes which may demonstrate duplications and/or deletions during evolution.
Roman Model-Books as a Resource for Digital Architectural Reconstructions
Authors: Souček Josef
Published: December 2020

Upon examination of Roman landscape paintings preserved in situ and in museums of Naples and Rome, additional evidence has been found for the additive character of creation of imaginary landscapes as well as evidence for using standardized elements and whole scene compositions in Roman painting. This attitude is compared to the modern way of creating virtual landscapes—computer game level design and the process called “kitbashing”. I propose that both these processes share the same task to create a familiar landscape using a visual language understandable to its contemporary viewer, but also a very similar method of using predefined elements.
Effects of Infection Control Education for Nursing Students Using Standardized Patients vs. Peer Role-Play
Authors: Kim Eunyoung , Kim Sang Suk , Kim Sunghee
Published: December 2020

This study was conducted to identify and compare the effects of two education programs for infection control―a simulation using standardized patients and a peer role-play―on standard precaution knowledge, standard precaution awareness, infection-related anxiety, and infection control performance. This study used a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. A total of 62 undergraduate nursing students in their 3rd year participated in the study, and were assigned to the experimental and control groups, accordingly. The infection control education program was developed based on the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation model. The program for the experimental group included lectures, skills training, simulation using standardized patients, and debriefing, while the control group participated in the usual infection control education, consisting of lectures, skills training, and peer tutoring practices. Both groups exhibited statistically significant increases in knowledge, awareness of standard precaution, and infection control performance after the intervention. Infection-related anxiety and infection control performance were significantly higher in the simulation using a standardized patient group. Both education programs influenced compliance with the standard precaution for infection control. The results of this study contribute to the evidence regarding effective educational methods to improve infection control.
Relationship between School Integration, Psychosocial Adjustment and Cyber-Aggression among Adolescents
Authors: León Moreno Celeste , Musitu Ochoa Gonzalo , Cañas Pardo Elizabeth , Estévez López Estefanía , Callejas Jerónimo Juan Evaristo
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationships between sociometric types in the classroom—rejected, preferred, neglected, controversial and average—and psychological discomfort, life satisfaction and cyber-aggression, based on the adolescent’s gender. 2398 adolescents of both sexes participated in the study (49.8% girls), aged between 12 and 18 years (M = 16.03, SD = 1.91). Multivariate analyses of variance were performed. The results showed significant relationships between sociometric types, life satisfaction and cyber-aggression. Rejected adolescents also showed less satisfaction with life and greater cyber-aggression. Furthermore, the boys, regardless of their sociometric type in the classroom, displayed less psychological distress and less involvement in cyber-aggression. Controversial adolescents also showed greater involvement in cyber-aggression. Finally, programs should be promoted for the prevention of social difficulties in the school, based on the promotion of social integration, not only in the classroom, but also on the Internet.
Antibiotics (Macrolides and Lincosamides) Consumption Trends and Patterns in China’s Healthcare Institutes. Based on a 3 Year Procurement Records, 2015–2017
Authors: Liu Wenchen , Hassan Gillani Ali , Xu Sen , Chen Chen , Chang Jie , Yang Caijun , Ji Wenjing , Jiang Minghuan , Zhao Mingyue , Fang Yu
Published: December 2020

In this study, we investigated the trends and patterns of antibiotic consumption (macrolides and lincosamides) in China’s healthcare institutions from 2015 to 2017. The China Drug Supply Information Platform (CDSIP) was officially launched in 2015. We collected records from this national centralized bidding procurement system between 2015 and 2017. The use of J01F antibiotics (macrolides or lincosamides) was calculated in a defined daily dose per 1000 inhabitants per day (DID).Purchase data from 70,366 national medical facilities included in the CDSIP were collected. The procurement data of 66,007 medical facilities have not changed over 3 years. There is a slight decline in the consumption of J01F antibiotics, which decreased from 3.03 DID in 2015 to 2.91 DID in 2017. Azithromycin (20.6%) was the most commonly used antibiotic in 2017 among all classes, followed by clindamycin (17.9%) and erythromycin (13.7%). Parenteral antibiotics accounted for 32.0% of total antibiotic consumption and 59.6% of total antibiotics expenditure in 2017. The overall consumption of most antibiotics decreased slightly over the 3-yearstudy period. This may be owing to China’s health-related policies in the past few years. A gap still exists in antibiotic use between regions and dosage forms. Further studies are needed to optimize antibiotic prescribing and reduce antibiotic resistance.
Climate Change, Pesticides and Health: Considering the Risks and Opportunities of Adaptation for Zimbabwean Smallholder Cotton Growers
Authors: Zinyemba Cliff , Archer Emma , Rother Hanna-Andrea
Published: December 2020

