bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Educational Gardens and Workshop Activities on 8th-Grade Student’s Perception and Knowledge of Plant Biology
Authors: Azevedo Herlander , Soares-Silva Isabel , Fonseca Fernando , Alves Paulo , Silva Duarte , Azevedo Maria-Manuel
Published: September 2022

Educational gardens can be a significant resource in the promotion of environmental education, engaging both the school population and the general public. The main goal of the present study was to implement and assess a hands-on interventional program to promote knowledge and awareness of plant-related topics at a basic school level. We report on a hands-on educational project implemented with 8th-grade Portuguese students (mostly 13–14 years of age), associated with the establishment, on school grounds, of three educational gardens representing distinct Portuguese ecosystems. This was a collaborative project and encompassed several activities and subjects, including garden creation, plant propagation and plant care, plant identification, the study of form–function relationships, and lectures by plant researchers. A survey instrument with pre- and post-test assessments demonstrated the effectiveness of the program in raising student knowledge and awareness on topics centered around the native flora. Specifically, we noted that scores increased in all questions addressing different plant biology-related topics in the post-test assessment. This study supports the benefits of incorporating field/laboratory work and educational gardens in educational programs geared toward plant-oriented environmental education.
A Non-Randomised Controlled Study of Interventions Embedded in the Curriculum to Improve Student Wellbeing at University
Authors: Upsher Rebecca , Percy Zephyr , Nobili Anna , Foster Juliet , Hughes Gareth , Byrom Nicola
Published: September 2022

Universal and preventative interventions are advocated via the curriculum and pedagogy to help overcome the increasing prevalence of poor mental health among university students. To date, the literature in this field is overall of poor quality and cannot be synthesised for meta-analysis, due to poor reporting of methodology and results, lack of control conditions, and mixed outcomes across studies. This study examines the effectiveness of curriculum-embedded interventions on student wellbeing at university. A non-randomised design compared four curriculum-embedded interventions with matched controls from the same cohort (Psychology, English, Nursing, International Politics). To increase power, a meta-analytic approach combined the conditions to examine improvements in student wellbeing, social connectedness, loneliness, students flourishing, self-compassion, burnout, self-esteem, and learning approach. There were non-significant improvements in the intervention versus control conditions across all outcomes. There is no strong support for curriculum-embedded interventions improving student wellbeing at university. Despite improvements in study design and reporting, the sample size was still a challenge. More studies of high quality need to be conducted to provide evidence to guide teaching staff in supporting student wellbeing in the curriculum. Qualitative research is required to fully understand students’ experiences.
Method of Calculating Inductance Gradient for Complex Electromagnetic Rail Launcher
Authors: Ren Shida , Feng Gang , Zhang Pengxiang , Li Tengda , Zhao Xilai
Published: September 2022

Electromagnetic rail launch technology has made impressive progress; however, the analytical method of calculating the inductance gradient for a complex electromagnetic launcher is still insufficient. By fully considering the characteristics of electromagnetics and current distribution in a device, this paper describes a model of the current skin effect by simplifying the line current distribution in the device. Based on Biot–Savart Law, an analytical method of calculating inductance gradient for an electromagnetic rail launcher with complex structure is proposed. This method has the advantages of fast calculation speed and accurate calculation results. Because of error analysis, the calculated value relatively corresponds to the simulation result of the eddy current field. To reflect the transient electromagnetic emission process, the effects of different configurations, current frequency, and armature position on the inductance gradient are further summarized. The results show that the error rate of this method in calculating the inductance gradient is about 4%, which meets the requirement for calculation accuracy. The inductance gradient of the enhanced four-rail electromagnetic launcher is about 2.22 times that of the nonenhanced one due to the equal conditions; the inductance gradient decreases with the increase in current frequency and decreases as the armature approaches the muzzle.
Algorithm for Increasing Network Lifetime in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Jumping and Mobile Sensor Nodes
Authors: Khan Muhammad Amir , Khan Jawad , Mahmood Khalid , Bari Inam , Ali Haider , Jan Naveed , Ghoniem Rania M.
Published: September 2022

Sensor networks’ network connectivity must be restored as part of any solution. This strategy’s goal was to come up with a concept. Many approaches to restoring connections after a network outage can be implemented by relying on these factors: low mobility, minimal field coverage drop and a reduction in the overall number of messages sent. All of the following objectives can be met with this solution. Based on detailed simulations and a comparison with the PACR and SNR methods, it can be concluded that the proposed methodology is effective. The sensor nodes’ batteries slowly depleted over time due to power restrictions. Network nodes fail as a result; data transmission stops, and the network’s lifespan is shortened because of it. As a result, one of the most difficult challenges in wireless sensor networks is to minimize energy consumption while also maximizing the network’s lifespan. In this study, the network lifetime of a wireless sensor network is extended through the use of special jumping nodes. Instead of using wheels or other means of transportation, these nodes leap into the network, and they are used to recharge other nodes in the network that are dying upon request. Results show that the proposed technique works more efficiently with figures of 83.76%, 84.84% and 87.3% for SNR, PACR and the proposed technique, respectively, with 250 nodes. This significantly increases the network’s lifetime. The simulation results suggest that the proposed technique outperforms other strategies that have been used in the literature.
Recent Trends in Copper Metallization
Authors: Kim Hyung-Woo
Published: September 2022

