bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of AM Fungi and Grass Strips on Soil Erosion Characteristics in Red Sandstone Erosion Areas in Southern China
Authors: Zhang Lichao , Xiao Tingqi , Liu Hongguang , Ge Peilin , Xia Jinwen , Dai Chenwei , Zhang Wenbo , Zhao Xiaomin
Published: August 2022

As one of the most serious soil erosion areas in China, red sandstone erosion areas in southern China have been seriously affected by abundant annual rainfall. To understand the effects of AM fungi and different grass strips on soil erosion characteristics in red sandstone erosion areas in southern China, we selected Cynodon dactylon, Lotus corniculatus, Zoysia japonica, and Astragalus sinicus. Two treatments were carried out for each grass: AM was the soil in its original state, and CK was the soil in which the original AM fungi were eliminated. Taking CK treatment as the control group, any changes of runoff and sediment yield and nutrient loss under different grass strip conditions were measured. The total yield of runoff and sediment in the four grass strips under CK treatment was greater than that of AM. The runoff ammonium nitrogen loss concentration in AM treatment was smaller than in CK treatment under continuous scouring. The ammonium nitrogen loss concentration of sediment during continuous scouring showed a decreasing trend. Under AM treatment, the loss concentration of sediment ammonium nitrogen showed a decreasing trend compared with the CK treatment. The percentage of sediment particles >2 mm in the four grass strips was significantly larger for CK treatment than AM treatment (p < 0.05), and except for Cynodon dactylon, the percentage of sediment particles in the size range of 1–2 mm for other grass strips was significantly larger for CK treatment than for AM treatment (p < 0.05); the percentage of sediment particles at 0.02–0.25 mm was significantly smaller for CK treatment than for AM treatment (p < 0.05). The mean weight diameter (MWD) of sediments produced by the four grass strips under simulated scouring showed an overall increasing trend with increased scouring time. The mean weight diameter (MWD) of sediments produced under CK treatment was larger than that of AM treatment. The fractal dimension (D) of sediments showed a decreasing trend with increased scouring time. These results showed that AM fungi can promote the growth of plant roots, strengthen soil anchoring, protect large particle aggregates in soil under rainfall scouring, and reduce soil erosion and nutrient loss in red sandstone erosion areas in southern China. Cynodon dactylon and Zoysia japonica were more prominent than Lotus corniculatus and Astragalus sinicus in inhibiting soil erosion in red sandstone erosion areas.
Forecasting the Risk Factor of Frontier Markets: A Novel Stacking Ensemble of Neural Network Approach
Authors: Akter Mst. Shapna , Shahriar Hossain , Chowdhury Reaz , Mahdy M. R. C.
Published: August 2022

Forecasting the risk factor of the financial frontier markets has always been a very challenging task. Unlike an emerging market, a frontier market has a missing parameter named “volatility”, which indicates the market’s risk and as a result of the absence of this missing parameter and the lack of proper prediction, it has almost become difficult for direct customers to invest money in frontier markets. However, the noises, seasonality, random spikes and trends of the time-series datasets make it even more complicated to predict stock prices with high accuracy. In this work, we have developed a novel stacking ensemble of the neural network model that performs best on multiple data patterns. We have compared our model’s performance with the performance results obtained by using some traditional machine learning ensemble models such as Random Forest, AdaBoost, Gradient Boosting Machine and Stacking Ensemble, along with some traditional deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Bidirectional Long Short-Term (BiLSTM). We have calculated the missing parameter named “volatility” using stock price (Close price) for 20 different companies of the frontier market and then made predictions using the aforementioned machine learning ensemble models, deep learning models and our proposed stacking ensemble of the neural network model. The statistical evaluation metrics RMSE and MAE have been used to evaluate the performance of the models. It has been found that our proposed stacking ensemble neural network model outperforms all other traditional machine learning and deep learning models which have been used for comparison in this paper. The lowest RMSE and MAE values we have received using our proposed model are 0.3626 and 0.3682 percent, respectively, and the highest RMSE and MAE values are 2.5696 and 2.444 percent, respectively. The traditional ensemble learning models give the highest RMSE and MAE error rate of 20.4852 and 20.4260 percent, while the deep learning models give 15.2332 and 15.1668 percent, respectively, which clearly states that our proposed model provides a very low error value compared with the traditional models.
Framework for Video Steganography Using Integer Wavelet Transform and JPEG Compression
Authors: Pilania Urmila , Tanwar Rohit , Zamani Mazdak , Manaf Azizah Abdul
Published: August 2022

