bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Methods for the Estimation of the Maximum Oxygen Uptake of Men Drug Addicts
Authors: Wang Kun , Jiang Haonan , Zhang Tingran , Yin Lian , Chen Xi , Luo Jiong
Published: September 2021

Background: Maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is an important respiratory physiological index of the aerobic endurance of the body, especially for special groups such as drug addicts, and it is an important indicator for assessing the cardiopulmonary function and formulating exercise prescriptions. Although the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) is a classic method to directly measure VO2max, this method is limited by factors such as cumbersome operating procedures and expensive equipment, resulting in its relatively low applicability. Recently, many studies have begun to focus on the estimation of VO2max in different groups of people, but few studies have focused on drug addicts.

Methods: Fifteen chemically synthesized drug addicts (such as amphetamines) and Fifteen plant-derived drug addicts (such as heroin) were recruited at the Chongqing Compulsory Isolation and Drug Rehabilitation Center in China. First, the VO2max of subjects was directly measured through the CPX. Second, after subjects were fully rested, they were required to complete the 30-s high-leg raise, 1,000-m walk, and 3-min step experiment. Finally, SPSS 21.0 software was used to perform the correlation and linear regression analysis to verify the estimated effectiveness.

Results: (1) Regardless of chemically synthesized or natural plant-derived drug addicts, the years of drug use and walking time of 1,000 m were significantly negatively correlated with VO2max (chemically synthesized: P < 0.01 and natural plant-derived: P < 0.05), the number of 30-s high-leg raises was a significantly positive correlation with VO2max (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), and the 3-min step index was significantly positively correlated with VO2max (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01). (2) Regression analysis shows that the 30-s high-leg lift, 1,000-m walking, and 3-min step experiment could effectively estimate the VO2max of chemically synthesized and natural plant-derived drug addicts. (3) Multiple linear regression constructed by the years of drug use combined with the step index has the highest estimated accuracy for the VO2max of chemically synthesized drug addicts (96.48%), while the unary regression equation established by a single step index has the highest prediction accuracy for the VO2max of natural plant-derived addicts (94.30%).

Conclusion: The indirect measurement method could effectively estimate the VO2max of drug addicts, but different measurement methods have certain differences in the estimation accuracy of VO2max of different drug addicts. In the future, the physical characteristics of drug users can be fully considered, combined with more cutting-edge science and technology, to make the estimation accuracy of VO2max closer to the real level.
Allometry and Yield Stability of Cereals
Authors: Weiner Jacob , Du Yan-Lei , Zhao Yi-Min , Li Feng-Min
Published: September 2021

Crop plants grow, and then, they allocate resources to different structures, including seeds and fruits, which represent yield in most crops. We define the yield stability of a genotype as its ability to reduce the effects of temporal variation in resources and conditions on yield production, and we argue that yield stability can be understood in terms of two processes: (1) crop survival and growth (biomass production): the ability of the crop plants to survive and produce biomass under the range of conditions to which it is exposed and (2) the pattern of allocation of this biomass to yield across this range of conditions. Plant breeders and crop physiologists have focused on (1), but much less attention has been paid to (2). We hypothesize that (2) is primarily the result of reproductive allometry: the quantitative relationship between vegetative and reproductive biomass. Ecological theory and the allometric models we present predict a tradeoff between (a) the ability of a genotype to produce yield over a wide variety of conditions and (b) its ability to produce very high yields under optimal or near-optimal conditions. We reanalyze the data from two recent studies, and the results are consistent with this hypothesis. Yield stability in crops corresponds to bet-hedging in evolutionary ecological theory. It is the most appropriate strategy for smallholder farmers in developing countries, a group that comprises most of the farmers in the world. Researchers and crop breeders need to rethink their objectives if they want to develop optimal varieties for these farmers.
Early ERP Evidence for Children’s and Adult’s Sensitivity to Scalar Implicatures Triggered by Existential Quantifiers (Some)
Authors: Panizza Daniele , Onea Edgar , Mani Nivedita
Published: September 2021

How quickly do children and adults interpret scalar lexical items in speech processing? The current study examined interpretation of the scalar terms some vs. all in contexts where either the stronger (some = not all) or the weaker interpretation was permissible (some allows all). Children and adults showed increased negative deflections in brain activity following the word some in some-infelicitous versus some-felicitous contexts. This effect was found as early as 100 ms across central electrode sites (in children), and 300–500 ms across left frontal, fronto-central, and centro-parietal electrode sites (in children and adults). These results strongly suggest that young children (aged between 3 and 4 years) as well as adults quickly have access to the contextually appropriate interpretation of scalar terms.
Reading Comprehension Tests for Children: Test Equating and Specific Age-Interval Reports
Authors: Lúcio Patrícia Silva , Lourenço Fausto Coutinho , Cogo-Moreira Hugo , Bandalos Deborah , Carvalho Carolina Alves Ferreira de , Kida Adriana de Souza Batista , Ávila Clara Regina Brandão de
Published: September 2021

