bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Characterization of Synthetic Gels for Creation of Surrogate Hands Subjected to Low-Velocity Impacts
Authors: Sosa Eduardo M. , Moure Marta M.
Published: September 2022

The development of human body simulators that can be used as surrogates for testing protective devices and measures requires selecting synthetic materials with mechanical properties closely representative of the human tissues under consideration. For impact tests, gelatinous materials are often used to represent the soft tissues as a whole without distinguishing layers such as skin, fat, or muscles. This research focuses on the mechanical characterization of medical-grade synthetic gels that can be implemented to represent the soft tissues of the hand. Six grades of commercially available gels are selected for quasi-static hardness and firmness tests as well as for controlled low-velocity impact tests, which are not routinely conducted by gel manufacturers and require additional considerations such as energy level and specimen sizes relevant to the specific application. Specimens subject to impacts represent the hand thicknesses at the fingers, knuckles, and mid-metacarpal regions. Two impact test configurations are considered: one with the gel specimens including a solid insert representing a bone and one without this insert. The impact behavior of the candidate gels is evaluated by the coefficient of restitution, the energy loss percentage, and the peak reaction force at the time of impact. The resulting values are compared with similar indicators reported for experiments with cadaveric hands. Relatively softer gels, characterized by Shore OOO hardness in the range of 32.6 ± 0.9 to 34.4 ± 2.0, closely matched the impact behavior of cadaveric specimens. These results show that softer gels would be the most suitable gels to represent soft tissues in the creation of surrogate hands that can be used for extensive impact testing, thus, minimizing the need for cadaveric specimens.
Design and Optimization of In Situ Gelling Mucoadhesive Eye Drops Containing Dexamethasone
Authors: Szalai Boglárka , Jójárt-Laczkovich Orsolya , Kovács Anita , Berkó Szilvia , Balogh György Tibor , Katona Gábor , Budai-Szűcs Mária
Published: September 2022

Poor bioavailability of eye drops is a well-known issue, which can be improved by increasing the residence time on the eye surface and the penetration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). This study aims to formulate in situ gelling mucoadhesive ophthalmic preparations. To increase the residence time, the formulations were based on a thermosensitive polymer (Poloxamer 407 (P407)) and were combined with two types of mucoadhesive polymers. Dexamethasone (DXM) was solubilized by complexation with cyclodextrins (CD). The effect of the composition on the gel structure, mucoadhesion, dissolution, and permeability was investigated with 33 full factorial design. These parameters of the gels were measured by rheological studies, tensile test, dialysis membrane diffusion, and in vitro permeability assay. The dissolution and permeability of the gels were also compared with DXM suspension and CD-DXM solution. The gelation is strongly determined by P407; however, the mucoadhesive polymers also influenced it. Mucoadhesion increased with the polymer concentration. The first phase of drug release was similar to that of the CD-DXM solution, then it became prolonged. The permeability of DXM was significantly improved. The factorial design helped to identify the most important factors, thereby facilitating the formulation of a suitable carrier for the CD-DXM complex.
The Future of Pharmacogenomics Requires New Discoveries and Innovative Education
Authors: Giardina Emiliano , Zampatti Stefania
Published: September 2022

Since the beginning of pharmacology, several variations in responses to drugs have been recorded [...]
Bioinformatics Analysis and Structure of Gastric Cancer Prognosis Model Based on Lipid Metabolism and Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Chen Yongzhi , Yuan Hongjun , Yu Qian , Pang Jianyu , Sheng Miaomiao , Tang Wenru
Published: September 2022

Objectives: The reprogramming of lipid metabolism is a new trait of cancers. However, the role of lipid metabolism in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and the prognosis of gastric cancer remains unclear. Methods: Consensus clustering was applied to identify novel subgroups. ESTIMATE, TIMER, and MCPcounter algorithms were used to determine the TIME of the subgroups. The underlying mechanisms were elucidated using functional analysis. The prognostic model was established using the LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results: Three molecular subgroups with significantly different survival were identified. The subgroup with relatively low lipid metabolic expression had a lower immune score and immune cells. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were concentrated in immune biological processes and cell migration via GO and KEGG analyses. GSEA analysis showed that the subgroups were mainly enriched in arachidonic acid metabolism. Gastric cancer survival can be predicted using risk models based on lipid metabolism genes. Conclusions: The TIME of gastric cancer patients is related to the expression of lipid metabolism genes and could be used to predict cancer prognosis accurately.
Identification of Thermal Refuges and Water Temperature Patterns in Salmonid-Bearing Subarctic Rivers of Northern Quebec
Authors: Fakhari Milad , Raymond Jasmin , Martel Richard , Dugdale Stephen J. , Bergeron Normand
Published: September 2022

