bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remote-Sensing Drought Monitoring in Sichuan Province from 2001 to 2020 Based on MODIS Data
Authors: Chen Yuxin , Yang Jiajia , Xu Yuanyuan , Zhang Weilai , Wang Yongxiang , Wei Jiaxuan , Cheng Wuxue
Published: November 2022

In this study, four drought monitoring indices were selected to simulate drought monitoring in the study area and a correlation analysis was conducted using the self-calibrated Palmer Drought Index (sc-PDSI) to screen for the most suitable drought monitoring index for the study area. Then, the spatio-temporal variation characteristics of drought in the study area were discussed and analyzed. The results showed that the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) was most suitable for drought monitoring in the Sichuan Province. CWSI had the best monitoring in grasslands (r = 0.48), the worst monitoring in woodlands (r = 0.43) and the highest fitting degree of overall correlation (r = 0.47). The variation of drought time in the Sichuan Province showed an overall trend of wetting and the drought situation was greatly alleviated. In the past 20 years, the dry years in the Sichuan Province were from 2001 to 2007, in which the driest years were 2006 and 2007; 2012–2013 was the transition interval between drought and wet; any year from 2013 to 2020 was a wet year, showing a transition trend of “drought first and then wet”. The spatial distribution of drought was greater in the south than in the north and greater in the west than in the east. Panzhihua City and the southern part of the Liangshan Prefecture were the most arid areas, while the non-arid areas were the border zone between the western Sichuan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin. Looking at the spatial distribution of drought, “mild drought” accounted for the largest percentage of the total area (60%), mainly concentrated in the western Sichuan plateau. The second largest was “drought free” (33%), mostly concentrated in the transition area between the western Sichuan Plateau and the Sichuan Basin (western Aba Prefecture, Ya’an City, Leshan City and northern Liangshan Prefecture). The area of “moderate drought” accounted for a relatively small proportion (6%), mainly concentrated in Panzhihua City, the surrounding areas of Chengdu City and the southern area of the Liangshan Prefecture. The area of severe drought accounted for the least (1%), mostly distributed in Panzhihua City and a small part in the southern Liangshan Prefecture. The drought center ranged from 101.8° E to 103.6° E and 28.8° N to 29.8° N, with the movement trend of the drought center moving from the northeast to the southwest to the northeast.
Comparison of Planetary Boundary Layer Height Derived from Lidar in AD-Net and ECMWFs Reanalysis Data over East Asia
Authors: Zhang Zhijuan , Mu Ling , Li Chen
Published: November 2022

The planetary boundary layer height is a very important parameter in the atmosphere because it determines the range where the most effective dispersion processes take place, and it serves as a medium for the vertical transport of heat, moisture, and pollutants. The accurate estimation of boundary layer height (BLH) is vital for air pollution prediction. In this paper, the BLH estimated by AD-Net was compared with that from the ECMWFs over East Asia from September 2015 to August 2018. A continuous 24 h BLH estimation from AD-Net generally matched with the aerosol vertical structures. Diurnal and seasonal variation and spatial variation of BLH can also be shown, suggesting the good performance of AD-Net BLH. The comparison of seasonal mean BLH between AD-Net and ECMWFs was conducted at 20 lidar sites. On average, there was an underestimation of the ECMWFs, mostly in summer and winter. A significant disagreement between AD-Net and the ECMWFs was noted, especially over coastal areas and mountain areas. In order to investigate the difference between them, two BLHs were compared under different land cover types and climate conditions. In general, the BLH of the ECMWFs was less than that of AD-Net over most of the land cover types in summer and winter. The smallest differences (0.26 km) existed over water surfaces in winter compared with AD-Net, and the largest underestimation (1.42 km) occurred over grassland surfaces in summer. Similarly, all the BLHs of the ECMWFs were lesser than those of AD-Net under different climatological conditions in summer and winter. The mean difference between AD-Net BLH and ECMWFs BLH was 1.05, 0.71, and 0.48 km for arid regions, semi-arid and semi-wet regions, and wet regions, respectively. The largest underestimation occurred over arid regions in winter, with a value of 1.42 km. The smallest underestimation occurred over wet regions, with a value of 0.27 km. The present research provides better insight into the BLH performance in the ECMWFs reanalysis data. The new continuous PBL dataset can be used to improve the model parameterization of PBL and our understanding of the atmospheric transport of pollutants which affect air quality and human health.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Environmental Air Quality Based on the Entropy Weights and Concentration Variation Trends of Pollutants
Authors: Zheng Hao , Yang Zhen , Yang Jianhua , Tao Yanan , Zhang Linlin
Published: November 2022