Equating is used to directly compare alternate forms of tests. We describe the equating of two alternative forms of a reading comprehension test for Brazilian children (2nd to 5th grade), Form A (n= 427) and Form B (n= 321). We employed non-equivalent random groups design with internal anchor items. Local independence was attestedviastandardized residual Pearson's bivariate correlation. First, from 176 items, we selected 42 in each form (33 unique and 9 in common) using 2PL model, a one-dimensional item response theory (IRT) model. Using the equateIRT package for R, the anchor items were used to link both forms. Linking coefficients were estimated under two different methods (Haebara and Stocking–Lord), resulting in scores equating by two methods: observed score equating (OSE) and true score equating (TSE). We provided reference-specific age-intervals for the sample. The final version was informative for a wide range of theta abilities. We concluded that the forms could be used interchangeably.
Electrodermal Response to Mirror Exposure in Relation to Subjective Emotional Responses, Emotional Competences and Affectivity in Adolescent Girls With Restrictive Anorexia and Healthy Controls
Authors: Knejzlíková Terézia , Světlák Miroslav , Malatincová Tatiana , Roman Robert , Chládek Jan , Najmanová Jana , Theiner Pavel , Linhartová Pavla , Kašpárek Tomáš
Published: September 2021

Objective:Body image disturbances and the attendant negative emotions are two of the major clinical symptoms of eating disorders. The objective of the present experimental study was to shed more light on the degree of association or dissociation between the physiological and emotional response to mirror exposure in patients with restrictive mental anorexia, and on the relationships between the physiological response and characteristics connected with emotional processing.

Materials and Methods:Thirty adolescent girls with the restrictive type of anorexia and thirty matched healthy controls underwent bilateral measurement of skin conductance (SC) during rest, neutral stimulus exposure, and mirror exposure, and completed a set of measures focused on emotion regulation competencies, affectivity, and eating disorder pathology.

Results:Compared to healthy controls, girls with restrictive anorexia rated mirror exposure as a subjectively more distressful experience. Differences in skin conductance response (SCR) were not significant; however, variance in SCR was substantially greater in the group of anorexia patients as compared to healthy controls. The overall skin conductance level (SCL) was lower in anorexia patients. Increase in SCR during mirror exposure, as opposed to exposure to neutral stimuli, was positively related to the tendency to experience negative emotions, interoceptive sensitivity, body dissatisfaction and suppression, but not to other symptoms of eating pathology or emotional awareness. Apost hocanalysis suggested that physiological reactivity might be associated with interoceptive sensitivity to mirror exposure especially in anorectic patients.

Conclusion:The study seems to demonstrate some degree of dissociation between psychophysiological reactivity and subjective response to body exposure in patients with restrictive anorexia. Factors affecting differences in psychophysiological responsiveness to body exposure in anorectic patients require further exploration.
Development and Initial Validation of a Scale to Measure Cognitive Demands of Flexible Work
Authors: Prem Roman , Kubicek Bettina , Uhlig Lars , Baumgartner Vera , Korunka Christian
Published: September 2021

With globalization, digitalization, and the spread of information and communication technologies, rules regulating work have been softened or completely abolished. Consequently, employees face additional cognitive demands to plan, structure, and coordinate their work. To capture these demands of contemporary work, we constructed and initially validated the Cognitive Demands of Flexible Work (CODE) scale. The scale comprises four subscales (i.e., structuring of work tasks, planning of working times, planning of working places, and coordinating with others). We initially validated the scale in three independent studies (overallN= 1,129) in German and English. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the four-factor structure, as well as scalar invariance, of the different language versions. Moreover, the subscales showed convergent and divergent validity with related constructs such as requirements for problem solving or autonomy. The criterion validity for emotional exhaustion, engagement, positive work rumination, negative work rumination, and problem-solving pondering suggested that cognitive demands of flexible work can be construed as challenge demands. However, relationships with emotional exhaustion were not significant. Overall, the CODE scale was shown to be a reliable and valid instrument to measure cognitive demands of flexible work.
Validating Visual Stimuli of Nature Images and Identifying the Representative Characteristics
Authors: Menser Terri , Baek Juha , Siahaan Jacob , Kolman Jacob M. , Delgado Domenica , Kash Bita
Published: September 2021

This study fills a void in the literature by both validating images of nature for use in future research experiments and examining which characteristics of these visual stimuli are found to be most representative of nature. We utilized a convenience sample of university students to assess 129 different nature images on which best represented nature. Participants (n = 40) viewed one image per question (n = 129) and were asked to rate images using a 5-point Likert scale, with the anchors “best represents nature” (5) and “least represents nature” (1). Average ratings across participants were calculated for each image. Canopies, mountains, bodies of water, and unnatural elements were identified as semantic categories of interest, as well as atmospheric perspectives and close-range views. We conducted the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and the ordered logistic regression analyses to identify semantic categories highly representative of nature, controlling for the presence/absence of other semantic categories. The results showed that canopies, bodies of water, and mountains were found to be highly representative of nature, whereas unnatural elements and close-range views were inversely related. Understanding semantic categories most representative of nature is useful in developing nature-centered interventions in behavioral performance research and other neuroimaging modalities. All images are housed in an online repository and we welcome the use of the final 10 highly representative nature images by other researchers, which will hopefully prompt and expedite future examinations of nature across multiple research formats.
Ethnic Differences in Barriers and Enablers to Physical Activity Among Older Adults
Authors: You Emily , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , Wan Ching Shan , Goh Anita M. Y. , Curran Eleanor , Chong Terence W. H. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Hanna Fahad , Ellis Kathryn A.
Published: September 2021