In summer, salmonids can experience thermal stress during extreme weather conditions. This may affect their growth and even threaten their survival. Cool water zones in rivers constitute thermal refuges, allowing fish to be more comfortable to grow and survive in extreme events. Therefore, identifying and understanding the spatiotemporal variability of discrete thermal refuges and larger scale cooling zones in rivers is of fundamental interest. This study analyzes thermal refuges as well as cooling zones in two salmonid rivers in a subarctic climate by use of thermal infrared (TIR) imagery. The two studied rivers are the Koroc and Berard Rivers, in Nunavik, Quebec, Canada. On the 17 km studied section of the Berard River, four thermal refuges and five cooling zones were detected, covering 46% of the surveyed section of the river. On the 41 km section studied for the Koroc River, 67 thermal refuges and five cooling zones were identified which represent 32% of the studied section of the river. 89% of identified thermal refuges and about 60% of cooling zones are groundwater-controlled. Continuity of permafrost and shape of the river valley were found to be the main parameters controlling the distribution of refuges and cooling zones. These data provide important insights into planning and conservation measures for the salmonid population of subarctic Nunavik rivers.
Underground Rock Mass Behavior Prior to the Occurrence of Mining Induced Seismic Events
Authors: Ghaychi Afrouz Setareh , Westman Erik , Dehn Kathryn , Weston Ben
Published: September 2022

The variations of seismic velocity prior to the occurrence of major seismic events are an indicator of the rock mass performance subjected to mining-induced stress. There have been no prior field-scale studies to examine stress change within the rockmass volume immediately prior to potentially damaging mining-induced seismicity. Monitoring stress change is critical for mine stability and operation safety and eventually improves production by optimizing mine designs and mining practices. In this study, five major seismic events that occurred in a narrow-vein mine were used as case studies in order to investigate any significant changes in P-wave velocity distribution, on a daily basis, within a week of seismic events with Mw > 1; if observed, such changes could provide a warning to mine engineers and workers. It was observed there was no consistent significant velocity change of more than 1% within 200 m of the hypocenters within 6 days prior to the events. Additionally, the influence of blasting in the week of the occurrence of events was investigated however no recognizable trend was observed between blasting and changes in the seismic velocity distribution within the rock mass on the day of a blast or the following day.
Gender Parity in Geriatrics Editorial Boards
Authors: Shah Sana , Shumway Nichole B. , Sarvis Emily W. , Sena Joe A. , Voice Alesia , Mumtaz Aqsa , Sheikh Abu Baker
Published: September 2022

Gender equality, with an emphasis on female education, has been designated by the United Nations as one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be completed by 2030, since gender disparity is a major impediment to scientific and economic progress. This study was carried out in an effort to address the gender gaps that can be seen in academic and scientific publications. The purpose of this study is to describe the gender distribution of editorial board members and editors-in-chief across geriatrics journals with high impact factors. Clarivate Journal Citation Reports (JCR) 2021 were used to guide the selection of geriatric and gerontology journals utilizing Scopus All Science Journal Classification Codes. The genders of the editors-in-chief and editorial board members were determined and analyzed using publicly accessible data. A total of 47 geriatric journals with an average impact factor of 4.27 were examined. Of the 65 editors-in-chief, 21 (32%) were women, whereas 876 female editorial members were found out of a total of 2414, which constitutes 36% in total. Despite making up 60% of the geriatric medical workforce, women are still underrepresented on editorial boards and as chief editors in well-known geriatric periodicals.
Geriatric Oncology in Portugal: Where We Are and What Comes Next—A Survey of Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Marinho Joana , Custódio Sandra
Published: September 2022

In keeping with the trend worldwide, in Portugal, more than 60% of newly diagnosed patients with cancer are aged 65 years or older, which makes older adults the most common population seen in an oncology practice. This study’s objectives were to assess geriatric oncology practices in Portugal and investigate medical professionals’ current needs and perceptions on the treatment of elderly cancer patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey of healthcare providers treating elderly patients. Results: There were 222 responses: 62.6% of physicians reported the absence of geriatric oncology and/or geriatrics consultations in their institutions, 14.9% had guidelines for the management of older patients with cancer and 4.5% had physicians dedicated to geriatric oncology. The reported use of geriatric assessment tools was 23.4%. Medical oncologists and physicians from medical specialties (p = 0.009) and those practicing in the south of Portugal (p = 0.054) were more likely to use geriatric assessment. Education and training in geriatric oncology was identified by 95.0% of respondents as an unmet need. The inquiries identified that geriatric assessment could be useful to define a therapeutic strategy (85.1%), detect frailty (77.5%), predict toxicity and improve quality of life (73.4%). Conclusions: There is a paucity of expertise and training in geriatric oncology in Portugal but an increasing perception of the value of geriatric assessment and the demand for education. In the next years, Portugal will progress in this area with the aid of the recently created Geriatric Oncology Working Group.
‘OMG JANE AUSTEN’: Austen and Memes in the Post-#MeToo Era
Authors: Kitsi-Mitakou Katerina , Vara Maria , Chatziavgerinos Georgios
Published: September 2022