The Cu/low-k damascene process was introduced to alleviate the increase in the RC delay of Al/SiO2 interconnects, but now that the technology generation has reached 1× nm or lower, a number of limitations have become apparent. Due to the integration limit of low-k materials, the increase in the RC delay due to scaling can only be suppressed through metallization. As a result, various metallization methods have been proposed, including traditional barrier/liner thickness scaling, and new materials and integration schemes have been developed. This paper introduces these methods and summarizes the recent trends in metallization. It also includes a brief introduction to the Cu damascene process, an explanation of why the low-k approach faces limitations, and a discussion of the measures of reliability (electromigration and time-dependent dielectric breakdown) that are essential for all validation schemes.
Simulation and Optimization of Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer Unit Based on AlN
Authors: Su Xin , Ren Xincheng , Wan Haoji , Jiang Xingfang , Liu Xianyun
Published: September 2022

The relatively low piezoelectric constant of aluminum nitride (AlN) piezoelectric film limits the development and application of the acoustic field performance of AlN-based micromachined ultrasonic transducers; thus, in this study we establish a mid- to low-frequency transducer unit model to address this problem. The transducer operates at 4.5 MHz, and the construction of a clamped structure is first investigated to ensure the feasibility of performance analysis. Secondly, the effectiveness of the optimized upper electrode distribution proposed in this paper in improving the acoustic field radiation of the array element is also compared with the original structure. Finally, the influence of the optimized electrode geometry parameters on the acoustic wave direction is analyzed. The finite element simulations are performed in the COMSOL Multiphysics (COMSOL) software and post-processing results are analyzed. Based on the simulation results, the proposed optimal distribution of the upper electrode makes the radiation beam uniform and symmetrical in the case of both the clamped model and the optimized structure model. In the case of the upper electrode radius of 28 µm, this electrode division operation makes the unit vibration mode switching in the frequency range more moderate. The sound field radiation improvement of the proposed optimized structure model is better than that of the clamped structure.
Economic Feasibility of Conventional and Building-Integrated Photovoltaics Implementation in Brazil
Authors: Gonçalves Gustavo , Abrahão Raphael , Rotella Junior Paulo , Rocha Luiz
Published: September 2022

Economic feasibility analysis is essential in the decision-making process regarding investment in photovoltaic projects. Project profitability must be measured based not only on the costs and revenues, but also on the climatic particularities of the different locations. Therefore, performing simulations of technical and economic performance of photovoltaic models is fundamental. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze deterministic and stochastic models of investments in two types of photovoltaic systems, one incorporated into the enterprise’s architecture (a BIPV system) and the other, a conventional one, in different Brazilian locations, covering the predominant climatic factors in the country. The methodological proposal consisted of choosing a city in Brazil with each predominant climate type and compiling its data on irradiation, monthly sunshine hours, and tariffs of the electric power concessionaire, to simulate the electrical generation performance of the proposed photovoltaic systems and their profitability. For the economic analysis, the cumulative probability of positive Net Present Value (NPV) returns was obtained through deterministic simulations in all municipalities. Only the municipality of Pau dos Ferros-RN was chosen to perform 10,000 stochastic simulations, and its cumulative probabilities of positive NPV returns were obtained. In both models of photovoltaic technology analyzed and simulation logics, 100% of the NPVs were positive, indicating profitable cash flows in all scenarios. However, some municipalities obtained better results than others when the climate types favored sunny weather. Moreover, although all cases returned positive NPVs, the conventional model proved to be more economically attractive than BIPV system.
Hydrothermal Carbonization of the Wet Fraction from Mixed Municipal Solid Waste: A Fuel and Structural Analysis of Hydrochars
Authors: Śliz Maciej , Czerwińska Klaudia , Magdziarz Aneta , Lombardi Lidia , Wilk Małgorzata
Published: September 2022

One of the by-products of a mechanical-biological waste treatment plant is the under-sieve fraction, which requires separation prior to further processing of municipal mixed waste. This stream usually follows the fate of landfilling. Instead, it could be introduced to the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) process to improve its fuel properties and become solid recovered fuel. The organic fraction and high moisture content (approximately 26%) of under-sieve fraction are favorable properties for the HTC process. In this study, hydrochars, the solid product of HTC, were produced at 200 and 220 °C with residence times of 1, 4, and 8 h. The main aim of this investigation was to establish the influence of different process parameters on hydrochars’ fuel properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed in the analyses. The results confirmed the positive effects of hydrothermal carbonization on the under-sieve fraction of municipal mixed waste properties. The ignition temperature increased from 247 °C to 288 °C and burnout temperature decreased to 443 °C from 489 °C after hydrothermal carbonization, causing a shorter combustion process. The determined key combustion parameters were: S = 12.4 × 10−8%·min−2·°C−3, Hf = 1174.9 °C and Di = 0.0075%·min−3, which in comparison to USF decreased by 44%, increased by 33%, and decreased by 29%, respectively, and became closer to those of coal. Furthermore, the identified structural changes indicate that hydrochars could be successfully used in energy production. The most promising results were found for hydrochar produced at 220 °C for 1 h, leading to a better combustion performance and providing a more stable and a less violent flame.
Fuzzy Logic Controller Equilibrium Base to Enhance AGC System Performance with Renewable Energy Disturbances
Authors: Mansour Soha , Badr Ahmed O. , Attia Mahmoud A. , Sameh Mariam A. , Kotb Hossam , Elgamli Elmazeg , Shouran Mokhtar
Published: September 2022

