bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Approach for Early Risk Prediction of Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infection and Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in Febrile Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Patients
Authors: Villegas Rubio José Antonio , Palomo Moraleda Pilar , De Lucio Delgado Ana , Solís Sánchez Gonzalo , Prieto García Belén , Rey Galán Corsino
Published: June 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Procalcitonin (PCT), and Interleukine 6 (IL6) biomarkers in predicting the existence of high-risk episodes (HRE) during the first 24 h of fever in pediatric cancer patients. HRE were defined as the presence of Gram-negative bloodstream infections or Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. Methods: The study included 103 consecutive fever episodes in 44 hemato-oncological pediatric patients, from whom samples for biomarkers were taken upon initial evaluation (CRP-1, PCT-1 and IL6-1) and then between 12 and 24 h afterward (CRP-2, PCT-2 and IL6-2). Results: An IL6-1 value higher than 164 pg/mL showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.890 (0.791–0.989) and OR of 48.68 (7.92–951.42, p < 0.001) to detect HRE in multivariate analysis. A PCT-1 higher than 0.32 ng/mL showed an AUC of 0.805 (0.700–0.910) and OR of 4.55 (0.90–27.84, p = 0.076). A PCT-2 higher than 0.94 ng/mL showed an AUC of 0.836 (0.725–0.947) and OR of 13.01 (1.82–149.13, p = 0.018), and an increase in CRP between the first and second sample (CRP-2vs1) higher than 291% also showed an AUC of 0.785 (0.655–0.915) and OR of 31.09 (4.87–355.33, p = 0.001). Conclusions: IL6-1, PCT-2, and CRP-2vs1 showed a strong and independent correlation with HREs in pediatric cancer patients. CRP variations over the first 24 h provide an improvement in predictive models that are especially useful if IL-6 and PCT are not available.
Multidisciplinary Treatment for Childhood Obesity: A Two-Year Experience in the Province of Naples, Italy
Authors: Gallè Francesca , Valerio Giuliana , Daniele Ornella , Di Mauro Valentina , Forte Simone , Muscariello Espedita , Ricchiuti Roberta , Sensi Serena , Balia Mario , Liguori Giorgio , Pecoraro Pierluigi
Published: June 2022

Childhood obesity must be faced through an integrated multi-level preventive approach. This study was aimed at assessing the adherence and the outcomes of an outpatient service for childhood obesity treatment activated in the province of Naples, Italy, throughout a 2-year follow-up period. At first visit (T0), weight, height, waist circumference, and body composition of children were assessed, together with sociodemographic features and physical activity levels of children and parents. Anthropometric and body composition parameters of children were measured at 6 ± 3 months (T1) and 12 ± 3 months (T2). A total of 451 non-related children who accessed the service were analyzed: 220 (48.7%) of them returned at least once (attrition rate 51.3%). Returner outpatients showed higher age (p = 0.046) and father’s educational level (p = 0.041) than non-returner ones. Adherence to the treatment was found to be related to father’s (Rho = 0.140, p = 0.005) and mother’s (Rho = 0.109, p = 0.026) educational level. All the outcomes improved between T0 and T1 (p < 0.001), while only body mass index (BMI) decreased significantly at T2. Changes in BMI-SDS were associated with baseline value (OR 0.158, 95%CI 0.017–0.298, p = 0.029). The multidisciplinary approach seems to be promising to treat childhood obesity in this geographic context. Lower parents’ educational level should be considered as an attrition determinant.
Application of Carrier Materials in Self-Healing Cement-Based Materials Based on Microbial-Induced Mineralization
Authors: Feng Chunhua , Zong Xudong , Cui Buwen , Guo Hui , Zhang Wenyan , Zhu Jianping
Published: June 2022

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology has attracted widespread research attention owing to its application in crack healing for cement-based materials in an intelligent and environmentally friendly manner. However, the high internal alkalinity, low nutrient content, and dense structure of cement-based materials have restricted its application in self-healing cement-based materials. Various carrier materials have been widely used for the immobilization of microorganisms in recent years. Carrier materials have significantly increased the ability of microorganisms to withstand extreme conditions (high temperature, high alkali, etc.) and have provided new ideas for the compatibility of microorganisms with cement-based materials. In this study, the basic principles of microbial self-healing technology in cement-based materials and microbial immobilization methods and the influencing factors are introduced, followed by a review of the research progress and application effects of different types of carrier materials, such as aggregate, low-alkali cementitious materials, organic materials, and microcapsules. Finally, the current problems and promising development directions of microbial carrier materials are summarized to provide useful references for the future development of microbial carriers and self-healing cement-based materials.
Sustainable and Conventional Buildings
Authors: Caniato Marco , Bettarello Federica
Published: June 2022

