bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correction Mechanism for Balancing Driving Torques in an Opencast Mining Stacker with an Induction Motor and Converter Drive System
Authors: Jabłoński Mariusz , Borkowski Piotr
Published: February 2022

This article describes a correction mechanism for balancing torques in moving drives. The steering system is controlled by a programable logic controller (PLC), a field-oriented control (FOC) algorithm in the drive inverter system, Process Fieldbus (PROFIBUS), and a Decentralized Peripherals (DP) network. The mechanism was applied in an opencast mining stacker with an induction motor and converter drive system. The mechanism was realized using SIMOLINK (Siemens Motion Link, SL) via fiber optic cables. Motor torque correction was applied in each electrical drive of the stacker machine. The main results presented in this paper were obtained directly from the machine. Selected digital control problems related to open mining stackers are discussed.
Linear Quadratic Regulator and Fuzzy Control for Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems
Authors: Mukhatov Azamat , Thao Nguyen Gia Minh , Do Ton Duc
Published: February 2022

This work presents a control scheme to control a grid-connected single-phase photovoltaic (PV) system. The considered system has four 250 W solar panels, a non-inverting buck-boost DC-DC converter, and a DC-AC inverter with an inductor-capacitor-inductor (LCL) filter. The control system aims to track and operate at the maximum power point (MPP) of the PV panels, regulate the voltage of the DC link, and supply the grid with a unity power factor. To achieve these goals, the proposed control system consists of three parts: an MPP tracking controller module with a fuzzy-based modified incremental conductance (INC) algorithm, a DC-link voltage regulator with a hybrid fuzzy proportional-integral (PI) controller, and a current controller module using a linear quadratic regulator (LQR) for grid-connected power. Based on fuzzy control and an LQR, this work introduces a full control solution for grid-connected single-phase PV systems. The key novelty of this research is to analyze and prove that the newly proposed method is more successful in numerous aspects by comparing and evaluating previous and present control methods. The designed control system settles quickly, which is critical for output stability. In addition, as compared to the backstepping approach used in our past study, the LQR technique is more resistant to sudden changes and disturbances. Furthermore, the backstepping method produces a larger overshoot, which has a detrimental impact on efficiency. Simulation findings under various weather conditions were compared to theoretical ones to indicate that the system can deal with variations in weather parameters.
The Effect of Green Banking Practices on Banks’ Environmental Performance and Green Financing: An Empirical Study
Authors: Chen Jing , Siddik Abu , Zheng Guang-Wen , Masukujjaman Mohammad , Bekhzod Sodikov
Published: February 2022

Every sector of the global economy is faced with environmental problems and their resulting consequences to their day-to-day operations. Due to the rising threat of global climate change, the green banking (GB) concept has been given significant attention in recent green finance literature. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to identify the impact of GB practices on banks’ environmental performance and sources of green financing of private commercial banks (PCBs) in Bangladesh. Using a survey method, the primary data were obtained from a cross-sectional sample of 322 banking employees of PCBs in Bangladesh. In order to identify the key relationships existing between the study variables, structural equation modelling (SEM) approach was employed. The empirical findings indicated that banks’ employees, daily-operations, and policy-related GB practices have significant positive effects on green financing, contrary to banks’ customer-related GB practice, which was not statistically significant. Additionally, banks’ green project financing exhibited a strong and positive influence on banks’ environmental performance. Moreover, banks’ daily operation and policy-related practices of GB were observed to have significant impacts on banks’ environmental performances, in contrast to banks’ employee and customer-related GB practices. Therefore, major policy implications and directions for future research in the concerned area are discussed.
Clustering Informed MLP Models for Fast and Accurate Short-Term Load Forecasting
Authors: Arvanitidis Athanasios Ioannis , Bargiotas Dimitrios , Daskalopulu Aspassia , Kontogiannis Dimitrios , Panapakidis Ioannis P. , Tsoukalas Lefteri H.
Published: February 2022

The stable and efficient operation of power systems requires them to be optimized, which, given the growing availability of load data, relies on load forecasting methods. Fast and highly accurate Short-Term Load Forecasting (STLF) is critical for the daily operation of power plants, and state-of-the-art approaches for it involve hybrid models that deploy regressive deep learning algorithms, such as neural networks, in conjunction with clustering techniques for the pre-processing of load data before they are fed to the neural network. This paper develops and evaluates four robust STLF models based on Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLPs) coupled with the K-Means and Fuzzy C-Means clustering algorithms. The first set of two models cluster the data before feeding it to the MLPs, and are directly comparable to similar existing approaches, yielding, however, better forecasting accuracy. They also serve as a common reference point for the evaluation of the second set of two models, which further enhance the input to the MLP by informing it explicitly with clustering information, which is a novel feature. All four models are designed, tested and evaluated using data from the Greek power system, although their development is generic and they could, in principle, be applied to any power system. The results obtained by the four models are compared to those of other STLF methods, using objective metrics, and the accuracy obtained, as well as convergence time, is in most cases improved.
Energy-Use Inefficiency and Policy Governance in Central Asian Countries
Authors: Taguchi Hiroyuki , Asomiddin Aktamov
Published: February 2022