Owing to the various sources of complexity in the electrical power system, such as integrating intermittent renewable energy resources and widely spread nonlinear power system components, which result in sudden changes in the power system operating conditions, the conventional PID controller fails to track such dynamic challenges to mitigate the frequency deviation problem. Thus, in this paper, a fuzzy PI controller is proposed to enhance the automatic generation control system (AGC) against step disturbance, dynamic disturbance, and wind energy disturbance in a single area system. The proposed controller is initialized by using Equilibrium Optimization and proved its superiority through comparison with a classical PI optimized base. Results show that the fuzzy PI controller can reduce the peak-to-peak deviation in the frequency by 30–59% under wind disturbance, compared to a classical PI optimized base. Moreover, a fuzzy PID controller is also proposed and EO initialized in this paper to compare with the PIDA optimized by several techniques in the two-area system. Results show that the fuzzy PID controller can reduce the peak-to-peak deviation in the frequency of area 1 by 30–50% and the deviation of frequency in area 2 by 13–48% under wave disturbance, compared to the classical PIDA optimized base.
Novel Thermal Insulation Materials for Buildings
Authors: Lakatos Ákos
Published: September 2022

Using thermal insulation materials to reduce energy loss in buildings is a key action. For reducing the building’s energy use, firstly, the internal unheated spaces (attics, cellars) should be insulated, followed by the insulation of the external walls, and changing the doors and windows. Finally, the building can be completed with the renovation/maintenance of its service systems. Newly designed and constructed buildings are subject to increasingly strict regulations, which highlight the minimization and elimination of wasteful energy use and the resulting emissions of harmful substances. Therefore, the use of thermal insulation is the first step in making buildings more energy efficient. In this editorial, seven articles covering thermal insulation possibilities and topics are highlighted. This paper reflected on the use of thermal insulations both for internal and external applications. This editorial also promotes the use of super insulation materials such as aerogels and vacuum insulation panels; furthermore, the possible applications of bio-based insulations are also endorsed. In this paper, the sound insulation capabilities of some materials are also emphasized, and they will be presented from the point of view of cost.
Classification of Typical Tectonic Styles and Exploration of Hydrocarbon Accumulation Patterns in Southern Junggar Basin, China
Authors: Ji Dongsheng , Xu Yanan , Pang Zhichao , Yuan Bo , Zhao Kang
Published: September 2022

Affected by Tianshan uplift, the southern Junggar Basin has experienced multi-stage tectonic movements and formed many large-scale anticlines with zonal distribution. The key to hydrocarbon exploration is to accurately implement anticline traps. This paper is guided by the fault-related folds theory to tectonically interpret several seismic profiles in the southern Junggar Basin and then summarize the anticline types and their hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics. This paper showed that the southern Junggar Basin has a tectonic assemblage pattern of “multi-detachment layers and multi-phase superposition”. According to the superimposed shape of the anticlines, they could be divided into overthrust anticlines, compound anticlines and multiple superimposed anticlines, and the horizontal and vertical positions of the different types of anticlines are different. The hydrocarbon accumulating characteristics of the different types of anticlines are shown to be different. The highs of the overthrust anticlines and compound anticlines are stable, and the degree of exploration is relatively high. Although the degree of exploration of multiple overlapping anticlines is low, multiple layers can be exploited simultaneously in the process of oil development, with great hydrocarbon potential. The characteristics of hydrocarbon accumulation in the southern Junggar Basin are discussed in order to provide guidance for efficient hydrocarbon exploration.
Calorific Value Forecasting of Coal Gangue with Hybrid Kernel Function–Support Vector Regression and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Gao Xiangbing , Jia Bo , Li Gen , Ma Xiaojing
Published: September 2022

The calorific value of coal gangue is a critical index for coal waste recycling and the energy industry. To establish an accurate and efficient calorific value forecasting model, a method based on hybrid kernel function–support vector regression and genetic algorithms is presented in this paper. Firstly, key features of coal gangue gathered from major coal mines are measured and used to build a sample set. Then, the forecasting performance of single kernel function-based models is established, and linear kernel and Gaussian kernel functions are chosen according to forecasting results. Next, a hybrid kernel combined with the two kernel functions mentioned above is used to establish a calorific value forecasting model. In addition, a genetic algorithm is introduced to optimize critical parameters of SVR and the adjustable weight. Finally, the forecasting model based on hybrid kernel function–support vector regression and genetic algorithms is built to predict the calorific value of new coal gangue samples. The experimental results indicate that the hybrid kernel function is more suitable for forecasting the calorific value of coal gangue than that of a single kernel function. Moreover, the forecasting performance of the proposed method is better than other conventional forecasting methods.
Snow Exclusion Does Not Affect Soil Ammonia-Oxidizing Bacteria and Archaea Communities
Authors: Zhang Li , You Chengming , Liu Sining , Wang Lixia , Tan Bo , Xu Zhenfeng , Li Han
Published: September 2022