This editorial aims at summarize the scientific papers contributing to the Special Issue “Sustainable and Conventional Buildings” [...]
Performance of Antigen Detection Tests for SARS-CoV-2: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tapari Anastasia , Braliou Georgia G. , Papaefthimiou Maria , Mavriki Helen , Kontou Panagiota I. , Nikolopoulos Georgios K. , Bagos Pantelis G.
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) initiated global health care challenges such as the necessity for new diagnostic tests. Diagnosis by real-time PCR remains the gold-standard method, yet economical and technical issues prohibit its use in points of care (POC) or for repetitive tests in populations. A lot of effort has been exerted in developing, using, and validating antigen-based tests (ATs). Since individual studies focus on few methodological aspects of ATs, a comparison of different tests is needed. Herein, we perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from articles in PubMed, medRxiv and bioRxiv. The bivariate method for meta-analysis of diagnostic tests pooling sensitivities and specificities was used. Most of the AT types for SARS-CoV-2 were lateral flow immunoassays (LFIA), fluorescence immunoassays (FIA), and chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassays (CLEIA). We identified 235 articles containing data from 220,049 individuals. All ATs using nasopharyngeal samples show better performance than those with throat saliva (72% compared to 40%). Moreover, the rapid methods LFIA and FIA show about 10% lower sensitivity compared to the laboratory-based CLEIA method (72% compared to 82%). In addition, rapid ATs show higher sensitivity in symptomatic patients compared to asymptomatic patients, suggesting that viral load is a crucial parameter for ATs performed in POCs. Finally, all methods perform with very high specificity, reaching around 99%. LFIA tests, though with moderate sensitivity, appear as the most attractive method for use in POCs and for performing seroprevalence studies.
LymphoTrack Is Equally Sensitive as PCR GeneScan and Sanger Sequencing for Detection of Clonal Rearrangements in ALL Patients
Authors: Paulsen Karin , Marincevic Millaray , Cavelier Lucia , Hollander Peter , Amini Rose-Marie
Published: June 2022

Monoclonal rearrangements of immunoglobulin (Ig) genes and T-cell receptor (TCR) genes are used for minimal measurable disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The golden standard for screening of gene rearrangements in ALL has been PCR GeneScan and Sanger sequencing, which are laborsome and time-consuming methods. More rapid next-generation sequencing methods, such as LymphoTrack could possibly replace PCR GeneScan and Sanger sequencing for clonality assessment. Our aim was to evaluate to what extent LymphoTrack can replace PCR GeneScan and Sanger sequencing concerning sensitivity and quantifiability in clonality assessment in 78 ALL samples. With LymphoTrack, clonality assessment was based on the %Total reads, where ≥10% was used as cut off for clonal rearrangements. The patients displayed 0 to 4 clonal rearrangements per assay. The detection rate (rearrangements detected with PCR GeneScan and/or Sanger sequencing, also detected with LymphoTrack) was 85/85 (100%) for IGH, 64/67 (96%) for IGK, 91/93 (98%) for TCRG and 34/35 (97%) for TCRB. Our findings demonstrate that LymphoTrack was equally sensitive in detecting clonal rearrangements as PCR GeneScan and Sanger Sequencing. The LymphoTrack assay is reliable and therefore applicable for clonal assessment in ALL patients in clinical laboratories.
Robustness of Optimal Sensor Methods in Dynamic Testing–Comparison and Implementation on a Footbridge
Authors: Lizana Marc , Casas Joan R.
Published: June 2022

One of the objectives of structural health monitoring (SHM) is to maximize the information while keeping the number of sensors, and consequently the cost of the sensor system, to a minimum. Besides, the sensor configurations must be robust in the sense that the feasibility of small errors inherent to the process must not lead to large variations in the final results. This paper presents novelties regarding the robustness evaluation to model and measurement errors of four of the most influential optimal sensor placement (OSP) methods: the modal kinetic energy (MKE) method; the effective independence (EFI) method; the information entropy index (IEI) method; and the MinMAC method. The four OSP methods were implemented on the Streicker Bridge, a footbridge located on the Princeton University Campus, to identify five mode shapes of the bridge. The mode shapes, obtained in a FE model’s modal analysis, were used as input data for the OSP analyses. The study indicates that the MKE method seems to be the most suitable method to estimate the optimal sensor positions: it provides a relatively large amount of information with the lowest computational time, and it outperforms the other three methods in terms of robustness in the usual range of number of sensors.
A Review of Technological Forecasting from the Perspective of Complex Systems
Authors: Feng Lijie , Wang Qinghua , Wang Jinfeng , Lin Kuo-Yi
Published: June 2022

Technology forecasting (TF) is an important way to address technological innovation in fast-changing market environments and enhance the competitiveness of organizations in dynamic and complex environments. However, few studies have investigated the complex process problem of how to select the most appropriate forecasts for organizational characteristics. This paper attempts to fill this research gap by reviewing the TF literature based on a complex systems perspective. We first identify four contexts (technology opportunity identification, technology assessment, technology trend and evolutionary analysis, and others) involved in the systems of TF to indicate the research boundary of the system. Secondly, the four types of agents (field of analysis, object of analysis, data source, and approach) are explored to reveal the basic elements of the systems. Finally, the visualization of the interaction between multiple agents in full context and specific contexts is realized in the form of a network. The interaction relationship network illustrates how the subjects coordinate and cooperate to realize the TF context. Accordingly, we illustrate suggest five trends for future research: (1) refinement of the context; (2) optimization and expansion of the analysis field; (3) extension of the analysis object; (4) convergence and diversification of the data source; and (5) combination and optimization of the approach.
SFQ: Constructing and Querying a Succinct Representation of FASTQ Files
Authors: Bakarić Robert , Korenčić Damir , Hršak Dalibor , Ristov Strahil
Published: June 2022