The comprehensive index method has difficulties in evaluating the influence of air pollutant concentration changes on ambient air quality. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation method based on pollutant entropy weights and trend-regulating factors is proposed. According to the information entropy rates of 6 pollutants, the single entropy weight index is proposed by integrating it with the single-quality index, which reflects pollutant variations in evaluation periods. The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between the pollutant and Air Quality Index (AQI) is defined as the trend-regulating factor, which indicates the correlations between pollutants and improvements or retrogressions in ambient air quality. The covariance is used to determine the variation trend of ambient air quality, which decides the positive or negative of trend-regulating factor. This method is used to study the ambient air quality rates in 10 cities of Shaanxi Province from 2017 to 2022. The trends of air quality improvements vary among the central, northern, and southern cities. The central cities have more spaces for air quality improvements in terms of PM2.5 and O3. Although prevention efforts have reduced the impacts of pollutants, PM2.5 is still the key factor affecting improvements in ambient air quality in most cities in winter. Additionally, the O3 pollution in summer was not controlled effectively. The contribution to air pollution of O3 increased, on the contrary with the improvement in air quality. The coordinated control of PM2.5 and O3 is still an important method of ambient air quality improvement.
Spatio–Temporal Variation of Extreme Climates and Its Relationship with Teleconnection Patterns in Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei from 1980 to 2019
Authors: Wang Jinjie , Zhao Anzhou
Published: November 2022

Extreme climate events have a significant impact both on the ecological environment and human society, and it is crucial to analyze the spatial–temporal evolutionary trends of extreme climate. Based on the RClimDex model, this study used trend analysis, probability density function, and wavelet coherence analysis to analyze the spatiotemporal variation characteristics of extreme climate indices and their response mechanisms to teleconnection patterns. The results of the study show that: (1) All the extreme precipitation indices, except max 1-day precipitation amount, max 5-day precipitation amount, and extremely wet days increased, with no significant abrupt changes. The extreme warm indices increased and extreme cold indices decreased. The years with abrupt changes were mainly distributed between 1988 and 1997. (2) Spatially, the extreme precipitation indices of most meteorological stations decreased, except for the simple daily intensity index and the number of very heavy precipitation days. The extreme warm indices of most meteorological stations increased, and the extreme cold indices decreased. (3) Except for consecutive dry days, the frequency of extreme precipitation indices increased significantly, the severity and frequency of high-temperature events increased, while the frequency of low-temperature events increased, but the severity decreased. The results of rescaled range (R/S) analysis indicated that the climate in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region will further tend to be warm and humid in the future. (4) The Polar/Eurasia Pattern, the East Atlantic Pattern, the Arctic Oscillation, and the East Atlantic/West Russian Pattern were most closely associated with extreme climate events in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. The multi-factor combination greatly enhanced the explanatory power of the teleconnection pattern for extreme climates.
Net Ecosystem CO2 Exchange in Mountain Grasslands Is Seriously Endangered by the Temperature Increase in the Eastern Pyrenees
Authors: Ibañez Mercedes , Sebastià Maria Teresa
Published: November 2022

Mediterranean mountain grasslands, including the Pyrenees, are highly vulnerable to climate change, due to the increasing temperatures and heat weaves frequency, among other factors. However, the effects of the increased temperatures on CO2 fluxes in those ecosystems have been barley explored. To address this gap of knowledge, we established the FLUXPYR-ECOFUN micrometeorological flux network, which included three eddy covariance flux stations in grasslands along a management and a climatic gradient (montane to subalpine) at the Pyrenees; we aimed at assessing interactions among environmental and phenological drivers on CO2 fluxes, with special attention at the role of temperature as CO2 flux driver under the different climatic and management conditions across the studied gradient. Our results showed that temperature drove CO2 dynamics along the studied gradient in different ways. At the subalpine grassland net CO2 uptake was linearly enhanced by temperature and CO2 fluxes had not reached a temperature shifting point yet (according to the segmented linear models) at which the net uptake would become CO2 emissions. This suggests that in the short term, and under the incoming enhanced temperatures, sub-alpine grasslands in the Pyrenees might increase their net CO2 uptake, although the mid long-term uptake may be compromised. On the contrary, the montane grasslands already presented CO2 emissions at the highest temperatures, most likely driven by a decrease in the greenness and photosynthesis, which suggests that montane grasslands are expected to reduce their CO2 sink capacity under the increasing temperatures. Overall, mountain grasslands in the mid- to long-term in the Pyrenees may experience a reduction in their net CO2 uptake capacity under the current climate change scenario.
Agricultural Production, Renewable Energy Consumption, Foreign Direct Investment, and Carbon Emissions: New Evidence from Africa
Authors: Chidiebere-Mark Nneka Maris , Onyeneke Robert Ugochukwu , Uhuegbulem Ifeyinwa Josephine , Ankrah Daniel Adu , Onyeneke Louis Uchenna , Anukam Basil Ngozichukwu , Chijioke-Okere Maureen Obiageli
Published: November 2022