Soil ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms play important roles in nitrogen (N) cycling in cold ecosystems, but how changes in snow cover will affect their distribution and associated functional characteristics remains unclear. A snow manipulation experiment was conducted to explore the effects of snow exclusion on soil ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) communities and functional characteristics in a spruce forest in the eastern Tibet Plateau. Results showed that the amoA gene abundance and community composition of AOA and AOB did not differ between snow regimes but varied among winter periods. AOA and AOB gene abundances showed a decreasing trend during the snow cover melting period. During the deep snow cover period, Thaumarchaeota and Crenarchaeota in the AOA community decreased significantly, while Proteobacteria and Nitrosospira in the AOB community increased significantly. The main factors affecting the changes in AOA and AOB community diversity and composition were soil MBN, nitrate nitrogen, and temperature, while AOA and AOB community diversity and composition were also significantly correlated with soil enzyme activities related to N cycling. These results recommend that the season-driven variations strongly affected soil ammonia-oxidizing community and functional characteristics more than momentary snow cover change. Such findings offer new insights into how soil N-cycling processes would respond to reduced snowfall in high-altitude regions.
Proteomics Analysis and Identification of Proteins Related to Isoprenoid Biosynthesis in Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl
Authors: Zhu Changsan , Zhang Fan , Chen Silin , Wang Kun , Xiang Ganju , Liang Xiaojing , An Jiacheng , Li Kaixiang , Liu Li
Published: September 2022

Cinnamomum camphora is an evergreen tree that contains essential oils and the leaf is the main organ used to extract essential oils. Isoprenoid is a key component contributing to the essential oils of C. camphora. Still, the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways underlying isoprenoid biosynthesis remain to be explored. In our study, we found that the content of linalool was higher in 65-day-old leaves than that in 15-day-old leaves of linalool-type C. camphora. The leaf proteome of these two materials was then analyzed based on data-independent acquisition, respectively, and 11,503 proteins were identified, of which 11,076 were annotated. Analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed that the expression levels of MCT, MDS, and AACT increased significantly in 65-day-old leaves. Further analysis of the protein interaction network indicated that 15 differentially expressed proteins related to isoprenoid biosynthesis were co-expressed, and also suggested that the transcription factor families of BES1, C3H, MYB, NF-YC, Nin-like, WRKY, ZF-HD, and bHLH may act as candidate regulators of leaf development in C. camphora. Our study verified that the process of isoprenoid biosynthesis in C. camphora is regulated by a complicated network consisting of conserved synthetases, and provides proteomic information for further investigation of isoprenoid metabolic.
Pentostatin Biosynthesis Pathway Elucidation and Its Application
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Liu Ran , Lou Tingting , Zhao Pei , Wang Suying
Published: September 2022

Pentostatin (PNT), a nucleoside antibiotic with a 1,3-diazo ring structure, is distributed in several actinomycetes and fungi species. Its special structure makes PNT possess a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological properties, such as antibacterial, antitrypanosomal, anticancer, antiviral, herbicidal, insecticidal, and immunomodulatory effects. Because of the promising adenosine deaminase inhibitory activity of PNT, its extensive application in the clinical treatment of malignant tumors has been extensively studied. However, the fermentation level of microbial-derived PNT is low and cannot meet medical needs. Because the biosynthesis pathway of PNT is obscure, only high-yield mutant screening and optimization of medium components and fermentation processes have been conducted for enhancing its production. Recently, the biosynthesis pathways of PNT in actinomycetes and fungi hosts have been revealed successively, and the large-scale production of PNT by systematic metabolic engineering will become an inevitable trend. Therefore, this review covers all aspects of PNT research, in which major advances in understanding the resource microorganisms, mechanism of action, and biosynthesis pathway of PNT were achieved and diverse clinical applications of PNT were emphasized, and it will lay the foundation for commercial transformation and industrial technology of PNT based on systematic metabolic engineering.
Classification of Prunus Genus by Botanical Origin and Harvest Year Based on Carbohydrates Profile
Authors: Miricioiu Marius Gheorghe , Ionete Roxana Elena , Costinel Diana , Botoran Oana Romina
Published: September 2022

