bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between the Duration of Urban Nature and a Lower Waist-Hip Ratio
Authors: Suppakittpaisarn Pongsakorn , Charoenlertthanakit Nadchawan , Yaipimol Ekachai , Surinseng Vipavee , Wanitchayapaisit Chulalux , Kim Gunwoo
Published: September 2022

Obesity is a prevalent health issue. Evidence suggests that the availability of urban nature may reduce the risks of obesity. However, several knowledge gaps remain. This study explores the relationships between the dose (distance, duration and frequency) of urban nature and demographic factors towards obesity risks among people in Thailand. A total of 111 participants in three urban and peri-urban nature locations answered a survey regarding their distance from green spaces, frequency of visits, and duration of their typical stay, as well as their socio-demographics, and waist-hip ratio (WHR). The results suggested that at least 1–2 h per typical visit to nature predicted low-risk WHR in women. Male participants are more likely to have a high-risk WHR. Increasing age predicted low-risk WHR. Spending more time in green spaces predicted lower odds of high-risk WHR, while distance did not predict the odds. This research is one of the first to study the relationship between time spent in nature and obesity, and one of the first nature and health studies conducted in Thailand. Given that Thailand is one of the countries most affected by obesity in Southeast Asia, this study is relevant and essential. Future research should explore the quality factors of the park with longer duration of stay.
A Review of the Effectiveness, Feasibility, and Acceptability of Art Therapy for Children and Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Le Vu Minh Ngoc , Do Anh Linh , Boyer Laurent , Tran Quy Chi , Kohler Stefan , Ahmed Syed Ishtiaque , Molnar Andreea , Vu Tung Son , Vo Nhan Trong Huynh , Nguyen Linh Mai Vu , Vu Linh Gia , Dam Vu Anh Trong , Duong Thomy , Do Dan Linh Nguyen , Do Ngoc Minh , Mclntyre Roger S. , Latkin Carl , Ho Roger Chun Man , Ho Cyrus Su Hui
Published: September 2022

Art therapy has been widely offered to reduce symptoms of psychological disturbance. Pooled evidence about its effectiveness in epidemic contexts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been yet established. This study reviewed the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of art therapy on children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic and past epidemics. We searched PubMed/Medline, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Library), and CINAHL for articles on art therapy during COVID-19. Included studies reported improvements in measures of mental health, sleep quality, and psychological well-being in children with or without disabilities in the epidemic context. Results also showed that art therapy was highly feasible and accepted by children and adolescents as well as their families during epidemics in reviewed studies. Art therapy can be effective at improving various aspects of mental health, sleep quality, and psychological well-being. More empirical evidence is needed with larger sample sizes and longer duration of interventions.
Impact of Environmental Information Disclosure Policy and Trade on Chinese Paper Industry Environmental Effects
Authors: Feng Shuo , Chen Ke
Published: September 2022

While participation in the international division of labor has led to rapid economic development, it has also resulted in pressing environmental issues in China. In the context of “building a resource-saving and environment-friendly society” and the current sustainability requirements, research on the environmental impact of Chinese paper companies from the perspective of Environmental Information Disclosure (EID) policy and trade has not yet reached a consensus. This study constructs an analytical framework for the EID policy impact mechanism and trade on the environmental effects of the paper industry and enterprises. It explores the direct and indirect effects of EID policy and import-and-export trade on the paper industry environmental effects using the Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences (PSM-DID) model. EID positively impacts the pollution reduction of enterprises mainly through the technical effect. Export trade positively impacts the reduction of enterprises’ emissions through the technology effect. However, the demand of the international market increases the pollution from the paper industries, which has a negative impact. Importing will enable enterprises to obtain greater price advantages which can alleviate and transfer the costs brought by EID. This study analyzes the impact of trade on the environmental effects of Chinese paper enterprises and identifies the impact of China’s EID policy and trade on enterprises’ pollution emissions. It provides a theoretical and practical foundation for the Chinese government to formulate environmental and trade policies.
Knowledge and Attitudes towards Patient Safety among Students in Physical Therapy in Spain: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Montilla-Herrador Joaquina , Lozano-Meca José A. , Baño-Alcaraz Aitor , Lillo-Navarro Carmen , Martín-San Agustín Rodrigo , Gacto-Sánchez Mariano
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Patient safety is a discipline of health care management aiming to prevent and reduce errors and harm to patients. The assessment of knowledge and attitudes on patient safety among students in physical therapy is still scarce; no studies have yet explored the changes that internship periods may produce. Objectives: 1. to determine the attitudes and knowledge of students in physical therapy with respect to patient safety in a Spanish University; and 2. to explore changes following a practical internship period. (2) Methods: Longitudinal study. Data from the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire III (APSQ-III) before and after the internship period were obtained from an initial sample of 125 students and average positive response rates were compared. (3) Results: “Team functioning”, “Importance of patient safety in the curriculum”, and “Error inevitability” displayed the highest scores, in accordance with the current literature. After the internship period, the dimensions “Patient safety training received” (p = 0.001), “Error reporting confidence” (p = 0.044), and “Professional incompetence as an error cause” (p = 0.027) showed significant changes. (4) Conclusions: The current study, highlighting areas of strengths and weaknesses in the knowledge and attitudes of students in physical therapy towards patient safety, may be a foundation to adopt tailored programs to enhance students’ competencies in patient safety.
Association of Sleep Duration and Self-Reported Insomnia Symptoms with Metabolic Syndrome Components among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Xie Yingcai , Huang Lingling , Zhang Yan , Li Xilin , Fang Qiyu , Wang Qun
Published: September 2022

