bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Progressive Plane Detection Filtering Method for Airborne LiDAR Data in Forested Landscapes
Authors: Cai Shangshu , Liang Xinlian , Yu Sisi
Published: March 2023

Ground filtering is necessary in processing airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point clouds for forestry applications. This study proposes a progressive plane detection filtering (PPDF) method. First, the method uses multi-scale planes to characterize terrain, i.e., the local terrain with large slope variations is represented by small-scale planes, and vice versa. The planes are detected in local point clouds by the random sample consensus method with decreasing plane sizes. The reliability of the planes to represent local terrain is evaluated and the planes with optimal sizes are selected according to evaluation results. Then, ground seeds are identified by selecting the interior points of the planes. Finally, ground points are iteratively extracted based on the reference terrain, which is constructed using evenly distributed neighbor ground points. These neighbor points are identified by selecting the nearest neighbor points of multiple subspaces, which are divided from the local space with an unclassified point as center point. PPDF was tested in six sites with various terrain and vegetation characteristics. Results showed that PPDF was more accurate and robust compared to the classic filtering methods including maximum slope, progressive morphology, cloth simulation, and progressive triangulated irregular network densification filtering methods, with the smallest average total error and standard deviation of 3.42% and 2.45% across all sites. Moreover, the sensitivity of PPDF to parameters was low and these parameters can be set as fixed values. Therefore, PPDF is effective and easy-to-use for filtering airborne LiDAR data.
Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Based on Information-GRUResNet Model in the Changzhou Town, China
Authors: Lin Zian , Chen Qiuguang , Lu Weiping , Ji Yuanfa , Liang Weibin , Sun Xiyan
Published: March 2023

Landslide susceptibility mapping is the basis of regional landslide risk assessment and prevention. In recent years, deep learning models have been applied in landslide susceptibility mapping, but some problems remain, such as gradient disappearance, explosion, and degradation. Additionally, the potential nonlinear temporal and spatial characteristics between landslides and environmental factors may not be captured, and nonlandslide points may be randomly selected in the susceptibility mapping process. To overcome these shortcomings, in this paper, an information-gate recurrent unit residual network (Information-GRUResNet) model is proposed to produce a landslide susceptibility map by combining existing landslide records and environmental factor data. The model uses the information theory method to produce the initial landslide susceptibility map. Then, representative grid units and landslide points are selected as input variables of the GRUResNet model, from which nonlinear temporal and spatial characteristics are extracted to produce a landslide susceptibility map. Changzhou town in Wuzhou, China, is selected as a case study, and it is verified that the Information-GRUResNet model can accurately produce a landslide susceptibility map for the selected area. Finally, the Information-GRUResNet model is compared with GRU, RF, and LR models. The experimental results show that the Information-GRUResNet model is more accurate than the other three models.
The Effect of Cellulose Fibre Length on the Efficiency of an Intumescent Flame Retardant System in Poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Decsov Kata Enikő , Ötvös Bettina , Nguyen Thuy Tien Thanh , Bocz Katalin
Published: March 2023

In the flame retardancy of the biopolymer matrix and natural fibre reinforcement containing green composites, researchers face multiple challenges, such as low thermal stability, the candlewick effect of fibres and compatibility issues. Cellulosic fibres have been shown to have char-promoting properties and to advantageously interact with intumescent systems. In this work, melamine-polyphosphate was combined with neat or flame-retardant-treated cellulosic fibres differing in fibre length to obtain intumescent flame retarded poly(lactic acid) composites. The effect of the cellulose fibre length was evaluated in both forms. The structure-property relationships were evaluated by thermal and flammability test methods. It was found that the formation and the structure of the fire-protecting char are influenced by the length of the cellulose fibres, and thus it noticeably affects the effectiveness of the flame-retardant system. Cellulose fibres with an average length of 30–60 µm were found to contribute the best to the formation of an integrated fibrous-intumescent char structure with enhanced barrier characteristics.
Impact of Reference Data Sampling Density for Estimating Plot-Level Average Shrub Heights Using Terrestrial Laser Scanning Data
Authors: Maxwell Aaron E. , Gallagher Michael R. , Minicuci Natale , Bester Michelle S. , Loudermilk E. Louise , Pokswinski Scott M. , Skowronski Nicholas S.
Published: March 2023

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) data can offer a means to estimate subcanopy fuel characteristics to support site characterization, quantification of treatment or fire effects, and inform fire modeling. Using field and TLS data within the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve (PNR), this study explores the impact of forest phenology and density of shrub height (i.e., shrub fuel bed depth) measurements on estimating average shrub heights at the plot-level using multiple linear regression and metrics derived from ground-classified and normalized point clouds. The results highlight the importance of shrub height sampling density when these data are used to train empirical models and characterize plot-level characteristics. We document larger prediction intervals (PIs), higher root mean square error (RMSE), and lower R-squared with reduction in the number of randomly selected field reference samples available within each plot. At least 10 random shrub heights collected in situ were needed to produce accurate and precise predictions, while 20 samples were ideal. Additionally, metrics derived from leaf-on TLS data generally provided more accurate and precise predictions than those calculated from leaf-off data within the study plots and landscape. This study highlights the importance of reference data sampling density and design and data characteristics when data will be used to train empirical models for extrapolation to new sites or plots.
Effect of Drying Technique on the Volatile Content of Ecuadorian Bulk and Fine-Flavor Cocoa
Authors: Erazo Solorzano Cyntia , Disca Vincenzo , Muñoz-Redondo José , Tuárez García Diego , Sánchez-Parra Mónica , Carrilo Zenteno Manuel , Moreno-Rojas José , Rodríguez-Solana Raquel
Published: March 2023