In today’s world of computers everyone is communicating their personal information through the web. So, the security of personal information is the main concern from the research point of view. Steganography can be used for the security purpose of personal information. Storing and forwarding of embedded personal information specifically in public places is gaining more attention day by day. In this research work, the Integer Wavelet Transform technique along with JPEG (Joint Photograph Expert Group) compression is proposed to overcome some of the issues associated with steganography techniques. Video cover files and JPEG compression improve concealing capacity because of their intrinsic properties. Integer Wavelet Transform is used to improve the imperceptibility and robustness of the proposed technique. The Imperceptibility of the proposed work is analyzed through evaluation parameters such as PSNR (Peak Signal to Noise Ratio), MSE (Mean Square Error), SSIM (Structure Similarity Metric), and CC (Correlation Coefficient). Robustness is validated through some image processing attacks. Complexity is calculated in terms of concealing and retrieval time along with the amount of secret information hidden.
Fish Face Identification Based on Rotated Object Detection: Dataset and Exploration
Authors: Li Danyang , Su Houcheng , Jiang Kailin , Liu Dan , Duan Xuliang
Published: August 2022

At present, fish farming still uses manual identification methods. With the rapid development of deep learning, the application of computer vision in agriculture and farming to achieve agricultural intelligence has become a current research hotspot. We explored the use of facial recognition in fish. We collected and produced a fish identification dataset with 3412 images and a fish object detection dataset with 2320 images. A rotating box is proposed to detect fish, which avoids the problem where the traditional object detection produces a large number of redundant regions and affects the recognition accuracy. A self-SE module and a fish face recognition network (FFRNet) are proposed to implement the fish face identification task. The experiments proved that our model has an accuracy rate of over 90% and an FPS of 200.
In lumpfish We Trust? The Efficacy of Lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus to Control Lepeophtheirus salmonis Infestations on Farmed Atlantic Salmon: A Review
Authors: Imsland Albert Kjartan Dagbjartarson , Reynolds Patrick
Published: August 2022

In this review, we have systematized current knowledge about the effect of stocking lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) as cleaner fish to control Lepeophtheirus salmonis infestations on farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). The review was prompted by recent reports in which the usefulness of lumpfish has been doubted, and the urgent need to investigate whether common lumpfish can be used to reduce L. salmonis numbers on farmed Atlantic salmon by active grazing on this species. Available published data clearly indicate that lumpfish graze on L. salmonis, and can significantly lower the lice burden in Atlantic salmon farming. It is possible to enhance the lice grazing behavior of lumpfish with the assistance of live feed conditioning prior to sea pen transfer, and with selective breeding. Data indicate that lice grazing of lumpfish is size dependent, and grazing effect is low for lumpfish larger than 200–250 g. Observations from large-scale rearing of Atlantic salmon in open sea cages in Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and Scotland also indicate that lumpfish can be effective in lowering infestations of L. salmonis on salmon. Overall, this present review reveals that lumpfish can actively contribute to lower numbers of L. salmonis on farmed Atlantic salmon.
Identification of Antioxidant Peptides Derived from Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Skin and Their Mechanism of Action by Molecular Docking
Authors: Ma Yueyun , Zhang Dandan , Liu Mengqi , Li Yingrou , Lv Rui , Li Xiang , Wang Qiukuan , Ren Dandan , Wu Long , Zhou Hui
Published: August 2022

Antioxidants, which can activate the body’s antioxidant defence system and reduce oxidative stress damage, are important for maintaining free radical homeostasis between oxidative damage and antioxidant defence. Six antioxidant peptides (P1–P6) were isolated and identified from the enzymatic hydrolysate of tilapia skin by ultrafiltration, reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Moreover, the scavenging mechanism of the identified peptides against DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2-azido-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) was studied by molecular docking. It was found that Pro, Ala and Tyr were the characteristic amino acids for scavenging free radicals, and hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were the main interactions between the free radicals and antioxidant peptides. Among them, the peptide KAPDPGPGPM exhibited the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 2.56 ± 0.15 mg/mL), in which the hydrogen bond between the free radical DDPH and Thr-6 was identified as the main interaction, and the hydrophobic interactions between the free radical DDPH and Ala, Gly and Pro were also identified. The peptide GGYDEY presented the highest scavenging activity against ABTS (IC50 = 9.14 ± 0.08 mg/mL). The key structures for the interaction of this peptide with the free radical ABTS were identified as Gly-1 and Glu-5 (hydrogen bond sites), and the amino acids Tyr and Asp provided hydrophobic interactions. Furthermore, it was determined that the screened peptides are suitable for applications as antioxidants in the food industry, exhibit good water solubility and stability, are likely nonallergenic and are nontoxic. In summary, the results of this study provide a theoretical structural basis for examining the mechanism of action of antioxidant peptides and the application of enzymatic hydrolysates from tilapia skin.
Enhancement of Carbon Conversion and Value-Added Compound Production in Heterotrophic Chlorella vulgaris Using Sweet Sorghum Extract
Authors: Wu Kangping , Fang Yilin , Hong Biyuan , Cai Yihui , Xie Honglei , Wang Yunpu , Cui Xian , Yu Zhigang , Liu Yuhuan , Ruan Roger , Zhang Qi
Published: August 2022