This study aims to examine the energy-use inefficiency in Central Asian (CA) countries by using the analytical framework of the energy-environmental Kuznets curve (EEKC). This study’s contribution to the literature, in the first place, is to explicitly target the CA countries in the EEKC analysis. The empirical analyses identified the energy-use inefficiency of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, and could demonstrate the contributions of weak policy governance and their natural resource abundance. This analytical result could also be endorsed by the Uzbekistan case. Thus, the policy implication is that there would be much room for these countries to improve their energy-use efficiency by enhancing their performance of energy policies.
Carbon Sequestration in Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) Plantations under the EU Afforestation Program in Southern Spain Using Low-Density Aerial Laser Scanning (ALS) Data
Authors: Palacios-Rodríguez Guillermo , Quinto Luis , Lara-Gómez Miguel A. , Pérez-Romero Javier , Recio José Manuel , Álvarez-Romero Marta , Cachinero-Vivar Antonio M. , Hernández-Navarro Salvador , Navarro-Cerrillo Rafael M.
Published: February 2022

Climate change is one of the environmental issues of global dominance and public opinion, becoming the greatest environmental challenge and of interest to researchers. In this context, planting trees on marginal agricultural land is considered a favourable measure to alleviate climate change, as they act as carbon sinks. Aerial laser scanning (ALS) data is an emerging technology for quantitative measures of C stocks. In this study, an estimation was made of the gains of C in biomass and soil in carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) plantations established on agricultural land in southern Spain. The average above-ground biomass (AGB) corresponded to 85.5% of the total biomass (average 34.01 kg tree−1), and the root biomass (BGB) was 14.5% (6.96 kg tree−1), with a BGB/AGB ratio of 0.20. The total SOC stock in the top 20 cm of the soil (SOC-S20) was 60.70 Mg C ha−1 underneath the tree crown and 43.63 Mg C ha−1 on the non-cover (implantation) area for the C. siliqua plantations. The allometric equations correlating the biomass fractions with the dbh and Ht as independent variables showed an adequate fit for the foliage (Wf, R2adj = 0.70), whereas the fits were weaker for the rest of the fractions (R2adj < 0.60). The individual trees were detected using colour orthophotography and the tree height was estimated from 140 crowns previously delineated using the 95th percentile ALS-metric. The precision of the adjusted models was verified by plotting the correlation between the LiDAR-predicted height (HL) and the field data (R2adj = 0.80; RMSE = 0.53 m). Following the selection of the independent variable data, a linear regression model was selected for dbh estimation (R2adj = 0.64), and a potential regression model was selected for the SOC (R2adj = 0.81). Using the segmentation process, a total of 8324 trees were outlined in the study area, with an average height of 3.81 m. The biomass C stock, comprising both above- and below-ground biomass, was 4.30 Mg C ha−1 (50.67 kg tree−1), and the SOC20-S was 37.45 Mg C ha−1. The carbon accumulation rate in the biomass was 1.94 kg C tree−1 yr−1 for the plantation period. The total C stock (W-S and SOC20-S) reached 41.75 Mg ha−1 and a total of 4091.5 Mg C for the whole plantation. Gleaned from the synergy of tree cartography and these models, the distribution maps with foreseen values of average C stocks in the planted area illustrate a mosaic of C stock patterns in the carob tree plantation.
The Extraction of β-Carotene from Microalgae for Testing Their Health Benefits
Authors: Wang Jing , Hu Xinge , Chen Junbin , Wang Tiannan , Huang Xianju , Chen Guoxun
Published: February 2022

β-carotene, a member of the carotenoid family, is a provitamin A, and can be converted into vitamin A (retinol), which plays essential roles in the regulation of physiological functions in animal bodies. Microalgae synthesize a variety of carotenoids including β-carotene and are a rich source of natural β-carotene. This has attracted the attention of researchers in academia and the biotech industry. Methods to enrich or purify β-carotene from microalgae have been investigated, and experiments to understand the biological functions of microalgae products containing β-carotene have been conducted. To better understand the use of microalgae to produce β-carotene and other carotenoids, we have searched PubMed in August 2021 for the recent studies that are focused on microalgae carotenoid content, the extraction methods to produce β-carotene from microalgae, and the bioactivities of β-carotene from microalgae. Articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals were identified, screened, and summarized here. So far, various types and amounts of carotenoids have been identified and extracted in different types of microalgae. Diverse methods have been developed overtime to extract β-carotene efficiently and practically from microalgae for mass production. It appears that methods have been developed to simplify the steps and extract β-carotene directly and efficiently. Multiple studies have shown that extracts or whole organism of microalgae containing β-carotene have activities to promote lifespan in lab animals and reduce oxidative stress in culture cells, etc. Nevertheless, more studies are warranted to study the health benefits and functional mechanisms of β-carotene in these microalgae extracts, which may benefit human and animal health in the future.
Effects of High-Pressure, Hydrothermal, and Enzyme-Assisted Treatment on the Taste and Flavor Profile of Water-Soluble Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract
Authors: Nam Dong-Geon , Kim Mina , Choe Jeong-Sook , Choi Ae-jin
Published: February 2022

