bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pattern of contributing behaviors and their determinants among people living with HIV in Iran: A 30-year nationwide study
Authors: Gheibi Zahra , Fararouei Mohammad , Afrashteh Sima , Akbari Mojtaba , Afsar Kazerooni Parvin , Shokoohi Mostafa
Published: February 2023

Introduction

A major shift in the routes of HIV transmission seams to be taking place in Iran. Our study aimed to investigate the 30-year trend of major HIV related behaviors in Iran.

Methods

The national HIV/AIDS registry database (from September 1986 to July 2016 with data on 32,168 people newly diagnosed with HIV) was used to study the 30 years trend and demographic determinants of major HIV related behaviors.

Results

The highest rate of drug injection (DI) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) was reported during 1996 to 1999 (p-for trend < 0.001) while the highest rate of sexual activity by minorities or hard to reach groups was during 2004 to 2011 (p-for trend < 0.001). Among males, drug injection was directly associated with being single (ORsingle/married = 1.34), being unemployed (ORunemployed/employed = 1.94) and having lower level of education (OR<highschool/≥highschool = 2.21). Regarding females, drug injection was associated with being housewife (ORhousewife/employed = 1.35) and lower level of education (OR<highschool/≥highschool = 1.85). In females, condomless sexual contact was more common among those younger (OR20−29/<20 = 6.15), and married (ORmarried/single = 7.76). However, among males those being single (ORmarried/single = 0.82), being more educated (OR≥highschool/<highschool = 1.24), and being unemployed (ORunemployed/employed = 1.53) reported more sexual activity by minoritised or hard to reach groups.

Discussion

The pattern of major HIV related behaviors among Iranian males and females have been rapidly changing and people living with HIV (PLHIV) are being diagnosed at a younger age. Health education to younger individuals is an essential HIV controlling strategy among Iranian population. Implementation of surveys in hidden and hard-to-reach populations is also recommended.
Changes in the health literacy of residents aged 15–69 years in central China: A three-round cross-sectional study
Authors: Mei Xin , Chen Gong , Zuo Yuting , Wu Qian , Li Junlin , Li Yilin
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Health literacy is an effective strategy to promote more cost-effective use of health care services and a crucial tool for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The main objective of this study was to analyze changes in health literacy from 2019 to 2021.

Methods

Data were from the latest three-round cross-sectional studies with the same study design.

Results

Although the prevalence of adequate health literacy rose significantly over time, increasing from 26.9% (95% CI 20.1–33.7) in 2019 to 34.1% (32.9–35.3) in 2021, it was still at a relatively low level. The most significant decrease was observed for health skills among the three aspects and health information literacy among the six dimensions. Working as medical staff was a protective factor for adequate health literacy, health skills literacy, and health information literacy. Risk factors for adequate health literacy and health information literacy were older age and lower education level. Furthermore, adequate health information literacy was positively related to annual family income.

Discussion

More practical and effective policies targeting health literacy for critical aspects and groups in Central China, are urgently needed, especially during the epidemic.
Optimization of underground open intermediary space comfort in TOD complexes: A case study of Chongqing, China
Authors: Lili Dong , Yufeng He , Xiang Chen , Na Cheng , Tao Liu
Published: February 2023

Rapid urbanization drives social development, but at the same time brings sustainable development Rapid urbanization drives social development, but at the same time brings sustainable development advantages of expanding underground space and relieving urban traffic congestion. High quality TOD complexes with natural elements in the intermediary space have been considered as one of the important means to address sustainable urban development. Nevertheless, intermediary spaces in TOD complexes face various challenges, such as significant contradictory factors in their physical environment spaces. This study classifies the underground open intermediary space into four types according to the characteristics of TOD complexes. And for these four types'Cthe physical environment—generated by various influencing factors of planar geometric, three-dimensional geometric, and detailed construction elements—is simulated using a numerical simulation method based on a static Taguchi experiment. The results demonstrate that space shape is a primary influencing factor for luminous and thermal environments; the window-atrium ratio (W/A ratio) and hole-atrium ratio (H/A ratio) comprise contradictory factors between the luminous and thermal environments of these spaces; profile inclination angle and sunken plaza height are primary impact factors for the acoustic environment; and skylight type has minimal influence on the physical environment. On average, their luminous and acoustic environment comfort can be improved by 200%; whereas, their thermal environment comfort can be improved by 21% and the potential for optimizing it in their shallow space (underground space depth ≤ 10 m) is relatively low. Subsequently, the necessity of comfort optimization as the passive optimization design of underground open intermediary spaces' physical environment in TOD complexes in the future is discussed. Finally, the feasible path and prospect of how to improve the livability and comfort of the spatial physical environment of TOD complexes are discussed and prospected.
The effect of diabetes mellitus on oral health-related quality of life: A systematic review and meta-analysis study
Authors: Mohseni Homagarani Yousef , Adlparvar Kimia , Teimuri Saba , Tarrahi Mohammad Javad , Nilchian Firoozeh
Published: February 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus is related to variable dental and oral complications like xerostomia and periodontal problems. Therefore, diabetes can affect the oral status and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). A systematic review of evidence can determine the association between diabetes and OHRQoL. so, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of diabetes on OHRQoL.