High-cost carbon sources are not economical or sustainable for the heterotrophic culture of Chlorella vulgaris. In order to reduce the cost, this study used sweet sorghum extract (SE) and its enzymatic hydrolysate (HSE) as alternative carbon sources for the heterotrophic culture of Chlorella vulgaris. Under the premise of the same total carbon concentration, the value-added product production performance of Chlorella vulgaris cultured in HSE (supplemented with nitrogen sources and minerals) was much better than that in the glucose medium. The conversion rate of the total organic carbon and the utilization rate of the total nitrogen were both improved in the HSE system. The biomass production and productivity using HSE reached 2.51 g/L and 0.42 g/L/d, respectively. The production of proteins and lipids using HSE reached 1.17 and 0.35 g/L, respectively, and the production of chlorophyll-a, carotenoid, and lutein using HSE reached 30.42, 10.99, and 0.88 mg/L, respectively. The medium cost using HSE decreased by 69.61% compared to glucose. This study proves the feasibility and practicability of using HSE as a carbon source for the low-cost heterotrophic culture of Chlorella vulgaris.
Effects of Enzymatic Modification and Cross-Linking with Sodium Phytate on the Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Cyperus esculentus Starch
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Dejian , Xiao Jiechuan , Wu Xiaotong
Published: August 2022

In this study, C. esculentus porous starch (PS) and C. esculentus cross-linked porous starch (CPS) were prepared by enzymatic modification and sodium phytate cross-linking, and their physicochemical and structural properties were determined. The results showed that the adsorption and emulsification capacities of PS were 1.3606 g/g and 22.6 mL/g, respectively, which were significantly higher than 0.5419 g/g and 4.2 mL/g of C. esculentus starch (NS). The retrogradation curves of starch paste showed that the stability of PS was inferior to that of NS. In addition, the results of texture analysis showed that the gel strength of PS was also significantly reduced relative to NS. The PS exhibited a rough surface with pores and low molecular order and crystallinity according to scanning electron microscope (SEM), fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X ray diffractometer (XRD) analyses. As compared to PS, CPS still presented a high adsorption capacity of 1.2744 g/g and the steadiness of starch paste was significantly better. XPS demonstrated the occurrence of the cross-linking reaction. Our results show that enzyme modification and dual modification by combining enzymatic treatment with sodium phytate cross-linking can impart different structures and functions to starch, creating reference material for the application of modified starch from C. esculentus.
PEDOT Composite with Ionic Liquid and Its Application to Deformable Electrochemical Transistors
Authors: Lee Sangkyu , Jang Jaepyo , Lee Sungjun , Jung Daekwang , Shin Mikyung , Son Donghee
Published: August 2022

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have become popular due to their advantages of a lower operating voltage and higher transconductance compared with conventional silicon transistors. However, current OECT platform-based skin-inspired electronics applications are limited due to the lack of stretchability in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Some meaningful structural design strategies to resolve this limitation, including rendering OECT to make it more stretchable, have been reported. However, these strategies require complicated fabrication processes and face challenges due to the low areal density of active devices because wavy interconnect parts account for a large area. Nevertheless, there have been only a few reports of fully deformable OECT having skin-like mechanical properties and deformability. In this study, we fabricated stretchable and conductivity-enhanced channel materials using a spray-coating method after a composite solution preparation by blending PEDOT:PSS with several ionic liquids. Among these, the PEDOT composite prepared using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium octyl sulfate exhibited a better maximum transconductance value (~0.3 mS) than the other ion composites. When this material was used for our deformable OECT platform using stretchable Au nanomembrane electrodes on an elastomer substrate and an encapsulation layer, our d-ECT showed a barely degraded resistance value between the source and drain during 1000 cycles of a 30% repeated strain. We expect that our d-ECT device will serve as a step toward the development of more precise and accurate biomedical healthcare monitoring systems.
The Effect of Selected Polymorphisms of the ACTN3, ACE, HIF1A and PPARA Genes on the Immediate Supercompensation Training Effect of Elite Slovak Endurance Runners and Football Players
Authors: Végh Dávid , Reichwalderová Katarína , Slaninová Miroslava , Vavák Miroslav
Published: August 2022

We aimed to evaluate the effect of selected polymorphisms of the ACTN3, ACE, HIF1A and PPARA genes on the immediate supercompensation training effect of elite Slovak endurance runners and football players compared with a sedentary control group. Adaptation effect levels were evaluated by 10 s continuous vertical jump test parameters measured by Optojump. Genetic polymorphisms were determined by PCR and Sanger sequencing. We found significant differences in the effect of PPARA genotypes in the experimental group. C allele genotypes represented an advantage in immediate supercompensation (p < 0.05). We observed a significant combined effect of multiple genes on immediate supercompensation (p < 0.05): the RR genotype of the ACTN3 gene, the ID genotype of the ACE gene, the Pro/Pro genotype of HIF1A, and the GC and GG genotypes of PPARA genes. In the control group, we found a significant effect (p < 0.05) on immediate supercompensation of the II genotype of the ACE gene and the Pro/Ser genotype of the HIF1A gene. We found significant differences in genotype frequency of ACE (p < 0.01) and PPARA (p < 0.001) genes. We confirmed that individual genetic polymorphisms of ACTN3, ACE, HIF1A and PPARA genes have a different effect on the level of immediate supercompensation of the lower limbs depending on the training adaptation of the probands and the combination of genotypes.
‘A Great Deal of Noise’: Jane Austen’s Disruptive Children and the Culture of Conversation
Authors: De Ritter Richard
Published: August 2022