The study aimed to explore the association between sleep duration, insomnia symptoms and the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among middle-aged and older adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five community health centers and physical check-up centers of two comprehensive hospitals in Guangdong. We recruited 1252 participants (658 female), aged 40–96 years and with a body mass index (BMI) of 16.26–35.56 kg/m2. MetS was assessed based on the guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation. Self-reported sleep duration was evaluated by a simplified questionnaire. Compared with the participants who slept 6–8 h/day, those who slept shorter (<6 h/day) or longer (>8 h/day) periods of time with or without insomnia symptoms had significantly increased odds ratios (ORs) of high blood pressure (except for the SBP in model 2) and high triglycerides (TGs) in all models (p < 0.05), whereas the participants who slept longer (>8 h/day) or shorter (<6 h/day) periods of time with insomnia symptoms had significantly increased ORs of low HDL-C in all models (p < 0.05), but non-significant in those without insomnia symptoms. BMI is significant for insomnia symptoms but not for sleep duration. Our study indicated that the association of sleep duration with MetS components was partially associated with insomnia symptoms. These findings have significant implications to explore the appropriate sleep duration for adults.
A Critical Analysis of Indigenous Systems and Practices of Solid Waste Management in Rural Communities: The Case of Maseru in Lesotho
Authors: Senekane Mpinane Flory , Makhene Agnes , Oelofse Suzan
Published: September 2022

The aims of this study were to understand and to do a critical analysis of the different indigenous systems and practices of waste management to inform waste management policy development in Lesotho. To achieve these aims, the objective was to assess community perceptions of the impact of the indigenous systems and practices of solid waste management on the environment and human wellbeing. A simple random sampling method was employed. The primary data were collected through observations and survey questionnaires that were distributed among the communities in the study areas. The sample size was 693 participants from a total estimated population of 6917 in May 2021 in the Matsieng, Koro-Koro and Rothe constituencies. The data were analysed quantitatively by using the International Business Management Statistical Package for Social Science version 25.0. The descriptive method was used to interpret the results. For validity, the interview questions were set towards answering the study research questions. For reliability, open- and close-ended questions were designed. The research clearly indicated that indigenous systems and practices are culturally accepted in areas lacking formal waste collection services by the local authorities. The tradition, culture, values, and belief of the communities play a major role in the systems and practices implemented. Although some people convert waste items into useful products, the practices of general disposal were often unsafe from the human wellbeing and environmental perspectives. In Lesotho, a lack of awareness about conservation and sustainable use of natural resources could be attributed to flawed education at the grassroots level in schools.
Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators for the Prevention of Sudden Cardiac Death: Pediatric Single-Center Experience
Authors: Wieniawski Piotr , Buczyński Michał , Grabowski Marcin , Winter Joachim , Werner Bożena
Published: September 2022

Background: The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) was developed as an alternative to the transvenous ICD, to prevent lead-related complications associated with the latter. The absence of intravascular or intracardiac components offers potential advantages to pediatric patients. Aims: The aim of the study is to present an overview of our experience with S-ICDs in the pediatric center that, currently, has performed the largest number of implantations in children in Poland. Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from medical history, qualification, implantation procedure, and S-ICD post-implantation observations in 11 pediatric patients were performed. Results: S-ICDs were implanted in 11 patients, 8 boys and 3 girls, aged 12–17 years. The S-ICD was implanted for primary prevention in seven patients: four with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), two with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and one with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). It was implanted for secondary prevention in four patients: two with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in the course of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF), one with long QT syndrome (LQTS) after probable SCA, and one with Brugada syndrome after SCA. In all patients, the device was implanted intramuscularly. One patient did not have a defibrillation test performed due to the presence of an intracardiac thrombus. In one patient, during screening, it was decided to implant an electrode on the right side of the sternum. There were no early or late complications with any of the procedures. So far, no inadequate discharges have been observed. Conclusions: Our results prove the efficacy of the S-ICD treatment option along with technically simple surgery, which supports its further and more widespread application in children.
Impacts of Insurers’ Financial Insolvency on Non-Life Insurance Companies’ Profitability: Evidence from Bangladesh
Authors: Siddik Md. Nur Alam , Hosen Md. Emran , Miah Md. Firoze , Kabiraj Sajal , Joghee Shanmugan , Ramakrishnan Swamynathan
Published: September 2022

