bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atom Search Optimization with Deep Learning Enabled Arabic Sign Language Recognition for Speaking and Hearing Disability Persons
Authors: Marzouk Radwa , Alrowais Fadwa , Al-Wesabi Fahd N. , Hilal Anwer Mustafa
Published: August 2022

Sign language has played a crucial role in the lives of impaired people having hearing and speaking disabilities. They can send messages via hand gesture movement. Arabic Sign Language (ASL) recognition is a very difficult task because of its high complexity and the increasing intraclass similarity. Sign language may be utilized for the communication of sentences, letters, or words using diverse signs of the hands. Such communication helps to bridge the communication gap between people with hearing impairment and other people and also makes it easy for people with hearing impairment to express their opinions. Recently, a large number of studies have been ongoing in developing a system that is capable of classifying signs of dissimilar sign languages into the given class. Therefore, this study designs an atom search optimization with a deep convolutional autoencoder-enabled sign language recognition (ASODCAE-SLR) model for speaking and hearing disabled persons. The presented ASODCAE-SLR technique mainly aims to assist the communication of speaking and hearing disabled persons via the SLR process. To accomplish this, the ASODCAE-SLR technique initially pre-processes the input frames by a weighted average filtering approach. In addition, the ASODCAE-SLR technique employs a capsule network (CapsNet) feature extractor to produce a collection of feature vectors. For the recognition of sign language, the DCAE model is exploited in the study. At the final stage, the ASO algorithm is utilized as a hyperparameter optimizer which in turn increases the efficacy of the DCAE model. The experimental validation of the ASODCAE-SLR model is tested using the Arabic Sign Language dataset. The simulation analysis exhibit the enhanced performance of the ASODCAE-SLR model compared to existing models.
Impact of Environmental Quality on Healthcare Expenditures in Developing Countries: A Panel Data Approach
Authors: Anwar Asim , Hyder Shabir , Bennett Russell , Younis Mustafa
Published: August 2022

Objective: The deterioration in environmental quality has an economic and social cost. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of environmental factors on health expenditures in developing countries. Method: To analyze the relationship between environmental quality (air pollution and temperature) and health expenditure in thirty-three developing countries, the study uses system generalized method of moments (GMM) using data from 2000 to 2017. Results: The results suggest a positive effect of both air pollution and temperature on health expenditure. However, the effect is highest for government health expenditure, followed by private and total health expenditure in the studied countries. The results further suggest that the impact of environmental factors is greater in higher-income countries when we divide the studied countries into two groups, i.e., higher- and lower-income countries. Conclusion: Our results are interesting and informative for the policy makers to design such policies to attain better environmental quality and social well-being. The increased healthcare expenditures due to increased air pollution and climate change necessitate for an efficient, reliable, affordable and modern energy policy by emphasizing the use of clean and renewable energy in these countries that ensure better health for the masses. Furthermore, a smart and sustainable environmentally friendly economic growth policy is necessary to ensure better health for the masses.
A Study on the Relationship between Depression Change Types and Suicide Ideation before and after COVID-19
Authors: Kim Sunghee , Son Hye-Gyeong , Lee Seoyoon , Park Hayoung , Jeong Kyu-Hyoung
Published: August 2022

Background: The purpose of this study is to explore and categorize changes in depression, and investigate the relationship between suicidal ideations before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this study, data from the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KoWePS) was used and included 8692 adults, 19 years of age or older, who could estimate the change in depression from 2017 (12th) to 2021 (16th) for final analysis. Depression change was classified into two types, ‘low-level ascending’ type (n = 7809, 80.9%), and ‘increasing after reduction’ type (n = 883, 10.2%). The Firth Method was used to examine the relationship between depression change types and suicidal ideation. Results: The lower the equivalized annual income and the lower the educational level, and the likelihood of belonging to the ‘increasing after reduction’ type, compared to the ‘low-level ascending’ type, the greater the probability of having suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The significant impact of socioeconomic status (income and educational background) on suicidal ideation indicates the need to consider how epidemics affect inequality in society. This study is expected to provide a deeper understanding of depression, as well as to establish a foundation for long-term prevention of the rapid increase in suicide rates after COVID-19.
Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Burden and Related Risk Factors in China: Estimates and Forecasts from 1990 to 2049
Authors: Zhang Jingya , Lu Yongbo , Li Haoran , Zhang Ning , He Rongxin , Zhang Ruhao , Mao Ying , Zhu Bin
Published: August 2022