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the most widely consumed edible seeds in the world affected by on-farm processing. This study investigated the effect of different drying techniques, namely oven drying (OD), sun drying (SD), and a modification of sun drying using black plastic sheeting (SBPD), on the volatile profile of fine-flavor and bulk cocoa varieties analyzed by HS-SPME-GC-MS. A total of sixty-four volatile compounds were identified in fresh and dried cocoa. As expected, the volatile profile was clearly modified after the drying step, showing strong differences among cocoa varieties, this factor and its interaction with the drying technique having greater influence according to the ANOVA simultaneous component analysis. A principal component analysis revealed a close relationship between the volatile content of bulk cocoa samples dried by the OD and SD techniques, whereas slight volatile modifications were perceived among fine-flavor samples dried using the three different techniques under study. Overall, the results provide the basis for the potential application of the simplest inexpensive SBPD technique in order to accelerate the drying process of sun drying and produce cocoa with similar (fine-flavor cocoa) or improved (bulk cocoa) aromatic quality to that formed using the traditional SD or the small-scale OD.
Preparation and Characterization of Intracellular and Exopolysaccharides during Cycle Cultivation of Spirulina platensis
Authors: Liu Yuhuan , Wang Yu , Cao Leipeng , Huang Zhenghua , Zhou Yue , Fan Ruijuan , Li Congmiao
Published: March 2023

The dried cell weight (DCW) of Spirulina platensis gradually decreased from 1.52 g/L to 1.18 g/L after five cultivation cycles. Intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) and exopolysaccharide (EPS) content both increased with increased cycle number and duration. IPS content was higher than EPS content. Maximum IPS yield (60.61 mg/g) using thermal high-pressure homogenization was achieved after three homogenization cycles at 60 MPa and an S/I ratio of 1:30. IPS showed a more fibrous, porous, and looser structure, and had a higher glucose content and Mw (272.85 kDa) compared with EPS, which may be indicative of IPS’s higher viscosity and water holding capacity. Although both carbohydrates were acidic, EPS had stronger acidity and thermal stability than IPS; this was accompanied by differences in monosaccharide. IPS exhibited the highest DPPH (EC50 = 1.77 mg/mL) and ABTS (EC50 = 0.12 mg/mL) radical scavenging capacity, in line with IPS’s higher total phenol content, while simultaneously showing the lowest HO• scavenging and ferrous ion chelating capacities; thus characterizing IPS as a superior antioxidant and EPS as a stronger metal ion chelator.
Whey Protein Isolate-Mesona chinensis Polysaccharide Conjugate: Characterization and Its Applications in O/W Emulsions
Authors: Yao Meixiang , Qi Xin , Zhang Jiahui , Wang Chengyuan , Xie Jianhua
Published: March 2023

Mesona chinensis polysaccharide (MCP), a common thickener, stabilizer and gelling agent in food and pharmaceuticals, also has antioxidant, immunomodulatory and hypoglycemic properties. Whey protein isolate (WPI)-MCP conjugate was prepared and used as a stabilizer for O/W emulsion in this study. FT-IR and surface hydrophobicity results showed there could exist interactions between -COO- in MCP and -NH3+ in WPI, and hydrogen bonding may be involved in the covalent binding process. The red-shifted peaks in the FT-IR spectra suggested the formation of WPI-MCP conjugate, and MCP may be bound to the hydrophobic area of WPI with decreasing surface hydrophobicity. According to chemical bond measurement, hydrophobic interaction, hydrogen bond and disulfide bond played the main role in the formation process of WPI-MCP conjugate. According to morphological analysis, the O/W emulsion formed by WPI-MCP had a larger size than the emulsion formed by WPI. The conjugation of MCP with WPI improved the apparent viscosity and gel structure of emulsions, which was concentration-dependent. The oxidative stability of the WPI-MCP emulsion was higher than that of the WPI emulsion. However, the protection effect of WPI-MCP emulsion on β-carotene still needs to be further improved.
Hyperspectral Imaging Combined with Chemometrics Analysis for Monitoring the Textural Properties of Modified Casing Sausages with Differentiated Additions of Orange Extracts
Authors: Feng Chao-Hui , Arai Hirofumi , Rodríguez-Pulido Francisco J.
Published: March 2023