Children occupy a peripheral position in the novels of Jane Austen, with the result that they have received little critical attention. This article proposes that, despite their marginal status, children play a significant role in Austen’s work as agents of disruption, whose presence is frequently signified by the noise they make. It is through their interventions that Austen dramatizes a wider crisis in the capacity of conversation to improve, educate, and forge meaningful connections between individuals. The significance of Austen’s representations of children can be grasped more fully by reading Austen in relation to her contemporaries, namely Maria Edgeworth and Hannah More. While these authors view children as the embodiment of Enlightenment hopes and Revolutionary fears, Austen avoids such polemical representations. Rather than rational actors participating within a culture of improving conversation, Austen’s children are defined by their inarticulate voices and disruptive tendencies. Ultimately, however, it is through their inarticulacy that Austen expresses her doubts about the status of conversation as a site of enlightened exchange.
The Post-Traumatic Growth of Primary Caregivers of Patients after Liver Transplantation
Authors: Chen Ya-Hui , Lee Wei-Chen , Kao Yu-Yi , Chen Li-Chen , Ho Lun-Hui , Shih Whei-Mei
Published: August 2022

Liver transplantation is a very important surgery. In many cases, it involves two loved ones (receiver and donor in the same family) and causes stress and feelings of burden in family caregivers. The purpose of this study was to investigate post-traumatic growth in primary caregivers of liver transplant patients. A cross-sectional research design was adopted to recruit 84 participants. The Perceived Stress Scale, Short-Form Coping Strategies Scale, and Post-traumatic Growth Scale were used. The results revealed that the total score of perceived stress of the main caregivers of liver transplantation was 27.27 ± 6.63; problem-oriented coping and emotion-oriented coping were used as the main coping strategies, and the traumatic growth score was 42.01 ± 13.84. All three variables were significant predictors of post-traumatic growth (F = 13.71, p < 0.05), explaining 38% of the total variance. This study can help nurses understand the post-traumatic growth status and related factors of the main caregivers of liver transplant patients. It can also help caregivers understand their own perceived pressure and then take relevant care measures to reduce the degree of physical and mental load and achieve a balanced state.
Understanding the Behavioral Intentions about Holidays in the Shadow of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Application of Protection Motivation Theory
Authors: Çınar Kevser , Kavacık Saadet Zafer , Bişkin Ferdi , Çınar Muhsin
Published: August 2022

The research aims to investigate the emotional response and protective behaviors of domestic tourists’ post-pandemic period and their holiday intentions or holiday avoidance behaviors. For this reason, understanding tourist behavior during and after significant tourism crises is critical for the recovery of the tourism industry. To achieve this aim, first, we examine the effects of perceived vulnerability and perceived severity factors in the threat appraisal of domestic tourists, the effects of the response efficacy, response cost, and self-efficacy factors in the coping appraisal, and the effects of fear and hope factors as the anticipatory emotion responses regarding protection motivation. Second, we measure the effect of protection motivation on the factors of taking a vacation and avoiding a vacation, which constitute behavioral intention. This study applies the health-related protection motivation theory to explore how domestic tourists’ behavioral intentions are influenced by Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the post-pandemic period. The study includes citizens residing in Türkiye who have had at least one-holiday experience in the last five years. Online questionnaire surveys were administered to 1391 domestic tourists. In the research, in addition to testing the validity and reliability of the scales, simple linear regression analysis was used to test the model based on the hypotheses experimentally. The results show that factors have internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. Response cost and hope variables are ineffective in predicting the protection motivation, and all other effect sizes (f2) are positive. All hypotheses have been supported. However, the response cost (β = −0.029, p > 0.05) has no effect on protection motivation, thus only one is rejected. As a result, domestic tourists would like to maintain the assurance of their health and safety during a holiday. An integrated model with protection motivation theory and different theories as theory of planned behavior should be implemented. As a result, this will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complexity involved in the sustainable behavioral intentions in the post-COVID era.
Viral Infection in Esophageal, Gastric, and Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yamashina Takeshi , Shimatani Masaaki , Takeo Masahiro , Sasaki Kotaro , Orino Masahiro , Saito Natsuko , Matsumoto Hironao , Kasai Takeshi , Kano Masataka , Horitani Shunsuke , Sumimoto Kimi , Mitsuyama Toshiyuki , Yuba Takafumi , Seki Toshihito , Naganuma Makoto
Published: August 2022