Lip and oral cavity cancer is a common malignancy faced by many developing countries, and the disease burden is high in China. This study explored this cancer burden and its risk factors using data from China in the GBD 2019, along with predicting the incidence trends in 2020–2049. Data on age-standardized rates (ASR), incidence, death and disability-adjusted life years (DALY), by sex, age and risk factors were collected from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Joinpoint regression and Age–Period–Cohort (APC) models were selected to analyze the epidemic trend of this cancer in China, and descriptive analysis was used for the time trend and age distribution of risk factors. The Bayesian APC model was selected to foresee the incidence trend in 2020–2049. This cancer burden was found to be in an upward trend in China in 1990–2019. The upward trend was more pronounced among men than among women. These cancer deaths and DALYs are overwhelmingly attributable to smoking and drinking. On APC analysis, the younger generation in China demonstrated a lower cancer risk. In 2049, the incidence of this cancer is projected to be 3.99/100,000, 6.07/100,000, 7.37/100,000, 10.49/100,000, 14.82/100,000, 19.19/100,000, 20.71/100,000, 23.64/100,000, 16.42/100,000 and 9.91/100,000 among those aged 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, 80–84, 85–89, 85–89 and over 95 years, respectively. Disease control policies and early screening should focus on men and the elderly and target different risk factors.
Enforcement of the Use of Digital Contact-Tracing Apps in a Common Law Jurisdiction
Authors: Kwan Tsz Ho
Published: August 2022

Digital contact-tracing systems have been widely implemented worldwide with different system designs and implementation policies for the purpose of tracking potentially exposed individuals. The use of a digital contact-tracing app in Hong Kong has been mandated for visiting certain premises by legislations. This paper reviewed the regulations promulgated specifically for the prevention and control of COVID-19 and identified those associated with the digital contact-tracing system. A comprehensive search in newspaper databases was performed to explore the enforcement of the mandated use of the digital contact-tracing app. The three facets of regulations in relation to digital contact tracing were examined: duty to disclose information, requirements and directions to businesses, and compulsory testing. The use of digital contact-tracing data for non-public health purposes was also reported. Our analyses showed that prosecution of non-use or the use of fraudulent digital contact-tracing apps was not limited to COVID-19-specific legislations. The flexible approach ensured the enforcement of the use of the digital contact-tracing app, but the judiciary’s test must be passed in future cases.
Use of Ethephon and Calcium Acetate to Manipulate the Foliage Retention Rates of Camphor and Golden Shower Trees
Authors: Li Nelson , Lo Kuo-Chin , Chang Yu-Sen
Published: August 2022

We evaluated the effect of water and ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) under different doses (500 mg·L−1, 1000 mg·L−1,2000 mg·L−1, and 3000 mg·L−1), with and without calcium acetate (CA) in two foliar applications on camphor and golden shower saplings. It was aimed for ethephon to replace pruning in reducing transpiration during transplantation. We adopted a completely randomized design as an experimental design. An adequate dose of the ethephon/CA solution must be able to defoliate more than 50% of the foliage and recover to more than 75% of the foliage between 11 May and 19 July. The result showed that defoliation started within one week of the first spray, reached the lowest foliage retention rates (LRRs) in one month, then re-foliated. The LRRs were correlated with the doses of ethephon in the means, but most of the treatments did not show statistical significance due to the large in-group variations among replicates. Adding CA raised the LRRs and alleviated the dieback, especially on camphor trees. Adding CA was necessary for camphor trees to re-foliate. The final foliage retention rate (FRR) was influenced by the ethephon dose, and different tree species showed different restoration abilities. The adequate dose for camphor and golden shower trees to have an LRR < 50% and an FRR > 75% was to spray 1000 mg·L−1 of ethephon first, then spray another 2000 mg·L−1 of ethephon and 8000 mg·L−1 of CA three days later.
Estimation of Low Flow Statistics for Sustainable Water Resources Management in South Australia
Authors: Semananda Niranjani P. K. , Hewa Guna A.
Published: August 2022

The Magnitude and occurrence of extreme low flow events are needed in setting minimum flows to protect the instream users. As the true distribution is not normally known, the identification of the most appropriate distribution function that describes the extreme low flow data of a catchment is essential in estimating reliable low flow quantiles at various average recurrence intervals (ARI). The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative assessment of the performance of three plausible distribution functions for estimating low flow quantiles. The investigation was carried out by using 27-gauge stations within South Australia (SA), the driest state in Australia. The best distribution function out of the three selected distributions; Log Normal (LN), Log Pearson Type 3 (LP3), and Generalized Extreme Value (GEV for each of the three selected annual minima series (7-day, 15-day and 30-day) at each gauged catchments was identified. The estimated low flow quantiles from using these three distribution functions were compared using RMSE values estimated through Monte Carlo simulation studies. For the majority of the selected study catchments, GEV fitted using L moments was found to be the best method for estimating low flow quantiles at ARIs over 10 years (≥14%), while at low ARI, LP3 fitted using the Method of Moments (MOM) was shown to outperform (≥17%) the other methods.
Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Ectoine in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Comparison with Taurine, a Supplement with Known Beneficial Effects in the mdx Mouse
Authors: Merckx Caroline , Zschüntzsch Jana , Meyer Stefanie , Raedt Robrecht , Verschuere Hanne , Schmidt Jens , De Paepe Boel , De Bleecker Jan L.
Published: August 2022

