bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge as a Potential Natural Compound against COVID-19
Authors: Petitjean Simon J. L. , Lecocq Marylène , Lelong Camille , Denis Robin , Defrère Sylvie , Mariage Pierre-Antoine , Alsteens David , Pilette Charles
Published: April 2022

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, commonly called danshen, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects, which include antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preclinical potential of S. miltiorrhiza extracts for the treatment of COVID-19. First, the impact of the extract on the binding between SARS-CoV-2 and the cellular ACE2 receptors was assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), showing a significant reduction in binding by the extract at concentrations in the µg/mL range. Second, the interference of this extract with the inflammatory response of blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was determined, demonstrating potent inhibitory properties in the same concentration range on pro-inflammatory cytokine release and interference with the activation of NFκB signaling. Together, these in vitro data demonstrate the potential of S. miltiorrhiza against COVID-19, consisting first of the blockade of the binding of SARS-CoV-2 to the ACE2 receptor and the mitigation of the inflammatory response from leukocytes by interfering with NFκB signaling. This dataset prompts the launch of a clinical trial to address in vivo the clinical benefits of this promising agent.
Cyanidin-3-Glucoside Modulates hsa_circ_0001345/miRNA106b/ATG16L1 Axis Expression as a Potential Protective Mechanism against Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zabady Shaimaa , Mahran Nievin , Soltan Mohamed A. , Alaa Eldeen Muhammad , Eid Refaat A. , Albogami Sarah , Fayad Eman , Matboli Marwa , Habib Eman K. , Hasanin Amany H. , A. Ali Mahmoud , Mesbah Noha M. , Abo-Elmatty Dina M. , Abdel-Hamed Asmaa R.
Published: April 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of malignancy in the liver. Autophagy was found to have a significant effect in controlling HCC. Anthocyanins, which are naturally occurring pigments in a variety of fruits and vegetables, have been thoroughly documented to be involved in a variety of bioactive activities and are widely employed for their antioxidant capabilities. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G) extracted from Morus alba L. has promising antioxidant and anti-tumour activities. The current study aims to examine the protective action of C3G against hepatocellular carcinoma through the investigation of the autophagy protein ATG16L1 expression along with its related RNA molecules (hsa_circ_0001345 and miRNA106b) in Wistar rats. In vivo precancerous lesions (PCL) were induced using diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and acetamidofluorene (2-AAF). Rats were treated with C3G (10, 15, and 20 mg/kg; 4 times weekly) for 112 days (16 weeks). Liver function tests, alfa fetoprotein, ATG16L1 expression, hsa_circ_0001345, and miRNA106b differential expression were examined. Liver sections were examined by histological and immunohistochemical approaches. The current study’s findings indicated that C3G administration protects against the negative effects of DEN-2-AAF on liver functions and liver histopathological sections, which nominated C3G as a potential prophylactic agent against HCC.
Validation Study to Determine the Accuracy of Widespread Promoterless EGFP Reporter at Assessing CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Homology Directed Repair
Authors: Xu Wanqing , Zuo Qingxia , Feng Dongyan , He Changsheng , Lin Cailing , Huang Dongchao , Wan Yanbin , Chen Feng , Mo Guosheng , Sun Qi , Du Hongli , Huang Lizhen
Published: April 2022

An accurate visual reporter system to assess homology-directed repair (HDR) is a key prerequisite for evaluating the efficiency of Cas9-mediated precise gene editing. Herein, we tested the utility of the widespread promoterless EGFP reporter to assess the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination by fluorescence expression. We firstly established a promoterless EGFP reporter donor targeting the porcine GAPDH locus to study CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination in porcine cells. Curiously, EGFP was expressed at unexpectedly high levels from the promoterless donor in porcine cells, with or without Cas9/sgRNA. Even higher EGFP expression was detected in human cells and those of other species when the porcine donor was transfected alone. Therefore, EGFP could be expressed at certain level in various cells transfected with the promoterless EGFP reporter alone, making it a low-resolution reporter for measuring Cas9-mediated HDR events. In summary, the widespread promoterless EGFP reporter could not be an ideal measurement for HDR screening and there is an urgent need to develop a more reliable, high-resolution HDR screening system to better explore strategies of increasing the efficiency of Cas9-mediated HDR in mammalian cells.
Urgent International Action Needed to Tackle Illegal Pet Trade in Caribbean Iguana Populations
Authors: van den Burg Matthijs P. , Vique Bosquet Isabel M. , Daltry Jennifer C.
Published: April 2022