The human gastrointestinal tract, which constitutes the digestive system, contains a large number of virus particles that maintain organizational homeostasis and health. Conversely, viral pathogens have also attracted attention for their involvement in the pathogenesis of certain cancers, including gastrointestinal cancers. To aid prevention and treatment of these cancers, the relevance of gastrointestinal viral factors as potential risk factors needs to be carefully investigated. This review summarizes and discusses the available literature on the relationship between the development of esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers and their corresponding viruses. This review reveals that research on the association between colorectal cancer and viruses, in particular, is still in its infancy compared to the association between HPV and esophageal cancer and between EBV and gastric cancer.
Industrial Heritage of Dubrovnik—Unaffirmed Potential of Gruž Bay
Authors: Barišić Marenić Zrinka , Pavlović Roberta , Tutek Ivana
Published: August 2022

As a fortified medieval city, Dubrovnik was the centre of the Republic of Dubrovnik, one of the smallest states in the Mediterranean whose importance far surpassed its size. Just like in many other Croatian historic cities, its industrial heritage has remained in the shadow of the historic city, not properly acknowledged as an important segment of the city’s history. This dichotomy inspired this research, whose focus was the cradle of industrial development—Gruž Bay. The research focused on archival sources, published and unpublished materials and a field study. The systematic integration of collected materials was upgraded with an analytical study, the valorisation, contextualisation and, finally, contemporary presentation. Gruž Bay was once an idyllic landscape with few Renaissance summer villas. The original matrix was overlayed with pre-industrial and industrial complexes: shipyards, a harbour, a railway, industrial and infrastructural complexes. At the turn of the 19th century, they were slowly gaining momentum, which was suddenly interrupted by nearby political turmoil, and ultimately a war. Since then, tourism has prevailed, and the industrial complexes have gradually become redundant. The affirmation of the value of the industrial heritage and its potential for reuse would contribute to the further development of this well-known UNESCO site.
Unattended Trapping of Whiteflies Driven out of Tomato Plants onto a Yellow-Colored Double-Charged Dipolar Electric Field Screen
Authors: Takikawa Yoshihiro , Matsuda Yoshinori , Kakutani Koji , Nonomura Teruo , Toyoda Hideyoshi
Published: August 2022

An unattended pest control system was developed to eliminate whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) that settled on greenhouse tomato plants. The system exploited the whitefly’s habit of flying up from a plant that was mechanically tapped and then heading toward yellow objects. Remote-controlled dollies with arms that tapped plants and yellow-colored double-charged dipolar electric field screens (YDD-EFSs) (oppositely electrified transparent insulator tubes filled with yellow-colored water) attracted and trapped the whiteflies. The whiteflies flew up when the plants were mechanically tapped with the dolly’s arms during reciprocating movements and were subsequently trapped by YDD-EFSs that were automatically translocated to the target plants. The system was applied to rows of whitefly-infested tomato plants. Almost all whiteflies transferred to plants were successfully recovered by two dollies moving on either side of the plants, approaching all plants individually (via programmed movement). In summary, we present an efficient unattended method for controlling whiteflies on tomato plants in greenhouses.
Temperature and GA3 as Modulating Factors in the Biosynthesis of Alkaloids during Imbibition and Early Development of Annona x atemoya Mabb. cv. ‘Gefner’ Seedlings
Authors: da Silva Gustavo Cabral , de-la-Cruz-Chacón Ivan , Honório Ana Beatriz Marques , Martin Bruna Cavinatti , Sousa Marília Caixeta , Campos Felipe Girotto , Boaro Carmen Sílvia Fernandes , Ferreira Gisela
Published: August 2022

Alkaloids are products of the specialized metabolism of plants and temperature is a factor capable of modulating their biosynthesis. Species of the Annonaceae family biosynthesize alkaloids and present dormancy in their seeds, which can be overcome with the use of gibberellins. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate whether temperature variations and the use of gibberellin in seeds affect the production of alkaloids during germination and early development of Annona x atemoya Mabb. cv. ‘Gefner’ seedlings. Results showed that the temperature of 30 °C associated with imbibition in water caused an increase in the production of total alkaloids and liriodenine and that the use of gibberellin decreased production. In addition, it was possible to identify the presence of nine other alkaloids with organ-specific distribution. The presence of none of them was induced by the effect of temperature or gibberellic acid. Therefore, it could be concluded that temperature variation and the use of GA3 alter the biosynthesis of alkaloids, with high temperature causing increased concentration, but the use of GA3 reducing production.
The Impact of Uterus Didelphys on Fertility and Pregnancy
Authors: Ćwiertnia Adrianna , Borzyszkowska Dominika , Golara Anna , Tuczyńska Natalia , Kozłowski Mateusz , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Cymbaluk-Płoska Aneta
Published: August 2022