This essay will focus on the central position that Jane Austen holds in the growing culture of memes in the Social Web and examine how these present-day cameo artefacts are both transforming the way Austen is perceived and appropriated today, and exploiting her work as a source of inspiration for contemporary debates on genre, gender, and sexuality. It will first trace the origins of memes, these cultural replicators that discharge mini portions of irony, in Northanger Abbey—a novel depending on the reader’s active participation—and argue that the literary landscape of the 1790s popular culture (as reflected in Austen) is a foreshadowing of post-millennial memes. Furthermore, through a close reading of a plethora of memes based on stills from screen adaptations of Pride and Prejudice, the essay will study how Austen’s renowned Mr. Darcy—filtered through the famous impersonations by Collin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen—has activated new re-imaginings of masculinity and heterosexuality in the post-#MeToo epoch. As some memes suggest, Mr. Darcy, a reformed hero who has learned how to match hegemony with sensibility, is the perfect antidote to the anathema of toxic masculinity and the perfect catch to the crowds of female Janeites. At the same time, however, a large number of memes indicate that, to an expanding male fandom that steers away from a nostalgic reactionary return to Austen, Mr. Darcy is celebrated for the queer potential of his conflicting features.
Look Back in Angria (The Brontë Family Fandom)
Authors: Jamison Anne
Published: September 2022

Transhistorical accounts of fanfiction often refer to the Brontës’ juvenilia, but such references are largely cursory even as they make a claim about the siblings’ Angria and Gondal writings that needs more careful consideration. This essay offers a more thorough examination of what it means to claim “the Brontës wrote fanfic”, analyzing their family- and site-specific mode of creative production and consumption in relation both to established definitions of contemporary fanfiction and to their own sources and environment. Archival research has enabled me to situate some of the Brontës’ earliest texts in their original tiny, hand-produced format alongside the print periodicals and physical books that the young authors read and transformed. I analyze how the siblings’ books mimic the multiplicity and flexibility of authorship modeled in their local newspaper and how their drawing, marginalia, and corrections accentuate the interactive nature of the printed book. Viewing the Brontë siblings as a family fandom enthusiastically devoted to the creation and appreciation of transformative works helps make visible a model of authorship they share with contemporary fanfiction: authorship not just as collaboration but as play and exchange among diverse materials, sources, activities, media, writers, and readers. Then, as now, this mode exists simultaneously with commercial authorship but is distinct from it, as the siblings recognized, altering their plots, practice, and presentation for their novels.
Phytotherapy and Dietotherapy of COVID-19—An Online Survey Results from Central Part of Balkan Peninsula
Authors: Kladar Nebojša , Bijelić Katarina , Gatarić Biljana , Bubić Pajić Nataša , Hitl Maja
Published: September 2022

Since the appearance of the novel coronavirus disease of 2019—COVID-19, various therapeutic approaches were attempted, with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) taking an important place. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of CAM with the purpose of prevention or treatment of COVID-19 during the pandemics. A prospective, cross-sectional study, in the form of an on-line survey was conducted. A total of 1704 responses were collected. Among the respondents, 2.76% declared currently and 22.12% previously having COVID-19. Approximately one quarter of interviewees (23.24%) declared themselves as phytotherapy users. The most frequently used medicinal plants were garlic, ginger and chamomile. The majority of respondents stated that they expected positive effects on immune and respiratory system. Medicinal plants were frequently used, on a daily basis. The main sources of information for applied self-medication were populistic thematic literature, followed by the Internet. Approximately one-third of phytotherapy users (35.25%) consulted with a medical professional before the application of phytotherapy. Regarding dietotherapy, 41.14% of respondents reported using non-herbal dietary supplements, while only 7.16% reported specific diet. The presented results suggest that CAM is recognized and readily used as a potential alternative and complementary regimen in the fight against COVID-19.
Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Masked Depression and Anxiety among Jordanian and Palestinian Couples: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jaber Deema , Basheer Haneen A. , Elsalem Lina , Dweib Mohammad , Khadra Maysa , Abduljabbar Rami , Ghazwi Rawan , Alhamad Hamza
Published: September 2022

Although anxiety and depression are among the most prevalent mental disorders worldwide, they continue to gain less attention than their physical counterparts in terms of health care provision and population mentalisation. This cross-sectional study explores and compares the national prevalence of depression and anxiety signs/symptoms and well as identifying associated socio-demographic factors among Jordanian and Palestinian fertile couples. Four-hundred and sixty-nine participants were eligible for inclusion and agreed to participate in the study. The mean score for HAM-A and BDI-II were 12.3 ± 8.2 and 15.30 ± 10.0, respectively. According to the grading of HAM-A and BDI-II, the majority of the participants have graded themselves to be mildly anxious (N = 323, 68.9%) and around one third of participants (N = 148, 31.6%) moderately to severe depressed. The suicidal intent was remarkable and of concern where around 18.6% of participants had suicidal thoughts and wishes. There was a significant correlation between both HAM-score and BDI-II score and age [p = 0.01, p = 0.011, respectively], body weight [p = 0.01, p = 0.006, respectively], and total monthly income [p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively]. Our findings ought to alert healthcare professionals and other interested parties that there is a high burden of anxiety and depression symptoms among Jordanian and Palestinian couples. To support Jordanian and Palestinian couples’ mental health, healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators favoured to concentrate on creating efficient and culturally relevant education, preventive, and intervention procedures utilising evidence-based guidelines.
Effect of Whole-Body Cryotherapy on Iron Status and Biomarkers of Neuroplasticity in Multiple Sclerosis Women
Authors: Ptaszek Bartłomiej , Podsiadło Szymon , Czerwińska-Ledwig Olga , Maciejczyk Marcin , Teległów Aneta
Published: September 2022

