bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Objects in the Educational Context: The Perspective of Teachers in the Azores
Authors: Santos Ana Isabel , Costa Ana C. , Botelho Andrea Z. , Parente Manuela I. , Cascalho José , Freitas Diana , Behr André , Rodrigues Ana , Mendes Armando B.
Published: April 2022

This paper seeks to identify the pedagogical resources used by kindergarten, primary and secondary teachers in Azores Islands. Additionally, an investigation will be made into how these resources are mobilized in teachers’ pedagogical practice, with the aim of understanding to what extent digital resources, particularly learning objects, are present in schools. For this purpose, a study was developed, which included a questionnaire survey conducted online, and sent to teachers in 2021/22. A total of 426 answers allowed us to conclude that the use of pedagogical resources is still far from the current and emerging need to mobilize digital resources, particularly learning objects, as a tool to enhance meaningful learning.
Language-in-Education Policy of Kazakhstan: Post-Pandemic Technology Enhances Language Learning
Authors: Tlepbergen Dinara , Akzhigitova Assel , Zabrodskaja Anastassia
Published: April 2022

In the current times of rapid technological progress, the development of quality education and encouragement of educated youth are extremely important. For this reason, a number of state projects and programs were developed in the education system of modern Kazakhstan. This paper is devoted to the problems of multilingual education and emergency remote learning in this country. The primary objectives were to examine the language competence and preferences of undergraduates and to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on remote language learning. Here, we present the survey and interview results of non-linguistic specialty students regarding their language preferences in various spheres, as well as the difficulties encountered during distance learning.
Socioeconomic Variations in the Frequency of Parent Number Talk: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dearing Eric , Casey Beth , Davis-Kean Pamela E. , Eason Sarah , Gunderson Elizabeth , Levine Susan C. , Laski Elida V. , Libertus Melissa , Lu Linxi , Lombardi Caitlin McPherran , Nelson Ariadne , Ramani Geetha , Susperreguy María Inés
Published: April 2022

Using data from 12 studies, we meta-analyze correlations between parent number talk during interactions with their young children (mean sample age ranging from 22 to 79 months) and two aspects of family socioeconomics, parent education, and family income. Potential variations in correlation sizes as a function of study characteristics were explored. Statistically significant positive correlations were found between the amount of number talk in parent-child interactions and both parent education and family income (i.e., r = 0.12 for education and 0.14 for income). Exploratory moderator analyses provided some preliminary evidence that child age, as well as the average level of and variability in socioeconomic status, may moderate effect sizes. The implications of these findings are discussed with special attention to interpreting the practical importance of the effect sizes in light of family strengths and debate surrounding “word gaps”.
Education after the Pandemic: What We Have (Not) Learned about Learning
Authors: Kerres Michael , Buchner Josef
Published: April 2022

During the pandemic, educational technologies have become an essential tool to provide education at a distance. The paper outlines basic assumptions of research on the effects of the pandemic on education and points out methodological flaws when these effects are directly related to the pandemic or to effects of educational technology on learning. Studies cannot be easily aggregated and must consider the institutional, national and cultural conditions of how the educational system reacted to the pandemic. The article discusses how the experiences during the pandemic will shape the future discussion of education after the pandemic. With regard to the use of digital technology, the future seems widely open and will largely depend on the interpretation and re-construction of these experiences during the pandemic by the actors in the field. Two contradictory visions for the role of educational technology in education after the pandemic seem possible: a pre- vs. post-digital view that imply fundamentally different perspectives for the future of education. A pre-digital re-construction implies a return “back to normal”, whereas a post-digital view tries to utilize the experiences of the pandemic for a consequential reform of education.
Smart Automotive E-Mobility—A Proposal for a New Curricula for Engineering Education
Authors: Curiel-Ramirez Luis A. , Bautista-Montesano Rolando , Galluzzi Renato , Izquierdo-Reyes Javier , Ramírez-Mendoza Ricardo A. , Bustamante-Bello Rogelio
Published: April 2022

Automotive engineering is an area of great value and development. Lately, it has evolved rapidly because of autonomous vehicles. The development of smart mobility will be crucial in the coming years. Related research and companies related to intelligent transportation require trained and capable engineers. It is essential to generate an updated and specialized academic program that provides state-of-the-art technologies and related areas with smart mobility. This paper presents a novel two-year graduate academic program focused on smart electromobility. Programs around the globe were analyzed to find opportunity areas related to autonomous and electric vehicles, and smart mobility. Multi- and transdisciplinary courses were designed, according to the findings, on areas related to computer science, mechanical and electric engineering, law, marketing, and public policy. The proposed program fulfills the needs of a graduate student who will later work in a smart electromobility environment. The program offers a balanced curriculum that includes technical, business and social courses. Virtual and physical labs are proposed to develop a high-quality educational experience. This proposal can be used as a model for upcoming and related programs in other universities.
A Full Investigation of Terahertz Wave Power Transmission in Plasma from Theoretical, Numerical, and Experimental Perspectives
Authors: Yang Ke , Peng Di , Wang Jinhong , Ma Ping , Li Bin
Published: April 2022