Lizards in the Neotropical genus Iguana are heavily traded for the international pet trade, with unusual colour morphs and rare species commanding high prices. Recent research aimed to understand the taxonomy and phenotypic variation of Iguana in the Lesser Antilles, with those populations now severely threatened by this trade. Although the entire Iguana genus has been on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II since 1977, current levels of trade regulation are proving to be inadequate for the Caribbean Iguana populations, which are declining. This paper presents the case for immediately halting regional commercial trade to safeguard the most vulnerable island populations. We further provide recommendations for trade regulations of other species complexes where the nomenclature used in legislation and the trade industry fall temporarily out of step with new taxonomic changes.
Skincare Device Product Design Based on Factor Analysis of Korean Anthropometric Data
Authors: Kim Tae-Won , Lee Chun-Hee , Min Hye-Jin , Kim Da-Du , Kim Dong-Hun , Park Sang-Yong , Kim Hyun-Woong
Published: April 2022

The “beauty device” market, which enables simple skincare for those with busy lives, is growing steadily as an increasing number of people are trying to take care of their skin at home to save time and money. As opposed to dermatologists and esthetics centers, which require regular visits, the fact that their skin can be easily managed in leisure hours at home attracts consumers who value convenience. Thus, various beauty-care devices that use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been launched. However, in the case of skincare devices using LEDs, pressure is expected to be applied to one’s face. Therefore, there is a need to develop a design based on ergonomic measurements that can distribute the pressure evenly on the skin. This study analyzed data to create a design for certain skincare devices that can be worn as glasses, using a three-dimensional human-measurement database of South Korean women between 30 and 49 y, as they are the major consumers of such devices. Additionally, a product design was proposed after a review of preference surveys from consumer focus group interviews and through an analysis of the direction of the light beams from the source using three-dimensional scanning data.
Resonance Analysis of Piezoelectric Bulk Acoustic Wave Devices Based on YCOB Crystals with Monoclinic Symmetry Excited by Lateral Electric Fields
Authors: Chen Dudu , Zhao Peng , Sun Fei , Ma Tingfeng , Yuan Lili , Wu Rongxing , Li Peng , Qian Zhenghua
Published: April 2022

The monoclinic YCOB crystal still maintains good piezoelectric properties at 800 °C; thus, it has a good application prospect in high-temperature piezoelectric acoustic wave sensors. However, due to the lower symmetry compared crystals in trigonal and tetragonal systems, the exciting characteristics of piezoelectric plates based on monoclinic YCOB crystals are more complicated. The vibration analysis model of lateral-field-excitation (LFE) devices based on monoclinic crystals is scarce; thus, the coupling relationships between different vibration modes and energy-trapping characteristics of the devices are unclear, which hinders the optimal design of devices. In this paper, by using Mindlin plate theory, the high-frequency vibrations of piezoelectric resonators based on monoclinic YCOB crystal plates excited by a lateral electric field are modeled and analyzed. The coupling relationships between the vibration modes of the device are clarified. The influences of the electrode width, electrode/plate mass ratio and electrode gap value on resonances and energy-trapping characteristics of the device are achieved. In addition, the effects of the structure parameters on the mass sensitivity of the monoclinic YCOB LFE devices are investigated, which are further verified by FEM simulations. The results are crucial to obtaining good resonance and sensing characteristics for LFE high-temperature piezoelectric sensors based on crystals with monoclinic symmetry.
Study on Novel Powder Metallurgy Al-Si Brazing Filler Metal with Flux
Authors: Fei Wenpan , Wang Bo , Lou Yinbin , Long Weimin , Deng Jianfeng , Zhang Lei , Yin Pengzhi , Wang Shuiqing
Published: April 2022

Green brazing is one of the key basic technologies in the manufacturing industry, and the wide application of composite brazing filler metals is a significant method for realizing green and automatic brazing. In the present study, an investigation was conducted into a novel powder metallurgy Al-Si brazing filler metal with flux and the resulting brazed joints of 3003/6061 aluminum alloy. By means of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive analysis, the effect of moisture-resistance performance on the microstructure and the properties of Al-Si brazing filler metal with flux and brazing joint were analyzed. The results reveal that the new type of powder metallurgy Al-12Si brazing filler metal had better moisture-resistance performance than the seamed flux cored brazing filler metal. In an environment with a humidity of 90% and a temperature of 40 °C for 7 days, the moisture absorption rate of the powder metallurgy Al-12Si brazing filler metal with flux was only 0.17%. The wet spreading area of the new powder metallurgy Al-12Si brazing filler metal treated for 3 days in a humid environment was 320 mm2, which was 7% less than that in the dry state. At the same time, the spreading area of the seamed flux cored brazing filler metal under the same conditions was only 80.9% of that in the dry state. The fracture strengths of the 3003 and 6061 aluminum alloy joints brazed by the wetted powder metallurgy Al-12Si brazing filler metal with flux were satisfactory, and scanning electron microscopy examination of the braze-zone revealed that relatively sound joints were obtained. However, obvious pores were observed in the braze-zone of the wetted seamed flux cored brazing filler. The maximum diameter of the pores was increased from 28 μm to 68 μm in the brazing area.
Taxonomy and Distribution of the Gomphid Dragonfly Orientogomphus minor (Laidlaw, 1931) (Odonata: Gomphidae) in Thailand
Authors: Chainthong Damrong , Boonsoong Boonsatien
Published: April 2022