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of a series of 20 whole body cryotherapy (WBC) sessions on iron levels and neuroplasticity biomarkers in women with multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy women. Consent was obtained from the Bioethics Committee at the Regional Medical Chamber in Krakow (87/KBL/OIL/2018; 8 May 2018). The study was registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620001142921; 2 November 2020). The study included 30 people: 15 women with multiple sclerosis (mean age 41.53 ± 6.98 years) and 15 healthy women (mean age 38.47 ± 6.0 years). Both groups attended cryotherapy sessions. Venous blood was collected for analysis before the WBC session and after 20 sessions. In women with MS and healthy women, no significant effect of WBC on changes in the level biomarkers of neuroplasticity was found. There were also no statistically significant differences between the groups of the analyzed indices at the beginning of the study.
Correlation and Change in Physical Activity and Physical Fitness across Four Years of College Students after One Year of COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Yu Hongyan , An Shicheng , Tao Yiming , Austin Larry
Published: September 2022

The relationship between physical activity (PA) and physical fitness (PF) has been well established among college students. However, the impact of this relationship after 1 year of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures is unclear. This study aimed to test the relationship between PA and PF, exploring the trend across four years, the different components of PF related to PA, and their determinants, by analyzing specific items. A total of 1506 university students (19.48 ± 1.35 years old, 55.8% male) in years 1–4 at two comprehensive universities in Shanghai were recruited after one year of COVID restrictions and asked to complete the PF measurements and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ Chinese Short version). The PA level is categorized into three types of intensity (low-moderate-high), and the level of PF is represented by the total test score of each item. Results show that PA was significantly positively correlated with PF; PA levels significantly predicted 1000m-run, 50m-sprint, and standing-long-jump in males, and 800m-sprint and sit-ups in females. Males predominantly had high-intensity PA, whereas females maintained moderate-intensity PA over four academic years. Meanwhile, PA and PF both trended downward as academic years increased in males and females, which could be attributed to a decline in high-intensity PA. The following two recommendations were obtained from the study: first, college students should engage in high-intensity PA activities after the end of the epidemic. Second, colleges offer physical education classes for four academic years of college students to promote PA and PF.
The Prediction of Survival Outcome and Prognosis Factor in Association with Comorbidity Status in Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Research-Based Study
Authors: Afolabi Hafeez , Salleh Salzihan Md , Zakaria Zaidi , Ch’ng Ewe Seng , Mohd Nafi Siti Norasikin , Abdul Aziz Ahmad Aizat Bin , Al-Mhanna Sameer Badri , Wada Yusuf , Abdulrahman Abdulwali Sabo
Published: September 2022

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is rising exponentially in Asia, representing 11% of cancer worldwide. This study analysed the influence of CRC on patients’ life expectancy (survival and prognosis factors) via clinicopathology data and comorbidity status of CRC patients. Methodology: A retrospective study performed in HUSM using clinical data from the Surgery unit from 2015 to 2020. The demographic and pertinent clinical data were retrieved for preliminary analyses (data cleansing and exploration). Demographics and pathological characteristics were illustrated using descriptive analysis; 5-year survival rates were calculated using Kaplan–Meier methods; potential prognostic variables were analysed using simple and multivariate logistic regression analysis conducted via the Cox proportional hazards model, while the Charlson Comorbidity Scale was used to categorize patients’ disease status. Results: Of a total of 114 CRC patients, two-thirds (89.5%) were from Malay tribes, while Indian and Chinese had 5.3% each. The 50–69.9 years were the most affected group (45.6%). Overall, 40.4% were smokers (majorly male (95.7%)), 14.0% ex-smokers, and 45.6% non-smokers (p-value = 0.001). The Kaplan–Meier overall 5-year median survival time was 62.5%. From the outcomes, patients who were male and >70 years had metastasis present, who presented with per rectal bleeding and were classified as Duke C; and who has tumour in the rectum had the lowest survival rate. Regarding the prognosis factors investigated, “Gender” (adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 2.62; 95% CI: 1.56–7.81, p-value = 0.040), “Presence of metastases” (HR: 3.76; 95% CI: 1.89–7.32, p-value = 0.010), “Metastasis site: Liver” (HR: 5.04; 95% CI: 1.71–19.05, p-value = 0.039), “Lymphovascular permeation” (HR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.99–5.92, p-value = 0.021), and “CEA-level” (HR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.49–5.80, p-value = 0.001) remained significant in the final model for multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. There was a significant mean association between tumour grades and the patient’s comorbidity status. Conclusions: Histopathological factors (gender, metastases presence, site of metastases, CEA level, and lymphovascular permeation) showed the best prognosis-predicting factors in CRC.
Knowledge of Sexuality and Contraception in Students at a Spanish University: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Sanz-Martos Sebastián , López-Medina Isabel M. , Álvarez-García Cristina , Ortega-Donaire Lucía , Fernández-Martínez María E. , Álvarez-Nieto Carmen
Published: September 2022