Radio communication is a vital challenge during vehicle reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere in practice, because the plasma covering the aerospace vehicle can block the communication as the spacecraft reenters the atmosphere. To investigate the potential of the terahertz wave, the transfer function method is first applied to study the wave propagation behavior in plasma, validated by the numerical and the experimental results. The comparison of all three results shows a decent agreement, with the average absolute difference around 1.1 dB for the power loss between the theoretical and numerical results for 100 GHz and 220 GHz and around 0.8 dB for the power loss between the simulation and measurement for 100 GHz and 220 GHz, which shows the validity of the transfer function method and the great potential of the numerical model for future study. Moreover, the results shows the possibility of the application of the THz wave to deal with the blackout problem.
A Novel Improved Coordinate Rotated Algorithm for PWM Rectifier THD Reduction
Authors: Zhu Yuying , Wang Zuming , Wang Chenyi , Zhu Yuyu , Cao Xin
Published: April 2022

In this paper, a novel algorithm with a rotating coordinate system is proposed to improve the total harmonic distortion (THD) of PWM rectifiers. Aiming at solving the disadvantages of poor dynamic response, unstable switching frequency, and a large calculation burden in some current control methods, the proposed method employs the rotating coordinate system to control the active current and reactive current separately while modifying the calculation error. The proposed method is verified through a single-phase PWM rectifier. Based on the measured results and compared with many other algorithms, such as the peak current mode control (PCMC), average current mode control (ACMC), one cycle control (OCC), and modulating duty ratio (MDR), the proposed method not only effectively reduces the intermediate variables during calculation, but also improves the THD and reliability of the circuit. The proposed method can be applied in single-phase PWM rectifiers applied in household-distributed energy storage systems.
IoT-Inspired Reliable Irregularity-Detection Framework for Education 4.0 and Industry 4.0
Authors: Verma Anil , Anand Divya , Singh Aman , Vij Rishika , Alharbi Abdullah , Alshammari Majid , Ortega Mansilla Arturo
Published: April 2022

Education 4.0 imitates Industry 4.0 in many aspects such as technology, customs, challenges, and benefits. The remarkable advancement in embryonic technologies, including IoT (Internet of Things), Fog Computing, Cloud Computing, and Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), polishes every dimension of Industry 4.0. The constructive impacts of Industry 4.0 are also replicated in Education 4.0. Real-time assessment, irregularity detection, and alert generation are some of the leading necessities of Education 4.0. Conspicuously, this study proposes a reliable assessment, irregularity detection, and alert generation framework for Education 4.0. The proposed framework correspondingly addresses the comparable issues of Industry 4.0. The proposed study (1) recommends the use of IoT, Fog, and Cloud Computing, i.e., IFC technological integration for the implementation of Education 4.0. Subsequently, (2) the Symbolic Aggregation Approximation (SAX), Kalman Filter, and Learning Bayesian Network (LBN) are deployed for data pre-processing and classification. Further, (3) the assessment, irregularity detection, and alert generation are accomplished over SoTL (the set of threshold limits) and the Multi-Layered Bi-Directional Long Short-Term Memory (M-Bi-LSTM)-based predictive model. To substantiate the proposed framework, experimental simulations are implemented. The experimental outcomes substantiate the better performance of the proposed framework, in contrast to the other contemporary technologies deployed for the enactment of Education 4.0.
Design of Three-Dimensional Virtual Simulation Experiment Platform for Integrated Circuit Course
Authors: Lai Ziliang , Cui Yansong , Zhao Tonggang , Wu Qiang
Published: April 2022

The integrated circuit (IC) is a subject for which researchers need practical experience, but its experiment cost is high, the risk involved is high, and it is not easy to carry out experiments on a large scale. This paper designs a three-dimensional integrated circuit virtual experiment platform based on Unity3d. The platform uses the Unity3d and 3ds Max tools to build a three-dimensional model of instruments, equipment, electronic components, and ultra cleanroom laboratory scenes in an integrated circuit experiment. In addition, it uses C# script to develop the functions and three-dimensional simulation of general virtual instruments and equipment and deploys the experimental website using the frame of the jspxcms open source website. The experimental platform arranges the three-dimensional web file WebGL file in the cloud. Students can use video and text materials to acquire basic IC knowledge at any time and conduct IC virtual experiments safely, efficiently, and without constraints. At present, the platform has been tested and used in teaching and has received high praise and recognition from students.
All-SiC Traction Converter for Light Rail Transportation Systems: Design Methodology and Development of 165 kVA Prototype
Authors: Yıldırım Doğan , Akşit Mehmet Hakan , Çadırcı Işık , Ermiş Muammer
Published: April 2022