The 1H-NMR carbohydrates profiling was used to discriminate fruits from Rosaceae family in terms of botanical origin and harvest year. The classification was possible by application of multivariate data analysis, such as principal component analysis (PCA), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and Pearson analysis. Prior, a heat map was created based on 1H-NMR signals which offered an overview of the content of individual carbohydrates in plum, apricot, cherry and sour cherry, highlighting the similarities. Although, the PCA results were almost satisfactory, based only on carbohydrates signals, the LDA reached 94.39% and 100% classification of fruits according to their botanical origin and growing season, respectively. Additionally, a potential association with the relevant climatic data was explored by applying the Pearson analysis. These findings are intended to create an efficient NMR-based solution capable of differentiating fruit juices based on their basic sugar profile.
Steam Explosion Pretreatment for Improving Wheat Bran Extrusion Capacity
Authors: Wang Lan , Pang Tairan , Kong Feng , Chen Hongzhang
Published: September 2022

Extrusion improves the texture of wheat bran and enhances its product edibility, making it a promising processing method. However, the extrusion performance of wheat bran without any treatment is not satisfactory and limits the utilization of wheat bran in food processing. In this study, steam explosion pretreatment was used to treat wheat bran to investigate its promotion of wheat bran extrusion. The results showed that steam explosion could increase the extrusion ratio of wheat bran extrudate by 36%. Grinding the steam-exploded wheat bran extrudate yields wheat bran flour with smaller particle sizes and higher cell wall breakage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemical composition results revealed that steam explosion degraded insoluble dietary fiber and disrupted the dense structure of the cell wall in wheat bran. The water-extracted arabinoxylan and soluble dietary fiber content of steam-exploded wheat bran were 13.95% and 7.47%, respectively, improved by 1567.42% and 241.75% compared to untreated samples. The total phenol and flavonoid contents, water solubility index, and cation exchange capacity of steam-exploded wheat bran extrudate were all superior to raw wheat bran extrudate. In summary, this study demonstrates that steam explosion improves the extrusion capacity of wheat bran and facilitates its utilization.
Study of Concrete Surface Coatings Using Thermosensitive Fluorescent Microcapsules Capable of Indicating Damage
Authors: Zhang Haohui , Wang Qing , Li Yao , Zhao Yayun
Published: September 2022

A new type of concrete surface gel coating using thermosensitive fluorescent (TSF) microcapsules was proposed to monitor micro-cracks of cement-based materials. The gel materials can adhere other materials, and the incorporation of microcapsules into the gel coating can be cured on various structural surfaces. Zinc sulfide and phenyl acetate were encapsulated into a polymethyl methacrylate shell to prepare the TSF microcapsules by a solvent evaporation method. When micro-cracks are generated on the surface of the gel coating, the ruptured TSF microcapsules burst out, fill the damaged area, and then emit fluorescence after being excited at ambient temperature. It was found that the brightness of the fluorescence increased with increasing temperature from 80–110 °C. When the concentration of TSF microcapsules was 15% of the mass of the gel coating, the cement-based damage-sensing material had sufficient damage-indicating effects, and the fluorescence brightness of the crack location remained even after a long time. It is expected that this study will provide an effective and intuitive method for crack location detection of cement-based materials.
Magnetic Response Detects the Strength of Carrageenan Network
Authors: Kaneko Masahiro , Kawai Mika , Mitsumata Tetsu
Published: September 2022

The effect of carrageenan concentration on the magneto-rheological effect of magnetic gels with a magnetic particle concentration of 50 wt.% was investigated under a magnetic field of 50 mT by dynamic viscoelastic measurements. The change in the storage modulus for magnetic gels due to the magnetic field was 3.0 × 103 Pa at a carrageenan concentration of 1.0 wt.% and increased with the concentration. The modulus change showed a maximum of 2.3 × 104 Pa at ~2.0 wt.% and became lower at higher concentrations. This is an interesting phenomenon, which was first observed in this study. The critical strain, the strain where the storage modulus intersects the loss modulus in the strain dependence of the modulus, was much higher than that for carrageenan gels, indicating a strong interaction between the magnetic particles and carrageenan. At 0 mT, the critical strain for the magnetic gels increased remarkably with decreasing the concentration, indicating that magnetic gels have a structure that does not flow easily at concentrations below 1.75 wt.%. It is considered that the structure hardly flows, hindering the movement of particles. At high concentrations, the SEM photographs showed both a particle network of magnetic particles and a dense carrageenan network. It can be considered that the movement of magnetic particles was hindered due to these factors at high concentrations.
Synthesis and Characterization of Starch-Based Acid- and Alkali-Resistant Hydrogels Optimized by Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Han Xiaoxue , Huang Lijie , Mo Qi , Wei Zhehao , Wang Yanan , Li Yishan , Huang Chongxing , Duan Qingshan , Wei Yingnan
Published: September 2022