A stable and healthy insurance industry plays a vital role in sustaining an economy resistant to economic shocks by providing an efficient risk-transition mechanism. There is a relative scarcity of research inspecting the impact of insurers’ financial insolvency on the profitability of insurance firms. Employing 2011–2019 panel data of 16 non-life insurance companies operating in Bangladesh, this research endeavors to examine the impacts of insurers’ financial insolvency on the profitability of insurance companies measured by return ratios, return on assets (ROA), and return on equity (ROE). Fixed-effect regression outcome implies that insurers’ financial insolvency has a significant adverse influence on non-life insurance companies’ profitability. Further findings indicate that financial leverage, technical provision, age, and inflation have a noteworthy adverse influence on profitability. The outcomes of this research are of greater significance for policymakers in tackling insolvency and formulating policies to boost the growth of insurance profitability. In addition, this study aims to serve as a benchmark for other countries’ insurance industries to emulate recovery strategies from financial insolvency.
Morphofunctional State and Circadian Rhythms of the Liver of Female Rats under the Influence of Chronic Alcohol Intoxication and Constant Lighting
Authors: Areshidze David A. , Kozlova Maria A.
Published: September 2022

A separate and combined effect of constant illumination and chronic alcohol intoxication (CAI) on diurnal dynamics of micromorphometric parameters of hepatocytes in female Wistar rats and p53, Ki-67, PER2, BMAL1, and ADH5 expression in these cells were studied. The increase in apoptotic activity and proliferation in all animals under the action of chronodestructors is shown. All experimental animals showed a decrease in BMAL1 expression and increase in PER2 expression; ADH5 is overexpressed under the influence of ethanol. Circadian rhythms (CRs) of BMAL1, PER2, p53, and Ki-67 expression persist in all groups, except combined action of chronodestructors, and ADH5 CRs persist in all groups—thus, these rhythms in females are quite stable. CRs of the hepatocyte nuclei area are preserved in all the studied groups, although they undergo a significant shift. At the same time, the CRs of the hepatocyte area are destroyed under the action of light, both independently and in combination with CAI, and the CR of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio (NCR) is destroyed by exposure to CAI. It can be assumed that CRs of the hepatocyte area are significantly affected by dark deprivation and NCR rhythm is sensitive to ethanol consumption, while the stability of studied genes’ expression rhythms at separate influences of studied chronodestructors is maintained by yet unknown adaptation mechanisms. It is necessary to note that, according to our previous studies of male rats, rat females show significantly greater stability of the studied CRs.
PLGA–TiO2 as a Carrier System for Drug Release
Authors: Torres-Ramos M. I. , Martín-Marquez M. F. , Leal-Moya María del Carmen , Ghotekar Suresh , Sánchez-Burgos Jorge Alberto , Pérez-Larios Alejandro
Published: September 2022

This paper reports the results of the PLGA–TiO2 nanocomposite regarding the green synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles using a natural extract, its characterization, and encapsulation with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). UV–visible spectrometry was used for the identification of terpenes present in the extracts. The morphology of the nanoparticles was determined by scanning electron microscopy. Infrared spectroscopy was used for the determination of functional groups, while X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structure. The analysis of the extended release of the encapsulated extract in the matrix of the nanomaterial resulted in a maximum visible UV absorbance at approximately 260 nm and confirmed the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Moreover, terpenes enhance synthesis and stabilize titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The synthesized structures are spherical and amorphous, 44 nm in size, and encapsulated at 65 nm.
Functional Interactions of Kluyveromyces lactis Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase with the Three-Way Junction and the Template Domains of Telomerase RNA
Authors: Al-Shareef Wasif , Brown Yogev , Bryan Christopher , Shuvaeva Elena , Bsoul Shhadeh , Greenman Raanan , Kabaha Majdi M. , Ulyanov Nikolai B. , Skordalakes Emmanuel , Tzfati Yehuda
Published: September 2022

The ribonucleoprotein telomerase contains two essential components: telomerase RNA (TER) and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT, Est2 in yeast). A small portion of TER, termed the template, is copied by TERT onto the chromosome ends, thus compensating for sequence loss due to incomplete DNA replication and nuclease action. Although telomerase RNA is highly divergent in sequence and length across fungi and mammals, structural motifs essential for telomerase function are conserved. Here, we show that Est2 from the budding yeast Kluyveromyces lactis (klEst2) binds specifically to an essential three-way junction (TWJ) structure in K. lactis TER, which shares a conserved structure and sequence features with the essential CR4-CR5 domain of vertebrate telomerase RNA. klEst2 also binds specifically to the template domain, independently and mutually exclusive of its interaction with TWJ. Furthermore, we present the high-resolution structure of the klEst2 telomerase RNA-binding domain (klTRBD). Mutations introduced in vivo in klTRBD based on the solved structure or in TWJ based on its predicted RNA structure caused severe telomere shortening. These results demonstrate the conservation and importance of these domains and the multiple protein–RNA interactions between Est2 and TER for telomerase function.
Polymicrobial Biofilm Organization of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Chronic Wound Environment
Authors: Pouget Cassandra , Dunyach-Remy Catherine , Magnan Chloé , Pantel Alix , Sotto Albert , Lavigne Jean-Philippe
Published: September 2022