The design and development of a high-performance 165 kVA, 750 V DC all-silicon carbide (SiC) traction converter for new generation light rail transportation systems (LRTSs) are described. In the design of the traction motor drive, the efficiency of the overall system is maximized and the line current harmonic content of the traction motor is minimized. A complete mathematical model of the physical system is derived to carry out real-time simulations and proper control of the LRTS on a real rail track. The electrical and thermal performances of traction-type SiC power MOSFET modules are compared with those of alternative hybrid and Si-IGBT modules for various switching frequencies. The implementation of the developed system is also described. The performance of the resulting system is verified experimentally on a full-scale physical simulator as well as for various track conditions. Very promising results for the next generation railway traction motor drives have been obtained in terms of performance criteria, such as very high efficiency, low harmonic distortion of the motor line current, low cooling requirement, relatively high switching frequency, and hence, superior controller performance. The effects of the SiC power MOSFET operation on the insulation of the available traction motors are also examined experimentally. This paper is accompanied by a video demonstrating the experimental work.
A Variable-Weather-Parameter Optimization Strategy Based on an Irradiance and Temperature Estimation Method for PV System
Authors: Li Shaowu
Published: April 2022

The variable-weather-parameter (VWP) methods have the fastest maximum power point tracking (MPPT) speed because their control signals are directly calculated by the measured weather data (including irradiance and temperature (I&T) data). However, they are suffering from the high hardware cost of the I&T sensors. To solve this problem, an estimation method to estimate the real-time I&T values is proposed. In this method, an equation set and two empirical equations are established to match the changeless and varying weather conditions, respectively. Based on them, a VWP optimization strategy (VWPOS) is proposed. It is without using I&T sensors (or external I&T data) that the advantage of the MPPT rapidity is inherited from the VWP methods. Finally, some simulation experiments involving the VWPOS are conducted, and the results show that the estimation method is accurate and workable regardless of the changeless or varying weather conditions. Meanwhile, simulation results also show that the tracking speed of an existing MPPT method can be greatly optimized by the VWPOS even if the I&T sensors or external I&T data are not used. In addition, simulation results still show that, when the conventional P&O method is optimized by the VWPOS, the average error of its control signal at the MPP can be decreased from 0.025% to 0.005%, and the settling time of its output power can be decreased to at least one-third of the original value. With this work, for the existing VWP methods, the trouble arising from the hardware cost of the I&T sensors can be prevented, which is beneficial to their widespread use.
Dielectric-Loaded Miniaturized Cavity Bandpass Filter with Improved Power Capacity
Authors: Rong Chuicai , Xu Yun , Zhang Yuming
Published: April 2022

A novel design method of dielectric-loaded miniaturized cavity bandpass filter is presented in this paper. The proposed cavity resonator is filled with dielectric material to improve power capacity, while realizing the miniaturization of the filter. To validate our proposal, a bandpass filter with a center frequency of 1475 MHz and bandwidth of 90 MHz is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured insertion loss is ≤0.49 dB and return loss is ≥20 dB in 1430 MHz~1520 MHz. The measured upper stopband rejection is greater than 48.5 dB in 1575 MHz~2700 MHz. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulation, which verifies the effectiveness and practicability of the method. The metal cavity bandpass filter, filled with dielectric material, is reduced by 25% in the thickness direction and its power capacity is increased by 45.8%.
Research on a User-Centered Evaluation Model for Audience Experience and Display Narrative of Digital Museums
Authors: Meng Lei , Liu Yuan , Li Kaiwen , Lyu Ruimin
Published: April 2022

As culture becomes a value dimension of economic and social development worldwide, museums as a social medium are given more missions and expectations. Mobile Internet technology is empowering digital museums in the epidemic context, bringing new public cultural service content to the public. In this paper, we focus on the website quality of user experience in the current construction of digital museums. By analyzing the components of 20 digital museums, three models with different tendencies are abstracted. Then the three models are implemented as prototype websites, and their user experience was evaluated by experiment. Result shows that website content and user identity differences affect website quality, user attitudes, and user intentions. Rich contextual information contributes to the experience, and the “professional group” generally agrees less with the digital museum experience than the “non-professional group”. This research has implications for the study of digital museum user groups, experience analysis, and content construction.
Assessment of Air Quality and Meteorological Changes Induced by Future Vegetation in Madrid
Authors: de la Paz David , de Andrés Juan Manuel , Narros Adolfo , Silibello Camillo , Finardi Sandro , Fares Silvano , Tejero Luis , Borge Rafael , Mircea Mihaela
Published: April 2022