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a debilitating muscle disorder that condemns patients to year-long dependency on glucocorticoids. Chronic glucocorticoid use elicits many unfavourable side-effects without offering satisfying clinical improvement, thus, the search for alternative treatments to alleviate muscle inflammation persists. Taurine, an osmolyte with anti-inflammatory effects, mitigated pathological features in the mdx mouse model for DMD but interfered with murine development. In this study, ectoine is evaluated as an alternative for taurine in vitro in CCL-136 cells and in vivo in the mdx mouse. Pre-treating CCL-136 cells with 0.1 mM taurine and 0.1 mM ectoine prior to exposure with 300 U/mL IFN-γ and 20 ng/mL IL-1β partially attenuated cell death, whilst 100 mM taurine reduced MHC-I protein levels. In vivo, histopathological features of the tibialis anterior in mdx mice were mitigated by ectoine, but not by taurine. Osmolyte treatment significantly reduced mRNA levels of inflammatory disease biomarkers, respectively, CCL2 and SPP1 in ectoine-treated mdx mice, and CCL2, HSPA1A, TNF-α and IL-1β in taurine-treated mdx mice. Functional performance was not improved by osmolyte treatment. Furthermore, ectoine-treated mdx mice exhibited reduced body weight. Our results confirmed beneficial effects of taurine in mdx mice and, for the first time, demonstrated similar and differential effects of ectoine.
Lead Exposure Causes Spinal Curvature during Embryonic Development in Zebrafish
Authors: Li Xueting , Chen Ce , He Mingyue , Yu Lidong , Liu Renhao , Ma Chunmeng , Zhang Yu , Jia Jianbo , Li Bingsheng , Li Li
Published: August 2022

Lead (Pb) is an important raw material for modern industrial production, they enter the aquatic environment in several ways and cause serious harm to aquatic ecosystems. Lead ions (Pb2+) are highly toxic and can accumulate continuously in organisms. In addition to causing biological deaths, it can also cause neurological damage in vertebrates. Our experiment found that Pb2+ caused decreased survival, delayed hatching, decreased frequency of voluntary movements at 24 hpf, increased heart rate at 48 hpf and increased malformation rate in zebrafish embryos. Among them, the morphology of spinal malformations varied, with 0.4 mg/L Pb2+ causing a dorsal bending of the spine of 72 hpf zebrafish and a ventral bending in 120 hpf zebrafish. It was detected that spinal malformations were mainly caused by Pb2+-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis. The genetic changes in somatic segment development which disrupted developmental polarity as well as osteogenesis, resulting in uneven myotomal development. In contrast, calcium ions can rescue the series of responses induced by lead exposure and reduce the occurrence of spinal curvature. This article proposes new findings of lead pollution toxicity in zebrafish.
Expression of the C-Terminal Domain of Phospholipase Cβ3 Inhibits Signaling via Gαq-Coupled Receptors and Transient Receptor Potential Channels
Authors: Thiel Gerald , Rössler Oliver G.
Published: August 2022

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are cation channels that play a regulatory role in pain and thermosensation, insulin secretion, and neurotransmission. It has been proposed that activation of TRP channels requires phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, the major substrate for phospholipase C (PLC). We investigated whether inhibition of PLCβ has an impact on TRP channel signaling. A genetic approach was used to avoid off-target effects observed when using a pharmacological PLCβ inhibitor. In this study, we show that expression of PLCβ1ct and PLCβ3ct, truncated forms of PLCβ1 or PLCβ3 that contain the C-terminal membrane binding domains, almost completely blocked the signal transduction of a Gαq-coupled designer receptor, including the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. In contrast, expression of the helix-turn-helix motif (Hα1—Hα2) of the proximal C-terminal domain of PLCβ3 did not affect Gαq-coupled receptor signaling. PLCβ3ct expression impaired signaling of the TRP channels TRPM3 and TRPM8, stimulated with either prognenolone sulfate or icilin. Thus, the C-terminal domain of PLCβ3 interacts with plasma membrane targets, most likely phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate, and in this way blocks the biological activation of TRPM3 and TRPM8, which require interaction with this phospholipid. PLCβ thus regulates TRPM3 and TRPM8 channels by masking phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate with its C-terminal domain.
High Monocyte Count Associated with Human Cytomegalovirus Replication In Vivo and Glucocorticoid Therapy May Be a Hallmark of Disease
Authors: Zdziarski Przemyslaw , Gamian Andrzej
Published: August 2022