Biofilm on the skin surface of chronic wounds is an important step that involves difficulties in wound healing. The polymicrobial nature inside this pathogenic biofilm is key to understanding the chronicity of the lesion. Few in vitro models have been developed to study bacterial interactions inside this chronic wound. We evaluated the biofilm formation and the evolution of bacteria released from this biofilm on the two main bacteria isolated in this condition, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a dynamic system (BioFlux™ 200) and a chronic wound-like medium (CWM) that mimics the chronic wound environment. We observed that all species constituted a faster biofilm in the CWM compared to a traditional culture medium (p < 0.01). The percentages of biofilm formation were significantly higher in the mixed biofilm compared to those determined for the bacterial species alone (p < 0.01). Biofilm organization was a non-random structure where S. aureus aggregates were located close to the wound surface, whereas P. aeruginosa was located deeper in the wound bed. Planktonic biofilm-detached bacteria showed decreased growth, overexpression of genes encoding biofilm formation, and an increase in the mature biofilm biomass formed. Our data confirmed the impact of the chronic wound environment on biofilm formation and on bacterial lifecycle inside the biofilm.
Towards a Better Understanding of Genotype–Phenotype Correlations and Therapeutic Targets for Cardiocutaneous Genes: The Importance of Functional Studies above Prediction
Authors: Vermeer Mathilde C. S. C. , Andrei Daniela , Marsili Luisa , van Tintelen J. Peter , Silljé Herman H. W. , van den Berg Maarten P. , van der Meer Peter , Bolling Maria C.
Published: September 2022

Genetic variants in gene-encoding proteins involved in cell–cell connecting structures, such as desmosomes and gap junctions, may cause a skin and/or cardiac phenotype, of which the combination is called cardiocutaneous syndrome. The cardiac phenotype is characterized by cardiomyopathy and/or arrhythmias, while the skin particularly displays phenotypes such as keratoderma, hair abnormalities and skin fragility. The reported variants associated with cardiocutaneous syndrome, in genes DSP, JUP, DSC2, KLHL24, GJA1, are classified by interpretation guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The genotype–phenotype correlation, however, remains poorly understood. By providing an overview of variants that are assessed for a functional protein pathology, we show that this number (n = 115) is low compared to the number of variants that are assessed by in silico algorithms (>5000). As expected, there is a mismatch between the prediction of variant pathogenicity and the prediction of the functional effect compared to the real functional evidence. Aiding to improve genotype–phenotype correlations, we separate variants into ‘protein reducing’ or ‘altered protein’ variants and provide general conclusions about the skin and heart phenotype involved. We conclude by stipulating that adequate prognoses can only be given, and targeted therapies can only be designed, upon full knowledge of the protein pathology through functional investigation.
A Wild Rice Rhizobacterium Burkholderia cepacia BRDJ Enhances Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rice
Authors: Li Zheng , Henawy Ahmed R. , Halema Asmaa A. , Fan Qiuling , Duanmu Deqiang , Huang Renliang
Published: September 2022

Rice domestication has dramatically improved its agronomic traits, albeit with unavoidable significantly reduced genetic diversity. Dongxiang common wild rice, the wild rice species distributed in northernmost China, exhibits excellent resistance against stress and diseases and provides a rich genetic resource for rice breeding. Most of the studies focus on the function of the plant genes, often disregarding the role of the root microbes associated with the plants. In this work, we isolated a Burkholderia strain from the root of Dongxiang wild rice, which we identified as Burkholderia cepacia BRDJ, based on a phylogenetic analysis. This strain promoted the rice growth under greenhouse conditions. The grain yield was higher in a rice line containing a small genomic fragment derived from the Dongxiang wild rice, compared to the indica rice cultivar Zhongzao 35. This new strain also increased the plant biomass under limiting nitrogen conditions. Interestingly, this strain had a differential effect on indica and japonica rice varieties under full nitrogen supply conditions. By genome sequencing and comparison with another two B. cepacia strains, we observed enriched genes related with nitrogen fixation and phytohormone and volatiles biosynthesis that may account for the growth-promoting effects of the BRDJ. BRDJ has the potential to be used as a biofertilizer in promoting nitrogen use efficiency and overall growth in rice.
WGCNA Identifies a Comprehensive and Dynamic Gene Co-Expression Network That Associates with Smut Resistance in Sugarcane
Authors: Wu Qibin , Pan Yong-Bao , Su Yachun , Zou Wenhui , Xu Fu , Sun Tingting , Grisham Michael P. , Yang Shaolin , Xu Liping , Que Youxiong
Published: September 2022