This paper explores the nexus between agricultural production, renewable energy, foreign direct investment (FDI), and carbon emissions in Africa, where there is limited evidence on the topic. Relying on panel data covering thirty-one African countries obtained from the World Bank World Development Indicators and FAOSTAT databases, we answered the question of whether agricultural production (proxied by livestock production, fertilizer consumption, and land under cereal cultivation), the use of renewable energy, and FDI increase or reduce carbon emissions. Using the panel autoregressive distributed lag model for analysis, our results show that net FDI, fertilizer consumption, livestock production significantly increased carbon emissions, both in the short run and long run. Meanwhile, renewable energy use consumption significantly decreased carbon emissions, both in the short run and long run. Specifically, a 1% increase in net FDI increased total carbon emissions by 0.003% in the short run and by 0.01% in the long run. Renewable energy consumption significantly decreased carbon emissions, both in the short run and long run. A 1% increase in renewable energy consumption decreased total carbon emissions by 0.16% in the short run and by 0.22% in the long run. Additionally, fertilizer consumption and livestock production significantly increased carbon emissions in the short run and long run. A 1% increase in fertilizer consumption increased total carbon emissions by 0.01% in the short run and by 0.04% in the long run, while a 1% increase in livestock production increased total carbon emissions by 0.20% in the short run and by 0.56% in the long run. The findings call for investment in renewable energy technologies and consumption while advocating for large-scale uptake of climate-smart agriculture, and environmentally friendly targeted foreign direct investments on the continent.
Spatial-Temporal Variation of AOD Based on MAIAC AOD in East Asia from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Wang Ping , Tang Qingxin , Zhu Yuxin , He Yaqian , Yu Quanzhou , Liang Tianquan , Zheng Ke
Published: November 2022

In recent years, atmospheric aerosol pollution has seriously affected the ecological environment and human health. Understanding the spatial and temporal variation of AOD is essential to revealing the impact of aerosols on the environment. Based on the MAIAC AOD 1 km product from 2011 to 2020, we analyzed AOD’s distribution patterns and trends in different time series across East Asia. The results showed that: (1) The annual average AOD in East Asia varied between 0.203 and 0.246, with a decrease of 14.029%. The areas with high AOD values were mainly located in the North China Plain area, the Sichuan Basin area, and the Ganges Delta area, with 0.497, 0.514, and 0.527, respectively. Low AOD values were mainly found in the Tibetan Plateau and in mountainous areas north of 40° N, with 0.061 in the Tibetan Plateau area. (2) The distribution of AOD showed a logarithmic decreasing trend with increasing altitude. Meanwhile, the lower the altitude, the faster the rate of AOD changes with altitude. (3) The AOD of East Asia showed different variations in characteristics in different seasons. The maximum, minimum, and mean values of AOD in spring and summer were much higher than those in autumn and winter. The monthly average AOD reached a maximum of 0.326 in March and a minimum of 0.190 in November. The AOD showed a continuous downward trend from March to September. The highest quarterly AOD values in the North China Plain occurred in summer, while the highest quarterly AOD values in the Sichuan Basin, the Ganges Delta, and the Tibetan Plateau all occurred in spring, similar to the overall seasonal variation in East Asia.
Rainfall Simulations of High-Impact Weather in South Africa with the Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM)
Authors: Bopape Mary-Jane M. , Engelbrecht Francois A. , Maisha Robert , Chikoore Hector , Ndarana Thando , Lekoloane Lesetja , Thatcher Marcus , Mulovhedzi Patience T. , Rambuwani Gift T. , Barnes Michael A. , Mkhwanazi Musa , Mphepya Jonas
Published: November 2022

Warnings of severe weather with a lead time longer that two hours require the use of skillful numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. In this study, we test the performance of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Conformal Cubic Atmospheric Model (CCAM) in simulating six high-impact weather events, with a focus on rainfall predictions in South Africa. The selected events are tropical cyclone Dineo (16 February 2017), the Cape storm (7 June 2017), the 2017 Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) floods (10 October 2017), the 2019 KZN floods (22 April 2019), the 2019 KZN tornadoes (12 November 2019) and the 2020 Johannesburg floods (5 October 2020). Three configurations of CCAM were compared: a 9 km grid length (MN9km) over southern Africa nudged within the Global Forecast System (GFS) simulations, and a 3 km grid length over South Africa (MN3km) nudged within the 9 km CCAM simulations. The last configuration is CCAM running with a grid length of 3 km over South Africa, which is nudged within the GFS (SN3km). The GFS is available with a grid length of 0.25°, and therefore, the configurations allow us to test if there is benefit in the intermediate nudging at 9 km as well as the effects of resolution on rainfall simulations. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) station rainfall dataset is used for verification purposes. All three configurations of CCAM are generally able to capture the spatial pattern of rainfall associated with each of the events. However, the maximum rainfall associated with two of the heaviest rainfall events is underestimated by CCAM with more than 100 mm. CCAM simulations also have some shortcomings with capturing the location of heavy rainfall inland and along the northeast coast of the country. Similar shortcomings were found with other NWP models used in southern Africa for operational forecasting purposes by previous studies. CCAM generally simulates a larger rainfall area than observed, resulting in more stations reporting rainfall. Regarding the different configurations, they are more similar to one another than observations, however, with some suggestion that MN3km outperforms other configurations, in particular with capturing the most extreme events. The performance of CCAM in the convective scales is encouraging, and further studies will be conducted to identify areas of possible improvement.
Effects of Mixed Cropping of Garden Plants with Brassica parachinensis on Remediation of Cr-Polluted Soil in Community Garden
Authors: Cui Shiyu , Liu Wenbin , Jin Hexian , Yi Qiao , Wang Ying , Liu Dan
Published: November 2022