Youth is a period characterized by impulsiveness and risk-taking. This population often feels invulnerable and has a strong motivation to seek out their identity. These characteristics make it a risky age period for an unwanted pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge about sexuality and contraception among nursing students at the University of Jaen. The students completed a 16-item questionnaire assessing their knowledge level about sexuality and contraception. A bivariate analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis H and Mann–Whitney U tests. Later, an ordinal logistic regression model was generated. The sample consisted of 130 participants, with an average age of 20.36 years. The level of knowledge about sexuality and contraception was moderately high, 10.38 points out of 16. The factors associated with the probability of accordingly presenting a high level of knowledge were being a woman, having studied in a public institution, not having used any contraceptive method in the first sexual experience, and wishing to use a contraceptive pill in future sexual relations. In conclusion, the knowledge level about sexuality and contraception is high, although it is necessary to assess whether this level of high knowledge translates to the use of contraceptive methods in future sexual experiences.
Identifying the Relationship between the Korean Medicine and Western Medicine in Factors Affecting Medical Service Use
Authors: Choi Young-eun , Kim Chul-woung
Published: September 2022

This study was conducted using data from the Korea Medical Panel Survey (KMPS) carried out in 2015. Importantly, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between Korean medicine (KM) and Western medicine (WM) in medical service use. The general characteristics and the frequency of utilization of medical services were analyzed for 18,130 participants. Chi-square analysis was used to examine the factors that affected medical service use. Additionally, logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the odds ratio (OR) between the KM Use with WM Use and KM&WM Use with disease group. The proportion of respondents who used KM&WM was the highest among those over 65 years of age and it was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). The OR for using KM and WM was 3.236 and it was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). Further, the ORs of KM&WM Use for all seven disease groups were greater than 1 and were statistically significant (p < 0.001) except for respiratory disease. The significant ORs of KM&WM Use were 10.342 (musculoskeletal), 2.073 (exogenous causes), 1.988 (nervous), 1.677 (digestive), 1.541 (circulatory) and 1.386 (skin). The findings in this study were attributed to a combination of social aspects such as the increasing incidence of chronic diseases among the elderly population, policy aspects such as the collaborative pilot project to promote collaborative treatment (CT), economic aspects, such as a lower total cost for CT and scientific aspects such as evidence supporting the efficacy of CT.
Italian Translation and Validation of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) in an Undergraduate Healthcare Student Context
Authors: Spada Florian , Caruso Rosario , De Maria Maddalena , Karma Emiljan , Oseku Aisel , Pata Xhesika , Prendi Emanuela , Rocco Gennaro , Notarnicola Ippolito , Stievano Alessandro
Published: September 2022