Ginger, a plant widely consumed worldwide, is used as a spice or to enhance the flavor of foods. In this study, the taste characteristics (gingerol, shogaol, and amino acid) of extracts treated with various solubilizing methods were objectively compared. In addition, an E-nose confirmed the flavor pattern combined with principal component analysis (PCA) between each extract gas chromatogram-tandem mass spectrometry was performed to compare and analyze volatile compounds between extraction methods. As a result, high-pressure enzyme-assisted extraction (HPE) and hydrothermal enzyme-assisted extraction (HWE) treatment effectively improved the extraction yield of ginger and the contents of gingerol and shogaol and removed the bitter taste. In addition, radar charts of both E-nose and PCA provided the distribution of flavor substances in HPE and HWE products of ginger. After enzyme-assisted treatment, a strong fruity and piquant flavor was noted. In conclusion, it is suggested that ginger extract of enzyme-assisted treatment has increased flavor compounds and can be an excellent food material.
Reheating in Runaway Inflation Models via the Evaporation of Mini Primordial Black Holes
Authors: Dalianis Ioannis , Kodaxis George P.
Published: February 2022

We investigate the cosmology of mini Primordial Black Holes (PBHs) produced by large density perturbations that collapse during a stiff fluid domination phase. Such a phase can be realized by a runaway-inflaton model that crosses an inflection point or a sharp feature at the last stage of inflation. Mini PBHs evaporate promptly and reheat the early universe. In addition, we examine two notable implications of this scenario: the possible presence of PBH evaporation remnants in galaxies and a non-zero residual potential energy density for the runaway inflaton that might play the role of the dark energy. We specify the parameter space that this scenario can be realized and we find that a transit PBH domination phase is necessary due to gravitational wave (GW) constraints. A distinct prediction of the scenario is a compound GW signal that might be probed by current and future experiments. We also demonstrate our results employing an explicit inflation model.
The Effects of FGF4 Retrogenes on Canine Morphology
Authors: Bannasch Danika , Batcher Kevin , Leuthard Fabienne , Bannasch Michael , Hug Petra , Marcellin-Little Denis J. , Dickinson Peter J. , Drögemüller Michaela , Drögemüller Cord , Leeb Tosso
Published: February 2022

Two FGF4 retrogenes (FGF4L1 on chromosome 18 and FGF4L2 on chromosome 12) have been identified to cause dwarfism across many dog breeds. Some breeds are nearly homozygous for both retrogenes (e.g., Dachshunds) and others are homozygous for just one (e.g., Beagles and Scottish Terriers). Since most breeds do not segregate both of these retrogenes, it is challenging to evaluate their individual effects on long bone length and body size. We identified two dog breeds selected for hunting ability, the Alpine Dachsbracke and the Schweizer Niederlaufhund, that segregate both of these retrogenes. Using individual measurements of height at the shoulder, back length, head width, thorax depth and width, and thoracic limb measurements, we evaluated the combined effects of FGF4 retrogenes within these breeds. We applied multivariable linear regression analysis to determine the effects of retrogene copy numbers on the measurements. Copy numbers of both retrogenes had significant effects reducing height at the shoulders and antebrachial length, with FGF4L1 having a much greater effect than FGF4L2. FGF4L1 alone influenced the degree of carpal valgus and FGF4L2 alone increased head width. Neither retrogene had an effect on thorax width or depth. Selectively breeding dogs with FGF4L1 and without FGF4L2 would likely lead to a reduction in the FGF4L2-related risk of intervertebral disc herniation while maintaining the reduction in leg length resulting from FGF4L1.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Genes in 2021
Authors:   Genes Editorial Office
Published: February 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
A Deletion Upstream of SOX10 Causes Light Yellow Plumage Colour in Chicken
Authors: Zhu Tao , Liu Mengchao , Peng Shan , Zhang Xinye , Chen Yu , Lv Xueze , Yang Weifang , Li Kaiyang , Zhang Jianwei , Wang Huie , Li Haiying , Ning Zhonghua , Wang Liang , Qu Lujiang
Published: February 2022