A large and ever increasing quantity of high throughput sequencing (HTS) data is stored in FASTQ files. Various methods for data compression are used to mitigate the storage and transmission costs, from the still prevalent general purpose Gzip to state-of-the-art specialized methods. However, all of the existing methods for FASTQ file compression require the decompression stage before the HTS data can be used. This is particularly costly with the random access to specific records in FASTQ files. We propose the sFASTQ format, a succinct representation of FASTQ files that can be used without decompression (i.e., the records can be retrieved and listed online), and that supports random access to individual records. The sFASTQ format can be searched on the disk, which eliminates the need for any additional memory resources. The searchable sFASTQ archive is of comparable size to the corresponding Gzip file. sFASTQ format outputs (interleaved) FASTQ records to the STDOUT stream. We provide SFQ, a software for the construction and usage of the sFASTQ format that supports variable length reads, pairing of records, and both lossless and lossy compression of quality scores.
Implementation of Machine Learning Algorithms on Multi-Robot Coordination
Authors: Yiğit Tuncay , Çankaya Şadi Fuat
Published: June 2022

Occasionally, professional rescue teams encounter issues while rescuing people during earthquake collapses. One such issue is the localization of wounded people from the earthquake. Machines used by rescue teams may cause crucial issues due to misleading localization. Usually, robot technology is utilized to address this problem. Many research papers addressing rescue operations have been published in the last two decades. In the literature, there are few studies on multi-robot coordination. The systems designed with a single robot should also overcome time constraints. A sophisticated algorithm should be developed for multi-robot coordination to solve that problem. Then, a fast rescuing operation could be performed. The distinctive property of this study is that it proposes a multi-robot system using a novel heuristic bat-inspired algorithm for use in search and rescue operations. Bat-inspired techniques gained importance in soft-computing experiments. However, there are only single-robot systems for robot navigation. Another original aspect of this paper is that this heuristic algorithm is employed to coordinate the robots. The study is devised to encourage extended work related to earthquake collapse rescue operations.
Dynamic Error Correction Method in Tachometric Anemometers for Measurements of Wind Energy
Authors: Ligęza Paweł
Published: June 2022

Measurements of air flow velocity are essential at every stage of the design, construction and operation of wind turbines. One of the basic measurement tools in this area is the tachometric anemometer, which is based on the simple physical phenomenon of the air kinetic energy exchange with a rotating measuring element. Tachometric anemometers have favorable operational features and good static metrological parameters. However, in the case of fast-changing flows, the measurement is burdened with a significant dynamic error, and the measured average value of the velocity is overestimated. This article presents the concept and results of pilot studies of a dynamic error correction method of tachometric anemometers. The correction consists of the precise measurement of the rotor’s rotational velocity and determination of the measured air velocity, taking into account the dynamics of the instrument. The developed method can be used in tachometric anemometers intended for laboratory, technical and industrial measurements in time-varying flows. One of the important application areas is the measurement of wind energy.
Simulation of a Pilot Scale Power-to-Liquid Plant Producing Synthetic Fuel and Wax by Combining Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis and SOEC
Authors: Pratschner Simon , Hammerschmid Martin , Müller Florian J. , Müller Stefan , Winter Franz
Published: June 2022

Power-to-Liquid (PtL) plants can viably implement carbon capture and utilization technologies in Europe. In addition, local CO2 sources can be valorized to substitute oil and gas imports. This work’s aim was to determine the PtL efficiency obtained by combining a solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) and Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. In addition, a recommended plant configuration to produce synthetic fuel and wax at pilot scale is established. The presented process configurations with and without a tail gas reformer were modeled and analyzed using IPSEpro as simulation software. A maximum mass flow rate of naphtha, middle distillate and wax of 57.8 kg/h can be realized by using a SOEC unit operated in co-electrolysis mode, with a rated power of 1 MWel.. A maximum PtL efficiency of 50.8% was found for the process configuration without a tail gas reformer. Implementing a tail gas reformer resulted in a maximum PtL efficiency of 62.7%. Hence, the reforming of tail gas is highly beneficial for the PtL plant’s productivity and efficiency. Nevertheless, a process configuration based on the recirculation of tail gas without a reformer is recommended as a feasible solution to manage the transition from laboratory scale to industrial applications.
Artificial Neural Network Modelling and Experimental Evaluation of Dust and Thermal Energy Impact on Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Yousif Jabar H. , Kazem Hussein A. , Al-Balushi Haitham , Abuhmaidan Khaled , Al-Badi Reem
Published: June 2022