The taxonomy and distribution of Orientogomphus minor (Laidlaw, 1931) were investigated in Thailand. Gomphid nymphs were collected from 28 sampling sites in streams in eastern, western, and southern Thailand. The nymph of O. minor is described for the first time and the male is re-described and illustrated based on a reared specimen. The taxonomic characteristics of the nymphs of the genus Orientogomphus are discussed. The nymph of O. minor differs from that of O. armatus Chao & Xu, 1987, the only other Orientogomphus species with a described nymphal stage, by the presence of lateral spines on abdominal segments six to nine and by a slender, stick-shaped third antennal segment. Multivariate analyses revealed a strong correlation between the distribution of O. minor and other three gomphid species with restricted distribution in Thailand (Nychogomphus duaricus (Fraser, 1924), Onychogomphus louissiriusi Fleck, 2020 and Stylogomphus thongphaphumensis Chainthong, Sartori & Boonsoong, 2020). Those species were recorded solely in streams in the western part of the country. Nymphs of O. minor were predominantly associated with stony substrates.
Dataset: Roundabout Aerial Images for Vehicle Detection
Authors: Puertas Enrique , De-Las-Heras Gonzalo , Fernández-Andrés Javier , Sánchez-Soriano Javier
Published: April 2022

This publication presents a dataset of Spanish roundabouts aerial images taken from a UAV, along with annotations in PASCAL VOC XML files that indicate the position of vehicles within them. Additionally, a CSV file is attached containing information related to the location and characteristics of the captured roundabouts. This work details the process followed to obtain them: image capture, processing, and labeling. The dataset consists of 985,260 total instances: 947,400 cars, 19,596 cycles, 2262 trucks, 7008 buses, and 2208 empty roundabouts in 61,896 1920 × 1080 px JPG images. These are divided into 15,474 extracted images from 8 roundabouts with different traffic flows and 46,422 images created using data augmentation techniques. The purpose of this dataset is to help research into computer vision on the road, as such labeled images are not abundant. It can be used to train supervised learning models, such as convolutional neural networks, which are very popular in object detection.
The Missing Case of Disinformation from the Cybersecurity Risk Continuum: A Comparative Assessment of Disinformation with Other Cyber Threats
Authors: Caramancion Kevin Matthe , Li Yueqi , Dubois Elisabeth , Jung Ellie Seoe
Published: April 2022

This study examines the phenomenon of disinformation as a threat in the realm of cybersecurity. We have analyzed multiple authoritative cybersecurity standards, manuals, handbooks, and literary works. We present the unanimous meaning and construct of the term cyber threat. Our results reveal that although their definitions are mostly consistent, most of them lack the inclusion of disinformation in their list/glossary of cyber threats. We then proceeded to dissect the phenomenon of disinformation through the lens of cyber threat epistemology; it displays the presence of the necessary elements required (i.e., threat agent, attack vector, target, impact, defense) for its appropriate classification. To conjunct this, we have also included an in-depth comparative analysis of disinformation and its similar nature and characteristics with the prevailing and existing cyber threats. We, therefore, argue for its recommendation as an official and actual cyber threat. The significance of this paper, beyond the taxonomical correction it recommends, rests in the hope that it influences future policies and regulations in combatting disinformation and its propaganda.
Rectal Polyposis in Mucosal Prolapse Syndrome
Authors: Wong Yin Ping , Kabincong Connie , Jabar Mohd Faisal , Tan Geok Chin
Published: April 2022

Mucosal prolapse syndrome is also known as solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. It may either presents as an ulcer or polyp, which could mimic other pathological lesions such as juvenile polyp, hyperplastic polyp, adenomatous polyp, polyp related inflammatory bowel disease and adenocarcinoma. It can pose as a diagnostic challenge to both the surgeons and pathologists due to the overlapping gross and histological features. The characteristic histological features of mucosal prolapse syndrome are fibromuscular obliteration of lamina propria and splayed hypertrophic muscularis mucosae. It can occur in a wide range of ages, including children and teenagers. Rectal bleeding is one of the common presenting symptoms. Here, we described two cases of mucosal prolapse syndrome presented as rectal polyposis and provide a discussion on its histological differential diagnosis.
Endometrium as Control of Endometriosis in Experimental Research: Assessment of Sample Suitability
Authors: Szegeczki Vince , Fazekas László , Kulcsár Máté , Reglodi Dora , Török Péter , Orlik Brigitta , Laganà Antonio Simone , Jakab Attila , Juhasz Tamas
Published: April 2022