Uterus didelphys occurs as a result of abnormal fusion of the paramesonephric ducts and is characterized by complete duplication of uterine horns, cervix, and very often also the vagina or presence of longitudinal vaginal septum. Most women with a uterus didelphys are asymptomatic; some cases may coincide with dyspareunia or dysmenorrhea. The anomaly is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, breech delivery, and decreased live births. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman (primigravida) who was known to have uterus didelphys. The diagnosis was made when the patient was 23 years old using ultrasound and hysteroscopy. The patient became pregnant after 18 months of efforts. The patient was referred to prenatal care in the 13th week of pregnancy with vaginal bleeding. In the 23rd week of pregnancy, gestation cholelithiasis was diagnosed. The pregnancy progressed without obstetric complications and the fetus developed normally. Due to the vaginal septum and fact that the patient felt stressed, the pregnancy was terminated at term by cesarean section. We concluded that uterus didelphys can be asymptomatic making an early diagnosis difficult. A pregnancy belongs to a high-risk group and more attention should be paid to this case. Cesarean section should be considered, especially in case of the presence of vaginal septum.
A Rapid Review of Randomized Trials Assessing the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Depressive Symptoms in People with Mental Illness
Authors: Ribeiro Jéssica Alves , Schuch Felipe Barreto , Vargas Kleber F. Meneghel , Müller Paulo T. , Boullosa Daniel
Published: August 2022

Objective: to systematically search for randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols vs. control without exercise or other exercise protocols, in patients with mental disorders experiencing depressive symptoms, and to provide some guidance based on the current HIIT literature to improve further interventions. Methods: we searched for relevant studies, published by 18 August 2022 on PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and SPORTDiscus databases, that used a HIIT protocol, involving adults (≥18 years) with a diagnosis of a mental disorder, participating in a HIIT or a control condition, and assessed for depressive symptoms. Results: Four studies accounting for 108 participants (n HIIT = 55; n comparison groups = 53) met the inclusion criteria. Three out of the four studies included found significant improvements of depressive symptoms after 12 days to 8 weeks of intervention. However, there were no differences to other forms of low-to-moderate continuous exercise in 2/3 studies. Conclusions: The limited evidence suggests the effectiveness of HIIT interventions for improving depressive symptoms in people with mental illness. However, HIIT was not superior to other exercise treatments, although a trend for its superiority may be recognized. A number of methodological issues should be considered in further interventions to better characterize and identify the most efficient HIIT modalities for the treatment of depressive symptoms in these patients.
Adolescents’ Experience during Brace Treatment for Scoliosis: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Cheung Mei-Chun , Law Derry , Yip Joanne , Cheung Jason Pui Yin
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to explore the subjective experiences of adolescents with scoliosis during brace treatment in order to understand their obstacles and make recommendations to enhance brace compliance. Using purposive sampling, 15 adolescents (2 males and 13 females) with scoliosis aged from 10 to 16 years old during brace treatment were recruited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. The data were recorded, transcribed, and coded using thematic analysis with the qualitative software NVivo 10. Significant statements and phrases were organized into categories and themes to understand adolescents’ experiences during brace treatment for scoliosis. In general, the adolescents acknowledged that compliance with brace treatment was essential to reduce or prevent the progression of spinal curvature and tried their best to comply with the treatment. Regarding their subjective experiences during brace treatment, three themes were identified and emerged as obstacles negatively affecting their brace compliance, including physical discomfort due to brace materials and design, reluctance caused by the brace’s visual appearance, and passive patient participation during the treatment process. This study reveals insights into the experiences of adolescents with scoliosis during brace treatment and what they perceive as hindrances to compliance. In order to have better brace compliance, adolescents’ feelings and difficulties during brace treatment should be recognized and addressed. Therefore, active patient participation throughout the treatment process, involving the co-design of a customized brace, psychosocial interventions, and personalized appearance style management should be considered and promoted to facilitate a more acceptable bracing experience to achieve better brace compliance.
Reliability Analysis of Observation-Based Exposure Assessment Tools for the Upper Extremities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Graben Preston Riley , Schall Mark C. , Gallagher Sean , Sesek Richard , Acosta-Sojo Yadrianna
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: The objectives of this systematic review were to (i) summarize the results of studies evaluating the reliability of observational ergonomics exposure assessment tools addressing exposure to physical risk factors associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and (ii) identify best practices for assessing the reliability of new observational exposure assessment tools. (2) Methods: A broad search was conducted in March 2020 of four academic databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Ergonomic Abstracts, and Web of Science. Articles were systematically excluded by removing redundant articles, examining titles and abstracts, assessing relevance to physical ergonomics and the upper extremities, and article type. (3) Results: Eleven articles were included in the review. The results indicated no singular best practice; instead, there were multiple methodological approaches researchers chose to use. Some of the significant variations in methodologies include the selection of reliability coefficients, rater and participant selection, and direct vs. digital observation. (4) Conclusion: The findings serve as a resource summarizing the reliability of existing observational risk assessment tools and identify common methods for assessing the reliability of new observational risk assessment tools. Limitations of this review include the number of databases searched, the removal of truncation symbols, and the selection of keywords used for the initial search.
Association between Handgrip Strength and Periodontitis in Korean Adults Aged ≥30 Years: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2015)
Authors: An Hye-Ryeong , Choi Jun-Seon
Published: August 2022