Chicken plumage colour is a complex trait controlled by many genes. Herein, through Rhode Island Red (RIR) and White Leghorn (WL) F1 cross populations, the segregation of plumage color was observed in females, showing white in males, and dark red (DR) and light yellow (LY) in females. The white has been found to be caused by dominant white alleles (I) and the DR phenotype is attributed to a sex-linked recessive silver allele (S∗S). LY is a derived feather colour phenotype and the genetic mechanism of this is unclear. In order to explore the genetic basis for LY, we randomly selected 40 DR and 39 LY chickens for paired-end sequencing. Through the use of association analysis, we found the LY phenotype is caused by a 7.6 kb non-coding deletion near the SOX10 gene. This mutation has been reported to be responsible for dark brown plumage in chicken, and subsequent diagnostic PCR tests showed that the length of the long-range non-coding deletion is 7.6 kb instead of 8.3 kb as previously reported.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Comorbidity Phenotypes in Primary Health Care Patients in Northern Greece
Authors: Ntenta Panagiota K. , Vavougios Georgios D. , Zarogiannis Sotirios G. , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I.
Published: February 2022

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is a significant public health issue. In the general population, the prevalence varies from 10% to 50%. We aimed to phenotype comorbidities in OSAS patients referred to the primary health care (PHC) system. Methods: We enrolled 1496 patients referred to the PHC system for any respiratory- or sleep-related issue from November 2015 to September 2017. Some patients underwent polysomnography (PSG) evaluation in order to establish OSAS diagnosis. The final study population comprised 136 patients, and the Charlson comorbidity index was assessed. Categorical principal component analysis and TwoStep clustering was used to identify distinct clusters in the study population. Results: The analysis revealed three clusters: the first with moderate OSAS, obesity and a high ESS score without significant comorbidities; the second with severe OSAS, severe obesity with comorbidities and the highest ESS score; and the third with severe OSAS and obesity without comorbidities but with a high ESS score. The clusters differed in age (p < 0.005), apnea–hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, arousal index and respiratory and desaturation arousal index (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Predictive comorbidity models may aid the early diagnosis of patients at risk in the context of PHC and pave the way for personalized treatment.
The Effect of Exposure to “Exemption” Video Advertisements for Functional Foods: A Randomized Control Study in Japan
Authors: Iye Reina , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Goto Eiko , Furukawa Emi , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: February 2022

Previous content analysis of video advertisements for functional foods identified “Exemption” advertisements. “Exemption” advertisements may imply to the audiences that “By taking functional foods, I can adopt unhealthy behaviors or I don’t have to adopt healthy behaviors”. In the context of Compensatory Health Beliefs (CHBs), this study refers to these beliefs as functional foods related to CHBs (FF-CHBs). This study aimed to assess the effects of exposure to “Exemption” advertisements for fat-reduction functional foods on audiences. The main hypothesis is exposure to “Exemption” video advertisements increases participants’ FF-CHBs. Participants (n  =  788) were randomly assigned to an intervention group that viewed three video advertisements or a control group and answered online self-administered questionnaires. Intervention videos were three videos with the highest number of views per month from among the “Exemption” video advertisements. Control videos were about how to brew green tea. FF-CHBs was assessed before and after the intervention. The intervention group showed significantly greater FF-CHBs after intervention (mean = 2.37 vs. 2.11, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.026) compared with the control group. “Exemption” functional foods video advertisements increased FF-CHBs that can lead to adopting unhealthy behaviors and avoiding healthy behaviors. The content of these functional foods video advertisements should be improved to promote public health.
Contextual Factors Influencing Young Athletes’ Decision to Do Physical Activity and Choose a Sports’ Club: The Case of Portugal
Authors: Santinha Gonçalo , Oliveira Rafaela , Gonçalves Luís Jorge
Published: February 2022

Physical activity and sports are a central part of individuals’ lives throughout the life cycle. During adolescence, its regular practice may contribute to the development of healthy adult lifestyles, decreasing chronic disease incidence. Therefore, the reasons that drive adolescents to start practicing sports in a certain club may be multiple and understanding such causes can be important to design and implement public policies to promote active lifestyles for everyone. In this article, we report the core findings of a research on why young athletes do sports, how they choose their team-training club and how COVID-19 has had an impact on their routines. From a methodological viewpoint, a questionnaire was developed and sent to sport clubs located in NUTS2 Centro Region, Portugal, and results were analyzed through the use of geographic information systems and statistical analysis, namely association tests (Chi-square test), difference tests (Mann–Whitney test and Kruskal–Wallis test), logistic regression and descriptive analysis. Findings show that family, age group, friends, proximity to sports facilities, teammates, and club conditions are the factors that influence adolescents the most. In short, external factors have a significant preponderance to practice physical activity and choose a sports’ club. These findings can provide useful insights for clubs, coaches and policy-makers to become more aware of the relationship between sports practice and accessibility to sports halls, as well as the athletes’ behavior and their connection with the club and basketball practice. As such, these findings can motivate the design of initiatives and strategies to boost sports practice and to find ways for clubs to attract more adolescents.
Challenges in the Diagnosis of Viral Encephalitis in Children: The Case of Two Siblings
Authors: Vergadi Eleni , Zacharioudaki Maria , Raissaki Maria , Galanakis Emmanouil
Published: February 2022