Applying gel-type solid chlorine dioxide for the sustained release of chlorine dioxide has several shortcomings, such as no resistance to acid and alkali corrosion and poor mechanical properties. However, introducing quaternary ammonium, carboxyl, and amino groups into the hydrogel system can enhance its acid and alkali resistance. In this study, the effects of concentration of dry heat-modified starch, quaternized carboxymethyl cellulose, and chitin on the swelling behavior and mechanical properties of starch-based acid- and alkali-resistant hydrogels are investigated. The feasibility of the actual and predicted values of the tentative results is verified based on the response surface design to determine the optimal concentration ratio of acid- and alkali-resistant hydrogels. The results reveal that optimized process parameters are reliable. The maximum swelling ratio and compressive stress of the hydrogel are 5358.00% and 44.45 kPa, respectively, and its swelling behavior conforms to the pseudo second-order kinetic model. Thus, the present study can provide a new method of developing efficient starch-based chlorine dioxide hydrogels for the sustained release of chlorine dioxide.
Simultaneous SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequencing of 384 Samples on an Illumina MiSeq Instrument through Protocol Optimization
Authors: Papa Mze Nasserdine , Beye Mamadou , Kacel Idir , Tola Raphael , Basco Leonardo , Bogreau Hervé , Colson Philippe , Fournier Pierre-Edouard
Published: September 2022

In the present study, we propose a high-throughput sequencing protocol using aNextera XT Library DNA kit on an Illumina MiSeq instrument. We made major modifications to this library preparation in order to multiplex 384 samples in a single Illumina flow cell. To validate our protocol, we compared the sequences obtained with the modified Illumina protocol to those obtained with the GridION Nanopore protocol. For the modified Illumina protocol, our results showed that 94.9% (357/376) of the sequences were interpretable, with a viral genome coverage between 50.5% and 99.9% and an average depth of 421×. For the GridION Nanopore protocol, 94.6% (356/376) of the sequences were interpretable, with a viral genome coverage between 7.0% and 98.6% and an average depth of 2123×. The modified Illumina protocol allows for gaining EUR 4744 and returning results of 384 samples in 53.5 h versus four times 55.5 h with the standard Illumina protocol. Our modified MiSeq protocol yields similar genome sequence data as the GridION Nanopore protocol and has the advantage of being able to handle four times more samples simultaneously and hence is much less expensive.
Cognitive Benefits of Exercise: Is There a Time-of-Day Effect?
Authors: Maeneja Reinaldo , Ferreira Inês S. , Silva Cláudia R. , Abreu Ana Maria
Published: September 2022

It is well established that physical activity benefits cognition. Further, the time of day one engages in physical activity has been suggested to influence cognition. Here, we aimed to understand if there is a time-of-day effect (morning or afternoon) of physical activity on cognition, i.e., if exercising in the morning or afternoon might bring greater cognitive benefits. A total of 56 participants were allocated to one of two groups with the same baseline cognitive performance as well as fitness level (International Physical Activity Questionnaire—IPAQ): 27 to the morning intervention (M) group; and 29 to the afternoon intervention (A) group. In both groups, the participants engaged in an intermittent recovery test (Yo-yo), 4 times a week for 12 weeks. All participants were assessed with the d2 Test of Attention and the Borg scale of perceived exertion pre- and post- acute and chronic intervention. After the first bout of exercise and after 12 weeks, we observed cognitive improvements both in the M and A groups. Surprisingly, we do not find differences between the time of day regarding cognitive benefits. Our results do not support the existence of a time-of-day effect for the attentional cognitive benefits of exercise.
The Perception of Pelvic Floor Muscle Function amongst Exercising Women Who Are Repeatedly Instructed to Contract Their Pelvic Floor Muscles
Authors: Dar Gali , Saban Tamar Sharon
Published: September 2022

In this study, the self-perception of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) contractions amongst women receiving repeated verbal instructions during exercise classes was examined. The prevalence and severity of urinary stress incontinence were also assessed. This cross-sectional observational study included 46 women (mean age 48 (±8.6)), who regularly participated in Pilates classes where repeated instruction was given to contract PFM (“instruction group”; N = 22) or not (controls, N = 24). PFM function was evaluated using transabdominal ultrasound. Simultaneously, the participant described her personal evaluation of her PFM contraction ability. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Short Form was also utilized. Most women (80%) correctly contract PFM; however, 95% did not perform a voluntary contraction during leg movement, without differences observed between groups. A higher perception of PFM contraction was found in the “instruction group” when performing knee flexion towards the chest without specific verbal instruction. Women who were instructed to contract their PFM suffered less incontinence and had a lower degree of severity than the controls. Most women performing Pilates exercises correctly contracted their PFM. However, there was no PFM voluntary contraction during leg movement. Exposure to repeated verbal instructions to contract PFM, over time, might lead to an improvement in women’s perception of their ability to contract PFM. Verbal instructions for PFM contraction were found to be effective in reducing urinary incontinence.
Best Practices on Radiology Department Workflow: Tips from the Impact of the COVID-19 Lockdown on an Italian University Hospital
Authors: Pellegrino Fabio , Carnevale Aldo , Bisi Riccardo , Cavedagna Davide , Reverberi Roberto , Uccelli Licia , Leprotti Stefano , Giganti Melchiore
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The workload of the radiology department (RD) of a university hospital in northern Italy dramatically changed during the COVID-19 outbreak. The restrictive measures of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown influenced the use of radiological services and particularly in the emergency department (ED). Methods: Data on diagnostic services from March 2020 to May 2020 were retrospectively collected and analysed in aggregate form and compared with those of the same timeframe in the previous year. Data were sorted by patient type in the following categories: inpatients, outpatients, and ED patients; the latter divided in “traumatic” and “not traumatic” cases. Results: Compared to 2019, 6449 fewer patients (−32.6%) were assisted in the RD. This decrease was more pronounced for the emergency radiology unit (ERU) (−41%) compared to the general radiology unit (−25.7%). The proportion of investigations performed for trauma appeared to decrease significantly from 14.8% to 12.5% during the COVID-19 emergency (p < 0.001). Similarly, the proportion of assisted traumatic patients decreased from 16.6% to 12.5% (p < 0.001). The number of emergency patients assisted by the RD was significantly reduced from 45% during routine activity to 39.4% in the COVID-19 outbreak (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The COVID-19 outbreak had a tremendous impact on all radiology activities. We documented a drastic reduction in total imaging volume compared to 2019 because of both the pandemic and the lockdown. In this context, investigations performed for trauma showed a substantial decrease.
Association between Vitamin D and Cognitive Deficiency in Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Banjac Baljak Visnja , Mihajlovic Goran , Zivlak-Radulovic Nera , Nezic Lana , Miskovic Mirjana , Banjac Vesna
Published: September 2022