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) syndrome and infectious disease are defined as pathogen detection with appropriate clinical symptoms, but there are not pathognomonic signs of CMV disease. Although the prodrome of acute minor viral infections leukopenia (lymphopenia and neutropenia) is noted with onset of fever, followed by monocytosis, the role of monocytosis in CMV disease has not been described. Furthermore, under influence of corticosteroid therapy, CMV reactivation and monocytosis are described, but without a strict relationship with steroids dose. In the study, the monocyte level was investigated during the CMV infectious process. Regrettably, a non-selected group of 160 patients with high CMV viremia showed high dispersion of monocyte level and comparable with the median value for healthy subjects. Therefore, we investigated monocyte level in CMV-infected patients in relation to the logarithmic phase of the infectious process. Samples from patients with active CMV replication (exponential growth of CMV viremia) were tested. Significant monocytosis (above 1200/µL) during the logarithmic phase of CMV infection (with exponent between 3.23 and 5.77) was observed. Increased count and percentage of monocytes correlated with viral replication in several clinical situations except when there was a rapid recovery without relapse. Furthermore, glucocorticoids equivalent to 10 and 20 mg of dexamethasone during a 2–3-week period caused monocytosis—significant increase (to 1604 and 2214/µL, respectively). Conclusion: In light of the logarithmic increase of viral load, high monocytosis is a hallmark of CMV replication. In the COVID-19 era, presence of high virus level, especially part of virome (CMV) in the molecular technique, is not sufficient for the definition of either proven or probable CMV replication at any site. These preliminary observations merit additional studies to establish whether this clinical response is mediated by monocyte production or by decrease of differentiation to macrophages.
Nanobiotechnology: A New Frontier for Brain Disorders
Authors: Picone Pasquale
Published: August 2022

Brain disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and tumors (more than 600 pathologies), are a serious health problem, resulting in brain dysfunctions that limit normal activities, with a significant economic impact [...]
Pancancer Analysis of the Oncogenic and Prognostic Role of NOL7: A Potential Target for Carcinogenesis and Survival
Authors: Liu Qiaojun , Xie Renjian , Li Yumei
Published: August 2022

Despite growing evidence suggesting the critical function of NOL7 in cancer initiation and development, a systematic pancancer analysis of NOL7 is lacking. Herein, we present a comprehensive study of NOL7 which aimed to explore its potential role and detailed mechanisms across 33 human tumors based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CATPAC) databases. As a result, both gene and protein levels of NOL7 were found to be increased in various tumor tissues, including breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA), colon adenocarcinoma (COAD), hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC), lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC) as compared with corresponding normal tissues. Meanwhile, dysregulated NOL7 expression was found to be closely related to pathological stage and prognosis in several cancers, including LIHC, ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV), and bladder urothelial carcinoma (BLCA). The DNA methylation level of NOL7 was found to be decreased in most cancers and to be negatively associated with NOL7 expression. Furthermore, NOL7 expression was determined to be significantly associated with levels of infiltrating cells and immune checkpoint genes, including HMGB1. Analysis of NOL7-related genes revealed that RNA metabolism pathways, including “ribosome biogenesis”, “spliceosome”, and “RNA transport”, were mainly involved in the functional mechanism of NOL7 in human cancers. In summary, this pancancer study characterized the relationship between NOL7 expression and clinicopathologic features in multiple cancer types and further showed its potential regulatory network in human cancers. It represents a systemic analysis for further functional and therapeutic studies of NOL7 and highlights its predictive value with respect to the carcinogenesis and prognosis of various cancers, especially LIHC.
Calorimetry in a Neutrino Observatory: The JUNO Experiment
Authors: Jelmini Beatrice
Published: August 2022

The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) is a multipurpose experiment under construction in southern China; detector completion is expected in 2023. JUNO is a homogeneous calorimeter consisting of a target mass of 20 kt of an organic liquid scintillator, aiming to detect antineutrinos from reactors to investigate the neutrino oscillation mechanism. The scintillation and Cerenkov light emitted after the interaction of antineutrinos with the liquid scintillator is seen by a compound system of 20 inch large PMTs and 3 inch small PMTs, with a total photo-coverage of 78%. A dual-calorimetry technique is developed based on the presence of the two independent photosensor systems which are characterized by different average light level regimes, resulting in different dynamic ranges. Thanks to this novel technique, an unprecedented high light yield, and in combination with a comprehensive multiple-source and multi-position calibration campaign, JUNO is expected to reach energy-related systematic uncertainties below 1% and an effective energy resolution of 3% at 1%, required for the neutrino oscillation analysis.
Transversus Abdominis Plane Block Reduces Intraoperative Opioid Consumption in Patients Undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy
Authors: Löchel Jannis , Wassilew Georgi I. , Krämer Michael , Kohler Christopher , Zahn Robert Karl , Leopold Vincent Justus
Published: August 2022