Encephalitis in children may lead to adverse outcomes and long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae. The prompt identification of the causative agent is important to guide proper management in cases with encephalitis; however, the etiology often remains undetermined. The use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has increased the diagnostic yield in encephalitis cases; however, it may be occasionally misleading. In this article, we describe the case of a male immunocompetent child with encephalitis in which human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7) was detected in CSF by PCR. As the detection of HHV-7 DNA in the CSF alone is insufficient to prove an etiologic association of severe encephalitis in immunocompetent children, alternative diagnoses were pursued. Enterovirus (E-11) was detected by PCR analysis of the nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs of the male patient. The final diagnosis was facilitated by the findings in his sibling, which presented concurrently with enteroviral encephalitis. Failure to detect enterovirus in the CSF by PCR does not exclude enteroviral encephalitis; screening of other samples, from other body sites, may be necessary to identify the virus, and physicians should take into consideration all evidence, including history, clinical presentation, and sick contacts’ clinical status.
Game Analysis of the Evolution of Local Government’s River Chief System Implementation Strategy
Authors: Wang Juan , Wan Xin , Tu Ruide
Published: February 2022

As the executor of the River Chief System (RCS), local governments’ choice of implementation strategies directly affects the quality of regional water environment. The implementation of the RCS involves many interest subjects, and has gradually formed a game between enterprises’ sewage management and local governments’ RCS implementation strategies, and a game between the RCS implementation strategies of different local governments. The game behavior between the interested parties is long-term and dynamic in nature. Strategies such as reducing the cost of local governments’ implementation of the RCS and increasing the rate of sewage charges will lead to the evolution of the strategy set between enterprises’ treatment of sewage and local governments’ RCS implementation in the direction of {complete treatment of sewage, strictly enforcing the RCS}. Analysis of the evolutionary game model between the local governments reveals that strategies such as reducing the weight of economic indicators in local governments’ assessment, and increasing the material and spiritual rewards for implementing the RCS, will lead to the evolutionary game outcome of implementing the RCS between the local governments in the direction of {strictly enforcing the RCS, strictly enforcing the RCS}. The external effects of sewage discharge do not affect the evolution of the game system between the local governments.
Research on the Mixed Education Mode for the Safety Engineering Major during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Epidemic
Authors: Yu Kai , Wu Lirong , Zhou Lujie
Published: February 2022

During the COVID-19 epidemic, many countries faced a critical situation in terms of the global economy and human social activities, including education. In China, the coronavirus is better controlled. Chinese university students have returned to school to study. Despite previous research on online education and learning, the readiness of students for the online and offline learning models implemented at this particular time is not well understood. This paper discusses a hybrid education model for undergraduate students in the safety engineering major. Questionnaires are administered to faculty and students from different colleges and universities in the same major to statistically summarize the influencing factors of mixed or hybrid education. The system dynamics (SD) model is constructed and simulated to determine that using online in the tenth to fifteenth, twenty-fifth to thirtieth, and fortieth to forty-fifth min of classroom teaching (50 min in total) can effectively increase students’ interest and engagement in learning. More hands-on activities should also be considered to enhance students’ motivation to acquire knowledge, and consideration could be given to encourage interaction among students. This study will be continuously improved by a follow-up study of undergraduate student performance. This study has important implications for educators implementing online and offline blended instruction.
Treatment of Peripartum Depression with Antidepressants and Other Psychotropic Medications: A Synthesis of Clinical Practice Guidelines in Europe
Authors: Kittel-Schneider Sarah , Felice Ethel , Buhagiar Rachel , Lambregtse-van den Berg Mijke , Wilson Claire A. , Banjac Baljak Visnja , Vujovic Katarina Savic , Medic Branislava , Opankovic Ana , Fonseca Ana , Lupattelli Angela
Published: February 2022

This study examined (1) the availability and content of national CPGs for treatment of peripartum depression, including comorbid anxiety, with antidepressants and other psychotropics across Europe and (2) antidepressant and other psychotropic utilization data as an indicator of prescribers’ compliance to the guidelines. We conducted a search using Medline and the Guidelines International Network database, combined with direct e-mail contact with national Riseup-PPD COST ACTION members and researchers within psychiatry. Of the 48 European countries examined, we screened 41 records and included 14 of them for full-text evaluation. After exclusion of ineligible and duplicate records, we included 12 CPGs. Multiple CPGs recommend antidepressant initiation or continuation based on maternal disease severity, non-response to first-line non-pharmacological interventions, and after risk-benefit assessment. Advice on treatment of comorbid anxiety is largely missing or unspecific. Antidepressant dispensing data suggest general prescribers’ compliance with the preferred substances of the CPG, although country-specific differences were noted. To conclude, there is an urgent need for harmonized, up-to-date CPGs for pharmacological management of peripartum depression and comorbid anxiety in Europe. The recommendations need to be informed by the latest available evidence so that healthcare providers and women can make informed, evidence-based decisions about treatment choices.
An Instagram Hashtag Fostering Science Education of Vulnerable Groups during the Pandemic
Authors: Puigvert Lídia , Villarejo-Carballido Beatriz , Gairal-Casadó Regina , Gómez Aitor , Cañaveras Paula , Martí Teresa Sordé
Published: February 2022