There are still not enough findings to elucidate how exactly alcohol use impairs cognitive abilities. Some studies have shown that there is a link between alcohol intake and vitamin D levels, but these findings are inconsistent so further research is needed. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and cognitive impairment in alcohol-dependent individuals. A case-control study was carried out including a total of N = 132 respondents with a medical history of alcoholism, and healthy volunteers. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCa) and Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) screening tools were used for cognitive status assessment and serum vitamin D levels analysis (blood samples of respondents). Significant difference (p = 0.022), was found in vitamin D levels in the alcohol-dependent group with cognitive deficiency 13.7 ± 9.4 (ng/mL), alcohol-dependent group without cognitive deficiency 19.5 ± 11.2 (ng/mL) and healthy controls 19.9 ± 11.1 (ng/mL), respectively. Furthermore, vitamin D levels were significantly different across all groups based on MoCa (p = 0.016) and ACE-R (p = 0.004) scores. All three groups exhibited vitamin D deficiency. A significant correlation was found between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment, but it yielded no significant difference in alcohol-dependent individuals.
Digital Exhibition of Intangible Heritage and the Role of Museums in COVID-19 Era—Focusing on Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori Video Experience Center in South Korea
Authors: Han Mira , Yi Yumi
Published: September 2022

A major purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of digital exhibitions of intangible heritage in the COVID-19 era and to ascertain the role of museums in enhancing understanding and interest in intangible heritage. This survey was designed to determine Gwangju citizens’ perception of intangible heritage and preference for visiting museums, focusing on the Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori Experience Center in Korea. As a result, three perspectives were derived. First, exhibitions and video experience centers that use digital technology were more helpful toward understanding Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori than festivals. Second, the frequency of visits to local festivals or museums positively affected the frequency of visits to the Gwangju Chilseok Gossaum Nori Video Experience Center. This demonstrates that cultural heritage conservation programs have a positive effect on each other. Third, the purpose of visiting the museum varied by age. For example, parents visited museums for educational purposes, which clearly shows that the reason for visiting the museum varies according to age. These results prove that museums must not only understand visitors’ needs, but they also must jointly consider ways to revitalize their exhibitions.
Assessment of Fruit Quality and Genes Related to Proanthocyanidins Biosynthesis and Stress Resistance in Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.)
Authors: Yang Sichao , Zhang Meng , Zeng Ming , Wu Meihua , Zhang Qinglin , Luo Zhengrong , Hu Xinlong
Published: September 2022