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease that causes numerous severe symptoms in affected women. Revealing alterations of the molecular processes in ectopic endometrial tissue is the current policy for understanding the pathomechanisms and discovering potential novel therapeutic targets. Examining molecular processes of eutopic endometrium is likely to be a convenient method to compare it with the molecular alterations observed in ectopic tissues. The aim of the present study was to determine what proportion of the surgically resected eutopic endometrial samples is suitable for further experiments so that these can be comparable with endometriosis. Final hospital reports and histopathology reports of a 3-year-long period (1162 cases) were analysed. The application of a retrospective screening method promoted the categorization of these cases, and quantification of the categorized cases was accomplished. In addition, results obtained from cultured endometrium samples were also detailed. Only a small number of the harvested endometrial samples was suitable for further molecular analysis, while preoperative screening protocol could enlarge this fraction. Applying clinical and histopathological selection and exclusion criteria for tissue screening and histopathological examination of samples could ensure the comparability of healthy endometrium with endometriosis. The present study could be useful for researchers who intend to perform molecular experiments to compare endometriosis with the physiological processes of the endometrium.
A Novel, Modular Robot for Educational Robotics Developed Using Action Research Evaluated on Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Chatzopoulos Avraam , Kalogiannakis Michail , Papadakis Stamatis , Papoutsidakis Michail
Published: April 2022

This research evaluates a novel, modular, open-source, and low-cost educational robotic platform in Educational Robotics and STEM Education. It is the sequel of an action research cycle on which the development of this robot is based. The impetus for the need to develop this came from the evaluation of qualitative and quantitative research data collected during an educational robotics event with significant participation of students in Athens, which showed an intense interest in students in participating in educational robotics activities, but—at the same time—recorded their low involvement due to the high cost of educational robots and robotic platforms. Based on the research’s findings, this robot was designed to suit the whole educational community; its specifications came from its members’ needs and the processing and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. This paper presents an evaluation of the robot using the Technology Acceptance Model. The robot was exposed to 116 undergraduate students attending a pedagogical university department to evaluate its handling according to the model’s factors. Research results were promising and showed a high degree of acceptance of the robot by these students and future teachers, providing the impetus for further research.
A Machine Learning-Based Robust State of Health (SOH) Prediction Model for Electric Vehicle Batteries
Authors: Akbar Khalid , Zou Yuan , Awais Qasim , Baig Mirza Jabbar Aziz , Jamil Mohsin
Published: April 2022

The car industry is entering a new age due to electric energy as a fuel in the contemporary era. Electric batteries are being more widely used in the automobile sector these days. As a result, the inner workings of these battery systems must be fully comprehended. There is currently no accurate model for predicting an electric car battery’s state of health (SOH). This study aims to use machine learning to develop a reliable SOH prediction model for batteries. A correct optimal method was also constructed to drive the modeling process in the right direction. Extensive simulations were performed to verify the accuracy of the suggested methodology. A state of health method for data processing was developed. The method involves a complex data-driven model combining Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (A.I.), and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. To establish the most effective technique for certifying the actual condition of real-life battery health, researchers compared the accuracy and performance of several states of health models. For improved understanding and prediction of the condition of health behavior, data-driven modeling has certain significant advantages over older methodologies. The methods used in this study can be seen as a revolutionary low-cost, high-accuracy, and dependable approach to understanding and analyzing the state of health of batteries. At first, an intelligent model was created using a data-driven modeling strategy. Secondly, the concurrent battery data are qualified using the data-driven model. The machine learning (ML) method creates a very accurate and dependable model for forecasting battery health in real-world scenarios. Third, the previously established ML model was used to develop a knowledge-based online service for battery health. This web service can be used to test battery health, monitor battery behavior, and perform a variety of other tasks. A variety of similar solutions for diverse systems can be derived using the same technique. The default efficiency of the ML algorithmic module, R-Squared (R2), and Mean Square Error (MSE) were also utilized as performance measures. The R2 as a standard is used to examine the effectiveness of a fit. The result is a value between 0 and 1, with 1 indicating a better model fit. MSE stands for mean squared error. A lower MSE number implies superior model performance, since it reflects how close the parameter estimates are to the actual values. The training set of the battery model had a score of 0.9999, whereas the testing set had a score of 0.9995. The R2 score was one, with an M.S.E. of 0.03. As a result of these three indicators, the data-driven ML model used in this study proved to be accurate.
Low-Cost Unified Pixel Converter from the MIPI DSI Packets into Arbitrary Pixel Sizes
Authors: Kwon Kiyong , Kang Dongwon , Ko Geon-Woo , Kim Seok-Young , Kim Seon-Wook
Published: April 2022