Methods

After determining the PECO and eligible criteria, a comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase without any restriction. Further searches were performed in Google Scholar and reference lists of selected articles. Two independent reviewers carried out paper selection, data extraction, and quality assessment. A meta-analysis was conducted using a “random effect model” and the standardized mean difference of OHRQoL with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported as estimating pooled effect size.

Results

After screening 237 identified records, three case-control and ten cross-sectional studies met eligibility criteria. Two cross-sectional studies were excluded in the quality assessment phase and the rest of the studies have a low or moderate risk of bias. The pooled standardized mean difference between the case and the control groups was 0.148 (95% CI: −0.045 to 0.340).

Conclusion

Diabetes mellitus has no statistical significant association with OHRQoL. Nevertheless, based on the articles' review, it seems that diabetes can lead to functional limitations, physical pain, and psychological discomfort. Also, complications of diabetes adversely affect wellbeing. Hence dentists can play an essential role in the awareness of persons with diabetes about these problems and improve their OHRQoL.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022303038, identifier CRD42022303038.
China trauma treatment statistics 2019: A national retrospective study based on hospitalized cases
Authors: Wang Yanhua , Wang Chu , Hu Pan , Wang Haibo , Gan Lanxia , Kong Guilan , Shi Ying , Wang Tianbing , Jiang Baoguo
Published: February 2023

Objective

Trauma is China's fifth leading cause of death and ranked first among youths. Trauma databases have been well-established in many countries to announce the current state of trauma rescue, treatment and care. Nevertheless, China hasn't yet established a comparable database. This paper included two national-level databases in China to describe the current situation of trauma treatment and the epidemiological characteristics of trauma incidence, which sought to provide data support for decision-making, resource allocation, trauma prevention, trauma management, and other aspects.

Methods

This study used the diagnosis and treatment data from the Hospital Quality Monitoring System (HQMS) and the China Trauma Rescue and Treatment Association (CTRTA) in 2019. A descriptive analysis was conducted to explore the demographic characteristics, trauma causes, injury degrees of trauma patients, disease burden and mortality rates in the abstracted hospitalized cases.

Results

A total of 4,532,029 trauma patients were included, of which 4,436,653 were from HQMS and 95,376 from CTRTA respectively. The age group with the highest proportion is 50-54 years old (493,320 [11.12%] in HQMS and 12,025 [12.61%] in CTRTA). Fall was the most frequent cause of trauma hospitalization, accounting for 40.51% of all cases, followed by traffic injuries, accounting for 25.22%. However, for trauma patients aged between 20 and 24 years old, the most common cause of injury was traffic accidents (28.20%). Hospital expenses for trauma patients in 2019 exceeded 100.30 billion yuan, which increases significantly with age, and fall costs the most. The mortality rate of trauma inpatients was 0.77%, which gradually increased with age after 30-year-old, and was the highest in the age group above 85 (1.86%).

Conclusion

This paper summarizes the demographic characteristics, trauma causes distribution, disease burden, mortality rate, and other relative data of inpatients in 2019, which can now be used as an up-to-date clinical evidence base for national healthcare prevention and management in China.
Optimal blending of multiple independent prediction models
Authors: Taraba Peter
Published: February 2023

We derive blending coefficients for the optimal blend of multiple independent prediction models with normal (Gaussian) distribution as well as the variance of the final blend. We also provide lower and upper bound estimation for the final variance and we compare these results with machine learning with counts, where only binary information (feature says yes or no only) is used for every feature and the majority of features agreeing together make the decision.
Determination of dissociation constants via quantitative mass spectrometry
Authors: Schulte Jonathan , Tants Jan-Niklas , von Ehr Julian , Schlundt Andreas , Morgner Nina
Published: February 2023

The interplay of biomolecules governs all cellular processes. Qualitative analysis of such interactions between biomolecules as well as the quantitative assessment of their binding affinities are essential for the understanding of biochemical mechanisms. As scientific interest therefore moves beyond pure structural investigation, methods that allow for the investigation of such interactions become increasingly relevant. In this perspective we outline classical methods that are applicable for the determination of binding constants and highlight specifically mass spectrometry based methods. The use of mass spectrometry to gain quantitative information about binding affinities however is a still developing field. Here, we discuss different approaches, which emerged over the last years to determine dissociation constants (KD) with mass spectrometry based methods. Specifically, we highlight the recent development of quantitative Laser Induced Liquid Bead Ion Desorption (qLILBID) mass spectrometry for the example of double stranded deoxyribonucleic acids as well as for different RNA—RNA binding protein systems. We show that quantitative laser induced liquid bead ion desorption can successfully be used for the top down investigation of complexes and their dissociation constants values ranging from low nM to low µM affinities.
Harmful Algae in Indonesia: Small in Size, Big in Effect
Authors: Muawanah  , Bayu Intan Mariana D. , Boudin Elyse , Thoha Hikmah , Rachman Arief , Sianturi Oksto Ridho , Sidabutar Tumpak , Iwataki Mitsunori , Takahashi Kazuya , Avarre Jean-Christophe , Carcaillet Frédérique , Masseret Estelle
Published: February 2023

