bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization- and Metal-Driven Selection of Discrete Macrocycles/Cages and Their Metallosupramolecular Polymers from Dynamic Systemic Networks
Authors: Zhang Yan , van der Lee Arie , Barboiu Mihail
Published: October 2022

Reversible imine- and metal-coordination reactions are dynamic enough to produce complex libraries of macrocycles, cages, and supramolecular polymers in solution, from which amplification effects have been identified in solution or during crystallization in response to ligand- and metal-driven selection modes. Crystallization-driven selection can lead to the amplification of unexpected metallosupramolecular architectures. The addition of Ag+ triggered the change of the optimal components, so that the crystallization process showed different ligand preferences than in solution. The most packed constituents are amplified in the solid state, taking into account the optimal coordination of metal ions together with non-specific non-covalent interactions between the macrocycle packed in dimers or trimers in the solid state.
Head vs. Tail Squaramide–Naphthalimide Conjugates: Self-Assembly and Anion Binding Behaviour
Authors: Abogunrin Anthony A. , Healy Stephen A. , Fenelon Orla , Elmes Robert B. P.
Published: October 2022

The syntheses of two squaramide–naphthalimide conjugates (SN1 and SN2) are reported; the structures of SN1 and SN2 differ by the attachment of a squaramide—either at the ‘head’ or the ‘tail’ of the naphthalimide fluorophore. Both compounds displayed weak fluorescence due to the inclusion of a nitro-aromatic squaramide which efficiently quenches the emission of the naphthalimide. Both compounds were also shown to undergo self-aggregation as studied by 1H NMR and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, SN1 and SN2 gave rise to stark colourimetric changes in response to basic anions such as AcO−, SO42− HPO42−, and F−. The observed colour changes are thought to be due to deprotonation of a squaramide NH. The same basic anions also result in a further quenching of the naphthalimide emission. No colour change or emission modulations were observed in the presence of Cl−; however, 1H NMR studies suggest that moderate H-bonding occurs between this anion and both SN1 and SN2.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Metformin and GLP-1 Analogues in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2
Authors: Carydias Elisabeth , Tasho Andoneta , Kani Chara , Bacopoulou Flora , Stefanaki Charikleia , Markantonis Sophia L.
Published: October 2022

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DMT2) is one of the most frequent glucose metabolism disorders, in which serum glucose concentrations are increased. In most cases, changes in lifestyle and diet are considered as the first step in addressing its therapy. If changes in lifestyle and diet fail, drugs, such as metformin, must be added. Lately, apart from metformin or insulin, the FDA has approved the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues for children and adolescents. Little is known about their efficacy and safety at this young age. The main aim of this systematic review/meta-analysis was to assess the safety and efficacy of metformin and GLP-1 analogues, exenatide and liraglutide, compared with placebos or other antidiabetic drugs used for DMT2 in children and adolescents. Metformin did not seem to demonstrate pharmacologic superiority, while GLP-1 analogues were found superior to placebos. GLP-1 analogues may be considered a useful alternative for the treatment of DMT2 in children and adolescents.
Are Mid to Late Adolescents with Asthma Ready for Transition of Care? A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rhee Hyekyun , Batek Lindsay , Wallace-Farquharson Tanya , Tumiel-Berhalter Laurene
Published: October 2022

This qualitative descriptive study explores experiences and perspectives of mid-to-late adolescents about growing up with asthma, and the roles of parents and providers as they transition. Purposeful sampling was used to recruit and enroll adolescents aged 16–20 years with asthma. Forty-one adolescents participated in a focus group or individual interview, and content analysis was conducted to analyze the data. The mean age of participants was 17.7 years, the majority (56%) of whom were Black. Themes that emerged included concerns about becoming an adult with asthma and its self-management, parental involvement, and communication with providers. Adolescents felt burdened by asthma, few considered becoming adults with asthma, and their future outlook was pessimistic with concerns related to worsening symptoms, inadequacy in symptom self-management and limitations on career choices due to asthma. Deficiencies in self-management were noted, parents still played major roles in adolescents’ asthma care, and transition of care was seldom discussed with the providers. Mid-to-late adolescents with asthma are inadequately prepared for transition of care, and parents and providers insufficiently engage adolescents in the preparation. Parent, provider, and adolescent partnership is critical to achieve adolescent readiness for independence in asthma management and to ensure proper asthma care continuity post transition.
Ultra-Orthodox Parents’ Perceptions of Arts Therapies for Their Children
Authors: Keidar Lali , Snir Sharon , Regev Dafna , Keidar Eliav
Published: October 2022