There is potential for increased pesticide-related adverse health outcomes in the agricultural sector linked to adaptive increases in pesticide use necessitated, in part, by climate change-related increases in pest populations. To understand the role of adaptation practices in pesticide use and health risks, this study assessed Zimbabwean smallholder cotton farmers’ adaptive responses linked to their climate change perceptions. In depth interviews were conducted with 50 farmers who had been growing cotton for at least 30 years. The study identified farmers’ adaptation practices that increased their pesticide use, as well as those that presented opportunities for reducing pesticide use through non-pesticide-dependent adaptation pathways. The findings show that due to perceived climate change impacts, such as a shorter growing season, farmers were adopting a range of adaptive practices. These included changes in pest management practices, such as increasing pesticide spraying frequencies due to keeping ratoon crops, which were increasing farmers’ overall pesticide use. Such incremental adaptive practices are potentially maladaptive, as they may increase farmers’ pesticide-related health risks. Other practices, however, such as reducing cotton acreage and diversifying crops, resulting in transformational adaptation, suggest the existence of opportunities for decreasing overall pesticide use or totally eliminating pesticides from the farming system.
Comparative Study of Attitudes towards Communication Skills Learning between Medical and Dental Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Nourein Ahmed Abed Elwahab , Shahadah Rubayyi Faris , Alnemer Marwan Abdulrahman , Al-Harbi Saif Saud , Fadel Hani T. , Kassim Saba
Published: December 2020

Background: Communication skills (CS) learning is a core skill in medical and dental education. The comparison of attitudes towards CS between dental and medical students based on the taught curriculum (problem-based learning vs. traditional teaching) in Saudi Arabia awaits investigation. Aims: (1) To assess the attitudes of both undergraduate dental and medical students towards communication skills (CS) learning and (2) to compare the attitudes towards CS between Medical and Dental students in relation to sociodemographic and education-related characteristics. Methods and Materials: A cross-sectional study, using an online survey, invited 260 conveniently sampled Taibah university medical and dental undergraduate students. The survey collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, education-related factors, and CS using Communication Skills Attitude Scale (CSAS) that assess positive and negative attitudes (PAS, NAS). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: Of the distributed questionnaire 91% responded (145 dental and 91 medical students). There were, overall, non-significant scores’ differences between medical and dental students on PAS (Medicine Median 51 vs. Dentistry Median 50, p = 0.059) and NAS (Medicine Median 32 vs. Dentistry Median 32, p = 0.596). Older medical students, those at clinical levels and those who reported they need to improve their communication skills and student whose parents were not doctors, tended to score statistically significantly (p = 0.032, 0.017, 0.034, and 0.004, respectively) on PAS compared with dental students; on the other hand, medical students with doctor parents scored significantly high in NAS compared to dental students (p = 0.015). Conclusion: Demographic and education-related characteristics underpinned medical student positive attitude towards CS compared to dental students. Although medical and dental students showed no differences in self-rating their attitudes towards (CS). Different factors influence medical and dental students’ attitudes towards CS learning.
Comparison of Grip Strength in Recreational Climbers and Non-Climbing Athletes—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Assmann Mara , Steinmetz Gino , Schilling Arndt Friedrich , Saul Dominik
Published: December 2020

In recent years, climbing sports is on the rise making its Olympic debut in 2021. Physiological traits of professional rock climbers have been intensively studied, while recreational indoor climbers are less investigated, especially regarding grip strength and upper extremity proportions. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to understand what discerns the recreational climber from disparate recreational athletes. Therefore, we analyzed 50 recreational climbing (30.3 ± 12.7 years, 1.76 ± 0.09 m and 67.0 ± 14.0 kg) and 50 non-climbing athletes (26.4 ± 9.1 years, 1.78 ± 0.09 m and 73.2 ± 12.6 kg) to detect differences in their finger grip strength of seven different pinches. In addition, the upper extremity proportions were measured. Even in recreational climbers, almost all analyzed grips were stronger compared to other athletes (p < 0.05 in all but non-dominant fist, small to moderate effect sizes). Only the grip strength of the whole non-dominant hand was not significantly different (p = 0.17). Interestingly, differences between the dominant and non-dominant hand appeared to be larger in the non-climbing (all p < 0.05, all but one with small effect size) compared to the climbing cohort (pinch I/IV and pinch I/II+III+IV not different and mostly trivial). Circumference measurements showed that 10 cm below the lateral epicondyle, climbers exhibited significantly greater perimeter compared to non-climbing athletes (p < 0.05, small effect size). Our results show that recreational climbers have higher measured grip strength, but less profound differences between the dominant and non-dominant hand.
When Land Is Under Pressure Health Is Under Stress
Authors: Sena Aderita , Ebi Kristie
Published: December 2020