Many environmental parameters affect the performance of solar photovoltaics (PV), such as dust and temperature. In this paper, three PV technologies have been investigated and experimentally analyzed (mono, poly, and flexible monocrystalline) in terms of the impact of dust and thermal energy on PV behavior. Furthermore, a modular neural network is designed to test the effects of dust and temperature on the PV power production of six PV modules installed at Sohar city, Oman. These experiments employed three pairs of PV modules (one cleaned daily and one kept dusty for 30 days). The performance of the PV power production was evaluated and examined for the three PV modules (monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and flexible), which achieved 30.24%, 28.94%, and 36.21%, respectively. Moreover, the dust reduces the solar irradiance approaching the PV module and reduces the temperature, on the other hand. The neural network and practical models’ performance were compared using different indicators, including MSE, NMSE, MAE, Min Abs Error, and r. The Mean Absolute Error (MAE) is used for evaluating the accuracy of the ANN machine learning model. The results show that the accuracy of the predicting power of the six PV modules was considerable, at 97.5%, 97.4%, 97.6%, 96.7%, 96.5%, and 95.5%, respectively. The dust negatively reduces the PV modules’ power production performance by about 1% in PV modules four and six. Furthermore, the results were evident that the negative effect of the dust on the PV module production based on the values of RMSE, which measures the square root of the average of the square’s errors. The average errors in predicting the power production of the six PV modules are 0.36406, 0.38912, 0.34964, 0.49769, 0.46486, and 0.68238.
Simulation on the Electric and Thermal Fields of a Microwave Reactor for Ex Situ Biomass Tar Elimination
Authors: Yang Cheng , Ying Kanfeng , Yang Fan , Peng Huanghu , Chen Zezhou
Published: June 2022

Microwave treatment is an emerging technique for biomass tar elimination. The electric and thermal fields of the microwave reactor are the key to high elimination efficiency and energy utilization. In this work, we simulated the electric and thermal fields of a microwave reactor with various parameters including irradiation feed position, microwave power, silicon carbide length and flow velocity. Results show that the irradiation feed position that locates 5 mm vertically to the central plane can obtain the highest electric intensity and silicon carbide temperature (ca. 1100 K) after wave absorbing. Both the electric and thermal fields are strengthened when microwave power is increased. Extending the silicon carbide bed length will decrease the bed temperature and heating rate. A high flow velocity leads to non-uniform temperature distribution of the silicon carbide. For the purpose of achieving a high microwave energy utilization and uniform bed temperature, suitable irradiation feed position (zi = 5 mm), high microwave power (P = 1000 W), short silicon carbide bed length (lSiC = 100 mm) and low flow velocity (v = 0.02 m/s) are preferred, but the chemical kinetics of biomass tar elimination should also be considered in the practical application.
Structure and Stability of Agroforestry Ecosystems: Insights into the Improvement of Service Supply Capacity of Agroforestry Ecosystems under the Karst Rocky Desertification Control
Authors: Jiang Shilian , Xiong Kangning , Xiao Jie
Published: June 2022

Agroforestry provides essential ecosystem services; its structure and stability directly determine ecosystem function and service provision. Sustaining agroforestry ecosystem functions and services in the long term is necessary to meet the needs of people. This study conducted a literature search and statistical analysis based on WOS and CNKI literature databases. We reviewed 136 literature reports on studies of agroforestry ecosystem structure and stability. The landmark results are summarized in five aspects of agroforestry ecosystems: structure characteristics, structure optimization, structure design, stability research, and influence factors. On this basis, the key scientific issues that need to be solved are summarized, and their insights for improving the supply capacity of agroforestry ecosystem services under the rocky desertification control are discussed.
Dendroclimatological Analysis of Fir (A. borisii-regis) in Greece in the frame of Climate Change Investigation
Authors: Kastridis Aristeidis , Kamperidou Vasiliki , Stathis Dimitrios
Published: June 2022

The potential correlation between fir tree-ring width (Abies borisii regis Mattf.) variability and the respective variability of the main climatic parameters in the region of University Forest of Pertouli (central Greece) are being analyzed in the current study, taking into consideration a 60-year period (1961–2020). Correlation and response function analyses were applied to examine the climate–tree-growth relationship. Precipitation was found to be the most crucial and driving factor that most intensively influences the tree growth of A. borisii-regis trees under Mediterranean climate conditions. It was evident that this species is characterized by drought sensitivity and even a short and mild drought event could significantly influence adversely its growth and productivity. June, May and July precipitation present the higher and statistically significant correlation of monthly precipitation with tree-ring width, affecting the ring-width variability by 31.2%. Temperature (mean, max or min) does not seem to highly influence the tree growth, despite the obvious and statistically significant trend increase that has been recorded in the last decades within the frame of climate change. June maximum temperature presents a strong negative correlation with tree-ring width, while April maximum temperature is positively correlated with tree-ring width. The combined impact of precipitation and max temperatures on tree-ring growth is 38.5%. Snow did not reveal any statistically significant correlation to tree-ring width, independent of the height of monthly snow accumulation. A. borisii-regis grown in high altitudes in the Mediterranean region demonstrate high adaptability to the recorded temperature increase and could potentially be able to adapt in future to even warmer climate conditions. The constructed tree-ring chronology could be utilized towards the implementation of further dendroclimatological analyses and climate reconstruction.
Isolation of Valuable Biological Substances from Microalgae Culture
Authors: Babich Olga , Dolganyuk Vyacheslav , Andreeva Anna , Katserov Dmitriy , Matskova Liudmila , Ulrikh Elena , Ivanova Svetlana , Michaud Philippe , Sukhikh Stanislav
Published: June 2022