Sugarcane smut is a major fungal disease caused by Sporisorium scitamineum, which seriously reduces the yield and quality of sugarcane. In this study, 36 transcriptome data were collected from two sugarcane genotypes, YT93-159 (resistant) and ROC22 (susceptible) upon S. scitamineum infection. Data analysis revealed 20,273 (12,659 up-regulated and 7614 down-regulated) and 11,897 (7806 up-regulated and 4091 down-regulated) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in YT93-159 and ROC22, respectively. A co-expression network was then constructed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), which identified 5010 DEGs in 15 co-expressed gene modules. Four of the 15 modules, namely, Skyblue, Salmon, Darkorange, and Grey60, were significantly associated with smut resistance. The GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the DEGs involving in these four modules could be enriched in stress-related metabolic pathways, such as MAPK and hormone signal transduction, plant-pathogen interaction, amino acid metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and flavonoid, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. In total, 38 hub genes, including six from the Skyblue module, four from the Salmon module, 12 from the Darkorange module, and 16 from the Grey60 module, were screened as candidate hub genes by calculating gene connectivity in the corresponding network. Only 30 hub genes were amplifiable with RT-qPCR, of which 27 were up-regulated upon S. scitamineum infection. The results were consistent with the trend of gene expression in RNA-Seq, suggesting their positive roles in smut resistance. Interestingly, the expression levels of AOX, Cyb5, and LAC were higher in ROC22 than in YT93-159, indicating these three genes may act as negative regulators in response to S. scitamineum infection. This study revealed the transcriptome dynamics in sugarcane challenged by S. scitamineum infection and provided gene targets for smut resistance breeding in sugarcane.
The Characterization of Columnar Apple Gene MdCoL Promoter and Its Response to Abscisic Acid, Brassinosteroid and Gibberellic Acid
Authors: Han Tingting , Yu Jiahui , Zhuang Jie , Wang Ziyu , Sun Xin , Zhang Yugang
Published: September 2022

Columnar apple was an important germplasm resource to develop compact cultivars for labor-saving cultivation and to study fruit tree architecture. MdCoL is a strong candidate gene for controlling the columnar phenotype in apple. In this study, a 2000 bp upstream region of MdCoL was cloned as a full-length promoter, named MdCoLp1. To gain a better understanding of the characterization of the MdCoL promoter, cis-acting elements and the binding sites of transcription factors were predicted and analyzed, and four binary expression vectors consisting of the GUS reporter gene under the control of the MdCoL promoter was transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana to analyze the response to abscisic acid (ABA), brassinosteroid (BR) and gibberellic acid (GA3) of MdCoL promoters. Multiple transcription factors involving TCP, BEL1 and BES1/BZR1 and other transcription factor (TF) binding sites were predicted on the promoter of MdCoL. Histochemical staining showed that both full-length and 5′ truncated promoters could initiate GUS expression. The GUS activity was the most in leaf and stem, and mainly concentrated in the fibrovascular tissue, followed by root, and the least activity was observed in silique and flower. In addition, MdCoL expression was mainly localized in the quiescent center (QC) and lateral root growing point of root tip and the vascular tissue of stem and leaf by in situ hybridization. The results of exogenous hormones treatment showed that ABA and BR could activate the activity of the MdCoL promoter, while GA3 had opposite effects. In columnar apple seedlings, ABA treatment could upregulate the expression of MdCoL, but GA3 and BR restrained the transcription level of MdCoL. These results provide the foundation for deciphering the regulatory network of hormones affecting MdCoL transcription.
Research Progress on the Protective Effect of Brown Algae-Derived Polysaccharides on Metabolic Diseases and Intestinal Barrier Injury
Authors: Yang Ying , Liang Meina , Ouyang Dan , Tong Haibin , Wu Mingjiang , Su Laijin
Published: September 2022

In the human body, the intestine is the largest digestive and immune organ, where nutrients are digested and absorbed, and this organ plays a key role in host immunity. In recent years, intestinal health issues have gained attention and many studies have shown that oxidative stress, inflammation, intestinal barrier damage, and an imbalance of intestinal microbiota may cause a range of intestinal diseases, as well as other problems. Brown algae polysaccharides, mainly including alginate, fucoidan, and laminaran, are food-derived natural products that have received wide attention from scholars owing to their good biological activity and low toxic side effects. It has been found that brown algae polysaccharides can repair intestinal physical, chemical, immune and biological barrier damage. Principally, this review describes the protective effects and mechanisms of brown algae-derived polysaccharides on intestinal health, as indicated by the ability of polysaccharides to maintain intestinal barrier integrity, inhibit lipid peroxidation-associated damage, and suppress inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, our review aims to provide new ideas on the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases and act as a reference for the development of fucoidan as a functional product for intestinal protection.
Apex Predators Enhance Environmental Adaptation but Reduce Community Stability of Bacterioplankton in Crustacean Aquaculture Ponds
Authors: Hou Yiran , Jia Rui , Li Bing , Zhu Jian
Published: September 2022