The land provides vital resources to support life on Earth. Land ecosystems services have social, cultural, and spiritual benefits and promote human health and well-being. However, human activities, particularly ongoing unsustainable land practices, are negatively impacting ecosystems through desertification, land degradation and drought (DLDD). This article highlights the pressures and impacts of DLDD on human health through exposure pathways, including water security and safety; sanitation and hygiene; food security and safety; air quality; and soil quality. We describe the impacts on 19 health outcomes in three groups: non-communicable diseases; injuries; and infections, parasitic and nutritional diseases. The magnitude of these health impacts is mediated by social, economic, and health system-related factors. We propose actions for the health sector to respond to the DLDD challenges.
Study to Investigate the Knowledge of Rare Diseases among Dentists, Orthodontists, Periodontists, Oral Surgeons and Craniomaxillofacial Surgeons
Authors: Kühne Annemarie , Kleinheinz Johannes , Jackowski Jochen , Köppe Jeanette , Hanisch Marcel
Published: December 2020

Fifteen percent of the 5000 to 8000 rare diseases (RDs) can manifest in the oral and maxillofacial region. Little attention has been paid to the care situation of people with RDs in dentistry. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge about RDs among dentists at a university hospital (DUs) compared to dentists with different professional backgrounds and among general dentists, specialist dentists and DUs in the chamber district of Westfalen-Lippe. Moreover, self-assessment of the level of knowledge was evaluated. A questionnaire was designed, which was made available digitally via a link. A random sample of 1500 dentists, specialist dentists, and oral- and craniomaxillofacial surgeons from the membership of the Dental Association of Westfalen-Lippe, and all dentists, specialist dentists, and oral- and craniomaxillofacial surgeons working at the University Dental Hospitals Münster and Witten/Herdecke, were invited to participate to our study. Differences in the level of knowledge between DUs and non-DUs and differences between DUs, general dentists, and specialist dentists were tested via two-sided Fischer’s exact tests. Differences between the three groups of self-assessment of the level of knowledge and the self-assessment of how sufficient their own knowledge about RDs is were tested via two-sided Kruskal–Wallis tests. The global level of significance was controlled by the Bonferroni method. A total of 267 questionnaires were completed, of which 64.0% were answered by general dentists, 25.5% by specialist dentists and 10.5% by DUs. DUs had a significant higher level of knowledge about RDs (adjusted p = 0.012) compared to non-DUs and achieved higher scores (median = 16.5 points) than general (median = 13 points) and specialist dentists (median = 13 points) (p = 0.001). In the self-assessments, the differences were not significant (p > 0.05). In conclusion, most participants showed no or little knowledge about RDs, and DUs had a significant higher level of knowledge than non-university dentists.
Ecological Study on Thyroid Cancer Incidence and Mortality in Association with European Union Member States’ Air Pollution
Authors: Giannoula Evanthia , Melidis Christos , Frangos Savvas , Papadopoulos Nikitas , Koutsouki Georgia , Iakovou Ioannis
Published: December 2020