Despite its well-known health benefits, most older adults do not commit to undertaking sufficient physical activity (PA). In this study we aimed to examine the perceived benefits of and barriers and enablers to PA from the perspectives of older Caucasian and Chinese adults living in Australia. Individual and group interviews with 17 Caucasian (mean age: 72.8 years) and 47 Chinese adults (mean age: 74.0 years) were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Overall, participants knew about the benefits of PA on physical health but had inconsistent views on its benefits on mental and cognitive health. Older Caucasian and Chinese adults reported similar barriers (e.g., health issues, costs, bad weather and lack of time) and enablers (e.g., improving health; environmental enablers such as adequate and walkable spaces and good natural environment; peer support; and self-motivation) to PA. In comparison, older Chinese adults reported barriers more often, and reported some unique barriers relating to language and culture issues. The findings contribute to developing targeted PA programs for older Caucasian and Chinese adults.
Fibromyalgia in Health Care Worker During COVID-19 Outbreak in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlEnzi Fahidah , Alhamal Sara , Alramadhan Maryam , Altaroti Ahmed , Siddiqui Intisar , Aljanobi Ghada
Published: September 2021

Background: In the face of the contemporary COVID-19 pandemic, health service providers have emerged as the most at-risk individuals who are likely to contract the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Aim: To measure the prevalence of fibromyalgia (FM) during COVID outbreak among health workers in Saudi Arabia using FiRST and LFESSQ tool.

Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional methodology to explore the prevalence of Fibromyalgia among health workers at different health care settings in Saudi Arabia. The assessment of the prevalence of fibromyalgia among health worker was determined by using the Fibromyalgia Rapid Screening Tool (FiRST) and London Fibromyalgia Epidemiological Study Screening Questionnaire (LFESSQ) questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data.

Results: The sample size included 992 participants. The prevalence of fibromyalgia using FiRST and LFESSQ was 12.6 and 19.8%, respectively. In this study, the prevalence of fibromyalgia was higher in females when compared to males. Most of the respondents have Vitamin D deficiency. The relationship of fibromyalgia was significantly associated with the participants who worked during an outbreak, who covered COVID-19 inpatient, covered in-hospital on call and in area quarantine.

Conclusion: The study's findings demonstrate that the prevalence of Fibromyalgia among health service providers during the current COVID-19 pandemic is considerably higher and that there are potential interventions that may be employed to mitigate the prevalence of the infection during the COVID-19 crisis.
What Do Values Have to Do With It?: Resilience of Two Types of Farmers in Hawai‘i to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hutchins Leslie , Feldman Mackenzie
Published: September 2021

A history of agriculture and socio-cultural formation has led to a complex local food system in Hawai‘i. Customary agricultural systems built by Kānaka ‘Ōiwi (Indigenous Hawaiian) are now rested within a landscape filled with many different crops tended by farmers from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Value systems dictating farming practices and crop selling decisions differ. In Hawai'i, values of food security or food sovereignty are of particular importance, especially as growing movements seek to increase local production and decrease the state's reliance on imported food in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we systematically compare two different groups of farmers in Hawai'i and their values related to production and distribution. We then analyze the experiences of these two groups of farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic and their responses to them. The study is based on interviews with 22 Indigenous Kānaka ‘Ōiwi (IF) and Non-Indigenous local farmers (LF) from the island of O‘ahu. Ninety percent of IF say values associated with both food security and sovereignty drive their production and distribution decisions, while 75% of LF describe food security as the sole driver. Sixty percent of IF follow a non-profit economic model and emphasize cultural and educational values in their production decisions. LF follow profit-driven models and emphasize the influence the market has in their decisions. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, IF sold or donated the bulk of their crops to the local community through farm pickups, while restaurants were the primary buyers of LF crops. During the pandemic, the local community continues to be the primary recipient for IF, and due to the closure of many restaurants, LF have pivoted their sales to the community as well. Farmer interviews are augmented by three interviews with Hawai'i food system experts and relevant literature to suggest multiple pathways state agencies and local organizations could implement to support farmers from different backgrounds through COVID-19 and into the future.
Temperament Trait Changes in Japanese Black Cows Under Grazing and Confined Conditions
Authors: Nakajima Noriaki , Mitsuishi Hiroki , Yayota Masato
Published: September 2021