Industrialization and urbanization have produced large amounts of atmospheric and soil pollutants. Among them, heavy metals are one of the main byproducts that are widely distributed in the atmosphere, water, soil and organisms, which have a great impact on climate. It is of great significance to reduce their enrichment in soil by ecological restoration methods for the sustainable development of urban atmosphere and climate. This study investigated the effects of different garden plants (Festuca arundinacea, Ageratum conyzoides, Trifolium repens) mixed with Brassica parachinensis on plant growth, physiological indexes and Cr (chromium) content in aboveground and underground parts in Cr (the main heavy metal pollution produced by industrialization) contaminated soil. The yield of B. parachinensis was the highest under the mixed cropping mode with T. repens, with the Cr content in edible parts being lower than the standard, suggesting an effective combination of B. parachinensis in community gardens. The mixed cropping of F. arundinacea with Bra decreased B. parachinensis yield. Under the mixed cropping of A. conyzoides, the edible parts of B. parachinensis were aggravated by Cr pollution, which was not recommended for planting. Our results suggest that converting the monoculture mode of vegetables to mixed cropping with garden plants reduced heavy metal pollution of community garden plants and improved soil productivity and environmental quality.
Spatial Variation and Relation of Aerosol Optical Depth with LULC and Spectral Indices
Authors: Sharma Vipasha , Ghosh Swagata , Singh Sultan , Vishwakarma Dinesh Kumar , Al-Ansari Nadhir , Tiwari Ravindra Kumar , Kuriqi Alban
Published: November 2022

In the current study area (Faridabad, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Gautam Buddha Nagar), the aerosol concentration is very high, adversely affecting the environmental conditions and air quality. Investigating the impact of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) on Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) helps us to develop effective solutions for improving air quality. Hence, the spectral indices derived from LULC ((Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), Soil adjusted vegetation index (SAVI), Enhanced vegetation index (EVI), and Normalized difference build-up index (NDBI)) with Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Multiangle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) high spatial resolution (1 km) AOD from the years 2010–2019 (less to high urbanized period) has been correlated. The current study used remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques to examine changes in LULC in the current study region over the ten years (2010–2019) and the relationship between LULC and AOD. A significant increase in built-up areas (12.18%) and grasslands (51.29%) was observed during 2010–2019, while cropland decreased by 4.42%. A positive correlation between NDBI and SAVI (0.35, 0.27) indicates that built-up soils play an important role in accumulating AOD in a semi-arid region. At the same time, a negative correlation between NDVI and EVI (−0.24, −0.15) indicates the removal of aerosols due to an increase in vegetation. The results indicate that SAVI can play an important role in PM2.5 modeling in semi-arid regions. Based on these findings, urban planners can improve land use management, air quality, and urban planning.
Multi-Scale Spatiotemporal Variations and Drivers of PM2.5 in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei from 2015 to 2020
Authors: Liu Nanjian , Li Song , Zhang Fengtai
Published: November 2022

Understanding the spatiotemporal heterogeneity and complex drivers of PM2.5 concentration variations has important scientific value for sustainable urban development. Taking Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) as the research area, and using spatial analysis techniques and wavelet methods to explore the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of variations in PM2.5 concentrations, the research shows that in the past six years (2015–2020), the PM2.5 concentrations in the BTH area have a downward trend, and the mean is 59.41 μg/m3; however, the distribution pattern of PM2.5 pollution has changed very little, and the concentration in the south and southwest is still generally high. The continuous wavelet transform revealed that the PM2.5 concentrations in the study area have a short period of about a week to a half a month and a long period dominated by annual cycle. The effect of a single meteorological factor on PM2.5 concentrations is weak, but this effect has obvious spatial differentiation characteristics from coastal to inland and has a double-sided effect due to different geographical locations. The wavelet transform coherence revealed that dewpoint temperature at 2 m (TED), meridional wind at 10 m (WV) and air temperature at 2 m (TEM) are important single meteorological factors that affect the variation of PM2.5 concentrations. The multiple wavelet coherence reveals that in scenarios where two meteorological factors are combined, the combination of TED-mean wind speed (WS) is the best combination to explain the variation in PM2.5 concentrations (AWC = 0.77, PASC = 41%). In the combination of three meteorological factors, TEM-WV-WS explained the variations of PM2.5 concentrations in the BTH region to the greatest degree (AWC = 0.89, PASC = 45%). Finally, the research shows that the variations of PM2.5 concentrations in the BTH region can be better explained by a combination of 2–3 meteorological factors, among which temperature and wind are the key meteorological factors. This research will provide a new window for the multi-scale variation characteristics and multi-factor control relationship of PM2.5 concentrations in the BTH region and provide a new insight for the prevention and control of air pollution.
Comprehensive Sequence Analysis of Parvalbumins in Fish and Their Comparison with Parvalbumins in Tetrapod Species
Authors: Dijkstra Johannes M. , Kondo Yasuto
Published: November 2022