Over the last few decades, thyroid cancer incidence has had a significant increase. Despite well-known genetic and epigenetic factors (radiation, overdiagnosis, already existing benign thyroid tumors), the effect of air pollution on its incidence and mortality has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, air pollution data from 27 EU member states is used in order to analyze its association with thyroid cancer incidence, and mortality and socioeconomic factors are examined as confounders. This ecological study used age standardized thyroid cancer incidence and mortality rates per 100,000 people for the year 2012 from 27 EU member states, collected from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization and European Cancer. Data regarding mean air pollutant mass concentrations for 1992, 2002 and 2012 was collected from the European Environment Agency. Data analysis was carried out using Prism 5.0 and SPSS v.20. Multiple regression analysis showed a statistically significant positive association between thyroid cancer incidence in men and the environmental 2012 masse of Benzo (k) Fluoranthene (r2 = 0.2142, p = 0.042) and HexaChlorocycloHexane (r2 = 0.9993, p = 0.0166). Additionally, a statistically significant positive association was observed between the thyroid cancer mortality rate in men and the 1992 environmental concentrations of Hg (r2 = 0.1704, p = 0.043). Data indicates that some air pollutants may have an effect on increased thyroid cancer incidence and mortality, at least in men. However, causal relationships cannot be fully supported via ecological studies, and this article only focuses on the EU and uses only three distinct time periods.
Forecast of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma Mortality in Italy up to 2040
Authors: Oddone Enrico , Bollon Jordy , Nava Consuelo Rubina , Minelli Giada , Imbriani Marcello , Consonni Dario , Marinaccio Alessandro , Magnani Corrado , Barone-Adesi Francesco
Published: December 2020

Despite their differences, pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma are frequently lumped together to describe epidemic curves and to forecast future mesothelioma trends. This study aims to describe the malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) epidemic in Italy (1996–2016) and to forecast future trends up to 2040 in order to contribute to the assessment of MPeM future burden. All MPeM deaths in Italy from 1996–2016 were collected (as provided by the Italian National Statistical Institute (ISTAT)) in order to estimate MPeM mortality rates for each 3-year period from 1996 to 2016. Poisson age-period-cohort (APC) models were then used to forecast MPeM future trends. Between 2017 and 2040, 1333 MPeM deaths are expected. The number of MPeM deaths, as well as mortality rates, are expected to constantly decrease throughout the considered period. Based on considering the information from this study, it can be concluded that the MPeM epidemic has probably already reached its peak in Italy.
LPS1, Encoding Iron-Sulfur Subunit SDH2-1 of Succinate Dehydrogenase, Affects Leaf Senescence and Grain Yield in Rice
Authors: Li Chun , Liu Chuan-Qiang , Zhang Hong-Shan , Chen Cong-Ping , Yang Xiao-Rong , Chen Long-Fei , Liu Qing-Song , Guo Jia , Sun Chang-Hui , Wang Ping-Rong , Deng Xiao-Jian
Published: December 2020

The iron-sulfur subunit (SDH2) of succinate dehydrogenase plays a key role in electron transport in plant mitochondria. However, it is yet unknown whether SDH2 genes are involved in leaf senescence and yield formation. In this study, we isolated a late premature senescence mutant, lps1, in rice (Oryza sativa). The mutant leaves exhibited brown spots at late tillering stage and wilted at the late grain-filling stage and mature stage. In its premature senescence leaves, photosynthetic pigment contents and net photosynthetic rate were reduced; chloroplasts and mitochondria were degraded. Meanwhile, lps1 displayed small panicles, low seed-setting rate and dramatically reduced grain yield. Gene cloning and complementation analysis suggested that the causal gene for the mutant phenotype was OsSDH2-1 (LOC_Os08g02640), in which single nucleotide mutation resulted in an amino acid substitution in the encoded protein. OsSDH2-1 gene was expressed in all organs tested, with higher expression in leaves, root tips, ovary and anthers. OsSDH2-1 protein was targeted to mitochondria. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mainly H2O2, was excessively accumulated in leaves and young panicles of lps1, which could cause premature leaf senescence and affect panicle development and pollen function. Taken together, OsSDH2-1 plays a crucial role in leaf senescence and yield formation in rice.
Comparative Proteomics Analysis Reveals Unique Early Signaling Response of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Oxidants with Different Mechanism of Action
Authors: Pandey Prajita , Zaman Khadiza , Prokai Laszlo , Shulaev Vladimir
Published: December 2020