Aquaculture environments harbor complex bacterial communities that are critical for the growth and health of culture species. Apex predators are frequently added to aquaculture ponds to improve ecosystem stability. However, limited research has explored the effects of apex predators on the composition and function of bacterioplankton communities, as well as the underlying mechanisms of community assembly. Using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) high-throughput sequencing, we investigated bacterioplankton communities of crustacean aquaculture ponds with and without apex predators (mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi) throughout the culture process. In addition to investigating differences in bacterioplankton communities, we also explored variations in environmental adaptation, functional redundancy, and community stability. Significant differences were observed in bacterioplankton composition among different cultural stages; there was an increase in Bacteriobota and fermentation-related bacteria, but a decrease in Firmicutes and pathogens in the middle stages of aquaculture. Apex predators increased the abundance of organic matter degradation bacteria and decreased pathogens. Bacterioplankton communities under apex predator disturbances had a wider environmental breadth, indicating broader environmental adaptation. Moreover, functional prediction and network analyses revealed that communities under apex predator disturbances were less functionally redundant and unstable. Based on the null model, stochastic processes drove community assembly during aquaculture, whereas apex predators elevated the contribution of deterministic processes. Greater changes in nitrate in culture ponds caused by apex predator disturbances were decisive in controlling the balance between stochasticity and determinism in community assembly. Our study provided insight into the mechanisms underlying bacterioplankton community assembly in aquaculture systems in response to apex predator disturbances.
Technology Adoption in the Digital Entertainment Industry during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Extended UTAUT2 Model for Online Theater Streaming
Authors: Aranyossy Marta
Published: September 2022

While the digitalization of products and services in the entertainment industry has gained momentum in the last decades, online theater streaming is a relatively new phenomenon boosted by the COVID-19 restrictions, which created new market opportunities—and demand—for theaters’ online presence. This study investigates a new online platform providing theater streaming services in Hungary from a customer-centric, technology acceptance point of view. The survey-based study is designed to examine which factors of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) model are—and were—relevant in the under-researched live performance art sector of the digital entertainment industry under the unprecedented, coercive conditions of pandemic lockdowns. The results of the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) show that habit is the most influential factor of theater webcasting adoption (before hedonic motivations and price value), suggesting that the new habits formed during the COVID-19 lockdowns might serve as a basis of a sustainable digital business model for theatres in the post-pandemic era as well. The analysis also tested for potential generational differences between cohorts of users, finding no significant ones, which suggests that, under this specific set of social, technology and market conditions, all generations react similarly and are equally relevant for widening the customer base. Keeping in mind some limitations (self-reported and cross-sectional data), these empirical results can not only enrich the scientific body of knowledge but can also serve as the basis of future marketing and communication strategies developed by partitioners.
Luminescent Zn Halide Complexes with 2-(2-Aminophenyl)benzothiazole Derivatives
Authors: Sukhikh Taisiya S. , Kolybalov Dmitry S. , Pylova Ekaterina K. , Konchenko Sergey N.
Published: September 2022

We report a comparative study of coordination behaviour of 2-(2-aminophenyl)benzothiazole (NH2-pbt) and its phosphorus-containing derivative, α-aminophosphine oxide (PCNH-pbt), towards zinc halides. The corresponding coordination compounds [Zn(L)2Hal2] (L = PCNH-pbt, Hal = Cl, 1 and Hal = Br, 2) and [Zn(L’)Hal2] (L’ = NH2-pbt, Hal = Cl, 3 and Hal = Br, 4) were obtained as single phases. As evidenced by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, L’ ligand coordinates to Zn in a chelate manner via two N atoms. Despite a similar coordination mode in complexes 3 and 4, the spatial geometry of the ligand differs notably, which implies a relatively high flexibility of NH2-pbt. The L ligand exhibits another coordination mode, binding with Zn only via the oxygen of the P=O group. The differences in the structures of NH2-pbt, 3 and 4, and their counterparts, PCNH-pbt, 1 and 2, induce differences in their solid-state photoluminescence properties. The former group of the compounds exhibits conventional single-band emission, while the latter group reveals two bands. The minor band at 450 nm is ascribed to a radiative transition for the regular amine species, while the major band at 520–550 nm can be associated either with the proton-transferred imine species (ESIPT mechanism) or with a charge transfer state (TICT) with a different geometry.
Unraveling the Relationship between Sleep Problems, Emotional Behavior Disorders, and Stressful Life Events in Preschool Children
Authors: Manti Filippo , Giovannone Federica , Aceti Franca , Giacchetti Nicoletta , Fioriello Francesca , Maugeri Andrea , Sogos Carla
Published: September 2022

