bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Stochastic Gradient Descent Method for Convex and Non-Convex Optimization
Authors: Chen Ruijuan , Tang Xiaoquan , Li Xiuting
Published: November 2022

Stochastic gradient descent is the method of choice for solving large-scale optimization problems in machine learning. However, the question of how to effectively select the step-sizes in stochastic gradient descent methods is challenging, and can greatly influence the performance of stochastic gradient descent algorithms. In this paper, we propose a class of faster adaptive gradient descent methods, named AdaSGD, for solving both the convex and non-convex optimization problems. The novelty of this method is that it uses a new adaptive step size that depends on the expectation of the past stochastic gradient and its second moment, which makes it efficient and scalable for big data and high parameter dimensions. We show theoretically that the proposed AdaSGD algorithm has a convergence rate of O(1/T) in both convex and non-convex settings, where T is the maximum number of iterations. In addition, we extend the proposed AdaSGD to the case of momentum and obtain the same convergence rate for AdaSGD with momentum. To illustrate our theoretical results, several numerical experiments for solving problems arising in machine learning are made to verify the promise of the proposed method.
Nonlinear Relation-Theoretic Suzuki-Generalized Ćirić-Type Contractions and Application to Fractal Spaces
Authors: Hossain Asik , Arif Mohammad , Sessa Salvatore , Khan Qamrul Haque
Published: November 2022

In this article, we introduce the idea of relation-theoretic Suzuki-generalized nonlinear contractions and utilized the same to prove some fixed point results in an ℜ-complete partial metric space. Our newly established results are sharpened versions of earlier existing results in the literature. Indeed, we give an application to construct multivalued fractals using a newly introduced contraction in the iterated function space.
A Sustainable Hydroxypropyl Cellulose-Nanodiamond Composite for Flexible Electronic Applications
Authors: Palmieri Elena , Pescosolido Francesca , Montaina Luca , Carcione Rocco , Petrella Greta , Cicero Daniel Oscar , Tamburri Emanuela , Battistoni Silvia , Orlanducci Silvia
Published: November 2022

Designing fully green materials for flexible electronics is an urgent need due to the growing awareness of an environmental crisis. With the aim of developing a sustainable, printable, and biocompatible material to be exploited in flexible electronics, the rheological, structural and charge transport properties of water-based hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)-detonation nanodiamond (DND) viscous dispersions are investigated. A rheological investigation disclosed that the presence of the DND affects the orientation and entanglement of cellulose chains in the aqueous medium. In line with rheological analyses, the NMR diffusion experiments pointed out that the presence of DND modifies the hydrodynamic behavior of the cellulose molecules. Despite the increased rigidity of the system, the presence of DND slightly enhances the ionic conductivity of the dispersion, suggesting a modification in the charge transport properties of the material. The electrochemical analyses, performed through Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), revealed that the HPC-DND system is remarkably stable in the explored voltage range (−0.1 to +0.4 V) and characterized by a lowered bulk resistance with respect to HPC. Such features, coupled with the printability and filmability of the material, represent good requirements for the exploitation of such systems in flexible electronic applications.
Comparative Insights into the Fundamental Steps Underlying Gelation of Plant and Algal Ionic Polysaccharides: Pectate and Alginate
Authors: Paoletti Sergio , Donati Ivan
Published: November 2022

Pectate and alginate are among the most important biopolymers able to give rise to ionotropic gelation upon the addition of di- or multivalent counterions. The two ionic polysaccharides exhibit several common aspects of the gelation mechanism with calcium ions, the physiologically and commercially most relevant counterion type. The first one pertains to the role that specific Ca2+/polyion interactions play in the establishment of the ion-mediated chain/chain cross-links. Such interactions include both a specific affinity of the territorially condensed Ca2+ counterions for the polyuronate(s) and the formation of long-lasting chemical bonding (inner ion–sphere complex) of specific interchain sites accompanied by high conformational ordering. As to the first mechanism, it is dominated by the strong desolvation of the interacting ionic species, with concomitant positive variations in both enthalpy and entropy, the contribution of the latter prevailing over the former due to the favorable liberation of a very large number of water molecules of hydration. Both dilatometric and microcalorimetric data point to the higher affinity of Ca2+ for pectate than for alginate. The selective accumulation of calcium ions close to the polyanion(s) favors the onset of the second—chemical bonding—mode, which is associated with charge neutralization at the bonding site. This mode coincides with the largely accepted “egg-box” model for the calcium-mediated interchain junction of pectate and alginate. A new approach was devised for the calculation of the fraction of chemically bound divalent ions; it was based on the available circular dichroism data (further supported by scattering and viscosity results) and successfully tested by comparison with an independently determined fraction in the case of pectate. In detail, the strong bonding mode manifests in two sequential bonding modes. The first one (at low concentrations of added Ca2+ ions) entails a cross-link in which only one calcium ions is bracketed in a “twisted” egg-box between two chains; upon further counterion addition, a series of nearest-neighboring “perfect” egg-box structures develops. Both dilatometric and microcalorimetric changes associated with the latter chemical bonding modes are quantitatively larger for pectate than for alginate; clearly the latter polyuronate suffers from the relevant presence of the weakly calcium-binding mannuronic acid repeating units. Light-scattering experiments provided a clear-cut demonstration of the intermolecular bonding of calcium ions from the very beginning of the linker addition.
Fabrication of High-Resolution Fine Microneedles Derived from Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid Gels in Vacuum Environment Imprinting Using Water Permeable Mold
Authors: Miura Sayaka , Yamagishi Rio , Miyazaki Riku , Yasuda Kaori , Kawano Yuki , Yokoyama Yoshiyuki , Sugino Naoto , Kameda Takao , Takei Satoshi
Published: November 2022

Hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid high-resolution fine microneedles of 13 µm in diameter and 24 µm in height were fabricated from hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid gels made in mixtures of water using vacuum environment imprint lithography processes with a water permeable mold. The gas traps of water and volatile solvents in the imprint materials cause transfer failure in the conventional water impermeable molds of quartz and metal. However, the water permeable mold allows the use of 67 wt% dilution water with high solubility to increase the fluidity of the hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid during the patterning of high-resolution fine microneedles for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This demonstration sets a new paradigm of functional pure gels for high-resolution nano-patterning applications with various cosmetic and pharmaceutical materials containing dilution water using a water permeable mold.
Genotyping by Sequencing (GBS)-Based QTL Mapping for Bacterial Fruit Blotch (BFB) in Watermelon
Authors: Yeo Sang-Min , Hong Jeongeui , Hossain Mohammad Rashed , Jung Hee-Jeong , Choe Phillip , Nou Ill-Sup
Published: November 2022

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), an economically important and nutritionally rich Cucurbitaceous crop grown worldwide, is severely affected by bacterial fruit blotch (BFB). Development of resistant cultivar is the most eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable way to tackle this disease. This requires wider understanding of the genetics of resistance to BFB. In this study, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with BFB resistance in an F2 mapping population developed from BFB-resistant ‘PI 189225’ (Citrullus amarus) and -susceptible ‘SW 26’ (C. lanatus) genotypes based on the polymorphic markers identified by genotyping by sequencing (GSB). A linkage map covering a total genetic distance of 3377.1 cM was constructed. Two QTLs for BFB resistance, namely, ClBFB10.1 and ClBFB10.2, both located on chromosome 10 explaining 18.84 and 15.41% of the phenotypic variations, respectively, were identified. Two SNP-based high-resolution melting (HRM) markers WmBFB10.1 and WmBFB10.2 having high positive correlation with resistance vs. susceptible alleles were developed. The efficacy of the markers was validated in another F2 population derived from SW34 × PI 189225. The highest phenotypic variation was found in the locus ClBFB10.2, which also contains three putative candidate genes for resistance to BFB. These findings will accelerate the development of BFB-resistant watermelon varieties via molecular breeding.
Novel Insights into MEG3/miR664a-3p/ADH4 Axis and Its Possible Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma from an in Silico Perspective
Authors: Karunakara Shreyas H. , Puttahanumantharayappa Lakshana D. , Sannappa Gowda Nirmala G. , Shiragannavar Varsha D. , Santhekadur Prasanna K.
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex disease involving altered interactomes of transcripts and proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small-noncoding RNAs that can interact with specific gene transcripts and an array of other vital endogenous non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can influence gene expression. Maternally Expressed Gene 3 (MEG3) is an imprinted lncRNA that is reported to be downregulated in HCC (in both cell lines and tumors). Alcohol Dehydrogenase 4 (ADH4) is a well-known prognostic protein biomarker for predicting the survival outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma whose expression is regulated by miR-664a-3p, which is upregulated in HCC. In this study, we performed a battery of robust and systematic in silico analyses to predicate the possible lncRNA–miRNA interactions between MEG3, miR-664a-3p, and ADH4. miRNA–mRNA and lncRNA–miRNA hybrid structures were primarily obtained, and the minimum free energies (MFEs) for the 3′UTR (Untranslated Regions) of ADH4-miR-664a-3p and the 3′UTR of MEG3-miR-664a-3p interactions were assessed to predict the stability of the obtained RNA heteroduplex hybrids. The hybrid with the least minimum free energy (MFE) was considered to be the most favorable. The MFEs were around −28.1 kcal/mol and −31.3 kCal/mol for the ADH4-miR-664a-3p and MEG3-miR-66a-3p RNA hybrids, respectively. This demonstrated that lncRNA-MEG3 might be a competitive endogenous RNA that acts as a molecular sponge for miR-664a-3p. In summary, our interaction analyses results predict the significance of the MEG3/miR-664a-3p/ADH4 axis, where MEG3 downregulation results in miR-664a-3p overexpression and the subsequential underexpression of ADH4 in HCC, as a novel axis of interest that demands further validation.
Paleogeography of Human Settlement at Iqaluktuuq, Victoria Island, Nunavut
Authors: Ross Julie M. , Friesen T. Max
Published: November 2022