The early signaling events involved in oxidant recognition and triggering of oxidant-specific defense mechanisms to counteract oxidative stress still remain largely elusive. Our discovery driven comparative proteomics analysis revealed unique early signaling response of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the proteome level to oxidants with a different mechanism of action as early as 3 min after treatment with four oxidants, namely H2O2, cumene hydroperoxide (CHP), and menadione and diamide, when protein abundances were compared using label-free quantification relying on a high-resolution mass analyzer (Orbitrap). We identified significant regulation of 196 proteins in response to H2O2, 569 proteins in response to CHP, 369 proteins in response to menadione and 207 proteins in response to diamide. Only 17 proteins were common across all treatments, but several more proteins were shared between two or three oxidants. Pathway analyses revealed that each oxidant triggered a unique signaling mechanism associated with cell survival and repair. Signaling pathways mostly regulated by oxidants were Ran, TOR, Rho, and eIF2. Furthermore, each oxidant regulated these pathways in a unique way indicating specificity of response to oxidants having different modes of action. We hypothesize that interplay of these signaling pathways may be important in recognizing different oxidants to trigger different downstream MAPK signaling cascades and to induce specific responses.
OsMre11 Is Required for Mitosis during Rice Growth and Development
Authors: Shen Miaomiao , Nie Yanshen , Chen Yueyue , Zhang Xiufeng , Zhao Jie
Published: December 2020

Meiotic recombination 11 (Mre11) is a relatively conserved nuclease in various species. Mre11 plays important roles in meiosis and DNA damage repair in yeast, humans and Arabidopsis, but little research has been done on mitotic DNA replication and repair in rice. Here, it was found that Mre11 was an extensively expressed gene among the various tissues and organs of rice, and loss-of-function of Mre11 resulted in severe defects of vegetative and reproductive growth, including dwarf plants, abnormally developed male and female gametes, and completely abortive seeds. The decreased number of cells in the apical meristem and the appearance of chromosomal fragments and bridges during the mitotic cell cycle in rice mre11 mutant roots revealed an essential role of OsMre11. Further research showed that DNA replication was suppressed, and a large number of DNA strand breaks occurred during the mitotic cell cycle of rice mre11 mutants. The expression of OsMre11 was up-regulated with the treatment of hydroxyurea and methyl methanesulfonate. Moreover, OsMre11 could form a complex with OsRad50 and OsNbs1, and they might function together in non-homologous end joining and homologous recombination repair pathways. These results indicated that OsMre11 plays vital roles in DNA replication and damage repair of the mitotic cell cycle, which ensure the development and fertility of rice by maintaining genome stability.
High-Molecular-Weight Glutenin Subunits: Genetics, Structures, and Relation to End Use Qualities
Authors: Li Yi , Fu Jiahui , Shen Qun , Yang Dong
Published: December 2020

High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) are storage proteins present in the starchy endosperm cells of wheat grain. Encoding the synthesis of HMW-GS, the Glu-1 loci located on the long arms of group 1 chromosomes of the hexaploid wheat (1A, 1B, and 1D) present multiple allelism. In hexaploid wheat cultivars, almost all of them express 3 to 5 HMW-GSs and the 1Ay gene is always silent. Though HMW-GSs are the minor components in gluten, they are crucial for dough properties, and certain HMW-GSs make more positive contributions than others. The HMW-GS acts as a “chain extender” and provides a disulfide-bonded backbone in gluten network. Hydrogen bonds mediated by glutamine side chains are also crucial for stabilizing the gluten structure. In most cases, HMW-GSs with additional or less cysteines are related to the formation of relatively more or less interchain disulfide bonds and HMW-GSs also affect the gluten secondary structures, which in turn impact the end use qualities of dough.
Neurological Disorders and Risk of Arrhythmia
Authors: Bernardi Joyce , Aromolaran Kelly A. , Aromolaran Ademuyiwa S.
Published: December 2020

Neurological disorders including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, autism and epilepsy are associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disorders and susceptibility to heart failure. The underlying molecular mechanisms that link neurological disorders and adverse cardiac function are poorly understood. Further, a lack of progress is likely due to a paucity of studies that investigate the relationship between neurological disorders and cardiac electrical activity in health and disease. Therefore, there is an important need to understand the spatiotemporal behavior of neurocardiac mechanisms. This can be advanced through the identification and validation of neurological and cardiac signaling pathways that may be adversely regulated. In this review we highlight how dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity and inflammation, predispose to psychiatric disorders and cardiac dysfunction. Moreover, antipsychotic and antidepressant medications increase the risk for adverse cardiac events, mostly through the block of the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG), which plays a critical role in cardiac repolarization. Therefore, understanding how neurological disorders lead to adverse cardiac ion channel remodeling is likely to have significant implications for the development of effective therapeutic interventions and helps improve the rational development of targeted therapeutics with significant clinical implications.