Studies have underscored the complexity of psychotherapy for Ultra-Orthodox Jews, and cross-cultural therapy in particular, which evokes fear of disruption of basic values. Parents’ sense of responsibility for their child’s religious education exacerbates these problems in child therapy. However, there is scant research on child therapy for the Ultra-Orthodox, especially in the field of arts therapies. The present study examined the perceptions of 17 Ultra-Orthodox parents whose children were receiving arts therapies (including art therapy, dance/movement therapy, music therapy, psychodrama and bibliotherapy). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the parents and analyzed based on the principles of Consensual Qualitative Research. The study covered five domains: (1) The parents’ experiences in therapy; (2) The parents’ perceptions of the child’s experiences in therapy; (3) Implications of environmental-social factors on the parents’ perceptions and experiences of therapy; (4) Effects of intercultural aspects on therapy; (5) Perceptions of the use of the arts in therapy. The findings show that the experiences of ultra-Orthodox parents in the arts therapies of their children is complex due to the influence of the socio-cultural context, which involves dealing with stigma and tensions in their relationship with the education system. This context also shapes their perceptions of therapy, which can be characterized as purpose-oriented. The findings also highlight the parents’ challenges in coping with the intercultural therapeutic relationship, and emphasizes the parents’ preference for a therapist from a similar religious/cultural background and for cultural supervision of therapy. However, the results also suggest that there are benefits inherent to intercultural therapy in general and arts therapies in particular, including a sense of security, openness and acceptance of the parents and children.
Bionanocomposite Active Packaging Material Based on Soy Protein Isolate/Persian Gum/Silver Nanoparticles; Fabrication and Characteristics
Authors: Alizadeh Sani Mahmood , Khezerlou Arezou , Tavassoli Milad , Mohammadi Keyhan , Hassani Shokoufeh , Ehsani Ali , McClements David Julian
Published: October 2022

In this study, nanocomposite active films were fabricated containing silver nanoparticles (SNPs) embedded within soy protein isolate (SPI)/Persian gum (PG) matrices. The physical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of these composite films were then characterized. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to provide information about the microstructure, interactions, and crystallinity of the films. Pure SPI films had poor physicochemical attributes but the addition of PG (0.25, 0.5, or 1 wt%) improved their water vapor permeability, mechanical properties, and water solubility (WS). The moisture content (MC) of the films decreased after the introduction of PG, which was attributed to fewer free hydroxyl groups to bind to the water molecules. Our results suggest there was a strong interaction between the SPI and the PG and SNPs in the films, suggesting these additives behaved like active fillers. Optimum film properties were obtained at 0.25% PG in the SPI films. The addition of PG (0.25%) and SNPs (1%) led to a considerable increase in tensile strength (TS) and a decrease in elongation at break (EB). Furthermore, the incorporation of the SNPs into the SPI/PG composite films increased their antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), with the effects being more prominent for S. aureus. Spectroscopy analyses provided insights into the nature of the molecular interactions between the different components in the films. Overall, the biodegradable active films developed in this study may be suitable for utilization as eco-friendly packaging materials in the food industry.
[18F]FDG PET/CT and PET/MR in Patients with Adrenal Lymphoma: A Systematic Review of Literature and a Collection of Cases
Authors: Evangelista Laura , Crimì Filippo , Visentin Andrea , Voltan Giacomo , Trentin Livio , Lacognata Carmelo , Cecchin Diego , Ceccato Filippo
Published: October 2022

Aim. The present study aimed to assess the existing data about Primary Adrenal Lymphoma (PAL) evaluated with FDG PET and to describe a small monocentric series of cases. A systematic analysis (from 2010 to 2022) was made by using PubMed and Web of Science databases reporting data about the role of FDG PET/CT in patients with suspicious or known adrenal lymphoma. The quality of the papers was assessed by using QUADAS-2 criteria. Moreover, from a single institutional collection between 2010 and 2021, data from patients affected by adrenal lymphoma and undergoing contrast-enhanced compute tomography (ceCT)/magnetic resonance (MR) and FDG PET/CT or PET/MR were retrieved and singularly described. Seventy-eight papers were available from PubMed and 25 from Web of Science. Forty-seven (Nr. 47) Patients were studied, most of them in the initial staging of disease (n = 42; 90%). Only in one paper, the scan was made before and after therapy. The selected clinical cases were relative to the initial staging of disease, the restaging, and the evaluation of response to therapy. PET/CT and PET/MR always showed a high FDG uptake in the primary adrenal lesions and in metastatic sites. Moreover, PET metrics, such as maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and metabolic tumor volume (MTV), were elevated in all primary adrenal lesions. In conclusions, FDG PET either coupled with CT or MRI can be useful in staging, restaging, and for the evaluation of treatment response in patients affected by PAL
UAV Detection Using Thrust Engine Electromagnetic Spectra
Authors: Jačionis Tomas , Urbanavičius Vytautas , Katkevičius Andrius , Abromavičius Vytautas , Serackis Artūras , Sledevič Tomyslav , Plonis Darius
Published: October 2022