Scientific literature presents young people as a vulnerable group at risk of poverty and social exclusion. One of the elements that have the most significant impact on reducing their vulnerability is promoting education. Little is known about how social networks can promote the education of young people. To address this, the present study aims to analyse how social networks, specifically Instagram, which is one of the most used by young people, has promoted, among other aspects, the scientific education of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyses 5000 education-related Instagram posts made during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2021) European research project ALLINTERACT. We have analysed those posts that show, on the one hand, how citizens benefit from scientific research and, on the other hand, citizens’ awareness of the impact of scientific research. Through the analysis of the posts, it has been observed how Instagram has been a social network that has provided information and scientific advances in various branches of knowledge, created knowledge networks, and provided a channel for information about the pandemic. Through the analysis of the 5000 posts, it is evident how Instagram has provided spaces for scientific learning, fostering access to scientific education for young people.
Health Care Expenditure in the European Union Countries: New Insights about the Convergence Process
Authors: Albulescu Claudiu Tiberiu
Published: February 2022

This paper assesses the convergence process in the health care expenditure for selected European Union (EU) countries over the past 50 years. As a novel contribution, we use bound unit root tests and, for robustness purposes, a series of tests for strict stationarity to provide new insights about the convergence process. We make a comparison between public and private health expenditure per capita and as a percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP), with a focus on six EU countries with different health care systems in place. When we consider the health expenditure per capita, we report mixed findings. We show that the spread from the group average is stationary in the cases of Finland and Portugal when the overall and public expenditure is considered. In terms of private expenditure, the convergence process is noticed only for Austria. For all other countries included in our sample, we document a non-stationary process, indicating a lack of convergence. This result is robust to the different tests we use. However, when we assess the convergence in terms of the health-expenditure-to-GDP ratio, the convergence process is recorded for Austria only. The robustness check we performed using strict stationarity tests partially confirmed the mixed results we obtained. Therefore, our findings highlight the heterogeneity of the EU health care systems and the need for identification of common solutions to the EU health care systems’ problems in order to enhance their convergence processes.
The Association of Self-Esteem with the Level of Independent Functioning and the Primary Demographic Factors in Persons over 60 Years of Age
Authors: Ryszewska-Łabędzka Dorota , Tobis Sławomir , Kropińska Sylwia , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna , Talarska Dorota
Published: February 2022

Self-esteem reflects the way we see ourselves. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship among self-esteem, bio-psycho-social functioning, and sociodemographic conditions in the elderly. The study included 300 individuals over 60 years of age living in their home environment. The employed research tools included the Abbreviated Mental Test Score, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and EASYCare Standard 2010 questionnaire involving the following scales: independence score, risk of breakdown in care, and risk of falls. Results: The average score achieved by the study group according to the RSES scale was 29.9 ± 5.6 points. In addition, the study group presented a low risk of independence loss (independence score 13.3 ± 18.1), risk of breakdown in care (4.4 ± 2.4), and risk of falls (1.8 ± 1.6). The conducted multivariate analysis demonstrated that a significant (p < 0.05) negative predictor of low self-esteem was education below the secondary level, a poor financial condition, and functional limitations in domain I (seeing, hearing, and communicating skills) of the EASYCare Standard 2010 questionnaire. A relationship was found between self-esteem and the level of bio-psycho-social functioning, as well as between education and the financial situation. The results demonstrate that even successfully ageing individuals require a regular assessment of their functional status and individually adapted support in order to maintain independence and to increase their self-esteem.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in Romanian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) within the SDGs Framework
Authors: Lazarov Alexandru Sebastian , Semenescu Augustin
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this research is to explore barriers and challenges that HEIs in Romania must overcome in order to incorporate education for sustainable development (ESD), but also to provide key recommendations regarding factors that can facilitate sustainability in higher education in Romania. In terms of the approach, a qualitative approach was used consisting of semi-structured interviews involving seven actors from Romanian HEIs, actors who are in charge of ESD adoption. All respondents were in charge of ESD adoption within the Romanian universities that were part of the analysis. The research outlined that the analyzed Romanian universities have implemented ESD, but in terms of planning and practices, they have taken isolated actions. Moreover, major barriers and challenges have been highlighted, such as: funding deficiencies, a lack of experienced officers to adopt SD, change difficulties and improper public policies. The originality of the article resides in the fact the approach is holistic, which adds value to the literature in the area, particularly since, so far, research on ESD in Romanian higher education has focused only on particular factors.
Sociological Accounts of Donor Siblings’ Experiences: Their Importance for Self-Identity and New Kinship Relations
Authors: Hertz Rosanna
Published: February 2022