The textural properties (hardness, springiness, gumminess, and adhesion) of 16-day stored sausages with different additions of orange extracts to the modified casing solution were estimated by response surface methodology (RSM) and a hyperspectral imaging system in the spectral range of 390–1100 nm. To improve the model performance, normalization, 1st derivative, 2nd derivative, standard normal variate (SNV), and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were applied for spectral pre-treatments. The raw, pretreated spectral data and textural attributes were fit to the partial least squares regression model. The RSM results show that the highest R2 value achieved at adhesion (77.57%) derived from a second-order polynomial model, and the interactive effects of soy lecithin and orange extracts on adhesion were significant (p < 0.05). The adhesion of the PLSR model developed from reflectance after SNV pretreatment possessed a higher calibration coefficient of determination (0.8744) than raw data (0.8591). The selected ten important wavelengths for gumminess and adhesion can simplify the model and can be used for convenient industrial applications.
Caraway Nanoemulsion Gel: A Potential Antibacterial Treatment against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Alqarni Mohammed H. , Foudah Ahmed I. , Aodah Alhussain H. , Alkholifi Faisal K. , Salkini Mohammad Ayman , Alam Aftab
Published: March 2023

Novel antibiotics are needed due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Traditional antibiotics are ineffective due to antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, and finding alternative therapies is expensive. Hence, plant-derived caraway (Carum carvi) essential oils and antibacterial compounds have been selected as alternatives. In this, caraway essential oil as an antibacterial treatment was investigated using a nanoemulsion gel. Using the emulsification technique, a nanoemulsion gel was developed and characterized in terms of particle size, polydispersity index, pH, and viscosity. The results showed that the nanoemulsion had a mean particle size of 137 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 92%. Afterward, the nanoemulsion gel was incorporated into the carbopol gel and was found to be transparent and uniform. The gel had in vitro cell viability and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The gel safely delivered a transdermal drug with a cell survival rate of over 90%. With a minimal inhibitor concentration (MIC) of 0.78 mg/mL and 0.78 mg/mL, respectively, the gel demonstrated substantial inhibition for E. coli and S. aureus. Lastly, the study demonstrated that caraway essential oil nanoemulsion gels can be efficient in treating E. coli and S. aureus, laying the groundwork for the use of caraway essential oil as an alternative to synthetic antibiotics in the treatment of bacterial infections.
Genetic Diversity in the mtDNA of Physarum polycephalum
Authors: Hammar Freya , Miller Dennis L.
Published: March 2023

The mtDNA of the myxomycete Physarum polycephalum can contain as many as 81 genes. These genes can be grouped in three different categories. The first category includes 46 genes that are classically found on the mtDNA of many organisms. However, 43 of these genes are cryptogenes that require a unique type of RNA editing (MICOTREM). A second category of gene is putative protein-coding genes represented by 26 significant open reading frames. However, these genes do not appear to be transcribed during the growth of the plasmodium and are currently unassigned since they do not have any apparent similarity to other classical mitochondrial protein-coding genes. The third category of gene is found in the mtDNA of some strains of P. polycephalum. These genes derive from a linear mitochondrial plasmid with nine significant, but unassigned, open reading frames which can integrate into the mitochondrial DNA by recombination. Here, we review the mechanism and evolution of the RNA editing necessary for cryptogene expression, discuss possible origins for the 26 unassigned open reading frames based on tentative identification of their protein product, and discuss the implications to mtDNA structure and replication of the integration of the linear mitochondrial plasmid.
Skin Immuno-CometChip in 3D vs. 2D Cultures to Screen Topical Toxins and Skin-Specific Cytochrome Inducers
Authors: Rosenthal Dean S. , Kuo Li-Wei , Seagrave Sarah L. , Soni Vikas , Islam Nusrat , Minsky Geetanjali , Dussan-Cuellar Lucia , Ell Brian , Simbulan-Rosenthal Cynthia M. , Sykora Peter
Published: March 2023

The targets of topical genotoxic agents are basal and stem cells of the skin. These cells may misrepair DNA lesions, resulting in deleterious mutations of tumor suppressors or oncogenes. However, the genotoxicity of many compounds has not as yet been determined and needs to be tested using a relevant skin model. To this end, we designed a new high-throughput assay for the detection of agents that create DNA damage in epidermal stem and basal cells and used it to test known DNA-damaging agents. We utilized either 2D epidermal cells or 3D skin equivalents and topically exposed them to different compounds. The Skin Immuno-CometChip assay uses arrays of microwells formed in a collagen/agarose mixture to capture single basal cells in each microwell by virtue of collagen binding to α2β1 integrin, which is present only on basal and stem cells. The presence of β1 integrin was verified by immunofluorescent labeling cells that were then subjected to an electrical field, allowing for the migration of nicked DNA out of the nucleoid in alkali, with the resulting DNA comets stained and imaged. Furthermore, using improved comet detection software allowed for the automated and rapid quantification of DNA damage. Our study indicates that we can accurately predict genotoxicity by using 3D skin cultures, as well as keratinocytes grown in 2D monolayers.
Telemedicine as a Strategic Tool to Enhance the Effectiveness of Care Processes: Technological and Regulatory Evolution over the Past Two Decades
Authors: Ricci Giovanna , Caraffa Anna Maria , Gibelli Filippo
Published: March 2023