Parvalbumins are small molecules with important functions in Ca2+ signaling, but their sequence comparisons to date, especially in fish, have been relatively poor. We here, characterize sequence motifs that distinguish parvalbumin subfamilies across vertebrate species, as well as those that distinguish individual parvalbumins (orthologues) in fish, and map them to known parvalbumin structures. As already observed by others, all classes of jawed vertebrates possess parvalbumins of both the α-parvalbumin and oncomodulin subfamilies. However, we could not find convincing phylogenetic support for the common habit of classifying all non-α-parvalbumins together as “β-parvalbumins.” In teleost (modern bony) fish, we here distinguish parvalbumins 1-to-10, of which the gene copy number can differ between species. The genes for α-parvalbumins (pvalb6 and pvalb7) and oncomodulins (pvalb8 and pvalb9) are well conserved between teleost species, but considerable variation is observed in their copy numbers of the non-α/non-oncomodulin genes pvalb1-to-5 and pvalb10. Teleost parvalbumins 1-to-4 are hardly distinguishable from each other and are highly expressed in muscle, and described allergens belong to this subfamily. However, in some fish species α-parvalbumin expression is also high in muscle. Pvalb5 and pvalb10 molecules form distinct lineages, the latter even predating the origin of teleosts, but have been lost in some teleost species. The present study aspires to be a frame of reference for future studies trying to compare different parvalbumins.
Current Status of Field-Effect Transistors for Biosensing Applications
Authors: Ravariu Cristian
Published: November 2022

The latest novelties in electronic biosensors indicate an increased interest in the compatibilization between Field Effect Transistors (FETs) and bioreceptors, either enzymes, antibodies or cells, for the purpose of detecting the multiple analytes [...]
Potential Environmental and Health Implications from the Scaled-Up Production and Disposal of Nanomaterials Used in Biosensors
Authors: McCourt Kelli M. , Cochran Jarad , Abdelbasir Sabah M. , Carraway Elizabeth R. , Tzeng Tzuen-Rong J. , Tsyusko Olga V. , Vanegas Diana C.
Published: November 2022

Biosensors often combine biological recognition elements with nanomaterials of varying compositions and dimensions to facilitate or enhance the operating mechanism of the device. While incorporating nanomaterials is beneficial to developing high-performance biosensors, at the stages of scale-up and disposal, it may lead to the unmanaged release of toxic nanomaterials. Here we attempt to foster connections between the domains of biosensors development and human and environmental toxicology to encourage a holistic approach to the development and scale-up of biosensors. We begin by exploring the toxicity of nanomaterials commonly used in biosensor design. From our analysis, we introduce five factors with a role in nanotoxicity that should be considered at the biosensor development stages to better manage toxicity. Finally, we contextualize the discussion by presenting the relevant stages and routes of exposure in the biosensor life cycle. Our review found little consensus on how the factors presented govern nanomaterial toxicity, especially in composite and alloyed nanomaterials. To bridge the current gap in understanding and mitigate the risks of uncontrolled nanomaterial release, we advocate for greater collaboration through a precautionary One Health approach to future development and a movement towards a circular approach to biosensor use and disposal.
Suicide-Related Knowledge among Italian Early Career Psychiatrists and Trainees: Results from a Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Berardelli Isabella , Aguglia Andrea , Cassioli Emanuele , Bersani Francesco Saverio , Longo Luisa , Luciano Mario , Minichino Amedeo , Santambrogio Jacopo , Solmi Marco , Rossi Rodolfo , Ribolsi Michele , Gattoni Eleonora , Monteleone Alessio Maria
Published: November 2022

The training of mental health professionals is an important component of suicide-prevention programs. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in different Italian regions to evaluate knowledge of, and attitudes toward, suicide as well as the experience of a patient’s suicide or a suicide attempt in early career psychiatrists (ECPs) and trainees (N = 338). The Suicide Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire and the Impact of a Patient’s Suicide on Professional and Personal Lives scale were administered. Furthermore, symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, and arousal were examined through the Impact of Event Scale in ECPs and trainees who had experienced the suicide of a patient or a suicide attempt. Participants with training were more confident in the clinical management of suicide-risk patients. The group with experience of a patient’s suicide reported more suicide skills except for support and supervision. Finally, the participants who reported a patient’s suicide presented a more conservative patient selection, difficulties in relationships, loss of self-esteem, dreams linked to suicide, intrusive thoughts of suicide, guilt, and anger. Our results show that knowledge of, and attitudes toward, suicide are essential in the management of suicide-risk patients.
Negotiating the Beginning of Care: A Grounded Theory Study of Health Services for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Alquati Sara , Ghirotto Luca , De Panfilis Ludovica , Autelitano Cristina , Bertocchi Elisabetta , Artioli Giovanna , Sireci Francesca , Tanzi Silvia , Sacchi Simona
Published: November 2022