A fundamental part of the adolescent self is formed through interaction with intimates, usually family members whose roles are reasonably well-defined. However, donor siblings—children who share a sperm donor—lack social scripts for interacting with one another, particularly when they are raised in different households. Moreover, they are often challenged to figure out their relationship to newly discovered genetic relatives. This article examines how donor-conceived teens and young adults navigate relationships with their half siblings and form intimate relationships. Drawing on Garfinkel’s concept of indexing, or the use of familiar categories to make sense of new situations, these youth rely upon their personal knowledge of friends and family to figure out what kinds of relationship they can develop with donor siblings. Based on interviews with 62 youth aged 14–28, who had their own social media accounts and who had chosen to establish contact with their donor siblings, the articles discusses the three stages most donor siblings go through—“anticipation”, “first contact”, and “relationship building”—and the way those stages shape individual identity formation. In the course of the analysis, the article also explores whether interaction with donor siblings affected individual’s sense of identity and whether feelings of closeness with donor siblings differ for youth raised as solo children versus those who have siblings with whom they share a household. For those who report feeling close, youth describe how intimacy is sustained and negotiated at a distance. Finally, as much as youth pick and choose intimates from their larger network, the article also argues that their collective identity as related-kin members remains.
A Novel Trajectory Based Prediction Method for Urban Subway Design
Authors: Cai Zhi , Wang Jiawei , Li Tong , Yang Bowen , Su Xing , Guo Limin , Ding Zhiming
Published: February 2022

In recent years, with the development of various types of public transportation, they are also more and more closely connected. Among them, subway transportation has become the first choice of major cities. However, the planning of subway stations is very difficult and there are many factors to consider. Besides, few methods for selecting optimal station locations take other public transport in to consideration. In order to study the relationship between different types of public transportation, the authors collected and analyzed the travel data of subway passengers and the passenger trajectory data of taxis. In this paper, a method based on LeaderRank and Gaussian Mixed Model (GMM) is proposed to conduct subway station locations selection. In this method, the author builds a subway-passenger traffic zone weighted network and a station location prediction model. First, we evaluate the nodes in the network, then use the GPS track data of taxis to predict the location of new stations in future subway construction, and analyze and discuss the land use characteristics in the prediction area. Taking the design of the Beijing subway line as an example, the suitability of this method is illustrated.
Potential Carbohydrate Regulation Mechanism Underlying Starvation-Induced Abscission of Tomato Flower
Authors: Li Qiang , Chai Lin , Tong Na , Yu Hongjun , Jiang Weijie
Published: February 2022

Tomato flower abscission is a critical agronomic problem directly affecting yield. It often occurs in greenhouses in winter, with the weak light or hazy weather leading to insufficient photosynthates. The importance of carbohydrate availability in flower retention has been illustrated, while relatively little is understood concerning the mechanism of carbohydrate regulation on flower abscission. In the present study, we analyzed the responding pattern of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC, including total soluble sugars and starch) and the potential sugar signal pathway involved in abscission regulation in tomato flowers under shading condition, and their correlations with flower abscission rate and abscission-related hormones. The results showed that, when plants suffer from short-term photosynthesis deficiency, starch degradation in flower organs acts as a self-protection mechanism, providing a carbon source for flower growth and temporarily alleviating the impact on flower development. Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) and sucrose non-fermenting-like kinase (SnRK1) signaling seems to be involved in adapting the metabolism to sugar starvation stress through regulating starch remobilization and crosstalk with IAA, ABA, and ethylene in flowers. However, a continuous limitation of assimilating supply imposed starch depletion in flowers, which caused flower abscission.
Ion Channel Partnerships: Odd and Not-So-Odd Couples Controlling Neuronal Ion Channel Function
Authors: Vierra Nicholas C. , Trimmer James S.
Published: February 2022

The concerted function of the large number of ion channels expressed in excitable cells, including brain neurons, shapes diverse signaling events by controlling the electrical properties of membranes. It has long been recognized that specific groups of ion channels are functionally coupled in mediating ionic fluxes that impact membrane potential, and that these changes in membrane potential impact ion channel gating. Recent studies have identified distinct sets of ion channels that can also physically and functionally associate to regulate the function of either ion channel partner beyond that afforded by changes in membrane potential alone. Here, we review canonical examples of such ion channel partnerships, in which a Ca2+ channel is partnered with a Ca2+-activated K+ channel to provide a dedicated route for efficient coupling of Ca2+ influx to K+ channel activation. We also highlight examples of non-canonical ion channel partnerships between Ca2+ channels and voltage-gated K+ channels that are not intrinsically Ca2+ sensitive, but whose partnership nonetheless yields enhanced regulation of one or the other ion channel partner. We also discuss how these ion channel partnerships can be shaped by the subcellular compartments in which they are found and provide perspectives on how recent advances in techniques to identify proteins in close proximity to one another in native cells may lead to an expanded knowledge of other ion channel partnerships.
Alpha 1 Antitrypsin Regulates Trophoblast Syncytialization and Inflammatory Factor Expression
Authors: Yoshida Kanoko , Yano Aruto , Kusama Kazuya , Ishikawa Gen , Tamura Kazuhiro
Published: February 2022