Artificial intelligence used in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight control systems tends to leave UAV control systems without any radio communication emissions, whose signatures in an electromagnetic spectrum (ES) are widely used to detect UAVs. There will be problems in the near future in detecting any dangerous threats associated with UAV swarms, kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or any other UAVs with electrically powered thrust engines because of the UAV’s flight capabilities in full radio silence mode. This article presents a different approach to the detection of electrically powered multi-rotor UAVs. The main idea is to register the electromagnetic spectrum of the electric thrust engines of the UAV, which varies because of the changing flight conditions. An experiment on a UAV’s electric thrust engine-produced electromagnetic spectrum is carried out, presenting the results of the flight-dependent characteristics, which were observed in the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic signature of the UAV’s electric thrust engines is analyzed, discussed, and compared with the most similar behaving electric engine, which was used on the ground as a domestic electric appliance. A precision tunable magnetic antenna is designed, manufactured, and tested in this article. The physical experiments have shown that the ES of the electric thrust engines of multi-rotor UAVs can be detected and recorded for recognition. The unique signatures of the ES of the multi rotor UAV electric engine are recorded and presented as a result of the carried-out experiments. A precision tunable magnetic antenna is evaluated for the reception of the UAV’s signature. Moreover, results were obtained during the performed experiments and discussions about the development of the future techniques for the identification of the ES fingerprints of the UAV’s electric thrust engine are carried out.
Simplicial Persistence of Financial Markets: Filtering, Generative Processes and Structural Risk
Authors: Turiel Jeremy , Barucca Paolo , Aste Tomaso
Published: October 2022

We introduce simplicial persistence, a measure of time evolution of motifs in networks obtained from correlation filtering. We observe long memory in the evolution of structures, with a two power law decay regimes in the number of persistent simplicial complexes. Null models of the underlying time series are tested to investigate properties of the generative process and its evolutional constraints. Networks are generated with both a topological embedding network filtering technique called TMFG and by thresholding, showing that the TMFG method identifies high order structures throughout the market sample, where thresholding methods fail. The decay exponents of these long memory processes are used to characterise financial markets based on their efficiency and liquidity. We find that more liquid markets tend to have a slower persistence decay. This appears to be in contrast with the common understanding that efficient markets are more random. We argue that they are indeed less predictable for what concerns the dynamics of each single variable but they are more predictable for what concerns the collective evolution of the variables. This could imply higher fragility to systemic shocks.
The Green Innovation Effect of Environmental Regulation: A Quasi–Natural Experiment from China
Authors: Li Jiaxin , Zhan Shaoguo , Huang Teng , Nie Debo
Published: October 2022

The “Two Control Zones” (TCZ) policy is the first air pollution regulation policy in China. We aim to examine the impact of the TCZ policy on green technological progress applying a difference–in–differences (DID) approach, using a city–level panel data set from 1990 to 2016. We show that the TCZ policy effectively increases the number of green patents of the cities in the two control zones. In particular, the TCZ policy has a significantly positive effect on the quantity and structure of human capital, including the number of inventors of patents and green patents, and the percentage of population with a higher education level. Moreover, the effects are heterogeneous, that is, the TCZ policy has a greater impact on the number of green patents in the control zones, where there are better R&D bases and more foreign investments.
The Evaluation of γ-Zein Reduction Using Mass Spectrometry—The Influence of Proteolysis Type in Relation to Starch Degradability in Silages
Authors: Duvnjak Marija , Butorac Ana , Kljak Kristina , Nišavić Marija , Cindrić Mario , Grbeša Darko
Published: October 2022

The starch availability and nutritional value of corn (Zea mays L.) are affected by zein proteins. The aim of the study was to see whether the proposed reduction of γ-zeins during the fermentation of silages is a result of either the enzymatic proteolytic activity or of the acidic environment, and how this reduction affects starch availability and degradability in high-moisture corn. A mass spectrometry (MS) technique was used to quantify the 16- and 27-kDa γ-zeins. Briefly, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) was used for γ-zein separation, followed by densitometry for protein quantification and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight MS (MALDI-TOF/TOF) for protein identification. The results show that the reduction in γ-zeins induced by the ensiling led to a more pronounced starch availability and in vitro degradation, and this reduction was dependent on the type of proteolysis. More specifically, the results indicate that the reduction of γ-zeins in the ensiled corn was primarily driven by the enzymatic proteolysis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 2-DE followed by densitometric quantification and the mass spectrometry analysis for protein identification can be used as a state-of-the-art method for γ-zein evaluation both in fresh and fermented/ensiled corn samples.
Probiotic Properties of Weissella confusa PP29 on Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Media
Authors: Dimofte Alexandra , Simionescu Natalia , Petrovici Anca-Roxana , Spiridon Iuliana
Published: October 2022

To date, there are very few data regarding new efficient probiotics’ development with their own prebiotic substrate. All commercial products contain prebiotic substrate that was previously purified from external sources and added to the final product. The present study describes Weissella confusa strain fermentations in media with different anthocyanin concentrations from Hibiscus sabdariffa L., in order to increase the exopolysaccharide (EPS) yield, leading to augmented probiotic and prebiotic properties. The extracted and purified EPS were characterized by Gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; thermal analysis measurements and the whole fermented media’s probiotic properties were evaluated by testing low pH and bile salt resistance, along with hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation capacity. The anthocyanins increased biomass and EPS yields and the high EPS molecular mass improved nutrient access by allowing a good microbial suspension in media. The confirmed dextran structure provides media biocompatibility and very good probiotic properties compared with existing literature. Simultaneously, the anthocyanins in media protected the strain cells against low pH and bile salt compared with the control fermentation. These very good results show that the whole fermented culture media is suitable for further in-vitro and in-vivo studies regarding its probiotic and prebiotic activity.
Modeling and Analyzing Preemption-Based Service Prioritization in 5G Networks Slicing Framework
Authors: Adou Yves , Markova Ekaterina , Gaidamaka Yuliya
Published: October 2022