A range of professional figures are needed to preserve the quality of life of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study aimed to explore the beginning of the care process as negotiated by people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals. We designed the study according to the constructivist Grounded Theory method, collecting data through open-ended, semi-structured interviews, employing theoretical sampling and constant comparison, and performing conceptual coding as data analysis. By naming the core category “off-beat interfacing”, we were able to show how the demands of the professionals concerned did not correspond to the ability of people with ALS and their proxies to process information, deal with requests, and be at ease in making decisions at the beginning of the shared care pathway. Three categories were generated: (i) navigating different paths, (ii) offering and experiencing a standard, non-personalized pathway, and (iii) anticipating decisions. The network of services must be organized according to guidelines, but must also contemplate a patient-family-centered approach that permits more personalized assistance.
Understanding Problematic Social Media Use in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Narrative Review and Clinical Recommendations
Authors: Dekkers Tycho J. , van Hoorn Jorien
Published: November 2022

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is consistently associated with a host of social problems, such as victimization and difficulties in maintaining close friendships. These problems are not limited to offline relations but also manifest in the online social world, as previous research shows that ADHD is associated with problematic use of social media. Given the ubiquitous nature of social media, the goal of the current review is to understand why adolescents with ADHD demonstrate more problematic social media use than their typically developing peers. To this end, we provide a narrative review on the evidence for the link between ADHD and social media use, and consequently present an integrative framework, which encompasses neurobiological mechanisms (i.e., imbalance theory of brain development and dual pathway model of ADHD) and social mechanisms, including influences from peers and parents. We conclude that empirical work shows most consistent evidence for the link between problematic social media use and ADHD (symptoms), while intensity of social media use is also associated with several other behaviors and outcomes. Finally, we hypothesize how existing interventions for ADHD may work on the identified mechanisms and provide at-hand clinical recommendations for therapists working with adolescents with ADHD who exhibit problematic social media use.
The Effect of COVID-19 Safety Protocols on Hospital Workers’ Mental Health: A Moderated-Mediation Model of COVID-19 Anxiety and Psychological Resilience
Authors: Yin Fang , Feng Zhanchun
Published: November 2022

Social distancing measures can create psychological issues, especially among hospital staff who constantly deal with emergency patients. To explore the mediating role of COVID-19 anxiety on the association between COVID-19 safety protocols and mental health, and to test the moderating role of resilience between COVID-19 safety protocols and COVID-19 anxiety, this work collected data on hospital staff in terms of COVID-19 safety protocols, psychological resilience, COVID-19 anxiety, and improving staff mental health. The effects of the use of COVID-19 safety protocols on COVID-19 anxiety and the mental health of hospital workers in China were also analyzed. The experimental results showed that resilience remarkably moderated COVID-19 safety protocols and COVID-19 anxiety among Chinese hospital staff.
Deviant Peer Affiliation and Adolescent Tobacco and Alcohol Use: The Roles of Tobacco and Alcohol Information Exposure on Social Networking Sites and Digital Literacy
Authors: Bai Xuqing , Yao Liangshuang , Duan Changying , Sun Xiaojun , Niu Gengfeng
Published: November 2022

Due to the prevalence and severe harm of adolescent tobacco and alcohol use, researchers have been paying attention to its influencing factors. From the perspective of the ecological techno-subsystem theory, this study aimed to examine the correlations between deviant peer affiliation, tobacco and alcohol information exposure on social networking sites (SNSs), and adolescent tobacco and alcohol use, as well as the potential protective role of digital literacy. In total, 725 adolescents were recruited to participate in this study. The results showed that deviant peer affiliation was positively associated with adolescent tobacco and alcohol use, SNS tobacco and alcohol information exposure mediated this association, and digital literacy moderated the relationship between SNS information exposure and tobacco and alcohol use. Specifically, the association between SNS tobacco and alcohol information exposure and adolescent tobacco and alcohol use was weaker for those with high digital literacy. These findings not only explore the combined effects of offline and online risk factors but also provide guides for preventing adolescents’ tobacco and alcohol use by cultivating and enhancing digital literacy.
Cyclic Behavior of Multiple Hardening Precast Concrete Shear Walls
Authors: Jiang Hongbo , Sun Jian , Qiu Hongxing , Cao Dafu , Ge Wenjie , Fang Qiang , Cui Hengwei , Chen Kongyang
Published: November 2022

Precast Concrete (PC) shear walls are becoming popular in building structures. With “wet” connection techniques, PC shear walls often behave like conventional cast-in-place walls, where hardening occurs after yielding. In this study, two PC shear walls assembled by the “dry” connection technique, and one cast-in-place shear wall, were tested by means of quasi-static cyclic loading. The main purpose of the experiment was to systematically investigate the cyclic response of PC shear walls with varying types of vertical connection in the form of a friction-bearing device. The results showed that vertical bearing in devices, which mainly stems from the longitudinal elongation of PC wall panels, could enlarge the axial force of end column so that it provided an additional resistance moment. The PC shear wall with weak connection achieved ductile failure and second ascending branches on load-displacement relationship, i.e., secondary hardening, and the wall with strong vertical connection performed great moment capacity as well as tertiary hardening. Compared to cast-in-place walls, the peak load and cumulative hysteretic energy of PC shear walls increased by about 60% and 100%, respectively. A conceptual analysis of the multiple hardening phenomenon is presented based on experimental results.
Pragmatic Design Decision Support for Additive Construction Using Formal Knowledge and Its Prospects for Synergy with a Feedback Mechanism
Authors: Li Chao , Zahedi Ata , Petzold Frank
Published: November 2022