Interprofessional education requires that two or more professionals learn from and with each other to allow effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. Thus far, the interprofessional collaboration of healthcare students might be assessed using the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS), which is currently not available in its Italian version. This study aimed to provide the intercultural adaptation of the RIPLS in Italian (I-RIPLS) and assess its validity and reliability. A two-phase validation study was performed in 2020, using a single-centre approach in students enrolled in the medical degree, physiotherapy, nursing, and dentistry courses at an Italian-speaking university in Albania. The first phase of the study determined the cross-cultural adaptation of the items by involving two translators who followed a forward and backward translation process. In the second phase, a sample of 414 students was enrolled. The preliminary corrected item-total correlations showed that five items did not show significant item-to-total correlations. Even if their deletion was not mandatory for generating a suitable correlation matrix for factor analysis, the advantages of keeping only items contributing to a more stable measurement with a shorter scale represented the rationale for removing items with non-significant item-to-total correlation from the correlation matrix before testing the dimensionality of the I-RIPLS with factor analysis. The answers from the first 50% of responders (n = 207) were used to determine the most plausible dimensionality of the I-RIPLS by employing an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and the second 50% were used to cross-validate the most plausible dimensionality derived from EFA by employing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models. The most plausible dimensionality from EFA, by acknowledging the interpretation of the scree plot, the eigenvalues greater than 1, a parallel analysis, and the previous theoretical dimensions of the tool had two factors with adequate internal consistency. The CFA confirmed the two-factor solutions and the internal consistency for each domain. The I-RIPLS has 14 items with adequate evidence of validity and reliability. Future research should revise the tool for pursuing cross-cultural multigroup measurement invariance.
A Pilot Study Conducting Online Think Aloud Qualitative Method during Social Distancing: Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Alhejaili Asim , Wharrad Heather , Windle Richard
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 social distancing restrictions provided unprecedented insights into online research methodologies and approaches for both participants and researchers. Field research traditionally conducted face-to-face had to be transferred online, highlighting the great strides made in communication technologies (particularly live video streaming) over the last two decades for online qualitative research. However, dedicated research on these phenomena is tentative, including with regard to specific methods such as Think Aloud. This paper contributes to literature on online Think Aloud in qualitative research, evaluating new insights on its adoption online. It draws on findings from an online piloting study of Think Aloud tasks to explore the implications of using real-time internet video calls via SoIP applications by MS Teams. To assess the online Think Aloud process, this review called upon some of the comments made by participants during the semi-structured interview or comments made during the Think Aloud process, when they were relevant to the online process itself. It focuses on different dimensions of benefits, rapport in the session’s encounter, challenges, and ethical concerns. Overall, the findings indicate that online Think Aloud sessions cannot completely replace in-person sessions for some particular and highly in-depth research areas, but they can greatly facilitate qualitative data collection in most conventional contexts. It is necessary to carry out further studies exploring the use of this and other online approaches and instructions.
Lymphomas in People Living with HIV
Authors: Vaccher Emanuela , Gloghini Annunziata , Volpi Chiara C. , Carbone Antonino
Published: September 2022

Lymphomas in people living with HIV (PLWH) are associated with Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi-sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). They include primary effusion lymphoma, large B-cell lymphoma arising in multicentric Castleman disease, plasmablastic lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). Inclusion of these lymphomas in the WHO classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues and the increasing recognition of these disorders have resulted in established clinical management that has led to improved outcomes. In this review, we report on the current management in lymphomas occurring in PLWH with an emphasis on KSHV-associated disorders and EBV-related HL. We also report on the simultaneous occurrence of KSHV- and EBV-associated disorders and highlight preventive measures that have been planned for tumor prevention in PLWH. In conclusion, it is recommended that treatment choice for PLWH affected by lymphoma, and receiving effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), should not be influenced by HIV status. Moreover, there is an urgent need (1) to reduce the current large disparities in health care between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected populations, (2) to disseminate effective treatment, and (3) to implement preventive strategies for PLWH.
Characteristics of Rotary Sprinkler Water Distribution under Dynamic Water Pressure
Authors: Li Na , Liu Jia , Zhou Ningshan , Yang Qiliang , Liang Jiaping , Li Jianian , Yu Liming , Liu Xiaogang , Zhang Wenqian
Published: September 2022

In order to explore water distribution in sprinkler irrigation systems under dynamic water pressure, an irrigation test was conducted in a sprinkler irrigation system equipped with the Hunter MP2000 full circular rotator ray sprinkler under “trapezoidal” waveform pressure to explore the influencing factors such as basic water pressure, dynamic pressure period, and the sprinkler combination spacing. The result shows that the basic pressure, sprinkler combination spacing, and their interaction significantly affected the coefficient of variation, average intensity, and coefficient of uniformity. The normalized comprehensive evaluation indexes were selected as the measurement standards. The optimal factor combination was found to be the basic pressure of 250 kPa, the dynamic pressure period of 200 s, and the sprinkler combination spacing of 6 m, and the corresponding evaluation index values were 0.08, 10.54 mm/h, and 93.20%, respectively. The uniformity coefficient was increased by 6.54% compared with the constant pressure of the same flow rate. Compared with the constant pressure of the same flow rate, the sprinkler area and the average intensity increased by 39.67% and decreased by 8.62% when the basic pressure was 250 kPa and the dynamic pressure period was 200 s. The average uniformity coefficient increased by 11.76% at the combined spacing of 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 m. The results provide a theoretical basis for sprinkler irrigation decisions under dynamic pressure.
Water Retention Characteristics of Various Sizes of Expanded Perlite Produced from Two Different Types of Rocks
Authors: Lee Kyo-Suk , Lee Dong-Sung , Lim Chul-Soon , Lee Sang-Phil , Yang Jae-E. , Chung Doug-Young
Published: September 2022