Objectives: The aims of this study were to: (1) explore sleep problems in preschool children with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), selective mutism (SM), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and (2) examine the relationship between stressful life events, sleep problems, and emotional behavior disorders in preschoolers. Methods: The parents of 213 preschool children with SM, GAD, ODD, and TD (typical development, age range 2–6 years) completed the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), the Coddington Life Events Scale, preschool version (CLES-P), and the CBCL 1½–5. Results: Eighty-three subjects reported sleep problems before the age of 2 years. Seventy-five children (86.14%) with a clinical diagnosis and eight children with TD (8.4%) exceeded the threshold level on the CSHQ. For the bedtime resistance (p = 0.042) and sleep duration subscales (p = 0.038), the SM group had significantly higher scores in comparison to the ODD group. The same pattern was also true for the sleep onset (p = 0.024) and sleep anxiety subscales (p = 0.019). The linear regression analysis model showed that the impact of stressful life events and internalizing problems could predict sleep habits in children. Conclusions: Emotional behavior disorders and stress factors should be regularly investigated in children who are referred to clinics for sleep problems. Clinicians should consider how these symptoms may exacerbate sleep problems and/or interfere with treatment.
CFD Aided Ship Design and Helicopter Operation
Authors: Yuan Weixing , Wall Alanna , Thornhill Eric , Sideroff Chris , Mamou Mahmoud , Lee Richard
Published: September 2022

In support of Canadian industrial and defence ship design and offshore helicopter operations, a series of Ship–Helicopter Operational Limits Analysis and Simulation (SHOLAS) projects are being conducted at the National Research Council Canada (NRC) in collaboration with Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). This study presents a brief overview of a Canadian in-house ship airwake simulation capability combining in-house high-fidelity wind-tunnel tests, full-scale sea trials, high-order computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools, and realistic engineering-oriented flight simulators. This paper reports challenges and lessons learned during the course of the study, discusses the current capabilities and limitations of the CFD tools and the infrastructure required, and evaluates the gaps and barriers in industry adoption by focusing on how they could be overcome based on our current practice. After validating the CFD results of an updated version of a simplified frigate shape (SFS2) and the real-world Canadian Patrol Frigate (CPF), which are in reasonable agreement with the available in-house wind-tunnel and sea-trial data, the developed approach was recently applied to the design of an undisclosed Canadian ship. Among other applications, CFD airwake results were used with confidence as input to produce representative airwake features in industrial high-fidelity piloted flight simulators.
Multicenter Collaborative Study of the Interaction of Antifungal Combinations against Candida Spp. by Loewe Additivity and Bliss Independence-Based Response Surface Analysis
Authors: Meletiadis Joseph , Andes David R. , Lockhart Shawn R. , Ghannoum Mahmoud A. , Knapp Cindy C. , Ostrosky-Zeichner Luis , Pfaller Michael A. , Chaturvedi Vishnu , Walsh Thomas J.
Published: September 2022

Combination antifungal therapy is widely used but not well understood. We analyzed the spectrophotometric readings from a multicenter study conducted by the New York State Department of Health to further characterize the in vitro interactions of the major classes of antifungal agents against Candida spp. Loewe additivity-based fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICi) analysis and Bliss independence-based response surface (BIRS) analysis were used to analyze two-drug inter- and intraclass combinations of triazoles (AZO) (voriconazole, posaconazole), echinocandins (ECH) (caspofungin, micafungin, anidulafungin), and a polyene (amphotericin B) against Candida albicans, C. parapsilosis, and C. glabrata. Although mean FIC indices did not differ statistically significantly from the additivity range of 0.5–4, indicating no significant pharmacodynamic interactions for all of the strain–combinations tested, BIRS analysis showed that significant pharmacodynamic interactions with the sum of percentages of interactions determined with this analysis were strongly associated with the FIC indices (Χ2 646, p < 0.0001). Using a narrower additivity range of 1–2 FIC index analysis, statistically significant pharmacodynamic interactions were also found with FICi and were in agreement with those found with BIRS analysis. All ECH+AB combinations were found to be synergistic against all Candida strains except C. glabrata. For the AZO+AB combinations, synergy was found mostly with the POS+AB combination. All AZO+ECH combinations except POS+CAS were synergistic against all Candida strains although with variable magnitude; significant antagonism was found for the POS+MIF combination against C. albicans. The AZO+AZO combination was additive for all strains except for a C. parapsilosis strain for which antagonism was also observed. The ECH+ECH combinations were synergistic for all Candida strains except C. glabrata for which they were additive; no antagonism was found.
Correlations between Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow, Acoustic Rhinometry, 4-Phase Rhinomanometry and Reported Nasal Symptoms
Authors: Ottaviano Giancarlo , Pendolino Alfonso Luca , Scarpa Bruno , Torsello Miriam , Sartori Daniele , Savietto Enrico , Cantone Elena , Nicolai Piero
Published: September 2022

Background: Rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry (AR) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) are popular methods for nasal patency evaluation. The aim of the present study was to compare these three methods with the reported nasal symptoms to determine the best diagnostic tool to assess nasal obstruction. Methods: 101 subjects were evaluated using PNIF, 4-phase rhinomanometry (4PR), AR, Visual Analogue Scale for nasal obstruction (VAS-NO) and Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22). Correlations among PNIF, 4PR, AR, VAS-NO and SNOT-22 were obtained. Results: VAS-NO and SNOT-22 were moderately correlated with each other (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). 4PR was moderately correlated with PNIF (r = –0.31, p = 0.0016) and AR (r = –0.5, p < 0.001). VAS-NO was mildly correlated with PNIF (r = –0.29, p = 0.0034). SNOT-22 was moderately correlated with PNIF (r = –0.31, p = 0.0017). After dividing the population into symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, based on their VAS-NO score, the former showed significantly lower PNIF values (p = 0.009) and higher 4PR values (p = 0.013) compared to the latter ones. Conclusion: PNIF and 4PR showed a significant moderate correlation with each other, but PNIF showed a significant correlation (weak-moderate) with the reported nasal symptom scores.
Does the Impact of Transparency and Disclosure on the Firm’s Valuation Depend on the ESG?
Authors: Bhimavarapu Venkata Mrudula , Rastogi Shailesh , Gupte Rajani , Pinto Geetanjali , Shingade Sudam
Published: September 2022