This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014–2015 database to analyze the association between periodontitis and handgrip strength, a representative measure of hand impairment and function, in adults aged ≥30 years. The data of 5926 adults (male: 2766, females: 3160) who underwent handgrip strength and periodontal tissue examination and had neither rheumatoid arthritis nor osteoarthritis were analyzed. Handgrip strength was assessed using a digital grip strength dynamometer. The average values of the right handgrip strength, calculated separately by sex and age group (five 10-year age groups), were used as the cut-off for reduced handgrip strength. Periodontal status was evaluated using the Community Periodontal Index, defining scores ≥ 3 as periodontitis. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the differences in the prevalence of periodontitis according to handgrip strength. In the final regression model adjusted for risk factors for periodontitis, the likelihood of periodontitis decreased as the level of handgrip strength increased (p < 0.05). Therefore, this study suggests that handgrip strength may be a valuable indicator of periodontal health.
The Threshold Effect of Knowledge Diversity on Urban Green Innovation Efficiency Using the Yangtze River Delta Region as an Example
Authors: Bao Han , Teng Tangwei , Cao Xianzhong , Wang Shengpeng , Hu Senlin
Published: August 2022

Green innovation in the Yangtze River Delta is closely related to higher-quality integrated development, and knowledge diversity is crucial to the realization of regional green technology innovation and development. This study measured the green innovation efficiency of cities in the Yangtze River Delta region from 2010 to 2018 utilizing the Super-SBM model based on undesired outputs. In addition, this study used patent data to investigate regional knowledge deversity, including related variety, and unrelated variety, and to examine the spatio-temporal characteristics of green innovation efficiency and the threshold effect of knowledge diversity. The results demonstrated that related variety was positively correlated with the efficiency of urban green innovation, which was in line with extant studies. Unrelated variety was accompanied by an increase in urban science and technology investment and expansion of urban scale, and the negative effect of knowledge unrelated variety was significantly weakened. This study deepened the understanding of the mechanism of action of diversity, which is conducive to the sustainable development goals as regards the formulation of policies related to green innovation and the development of various types of cities.
Acute Effects of High-Intensity Functional Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Cognitive Functions in Young Adults
Authors: de Diego-Moreno Manuel , Álvarez-Salvago Francisco , Martínez-Amat Antonio , Boquete-Pumar Carmen , Orihuela-Espejo Antonio , Aibar-Almazán Agustín , Jiménez-García José Daniel
Published: August 2022

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare the influence of an acute bout of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) with an acute bout of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on measures of cognitive function. Methods: Sixty-nine young adults (Mean ± SD: age = 21.01 ± 2.79 yrs; body mass = 69.65 ± 6.62 kg; height = 1.74 ± 0.05 m; Body Mass Index = 22.8 ± 1.41) gave informed consent and were randomly divided into three groups. The HIFT group, with 27 participants, performed a high-intensity (>85% Max. HR) circuit of functional exercises for 30 min. The MICT group, with 28 participants, performed moderate-intensity (70–80% Max. HR) continuous training on a cyclo-ergometer. The control group did not perform any activity. The Stroop Test, Word Recall and N-Back Test were completed to assess during the familiarization period, immediately before and immediately after the training’s bouts. Results: The repeated measures ANOVA did not show significant mean differences for any group. However, the T-Test for the paired samples demonstrated very significant differences in the Stroop Test, in terms of fastest response time (FRT; mean difference (MD) = −1.14, p < 0.01, d = 0.9), mean response time (MRT; MD = −2.16, p < 0.01, d = 0.66) and the number of correct answers (NCA; MD = 1.08, p < 0.05, d = 0.5) in the HIFT group and in the MICT group (FRT; MD = −1.79, p < 0.01, d = 0.9), (MRT; MD = −3.07, p < 0.01, d = 0.9) (NCA; MD = 1.54, p < 0.05, d = 0.5). Conclusions: There were no differences in the control group. HIFT and MICT may elicit specific influences on cognitive function, mainly in executive function and selective attention.
A Multilevel Analysis of the Associated and Determining Factors of TB among Adults in South Africa: Results from National Income Dynamics Surveys 2008 to 2017
Authors: Dhlakama Hilda , Lougue Siaka , Mwambi Henry Godwell , Ogunsakin Ropo Ebenezer
Published: August 2022

TB is preventable and treatable but remains the leading cause of death in South Africa. The deaths due to TB have declined, but in 2017, around 322,000 new cases were reported in the country. The need to eradicate the disease through research is increasing. This study used population-based National Income Dynamics Survey data (Wave 1 to Wave 5) from 2008 to 2017. By determining the simultaneous multilevel and individual-level predictors of TB, this research examined the factors associated with TB-diagnosed individuals and to what extent the factors vary across such individuals belonging to the same province in South Africa for the five waves. Multilevel logistic regression models were fitted using frequentist and Bayesian techniques, and the results were presented as odds ratios with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The results obtained from the two approaches were compared and discussed. Findings reveal that the TB factors that prevailed consistently from wave 1 to wave 5 were marital status, age, gender, education, smoking, suffering from other diseases, and consultation with a health practitioner. Also, over the years, the single males aged 30–44 years suffering from other diseases with no education were highly associated with TB between 2008 and 2017. The methodological findings were that the frequentist and Bayesian models resulted in the same TB factors. Both models showed that some form of variation in TB infections is due to the different provinces these individuals belonged. Variation in TB patients within the same province over the waves was minimal. We conclude that demographic and behavioural factors also drive TB infections in South Africa. This research supports the existing findings that controlling the social determinants of health will help eradicate TB.
Spatio-Temporal Variation and Decomposition Analysis of Livelihood Resilience of Rural Residents in China
Authors: Cheng Shulei , Yu Yu , Fan Wei , Zhu Chunxia
Published: August 2022