The advance in semiconductors and image processing technologies has significantly improved visual quality, especially on mobile consumer devices. The devices require a low-cost and high-bandwidth interface to support various pixel formats on high-resolution displays; thus, the MIPI Alliance has proposed the industry-standard MIPI DSI (Display Serial Interface). The traditional implementation of DSI Rx has classified an incoming packet into three components, a header, a payload, and a checksum, by aligning the packet with the DSI PHY input width and then converting the payload into pixels. Its two-step approach has resulted in high implementation costs for supporting various pixels. This paper proposes a low-cost unified pixel converter, classifying each component and aligning the input payload into various pixel formats in only one step, thus achieving less area and lower power consumption overhead. Two terms are newly introduced for the proposal: a base and a remainder. The base size is the same as the DSI PHY input, and a remainder is a rest after the bases are aligned. The one-pixel size equals a sum of one or more bases and the remainder. The introduction allows us to implement the converter very straightforwardly due to the exact size of the base and the D-PHY input. Additionally, our approach does not require considering the header separately from the payload since the header size equals the base size. Therefore, the header detection unit is eliminated, thus reducing the complexity further. The proposed design was functionally verified in FPGA and synthesized through the Samsung 65 nm standard cell library. The synthesis result showed that the proposed design reduced by 25.7% in the area and 38.6% in the power consumption from the traditional design.
Cottage Culture in Finland: Development and Perspectives
Authors: Häkkänen Lotta , Ilgın Hüseyin Emre , Karjalainen Markku
Published: April 2022

This entry provides an understanding of the past, present, and future of the Finnish cottage culture to create an overall picture of its development trajectory and its terminology, e.g., villa, in this context denoting a second home. Convenient, ready-made solutions, easy maintenance, a high level of equipment, year-round use, location, and modern and simple architectural styles are important selection criteria for (summer) cottages that belonged only to the wealthy bourgeois class in the 19th century and have taken their present form with a major transformation in Finland since then. Additionally, municipal regulations and increased attention to ecological concerns are other important issues regarding the cottage today. Cottage inheritance has changed over the generations, and the tightening of building regulations and increased environmental awareness are key drivers of the future transformation of cottage culture. Moreover, the increasing demand for single-family and outdoor spaces created by social changes such as remote working, which has become widespread with the COVID-19 pandemic, will make the summer cottage lifestyle even more popular in Finland. It is thought that this entry will contribute to the continuance of the Finnish cottage culture, which is essential for the vitality of countryside municipalities, local development, national culture, and the well-being of Finnish people.
COVID-19 in the Construction Sector
Authors: Elizalde Ruben Rodríguez
Published: April 2022

This section analyzes the influence of COVID-19 in the construction sector. Construction workers’ high vulnerability to the spread of the virus motivated this entry. The construction sector’s peculiarities and some work procedure characteristics in this sector make telecommuting impossible in most activities. In addition, most of the states and national governments declared the construction sector essential activity due to its high economic impact. The working conditions in this sector are very special: constant trips to work in groups, work group execution with little interpersonal distance, group travel, stays and accommodations away from home, meals in restaurants or work canteens, lunch in restaurants or work canteens, etc. Due to all of this, the contagion rate was very high during the pandemic months. Even today, it is still considered one of the most dangerous sectors for these purposes. With all this in mind, here we discuss why it is difficult to minimize the spread of the virus for construction workers, summarize how to assess exposure risk grades for construction job tasks, and provide possible protection requirements for the different exposure risk grades.
Characterization of Differences in the Composition and Content of Volatile Compounds in Cucumber Fruit
Authors: Zhang Jie , Gu Xiuchao , Yan Wenjing , Lou Lina , Xu Xuewen , Chen Xuehao
Published: April 2022

The cucumber is characterized by the presence of a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are recognized as the main responsible for its unique flavor. However, research on the types and contents of VOCs in different cucumber cultivars remains fragmentary. Here, using an automatic headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method, the VOCs were analyzed in three representative cucumber cultivars, including YX, KX, and GX, with the best, middle, and worst flavor quality, respectively, which were selected from 30 cultivars after flavor quality evaluation. Principal component analysis revealed that the six biological replicates were grouped, indicating high reliability of the data. A total of 163 VOCs were detected. There were 28 differential VOCs in YX compared to GX, 33 differential VOCs in YX compared to KX, and 10 differential VOCs in KX compared to GX. Furthermore, K-means clustering analysis showed that 38 of the 43 no-overlapping differential VOCs were represented by the most abundant compounds detected in YX. The prevailing VOCs in YX included: hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and ketones. The data obtained in the present study extend our understanding the impact of cultivars on VOCs in cucumber and will help facilitate targeted breeding.
Improving an Industrial Sherry Base Wine by Yeast Enhancement Strategies
Authors: Ruiz-Muñoz Marina , Cordero-Bueso Gustavo , Izquierdo-Cañas Pedro Miguel , Mena-Morales Adela , Cantoral Jesús M.
Published: April 2022