The Network Slicing (NS) technology, recognized as one of the key enabling features of Fifth Generation (5G) wireless systems, provides very flexible ways to efficiently accommodate common physical infrastructures, e.g., Base Station (BS), multiple logical networks referred to as Network Slice Instances (NSIs). To ensure the required Quality of Service (QoS) levels, the NS-technology relies on classical Resource Reservation (RR) or Service Prioritization schemes. Thus, the current paper aims to propose a Preemption-based Prioritization (PP) scheme “merging” the classical RR and Service Prioritization schemes. The proposed PP-scheme efficiency is evaluated or estimated given a Queueing system (QS) model analyzing the operation of multiple NSIs with various requirements at common 5G BSs. As a key result, the proposed PP-scheme can provide up to 100% gain in terms of blocking probabilities of arriving requests with respect to some baseline.
Effects of Dietary Lipid Levels on Growth and Gonad Development of Onychostoma macrolepis Broodfish
Authors: Zhou Jishu , Feng Peng , Li Yang , Ji Hong , Gisbert Enric
Published: October 2022

To assess the lipid requirements of O. macrolepis broodstock, five iso-nitrogenous diets (39 g kg−1) with five lipid levels, 50 (5 L), 70 (7 L), 90 (9 L),110 (11 L), and 130 (13 L; g kg−1), were made. A total of 105 three-year-old individuals (50.11 ± 2.86 g per fish) were divided into five groups (triplicate per group) and were fed with the diets, respectively, for eight weeks. Then, the fish were sampled, and items were determined. The results showed that growth rate and feed efficiency ratio were not significantly affected by diets (p > 0.05). A clear dose–response effect of dietary lipid was observed on somatic indexes of gonad indexes of the O. macrolepis brookstock, with the highest values corresponding to fish fed 9 and 11 g kg−1 lipids, in contrast, gonad indexes were reduced as dietary lipid moved away from this level. The other somatic indexes, such as viscerosomatic index, perivisceral fat index, etc., were not significantly affected by diets (p > 0.05). The content of crude lipid and crude protein in carcass, hepatopancreas, and gonad were not significantly affected by dietary lipid levels (p > 0.05). The gonad fatty acids of 16:0 and 22:6n-3 decreased and 18:2n-6 increased with the increasing lipid level, being significantly altered by diets (p < 0.05). The histological features of the gonad showed no significant difference among the five diets (p > 0.05). The relative expression of sex steroid-synthesizing proteins (fshr, 3β-hsd, 17β-hsd, aro., and star.) in the gonad of fish was most significantly highly expressed in the 9 L and 11 L groups (p < 0.05). The results suggested that a proper dietary lipid level of 90–110 g kg−1 could maintain gonad development of O. macrolepis broodstock without affecting growth performance.
Discussion on the Approximate Controllability of Hilfer Fractional Neutral Integro-Differential Inclusions via Almost Sectorial Operators
Authors: Varun Bose Chandrabose Sindhu , Udhayakumar Ramalingam , Elshenhab Ahmed M. , Kumar Marappan Sathish , Ro Jong-Suk
Published: October 2022

This paper focuses on the approximate controllability of Hilfer fractional neutral Volterra integro-differential inclusions via almost sectorial operators. Almost sectorial operators, fractional differential, Leray-Schauder fixed point theorem and multivalued maps are used to prove the result. We start by emphasizing the existence of a mild solution and demonstrate the approximate controllability of the fractional system. In addition, an example is presented to demonstrate the principle.
Tsunami Detection Model for Sea Level Measurement Devices
Authors: Annunziato Alessandro
Published: October 2022

Sea level measurements are of critical importance in the verification of tsunami generation. When a large earthquake occurs in a subduction zone and the Regional Tsunami Service Providers of UNESCO/IOC issue alerts, sea level measurements are used to verify tsunami generation and take further actions (i.e., the evacuation of coastal areas). However, in some cases, if the tsunami source is very close to the coast, there is not enough time between the identification of an event and the issue of alerting bulletins. In addition, when the tsunami is not generated by a large earthquake but rather an atypical source (i.e., landslide or volcanic eruption) or prior information from the earthquake is not available before the arrival of the tsunami, it is of vital importance to have other means for the verification of tsunami generation. The algorithm presented in this paper, already installed in several operational devices, is capable of acquiring, processing and moving data back into the data server of the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (EC-JRC) or any other relevant database; it can also be used for any sea level measurement of interest with corresponding triggering criteria.
Regrowth Response and Nutritional Composition of Moringa oleifera to Cutting Back in Three Agro-Ecological Zones in South Africa
Authors: Mokgehle Salmina , Araya Nadia , Mofokeng Motiki , Makgato Manaka , Amoo Stephen , Maboka Khomotso , du Plooy Christian , Araya Hintsa
Published: October 2022

Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) is a fast-growing tree that can reach a height of 3 m when left to grow naturally. Cutting-back management can enhance lateral branching, water use efficiency, regrowth, and leaf biomass production. Although M. oleifera can thrive in diverse ecological environments, including areas with high temperatures and drought where most crops cannot survive, the prevailing agro-ecological conditions can influence the tree’s response to cut-back and nutritional composition. An observation trial on the re-sprouting of M. oleifera after cutting back was conducted in three agro-ecological zones, including arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions. The soil analysis from the three agro-ecological zones showed variations, with the soil collected from the arid area recording the highest clay content (24.4%), nitrogen (8.14%), and phosphorus (168.2 mg/kg). The nutritional composition of the M. oleifera leaves in response to the cutting back was assessed. The trees planted in the arid region responded well to the cutting back by producing considerable new vegetative growth in the spring (13.4 sprouts averaging 21.50 cm in length) compared to semi-arid and dry sub-humid regions. The region’s climatic conditions favoured M. oleifera re-sprouting, and the stems did not die after cutting back. During the winter, the stems die back, sprout from the root collar area during more favourable weather conditions, and take longer to reach the harvestable stage. The leaves of M. oleifera harvested from the arid and dry sub-humid regions exhibited increased total fat, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc content when compared to the semi-arid agro-ecological zone. In contrast, the calcium content of the leaves was higher in the semi-arid region than in the other agro-ecological zones. The influence of cutting back M. oleifera trees on biomass production and quality in varying agro-ecological zones requires further investigation to ensure that smallholder farmers use appropriate crop management practices in those regions for long-term, economically viable tree production.
Metabolomics Data Revealed Metabolite Changes during Endocarp Lignification in Kernel-Using Apricot
Authors: Zhang Qiuping , Ma Xiaoxue , Liu Weisheng , Liu Ning , Zhang Yuping , Xu Ming , Liu Shuo , Zhang Yujun , Zhao Haijuan , Liu Jiacheng
Published: October 2022

To understand the metabolite dynamics and genetic regulatory mechanism of apricot shell, a typical endocarp, before and after lignification are unknown, we investigated the metabolite differences of the endocarp of ‘Youyi,’ a popular kernel-using apricot cultivar, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry strategy. The endocarp thickness increased rapidly from 8 to 37 days after flowering (DAF) and lignin deposition began at 37 DAF. In total, 626 non-volatile metabolites were obtained from the endocarp tissues before (33 DAF) and after (41 and 45 DAF) lignification. The relative sugar and organic acid contents decreased continuously and those of L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine increased after lignification. In the non-lignified endocarp, the phenylpropanoid metabolites were mainly in the form of p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, neochlorogenic acid, dicumarol, coniferin, and some lignans. After lignification, the metabolites were mainly in the form of glycoside lignin or lactone coumarins, and the relative contents of L-asarinin and forsythin increased. The results of transcriptome confirmed the upregulation of genes related to lignin biosynthesis, including β-glucosidase and coniferyl-alcohol glucosyltransferase and laccases, accelerated lignification. This study provides insights into the formation of lignified endocarp in a kernel-using apricot and clarifies the role of monolignin transport and oxidative polymerization.
Comparison of Calibration Approaches of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model in a Tropical Watershed
Authors: Makumbura Randika K. , Gunathilake Miyuru B. , Samarasinghe Jayanga T. , Confesor Remegio , Muttil Nitin , Rathnayake Upaka
Published: October 2022

Hydrologic models are indispensable tools for water resource planning and management. Accurate model predictions are critical for better water resource development and management decisions. Single-site model calibration and calibrating a watershed model at the watershed outlet are commonly adopted strategies. In the present study, for the first time, a multi-site calibration for the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) in the Kelani River Basin with a catchment area of about 2340 km2 was carried out. The SWAT model was calibrated at five streamflow gauging stations, Deraniyagala, Kithulgala, Holombuwa, Glencourse, and Hanwella, with drainage areas of 183, 383, 155, 1463, and 1782 km2, respectively, using three distinct calibration strategies. These strategies were, utilizing (1) data from downstream and (2) data from upstream, both categorized here as single-site calibration, and (3) data from downstream and upstream (multi-site calibration). Considering the performance of the model during the calibration period, which was examined using the statistical indices R2 and NSE, the model performance at Holombuwa was upgraded from “good” to “very good” with the multi-site calibration technique. Simultaneously, the PBIAS at Hanwella and Kithulgala improved from “unsatisfactory” to “satisfactory” and “satisfactory” to “good” model performance, while the RSR improved from “good” to “very good” model performance at Deraniyagala, indicating the innovative multi-site calibration approach demonstrated a significant improvement in the results. Hence, this study will provide valuable insights for hydrological modelers to determine the most appropriate calibration strategy for their large-scale watersheds, considering the spatial variation of the watershed characteristics, thereby reducing the uncertainty in hydrologic predictions.
Quantitative Assessment of Full Size Microplastics in Bottled and Tap Water Samples in Hong Kong
Authors: Tse Yuet-Tung , Chan Sidney Man-Ngai , Sze Eric Tung-Po
Published: October 2022