Background: Administering intraoperative analgesia in patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is challenging due to both the relevant surgical approach and osteotomies, which are associated with pain. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the transversus abdominis plane block (TAPb) on intraoperative opioid consumption and circulation parameters in PAO patients. Patients and Methods: We conducted a two-group randomized-controlled trial involving 42 consecutive patients undergoing PAO for symptomatic developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in our department. Patients assigned to the study group received an ultrasound-guided TAPb with 0.75% ropivacaine before the beginning of the surgery and after general anesthesia induction. Patients assigned to the control group did not receive a TAPb. General anesthesia was conducted according to a defined study protocol. The primary endpoint of the study was the intraoperative opioid consumption, measured in morphine equivalent dose (MED). Secondary endpoints were the assessment of intraoperative heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), need for hypotension treatment, and length of hospital stay (LOHS). A total of 41 patients (n = 21 TAPb group, n = 20 control group) completed the study; of these, 33 were women (88.5%) and 8 were men (19.5%). The mean age at the time of surgery was 28 years (18–43, SD ± 7.4). All operations were performed by a single high-volume surgeon and all TAPb procedures were performed by a single experienced senior anesthesiologist. Results: We observed a significantly lower intraoperative opioid consumption in the TAPb group compared to the control group (930 vs. 1186 MED per kg bodyweight; p = 0.016). No significant differences were observed in the secondary outcome parameters. We observed no perioperative complications. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided TAPb significantly reduces intraoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing PAO.
Impact of Rehabilitation Nutrition and Healthy Weight Maintenance in Motor-Complete Tetraplegia Patients
Authors: Shin Ji Cheol , Cho Kye Hee , Han Eun Young , Ahn Kwang Ho , Im Sang Hee
Published: August 2022

Cachexia and low muscle mass in motor-complete tetraplegia are associated with poor outcomes. This study aimed to document anthropometric, body composition, and nutritional indices in patients and to assess the effect of a comprehensive rehabilitation nutrition program in cachexia and low muscle mass. For 34 motor-complete tetraplegia in the subacute phase, a comprehensive rehabilitation nutrition program was provided for 8 to 9 weeks. Risk of malnutrition, anthropometric and body composition indices, as well as laboratory tests were assessed upon admission and at discharge. A body mass index of less than 20.2 kg/m2 was used as the cut-off value for obesity. Upon admission, 73.5% of patients were classified as obese, half were at risk of malnutrition, and 29.4% were compatible with cachexia. Compared to the premorbid state, the non-obese group showed greater weight reduction (p < 0.01) and higher prevalence of low muscle mass (p = 0.004) than the obese group. Disease duration was different between groups (p < 0.01). After rehabilitation, malnutrition risk, protein levels, and hemodynamic results improved in both groups (p < 0.05). A significant time × group interaction was observed for muscle mass, skeletal muscle mass, and appendicular lean mass index (p < 0.05). Muscle mass was maintained while fat components increased in both groups. Functional improvement was negatively correlated with an increase in fat components (p < 0.05). A personalized rehabilitation nutrition intervention improved the nutritional status, body composition, and functional outcomes in motor-complete tetraplegia. The increase in muscle mass was associated with functional gain; healthy weight gain or maintenance may improve the level of independence. Further studies to endorse this beneficial evidence of rehabilitation nutrition in the maintenance of muscle component are needed.
Lateral Involvement in Different Sized Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas Patients with Central Lymph Node Metastasis: A Multi-Center Analysis
Authors: Heng Yu , Yang Zheyu , Cao Pengyu , Cheng Xi , Tao Lei
Published: August 2022

Objective: To quantitatively predict the probability of lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) for papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) patients with central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in order to guide postoperative adjuvant treatment. Methods: Five hundred and three PTC patients with CLNM from three medical centers were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The LLNM rate for all patients was 23.9% (120 in 503), with 15.5% (45 in 291) and 35.4% (75 in 212) for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and large papillary thyroid carcinoma (LPTC), respectively. Patients with no fewer than five positive central lymph nodes (CLN) exhibited a higher risk of LLNM. For patients with fewer than five positive CLN, a maximum diameter of positive CLN > 0.5 cm and the presence of ipsilateral nodular goiter were identified as independent risk factors of LLNM for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) patients. The independent risk factors of LLNM for large papillary thyroid carcinoma (LPTC) patients included a tumor located in the upper portion of thyroid, maximum tumor diameter ≥ 2.0 cm, maximum diameter of positive CLN > 0.5 cm, and the presence of thyroid capsular invasion. Predictive nomograms were established based on these risk factors for PTMC and LPTC patients, respectively. The accuracy and validity of our newly built models were verified by C-index and calibration curves. PTMC and LPTC patients with fewer than five positive CLN were each stratified into three subgroups based on their nomogram risk scores, and a detailed risk stratification flow chart was established for a more accurate evaluation of LLNM risk in PTC patients. Conclusions: A detailed stratification flow chart for PTC patients with CLNM to quantitatively assess LLNM risk was established, which may aid in clinical decision-making for those patients.
Sports Obstetrics: Implications of Pregnancy in Elite Sportswomen, a Narrative Review
Authors: L’Heveder Ariadne , Chan Maxine , Mitra Anita , Kasaven Lorraine , Saso Srdjan , Prior Tomas , Pollock Noel , Dooley Michael , Joash Karen , Jones Benjamin P.
Published: August 2022