Change in sea levels, be they isostatic or eustatic, impact humans and the paleogeography they inhabit. In this paper we examine paleogeography at Iqaluktuuq, a section of the Ekalluk River, Victoria Island, Nunavut, between Tahiryuaq (Ferguson Lake) and Wellington Bay. The area’s isostatic rebound impacted the Ekalluk River’s development and the use of the area by two essential subsistence resources, Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) and caribou (Rangifer tarandus). This, in turn, impacted the choices of Pre-Dorset, Middle and Late Dorset, and Thule/Inuit people regarding site locations. A new relative sea-level curve developed using calibrated radiocarbon dates on marine shells and terrestrial material from archaeological sites is produced for Iqaluktuuq. Based on the data, large scale (1:50,000) paleogeography maps are presented for the period of human occupation of Iqaluktuuq, 3100 calibrated years Before Present (B.P. cal) to present, revealing how paleogeography impacts people’s settlement choices.
Association between Polypharmacy and Cardiovascular Autonomic Function among Elderly Patients in an Urban Municipality Area of Kolkata, India: A Record-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Samajdar Shambo Samrat , Das Saibal , Sarkar Sougata , Mukherjee Shatavisa , Pathak Ashish , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia , Saha Indranil , Tripathi Santanu Kumar , Pal Jyotirmoy , Chatterjee Nandini , Joshi Shashank R
Published: November 2022

We assessed the association between polypharmacy and cardiovascular autonomic function among community-dwelling elderly patients having chronic diseases. Three hundred and twenty-one patients from an urban municipality area of Kolkata, India were studied in August 2022. The anticholinergic burden and cardiac autonomic function (Valsalva ratio, orthostatic hypotension, change in diastolic blood pressure after an isometric exercise, and heart rate variability during expiration and inspiration) were evaluated. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to find out the association of polypharmacy and total anticholinergic burden with cardiac autonomic neuropathy. A total of 305 patients (age, 68.9 ± 3.4; 65.9% male) were included. Of these patients, 81 (26.6%) were on polypharmacy. Out of these 81 patients, 42 patients were on ninety-eight potential inappropriate medications. The anticholinergic burden and the proportion of patients with cardiac autonomic neuropathy were significantly higher among patients who were on polypharmacy than those who were not (8.1 ± 2.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.9; p = 0.03 and 56.8% vs. 44.6%; p = 0.01). The presence of polypharmacy and a total anticholinergic burden of > 3 was significantly associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy (aOR, 2.66; 95% CI, 0.91–3.98 and aOR, 2.51; 95% CI, 0.99–3.52, respectively). Thus, polypharmacy was significantly associated with cardiac autonomic neuropathy among community-dwelling elderly patients.
COVID-19 Pandemic and Local Cultural Tourism in the Buzău Carpathians and Subcarpathians (Romania)
Authors: Mitrică Bianca , Grigorescu Ines , Mocanu Irena , Şerban Paul-Răzvan , Damian Nicoleta , Dumitraşcu Monica , Dumitrică Cristina
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic was and continues to be a major challenge for tourist activities worldwide. Cultural tourism was mostly hit because of the social distancing measures, travel restrictions and ban on people gatherings for cultural events. The current study is trying to provide an overall image of the challenges local cultural tourism has faced during the COVID-19 pandemic in a predominantly rural area of Romania—the Buzău Carpathians and Subcarpathians. The area has a high tourist potential stemming from the complexity and diversity of the natural landscapes and the local historical setting. The survey relies on two field campaigns carried out in 2020 when 161 questionnaires were applied to tourists, businesses and residents. The results highlight the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses during and after the travel restrictions (e.g., revenue losses, temporary business shut-downs and layoffs/technical unemployment), but also on tourists’ travelling preferences and sentiment and on residents’ attitudes and behaviour.
Topics Mentioned by Stroke Patients during Supportive Phone Calls—Implications for Individualized Aftercare Programs
Authors: Schmidt Richard , Geisler Daniela , Urban Daniela , Wagner Markus , Ivanova Galina , Neumuth Thomas , Classen Joseph , Michalski Dominik
Published: November 2022

By understanding stroke as a chronic disease, aftercare becomes increasingly important. For developing aftercare programs, the patients’ perspective regarding, for example, stroke-related symptoms and interactions with the healthcare system is necessary. Records from a local stroke pilot program were used to extract relevant topics from the patients’ perspective, as mentioned during a phone call two months after hospital discharge. Data from 157 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were included. “Rehabilitation” was mentioned by 67.5% of patients, followed by “specialist physician”, “symptoms”, and “medication”. Compared with severely disabled patients, those with no relevant disability at hospital discharge mentioned “symptoms” significantly more often. Regarding rehabilitation, “outpatient care” was mentioned more often by patients in an inpatient setting, and 11.8% without rehabilitation mentioned “depression”. Patients in single-compared to multi-person households differed, for example, in the frequency of mentioning “specialist physicians” and gradually “outpatient care”. A multivariate model yielded associations between the disability at discharge and the probability of mentioning relevant topics afterward. This study provided insights into the patients’ perspective and identified topics that need attention while accompanying stroke and TIA patients after discharge. Further, the degree of disability at discharge might be helpful for planning individual aftercare.
An Optimization-Based Technology Applied for Face Skin Symptom Detection
Authors: Liao Yuan-Hsun , Chang Po-Chun , Wang Chun-Cheng , Li Hsiao-Hui
Published: November 2022