Human exposure to microplastics (MPs) through drinking water has drawn serious concern recently because of the potential adverse health effects. Although there are reports on the occurrence of MPs in bottled water, little is known about the abundance of a whole spectrum of MPs with sizes ranging from 1 µm to 5 mm due to the restrictions of conventional MPs detection methods. Some studies using micro-Raman spectroscopy can achieve MPs with a size of <10 µm, however, quantitation of all MPs was extremely time consuming and only a small portion (<10%) of MPs would be analyzed. The present study quantified MPs from nine brands of bottled water using fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry for MPs with a size of ≥50 µm and a size of <50 µm, respectively. The average abundance of MPs with a size of ≥50 µm in bottled water samples was found ranging from 8–50 particles L−1, while MPs with a size of <50 µm were found to be 1570–17,817 particles L−1, where the MPs abundance from mineral water samples were significantly more than distilled and spring water samples. The modal size and shape of MPs were found at 1 µm and fragments, respectively. Besides, three tap water samples obtained locally were analyzed and compared with the bottled water samples, where less MPs were found in tap water samples. In addition, contamination of MPs from bottle and cap and interference by addition of mineral salts were studied, where no significant difference from all these processes to the control sample was found, suggesting the major contamination of MPs was from other manufacturing processes. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of MPs increased substantially when data of small MPs are included, suggesting that previously reports on exposure of MPs from drinking water might be underestimated, as only large MPs were considered.
Genetic Evolution Analysis and Host Characteristics of Hantavirus in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Wang Na , Yin Jia-Xiang , Zhang Yao , Wu Li , Li Wen-Hong , Luo Yun-Yan , Li Rui , Li Zi-Wei , Liu Shu-Qing
Published: October 2022

For a long time, the epidemic situation of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) caused by hantavirus (HV) in Yunnan Province of China has been relatively severe. The molecular epidemiology and host characteristics of HV in Yunnan Province are still not completely clear, and the systematic and long-term investigation of the epidemic area is very limited. In this study, a total of 488 murine-shaped animals were captured in the three regions of Mile City, Mangshi City and Lianghe County in Yunnan Province, and then the type of HV was identified by multiplex real-time RT-PCR and sequenced. The results indicate that 2.46% of the murine-shaped animal specimens were infected with HV. A new subtype of Seoul virus (SEOV) was found in the rare rat species Rattus nitidus in Lianghe County, and the two strains of this new subtype were named YNLH-K40 and YNLH-K53. Through the phylogenetic analysis of this new subtype, it is shown that this new subtype is very similar to the type S5 of SEOV, which is previously described as the main cause for the high incidence of HFRS in Longquan City, Zhejiang Province, China. This new subtype is highly likely to cause human infection and disease. Therefore, in addition to further promoting the improvement of the HV gene database and strengthening the discovery and monitoring of the host animals in Yunnan Province, more attention should be paid to the pathogenic potential of the newly discovered HV type.
Association of the “Weekend Warrior” and Other Physical Activity Patterns with Metabolic Syndrome in the South Korean Population
Authors: Jang Yun Seo , Joo Hye Jin , Jung Yun Hwa , Park Eun-Cheol , Jang Suk-Yong
Published: October 2022

These days, it is not common for people to have time to do physical activities regularly because of their own work. So, they perform physical activities all at once, which is often called the “weekend warrior”. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association of the “weekend warrior” and other physical activity patterns with metabolic syndrome. Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used, and 27,788 participants were included. The participants were divided into inactive, weekend warriors, and regularly active based on physical activity patterns. The risk of metabolic syndrome in each group was analyzed using multiple logistic regression. The inactive and weekend warrior groups showed a higher likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome than the regularly active groups (weekend warrior: odds ratio (OR) 1.29, confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.65; inactive: OR 1.38, CI 1.25–1.53). According to the physical activity patterns, the weekend warrior group showed a dose-response relationship compared to the regularly active group (only moderate: OR 1.85, CI 1.25–2.72; only vigorous: OR 1.41, CI 0.93–2.14; both: OR 0.84, CI 0.56–1.27). This study found increasing the amount of physical activity and performing vigorous-intensity physical activity helped manage metabolic syndrome in the weekend warrior group.
Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Skin Toxicity Following Radiotherapy of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hussein Fatimah Alaa , Manan Hanani Abdul , Mustapha Aida W. M. Mohd , Sidek Khairiyah , Yahya Noorazrul
Published: October 2022