The objective of the present study was to reveal the effects of grazing on the temperament traits of cows. Nine Japanese Black cows [344 ± 32 kg body weight (BW), 7.7 ± 3.0 year of age], which had various experiences, such as tethering, handling, and grazing, were used in this experiment. Five of the nine cows were grazed for 3 months on a 1.8-ha field composed of a sown pasture with forestland. The remaining cows were fed in confinement. On days 38, 52, 72, and 86 after the start of grazing, the temperament traits observed in various situations, such as moving to the body weight scale, weighing, handling, moving to the stock for blood sampling, holding in the stock, and obtaining a blood sample, were assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS: 1–10) or score (1–5). During weighing and handling, the intensity of resistance exhibited by the grazing cows, as evaluated by head movement, walking/stepping, tail flicking, rope tension, and overall movement, was lower than that exhibited by confined cows (P< 0.05). The resistance score exhibited by the grazing cows during blood sampling was also lower than that exhibited by confined cows (P< 0.01). These results suggest that grazing enhances docility in cows with various experiences in different situations encountered in daily management.
Relinquishing Owners Underestimate Their Dog's Behavioral Problems: Deception or Lack of Knowledge?
Authors: Powell Lauren , Duffy Deborah L. , Kruger Katherine A. , Watson Brittany , Serpell James A.
Published: September 2021

Undesirable behavior is a leading cause of canine relinquishment. Relinquishing owners could provide valuable information about their dog's behavior, although the reliability of their reports has been questioned by the sheltering community. This study aimed to investigate (a) whether relinquishing owners' reports of dog behavior differed based on the behavioral screening method; (b) whether relinquishing owners' reports were impacted by the confidentiality of their responses; and (c) whether relinquishing and non-relinquishing owners perceived the behavior of their dogs differently. The sample included 427 relinquished dogs from three animal shelters and 427 pet dogs, matched for sex and breed. Owners responded to a direct question about whether they were experiencing problems with their dog's behavior and completed the mini C-BARQ which includes 42 questions about the frequency and severity of specific canine behaviors in various circumstances. More than two-thirds (69.3%) of relinquishing owners indicated they were not experiencing problems with their dog's behavior when asked directly, compared with only 34.5% of pet owners. Yet, relinquished dogs had significantly higher (less desirable) scores than pet dogs across most C-BARQ scales. The disparity between C-BARQ scores and the single, direct question does not appear to be the result of deliberately biased reporting by relinquishing owners as the perceived confidentiality (or lack thereof) did not affect their responses (X2= 1.44,p= 0.97). It is possible that relinquishing owners had less understanding of dog behavior and did not recognize behavior problems as a problem. Our findings support the use of standardized behavioral questionnaires, such as the mini C-BARQ, to collect behavioral information from owners at the time of relinquishment and highlight opportunities for animal shelters to reduce relinquishment by assisting owners to recognize and manage behavioral problems.
Transformación Digital: Alternativa de crecimiento para emprendedores universitarios
Authors: Guerra Villalta Christian Enrique , Torres Rivadeneira Leonor Mercedes , Sumba Nacipucha Nicolás Armando , Cueva Estrada Jorge Manuel
Published: September 2021

En un mundo en constante cambio, la transformación digital en los emprendimientos se ha vuelto una necesidad imperiosa para la sostenibilidad de los negocios, situación que debe planificarse y aplicarse en el mediano plazo. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue analizar la relación entre las variables transformación digital y emprendedores universitarios del Ecuador, para ello de forma exploratoria se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sobre las variables de interés, lo que permitió fundamentar el marco teórico del estudio, posteriormente y para aterrizar los conceptos al contexto ecuatoriano, se empleó el método Delphi con dos rondas de entrevistas a expertos, lo que a su vez permitió diseñar un cuestionario, el que posteriormente fue aplicado a 384 emprendedores universitarios del Ecuador, para recabar su opinión y percepción sobre la transformación digital y su efecto en la sostenibilidad de sus emprendimientos. Como principal resultado, los encuestados reconocen la importancia de la transformación digital en los emprendimientos, sin embargo, esto no se ve reflejado en las operaciones de sus negocios, lo cual puede deberse a una confusión entre la transformación digital y el solo hecho de usar herramientas tecnológicas de forma aislada en uno o más procesos. Esta ausencia de transformación digital también puede ser atribuida a la falta de: fuentes de financiamiento, conocimiento de herramientas de gestión y estudios a profundidad sobre el mercado.
El cambio a envases sostenibles como estrategia competitiva de las empresas exportadoras. Un enfoque de Economía Circular
Authors: Ortiz Tinoco Yanela Mishel , Espinoza Castillo Jefferson Andres , González Illescas Mayiya Lisbeth , Carmenate Fuentes Luis Pastor
Published: September 2021