Increasing numbers of females are participating in elite sports, with a record number having competed at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Importantly, the ages of peak performance and fertility are very likely to coincide; as such, it is inevitable that pregnancy will occur during training and competition. Whilst there is considerable evidence to promote regular exercise in pregnancy, with benefits including a reduction in hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes, and reduced rates of post-natal depression, few studies have been conducted which include elite athletes. Indeed, there are concerns that high-intensity exercise may lead to increased rates of miscarriage and preterm labour, amongst other pregnancy-related complications. There is minimal guidance on the obstetric management of athletes, and consequently, healthcare professionals frequently adopt a very conservative approach to managing such people. This narrative review summarises the evidence on the antenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum outcomes in elite athletes and provides recommendations for healthcare providers, demonstrating that generally, pregnant athletes can continue their training, with a few notable exceptions. It also summarises the physiological changes that occur in pregnancy and reviews the literature base regarding how these changes may impact performance, with benefits arising from pregnancy-associated cardiovascular adaptations at earlier gestations but later changes causing an increased risk of injury and fatigue.
Depth-Resolved Modelling of Intra-Swash Morphodynamics Induced by Solitary Waves
Authors: Kranenborg Joost W. M. , Campmans Geert H. P. , Jacobsen Niels G. , van der Werf Jebbe J. , Reniers Ad J. H. M. , Hulscher Suzanne J. M. H.
Published: August 2022

We present a fully coupled 2DV morphodynamic model, implemented in OpenFOAM® that is capable of simulating swash-zone morphodynamics of sandy beaches. The hydrodynamics are described by the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations with a k−ω turbulence model and the Volume of Fluid (VoF) approach for discriminating between air and water. Sediment transport is described in terms of bedload and suspended load transport. We show that the default divergence scheme in OpenFOAM can become numerically unstable and lead to negative sediment concentrations, and propose a solution to avoid this problem. The model performance is assessed in terms of surface elevation, flow velocities, runup, suspended sediment concentrations, bed profile evolution and sediment transport volumes by comparing with measurements of field-scale (wave height of 0.6 m) solitary waves. The model shows reasonable agreement in terms of hydrodynamics and predicts the correct sediment transport volumes, although the deposition is predicted more onshore compared to the measurements. This is partially attributed to an overprediction of the runup. The model shows that the suspended sediment concentration displays a strong vertical dependence. These results show the potential of depth-resolving models in providing more insight into morphodynamic processes in the swash zone, particularly with respect to vertical structures in the flow and suspended sediment transport.
Morpho-Structural Setting of the Ligurian Sea: The Role of Structural Heritage and Neotectonic Inversion
Authors: Morelli Danilo , Locatelli Michele , Corradi Nicola , Cianfarra Paola , Crispini Laura , Federico Laura , Migeon Sébastien
Published: August 2022

The review of recent bathymetric and geophysical data collected in the framework of several research and cartographic projects have allowed a detailed reconstruction of the morpho-structural setting and the (neo)tectonic evolution for both the Alpine and Apennine margins of the Ligurian Sea (Italy). The widespread occurrence of erosional processes and sediment mass movements along the steep continental slope and within the system of submarine canyons reflect the close correlation between the active tectonics and the recent morpho-dynamic evolution of the Ligurian Margin. This relation is better constrained in the western sector (Alpine) of the Ligurian Sea, where the recent uplift of the continental margin is associated to a well-developed system of inherited structures reactivated under a compressive/transpressive regime and widespread seismicity. In the eastern sector, where the seismicity is lower or absent, the mass movements are limited to few areas (e.g., the Portofino slope) coinciding with seismic clusters. Additionally, this sector is characterized by moderate and episodic fault reactivations under a compressive regime. The evidence of compressive deformation along the inherited fault systems has been revealed in some areas of the Ligurian Sea where the post-drifting extensional tectonics is interrupted by episodic tectonic inversion (at least) during the Middle–Upper Miocene and the Plio–Pleistocene until present.
Assessment of Carbon Emission and Carbon Sink Capacity of China’s Marine Fishery under Carbon Neutrality Target
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhang Liuyue , Wang Wenju , Ma Wenwu
Published: August 2022

Excessive carbon emissions will cause irreversible damage to the human living environment. Therefore, carbon neutrality has become an inevitable choice for sustainable development. Marine fishery is an essential pathway for biological carbon sequestration. However, it is also a source of carbon emissions. From this perspective, an in-depth assessment of the performance of carbon emissions and sinks from marine fisheries is required to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality. This paper measured the carbon emissions, carbon sinks, and net carbon emissions of marine fisheries in nine coastal provinces of China from 2005 to 2020 for the first time. Based on the calculation results, the log-mean decomposition index method was used to analyze the driving factors of net carbon emissions. The results suggested that, from 2005 to 2020, both the carbon emissions and carbon sinks of China’s marine fisheries increased, and the net carbon emissions showed a downward trend. There were variations in the performance of carbon emissions, carbon sinks, and net carbon emissions in different provinces, and only Shandong could consistently achieve carbon neutrality. Fujian and Liaoning achieved carbon neutrality in 2020. In terms of the contribution of each factor, the industrial structure was the main positive driver, and carbon intensity was the main negative driver. Based on the empirical results, this paper suggested increasing the implementation of the carbon tax policy, establishing a farming compensation mechanism and promoting carbon emissions trading and international blue carbon trading. The results could give a reference for the energy conservation and emission reduction of marine fisheries while enhancing the ecological benefits of their carbon sinks and helping to achieve the carbon neutrality target.
A Multidisciplinary Computational Framework for Topology Optimisation of Offshore Helidecks
Authors: Khosroshahi Siamak Farajzadeh , Masina Marinella , Antonini Alessandro , Ransley Edward , Brownjohn James Mark William , Dobson Peter , D’Ayala Dina
Published: August 2022