The present review aimed to systematically review skin toxicity changes following breast cancer radiotherapy (RT) using ultrasound (US). PubMed and Scopus databases were searched according to PRISMA guidelines. The characteristics of the selected studies, measured parameters, US skin findings, and their association with clinical assessments were extracted. Seventeen studies were included with a median sample size of 29 (range 11–166). There were significant US skin changes in the irradiated skin compared to the nonirradiated skin or baseline measurements. The most observed change is skin thickening secondary to radiation-induced oedema, except one study found skin thinning after pure postmastectomy RT. However, eight studies reported skin thickening predated RT attributed to axillary surgery. Four studies used US radiofrequency (RF) signals and found a decrease in the hypodermis’s Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). Three studies reported decreased dermal echogenicity and poor visibility of the dermis–subcutaneous fat boundary (statistically analysed by one report). The present review revealed significant ultrasonographic skin toxicity changes in the irradiated skin most commonly skin thickening. However, further studies with large cohorts, appropriate US protocol, and baseline evaluation are needed. Measuring other US skin parameters and statistically evaluating the degree of the association with clinical assessments are also encouraged.
Evaluation of Gait Smoothness in Patients with Stroke Undergoing Rehabilitation: Comparison between Two Metrics
Authors: Germanotta Marco , Iacovelli Chiara , Aprile Irene
Published: October 2022

The use of quantitative methods to analyze the loss in gait smoothness, an increase in movement intermittency which is a distinguishing hallmark of motor deficits in stroke patients, has gained considerable attention in recent years. In the literature, the spectral arc length (SPARC), as well as metrics based on the measurement of the jerk, such as the log dimensionless jerk (LDLJ), are currently employed to assess smoothness. However, the optimal measure for evaluating the smoothness of walking in stroke patients remains unknown. Here, we investigated the smoothness of the body’s center of mass (BCoM) trajectory during gait, using an optoelectronic system, in twenty-two subacute and eight chronic patients before and after a two-month rehabilitation program. The two measures were evaluated for their discriminant validity (ability to differentiate the smoothness of the BCoM trajectory calculated on the cycle of the affected and unaffected limb, and between subacute and chronic patients), validity (correlation with clinical scales), and responsiveness to the intervention. According to our findings, the LDLJ outperformed the SPARC in terms of the examined qualities. Based on data gathered using an optoelectronic system, we recommend using the LDLJ rather than the SPARC to investigate the gait smoothness of stroke patients.
Effects of Nutrition Counselling and Unconditional Cash Transfer on Child Growth and Family Food Security in Internally Displaced Person Camps in Somalia—A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Ali Mohamed Kalid , Flacking Renée , Sulaiman Munshi , Osman Fatumo
Published: October 2022

The effects of nutrition counselling (NC) and unconditional cash transfer (UCT) in improving growth in children under five and household food security are poorly understood in humanitarian settings. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of NC and NC combined with unconditional cash transfer (NC + UCT) on children’s growth and food security in Somalia. The study was performed with a quasi-experimental design in two districts in the Banadir region of Somalia. Caregivers (n = 255) with mildly to moderately malnourished children aged 6 to 59 months old (n = 184) were randomized to the NC, NC + UCT and control groups. The interventions consisted of weekly NC for three months alone or in combination with UCT. The outcome variables were wasting, underweight, stunting, and food security. Difference-indifferences analysis was used to estimate the effect of the interventions. Our study did not find any significant impacts of NC or NC + UCT on child wasting, underweight, stunting, food security or household expenses. In conclusion, NC, alone or in combination with UCT, did not impact children’s growth or household food security. Thus, a culturally tailored NC programme over a longer period, supplemented with cash transfer, could be beneficial to consider when designing interventions to reduce malnutrition and food insecurity.
Microplastic Contamination of Chicken Meat and Fish through Plastic Cutting Boards
Authors: Habib Rana Zeeshan , Kindi Ruwaya Al , Salem Feras Al , Kittaneh Wajeeh Faris , Poulose Vijo , Iftikhar Syed Haris , Mourad Abdel-Hamid Ismail , Thiemann Thies
Published: October 2022

Microplastic contamination was found in fish and chicken bought on the market, in food stores and in chain supermarkets in the Middle East with the contamination ranging from 0.03 ± 0.04 to 1.19 ± 0.72 particles per gram of meat in chicken and from 0.014 ± 0.024 to 2.6 ± 2.8 particles per gram in fish. Only one fish was found to be free of microplastic. The source of the microplastic was established to be the polythene-based plastic cutting board the food was cut on. More microplastic contamination was found in food cut from the bone than in cut fillets when the fillets themselves were prepared on surfaces other than plastic. Washing the fish and chicken before food preparation decreased but did not completely remove the microplastic contamination. The fate of the microplastic in grilled fish was studied. The mechanical properties of typical plastic cutting boards commercially used in the markets were investigated in the form of tensile, hardness, and wear tests. Overall, the plastic cutting boards showed similar wear rates.
City-Level Travel Time and Individual Dietary Consumption in Latin American Cities: Results from the SALURBAL Study
Authors: Guimarães Joanna M. N. , Acharya Binod , Moore Kari , López-Olmedo Nancy , de Menezes Mariana Carvalho , Stern Dalia , Friche Amélia Augusta de Lima , Wang Xize , Delclòs-Alió Xavier , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Sarmiento Olga Lucia , de Oliveira Cardoso Leticia
Published: October 2022