The global economic crisis in 1997 significantly impacted all corporate firms. Measuring valuation is becoming increasingly important in corporate firm analysis. Transparency in disclosures enables a company to meet market expectations while also adhering to regulatory requirements. The study’s primary purpose is to measure the impact of transparency and disclosures on the valuation of non-financial firms in India and explore the role of Environmental, social and Governance (ESG) as a moderator variable in determining the firm’s value. Panel data regression is the methodology adopted for the data analysis in the study. Panel Data of seventy-six non-financial firms was collected for ten years (2011–2020). Market capitalization is considered as a proxy variable for the valuation. The study results indicate that transparency and disclosures (TD) have a negative and significant influence on the value of the firms. Inferring that a higher degree of TD reduces the firm value. At the same time, the interaction term of TD and ESG show a positive significant association. This finding implies that high ESG reduces the negative impact of high TD on the valuation.
Teamwork Makes the String Work: A Pilot Test of the Loose String Task with African Crested Porcupines (Hystrix cristata)
Authors: Truax Jordyn , Vonk Jennifer , Vincent Joy L. , Bell Zebulon Kade
Published: September 2022

Comparative researchers have heavily focused their studies of social cognition on species that live in large social groups, while neglecting other potential predictors of social cognition. African crested porcupines (Hystrix cristata) are relatively rare among mammals in that they are cooperative breeders that pair for life. Little is known about their social cognition, but they are good candidates for exploring cooperative behavior due to the need to coordinate behavior to cooperatively raise young. Cooperation, as defined in this study, is the process by which two or more participants perform independent actions on an object to obtain a reward for all parties. Humans are thought to outperform all other species in the frequency and magnitude of cooperative behaviors. Yet, only by studying a variety of species can researchers fully understand the likely selection pressures for cooperation, such as cooperative breeding. Here, we pilot tested the feasibility of the popular loose-string task with a mated pair of African crested porcupines, a task that required the porcupines to cooperatively pull ropes to access an out of reach platform baited with food rewards. Other species presented with this task were able to work together to receive rewards but did not always demonstrate understanding of the role of their partner. The porcupines achieved success but did not appear to coordinate their actions or solicit behavior from their partner. Thus, similar to other species, they may achieve success in this task without taking their partner’s role into account. This study demonstrates that the loose string task can be used to assess cooperation in porcupines. However, further experiments are needed to assess the porcupine’s understanding of their partner’s role under this paradigm.
Evolution Mode, Influencing Factors, and Socioeconomic Value of Urban Industrial Land Management in China
Authors: Xie Fei , Zhang Shuaibing , Zhao Kaixu , Quan Fengmei
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Accurate measurement of the matching relationship between urban industrial land change and economic growth is of great value for industrialized and re-industrialized countries to perform land resource management in territorial spatial planning. (2) Methods: Based on the combination of the Boston Consulting Group matrix, Geodetector, and decoupling model, we constructed a new method integrating “model evolution + driving mechanism + performance evaluation + policy design” in this paper, and conducted an empirical study on the economic value of urban industrial land management in the Yangtze River Delta. (3) Results: The evolution modes of urban industrial land in the Yangtze River Delta are divided into four types: stars, cows, dogs, and question, distributed in structures ranging from an “olive” shape to a “pyramid” shape, with high spatial heterogeneity and agglomeration and low autocorrelation. The government demand led by driving economic growth and making large cities bigger is the key factor driving the change in urban industrial land and the influence of transportation infrastructure and the business environment has remained stable for a long time. The mechanisms of industrialization, globalization, and innovation are becoming increasingly complicated. Industrial land change and value-added growth in most cities have long been in a state of strong and weak decoupling, with progressive decoupling occurring alongside the unchanged stage and regressive decoupling. The government outperforms the market in terms of urban industrial land management, and the degradation of the synergy between urban industrial land and corporate assets emerges as a new threat to sustainable and high-quality development of the region. (4) Conclusions: This paper establishes a technical framework for zoning management and classification governance of urban industrial land to divide the Yangtze River Delta into reduction-oriented transformation policy zoning, incremental high-quality development zoning, incremental synchronous growth zoning, and reduction and upgrading development zoning. It also proposes an adaptive land supply governance strategy for quantitative and qualitative control, providing a basis for territorial spatial planning and land resource management.