There is growing interest in yeast selection for industrial fermentation applications since it is a factor that protects a wine’s identity. Although it is strenuous evaluating the oenological characteristics of yeasts in selection processes, in many cases the most riveting yeasts produce some undesirable organoleptic characteristics in wine. The aim of the present work is to improve an industrial yeast strain by reducing its hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production. To accomplish this, two different improvement approaches were used on said yeast: hybridization by mass mating and adaptive laboratory evolution, both performed through spore generation and conjugation, thus increasing genetic variability. Three evolved variants with lower H2S production were obtained and used as starters to carry out fermentation at an industrial level. Wine quality was analyzed by its principal oenological parameters and volatile aroma compounds, which were both corroborated by sensory evaluations. Significant differences between the produced wines have been obtained and a substantial improvement in aromatic quality has been achieved. Both hybrids were the most different to the control due to terpenes and esters production, while the evolved strain was very similar to the parental strain. Not only have organoleptic defects been reduced at an industrial level, more floral and fruitier wines have been produced.
Connexin Expression in Pituitary Adenomas and the Effects of Overexpression of Connexin 43 in Pituitary Tumor Cell Lines
Authors: Nunes Bruno , Pópulo Helena , Lopes José Manuel , Reis Marta , Nascimento Gilvan , Nascimento Ana Giselia , Fernandes Janaína , Faria Manuel , de Carvalho Denise Pires , Soares Paula , Miranda-Alves Leandro
Published: April 2022

Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is considered a key mechanism in the regulation of tissue homeostasis. GJIC structures are organized in two transmembrane channels, with each channel formed by connexins (Cxs). GJIC and Cxs expression alterations are related to the process of tumorigenesis in different cell types. Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) represent 15–20% of intracranial neoplasms, and usually display benign behavior. Nevertheless, some may have aggressive behavior, invading adjacent tissues, and featuring a high proliferation rate. We aimed to assess the expression and relevance of GJIC and Cxs proteins in PitNETs. We evaluated the mRNA expression levels of Cx26, 32, and 43, and the protein expression of Cx43 in a series of PitNETs. In addition, we overexpressed Cx43 in pituitary tumor cell lines. At the mRNA level, we observed variable expression of all the connexins in the tumor samples. Cx43 protein expression was absent in most of the pituitary tumor samples that were studied. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that the overexpression of Cx43 decreases cell growth and induces apoptosis in pituitary tumor cell lines. Our results indicate that the downregulation of Cx43 protein might be involved in the tumorigenesis of most pituitary adenomas and have a potential therapeutic value for pituitary tumor therapy.
A Comparative Study of Urban Park Preferences in China and The Netherlands
Authors: van den Berg Pauline , Weijs-Perrée Minou , Dane Gamze , van Vliet Esther , Liu Hui , Sun Siao , Borgers Aloys
Published: April 2022

Urban parks play an important role in tackling several urban challenges such as air pollution, urban heat, physical inactivity, social isolation, and stress. In order to fully seize the benefits of urban parks, it is important that they are attractive for various groups of residents. While several studies have investigated residents’ preferences for urban park attributes, most of them have focused on a single geographical context. This study aimed to investigate differences in park preferences, specifically between Dutch and Chinese park users. We collected data in the Netherlands and China using an online stated choice experiment with videos of virtual parks. The data were analyzed with a random parameter mixed logit model to identify differences in preferences for park attributes between Chinese and Dutch citizens, controlling for personal characteristics. Although the results showed a general preference for parks with many trees, several differences were found between the Dutch and Chinese respondents. These differences concerned vegetation (composition of trees and flowers), the presence of benches and play facilities, and could probably be explained by differences in park use, values of nature, and landscape preferences. The findings of this study can be used as design guidelines by urban planners and landscape designers to design attractive and inclusive parks for different target groups.
Comparative Analysis of Factors Affecting Quality of Community-Based Care Services in Korea
Authors: Yoon Kichan , Lee Munjae
Published: April 2022

Aging societies have an increased need for care services. To solve the problem of care, we suggest community care, through which medical services are provided that meet individual needs. Korea provides care services in advance of the community care project and implements quality control to improve the quality of these social services. Therefore, this study aims to compare and analyze the factors affecting user satisfaction in care services in both 2013 and 2016. We analyzed secondary data from 2013 and 2016 collected by the Social Security Information Service. These data include standardized metrics for the quality of care. Based on the evaluation indexes for care service in 2013 and 2016, we used commonly used indexes for analysis. Specifically, non-profit organizations were influenced by sales, accounting management, lifetime tenure rate, etc., while for-profit organizations were affected by number of users, contract termination, etc. In addition, on-site evaluation had a negative effect on the change rate of user satisfaction. Therefore, in order to increase satisfaction with care services, evaluation indexes by service type should be diversified and differentiated. In addition, field evaluations related to user satisfaction should be performed in order to provide care services appropriate for local characteristics.
Examining the Influencing Factors of Chronic Hepatitis B Monitoring Behaviors among Asian Americans: Application of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Model
Authors: Ma Grace X. , Zhu Lin , Lu Wenyue , Tan Yin , Truehart Jade , Johnson Cicely , Handorf Elizabeth , Nguyen Minhhuyen T. , Yeh Ming-Chin , Wang Min Qi
Published: April 2022