En el ámbito de los mercados internacionales crece el interés por reducir el impacto ambiental de las actividades económicas. Los gobiernos de países desarrollados se van sumando a la definición de marcos regulatorios como un llamado a las industrias a explorar alternativas de producción en el marco de la Economía Circular. En este contexto, las empresas exportadoras se enfrentan a la necesidad de demostrar que pueden gestionar el cambio desde una Economía Lineal hacia un modelo de producción que integra acciones para recuperar, extraer, transformar y usar el material desechado de productos. El uso de envases sostenibles se identifica como una respuesta estratégica de las empresas globales, en aras de cubrir las expectativas de la sociedad y enfrentar las regulaciones de acceso a los mercados internacionales, a la vez que generan alternativas para mejorar su competitividad. Este artículo tiene por objetivo caracterizar la estrategia de cambio a envases sostenibles realizado por empresas exportadoras, mediante el método de estudio de casos aplicado a una selección de 10 empresas internacionales. Las fuentes de información corresponden a los informes de sostenibilidad y sitios web de las empresas objeto de estudio. Los principales hallazgos señalan que las exportadoras están empleando envases sostenibles como estrategia de adaptación, diferenciación e innovación. Finalmente, se concluye que la implementación del uso de envases biodegradables favorece la reputación de las empresas y el acceso de la oferta exportable a mercados exigentes.
Cualidades gerenciales y su influencia en el desempeño empresarial
Authors: Duque Espinoza Gabriela , Córdova León Fernando , Gonzáles Soto Karla , Aguirre Quezada Juan Carlos
Published: September 2021

El desempeño empresarial está determinado por factores estructurales que caracterizan al entorno en el que la organización se desenvuelve, sobre los cuales las firmas no pueden incidir de manera directa, y factores endógenos que responden a la gestión estratégica de la empresa; por lo tanto, sus resultados son explicados por las acciones de la gerencia y sus capacidades. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo determinar la influencia de las cualidades gerenciales sobre el desempeño empresarial, para lo cual se analizan las empresas pertenecientes a cuatro sectores manufactureros representativos del Ecuador. Se estima un modelo de regresión que explica el desempeño empresarial mediante variables como el género, formación académica, afinidad de la formación y tiempo de permanencia en el cargo de la gerencia. Los resultados indican que el género femenino, la afinidad de la formación académica y la permanencia en el cargo se relacionan positivamente con el desempeño empresarial.
Review and Analysis of the Reasons Delaying the Entry into Service of Power-by-Wire Actuators for High-Power Safety-Critical Applications
Authors: Maré Jean-Charles
Published: September 2021

This paper deals with safety-critical, high-power actuation in aerospace applications. Using a system-level synthetic view, it identifies, explains and discusses the reasons why electrically supplied, or power-by-wire, solutions have not spread rapidly enough to become a generalized replacement of the conventional, hydraulically supplied ones. Once the actuation needs have been summarized, the drawbacks of conventional actuation and the merits of electrically supplied actuation are listed and analyzed. Then, the challenges to be met in order to mitigate the intrinsic disadvantages of power-by-wire are addressed in detail with a focus on the solutions under development or research. Numerous examples, numerical data and orders of magnitude are provided to support the discussion.
Activation of Cryptic Antibiotic Biosynthetic Gene Clusters Guided by RNA-seq Data from Both Streptomyces ansochromogenes and ΔwblA
Authors: Li Yue , Yu Haiying , Guan Hanye , Li Jingjing , Zhang Jihui , Xiang Hua , Li Jine , Tan Huarong
Published: September 2021

With the increase of drug resistance caused by the improper use and abuse of antibiotics, human beings are facing a global health crisis. Sequencing of Streptomyces genomes revealed the presence of an important reservoir of secondary metabolic gene clusters for previously unsuspected products with potentially valuable bioactivity. It has therefore become necessary to activate these cryptic pathways through various strategies. Here, we used RNA-seq data to perform a comparative transcriptome analysis of Streptomyces ansochromogenes (wild-type, WT) and its global regulatory gene disruption mutant ΔwblA, in which some differentially expressed genes are associated with the abolished nikkomycin biosynthesis and activated tylosin analogue compounds (TACs) production, and also with the oviedomycin production that is induced by the genetic manipulation of two differentially expressed genes (san7324 and san7324L) encoding RsbR. These results provide a significant clue for the discovery of new drug candidates and the activation of cryptic biosynthetic gene clusters.
Vitamin C and E Treatment Blocks Changes in Kynurenine Metabolism Triggered by Three Weeks of Sprint Interval Training in Recreationally Active Elderly Humans
Authors: Wyckelsma Victoria L. , Trepci Ada , Schwieler Lilly , Venckunas Tomas , Brazaitis Marius , Kamandulis Sigitas , Paulauskas Henrikas , Gapeyeva Helena , Pääsuke Mati , Gastaldello Stefano , Imbeault Sophie , Westerblad Håkan , Erhardt Sophie , Andersson Daniel C.
Published: September 2021