The key to sustainable rural development and coordinated regional development is to properly measure the livelihood resilience of rural residents (LRRR), and investigate its regional differences, distribution characteristics, and evolutionary patterns. This study combined the entropy method, the Dagum Gini coefficient and decomposition, kernel density estimation, and convergence analysis to measure the LRRR in 30 provinces of China from 2006 to 2020, and to analyze its regional differences and sources, dynamic distribution, and characteristics of convergence. The LRRR in China overall declined 2006–2020, with an east-to-west spatial gradient toward lower livelihood resilience. Intra-regional differences in LRRR narrowed in the Eastern and Central Regions, while those in the Western Region widened. Inter-regional differences were the main source of differences in LRRR. The LRRRs in most provinces in China were gradually reaching the same level over time (i.e., σ convergence and β convergence). This research provides a factual reference for policies related to reducing inter-provincial differences in the LRRR in China.
Charting an Alternative Course for Mental Health-Related Anti-Stigma Social and Behaviour Change Programmes
Authors: Walsh Daniel , Foster Juliet
Published: August 2022

Mental health-related anti-stigma strategies are premised on the assumption that stigma is sustained by the public’s deficiencies in abstract professional knowledge. In this paper, we critically assess this proposition and suggest new directions for research. Our analysis draws on three data sets: news reports (N = 529); focus groups (N = 20); interviews (N = 19). In each social context, we explored representations of mental health and illness in relation to students’ shared living arrangements, a key group indicated for mental health-related anti-stigma efforts. We analysed the data using term-frequency inverse-document frequency (TF-IDF) models. Possible meanings indicated by TF-IDF modelling were interpreted using deep qualitative readings of verbatim quotations, as is standard in corpus-based research approaches to health and illness. These results evidence the flawed basis of dominant mental health-related anti-stigma campaigns. In contrast to deficiency models, we found that the public made sense of mental health and illness using dynamic and static epistemologies and often referenced professionalised understandings. Furthermore, rather than holding knowledge in the abstract, we also found public understanding to be functional to the social context. In addition, rather than being agnostic about mental health-related knowledge, we found public understandings are motivated by group-based identity-related concerns. We will argue that we need to develop alternative anti-stigma strategies rooted in the public’s multiple contextualised sense-making strategies and highlight the potential of engaging with ecological approaches to stigma.
Examining the Effect of Self-Determined Appeal Organ Donation Messages and Respective Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Kong Sining
Published: August 2022

This study examined how intrinsic motivation and its respective underlying mechanism influence people’s attitude and intentions of organ donation. The findings revealed the importance of meeting people’s customized psychological needs. For the general population, especially non-organ donors, autonomous appeal message will be more effective in promoting their intention of becoming an organ donor. For registered organ donors, competence-based organ donation messages are more effective in increasing their promotion and seeking behavior of organ donation. This study also discovered underlying mechanisms of intrinsic motivation, such as self-integrity, pride, and sympathy. Pairing underlying mechanism with competence-based messages can maximize the message impact.
Impact of Different Isokinetic Movement Patterns on Shoulder Rehabilitation Outcome
Authors: Missmann Martin , Gollner Katrin , Schroll Andrea , Pirchl Michael , Grote Vincent , Fischer Michael J.
Published: August 2022

Shoulder pain is regularly associated with limited mobility and limitations in activities of daily living. In occupational therapy, various interventions, including active isokinetic training with a Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment (BTE) Work Simulator, help the patient improve shoulder mobility and alleviate pain. This randomized controlled cohort study aims to evaluate the impact of different isokinetic movement patterns on the DASH score, pain, and objective performance measures, such as range of motion (ROM) and hand grip strength. Patients that participated in a specific 3-week inpatient orthopedic rehabilitation were divided into two groups. The first group (UNI-group, n = 9) carried out uniplanar exercises for shoulder flexion, abduction, and external rotation. The patients in the second group (ADL-group, n = 10) imitated multiplanar everyday movements, such as climbing on a ladder, loading a shopping cart, and raising a glass to their mouth. Compared to the UNI-group, the ADL-group improved significantly in DASH scores (mean −10.92 ± 12.59 vs. −22.83 ± 11.31), pain (NPRS −1.11 ± 2.37 vs. 3.70 ± 2.00), and shoulder abduction (+2.77 ± 15.22 vs. +25.50 ± 21.66 degrees). In conclusion, the specific BTE exercise program with multiplanar movement patterns contributed considerably to the therapeutic improvement.