Maintaining offshore steel structures is challenging and not environmentally friendly due to the frequent visits for inspection and repairs. Some offshore lighthouses are equipped with carbon steel helidecks fixed onto their lantern galleries in the 1970s to provide easy and safe access to maintenance staff and inspectors. Even though the helidecks supporting structures have maintained their integrity and are still functional in the offshore harsh environmental conditions, their inspection and maintenance remains a challenge due to the need of frequent visits which requires flying to the location of the lighthouse to bring the maintenance staff and equipment. We have developed a multidisciplinary computational framework to design new generation of aluminium helidecks for offshore lighthouses. We calculated the wind speed at the location of the Bishop Rock lighthouse based on the meteorological data, and the load distribution on the helideck due to such a wind condition, using computational fluid dynamic analysis. Then, we used the calculated wind load with other mechanical loads in the events of normal and emergency landings of a helicopter on this structure to find the best design configuration for this helideck. We generated a design space for different configurations of a beam structure and carried out, static, transient and buckling analysis to assess each case using finite element method. The selection criterion was set to find the structure with the minimum volume fraction and compliance while keeping the stress below the allowable stress. We found the structure with eight vertical and circumferential sections featuring two rows of diagonal bracing with one at the base and the other one at the third section from the base of the helideck was the optimum design for the considered loading in this work. This framework can be adopted for the design and optimisation of other offshore structures by other researchers and designers.
A Comparison of Tidal Turbine Characteristics Obtained from Field and Laboratory Testing
Authors: Schmitt Pál , Fu Song , Benson Ian , Lavery Gavin , Ordoñez-Sanchez Stephanie , Frost Carwyn , Johnstone Cameron , Kregting Louise
Published: August 2022

Experimental testing of physical turbines, often at a smaller scale, is an essential tool for engineers to investigate fundamental design parameters such as power output and efficiency. Despite issues with scaling and blockage which are caused by limitations in size and flow velocity of the test facilities, experimental tank testing in laboratory environments is often perceived as offering more control and thus trustworthier results than field testing. This paper presents field tests of a tidal turbine, performed using a self-propelled barge in real tidal flow and still water conditions, that are compared to a towing tank test. Factors influencing the performance characteristics, such as the choice of velocity sensor, vessel handling and data processing techniques are investigated in this paper. Direct comparison with test results of the exact same turbine obtained in an experimental test facility further confirms that field testing with robust data analysis capabilities is a viable, time and cost efficient alternative to characterise tidal turbines.
A Numerical Performance Analysis of a Rim-Driven Turbine in Real Flow Conditions
Authors: Song Ke , Kang Yuchi
Published: August 2022

The tidal turbines represent a new frontier for extracting energy from tides source. Despite the technology being mature, new solutions aimed at improving performance, reliability with reduced environmental impact, manufacturing and installation costs are currently under investigation. The Rim-driven turbine (abbreviated as RDT) was recently proposed. A RDT resembles a ducted turbine (abbreviated as DT), as both contain blades and a duct. The present study aims at investigating the detail performance and flow field of a RDT in a real flow based on the China Zhaitang Island’s tidal current data. To show the difference between the RDT and DT, simulations are also performed on the corresponding DT. It is found that the power and thrust for the two configurations exhibit time-periodic behavior that is consistent with the wave frequency. At axial flow, the fluctuation amplitude on the power and thrust increase with the increase of tip speed ratio. The RDT has higher power output when operating at lower tip speed ratio and has a potential reduction in flow resistance and disturbance with respect to the DT. At yawed flow, the fluctuation amplitude on the power and thrust decrease with the increase of yaw angle. The RDT has less capable of compensating the effect of yawed inflow in reducing the power than the DT at larger yaw angle. In addition, the power and thrust generates micro-amplitude fluctuation integrated into the main waveform, which the frequency is consistent with the turbine rotation frequency. The wake characteristics analysis reveals that the yawed flow field is more turbulent, and the two configurations suffer strong unsteady flow separation along the whole span. Strong interactions are observed between the rotor’s main wake and the duct’s upper wake. The yaw angle primarily determines the downstream wake deflection direction and significantly changes the wake shape and vortex structures. Meanwhile, the wake flow is found to recover more quickly at larger yaw angle. Besides, due to the open-center of RDT, a part free-stream flow is allowed to travel through and forms an obvious high velocity zone. The presence of open-center of RDT has avoided the low velocity zone, improved the wake structure and accelerated wakes recover, which seems to give an advantageous effect in operating a RDT.
The Photodegradation of Lignin Methoxyl C Promotes Fungal Decomposition of Lignin Aromatic C Measured with 13C-CPMAS NMR
Authors: Yao Bei , Zeng Xiaoyi , Pang Lu , Kong Xiangshi , Tian Kai , Ji Yanli , Sun Shucun , Tian Xingjun
Published: August 2022