Digital innovation represents one of the largest areas of investment in healthcare [...]
Public Health Palliative Care and Public Palliative Care Education
Authors: Bollig Georg , Rosenberg John P.
Published: March 2023

This Special Issue, “Public Health Palliative Care (PHPC) and Public Palliative Care Education (PPCE)”, highlights recent advances and challenges in PHPC and PPCE [...]
In Situ Investigation of the Medieval Copper Alloy Door in Troia (Southern Italy)
Authors: Buccolieri Giovanni , Serra Antonio , Carbone Giorgio Giuseppe , Iacobellis Vito Nicola , Castellano Alfredo , Calcagnile Lucio , Buccolieri Alessandro
Published: March 2023

This work describes experimental results concerning the chemical composition of the alloy patina and inlays from the medieval copper alloy door of the cathedral of Troia (southern Italy), dating back to 1127 CE. The analyses were conducted in situ with no sampling or sample preparation required, using a portable energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) instrument. The compositional results show that the two door leaves were made using a binary alloy of copper and lead, while the nails, lion protomes, and handles have a different chemical composition. Moreover, the analyses revealed uniform concentrations of chlorine, probably due to cleaning treatments during the restoration. It is important to emphasise that the obtained results are the only ones related to this valuable masterpiece analysed.
Movement Representation Strategies as a Tool for Educational Innovation in Physiotherapy Students: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled-Pilot Trial
Authors: Cuenca-Martínez Ferran , Suso-Martí Luis , Peréz-Domínguez Borja , Calatayud Joaquín , López-Bueno Rubén , Gargallo Pedro , Blanco-Díaz María , Casaña José
Published: March 2023

Physiotherapy has a strictly theoretical body of knowledge, but for the most part, the physiotherapist’s learning is practical. The practical part is fundamental to acquire clinical skills that the physiotherapist will later use in professional practice. The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of movement representation strategies (MRS) in the improvement of manual skills of physiotherapy students as an educational innovation strategy. We randomly assigned 30 participants to an action observation practice (AOP), motor imagery practice (MIP), or sham observation (SO) group. A high velocity, low amplitude lumbar manipulation technique that is widely used in clinical physiotherapy practice was taught in one session. The primary outcomes were required time and test score. The secondary outcomes were perceived mental fatigue and perceived difficulty for learning. The outcomes were assessed preintervention and immediately after the intervention (postintervention). The main results showed that both AOP and MIP improved the total time required and the test score, as well as entailed less perceived difficulty for learning. However, both strategies showed a higher level of mental fatigue after the intervention, which was higher in the MIP group. Based on the results obtained, it seems that the application of MRS promotes greater learning of manual motor tasks in physiotherapy students and could be used as educational innovation strategies.
Three Experimental Common High-Risk Procedures: Emission Characteristics Identification and Source Intensity Estimation in Biosafety Laboratory
Authors: Liu Zhijian , Lv Jiabin , Zhang Zheng , Ma Juntao , Song Yangfan , Wu Minnan , Cao Guoqing , Guo Jiacheng
Published: March 2023

Biosafety laboratory is an important place to study high-risk microbes. In biosafety laboratories, with the outbreak of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, experimental activities have become increasingly frequent, and the risk of exposure to bioaerosols has increased. To explore the exposure risk of biosafety laboratories, the intensity and emission characteristics of laboratory risk factors were investigated. In this study, high-risk microbe samples were substituted with Serratia marcescens as the model bacteria. The resulting concentration and particle size segregation of the bioaerosol produced by three experimental procedures (spill, injection, and sample drop) were monitored, and the emission sources’ intensity were quantitatively analyzed. The results showed that the aerosol concentration produced by injection and sample drop was 103 CFU/m3, and that by sample spill was 102 CFU/m3. The particle size of bioaerosol is mainly segregated in the range of 3.3–4.7 μm. There are significant differences in the influence of risk factors on source intensity. The intensity of sample spill, injection, and sample drop source is 3.6 CFU/s, 78.2 CFU/s, and 664 CFU/s. This study could provide suggestions for risk assessment of experimental operation procedures and experimental personnel protection.
The Environmental Health Literacy of Italian General Population: The SPeRA Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bert Fabrizio , Gea Marta , Previti Christian , Massocco Gregorio , Lo Moro Giuseppina , Scaioli Giacomo , Schilirò Tiziana , Siliquini Roberta
Published: March 2023