The serine protease inhibitor alpha1-antitrypsin (A1AT) may possess protective functions of impaired organs in a manner independent of its protease inhibitor activity. A1AT expression has been shown to fluctuate in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension, which suggests that A1AT may play a role in the syncytialization of villous trophoblasts. A1AT expression was knocked down in primary trophoblasts. RNA was extracted from these cells and subjected to RNA-sequencing analysis to determine the levels of expression of markers of syncytialization and inflammation. In addition, A1AT protein was localized in trophoblastic cells in placental tissues. Knockdown of A1AT upregulated the expression of FOSL1 and markers of syncytialization, as well as cell fusion, whereas overexpression of A1AT had the opposite effects. FOSL1 overexpression stimulated syncytialization, similar to the effects of A1AT knock down. Inhibitors of p38MAPK and JNK reduce the expression of inflammatory factors, whereas a p38MAPK inhibitor suppressed FOSL1 expression. Collectively, these findings indicated A1AT may negatively regulate inflammatory responses by controlling the activation of p38MAPK and JNK, and that p38MAPK mediates trophoblast syncytialization by altering FOSL1 expression. Therefore, a dysfunction in A1AT could be responsible for abnormal placental formation and pregnancy-associated disorders.
The G Protein-Coupled Serotonin 1A Receptor Augments Protein Kinase Cε-Mediated Neurogenesis in Neonatal Mouse Hippocampus—PKCε-Mediated Signaling in the Early Hippocampus
Authors: Samaddar Sreyashi , Purkayastha Sudarshana , Diallo Souleymane , Tantry Subramanyam J. , Schroder Ryan , Chanthrakumar Pranavan , Flory Michael J. , Banerjee Probal
Published: February 2022

The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) plays an important role in mood disorders. It has been demonstrated that 5-HT signaling through 5-HT1A receptors (5-HT1A-R) is crucial for early postnatal hippocampal development and later-life behavior. Although this suggests that 5-HT1A-R signaling regulates early brain development, the mechanistic underpinnings of this process have remained unclear. Here we show that stimulation of the 5-HT1A-R at postnatal day 6 (P6) by intrahippocampal infusion of the agonist 8-OH-DPAT (D) causes signaling through protein kinase Cε (PKCε) and extracellular receptor activated kinase ½ (ERK1/2) to boost neuroblast proliferation in the dentate gyrus (DG), as displayed by an increase in bromodeoxy-uridine (BrdU), doublecortin (DCX) double-positive cells. This boost in neuroproliferation was eliminated in mice treated with D in the presence of a 5-HT1A-R antagonist (WAY100635), a selective PKCε inhibitor, or an ERK1/2-kinase (MEK) inhibitor (U0126). It is believed that hippocampal neuro-progenitors undergoing neonatal proliferation subsequently become postmitotic and enter the synaptogenesis phase. Double-staining with antibodies against bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN) confirmed that 5-HT1A-R → PKCε → ERK1/2-mediated boosted neuroproliferation at P6 also leads to an increase in BrdU-labeled granular neurons at P36. This 5-HT1A-R-mediated increase in mature neurons was unlikely due to suppressed apoptosis, because terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling analysis showed no difference in DNA terminal labeling between vehicle and 8-OH-DPAT-infused mice. Therefore, 5-HT1A-R signaling through PKCε may play an important role in micro-neurogenesis in the DG at P6, following which many of these new-born neuroprogenitors develop into mature neurons.
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Heparan Sulfate in Animal Models: Its Biosynthesis and Degradation
Authors: Mashima Ryuichi , Okuyama Torayuki , Ohira Mari
Published: February 2022

Heparan sulfate (HS) is a type of glycosaminoglycan that plays a key role in a variety of biological functions in neurology, skeletal development, immunology, and tumor metastasis. Biosynthesis of HS is initiated by a link of xylose to Ser residue of HS proteoglycans, followed by the formation of a linker tetrasaccharide. Then, an extension reaction of HS disaccharide occurs through polymerization of many repetitive units consisting of iduronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. Subsequently, several modification reactions take place to complete the maturation of HS. The sulfation positions of N-, 2-O-, 6-O-, and 3-O- are all mediated by specific enzymes that may have multiple isozymes. C5-epimerization is facilitated by the epimerase enzyme that converts glucuronic acid to iduronic acid. Once these enzymatic reactions have been completed, the desulfation reaction further modifies HS. Apart from HS biosynthesis, the degradation of HS is largely mediated by the lysosome, an intracellular organelle with acidic pH. Mucopolysaccharidosis is a genetic disorder characterized by an accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in the body associated with neuronal, skeletal, and visceral disorders. Genetically modified animal models have significantly contributed to the understanding of the in vivo role of these enzymes. Their role and potential link to diseases are also discussed.