There is limited empirical evidence on how travel time affects dietary patterns, and even less in Latin American cities (LACs). Using data from 181 LACs, we investigated whether longer travel times at the city level are associated with lower consumption of vegetables and higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages and if this association differs by city size. Travel time was measured as the average city-level travel time during peak hours and city-level travel delay time was measured as the average increase in travel time due to congestion on the street network during peak hours. Vegetables and sugar-sweetened beverages consumption were classified according to the frequency of consumption in days/week (5–7: “frequent”, 2–4: “medium”, and ≤1: “rare”). We estimate multilevel ordinal logistic regression modeling for pooled samples and stratified by city size. Higher travel time (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.65; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.49–0.87) and delay time (OR = 0.57; CI 0.34–0.97) were associated with lower odds of frequent vegetable consumption. For a rare SSB consumption, we observed an inverse association with the delay time (OR = 0.65; CI 0.44–0.97). Analysis stratified by city size show that these associations were significant only in larger cities. Our results suggest that travel time and travel delay can be potential urban determinants of food consumption.
The Effects of Individual Characteristics of the Naval Personnel on Sleepiness and Stress during Two Different Watchkeeping Schedules
Authors: Myllylä Mikko , Kyröläinen Heikki , Ojanen Tommi , Ruohola Juha-Petri , Heinonen Olli J. , Simola Petteri , Vahlberg Tero , Parkkola Kai I.
Published: October 2022

Background: Naval service can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of seafarers, and the operation of warships is highly dependent on the personnel on board. Nevertheless, there is a lack of knowledge concerning the impact of seafarers’ individual characteristics on their wellbeing in a naval environment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate individual characteristics of the naval personnel that may be associated with the amount of sleepiness, fatigue and stress responses experienced during shift work and irregular working hours in a naval environment. Methods: The study took place on a Finnish Defence Forces’ Navy missile patrol boat on which 18 crewmembers served as study participants. The measurement periods lasted two separate weeks (seven days and six nights) during shift work with two different watchkeeping systems (4:4, 4:4/6:6). The onboard measurements consisted of the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, salivary stress hormones, cognitive tests (Sustained Attention to Response Task and N-back Task) and heart rate variability. Results: Participants of older ages or with a longer history in naval service were associated with a greater amount of sleepiness, fatigue and stress responses on board. On the contrary, increased physical activity and a higher level of physical fitness, especially standing long jump, were associated with a lower amount of sleepiness, fatigue and fewer stress responses. In addition, an athletic body composition together with a healthy lifestyle may be beneficial, considering the stress responses on board. Conclusion: The present results are well in line with the previous literature regarding shift work and irregular working hours. The results highlight the importance of regular physical activity and good physical fitness during service in the naval environment.
Using Unified Modeling Language to Analyze Business Processes in the Delivery of Child Health Services
Authors: Pecoraro Fabrizio , Luzi Daniela
Published: October 2022

Business Process Management (BPM) has been increasingly used in recent years in the healthcare domain to analyze, optimize, harmonize and compare clinical and healthcare processes. The main aim of this methodology is to model the interactions between medical and organizational activities needed to deliver health services, measure their complexity, variability and deviations to improve the quality of care and its efficiency. Among the different tools, languages and notations developed in the decades, UML (Unified Modeling Language) represents a widely adopted technique to model, analyze and compare business processes in healthcare. We adopted its diagrams in the MOCHA project to compare the different ways of organizing, coordinating and delivering child care across 30 EU/EEA countries both from an organization and control-flow perspectives. This paper provides an overview of the main components used to represent the business process using UML diagrams, also highlighting how we customized them to capture the specificity of the healthcare domain taking into account that processes are reconstructed on the basis of country experts’ responses to questionnaires. The benefits of the application of this methodology are demonstrated by providing examples of comparing different aspects of child care.
Pushing Past Limits: How Efficacious Is High-Effort Coping for Self-Rated Health among African American and Caribbean Black Women?
Authors: Robinson Millicent N.
Published: October 2022

Due to systemic oppression, Black women experience distinct risks across the life course, such as exposure to various stressors that shape lower ratings of self-rated health. This is important given that self-rated health is a stronger indicator of current morbidity and subsequent mortality than physician assessments. However, there has been limited consideration of the role of coping in shaping self-rated health among this group. John Henryism, or high-effort coping, is a culturally relevant coping style that reflects the broader societal, cultural, and historical context that shapes lived experiences of Black populations navigating racism and capitalism in the U.S., and has received limited consideration in health research among Black women. Additionally, less is known regarding how ethnicity shapes John Henryism and health processes among Black women specifically. Therefore, the present study examined the association between John Henryism and self-rated health among African American and Caribbean Black women (n = 1580) collectively, and explored this association among Caribbean Black women specifically, utilizing the National Survey of American Life (NSAL 2001–2003). Findings show that while John Henryism was not directly associated with self-rated health among either group, once sociodemographic characteristics and stress exposure were accounted for, John Henryism was associated with lower odds of fair or poor self-rated health among both groups.