Environmental health literacy (EHL) includes knowledge of health effects due to environmental exposure and skills to protect health from environmental risks. This study investigated some aspects about EHL of the Italian adult population. Data were collected through questionnaires (n = 672) and analysed through multivariable logistic regression models. Results showed that participants with incomplete/insufficient self-perceived knowledge of health effects due to environmental risks verified less information about this topic (adjOR = 0.38 (CI95% 0.25–0.59)/0.09 (0.04–0.21); p < 0.001/<0.001), potentially spreading fake news. The self-perceived exposure to pollution was higher in participants living in towns than in rural areas (small, medium, big towns adjOR = 2.37 (1.41–3.97), 2.10 (1.11–3.96), 3.11 (1.53–6.31); p = 0.001, 0.022, 0.002) and lower in participants with incomplete/insufficient knowledge about pollution effects (adjOR = 0.54 (0.32–0.92)/0.30 (0.13–0.67); p = 0.022/0.004), confirming that knowledge is essential to achieve awareness. Since insufficient self-perceived knowledge of pollution effects was negatively associated with the adoption of pro-environmental behaviours (adjOR = 0.37 (0.15–0.90); p = 0.028), EHL was proven to be a virtuous behaviour promoter. Finally, a lack of institutional support, time and cost were identified as barriers to pro-environmental behaviours. This study provided useful data to design prevention programmes, underlined some barriers to pro-environmental behaviours and highlighted the need to promote attitudes and behaviours aimed at contrasting environmental pollution, thus protecting human health.
Enhancing Medical Students’ Knowledge and Performance in Otolaryngology Rotation through Combining Microlearning and Task-Based Learning Strategies
Authors: Sedaghatkar Farzaneh , Mohammadi Aeen , Mojtahedzadeh Rita , Gandomkar Roghayeh , Rabbani Anari Mahtab , Dabiri Sasan , Tajdini Ardavan , Zoafa Sepideh
Published: March 2023

Microlearning is recommended to be implemented within the context of a wider teaching–learning ecosystem, especially in real working environments. Task-based learning is used in clinical education setting. This study aims at assessing the effect of an integrated approach of microlearning with task-based learning on medical students’ knowledge and performance in Ear, Nose and Throat clerkship rotation. A total of 59 final-year medical students participated in this quasi-experimental study which included two control groups (routine teaching and task-based learning methods) and one intervention group (combined microlearning and task-based learning method). Pre- and post-tests of students’ knowledge and performance were assessed through a multiple-choice question test and a Direct Observation Procedural Skills (DOPS) instrument, respectively. Performing Analysis of Covariance for knowledge post-test scores among three groups revealed significant differences (F = 3.423, p-value = 0.040) and the intervention group had the highest score. Analyzing DOPS results showed that the intervention group achieved significantly higher scores compared to the control ones for all the expected tasks (p-values = 0.001). The findings of the present study show that the combined strategy of microlearning with task-based learning is an effective clinical teaching method for enhancing medical students’ knowledge and performance in a real working environment.
Trends of Antidiabetic and Cardiovascular Diseases Medication Prescriptions in Type 2 Diabetes between 2005 and 2017—A German Longitudinal Study Based on Claims Data
Authors: Safieddine Batoul , Trachte Florian , Sperlich Stefanie , Epping Jelena , Lange Karin , Geyer Siegfried
Published: March 2023

Background: With an attempt to understand possible mechanisms behind the severity-dependent development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) comorbidities, this study examines the trends of antidiabetic and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) medication prescriptions in individuals with T2D. Methods: The study is based on claims data from a statutory health insurance provider in Lower Saxony, Germany. The period prevalence of antidiabetic and CVD medication prescriptions was examined for the periods 2005–2007, 2010–2012, and 2015–2017 in 240,241, 295,868, and 308,134 individuals with T2D, respectively. (Ordered) logistic regression analyses were applied to examine the effect of time period on the number and prevalence of prescribed medications. Analyses were stratified by gender and three age groups. Results: The number of prescribed medications per person has increased significantly for all examined subgroups. For the two younger age groups, insulin prescriptions decreased but those of non-insulin medications increased, while both increased significantly over time for the age group of 65+ years. Except for glycosides and antiarrhythmic medications, the predicted probabilities for CVD medications increased over the examined periods, with lipid-lowering agents demonstrating the highest increase. Conclusions: Results point towards an increase in medication prescriptions in T2D, which is in line with the evidence of the increase in most comorbidities indicating morbidity expansion. The increase in CVD medication prescriptions, especially lipid-lowering agents, could explain the specific development of severe and less severe T2D comorbidities observed in this population.
A Current Review of Water Pollutants in American Continent: Trends and Perspectives in Detection, Health Risks, and Treatment Technologies
Authors: Warren-Vega Walter M. , Campos-Rodríguez Armando , Zárate-Guzmán Ana I. , Romero-Cano Luis A.
Published: March 2023

Currently, water pollution represents a serious environmental threat, causing an impact not only to fauna and flora but also to human health. Among these pollutants, inorganic and organic pollutants are predominantly important representing high toxicity and persistence and being difficult to treat using current methodologies. For this reason, several research groups are searching for strategies to detect and remedy contaminated water bodies and effluents. Due to the above, a current review of the state of the situation has been carried out. The results obtained show that in the American continent a high diversity of contaminants is present in the water bodies affecting several aspects, in which in some cases, there exists alternatives to realize the remediation of contaminated water. It is concluded that the actual challenge is to establish sanitation measures at the local level based on the specific needs of the geographical area of interest. Therefore, water treatment plants must be designed according to the contaminants present in the water of the region and tailored to the needs of the population of interest.
When Students Patronize Fast-Food Restaurants near School: The Effects of Identification with the Student Community, Social Activity Spaces and Social Liability Interventions
Authors: Davis Brennan , Pechmann Cornelia
Published: March 2023