This study presents the results of the water retention characteristics of six groups (0.25 mm to 8.35 mm) of expanded perlite (EP) produced from two crushed raw perlite rocks of Turkey (A) and China (B). The particle size proportions of EPs showed that the particle size less than 1.68 mm was higher in B than that of A and the particle size distribution curves (PSDC) of three samples of EP A and B were similar, while the percent finer value (DN) of B was higher than that of A in all corresponding particle sizes. Volumetric water content (θv) for EPs of A and B were obtained at 11 levels of matric potentials between 0 to −50 kPa (sandbox with kaolin-plate) and −50 to −1500 kPa (pressure chamber), respectively, after fully saturating the uniformly packed EP in open-ended metal round rings. The results showed that the shapes of measured WRCs and particle size distribution curves of EP A and B were similar, while the percent values of PSDC were higher than those values of θv corresponding to each water potential greater than 0.1 kPa. The WRCs of respective EP showed that a substantial decline started at about −1 kPa and approached the residual water content (θr) observed at −500 kPa for all measurements. θv for all particle sizes of the EP A and B was not only decreased with the increasing matric potential but also distinctive with increasing particle size greater than 2.36 mm. θr was increased with decreasing particle size. For these results, we assumed that θv of the different particle sizes of EP A and B could be determined by actual pore volume excluding occluded pore volume depending on size and surface area in the EP particles.
Improving Aerial and Root Quality Traits of Two Landscaping Shrubs Stem Cuttings by Applying a Commercial Brown Seaweed Extract
Authors: Loconsole Danilo , Cristiano Giuseppe , De Lucia Barbara
Published: September 2022

The availability of quality planting material is one of the most important requirements for increasing the productivity of any ornamental crop. Horticulturists make use of auxins and apply them exogenously to cuttings to generate adventitious roots and balanced shoots. Many studies have illustrated the influence of seaweed extracts on the growth of ornamental crops; their use in vegetative cutting propagation, to our knowledge, has been little investigated. Moreover, there is a lack of information on the influence of IBA and seaweed extract concentration on the carbohydrate content. This research aimed to compare the effects of the commercial seaweed extract, called Goteo®, with that of the phytohormone IBA, on the aerial and root quality traits of stem cutting in two Mediterranean landscaping shrubs: Lantana camara (S1) and Abelia × grandiflora (S2). The treatments applied to semi-hardwood stem cuttings were as follows: C0: untreated control; IBA concentration: 1250 mg L−1; Goteo® concentrations at 1, 2, and 3 mL L−1. In L. camara, the greatest values of rooting percentage were obtained under IBA and Goteo® treatments when compared to the control; in A. × grandiflora, there were no effects among treatments. The presented study shows that Goteo® stimulated adventitious rooting and provided a better rooting quality and shoot development of stem cuttings in Lantana and Abelia. In S1, cuttings treated with Goteo®, at the dose of 3 mL L−1, were greater in the number of roots, growth traits, root morphology and carbohydrate content, than those treated with IBA. In S2, 1 mL L−1 Goteo® concentration could be recommended to obtain high-quality rooted stem cuttings.
Amplification of Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) with Chloroplast-Specific Markers: Geographical Implications on Diversity and Dispersion Studies
Authors: Larranaga Nerea , Fontecha Gustavo , Albertazzi Federico J. , Palmieri Margarita , Hormaza Jose I.
Published: September 2022

Previously developed Annona cherimola specific primers based on the plant barcode gene matK were tested in 546 cherimoya accessions. Of those, 296 belong to an ex situ world reference germplasm collection maintained at the IHSM La Mayora-CSIC-UMA in Málaga (Spain) and 250 to cherimoya samples collected in situ in three Central American countries (Honduras, Guatemala and Costa Rica). Results showed the existence of two different haplotypes in the samples analyzed with geographical association. A new marker that amplified all the samples was designed based on the trnL-F locus using DNA information from seven species of the Annona genus. The information generated will be useful to analyze and conserve the extant genetic diversity present in situ and ex situ and to understand de dispersion of the crop from its center of origin in Central America.
Effects of Time of Pruning and Plant Bio-Regulators on the Growth, Yield, Fruit Quality, and Post-Harvest Losses of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana)
Authors: Shashi  , Garhwal Om Prakash , Choudhary Mali Ram , Bairwa Laxmi Narayan , Kumawat Kishan Lal , Kumar Pradeep , Basile Boris , Corrado Giandomenico , Rouphael Youssef , Gora Jagan Singh
Published: September 2022

Indian jujube or ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.) is a deciduous fruit tree typically cultivated in several semi-arid areas of Asia because of its adaptability to yield-limiting conditions. The present study aimed to assess the effect of four pruning times (i.e., the fourth week of March, second week of April, fourth week of April, and second week of May) and four treatments using stress-mitigating plant bio-regulators (thiourea at 500 ppm and 1000 ppm; salicylic acid at 100 ppm and 150 ppm) as a means to improve both fruit yield and quality post-harvest. To this end, a full factorial experiment lasting two growing seasons was carried out under field conditions in the representative semi-arid region of Rajasthan, the state with the largest production in India. We assessed the vegetative growth of the trees, the fruit size and yield, and some quality parameters (soluble content, acidity, ascorbic acid, and total sugars) as well as the main post-harvest traits (fruit weight loss and spoilage). Overall, pruning during the second week of April had the greatest positive influence on most of the variables studied. For instance, it induced the highest vegetative vigor, allowing the maintenance of relatively higher chlorophyll and relative water content in the leaves. The fruit parameters also responded most positively to the second week of April pruning, a treatment that, compared to the others, induced a higher diameter; a higher amount of TSS (19.6 °Brix), ascorbic acid (86.5 mg/100 g), and total sugar (10.4%); and a better post-harvest shelf-life. Among the plant bio-regulators, the application of thiourea at 1000 ppm had the highest positive influence on the growth parameters, yield, quality, and reduction in spoilage post-harvest. The differences between the doses of PBRs were limited.
Plant Melatonin: Regulatory and Protective Role
Authors: Song Runxian , Ritonga Faujiah Nurhasanah , Yu Haiyang , Ding Changjun , Zhao Xiyang
Published: September 2022