Methods for purifying, detecting, and characterizing protein concentrate, carbohydrates, lipids, and neutral fats from the microalgae were developed as a result of research. Microalgae were collected from natural sources (water, sand, soil of the Kaliningrad region, Russia). Microalgae were identified based on morphology and polymerase chain reaction as Chlorella vulgaris Beijer, Arthrospira platensis Gomont, Arthrospira platensis (Nordst.) Geitl., and Dunaliella salina Teod. The protein content in all microalgae samples was determined using a spectrophotometer. The extracts were dried by spray freeze drying. Pressure acid hydrolysis with 1% sulfuric acid was determined to be the most effective method for extracting carbohydrates from microalgae biomass samples. The highest yield of carbohydrates (more than 56%) was obtained from A. platensis samples. The addition of carbohydrates to the cultivation medium increased the accumulation of fatty acids in microalgae, especially in Chlorella. When carbohydrates were introduced to nutrient media, neutral lipids increased by 10.9%, triacylglycerides by 10.9%, fatty acids by 13.9%, polar lipids by 3.1%, unsaponifiable substances by 13.1%, chlorophyllides by 12.1%, other impurities by 8.9% on average for all microalgae. It was demonstrated that on average the content of myristic acid increased by 10.8%, palmitic acid by 10.4%, oleic acid by 10.0%, stearic acid by 10.1%, and linoleic acid by 5.7% in all microalgae samples with the addition of carbohydrates to nutrient media. It was established that microalgae samples contained valuable components (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fatty acids, minerals). Thereby the study of the composition of lipids and fatty acids in microalgae, as well as the influence of carbohydrates in the nutrient medium on lipid accumulation, is a promising direction for scientific research in the fields of physiology, biochemistry, biophysics, genetics, space biology and feed additive production.
Evaluation of the Relationship between the BMI and the Sequence and Chronology of Eruption in Permanent Dentition in Spanish Population
Authors: Paz-Cortés Marta Macarena , Muñoz-Cano Laura , Diéguez-Pérez Montserrat
Published: June 2022

The aim was to analyze the relationship between BMI (body mass index) and the sequence and chronology of the eruption of permanent teeth in a sample of Spanish children. Methods: The study design was descriptive, cross-sectional, observational, and epidemiological. Patients of pediatric age were included. Emerged teeth, and patient’s age, race, and sex were recorded. The nutritional status of the child was assessed by calculating the BMI, according to the WHO parameters. Statistical analysis was carried out with a confidence interval of 95%. A prediction model with logistic regression models was obtained. Results: A total of 725 pediatric patients between 4 and 14 years old were analyzed. BMI acts as a predictor variable for eruption symmetry, as it was most frequent in overweight children (p < 0.001). The probability of symmetry in dental eruption increases for South American children, for an extra month of age, and each meter of height. BMI had an influence in the first tooth to appear only in the fourth quadrant. BMI did not seem to influence present teeth, and the sequence of permanent dental eruption was not influenced by the BMI category. Conclusions: Age, weight, height, and BMI act as significant predictors for eruption symmetry. BMI does not produce alterations in the eruption sequence of the permanent dentition.
The Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Pain Management Awareness among Nurses
Authors: Issa Marwan Rasmi , Muslim Noor Awanis , Alzoubi Raed Hussam , Jarrar Mu’taman , Alkahtani Modhi A. , Al-Bsheish Mohammad , Alumran Arwa , Alomran Ammar K.
Published: June 2022

Background: Pain management, a crucial part of nursing care, is considered one of the most basic patient rights. To properly treat patients’ pain, nurses need a high degree of pain management awareness (PMA). The researchers hypothesized that nurses’ pain management awareness is affected by their emotional intelligence (EI). Purpose: Because there is a dearth of studies on this topic, the purpose of this study was to describe the relationship between emotional intelligence and pain management awareness in a sample of nurses. Methods: The study employed a descriptive design with a quantitative approach to analyze data from a survey designed with the simple random sample technique. The questionnaires were completed by 330 nurses working at six governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (V23) and Analysis of Moment Structures (V23) were used to determine the reliability and validity of the questionnaires and analyze the causal relationships among the variables. Results: The results revealed a significant positive relationship between nurses’ emotional intelligence and their pain management awareness. Conclusions: These findings suggest that having emotional intelligence is an important nurse characteristic for effective pain management awareness and possibly the provision of pain management care. Clinical Implications: Hospital and nurse managers as well as administration should consider using the emotional intelligence variables utilized in this study to develop ways to improve pain management awareness among nurses. Such efforts may help improve hospital and patient outcomes related to pain management.
Digital Perspectives in History
Authors: Siebold Anna , Valleriani Matteo
Published: June 2022