Nature-based solutions and green urban infrastructures are becoming common measures in local air quality and climate strategies. However, there is a lack of analytical frameworks to anticipate the effect of such interventions on urban meteorology and air quality at a city scale. We present a modelling methodology that relies on the weather research and forecasting model (WRF) with the building effect parameterization (BEP) and the community multiscale air quality (CMAQ) model and apply it to assess envisaged plans involving vegetation in the Madrid (Spain) region. The study, developed within the VEGGAP Life project, includes the development of two detailed vegetation scenarios making use of Madrid’s municipality tree inventory (current situation) and future vegetation-related interventions. An annual simulation was performed for both scenarios (considering constant anthropogenic emissions) to identify (i) variations in surface temperature and the reasons for such changes, and (ii) implications on air-quality standards according to EU legislation for the main pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2 and O3). Our results suggest that vegetation may have significant effects on urban meteorology due to changes induced in relevant surface properties such as albedo, roughness length or emissivity. We found a net-heating effect of around +0.18 °C when trees are introduced in dry, scarcely vegetated surfaces in the city outskirts. In turn, this enhances the planetary boundary layer height (PBLH), which brings about reductions in ambient concentrations of relevant pollutants such as NO2 (in the range of 0.5–0.8 µg m−3 for the annual mean, and 2–4 µg m−3 for the 19th highest 1 h value). Conversely, planting new trees in consolidated urban areas causes a cooling effect (up to −0.15 °C as an annual mean) that may slightly increase concentration levels due to less-effective vertical mixing and wind-speed reduction caused by increased roughness. This highlights the need to combine nature-based solutions with emission-reduction measures in Madrid.
Configuration of the Deep Neural Network Hyperparameters for the Hypsometric Modeling of the Guazuma crinita Mart. in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Casas Gianmarco Goycochea , Gonzáles Duberlí Geomar Elera , Villanueva Juan Rodrigo Baselly , Fardin Leonardo Pereira , Leite Hélio Garcia
Published: April 2022

The Guazuma crinita Mart. is a dominant species of great economic importance for the inhabitants of the Peruvian Amazon, standing out for its rapid growth and being harvested at an early age. Understanding its vertical growth is a challenge that researchers have continued to study using different hypsometric modeling techniques. Currently, machine learning techniques, especially artificial neural networks, have revolutionized modeling for forest management, obtaining more accurate predictions; it is because we understand that it is of the utmost importance to adapt, evaluate and apply these methods in this species for large areas. The objective of this study was to build and evaluate the efficiency of the use of a deep neural network for the prediction of the total height of Guazuma crinita Mart. from a large-scale continuous forest inventory. To do this, we explore different configurations of the hidden layer hyperparameters and define the variables according to the function HT = f(x) where HT is the total height as the output variable and x is the input variable(s). Under this criterion, we established three HT relationships: based on the diameter at breast height (DBH), (i) HT = f(DBH); based on DBH and Age, (ii) HT = f(DBH, Age) and based on DBH, Age and Agroclimatic variables, (iii) HT = f(DBH, Age, Agroclimatology), respectively. In total, 24 different configuration models were established for each function, concluding that the deep artificial neural network technique presents a satisfactory performance for the predictions of the total height of Guazuma crinita Mart. for modeling large areas, being the function based on DBH, Age and agroclimatic variables, with a performance validation of RMSE = 0.70, MAE = 0.50, bias% = −0.09 and VAR = 0.49, showed better accuracy than the others.
Impact of Incorporating the Aqueous Extract of Hawthorn (C. oxyanatha) Leaves on Yogurt Properties and Its Therapeutic Effects against Oxidative Stress Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Rats
Authors: Shahein Magdy Ramadan , Atwaa El-Sayed H. , Babalghith Ahmad O. , Alrashdi Barakat M. , Radwan Hanan A. , Umair Muhammad , Abdalmegeed Dyaaaldin , Mahfouz Hala , Dahran Naief , Cacciotti Ilaria , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: April 2022

The current study aimed to evaluate the chemical, phytochemical, and sensory properties; the nutritional value; and the antioxidant properties resulting from the incorporation of yogurt fortified with the aqueous extract of Hawthorn leaves in Sprague Dawley rats. The results revealed that the yogurt containing the aqueous extract from Hawthorn leaves exhibited no significant differences in terms of its protein, fat, and ash contents compared to control samples. Moreover, the highest total phenolic content (62.00 ± 1.70) and antioxidant activity (20.60 ± 0.74%) were detected in the yogurt containing 0.4% Hawthorn leaf extract compared to the other samples. The consumption of yogurt fortified with the aqueous extract from Hawthorn leaves by rats experiencing oxidative stress resulted in a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in the triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, urea, and malondialdehyde levels and a remarkable increase (p ≤ 0.05) in the high-density lipoprotein, total protein, and albumin levels as well as in the total antioxidant potentials of serum compared to the positive control group, indicating that the extract from Hawthorn leaves can play a preventive role against oxidative stress. Collectively, our study concluded that the extract from Hawthorn leaves can provide health benefits to yogurt on the basis of its high bioactive components and can exert protective effects against oxidative stress in rats.
Assessing Hydrolyzed Gluten Content in Dietary Enzyme Supplements Following Fermentation
Authors: Khokhlova Ekaterina , Kim Pyeongsug , Colom Joan , Bhat Shaila , Curran Aoife M. , Jouini Najla , Rea Kieran , Phipps Christopher , Deaton John
Published: April 2022