Solar radiation has been regarded as a driver of litter decomposition in arid and semiarid ecosystems. Photodegradation of litter organic carbon (C) depends on chemical composition and water availability. However, the chemical changes in organic C that respond to solar radiation interacting with water pulses remain unknown. To explain changes in the chemical components of litter organic C exposed to UV-B, UV-A, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) mediated by water pulses, we measured the chemistry of marcescent Lindera glauca leaf litter by solid-state 13C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) over 494 days of litter decomposition with a microcosm experiment. Abiotic and biotic factors regulated litter decomposition via three pathways: first, photochemical mineralization of lignin methoxyl C rather than aromatic C exposed to UV radiation; second, the biological oxidation and leaching of cellulose O-alkyl C exposed to PAR and UV radiation interacts with water pulses; and third, the photopriming effect of UV radiation on lignin aromatic C rather than cellulose O-alkyl C under the interaction between radiation and water pulses. The robust decomposition index that explained the changes in the mass loss was the ratio of aromatic C to O-alkyl C (AR/OA) under radiation, but the ratio of hydrophobic to hydrophilic C (hydrophobicity), the carbohydrate C to methoxyl C ratio (CC/MC), and the alkyl C to O-alkyl C ratio (A/OA) under radiation were mediated by water pulses. Moreover, the photopriming effect and water availability promoted the potential activities of peroxidase and phenol oxidase associated with lignin degradation secreted by fungi. Our results suggest that direct photodegradation of lignin methoxyl C increases microbial accessibility to lignin aromatic C. Photo-oxidized compounds might be an additional C pool to regulate the stability of the soil C pool derived from plant litter by degrading lignin methoxyl and aromatic C.
Lycosin-II Exhibits Antifungal Activity and Inhibits Dual-Species Biofilm by Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Park Jonggwan , Kim Hyeongsun , Kang Hee-Kyoung , Choi Moon-Chang , Park Yoonkyung
Published: August 2022

The increase and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance is a global public health issue. To address this, new antimicrobial agents have been developed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit a wide range of antimicrobial activities against pathogens, including bacteria and fungi. Lycosin-II, isolated from the venom of the spider Lycosa singoriensis, has shown antibacterial activity by disrupting membranes. However, the mode of action of Lycosin-II and its antifungal activity have not been clearly described. Therefore, we confirmed that Lycosin-II showed antifungal activity against Candida albicans (C. albicans). To investigate the mode of action, membrane-related assays were performed, including an evaluation of C. albicans membrane depolarization and membrane integrity after exposure to Lycosin-II. Our results indicated that Lycosin-II damaged the C. albicans membrane. Additionally, Lycosin-II induced oxidative stress through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in C. albicans. Moreover, Lycosin-II exhibited an inhibitory effect on dual-species biofilm formation by C. albicans and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which are the most co-isolated fungi and bacteria. These results revealed that Lycosin-II can be utilized against C. albicans and dual-species strain infections.
Cultivated Land-Use Benefit Evaluation and Obstacle Factor Identification: Empirical Evidence from Northern Hubei, China
Authors: Zhu Jing , Li Xuetao , Zeng Xiaochun , Zhong Kaiyang , Xu Yifan
Published: August 2022

The benefit of cultivated land use is an essential indicator for measuring the optimal allocation of cultivated land resources and the high-quality development of agriculture. Taking Shiyan City, Xiangyang City, and Suizhou City in Northern Hubei as the research objects, this paper presents an evaluation index system for cultivated land use efficiency from the perspectives of ecology, economy, and society. The entropy TOPSIS method and the obstacle degree model were applied to estimate the cultivated land use efficiency and identify obstacle factors in the three study areas from 2010 to 2020, and the results were as follows. (1) The comprehensive benefit level of cultivated land utilization in Northern Hubei showed an upward trend, and the individual benefit levels of cultivated land utilization in different cities were significantly different. Xiangyang City had outstanding economic performance, Shiyan City had the fastest growth rate of ecological benefits, and various benefits of Suizhou City were “steady”. (2) The fluctuation ranges of the obstacle factors for cultivated land use were relatively large in the Northern Hubei region. From 2010 to 2016, the effective irrigation index, land-averaged fertilizer input level, agricultural input–output ratio, and per capita income of farmers were the main factors restricting the improvement of cultivated land utilization efficiency in Northern Hubei. During 2017–2020, the per capita pesticide input level, per capita grain output, forest coverage rate, land output rate, and agricultural mechanization efficiency became the main obstacles restricting the improvement of cultivated land-use efficiency. (3) All cities of Northern Hubei should take measures according to local conditions, implement specific policies to address the restrictive factors of cultivated land use, improve the level of cultivated land-use benefit in the region, and promote the coordination and unity of the economic, ecological, and social benefits of cultivated land use.