This article outlines the state of digital perspectives in historical research, some of the methods and tools in use by digital historians, and the possible or even necessary steps in the future development of the digital approach. We begin by describing three main computational approaches: digital databases and repositories, network analysis, and Machine Learning. We also address data models and ontologies in the larger context of the demand for sustainability and linked research data. The section is followed by a discussion of the (much needed) standards and policies concerning data quality and transparency. We conclude with a consideration of future scenarios and challenges for computational research.
Modulation of Light and Nitrogen for Quality-Traits Improvement: A Case Study of Altino Sweet Pepper
Authors: Stagnari Fabio , Ficcadenti Nadia , Manetta Anna Chiara , Platani Cristiano , Dattoli Maria Assunta , Galieni Angelica
Published: June 2022

Local varieties are known to cope more efficiently with stressful and/or low-input conditions than cultivated ones by activating secondary metabolisms and, hence, are supposed to have higher nutraceutical potential. In this work, we investigate the effects of N and light, supplied at optimal and sub-optimal levels, on the fruit yield and quality of a local ecotype of sweet pepper, Altino, grown in the Abruzzo Region (Southern Italy). In 2017, two open-field experiments were carried out, comparing increasing N rates (0, 100 and 200 kg N ha−1, 0_N, 100_N and 200_N, respectively) and different percentages of shading and/or manipulations of the transmitted solar radiation, obtained through photoselective nets (red net, RN; black net, BN; unshaded Control). Both N and light were preconditions to obtain stable yields in terms of both fruit number and fruit weights. However, BN significantly reduced the number of sunscalded fruits (0.39 vs. 3.38 and 2.59 fruit plant−1 for BN, Control and RN, respectively), leading to lower waste. N deficiency favoured higher total polyphenol (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents in ripened fruits; on the other hand, shading significantly reduced TPC (−12.4%) in immature and TFC (−18.2%) in red fruits. The variations in nutraceuticals were also evaluated in terms of the variations of the single phenolic acids in fruits during ripening; the most interesting results were associated with light treatments. Further research should be directed to the in-depth study of nutrition regimes, in combination with other photoselective nets applications (i.e., pearl nets), that could be suitable for the Altino genotype to enhance the yield and nutraceutical potentials of its fruits.
Concerned or Apathetic? Using Social Media Platform (Twitter) to Gauge the Public Awareness about Wildlife Conservation: A Case Study of the Illegal Rhino Trade
Authors: Shan Siqing , Ju Xijie , Wei Yigang , Wen Xin
Published: June 2022