US schools have fast-food restaurants nearby, encouraging student patronage, unhealthy consumption, and weight gain. Geographers have developed an activity space framework which suggests this nearby location effect will be moderated by whether people perceive the location as their activity space. Therefore, we study whether students perceive a fast-food restaurant near school as their activity space, and whether social marketing messages can change that perception. We conducted six studies: a secondary data analysis with 5986 students, a field experiment with 188 students, and four lab experiments with 188, 251, 178, and 379 students. We find that students who strongly identify with their student community patronize a fast-food restaurant near school (vs. farther away) because they view it as their activity space, while students who weakly identify do not. For example, in our field experiment, 44% vs. 7% of students who strongly identified with the student community patronized the near versus farther restaurant, while only 28% versus 19% of students who weakly identified patronized the near and farther restaurants comparably. We also find that to deter the strong identifiers, messages should convey that patronage is a social liability, e.g., portray student activism against fast food. We show that standard health messages do not change perceptions of restaurants as social activity spaces. Thus, to combat the problem of fast-food restaurants near schools causing unhealthy consumption, policy and educational interventions should focus on students who strongly identify with their student community and find ways to weaken their perceptions that fast-food restaurants near schools are their activity spaces.
Assessment of a Dynamic Physically Based Slope Stability Model to Evaluate Timing and Distribution of Rainfall-Induced Shallow Landslides
Authors: Thomas Juby , Gupta Manika , Srivastava Prashant K. , Petropoulos George P.
Published: March 2023

Shallow landslides due to hydro-meteorological factors are one of the most common destructive geological processes, which have become more frequent in recent years due to changes in rainfall frequency and intensity. The present study assessed a dynamic, physically based slope stability model, Transient Rainfall Infiltration and Grid-Based Slope Stability Model (TRIGRS), in Idukki district, Kerala, Western Ghats. The study compared the impact of hydrogeomechanical parameters derived from two different data sets, FAO soil texture and regionally available soil texture, on the simulation of the distribution and timing of shallow landslides. For assessing the landslide distribution, 1913 landslides were compared and true positive rates (TPRs) of 68% and 60% were obtained with a nine-day rainfall period for the FAO- and regional-based data sets, respectively. However, a false positive rate (FPR) of 36% and 31% was also seen, respectively. The timing of occurrence of nine landslide events was assessed, which were triggered in the second week of June 2018. Even though the distribution of eight landslides was accurately simulated, the timing of only three events was found to be accurate. The study concludes that the model simulations using parameters derived from either of the soil texture data sets are able to identify the location of the event. However, there is a need for including a high-spatial-resolution hydrogeomechanical parameter data set to improve the timing of landslide event modeling.
A Virtual Reality Lab for Automotive Service Specialists: A Knowledge Transfer System in the Digital Age
Authors: Makarova Irina , Mustafina Jamila , Boyko Aleksey , Fatikhova Larisa , Parsin Gleb , Buyvol Polina , Shepelev Vladimir
Published: March 2023

Under the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is an accelerated transition from the traditional form of knowledge transfer to online learning. Our study of 344 automotive students showed that the success of this transition depends on the readiness to introduce special digital tools for organizing knowledge and conducting practical forms of classes. In this regard, a modern digital form of organizing and transferring knowledge to automotive service engineers in the form of virtual laboratories was developed and presented in the article. The work scenarios, functionality, and minimum technical requirements of virtual laboratories as software systems are described and reviewed in the paper. The rationale for the effectiveness of the application, based on the results of using 109 university students in training practice, is presented as a result of the research. An analysis of the distributions of the student survey results and their training progress revealed differences at the p = 0.05 significance level. This confirmed the hypothesis that the use of methods for teaching engineers special disciplines and language skills using VR technologies is much more effective than the traditional one. An increase in students’ interest in learning was revealed, and their performance improved markedly. This proves that the immersive nature of VR technology makes it possible to better assimilate the studied material, increase the level of motivation of future car service specialists, and also allow the organization of the transfer of knowledge online. The very process of knowledge transfer becomes the point of acquiring new digital competencies necessary for high-tech industries.
Effects of Disinfectants on Larval Growth and Gut Microbial Communities of Black Soldier Fly Larvae
Authors: Hao Jianwei , Liu Shuang , Guo Zhixue , Zhang Yan , Zhang Wuping , Li Chujun
Published: March 2023