The construction industry has long been labor-intensive, with slow productivity growth and a significant environmental impact. In this regard, the ever-increasing practices of additive manufacturing (AM) in construction have presented a variety of advantages and are deemed one of the critical technologies for the concept of Construction 4.0. Building information modeling (BIM) as an enabler for the digital transformation in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) domain provides a framework for considering novel AM methods during the early stages of architectural design. It is known that decisions during early design stages significantly impact the subsequent planning and construction phases, whereas missing AM knowledge by architects and engineers could in turn impede the adoption of AM technologies when the early determination of appropriate manufacturing methods needs to be made. Meanwhile, the early stages of architectural design are characterized by vagueness, uncertainty, and incompleteness, which have to be clarified iteratively by both architects and domain experts. To this end, this paper introduces a knowledge-driven design decision support that prospectively incorporates an adaptive feedback mechanism under the BIM methodology. As such, architects can be assisted in choosing appropriate construction methods during the early stages of architectural design.
Effect of Interlayer and Inclined Screw Arrangements on the Load-Bearing Capacity of Timber-Concrete Composite Connections
Authors: De Santis Yuri , Sciomenta Martina , Spera Luca , Rinaldi Vincenzo , Fragiacomo Massimo , Bedon Chiara
Published: November 2022

The solution of timber-to-concrete composite (TCC) floors represents a well-established construction technique, which is consistently used for both the retrofitting of existing timber floors and the realization of new diaphragms. The success of TCC floors relies on the intrinsic effectiveness in increasing both the in-plane (for lateral loads) and the out-of-plane (for gravity loads) performance of existing timber floors. As a widespread retrofit intervention, it is common to use existing floorboards as a permanent formwork for the concrete pouring. Rather few research studies of literature, in this regard, highlighted an overall reduction of load capacity and slip modulus due to the presence of such an interposed interlayer. In this regard, the present paper focuses on the use of screws as efficient mechanical connectors and analyses different configurations and inclination angles for their arrangement. This main goal is achieved by performing parametric Finite Element (FE) numerical analyses, validated on previous experimental tests, in order to specifically investigate the influence of the in-between interlayer, as well as the role of friction phenomena and the influence of the test setup and experimental protocol to achieve the basic mechanical performance indicators.
Surveys on Noise in Some Hospital Wards and Self-Reported Reactions from Staff: A Case Study
Authors: Lo Castro Fabio , Iarossi Sergio , Brambilla Giovanni , Mariconte Raffaele , Diano Maurizio , Bruzzaniti Vicente , Strigari Lidia , Raffaele Giorgio , Giliberti Claudia
Published: November 2022

Noise in hospital wards adversely affects the physiological processes of both patients and staff and it is a potential risk for communication breakdowns and errors, causing discomfort and problems regarding the healing of patients, as well as stress, fatigue, and annoyance for staff. Several noise sources are present in the wards, such as HVAC systems, alarms, paging, speech, calls, diagnostic equipment, medical devices, and so forth. This paper describes two surveys carried out at an Italian hospital in Rome to investigate the noise in some wards and to collect self-reported assessments from staff about their working environments, even if such assessments were not required for occupational noise exposure evaluation. Self-reported staff evaluations of the working environment quality and the effects of noise on their performances should be investigated. For this purpose, in this study, questionnaires were designed and submitted to staff members. In addition, noise measurements were taken from short-, medium-, and long-term audio recordings processed to determine psychoacoustic parameters, e.g., loudness, sharpness, roughness, and fluctuation strength. Their applications in enclosed spaces can provide additional information on some features of the noise observed in hospital wards, which may influence the perceptions and relevant extra-auditory effects. Even though the results cannot be generalized, they encourage the development of a methodology for noise surveys in hospital wards, including noise measurements and “ad hoc” questionnaires to collect self-reported reactions from exposed staff members.
Efficiency of VR-Based Safety Training for Construction Equipment: Hazard Recognition in Heavy Machinery Operations
Authors: Shringi Ankit , Arashpour Mehrdad , Golafshani Emadaldin Mohammadi , Rajabifard Abbas , Dwyer Tim , Li Heng
Published: November 2022