Partially digested gluten fragments from grains including wheat, rye, spelt and barley are responsible for triggering an inflammatory response in the intestinal tract of Celiac Disease (CD) and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitive (NCGS) individuals. Fermentation is an effective method to metabolize gluten, with enzymes from bacterial or fungal species being released to help in this process. However, the levels of gluten in commercially available enzymes, including those involved in gluten fermentation, are unknown. In this study we investigated gluten levels in commercially available dietary enzymes combined with assessing their effect on inflammatory response in human cell culture assays. Using antibodies that recognize different gluten epitopes (G12, R5, 2D4, MloBS and Skerritt), we employed ELISA and immunoblotting methodologies to determine gluten content in crude gluten, crude gliadin, pepsin-trypsin digested gluten and a selection of commercially available enzymes. We further investigated the effect of these compounds on inflammatory response in immortalized immune and intestinal human cell lines, as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from coeliac individuals. All tested supplemental enzyme products reported a gluten concentration that was equivalent to or below 20 parts per million (ppm) as compared with an intact wheat reference standard and a pepsin-trypsin digested standard. Similarly, the inflammatory response to IL-8 and TNF-α inflammatory cytokines in mammalian cell lines and PBMCs from coeliac individuals to the commercial enzymes was not significantly different to 20 ppm of crude gluten, crude gliadin or pepsin-trypsin digested gluten. This combined approach provides insight into the extent of gluten breakdown in the fermentation process and the safety of these products to gluten-sensitive individuals.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Pulse Proteins as a Tool to Improve Techno-Functional Properties
Authors: Vogelsang-O’Dwyer Martin , Sahin Aylin W. , Arendt Elke K. , Zannini Emanuele
Published: April 2022

Pulse proteins are being increasingly investigated as nutritious and functional ingredients which could provide alternatives to animal proteins; however, pulse protein ingredients do not always meet the functionality requirements necessary for various applications. Consequently, enzymatic hydrolysis can be employed as a means of improving functional properties such as solubility, emulsifying, foaming, and gelling properties. This review aims to examine the current literature regarding modification of these properties with enzymatic hydrolysis. The effects of enzymatic hydrolysis on the functionality of pulse proteins generally varies considerably based on the enzyme, substrate, processing steps such as heat treatment, degree of hydrolysis, and pH. Differences in protease specificity as well as protein structure allow for a wide variety of peptide mixtures to be generated, with varying hydrophobic and electrostatic properties. Typically, the most significant improvements are seen when the original protein ingredient has poor initial functionality. Solubility is usually improved in the mildly acidic range, which may also correspond with improved foaming and emulsifying properties. More work should be carried out on the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis to modify gelation properties of pulse proteins, as the literature is currently lacking. Overall, careful selection of proteases and control of hydrolysis will be necessary to maximize the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis as a tool to improve pulse protein functionality and broaden the range of potential applications.
Mutants with Enhanced Cellobiose-Fermenting Ability from Thermotolerant Kluyveromyces marxianus DMKU 3-1042, Which Are Beneficial for Fermentation with Cellulosic Biomass
Authors: Murata Masayuki , Pattanakittivorakul Sornsiri , Manabe Toshiro , Limtong Savitree , Yamada Mamoru
Published: April 2022

Several cellulose-hydrolysis enzymes are required for eco-friendly utilization of cellulose as renewable biomass, and it would therefore be beneficial if fermenting microbes can provide such enzymes without genetic engineering. Thermotolerant and multisugar-fermenting Kluyveromyces marxianus is one of the promising yeasts for high-temperature fermentation and has genes for putative oligosaccharide-degradation enzymes. Mutants obtained after multiple mutagenesis showed significantly higher activity than that of the parental strain for cellobiose fermentation. The efficient strains were found to have amino acid substitutions and frame-shift mutations in 26-28 genes including 3 genes for glucose transporters. These strains grown in a cellobiose medium showed higher β-glucosidase than that of the parental strain and greatly reduced glucose utilization. The introduction of KTH2 for a glucose transporter into one of the efficient mutants reduced the cellobiose fermentation activity of the mutant. The results suggest that release from glucose repression significantly promotes the uptake of cellobiose. Co-culture of one efficient strain and the parental strain allowed good fermentation of both glucose and cellobiose, suggesting that the efficient strains are useful for conversion of cellulosic biomass to ethanol.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells–Hydrogel Microspheres System for Bone Regeneration in Calvarial Defects
Authors: Teng Chong , Tong Zhicheng , He Qiulin , Zhu Huangrong , Wang Lu , Zhang Xianzhu , Wei Wei
Published: April 2022