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is gaining attention in several clinical fields. Recent studies show that physical exercise offers a therapeutic way to improve ratios of neurotoxic to neuroprotective KP metabolites. Antioxidant supplementation can blunt beneficial responses to physical exercise. We here studied the effects of endurance training in the form of sprint interval training (SIT; three sessions of 4–6 × 30 s cycling sprints per week for three weeks) in elderly (~65 years) men exposed to either placebo (n = 9) or the antioxidants vitamin C (1 g/day) and E (235 mg/day) (n = 11). Blood samples and muscle biopsies were taken under resting conditions in association with the first (untrained state) and last (trained state) SIT sessions. In the placebo group, the blood plasma level of the neurotoxic quinolinic acid was lower (~30%) and the neuroprotective kynurenic acid to quinolinic acid ratio was higher (~50%) in the trained than in the untrained state. Moreover, muscle biopsies showed a training-induced increase in kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) III in the placebo group. All these training effects were absent in the vitamin-treated group. In conclusion, KP metabolism was shifted towards neuroprotection after three weeks of SIT in elderly men and this shift was blocked by antioxidant treatment.
Quantifying Perceived Facial Asymmetry to Enhance Physician–Patient Communications
Authors: Wan Shu-Yen , Tsai Pei-Ying , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: September 2021

In cosmetic surgery, bridging the anticipation gap between the patients and the physicians can be challenging if there lacks objective and transparent information exchange during the decision-making and surgical process. Among all factors, facial symmetry is the most important for assessing facial attractiveness. The aim of this work is to promote communications between the two parties by providing a quadruple of quantitative measurements: overall asymmetry index (oAI), asymmetry vector, classification, and confidence vector, using an artificial neural network classifier to model people’s perception acquired from visual questionnaires concerning facial asymmetry. The questionnaire results exhibit a Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.94 and categorize the respondents’ perception of each stimulus face into perceived normal (PN), perceived asymmetrically normal (PAN), and perceived abnormal (PA) categories. The trained classifier yields an overall root mean squared error < 0.01, and its result shows that the oAI is, in general, proportional to the degree of perceived asymmetry. However, there exist faces that are difficult to classify as either PN or PAN or either PAN or PA with competing confidence values. In such cases, oAI alone is not sufficient to articulate facial asymmetry. Assisting surgeon–patient conversations with the proposed asymmetry quadruple is advised to avoid or to mitigate potential medical disputes.
Nanoelectrode Ensembles Consisting of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Dangel Gabrielle R. , Kumakli Hope , Rahm Connor E. , White Ryan , Alvarez Noe T.
Published: September 2021

Incorporating the nanoscale properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their assemblies into macroscopic materials is at the forefront of scientific innovation. The electrical conductivity, chemical inertness, and large aspect ratios of these cylindrical structures make them ideal electrode materials for electrochemical studies. The ability to assemble CNTs into nano-, micro-, and macroscale materials broadens their field of applications. Here, we report the fabrication of random arrays of CNT cross-sections and their performance as nanoelectrode ensembles (NEEs). Single ribbons of drawable CNTs were employed to create the CNT-NEEs that allows easier fabrication of nanoscale electrodes for general electrochemical applications. Surface analysis of the prepared NEEs using scanning electron microscopy showed a random distribution of CNTs within the encapsulating polymer. Electrochemical testing via cyclic voltammetry and scanning electrochemical cell microscopy revealed voltametric differences from the typical macroelectrode response with the steady-state nature of NEEs. Finally, when the NEE was employed for Pb2+ detection using square-wave anodic stripping voltammetry, a limit of detection of 0.57 ppb with a linear range of 10–35 ppb was achieved.
Electrochemical Degradation of Crystal Violet Using Ti/Pt/SnO2 Electrode
Authors: El Brychy Rachid , Rguiti Mohamed Moutie , Rhazzane Nadia , Mellaoui Moulay Driss , Abbiche Khalid , Abali Mhamed , Bazzi Lahcen , Hilali Mustapha , El Issami Souad , Groenen-Serrano Karine , Zejli Hanane
Published: September 2021

Today, organic wastes (paints, pigments, etc.) are considered to be a major concern for the pollution of aqueous environments. Therefore, it is essential to find new methods to solve this problem. This research was conducted to study the use of electrochemical processes to remove organic pollutants (e.g., crystal violet (CV)) from aqueous solutions. The galvanostatic electrolysis of CV by the use of Ti/Pt/SnO2 anode, were conducted in an electrochemical cell with 100 mL of solution using Na2SO4 and NaCl as supporting electrolyte, the effect of the important electrochemical parameters: current density (20–60 mA cm−2), CV concentration (10–50 mg L−1), sodium chloride concentration (0.01–0.1 g L−1) and initial pH (2 to 10) on the efficiency of the electrochemical process was evaluated and optimized. The electrochemical treatment process of CV was monitored by the UV-visible spectrometry and the chemical oxygen demand (COD). After only 120 min, in a 0.01 mol L−1 NaCl solution with a current density of 50 mA cm−2 and a pH value of 7 containing 10 mg L−1 CV, the CV removal efficiency can reach 100%, the COD removal efficiency is up to 80%. The process can therefore be considered as a suitable process for removing CV from coloured wastewater in the textile industries.
Removal of Cesium from Radioactive Waste Liquids Using Geomaterials
Authors: Zhang Haixin , Zhu Mingze , Du Xiaoyu , Feng Sihan , Miyamoto Naoto , Kano Naoki
Published: September 2021