The illegal wildlife trade is resulting in worldwide biodiversity loss and species’ extinction. It should be exposed so that the problems of conservation caused by it can be highlighted and resolutions can be found. Social media is an effective method of information dissemination, providing a real-time, low-cost, and convenient platform for the public to release opinions on wildlife protection. This paper aims to explore the usage of social media in understanding public opinions toward conservation events, and illegal rhino trade is an example. This paper provides a framework for analyzing rhino protection issues by using Twitter. A total of 83,479 useful tweets and 33,336 pieces of users’ information were finally restored in our database after filtering out irrelevant tweets. With 2422 records of trade cases, this study builds up a rhino trade network based on social media data. The research shows important findings: (1) Tweeting behaviors are somewhat affected by the information of traditional mass media. (2) In general, countries and regions with strong negative sentiment tend to have high volume of rhino trade cases, but not all. (3) Social celebrities’ participation in activities arouses wide public concern, but the influence does not last for more than a month. NGOs, GOs, media, and individual enterprises are dominant in the dissemination of information about rhino trade. This study contributes in the following ways: First, this paper conducts research on public opinions toward wildlife conservation using natural language processing technique. Second, this paper offers advice to governments and conservationist organizations, helping them utilize social media for protecting wildlife.
Attitude and Level of COVID-19 Vaccination among Women in Reproductive Age during the Fourth Pandemic Wave: A Cross-Sectional Study in Poland
Authors: Lis-Kuberka Jolanta , Berghausen-Mazur Marta , Orczyk-Pawiłowicz Magdalena
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 vaccination, apart from the sanitary regime, is the most efficient strategy to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and significantly reduce the severity of the disease following infection. A cross-sectional survey was conducted during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant Polish women and women who have already given birth to evaluate the level and attitude to vaccination. Briefly, 1196 women (256 pregnant and 940 mothers) participated in the study; 68.0% of pregnant women and 66.2% of mothers declared that they had received COVID-19 vaccination. The most frequently stated reasons not to get vaccinated were possible adverse effects on the mother, fetus or breastfed child, post-vaccination complications and limited scientific evidence on the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. The identified predictors of avoiding COVID-19 vaccination are young age, residing in small cities or rural areas, cohabitation, low anxiety level regarding SARS-CoV-2 infection, and little knowledge concerning maternal vaccine-induced immune protection delivered to offspring. Despite the unlimited access to COVID-19 vaccination, the declared level of vaccination is worryingly low. The knowledge concerning the benefits of vaccination to mothers and their offspring is not satisfactory and requires urgent educational action, particularly among young women living outside big cities and single motherhood.
Hepcidin (rs10421768), Transferrin (rs3811647, rs1049296) and Transferrin Receptor 2 (rs7385804) Gene Polymorphism Might Be Associated with the Origin of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Stachowska Laura , Koziarska Dorota , Karakiewicz Beata , Kotwas Artur , Knyszyńska Anna , Folwarski Marcin , Dec Karolina , Stachowska Ewa , Hawryłkowicz Viktoria , Kulaszyńska Monika , Sołek-Pastuszka Joanna , Skonieczna-Żydecka Karolina
Published: June 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system in which there is a multifocal damage to the nerve tissue. Additionally, the literature emphasizes the excessive accumulation of iron in the central nervous system of patients, which is negatively correlated with their psychophysical fitness. Iron metabolism genes polymorphisms may modulate iron deposition in the body and thus affect the clinical course of MS. We aimed to assess the frequency of HAMP, TFR2, and TF polymorphisms in MS patients and their impact on the clinical course of the disease. The studied polymorphisms were identified by the Real-Time PCR using TaqMan technology. Neurological assessment by means of EDSS scale was conducted. This cross-sectional study included 176 patients, with the mean age of onset of symptoms at 30.6 years. The frequency of alleles of the studied polymorphisms was as follows: (a) HAMP rs10421768: A 75.9% (n = 267), G 24.1% (n = 65), (b) TF rs1049296: C 89.2% (n = 314), T 10.8% (n = 38), (c) TF rs3811647: A 39.8% (n = 140), G 60.2% (n = 212), (d) TFR2 rs7385804: A 59.1% (n = 59.1%), C 40.9% (n = 144). In the codominant inheritance model of TF rs1049269, it was shown that people with the CT genotype scored statistically significantly lower points in the EDSS scale at the time of diagnosis than those with the CC genotype (CC Me = 1.5, CT Me = 1.0 p = 0.0236). In the recessive model of TF inheritance rs3811647, it was noticed that the primary relapses were significantly more frequent in patients with at least one G allele compared with those with the AA genotype (AG + GG = 81.2%, AA = 18.8%, p = 0.0354). In the overdominant model rs7385804 TFR2, it was shown that among patients with the AA genotype, multiple sclerosis occurs significantly more often in relatives in a straight line compared with people with the AC and CC genotypes (AA = 100.0%, AC + CC = 0.0%, p = 0.0437). We concluded that the studied polymorphisms might affect the clinical course of MS.
Effects of Tongue-Strengthening Exercise on Tongue Strength Reserve and Detraining Effects among Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hsiao Hui-Ling , Lou Jiunn-Horng , Wang Chun-Chieh , Lai Yun-Ju , Wu Shang-Jung , Hwu Yueh-Juen
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Tongue strength reserve is the difference between the maximum isometric pressure (MIP) and swallowing pressure of the tongue. People with decreased tongue strength reserve may have a higher risk of presbyphagia or dysphagia. Thus, this study explored the effects of tongue strengthening exercise (TSE) on tongue strength reserve and detraining effects in healthy adults. Materials and Methods: In total, 102 healthy volunteers without any reported history of speech or swallowing deficits were recruited and assigned to experimental (n = 50) and control groups (n = 52). Exercises in the experimental group consisted of compressing an air-filled bulb between the tongue and hard palate for 30 min a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks. Thereafter, the experimental group underwent a 4-week detraining period. Results: Following the TSE training, posterior tongue strength reserve (F = 4.92, p = 0.029) of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group. No significant detraining effects were observed on the MIP and swallowing pressure from 4 weeks after the completion of TSE training. Conclusions: According to the study results, TSE may be an effective approach for improving swallowing function.
Mental Health Challenges and the Associated Factors in Women Living with HIV Who Have Children Living with HIV in Indonesia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Merry Maria Silvia , Mwanri Lillian , Hawke Karen , Ward Paul Russell
Published: June 2022