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is becoming a fruit that is used worldwide because it contains high nutritional and medicinal value. However, the trait evaluation of persimmon is still needed and is critical for marketing and breeding, especially in China. Here, we evaluated thirteen quality indicators (fruit weight, horizontal length, vertical length, firmness, titratable acid content, vitamin C content, flavonoid content, anthocyanin content, soluble sugar content, pectinase activity, soluble protein content, tannin content, and tannin cell size) in six Chinese pollination-constant, astringent (PCA) persimmon cultivars (‘Jinxi 3′, ‘Ganfang 1′, ‘Poyang 5′, ‘Poyang 6′, ‘Yifeng 1′, and ‘Yifeng 3′) and a Japanese pollination-constant non-astringent (PCNA) persimmon cultivar (‘Youhou’). The quality indicator data were normalized and subjected to variant analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The results showed that 10 of 13 indicators among the seven persimmon cultivars were significantly different, and the contribution rates of the first principal component reached 40.582%. The principal component comprehensive scores for ‘Poyang 5′ and ‘Ganfang 1′ ranked second and third, respectively, and were clustered with that of ‘Youhou.’ In addition, we also measured the expression levels of three stress resistance genes and three proanthocyanidin (PA, also called condensed tannins) pathway genes in these persimmon cultivars by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT—PCR). The qRT—PCR analysis of DkCBF and DkWRKY3/8 showed low resistance to cold in ‘Ganfang 1′ but stronger resistance to anthracnose. Moreover, the expression of the PA pathway genes demonstrated that the PA content in ‘Ganfang 1′ was at a moderate level in the seven varieties. Together, our study revealed relatively comprehensive profiles of persimmon quality evaluation and demonstrated that ‘Ganfang 1′ may have the potential to be used as a breeding parent for future persimmon breeding programs.
The Effects of Concurrent Training Combined with Low-Carbohydrate High-Fat Ketogenic Diet on Body Composition and Aerobic Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Yubo , Zhou Kaixiang , Wang Vienna , Bao Dapeng , Zhou Junhong
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Recently, studies have emerged to explore the effects of concurrent training (CT) with a low-carb, high-fat ketogenic diet (LCHF) on body composition and aerobic performance and observed its benefits. However, a large variance in the study design and observations is presented, which needs to be comprehensively assessed. We here thus completed a systematic review and meta-analysis to characterize the effects of the intervention combining CT and LCHF on body composition and aerobic capacity in people with training experience as compared to that combining CT and other dietary strategies. (2) Methods: A search strategy based on the PICOS principle was used to find literature in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Sport-discuss, and Medline. The quality and risk of bias in the studies were independently assessed by two researchers. (3) Result: Eight studies consisting of 170 participants were included in this work. The pooled results showed no significant effects of CT with LCHF on lean mass (SMD = −0.08, 95% CI −0.44 to 0.3, p = 0.69), body fat percentage (SMD = −0.29, 95% CI −0.66 to 0.08, p = 0.13), body mass (SMD = −0.21, 95% CI −0.53 to 0.11, p = 0.2), VO2max (SMD = −0.01, 95% CI −0.4 to 0.37, p = 0.95), and time (or distance) to complete the aerobic tests (SMD = −0.02, 95% CI −0.41 to 0.37, p = 0.1). Subgroup analyses also showed that the training background of participants (i.e., recreationally trained participants or professionally trained participants) and intervention duration (e.g., > or ≤six weeks) did not significantly affect the results. (4) Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that compared to other dietary strategies, using LCHF with CT cannot induce greater benefits for lean mass, body fat percentage, body mass, VO2max, and aerobic performance in trained participants.
Development of a Community-Based Network to Promote Anti-Drug Messaging and Identify Hidden Drug Abusers in Hong Kong
Authors: Ho Ka , Lam Ka , Tong Edmond , Ho Shara , Wu Cynthia , Tong Man , Tang Lai , Mak Yim
Published: September 2022

Developing a community-based network by training peers as anti-drug ambassadors (ADAs) is a feasible strategy to identify hidden drug abusers. The Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer and Do-it-again (AWARD) model of smoking cessation is useful for enhancing people’s confidence in making referrals to anti-drug services. This study evaluated the effectiveness of such a network by examining the change in knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of 198 ADAs aged 13–18 before and after six months of our training. A one-group pre-test and repeated post-test design was used. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance was applied to assess the changes in KAP, with p-values adjusted by Bonferroni correction. The results showed that the ADAs statistically significantly improved their KAP regarding drug abuse at the six-month follow-up compared to baseline. All ADAs who knew drug abusers (n = 3) had referred them to services based on the AWARD model. A total of 154 anti-drug abuse activities were conducted, reaching 4561 people. Based on the results, we concluded that the community-based network was effective in improving the KAP of ADAs regarding drug abuse, as well as referring hidden drug abusers. Future studies should consider implementing the network on a larger scale, thus maximizing its anti-drug capacity.
Impact of a Teacher Intervention to Encourage Students to Eat School Lunch
Authors: Thompson Hannah R. , Machado Stephanie S. , Madsen Kristine A. , Cauchon-Robles Renata , Neelon Marisa , Ritchie Lorrene
Published: September 2022

While school meals are often the healthiest option for students, lunch participation remains relatively low. Few approaches for increasing participation have leveraged teachers’ potential social influence. We determined if a teacher intervention about the benefits of school lunch could improve teachers’ perceptions of, and participation in, school lunch, and encouragement of students to eat school lunch. This repeated cross-sectional study included teacher/student survey administration in spring of 2016 and 2018 in 19 public secondary schools (9 intervention, 10 comparison) educating students of ages ≈ 11–18. Intervention teachers received monthly newsletters; lunch taste tests; and a promotional video and website. Mixed effects models with a random effect for school showed the proportion of teachers that reported eating with students increased in intervention schools relative to control schools (difference-in-change: 7.6%; 95% CI: 3.578%, 14.861%), as did student agreement that adults at their schools encouraged them to eat school lunch (difference-in-change: 0.15 on a 5-point scale; 95% CI: 0.061, 0.244). There were no between-group differences in teachers’ perceptions of school meals or teachers’ lunch participation. These findings suggest that teachers’ perceptions of school meals do not necessarily need to improve to promote the school lunch program to students. However, to see meaningful change in teacher lunch participation, the taste of school meals likely needs improving.