Face recognition segmentation is very important for symptom detection, especially in the case of complex image backgrounds or noise. The complexity of the photo background, the clarity of the facial expressions, or the interference of other people’s faces can increase the difficulty of detection. Therefore, in this paper, we have proposed a method to combine mask region-based convolutional neural networks (Mask R-CNN) with you only look once version 4 (YOLOv4) to identify facial symptoms by this new method. We use the face image dataset from the public image databases DermNet and Freepic as the training source for the model. Face segmentation was first applied with Mask R-CNN. Then the images were imported into ResNet-101, and the facial features were fused with region of interest (RoI) in the feature pyramid networks (FPN) structures. After removing the non-face features and noise, the face region has been accurately obtained. Next, the recognized face area and RoI data were used to identify facial symptoms (acne, freckle, and wrinkles) with YOLOv4. Finally, we use Mask R-CNN, and you only look once version 3 (YOLOv3) and YOLOv4 are matched to perform the performance analysis. Although, the facial images with symptoms are relatively few. We still use a limited amount of data to train the model. The experimental results show that our proposed method still achieves 57.73%, 60.38%, and 59.75% of mean average precision (mAP) for different amounts of data. Compared with other methods, the mAP was more than about 3%. Consequently, using the method proposed in this paper, facial symptoms can be effectively and accurately identified.
Fat Oxidation during Exercise in People with Spinal Cord Injury, and Protocols Used: A Systematic Review
Authors: Martín-Manjarrés Soraya , Leal-Martín Javier , Granados Cristina , Mata Esmeralda , Gil-Agudo Ángel , Rodríguez-Gómez Irene , Ara Ignacio
Published: November 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to summarize evidence on energy metabolism through peak fat oxidation (PFO) and maximum fat oxidation (Fatmax), as well as to analyze the protocols used in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and to examine the main factors related to fat oxidation ability (i.e., age, sex, level of physical activity, and level and degree of injury). Methods: Studies to determine PFO and Fatmax using indirect calorimetry with an arm exercise protocol for SCI patients were included after a systematic search. Other endpoints included study design, sample size, control group, demographic data, level of injury, physical condition, protocol, outcomes measured, and statistical findings. Results: Eight studies (n = 560) were included. The mean value of VO2peak was 1.86 L∙min−1 (range 0.75–2.60 L∙min−1) (lowest value in the tetraplegic subjects). The PFO ranged between 0.06 and 0.30 g∙min−1 (lowest rates: the non-trained subjects with cervical SCI; highest: the tetraplegic subjects). Two types of exercise protocol were found: arm cycle ergometer, and wheelchair propulsion with a computerized ergometer. Five studies used an incremental protocol (2–3 min/stage, different load increments); the rest performed tests of 20 min/stage at three intensities. Conclusion: There are few existing studies measuring fat oxidation in SCI, many of which used small and heterogeneous samples. PFO was lower in SCI subjects when compared with non-injured people performing lower-limb exercise; however, comparing upper-limb exercise, people with SCI showed higher values.
Effects of Flap Design on the Periodontal Health of Second Lower Molars after Impacted Third Molar Extraction
Authors: Passarelli Pier Carmine , Lopez Michele Antonio , Netti Andrea , Rella Edoardo , Leonardis Marta De , Svaluto Ferro Luigi , Lopez Andrea , Garcia-Godoy Franklin , D’Addona Antonio
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to compare the envelope flap and triangular flap for impacted lower third molar (M3) extraction and their effects on the periodontal health of adjacent second molars (M2). A population of 60 patients undergoing M3 extraction with the envelope flap (Group A) or triangular flap (Group B) was analyzed, comparing probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession (REC) recorded at six sites (disto-lingual, mid-lingual, mesio-lingual, disto-vestibular, mid-vestibular, and mesio-vestibular) before (T0) and 6 months after extraction (T1). There was a statistically significant mean difference in PPD and CAL at two sites, disto-vestibular (dv) and disto-lingual (dl), between values recorded before and 6 months after surgery for either Group A or Group B. Furthermore, for the same periodontal records, at 6 months after surgery, a statistically significant difference was recorded between younger and older patients, implying that the healing process was more beneficial for younger patients. No significant differences were found between the two groups (A and B) in PPDdl, PPDdv, CALdl, and CALdv, confirming that the mucoperiosteal flap design does not influence the periodontal healing process of second molars.
Simulation of Biogas Conversion Using Porous Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cells: Virtual Prototyping
Authors: Kamara Konakpo Parfait , Merlin Gérard , Bamba Gaoussou , Druart Florence , Deseure Jonathan
Published: November 2022