Machinery operations on construction sites result in many serious injuries and fatalities. Practical training in a virtual environment is the key to improving the safety performance of machinery operators on construction sites. However, there is limited research focusing on factors responsible for the efficiency of virtual training in increasing hazard identification ability among novice trainees. This study analyzes the efficiency of virtual safety training with head-mounted VR displays against flat screen displays among novice operators. A cohort of tower crane operation trainees was subjected to multiple simulations in a virtual towards this aim. During the simulations, feedback was collected using a joystick to record the accuracy of hazard identification while a post-simulation questionnaire was used to collect responses regarding factors responsible for effective virtual training. Questionnaire responses were analyzed using interval type-2 fuzzy analytical hierarchical process to interpret the effect of display types on training efficiency while joystick response times were statistically analyzed to understand the effect of display types on the accuracy of identification across different types of safety hazards. It was observed that VR headsets increase the efficiency of virtual safety training by providing greater immersion, realism and depth perception while increasing the accuracy of hazard identification for critical hazards such as electric cables.
Immune Response and Outcome of High-Risk Neuroblastoma Patients Immunized with Anti-Idiotypic Antibody Ganglidiomab: Results from Compassionate-Use Treatments
Authors: Klingel Leah , Siebert Nikolai , Troschke-Meurer Sascha , Zumpe Maxi , Ehlert Karoline , Huber Stefanie , Loibner Hans , Mutschlechner Oliver , Lode Holger N.
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: High-risk neuroblastoma (HR-NB) is associated with a poor prognosis despite a multimodal high-intensity treatment regimen, including immunotherapy with anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies (mAb). Here, we investigated the effects of an anti-idiotypic vaccine based on the mAb ganglidiomab that structurally mimics GD2. (2) Methods: Patients with HR-NB treated with anti-GD2 mAb dinutuximab beta and who achieved complete remission after frontline or salvage therapy were offered the vaccine (0.5 mg ganglidiomab adsorbed to Alhydrogel®). Side effects (CTCAE v4.03) and immune responses were determined on each visit. We also evaluated the time to relapse or progression until the last follow-up. (3) Results: Seven HR-NB patients (five frontlines, two relapsed) received 6–22 subcutaneous injections every two weeks. Six of the seven patients showed an immune response. The non-responding patient had a haploidentical stem cell transplantation as part of the previous treatment. No fever, pain, neuropathy, or toxicities ≥ grade 3 occurred during or post-treatment. All immunized patients did not experience relapses or progressions of their neuroblastoma. (4) Conclusions: This is the first-in-man use of the ganglidiomab vaccine, which was well-tolerated, and all patients not pre-treated by haploidentical transplantation developed vaccine-specific immune responses. These findings provide an important basis for the design of prospective clinical trials.
Accurate Diagnosis and Survival Prediction of Bladder Cancer Using Deep Learning on Histological Slides
Authors: Zheng Qingyuan , Yang Rui , Ni Xinmiao , Yang Song , Xiong Lin , Yan Dandan , Xia Lingli , Yuan Jingping , Wang Jingsong , Jiao Panpan , Wu Jiejun , Hao Yiqun , Wang Jianguo , Guo Liantao , Jiang Zhengyu , Wang Lei , Chen Zhiyuan , Liu Xiuheng
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to reduce the mortality rate of bladder cancer (BLCA). We aimed to develop deep learning (DL)-based weakly supervised models for the diagnosis of BLCA and prediction of overall survival (OS) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients using whole slide digitized histological images (WSIs). (2) Methods: Diagnostic and prognostic models were developed using 926 WSIs of 412 BLCA patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. We collected 250 WSIs of 150 BLCA patients from the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University cohort for external validation of the models. Two DL models were developed: a BLCA diagnostic model (named BlcaMIL) and an MIBC prognostic model (named MibcMLP). (3) Results: The BlcaMIL model identified BLCA with accuracy 0.987 in the external validation set, comparable to that of expert uropathologists and outperforming a junior pathologist. The C-index values for the MibcMLP model on the internal and external validation sets were 0.631 and 0.622, respectively. The risk score predicted by MibcMLP was a strong predictor independent of existing clinical or histopathologic indicators, as demonstrated by univariate Cox (HR = 2.390, p < 0.0001) and multivariate Cox (HR = 2.414, p < 0.0001) analyses. The interpretability of DL models can help in the analysis of critical regions associated with tumors to enrich the information obtained from WSIs. Furthermore, the expression of six genes (ANAPC7, MAPKAPK5, COX19, LINC01106, AL161431.1 and MYO16-AS1) was significantly associated with MibcMLP-predicted risk scores, revealing possible potential biological correlations. (4) Conclusions: Our study developed DL models for accurately diagnosing BLCA and predicting OS in MIBC patients, which will help promote the precise pathological diagnosis of BLCA and risk stratification of MIBC to improve clinical treatment decisions.
Genital Lymphedema after Cancer Treatment: A Narrative Review
Authors: Vignes Stéphane
Published: November 2022

Genital lymphedema may affect males and females after cancer treatment (gynecological, such as cervical, uterine or ovarian, melanoma, prostate, anus…). It is frequently associated with lower limb lymphedema, and is responsible for discomfort, cosmetic disfigurement and functional disturbances. Impacts on body image, sexual function and quality of life are major, and difficult to explore because cancer treatment itself and lymphedema are so closely interwoven. Local complications, e.g., papillomatosis, warty growth, lymph vesicles with embarrassing lymph oozing and cellulitis, may occur. Usual lymphedema therapies, like bandaging and elastic compression, are poorly adapted to these sites. Surgery, essentially based on cutaneous resection techniques, is the primary symptomatic treatment; it achieves good efficacy, in adults and children, with possible recurrence requiring reintervention.