In this study, we investigated the removal of Cs from aqueous solutions using geomaterials. Adsorption was chosen as an effective method to develop for the removal of Cs from radioactive waste liquids. Geomaterials, including fly ash and slag as raw materials, were prepared as adsorbents using an alkali activator. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD); scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDS); and BET surface area, pore volume, and pore size analysis. The effects of various parameters, such as pH, contact time, and adsorbent dosage on the adsorption of the Cs were studied. The partition coefficient (PC) as well as the adsorption capacity were evaluated to assess the true performance of the adsorbent in this work. The fly ash-based geomaterials showed a maximum Cs adsorption capacity of 89.32 mg·g−1 and a high PC of 31.02 mg·g−1·mM−1 for the Cs under our experimental conditions. From this work, this method can be regarded being practical for use as a potential adsorbent for treating Cs in wastewater. Furthermore, the immobilization of Cs in geomaterials was explored from a chemical perspective. In conclusion, fly ash-based geomaterials may be a promising option for the treatment and disposal of nuclear-contaminated waste.
Numerical Analysis of Edge Cracking in High-Silicon Steel during Cold Rolling with 3D Fracture Locus
Authors: Roh Yong-Hoon , Byon Sang Min , Lee Youngseog
Published: September 2021

In this study, a 3D fracture locus of high-silicon steel strip was constructed through a series of fracture tests with specimens of various shapes and corresponding finite element (FE) simulations of the fracture tests. A series of FE analyses coupled with the developed fracture locus was conducted, and the effect of the secondary roll-bending ratio (defined as L2/R2, where L2 and R2, respectively, denote the secondary work roll barrel length and the radius of the convex curvature of the work roll surface profile emulating positive roll bending) and the initial notch length on edge cracking in the strip during cold rolling was investigated. The results reveal that the 2D fracture locus that does not include the Lode angle parameter (varying between −0.81 and 0.72 during cold rolling) overestimates the edge cracking in the range of 13.1–22.2%. The effect of the initial notch length on the length of crack grown in the transverse direction of the strip during cold rolling is greatest when the ratio L2/R2 is 0.12.
Parametric Study on Strength Characteristics of Two-Dimensional Ice Beam Using Discrete Element Method
Authors: Song Seongjin , Jeon Wooyoung , Park Sunho
Published: September 2021

Strength characteristics of a two-dimensional ice beam were studied using a discrete element method (DEM). The DEM solver was implemented by the open-source discrete element method libraries. Three-point bending and uniaxial compressive tests of the ice beam were simulated. The ice beam consisted of an assembly of disk-shaped particles with a particular thickness. The connection of the ice particles was modelled using a cuboid element, which represents a bond. If the stress acting on the bond exceeded the bond strength criterion, the bond started to break, explaining the cracking of the ice beam. To find out the effect of the local parameters of the contact and bond models on the ice fracture, we performed numerical simulations for various bond Young‘s modulus of the particles, the bond strength, and the relative particle size ratio.
Improving the Performance of Frequently Used Korean Handwritten Character Verification Based on Artificial Intelligence through Multimodal Fusion
Authors: Jin Kyung Won , Lee Eui Chul
Published: September 2021

Handwriting verification is a biometric recognition field that identifies individuals’ unique characteristics contained in their handwriting. A single written character shows subtle differences depending on habits accumulated over time or the manner of writing. Based on this, it is often adopted in forensic investigations and as evidence in court. Existing handwriting verification is conducted by an expert, and is affected by the expert’s ability or subjectivity, causing different results to arise depending on the expert. Therefore, we propose a handwriting verification method that excludes human subjectivity and has objectivity. Using computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI), we derived results that excluded human subjectivity, and the judgment strength was expressed through a likelihood ratio. To improve the existing method’s accuracy, we performed a more accurate verification through multimodal use from the biometric field. Multimodal handwriting verification is conducted using up to four characters (not just one) because individual handwriting in each character is different. For learning, n-fold tests were conducted to maintain test objectivity, and the average performance of single character-based verification was 80.14% and the multimodal method averaged 88.96%. Here, we proposed the objectivity of handwriting verification through learning using AI, and show that performance improved through multimodal fusion.
Analgesic Effect of Boiogito, a Japanese Traditional Kampo Medicine, on Post-Traumatic Knee Osteoarthritis through Inhibition of ERK1/2 Phosphorylation in the Dorsal Horn of the Spinal Cord
Authors: Kunieda Yusuke , Okumo Takayuki , Ikemoto Hideshi , Adachi Naoki , Tanaka Midori , Kimura Taro , Yusa Kanako , Kanzaki Koji , Sunagawa Masataka
Published: September 2021