Women living with HIV (WLHIV) are vulnerable to various mental health challenges. However, there is a paucity of studies globally and in the Indonesian context that have specifically explored mental health challenges among mothers living with HIV who also have children living with HIV (CLHIV). This qualitative study explored mental health challenges and the associated factors in mothers living with HIV who have CLHIV in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. In-depth interviews were employed to collect data from the participants (N = 23) who were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. A qualitative data analysis framework was used to guide the analysis of the findings. The findings showed that the mothers experienced a range of mental health issues due to their own, and their child’s diagnoses of stress, depression, anxiety, fear, sadness, and guilt. Lack of knowledge about HIV, fear of death, shame, not knowing whom to talk with and what to do after their own HIV diagnosis, and the HIV diagnosis of their children were factors that challenged their mental health. Difficulties in dealing with daily life or social activities of their CLHIV, dilemmas in addressing questions and complaints of their CLHIV about HIV treatment, and concerns about the health condition of their CLHIV and how their children cope with any potential negative social impacts also impacted the mothers’ mental health. Social factors such as unsympathetic expressions from friends towards them and their CLHIV and negatively worded religious-related advice from parents and relatives also contributed to their poor mental health. Our findings indicate the need for intervention programs that support mothers living with HIV and their CLHIV. Future large-scale studies involving mothers living with HIV who have CLHIV in Indonesia and other settings globally are needed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of mental health challenges and the associated factors they face.
A Novel Heterozygous Mutation of the CYP17A1 Gene in a Child with a Micropenis and Isolated 17,20-Lyase Deficiency
Authors: Saltarelli Maria Alessandra , Ferrante Rossella , Marcello Francesca Di , David Daniela , Valentinuzzi Silvia , Pilenzi Lucrezia , Federici Luca , Rossi Claudia , Stuppia Liborio , Tumini Stefano
Published: June 2022

Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are characterized by a heterogeneous group of congenital conditions associated with atypical development of the sex chromosomes, gonadal or anatomical sex. We report the case of a child with an isolated micropenis, a typical feature of the 46,XY DSD showing low basal testosterone levels and post-stimulation with the hCG test. Molecular analysis using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel of 50 genes involved in DSDs was performed, revealing a heterozygous mutation, c.1040G > ANM_000102.4, in the CYP17A1 gene. Sanger sequencing was used to confirm the gene variant detected by NGS; it was also performed to his parents, revealing the presence of the same mutation in the mother, who presented no features of the disease. Then, the serum steroid profile was determined by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Interestingly, this analysis highlighted low levels of testosterone, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrostenedione, as also confirmed by a stimulus test with ACTH. These results suggest that, in some cases, heterozygous mutations in recessive genes involved in adrenal steroidogenesis can also affect the patient’s phenotype.
Nutritional Treatment of Patients with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Lewandowska Agata , Religioni Urszula , Czerw Aleksandra , Deptała Andrzej , Karakiewicz Beata , Partyka Olga , Pajewska Monika , Sygit Katarzyna , Cipora Elżbieta , Kmieć Kamila , Augustynowicz Anna , Mękal Dominika , Waszkiewicz Michał , Barańska Agnieszka , Mináriková Daniela , Minárik Peter , Merks Piotr
Published: June 2022

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Europe and the world. Cancer treatments have side effects and cause significant deterioration of the patient’s nutritional status. Patient malnutrition may worsen the health condition and prevent the deliberate effects of the therapy. The aim of this review was to describe the available data about clinical nutrition in colorectal cancer patients. A large proportion of colorectal cancer patients suffer from malnutrition, which negatively affects the survival prognosis, quality of life, and oncological therapy. Therefore, monitoring nutritional status during the treatment is essential and can be used to arrange proper nutritional therapy to enhance patient responses, prevent side effects, and shorten recovery time. The principles of nutrition during anticancer therapy should mainly consider light and low-fat foods, the exclusion of lactose and gluten-containing foods in certain cases, or the introduction of special dietary products such as oral nutrition supplements and it should be tailored to patients’ individual needs.
Evaluating the Effect of Chinese Environmental Regulation on Corporate Sustainability Performance: The Mediating Role of Green Technology Innovation
Authors: Wang Min , He Youshi , Zhou Jianya , Ren Kai
Published: June 2022

The environmental pollution that accompanies economic growth has always been of widespread concern. The chemical industry is a highly energy-consuming industry in China, and the pollution this industry causes to the environment cannot be ignored. The paper is based on the Porter hypothesis and uses data from different regions of China. In this paper, we investigate the mediating role of different types of environmental regulation (divided into command-controlled, market-incentive, and voluntary environmental regulation) in positively affecting sustainability performance through green technology innovation (divided into green product innovation, green process innovation, and end-of-line management innovation). The results show that different versions of the Porter hypothesis can be accepted in Chinese chemical enterprises. This finding demonstrates that environmental regulation positively impacts both green technology innovation and sustainability performance. Green technology innovation plays a mediating role between environmental regulation and sustainability performance, especially in East China. However, the mediating effect of green product innovation is not significant. Further study shows that command-controlled environmental regulation has a more significant positive effect on sustainability performance. This suggests that the market-incentive and voluntary environmental regulation tools do not fully play their functional roles. Thus, the paper demonstrates the developmental shortcomings of environmental regulation, green technology innovation, and sustainability performance. This is more conducive to chemical enterprises improving green technology innovation and achieving long-term development and ecological environment protection.