The computer-aided engineering approach has made it possible to achieve virtual prototypes and to describe expected performances of new apparatuses. In this study, a direct production of syngas with biogas using the configuration of the cascade conversion cell in the supply feed direction of the system was exhibited. Momentum, heat, mass and charge balances were solved using COMSOL Multiphysics® commercial software. These simulations allowed calculation of distributions of partial pressures for all gas species within the anode (CH4, H2, CO, CO2, H2O, N2), as well as velocity field and temperature. The conversion process included methane reforming (steam and dry) associated with the water–gas shift reaction. The computing results showed that the configuration of three porous oxide solid cells based on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system conferred a larger active surface area and limited thermal stress in oxide materials. In addition, depending on the production process of the biogas, feeding composition strongly influences the conversion rate of CO2 and CH4. We observed that production of syngas was optimal for a CO2/CH4 ratio = 1.
Utilizing a Nordic Crosswalk for Occupational Coding in an Analysis on Occupation-Specific Prolonged Sickness Absence among 7 Million Employees in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden
Authors: Solovieva Svetlana , Undem Karina , Falkstedt Daniel , Johansson Gun , Kristensen Petter , Pedersen Jacob , Viikari-Juntura Eira , Leinonen Taina , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind
Published: November 2022

We identified occupations with a high incidence of prolonged sickness absence (SA) in Nordic employees and explored similarities and differences between the countries. Utilizing data from national registers on 25–59-year-old wage-earners from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, we estimated the gender- and occupation-specific age-adjusted cumulative incidence of SA due to any cause, musculoskeletal diseases and mental disorders. To increase the comparability of occupations between the countries, we developed a Nordic crosswalk for occupational codes. We ranked occupational groups with the incidence of SA being statistically significantly higher than the population average of the country in question and calculated excess fractions with the employee population being the reference group. We observed considerable occupational differences in SA within and between the countries. Few occupational groups had a high incidence in all countries, particularly for mental disorders among men. In each country, manual occupations typically had a high incidence of SA due to any cause and musculoskeletal diseases, while service occupations had a high incidence due to mental disorders. Preventive measures targeted at specific occupational groups have a high potential to reduce work disability, especially due to musculoskeletal diseases. Particularly groups with excess SA in all Nordic countries could be at focus.
Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Tool to Identify People at Greater Risk of Having Hepatitis C among Drug Users
Authors: Huang Gang , Cheng Wei , Xu Yun , Yang Jiezhe , Jiang Jun , Pan Xiaohong , Zhou Xin , Jiang Jianmin , Chai Chengliang
Published: November 2022

Background: People who use drugs (PWUD) are among those with the highest risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Highly effective direct-acting antiviral agents offer an opportunity to eliminate HCV. A simple tool for the prediction of HCV infection risk in PWUD is urgently needed. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction tool to identify people at greater risk of having hepatitis C among PWUD that is applicable in resource-limited settings. Methods: We extracted data from national HIV/AIDS sentinel surveillance in PWUD (Zhejiang Province, 2016–2021) and developed and validated a risk score to improve HCV testing in PWUD. This risk score consists of seven risk factors identified using multivariable logistic regression modeling (2016–2020, exploratory group). We validated this score using surveillance data for 2021 (validation group). The accuracy of the model was determined using C-statistics. Results: We identified seven risk factors, including sex, age, marital status, educational attainment, and the use of heroin, morphine, and methamphetamine. In the exploratory group, the positive rates of detecting the HCV antibody in the low-risk (0–9 points), intermediate-risk (10–16 points), and high-risk (≥17 points) groups were 6.72%, 17.24%, and 38.02%, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). In the validation group, the positive rates in the low-, medium-, and high-risk groups were 4.46%, 12.23%, and 38.99%, respectively (Ptrend < 0.001). Conclusions: We developed and validated a drug-specific risk prediction tool for identifying PWUD at increased risk of HCV infection. This tool can complement and integrate the screening strategy for the purpose of early diagnosis and treatment.
What Influences Farmers’ Adoption of Soil Testing and Formulated Fertilization Technology in Black Soil Areas? An Empirical Analysis Based on Logistic-ISM Model
Authors: Xu Yuxuan , Liu Hongbin , Lyu Jie , Xue Ying
Published: November 2022

Along with the increasing prominence of environmental risks such as soil surface source pollution and declining quality grade of arable land, the issues of how to address irrational fertilizer application and enhance the safety of agricultural products have attracted widespread attention. In this context, clarifying the main factors affecting farmers’ use of soil testing and formulated fertilization technology (STFFT) can further improve the technology adoption rate and fertilizer utilization efficiency, promote standardized agricultural production and maintain the health and stability of soil ecology in black soil areas. This is of great significance to the construction of green agriculture, national dietary health and national food security. This study builds an “external environmental stimuli-perceived characteristics-adoption behavior” theoretical framework to investigate the decision-making and the dynamic influence mechanisms of farmers’ adoption behavior of STFFT. Based on farmer survey data, the logistic-ISM model has been applied. The main findings are as follows. First, five types of influencing factors, namely individual characteristics, family characteristics, business characteristics, cognitive characteristics and external environmental characteristics, had significant “push” effects on farmers’ STFFT adoption behavior. Among them, planting scale and technical training are the key factors influencing farmers’ adoption of scientific fertilizer application technology. Second, both farmers’ perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness play a significant role in farmers’ decision-making process, and the easier farmers perceive STFFT to be to master and the greater the benefits it brings, the more pronounced the tendency to adopt the technology, all other influencing conditions being equal. Third, the main influencing factors of farmers’ STFFT adoption behavior are intrinsically related and divided into four categories based on the magnitude of influence: deep-rooted, medium indirect, shallow indirect and superficial direct. In order to reduce further degradation of black soil caused by farmers’ irrational production habits and to improve resource utilization efficiency, this study recommends the government to further regulate the land transfer market, strengthen the propagation of soil-conservation-type technologies in black soil areas, expand the breadth of agricultural technology training and enhance farmers’ understanding and trust in STFFT. Thus, the maintenance of soil ecosystem in black soil areas, effective guarantee of food security and sustainable development of agriculture can be achieved.
Fire Risk Assessments of Informal Settlements Based on Fire Risk Index and Bayesian Network
Authors: Hu Jun , Xie Xuecai , Shu Xueming , Shen Shifei , Ni Xiaoyong , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2022