Background: Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Asian Americans are 60% more likely to die from the disease. Doctor visitation for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection every six months is an effective approach to preventing liver cancer. Methods: This study utilized baseline data from an ongoing randomized controlled clinical trial aimed at improving long-term adherence to CHB monitoring/treatment. Guided by the information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model, we examined factors associated with CHB monitoring adherence among Asian Americans with CHB. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to test the associations. Results: The analysis sample consisted of 382 participants. Multivariable logistic regression showed that HBV knowledge (OR = 1.24, p < 0.01) and CHB-management motivation (OR = 1.06, p < 0.05) are significant predictors of having a doctor’s visit in the past six months. Both factors were positively associated with the likelihood of having had blood tests for HBV in the past six months. Conclusion: We found that greater HBV-related knowledge and CHB-management motivation are significantly associated with performing CHB-monitoring behaviors in the past six months. The findings have critical implications for the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions for CHB monitoring and liver cancer prevention in the Asian American community.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice towards Hepatitis B Infection Prevention and Screening among Indonesians
Authors: Dwiartama Angga , Nirbayati Wahyu Fadzilla , Giri-Rachman Ernawati Arifin , Niloperbowo Wardono , Tan Marselina Irasonia , Anin Anindyajati
Published: April 2022

Hepatitis B has been one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world and specifically in Indonesia. Although the total conversion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to chronic disease in Indonesia was reduced by 50%, the total number of hepatitis B cases increased by 2.5 times in 2021. Ineffective HBV immunization program in Indonesia prior to 1997 was addressed by the Ministry of Health through a more comprehensive HBV control, which, among others, involved Health Promotion to increase people’s knowledge and awareness towards hepatitis B infection prevention. In this regard, this study aims to identify the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice/behavior of the Indonesian population towards hepatitis B infection prevention and their willingness for screening, particularly in areas with high prevalence of hepatitis B. This study used a quantitative approach in looking at correlations between this set of knowledge, attitude, and practice, mainly by using Structural Equation Model (SEM) and SmartPLS 3.3.3 toolkit in SPSS. Through an analysis of online questionnaire results from over 400 respondents in four provinces (DKI Jakarta, West Java, DI Yogyakarta, and South Sulawesi), this study shows that respondents have a very high level of knowledge about hepatitis B; high level of positive attitude; and very high level of positive practice towards hepatitis B infection prevention. However, we also noticed some dissonances between the key aspects, namely that knowledge on hepatitis B correlates negatively with the behavior of the respondents and that the behavior also correlates negatively with their willingness for screening. In conclusion, we suggest that factors such as socio-economic context and prior informed knowledge on hepatitis B be considered to build a better strategy of Health Promotion and hepatitis B diagnostic screening among the population.
Food Systems Development: The Necessary Paradigm Shift for a Healthy and Sustainable Agrarian Transition, a Case Study from Bougainville, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Hill Genia , Friedman Rachel , Dargusch Paul
Published: April 2022

Classical agricultural development paradigms prioritise basic requirements such as agronomic, caloric and economic needs for the target environment and for beneficiaries. As challenges associated with climate change, globalisation, and population growth compound and amplify one another, project scope must be broadened to take a holistic food systems approach that includes sociocultural and historical contexts, as well as climate impacts as underpinning project design. In this paper, we illustrate the importance of adopting a food systems development paradigm rather than a classical agricultural development paradigm through a case study in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. The case uses Rich Picturing, targeted and focus-group interviews, and garden visits in remote Bougainville; it provides a poignant illustration of the importance of this more holistic perspective given the historical inefficacy of food systems development, as well as Papua New Guinea’s exposure to a plethora of compounding environmental, social, economic, and political stresses and shocks that demonstrate the important linkages between ecosystem services and health. The study aims to demonstrate how including localised gender dynamics, climate vulnerability, rapidly morphing social norms, and climate analogue environments is critical in building food systems resilience and is key to designing policies, programs, and development projects that more effectively address environmental, sociocultural, and health considerations. Building on the inadequacies in agricultural development efforts previously documented for Papua New Guinea, we propose an improved framing for food systems development and identify areas for future research.
Understanding the Relationship between Sport Courage and Female Soccer Performance Variables
Authors: Konter Erkut , Gledhill Adam , Kueh Yee Cheng , Kuan Garry
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between female soccer players’ courage and key performance variables (level of participation, injury past, being selected or non-selected by a national team, being starter or substitute). Methods: The Sport Courage Scale-31, by Konter and Ng (2012) and key performance variables were collected from 210 female soccer players aged 12 to 27 (M = 17.97 ± 3.34 years old). Spearman correlations and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to analyse the collected data. Results: The correlations between mastery (r = 0.196), determination (p = 0.239), assertiveness (r = 0.325), sacrifice behaviour (r = 0.182), total sport courage (r = 0.265) and age of female soccer players were found to be significant (p < 0.05). Female soccer players who have sustained an injury in the past scored significantly higher on the venturesome scale (p = 0.006) than those who have not sustained an injury in the past. In comparison, female soccer players who have not sustained an injury in the past or who have not been substituted had significantly more mastery than female soccer players who have sustained an injury in the past or who have been substituted (p = 0.017, p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: This study indicates that sport courage is related to key performance variables among female soccer players. Mastery and age seem to be related to courageous behaviour, whereas increasing venturesomeness might cause injuries in female soccer. Some relevant implications for practitioners can be drawn from the present findings.
Subjective Response Measurement to Prosthesis or Device Use: Validation of the Prosthetic–Bionic Paradigm Questionnaire (PBP-Q)
Authors: Iossa Fasano Augusto , Mandolillo Paolo , Loscalzo Yura , Giannini Marco , Grippo Gabriele , Imbimbo Isabella , Lauro Grotto Rosapia
Published: April 2022