The use of the black soldier fly has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of swine manure. Since the outbreaks of ASFV, prevention procedures, including manure disinfection, have changed dramatically. Glutaraldehyde (GA) and potassium peroxymonosulfate (PPMS) have been shown to be effective in the prevention of this pathogen and are thus widely used in the disinfection of swine manures, etc. However, research on the effects of disinfectants in manures on the growth of BSFL and gut microbiota is scarce. The goal of this study was to determine the effects of GA and PPMS on BSFL growth, manure reduction, and gut microbiota. In triplicate, 100 larvae were inoculated in 100 g of each type of manure compound (manure containing 1% GA treatment (GT1), manure containing 0.5% GA treatment (GT2), manure containing 1% PPMS treatment (PT1), manure containing 0.5% PPMS treatment (PT2), and manure without disinfectant (control)). After calculating the larval weight and waste reduction, the larval gut was extracted and used to determine the microbial composition. According to the results, the dry weights of the larvae fed PT1–2 (PT1: 86.7 ± 4.2 mg and PT2: 85.3 ± 1.3 mg) were significantly higher than those of the larvae fed GT1–2 (GT1: 72.5 ± 2.1 mg and GT2: 70 ± 2.8 mg) and the control (64.2 ± 5.8 mg). There was a 2.8–4.03% higher waste reduction in PT1–2 than in the control, and the waste reduction in GT1–2 was 7.17–7.87% lower than that in the control. In a gut microbiota analysis, two new genera (Fluviicola and Fusobacterium) were discovered in PT1–2 when compared to GT1–2 and the control. Furthermore, the disinfectants did not reduce the diversity of the microbial community; rather, Shannon indices revealed that the diversities of GT1–2 (GT1: 1.924 ± 0.015; GT2: 1.944 ± 0.016) and PT1 (1.861 ± 0.016) were higher than those of the control (1.738 ± 0.015). Finally, it was found that both disinfectants in swine manures at concentrations of 1% and 0.5% may be beneficial to the complexity and cooperation of BSFL gut microbiota, according to an analysis of microbial interactions.
Cicadomorpha Community (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) in Portuguese Vineyards with Notes of Potential Vectors of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Rodrigues Isabel , Rebelo Maria Teresa , Baptista Paula , Pereira José Alberto
Published: March 2023

Cicadomorpha (Hemiptera) insects are currently responsible for a growing negative impact on the agricultural economy due to their ability to directly damage crops or through the capacity to act as vectors for plant pathogens. The phytopathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of Pierce’s disease in vineyards, is exclusively transmitted by insects of this infraorder. Therefore, knowledge of the Cicadomorpha species and understanding their biology and ecology is crucial. In this work, in 2018 and 2019, the canopy and inter-row vegetation of 35 vineyards distributed in mainland Portugal were sampled to investigate species composition, richness, and diversity of the Cicadomorpha community, with a special focus given to vectors and potential vectors of X. fastidiosa. A total of 11,834 individuals were collected, 3003 in 2018 and 8831 in 2019. Of the 81 species/morphospecies identified, only five are considered vectors or potential vectors of this pathogen, namely, Cicadella viridis (Linnaeus, 1758), Philaenus spumarius (Linnaeus, 1758), Neophilaenus campestris (Fallén, 1805), Lepyronia coleoptrata (Linnaeus, 1758), and N. lineatus (Linnaeus, 1758). Cicadella viridis was the most abundant xylem sap feeder, followed by P. spumarius. In addition, Cicadomorpha that cause direct damage to vines and vectors of grapevine yellows’ phytoplasmas were also collected and identified in the sampled vineyards. The results suggested that vectors and potential vectors of X. fastidiosa and a large proportion of the population of Cicadomorpha have a positive correction with inter-row vegetation.
The Prognostic and Predictive Role of the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR) as Biomarkers in Resected Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Maloney Sarah , Pavlakis Nick , Itchins Malinda , Arena Jennifer , Mittal Anubhav , Hudson Amanda , Colvin Emily , Sahni Sumit , Diakos Connie , Chan David , Gill Anthony J. , Samra Jaswinder , Clarke Stephen J.
Published: March 2023

Pancreatic cancer has poor survival despite modern-day advances in its management. At present, there are no available biomarkers that can predict chemotherapy response or help inform prognosis. In more recent years, there has been increased interest in potential inflammatory biomarkers, with studies revealing a worse prognosis of patients with a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in a range of tumour types. Our aim was to assess the role of three inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood in predicting chemotherapy response in patients with earlier disease treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and as a prognostic marker in all patients that underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer. Using retrospective records, we discovered that patients with a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (>5) at the time of diagnosis had worse median overall survival than those with ratios ≤5 at 13 and 32.4 months (p = 0.001, HR 2.43), respectively. We were able to appreciate a correlation between a higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and increased residual tumour in the histopathological specimen in patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy; however, the association was weak (p = 0.03, coefficient 0.21). Due to the dynamic relationship between the immune system and pancreatic cancer, it is unsurprising that immune markers may be useful as potential biomarkers; however, larger prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Severe Microcytic Anemia Caused by Complex Hereditary Spherocytosis and X-Linked Sideroblastic Anemia with Mutations in SPTB and ALAS2 Genes
Authors: Zhou Jianying , Zhang Hang , Qin Yao , Liu Ting
Published: March 2023