Boiogito (BO), a Japanese traditional herbal medicine, has been proven to be clinically effective against knee osteoarthritis (KOA)-associated pain. However, the therapeutic mechanism of BO remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the analgesic mechanism of BO using a rat KOA model. KOA was induced by destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). Rats were allocated into the following four groups: control, sham, DMM, and DMM + BO groups. Rotarod test was performed to evaluate the pain-related locomotive dysfunction. Expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (pERK1/2) in the spinal dorsal horn was examined using immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting on days 1 and 28 after DMM surgery. A mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor, U0126, was intrathecally injected and rotarod test and Western blotting were performed. The rotarod test revealed hampered locomotive function in the DMM group, which was significantly improved upon BO administration. The number of pERK1/2-positive cells was increased in the DMM group, whereas it was significantly decreased in the DMM + BO group. U0126 significantly inhibited ERK1/2 phosphorylation and increased walking time in the rotarod test, suggesting that the DMM-related pain was associated with ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the spinal dorsal horn. In conclusion, BO administration improved the pain-related locomotive dysfunction by suppressing ERK1/2 phosphorylation.
Bilateral Deficits during Maximal Grip Force Production in Late Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Kim Jin-Su , Hwang Moon-Hyon , Kang Nyeonju
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate bilateral deficit patterns during maximal hand-grip force production in late postmenopausal women. Twenty late postmenopausal and 20 young premenopausal women performed maximal isometric grip force production tasks with dominant and nondominant hands and both hands, respectively. For late postmenopausal women, pulse wave analysis was used for identifying a potential relationship between maximal hand-grip strength and risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The findings showed that late postmenopausal women produced significantly decreased maximal hand-grip strength in dominant and nondominant and bilateral hand conditions compared to those of premenopausal women. Bilateral deficit patterns appeared in late postmenopausal women. For late postmenopausal women, decreased dominant and bilateral hand-grip forces were significantly related to greater bilateral deficit patterns. Further, less maximal hand-grip strength in unilateral and bilateral hand conditions correlated with greater central pulse pressure. These findings suggested that age-related impairments in muscle strength and estrogen deficiency may interfere with conducting successful activities of bilateral movements. Further, assessing maximal dominant hand-grip strength may predict bilateral deficit patterns and risk of cardiovascular disease in late postmenopausal women.
A Hundred Years of Yiddish Song Mobility
Authors: Slobin Mark
Published: September 2021

The article surveys continuities in the Yiddish song world from 1920–2020 despite the radical disjunctures of eastern European Ashkenazic Jewish life, profiling singers born nearly 100 years apart. The approach is synchronic, a useful method for music and mobility studies.
In Silico Studies on Selected Neutral Molecules, CGa2Ge2, CAlGaGe2, and CSiGa2Ge Containing Planar Tetracoordinate Carbon
Authors: Das Prasenjit , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar
Published: September 2021

Density functional theory (DFT) was used to study the structure, stability, and bonding in some selected neutral pentaatomic systems, viz., CGa2Ge2, CAlGaGe2, and CSiGa2Ge containing planar tetracoordinate carbon. The systems are kinetically stable, as predicted from the ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis showed that strong electron donation occurs to the central planar carbon atom by the peripheral atoms in all the studied systems. From the nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) analysis, it is shown that the systems possess both σ- and π- aromaticity. The presence of 18 valence electrons in these systems, in their neutral form, appears to be important for their stability with planar geometries rather than tetrahedral structures. The nature of bonding is understood through the adaptive natural density partitioning analysis (AdNDP), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis, and also via Wiberg bond index (WBI) and electron localization function (ELF).
Biofabrication Strategies for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Evolution towards Clinical Applications
Authors: Naghieh Saman , Lindberg Gabriella , Tamaddon Maryam , Liu Chaozong
Published: September 2021

Biofabrication has emerged as an attractive strategy to personalise medical care and provide new treatments for common organ damage or diseases. While it has made impactful headway in e.g., skin grafting, drug testing and cancer research purposes, its application to treat musculoskeletal tissue disorders in a clinical setting remains scarce. Albeit with several in vitro breakthroughs over the past decade, standard musculoskeletal treatments are still limited to palliative care or surgical interventions with limited long-term effects and biological functionality. To better understand this lack of translation, it is important to study connections between basic science challenges and developments with translational hurdles and evolving frameworks for this fully disruptive technology that is biofabrication. This review paper thus looks closely at the processing stage of biofabrication, specifically at the bioinks suitable for musculoskeletal tissue fabrication and their trends of usage. This includes underlying composite bioink strategies to address the shortfalls of sole biomaterials. We also review recent advances made to overcome long-standing challenges in the field of biofabrication, namely bioprinting of low-viscosity bioinks, controlled delivery of growth factors, and the fabrication of spatially graded biological and structural scaffolds to help biofabricate more clinically relevant constructs. We further explore the clinical application of biofabricated musculoskeletal structures, regulatory pathways, and challenges for clinical translation, while identifying the opportunities that currently lie closest to clinical translation. In this article, we consider the next era of biofabrication and the overarching challenges that need to be addressed to reach clinical relevance.