The specific risk assessment of informal settlements (IS) is important for the management of IS and protection of environmental safety and public health. In this paper, we introduced the different types of IS in China, and conducted the fire risk assessment on 26 burning buildings in these IS, providing a semi-quantitative and scenario fire risk perception of IS in China for the readers. Two methods, the risk index and the Bayesian network, are proposed and adopted for the fire risk assessment in IS. First, a risk index system with a total of 69 factors is used to assess the degree of fire risk of buildings in IS semi-quantitatively, and the result shows that fire equipment and fire safety management on IS are seriously lacking. Then, a Bayesian network of building fire risk with a total of 66 nodes was established to assess the fire risk from ignition to spread as well as the safety evacuation. Overall, the possibility of ignition is high, but due to the role of fire equipment and fire protection design, the possibilities of fire from ignition to spread is gradually reduced. Finally, we also put forward some feasible suggestions for occupants in IS, community organizations and emergency managers to reduce the fire risk from the aspects of fire equipment and fire safety management.
Microseismic Dynamic Response and Multi-Source Warning during Rockburst Monitoring Based on Weight Decision Analysis
Authors: Tian Jiawei , Chen Dong , Liu Zhentang , Sun Weichen
Published: November 2022

To prevent rockburst disasters and improve the accuracy of warnings for rockburst, based on the microseismic data of the 1366 working face of Hengda Coal Mine collected by the microseismic monitoring system, Fourier transform, wavelet packet transform, and Hilbert–Huang transform analysis methods are used for time-frequency domain joint analysis. The time-frequency differences of the main frequency, amplitude, frequency band percentage, and instantaneous energy of the high-energy microseismic event and the events before high-energy microseismic event are obtained. The analysis shows that the high-energy event has obvious low frequency characteristics, and when the high-energy event occurs, the instantaneous energy shows an obvious “inverted V” trend. At the same time, it is found that the acoustoelectric indexes show a trend of “rising” or “inverted V” when the high-energy event occurs. On this basis, the unascertained measure comprehensive evaluation model of rock burst hazard is established by analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Based on the analysis of microseismic data and the acoustoelectric index of the 1366 working face in Hengda coal mine, it is of great significance to determine the warning indicators for rockburst, improve the accuracy of uncertainty quantitative analysis for rockburst, and improve the discrimination accuracy of rockburst risk.
Impact of Different Transportation Modes on the Transmission of COVID-19: Correlation and Strategies from a Case Study in Wuhan, China
Authors: Bao Danwen , Yin Liping , Tian Shijia , Lv Jialin , Wang Yanjun , Wang Jian , Liao Chaohao
Published: November 2022

Transportation is the main carrier of population movement, so it is significant to clarify how different transportation modes influence epidemic transmission. This paper verified the relationship between different levels of facilities and epidemic transmission by use of the K-means clustering method and the Mann–Whitney U test. Next, quantile regression and negative binomial regression were adopted to evaluate the relationship between transportation modes and transmission patterns. Finally, this paper proposed a control efficiency indicator to assess the differentiated strategies. The results indicated that the epidemic appeared 2–3 days earlier in cities with strong hubs, and the diagnoses were nearly fourfold than in other cities. In addition, air and road transportation were strongly associated with transmission speed, while railway and road transportation were more correlated with severity. A prevention strategy that considered transportation facility levels resulted in a reduction of the diagnoses of about 6%, for the same cost. The results of different strategies may provide valuable insights for cities to develop more efficient control measures and an orderly restoration of public transportation during the steady phase of the epidemic.
Selective Photocatalytic Transformation of Lignin to Aromatic Chemicals by Crystalline Carbon Nitride in Water–Acetonitrile Solutions
Authors: Huang Meirou , Guo Huiqin , Zeng Zhenxing , Xiao Hong , Hu Hong , He Liu , Li Kexin , Liu Xiaoming , Yan Liushui
Published: November 2022