Many subjects with somatic pathologies or traumas in their recent anamnesis tend to experience symptoms and changes to their daily life parameters after technically successful treatment. Hence, this study aims to validate an investigation tool inspired by the prosthetic–bionic paradigm—namely, the PBP-Q—which allows for the evaluation of variation in questions relating to identity, psychosociality, and psychopathology in relation to the use of a prosthesis or device. We gathered 118 participants (68 females and 50 males) aged between 27 and 94 years (Mean = 58.42 ± 15.17). We performed both exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA) factor analyses on this sample. Moreover, we calculated the internal consistency for the PBP-Q scales and the total score for the questionnaire’s final 26-item and 5-factor versions. The five scales are psychological well-being; interpersonal relationships; professional relationships; autonomy and safety; addictions, compulsions, and obsessions. The internal consistency is good for both the total score and the subscales. In conclusion, overall, the PBP-Q has satisfactory psychometric properties, especially considering the measure’s complexity. It provides a quick and effective way to evaluate the changes that might arise after the use of a prosthesis or device and, subsequently, has implications for clinical practice.
Workplace Violence against Hospital Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Israel: Implications for Public Health
Authors: Dopelt Keren , Davidovitch Nadav , Stupak Anna , Ben Ayun Rachel , Lev Eltsufin Anna , Levy Chezy
Published: April 2022

Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare workers, a serious public health problem with profound implications, has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the incidence of different types of WPV in a public hospital in Israel during the pandemic and analyzes the factors associated with its occurrence. A cross-sectional study was performed via an online questionnaire with 486 workers at a government hospital in Israel. Data were collected about sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, exposure to different forms of WPV over the preceding six months, and the responsibility and reasons for WPV from the workers’ perspective. Approximately 71% of respondents were exposed to WPV and 64% perceived that WPV escalated during the pandemic. The prevalence of verbal/psychological and physical WPV were 69 and 11%, respectively. The main reason for WPV was frustration over long wait times (70%). The escalation during the pandemic can be attributed to patients’ or relatives’ anxiety and mental states following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (72%), an increase in waiting time since the pandemic began (54%), lack of hospital resources to care for everyone (45%), and the inability to visit critically ill relatives with COVID-19 (44%). Increased exposure to WPV was attributed to lower seniority, working in emergency or internal departments, and being a nurse or a doctor. The findings raise an urgent need to develop strategies to reduce WPV in hospitals at all levels: national, organizational, and individual. Further research could focus on the effectiveness of innovative strategies and interventions to prevent violence against healthcare workers.
Conventional or Organic? Motives and Trends in Polish Vegetable Consumption
Authors: Mazur-Włodarczyk Katarzyna , Gruszecka-Kosowska Agnieszka
Published: April 2022

Vegetables constitute a major component of human food security. They are the main sources of essential nutrients including antioxidants, natural dyes, minerals, and vitamins. Eating habit issues related to the consumption of vegetables are gaining importance within the context of a healthy lifestyle, longevity, and physical fitness. Additionally, food quality is of primary importance, and so-called eco-food (defined as food as natural as possible, without fertilizers, pesticides, or preservatives) seems to be the most popular world-trend in healthy nutrition. Keeping these ideas in focus, research on vegetable consumption in Poland in the context of conventional or organic production was performed using online questionnaire surveys. The results revealed that the rate of vegetable consumption depended primarily on economic status, except for the potato, which was a staple cutting across all economic strata. Among the 108 analyzed respondents, 74% bought vegetables from certified organic farms. However, 59% bought organic vegetables “rarely” or “sometimes”, and only 15% “often”. Next, respondents chose to buy vegetables from fresh food markets (45%) and in local shops (41%). About 20% of the respondents acquired vegetables from their own farms. Among the reasons for choosing vegetables from certified organic farms, respondents mentioned in decreasing order: “desire for proper nutrition” (30%), “thinking that organic vegetables are healthier” (28%), and “organic vegetables are generally better” (7%).