Melatonin is an antioxidant that is widely distributed in plants and animals. It is a conservative molecule. In early studies, scientists often used isolation and identification techniques to observe whether the endogenous melatonin cycle in plants was related to the external photoperiod, plant growth, and development cycles, including seed germination, plant rooting, and floral induction. With the development of isolation and identification technology, there is ample evidence that plants possess a variety of melatonin-synthesis pathways. The comprehensive application of molecular biology, genomics, and computational biology has also led to a comprehensive understanding of the physiological functions of plant melatonin. In this paper, we not only highlight the candidate genes from Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa that might be contributing to increasing plant endogenous melatonin but also elucidate and characterize the role of melatonin in plant growth and development in response to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Phytochemical Composition of Red-Fleshed Apple Cultivar ‘Baya Marisa’ Compared to Traditional, White-Fleshed Apple Cultivar ‘Golden Delicious’
Authors: Juhart Jan , Medic Aljaz , Veberic Robert , Hudina Metka , Jakopic Jerneja , Stampar Franci
Published: September 2022

We analyzed the red-fleshed apple cultivar ‘Baya Marisa’ and compared it with the traditional, white-fleshed apple cultivar ‘Golden Delicious’. The objective of this study was to compare sugars, organic acids, and phenolic compounds of ‘Baya Marisa’ with the widely known and consumed white-fleshed apple cultivar ‘Golden Delicious’. In addition, flesh firmness, color, and soluble solid content was studied. A total of 46 phenolic compounds were quantified and identified, some for the first time in apples. The study showed that the total analyzed phenolic content (TAPC) was 1.6× higher in the skin of red-fleshed ‘Baya Marisa’ and 1.4× higher in the flesh of red-fleshed ‘Baya Marisa’. Organic acid (citric acid, malic acid, and ascorbic acid) content was higher in the red-fleshed cultivar ‘Baya Marisa’, whereas sugar content (sucrose, glucose, and sorbitol) was similar, except for fructose, which was 1.1× higher in ‘Golden Delicious’. The content of citric acid was 1.6× higher in ‘Baya Marisa’, whereas the content of malic acid was 1.2× higher in ‘Baya Marisa’ and the content of ascorbic acid was 2.8× higher in ‘Baya Marisa’. Among phenolics, total dihydrochalcones in the skin were 3.3× higher in ‘Baya Marisa’ and similar in the flesh compared to ‘Golden Delicious’. Flavonols were 1.4× higher in the skin of ‘Baya Marisa’ and 2.8× higher in the flesh of ‘Golden Delicious’. Anthocyanins were not identified in the white-fleshed cultivar ‘Golden Delicious’. Total hydroxycinnamic acids were 2.0× higher in the skin of ‘Golden Delicious’ and similar in the flesh compared to ‘Baya Marisa’. Total flavanols were 1.8× higher in the skin and 2.2× higher in the flesh of the white-fleshed cultivar ‘Golden Delicious’.
Influence of Benzothiadiazole on the Amino Acids and Aroma Compositions of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Salifu Rafia , Jiang Yumei , Ba Lingzhen , Zhang Zhen , Feng Lidan , Li Jixin
Published: September 2022

The application of elicitors enhances grape quality, especially the volatile compounds. There are few studies on the influence of elicitors on the aroma compositions of grapes. Additionally, studies on the amino acids and aroma profiles of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapes are scant. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of benzothiadiazole (BTH) treatments on the amino acids and aroma profiles of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapes during berry development. BTH was sprayed on berries at three different stages during grape development; the fruit set period, swelling, and veraison stages. Physicochemical parameters, amino acids, and aroma compounds of the grapes were evaluated. The results showed increased an weight and color quality of treated grapes, while the content of primary metabolites such as sugar and amino acids in treated grapes declined relative to control grapes. However, total concentrations of the various aroma classes were higher in treated grapes, except for carbonyls and terpenoids, which presented higher levels in control grapes than in BTH-treated grapes. The correlation analysis between amino acids and aroma compounds revealed positive correlations in both samples with few negative correlations in BTH samples. The odor activity values (OAVs) affirmed the floral, fruity, and fresh-green nature of ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapes. BTH application to ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ berries significantly influenced the compositional qualities of the grapes.