The repair of large bone defects in clinic is a challenge and urgently needs to be solved. Tissue engineering is a promising therapeutic strategy for bone defect repair. In this study, hydrogel microspheres (HMs) were fabricated to act as carriers for bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to adhere and proliferate. The HMs were produced by a microfluidic system based on light-induced gelatin of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA). The HMs were demonstrated to be biocompatible and non-cytotoxic to stem cells. More importantly, the HMs promoted the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. In vivo, the ability of bone regeneration was studied by way of implanting a BMSC/HM system in the cranial defect of rats for 8 weeks. The results confirmed that the BMSC/HM system can induce superior bone regeneration compared with both the HMs alone group and the untreated control group. This study provides a simple and effective research idea for bone defect repair, and the subsequent optimization study of HMs will provide a carrier material with application prospects for tissue engineering in the future.
Could Ultrasound Be Used as a Triage Tool in Diagnosing Fractures in Children? A Literature Review
Authors: Iacob Roxana , Stoicescu Emil Robert , Cerbu Simona , Iacob Daniela , Amaricai Elena , Catan Liliana , Belei Oana , Iacob Emil Radu
Published: April 2022

Fracture is one of the most frequent causes of emergency department visits in children, conventional radiography being the standard imaging tool used for following procedures and treatment. This imagistic method is irradiating and harmful, especially for children due to their high cell division rate. For this reason, we searched the literature to see if musculoskeletal ultrasound is a good alternative for diagnostic and follow-up regarding fractures in the pediatric population. After searching the databases using MeSH terms and manual filters, 24 articles that compare X-ray and ultrasound regarding their specificity and sensitivity in diagnosing fractures were included in this study. In the majority of the studied articles, the specificity and sensitivity of ultrasound are around 90–100%, and with high PPVs (positive predictive values) and NPVs (negative predictive values). Although it cannot replace conventional radiography, it is a great complementary tool in fracture diagnosis, having a sensitivity of nearly 100% when combined with clinical suspicion of fracture, compared with X-ray.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Oncology Patients’ Mental Health and Treatment Plans
Authors: Althumairi Arwa , Al Askari Entesar Ahmed , AlOmar Reem S. , Alumran Arwa
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted cancer care to a certain degree. There is objective evidence that COVID-19 outbreaks are causing substantial emotional distress among cancer patients regardless of their disease severity. This study aims to measure the levels of psychological distress, depression, and pandemic anxiety among cancer patients in Saudi Arabia during the outbreak of COVID-19 and their impact on patients’ cancer treatment plans. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted among oncology patients in Saudi Arabia in November of 2020. The levels of stress, depression, and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak were measured using the Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4), and patients were classified as depressed/distressed if the total score was 6 and above and classified as not depressed/distressed if they scored less than 6. Results: Among the sampled population, anxiety symptoms and depression were detected in 61.5% and 70.2%, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed that feeling more isolated was significant for anxiety symptoms (p = 0.005), while patients who used institutions as a source of COVID-19 information had significant depression (p = 0.010) compared to patients who accessed information from other sources. In the binary regression model, feeling more isolated than before was 3.208 times more likely to be associated with anxiety symptoms (OR = 3.208; 95% CI = 1.391–7.396; p = 0.006), while those patients who had a support institution as a source of COVID-19 information were 4.2 times more likely to be associated with depression (OR = 4.200; 95% CI = 1.328–13.280; p = 0.015). Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has added to the burden on cancer patients. The increased risk of anxiety symptoms and depression was clearly demonstrated in this study. Feeling isolated had a greater impact on anxiety symptoms, while obtaining COVID-19 information from a patient support institution negatively affected depression.
Tritium as a Tracer of Leachate Contamination in Groundwater: A Brief Review of Tritium Anomalies Method
Authors: Tazioli Alberto , Fronzi Davide , Mammoliti Elisa
Published: April 2022

Environmental isotopes are essential in hydrogeological studies, thanks to their contribution to the understanding of aquifers dynamics, vulnerability, water resources assessment, and management issues. The environmental isotopic approach plays a vital role in tracing the hydrological cycle and identifying various sources of contamination in the environment and gives independent information concerning what can be determined by a traditional hydrogeological study. Even in the framework of COP-26, isotopes have been indicated as fingerprints of climate change and therefore suitable for the evaluation of water balance and assessment of processes involved therein; in pollution studies they are used as fundamental support of traditional geochemical measures. Tritium, in particular, has been used since the 1960s to identify potential leaks in the containment walls of waste disposal sites, since its presence in the leachate (at very high levels in some cases) depends on the incorrect waste disposal of some peculiar items. Its use as a tracer of pollution by landfills is highlighted and emphasized by the very low concentrations of tritium in the natural environment. By comparing tritium content of leachate to that of water downflow from the waste disposal site, it is therefore possible to establish with a good success rate whether leachate have migrated or not out of the landfill, in the surrounding environment. An additional potential of tritium is to give a prompt indication of pollution risk in the environment indicating leaching even before the chemical indicator of pollution can be detected. This article wants to provide a contribution to the scientific community, collecting all the existing research in this field and providing data and benchmarks about this method, in particular stressing the role of tritium as an indicator of leachate transfer out of waste disposal sites.
Wildland Fires in the Czech Republic—Review of Data Spanning 20 Years
Authors: Špulák Pavel
Published: April 2022