The photocatalytic conversion of lignin to aromatic compounds in aqueous solutions is a promising approach. We herein report a crystalline carbon nitride prepared by high-temperature thermal polymerization and alkali-metal molten salt treatment, which was then applied in the selective conversion of lignin to aromatic compounds. The results showed that the tri-s-tri-C3N4 presented a relatively high activity and selectivity for the conversion of lignin in aqueous solutions. In a 95% water–acetonitrile solution, it achieved a relatively high conversation rate of lignin, reaching 62.00%, and the selectivity of the C-C bond cleavage was high, at 86.8%. The characterization results obtained by TEM, UV-vis/DRS, PL, and transient photocurrent response showed that the ultra-high activity of tri-s-tri-C3N4 was mainly due to the improvements in crystallinity and light absorption. Mechanism studies showed that the dispersion of the catalyst and the combination of lignin and catalyst in aqueous solvents with different acetonitrile ratios were the main factors affecting lignin conversion. As the water content in the solutions increased, the primary active sites were converted from h+ to ·O2−. This study revealed the interactions between lignin, photocatalysts, and reaction solutions, providing a theoretical basis for the photocatalytic conversion of lignin in aqueous solutions.
Emotional Impact and Perception of Support in Nursing Home Residents during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Crespo-Martín Almudena , Palacios-Ceña Domingo , Huertas-Hoyas Elisabet , Güeita-Rodríguez Javier , Fernández-Gómez Gemma , Pérez-Corrales Jorge
Published: November 2022

Social isolation measures implemented in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic generated occupational imbalance, discomfort, and mental health impairment in residents. We aimed to analyze the lived experience of elderly nursing home residents during the lockdown and social contact restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Exploratory qualitative study. Information was collected through in-depth interviews and field notes. An inductive thematic analysis was performed and international recommendations for the development of qualitative studies were followed. Results: Twenty-four participants residing in nursing homes were included. Two main themes were identified: (1) emotional impact of the experience of COVID-19 lockdown (subthemes: experience of contradictory feelings; illness and death; importance of routine; feeling busy; and role of religious beliefs); and (2) support as a therapeutic tool (subthemes: family support; peer support; and professional support). Conclusion: Social restrictions by COVID-19 caused significant changes in residents’ occupations and routines, producing fear, loneliness, and abandonment of desired occupations; however, very important supports were also identified that helped to overcome the lockdown, such as social support, spirituality, and gratitude.
Benefits of a Wearable Activity Tracker with Safety Features for Older Adults: An Intervention Study
Authors: Hvalič-Touzery Simona , Šetinc Mojca , Dolničar Vesna
Published: November 2022

Accidental falls and physical inactivity are important age-related issues for which smart technologies have demonstrated potential utility. This research aimed to explore the benefits of combining wearable activity monitors and telecare for older adults. A four-month interventional study was conducted between June 2021 and February 2022 in Slovenia. A purposive sample of 22 dyads of older adults aged 60 years and over and their relatives or family members used a wearable GoLiveClip device. The Pillar Integration Process was used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data. Seven pillars emerged: (1) the use of smart technologies as a motivator for physical activity; (2) factors related to smart technology use affecting physical activity levels; (3) increased usefulness of smart technologies for users who completed the study; (4) activity monitoring as the most useful functionality of the solution; (5) the influence of technical problems on usefulness; (6) the influence of age and previous experience with smart technologies on usefulness; and (7) moderate psychological effects of smart technology use. Activity trackers were found to effectively promote physical activity in older adults, and safety features were shown to be an important part of the solution, regardless of health status or physical activity level.
When Chinese Employees Speak Up: The Experience of Organizational Trust and Authenticity Enhances Employees’ Voice Behavior
Authors: Liu Xingyun , Song Lili , Zheng Jiewen , Wang Yong
Published: November 2022

Voice behavior is important for innovation, mistake prevention and organizational performance. Because organizational trust increases employees’ possibility of disclosing their real inner ideas, we examined the relationships between organizational trust and voice behavior, focusing especially on the avenue of impelling people to feel a higher level of authenticity. We used multiple methods to analyze the relationship. First, we used two separate surveys (Studies 1a and 1b) with different questionnaires and populations to analyze the mediation relationship and generalize the results. Then, to test the causal path, an experiment (Study 2a) in which organizational trust was manipulated was designed. The results showed that employees’ authenticity mediated the relation between organizational trust and voice behavior. To further test the causal effect of authenticity in the above mediation, authenticity was manipulated in another experiment (Study 2b). The results illustrated that higher levels of authenticity directly led to higher levels of voice behavior. These results support the hypothesis and expound on the psychological mechanism of how organizational trust increases voice behavior. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Influence of Salts on the Photocatalytic Degradation of Formic Acid in Wastewater
Authors: Che Abdul Rahim Azzah Nazihah , Yamada Shotaro , Bonkohara Haruki , Mestre Sergio , Imai Tsuyoshi , Hung Yung-Tse , Kumakiri Izumi
Published: November 2022