We report a case of severe anemia caused by complex hereditary spherocytosis (HS) and X-linked sideroblastic anemia (XLSA) with two mutations in the spectrin beta (SPTB) and 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase (ALAS2) genes. The proband was a 16-year-old male with severe jaundice and microcytic hypochromic anemia since his childhood. He had more severe anemia requiring erythrocyte transfusion, and had no response to vitamin B6 treatment. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed double heterozygous mutations, one in exon 19 (c.3936G > A:p.W1312X) of the SPTB gene and another in exon 2 (c.37A > G:p.K13E) of the ALAS2 gene, and confirmed again by Sanger sequencing. The mutation of ALAS2 (c.37A > G) is inherited from his asymptomatic heterozygous mother, causing amino acid p.K13E, and the mutation has not yet been reported. The mutation of SPTB (c.3936G > A) is a nonsense mutation, leading to a premature termination codon in exon 19, and the mutation in the SPTB gene is not found in any of his relatives, which indicates a de novo monoallelic mutation. Conclusions: The double heterozygous mutations in the SPTB and ALAS2 genes lead to the joint occurrence of HS and XLSA in this patient, and are implicated in the more severe clinical phenotypes.
The Clinical Significance of Anaerobic Coverage in the Antibiotic Treatment of Aspiration Pneumonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yoshimatsu Yuki , Aga Masaharu , Komiya Kosaku , Haranaga Shusaku , Numata Yuka , Miki Makoto , Higa Futoshi , Senda Kazuyoshi , Teramoto Shinji
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Aspiration pneumonia is increasingly recognised as a common condition. While antibiotics covering anaerobes are thought to be necessary based on old studies reporting anaerobes as causative organisms, recent studies suggest that it may not necessarily benefit prognosis, or even be harmful. Clinical practice should be based on current data reflecting the shift in causative bacteria. The aim of this review was to investigate whether anaerobic coverage is recommended in the treatment of aspiration pneumonia. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing antibiotics with and without anaerobic coverage in the treatment of aspiration pneumonia was performed. The main outcome studied was mortality. Additional outcomes were resolution of pneumonia, development of resistant bacteria, length of stay, recurrence, and adverse effects. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Results: From an initial 2523 publications, one randomised control trial and two observational studies were selected. The studies did not show a clear benefit of anaerobic coverage. Upon meta-analysis, there was no benefit of anaerobic coverage in improving mortality (Odds ratio 1.23, 95% CI 0.67–2.25). Studies reporting resolution of pneumonia, length of hospital stay, recurrence of pneumonia, and adverse effects showed no benefit of anaerobic coverage. The development of resistant bacteria was not discussed in these studies. Conclusion: In the current review, there are insufficient data to assess the necessity of anaerobic coverage in the antibiotic treatment of aspiration pneumonia. Further studies are needed to determine which cases require anaerobic coverage, if any.
Clinical Research Progress of Internal Brace Ligament Augmentation Technique in Knee Ligament Injury Repair and Reconstruction: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lu Wenhao , Deng Zhenhan , Essien Anko Elijah , Arthur Vithran Djandan Tadum , Opoku Michael , Li Yusheng , Xiao Wenfeng
Published: March 2023

Knee ligament injuries are most common in sports injuries. In general, ligament repair or reconstruction is necessary to restore the stability of the knee joint and prevent secondary injuries. Despite advances in ligament repair and reconstruction techniques, a number of patients still experience re-rupture of the graft and suboptimal recovery of motor function. Since Dr. Mackay’s introduction of the internal brace technique, there has been continuous research in recent years using the internal brace ligament augmentation technique for knee ligament repair or reconstruction, particularly in the repair or reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament. This technique focuses on increasing the strength of autologous or allograft tendon grafts through the use of braided ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene suture tapes to facilitate postoperative rehabilitation and avoid re-rupture or failure. The purpose of this review is to present detailed research progress in the internal brace ligament enhancement technique of knee ligament injury repair as well as the reconstruction from biomechanical and histological research and clinical studies and to comprehensively assess the value of the application of this technique.
Seasonal Trends in the Prevalence and Incidence of Viral Encephalitis in Korea (2015–2019)
Authors: Lee Seon Jin , Kim Jeong Min , Keum Ha Rim , Kim Sang Won , Baek Hee Sun , Byun Jun Chul , Kim Yu Kyung , Kim Saeyoon , Lee Jae Min
Published: March 2023

Viral infections are a common cause of encephalitis. This study investigated the relationship between the incidence of encephalitis and that of respiratory and enteric viral infections in all age groups from 2015 to 2019, using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA) Open Access Big Data Platform. We identified monthly incidence patterns and seasonal trends using the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA). The Granger causality test was used to analyze correlations between encephalitis incidence and the positive detection rate (PDR) at 1-month intervals. A total of 42,775 patients were diagnosed with encephalitis during the study period. The incidence of encephalitis was highest in the winter (26.8%). The PDRs for respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and coronavirus (HCoV) were associated with the trend in encephalitis diagnosis in all age groups, with a 1-month lag period. In addition, an association with norovirus was observed in patients aged over 20 years, and with influenza virus (IFV) in patients aged over 60 years. This study found that HRSV, HCoV, IFV, and norovirus tended to precede encephalitis by 1 month. Further research is required to confirm the association between these viruses and encephalitis.