The following article deals with more than 20 years of historical wildland fire data from the Czech Republic, logged in the databases of the operational centers of the Fire and Rescue Service of the Czech Republic (FRS of CR). First, the definition of the term wildland fire is introduced. After that, the locations of wildland fires are discussed, from the point of view of their introduction into the information systems. Next, as the FRS of CR is organized on a regional basis, the number of wildland fires is analyzed regionally. On the basis of this analysis, some advice concerning the preparation for and prevention of wildland fires is provided—for example, focusing fire prevention campaigns in regions where the wildland fire incidence per inhabitant is high, planning aerial firefighting asset coverage with respect to the occurrence of wildland fires, or deploying the necessary fire suppression equipment according to the dominant wildland fire fuel type. Finally, questions concerning the homogeneity of groups of wildland fires which naturally emerge during the process of selection from the emergency database are discussed.
Impact of Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Endocrine Disrupter DDT on Adrenal Medulla Function
Authors: Yaglova Nataliya V. , Obernikhin Sergey S. , Tsomartova Dibakhan A. , Yaglov Valentin V. , Nazimova Svetlana V. , Tsomartova Elina S. , Timokhina Ekaterina P. , Chereshneva Elizaveta V. , Ivanova Marina Y. , Lomanovskaya Tatiana A.
Published: April 2022

Epinephrine is the most abundant catecholamine hormone, produced by the nervous system and adrenal glands. Endocrine disruption of epinephrine synthesis, secretion and signaling is less studied than steroid and thyroid hormones. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is recognized as one of the most prominent environmental contaminants with a long half-life. It is a potent endocrine disrupter affecting sex steroid, mineralocorticoid, glucocorticoid and thyroid hormone production. Exposure to low doses of DDT is universal and begins in utero. Therefore, we studied adrenal medulla growth and function in male Wistar rats exposed to low doses of DDT during prenatal and postnatal development until puberty and adulthood, as well as rats exposed to DDT since the first day of postnatal development. All the exposed rats demonstrated lowered epinephrine blood levels, gradually reducing with age. DDT was found to inhibit the synthesis of tyrosine hydroxylase and affect the mitochondrial apparatus of epinephrine-producing cells during puberty and even after maturation. Low-dose exposure to DDT from birth resulted in more pronounced changes in adrenomedullary cells and a more profound decrease (up to 50%) in epinephrine secretion in adult rats. Prenatal onset of exposure demonstrated a mild effect on epinephrine-producing function (30% reduction), but was associated with lower rate of adrenal medulla growth during maturation and 25% smaller adrenal medullar size in adult rats. All subjects exposed to low doses of DDT failed to develop adaptive changes and restore proper epinephrine production. These results indicate a dysmorphogenetic effect of prenatal exposure and disruption of secretory function of adrenal chromaffin cells by postnatal exposure to DDT.
The Potentiality of Plant-Derived Nanovesicles in Human Health—A Comparison with Human Exosomes and Artificial Nanoparticles
Authors: Logozzi Mariantonia , Di Raimo Rossella , Mizzoni Davide , Fais Stefano
Published: April 2022

Research in science and medicine is witnessing a massive increases in literature concerning extracellular vesicles (EVs). From a morphological point of view, EVs include extracellular vesicles of a micro and nano sizes. However, this simplistic classification does not consider both the source of EVs, including the cells and the species from which Evs are obtained, and the microenvironmental condition during EV production. These two factors are of crucial importance for the potential use of Evs as therapeutic agents. In fact, the choice of the most suitable Evs for drug delivery remains an open debate, inasmuch as the use of Evs of human origin may have at least two major problems: (i) autologous Evs from a patient may deliver dangerous molecules; and (ii) the production of EVs is also limited to cell factory conditions for large-scale industrial use. Recent literature, while limited to only a few papers, when compared to the papers on the use of human EVs, suggests that plant-derived nanovesicles (PDNV) may represent a valuable tool for extensive use in health care.
RNA-Seq, Bioinformatic Identification of Potential MicroRNA-like Small RNAs in the Edible Mushroom Agaricus bisporus and Experimental Approach for Their Validation
Authors: Marin Francisco R. , Dávalos Alberto , Kiltschewskij Dylan , Crespo Maria C. , Cairns Murray , Andrés-León Eduardo , Soler-Rivas Cristina
Published: April 2022

Although genomes from many edible mushrooms are sequenced, studies on fungal micro RNAs (miRNAs) are scarce. Most of the bioinformatic tools are designed for plants or animals, but the processing and expression of fungal miRNAs share similarities and differences with both kingdoms. Moreover, since mushroom species such as Agaricus bisporus (A. bisporus, white button mushroom) are frequently consumed as food, controversial discussions are still evaluating whether their miRNAs might or might not be assimilated, perhaps within extracellular vesicles (i.e., exosomes). Therefore, the A. bisporus RNA-seq was studied in order to identify potential de novo miRNA-like small RNAs (milRNAs) that might allow their later detection in diet. Results pointed to 1 already known and 37 de novo milRNAs. Three milRNAs were selected for RT-qPCR experiments. Precursors and mature milRNAs were found in the edible parts (caps and stipes), validating the predictions carried out in silico. When their potential gene targets were investigated, results pointed that most were involved in primary and secondary metabolic regulation. However, when the human transcriptome is used as the target, the results suggest that they might interfere with important biological processes related with cancer, infection and neurodegenerative diseases.
Polarization of Microglia and Its Therapeutic Potential in Sepsis
Authors: Castro Léo Victor G. , Gonçalves-de-Albuquerque Cassiano F. , Silva Adriana R.
Published: April 2022