Conventional wastewater treatment technologies have difficulties in feasibly removing persistent organics. The photocatalytic oxidation of these contaminants offers an economical and environmentally friendly solution. In this study, TiO2 membranes and Ag/TiO2 membranes were prepared and used for the decomposition of dissolved formic acid in wastewater. The photochemical deposition of silver on a TiO2 membrane improved the decomposition rate. The rate doubled by depositing ca. 2.5 mg of Ag per 1 g of TiO2. The influence of salinity on formic acid decomposition was studied. The presence of inorganic salts reduced the treatment performance of the TiO2 membranes to half. Ag/TiO2 membranes had a larger reduction of ca. 40%. The performance was recovered by washing the membranes with water. The anion adsorption on the membrane surface likely caused the performance reduction.
Filamentous Bacteria and Stalked Ciliates for the Stable Structure of Aerobic Granular Sludge Treating Wastewater
Authors: Liang Yifan , Pan Zengrui , Guo Tao , Feng Hongbo , Yan Anqi , Ni Yongjiong , Li Jun
Published: November 2022

Aerobic granular sludge (AGS) is a promising technology for wastewater treatment. AGS formation belongs to microbial self-aggregation. Investigation of the formation and stability of AGS is widely paid attention to, in particular the structure stability of large size granules. Two types of AGS were developed in two sequencing batch reactors fed by two different wastewaters, respectively. Through confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the structure and composition of granules were analyzed. Filamentous bacteria were observed in granules from synthetic wastewater reactor, while filamentous bacteria and stalked ciliates (Epistylis sp.) were simultaneously found in granules from domestic wastewater reactor. The analytic results show that filamentous bacteria and stalked ciliates acting as skeletons play important roles in the formation and stability of granules. With the bonding of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), the filamentous bacteria and stalked ciliates could build bridges and frames to promote the aggregation of bacteria; these microorganisms could create a space grid structure around the surface layer of granules to enhance the strength of granules, and the remnants of the stalks could serve as supports to fix the steadiness of granules.
Association between PM1 Exposure and Lung Function in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zong Zhiqiang , Zhao Mengjie , Zhang Mengyue , Xu Kexin , Zhang Yunquan , Zhang Xiujun , Hu Chengyang
Published: November 2022

The detrimental effects of PM2.5 and PM10 (particulate matter less than 2.5 or 10 μm) on human respiratory system, including lung function, have been widely assessed. However, the associations between PM1 (particulate matter of less than 1 μm) and lung function in children and adolescents are less explored, and current evidence is inconsistent. We conducted a meta-analysis of the literature on the association between PM1 and lung function in children and adolescents to fill this gap. With no date or language constraints, we used a combination of MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms and free text to search PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases through, 1 October 2022 for “PM1 exposure” and “lung function”. A total of 6420 relevant studies were identified through our initial search, and seven studies were included in our study. In this meta-analysis, the fixed effect and random effects statistical models were used to estimate the synthesized effects of the seven included studies. For every 10 μg/m3 increase in short-term PM1 exposure, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximal mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) decreased by 31.82 mL (95% CI: 20.18, 43.45), 32.28 mL (95% CI: 16.73, 48.91), 36.85 mL/s (95% CI: 15.33, 58.38) and 34.51 mL/s (95% CI: 19.61, 49.41), respectively. For each 10 μg/m3 increase in long-term PM1 exposure, FVC, FEV1, PEF and MMEF decreased by 102.34 mL (95% CI: 49.30, 155.38), 75.17 mL (95% CI: 39.61, 110.73), 119.01 mL/s (95% CI: 72.14, 165.88) and 44.94 mL/s (95% CI: 4.70, 85.18), respectively. Our study provides further scientific evidence for the harmful effects of PM1 exposure on lung function in children and adolescents, indicating that exposure to PM1 is detrimental to pulmonary health. To reduce the adverse health effects of air pollution on children and adolescents, effective preventive measures should be taken.
Effects of 12-Month Interdisciplinary Interventions in 8- and 9-Year-Old Children with Excess Body Weight
Authors: Raducha Dominika , Ratajczak Joanna , Jackowski Tomasz , Horodnicka-Józwa Anita , Szmit-Domagalska Justyna , Walczak Mieczysław , Petriczko Elżbieta
Published: November 2022

Childhood obesity remains one of the most serious medical challenges of the 21st century. The aim of the study was to obtain epidemiological data on the prevalence of overweight and obesity among 8- and 9-year-old children in Szczecin, and to evaluate the effectiveness of medical intervention in the form of a year of interdisciplinary work with children with excess body weight. The study consisted of two main stages: I—screening, II—intervention. The program was implemented for three consecutive years, starting in 2016–2018. The entire population of 8–9-year-olds in Szczecin is 11,494 children. In the screening part of the study, 4890 children took part, whose parent agreed to participate (42.54%). In the intervention part of the study, we analyzed a group of 515 children. Children were further divided into subgroups according to the number of visits completed. Anthropometric parameters were measured on each visit. The prevalence of overweight and obesity in the screened population was 16.9% and 6.4%, respectively. Statistically significant changes were observed in BMI (Body Mass Index) percentiles and BMI z-scores, as well as WHR (Waist-Hip Ratio) during the one year observation time. The best effects were achieved by the 3rd visit (for the first 6 months of the program). Thereafter, the effects diminished due to the longer interval between the 3rd and 4th visits (6 months). There is the need for long-term programs for the prevention of excessive body weight in children and adolescents with frequent checkpoints.