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, leaving the inflammation process without a proper resolution, leading to tissue damage and possibly sequelae. The central nervous system (CNS) is one of the first regions affected by the peripheral inflammation caused by sepsis, exposing the neurons to an environment of oxidative stress, triggering neuronal dysfunction and apoptosis. Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is the most frequent sepsis-associated organ dysfunction, with symptoms such as deliriums, seizures, and coma, linked to increased mortality, morbidity, and cognitive disability. However, the current therapy does not avoid those patients’ symptoms, evidencing the search for a more optimal approach. Herein we focus on microglia as a prominent therapeutic target due to its multiple functions maintaining CNS homeostasis and its polarizing capabilities, stimulating and resolving neuroinflammation depending on the stimuli. Microglia polarization is a target of multiple studies involving nerve cell preservation in diseases caused or aggravated by neuroinflammation, but in sepsis, its therapeutic potential is overlooked. We highlight the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) neuroprotective properties, its role in microglia polarization and inflammation resolution, and the interaction with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated kinases (MAPK), making PPARγ a molecular target for sepsis-related studies to come.
Chronic Inflammation in Non-Healing Skin Wounds and Promising Natural Bioactive Compounds Treatment
Authors: Schilrreff Priscila , Alexiev Ulrike
Published: April 2022

Chronic inflammation is one of the hallmarks of chronic wounds and is tightly coupled to immune regulation. The dysregulation of the immune system leads to continuing inflammation and impaired wound healing and, subsequently, to chronic skin wounds. In this review, we discuss the role of the immune system, the involvement of inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species, the complication of bacterial infections in chronic wound healing, and the still-underexplored potential of natural bioactive compounds in wound treatment. We focus on natural compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities and their mechanisms of action, as well as on recent wound treatments and therapeutic advancements capitalizing on nanotechnology or new biomaterial platforms.
Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae) Clonal Diversity in the United States and Brazil
Authors: Harris-Shultz Karen , Armstrong John , Carvalho Geraldo , Segundo Jurandir , Ni Xinzhi
Published: April 2022

Melanaphis sorghi (Hemiptera: Aphididae), are an economically important pest to sorghum in the Americas. Previous studies have found that a super-clone that belongs to multilocus lineage (MLL)-F predominated in the U.S. from 2013 to 2018 and uses multiple hosts besides sorghum. In contrast, previous studies found that aphids in South America belong to MLL-C, but these studies only examined aphids collected from sugarcane. In this study we sought to determine if the superclone persisted in the U.S. in 2019–2020 and to determine the MLL of aphids found on sorghum in the largest country in South America, Brazil. Melanaphis spp. samples (121) were collected from the U.S. in 2019–2020 and Brazil in 2020 and were genotyped with 8–9 Melanaphis spp. microsatellite markers. Genotyping results showed that all samples from the U.S. in 2019 and Brazil in 2020 had alleles identical to the predominant superclone. Of the 52 samples collected in the U.S. in 2020, 50 samples were identical to the predominant super-clone (multilocus lineage-F; M. sorghi), while two samples from Texas differed from the super-clone by a single allele. The results demonstrated that the super-clone remains in the U.S. on sorghum, Johnsongrass, and giant miscanthus and is also present on sorghum within Brazil.
Efficacy of Laryngeal Rehabilitation Therapy on Dysphagia after Anterior Cervical Surgery: Prospective, Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Ko Jong-Hyun , Han Kap-Soo , Yoon Sun-Jung
Published: April 2022

Dysphagia is the most common complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Several studies have reported dysphagia’s incidence, severity, and prognosis after ACDF; however, few have investigated the objective effects of dysphagia management. We aimed to elucidate the efficacy of laryngeal rehabilitation therapy for dysphagia following ACDF. This prospective randomized control trial included 20 patients who underwent more than two-level ACDF. Laryngeal rehabilitation therapy was performed on 10 patients for 7 days, whereas the remaining 10 comprised the control group. Pharyngeal transit time (PTT) by videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) was performed to evaluate the objective state of swallowing. We analyzed Bazaz scale and total variance of prevertebral soft tissue swelling (PSTS) from C2 to C7 on lateral cervical radiographs during hospitalization and at 4 and 8 weeks post-surgery. The PTT of the rehabilitation group was shorter than that of the control group at 7 days and 4 weeks post-surgery (p-value; POD 7D = 0.003, POD 4W = 0.042, POD 8W = 0.097). Perioperative laryngeal rehabilitation therapy effectively reduces postoperative dysphagia after ACDF.