Sometimes the waters of seas, rivers, or lakes turn an odd color, becoming brown, red, or green. These colors are actually those of tiny algae that are invisible to the naked eye—but those algae are reproducing so fast that they stain the water. These events are called algal blooms, and they can be harmful because they produce toxins that kill aquatic animals and can cause poisoning in humans. Our group investigated the harmful algal blooms that have been occurring regularly in Lampung Bay, Indonesia, since 2012. We tracked down the algal species responsible for these blooms by analyzing seawater and the seabed sediments of the bay. We identified one species of algae, a dinoflagellate called Margalefidinium polykrikoides, as the culprit. This species can take on multiple shapes, which makes its identification particularly difficult. Improving our knowledge about this algal species will eventually help us understand what triggers harmful algal blooms and how to prevent them.
Overcoming barriers to crop diversification uptake in Europe: A mini review
Authors: Brannan Timothy , Bickler Charlotte , Hansson Helena , Karley Alison , Weih Martin , Manevska-Tasevska Gordana
Published: February 2023

Crop diversification (CD) encompasses practices such as extending crop rotation, cover cropping and intercropping practices, and growing minor crops. It has attracted increasing interest because it can produce both private benefits for farmers, including improved crop and soil health, and reduced inputs, and public goods for society, including greater biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate resilience. Nevertheless, CD is not widely practiced in Europe. This paper uses a conceptual framework based upon the literature on barriers to agricultural innovation and CD to guide a systematic-like literature review of existing review articles on the barriers to CD in Europe and a review of research from the European Crop Diversification Cluster, comprising six EU research projects. We compare barriers to CD uptake and identify opportunities to accelerate CD uptake, drawing four main conclusions. First, the barriers to CD are influenced by many factors: the specific crop, cropping method, geographical region, the farmer, the supply chain or market, and the institutional environment. Second, the barriers to CD uptake are interconnected and occur at multiple points along the supply chain; addressing barriers to CD uptake therefore requires a simultaneous and coordinated approach. Third, the inclusion of farmers' perspectives in the CD cluster research revealed novel barriers and solutions demonstrating that participatory and transdisciplinary agricultural research is needed to understand the on-farm reality and its influence on CD uptake. Lastly, farmers' decision-making warrants greater attention. The results highlight that farmers' decision-making is unpredictable and likely to focus on utility rather than profit maximization.
Assessment of the Use of Infrared Laser for Dynamic Laser Speckle (DLS) Technique
Authors: Contado Ellem W. N. , Pasqual Moacir , Dória Joyce , Gonzalez-Peña Rolando J. , Dupuy Lionel X. , Braga Roberto A.
Published: February 2023

Dynamic laser speckle (DLS) analysis is a very sensitive technique to measure biological activity within samples. In agriculture, the technique is applied to monitor seed germination, but external light, water content, and pigments affect the measurements. DLS systems use visible light sources, typically red lasers, which may exacerbate their influences. The main objective of this work is to assess whether infrared (IR) lasers improve the robustness of DLS measurements in seed germination applications. We develop a system where DLS analysis can be performed simultaneously on visible and IR light. Using the system, we quantify how the DLS signal is affected by pigments and scattering. The results show that the use of IR light reduces the variability of the measurements acquired. DLS systems based on IR light appear to be less sensitive to pigments, and the greater penetration of IR light into samples, which is due to reduced scattering, may contribute to the signal collected being correlated to relevant biological processes within the inner tissue. Additionally, water activity provides less influence on the DLS signal when an IR laser is used. These findings support the wider use of IR lasers in DLS-based instruments for applications in biological samples.
Increased Production of Tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) by Edaphoclimatic Variation in the Altitudinal Gradient of the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Murga-Orrillo Hipolito , Lobo Francisco De Almeida , Santos Silva Amorim Ricardo , Fernandes Silva Dionisio Luiz , Nuñez Bustamante Ever , Chu-Koo Fred William , López Luís Alberto Arévalo , Arévalo-Hernández César Oswaldo , Abanto-Rodriguez Carlos
Published: February 2023

Tara production occurs mainly in the altitude gradient, where the edaphoclimatic conditions that affect the production of pods still need to be understood. The goal was to determine the altitudinal and edaphoclimatic effect on the production of tara pods in agroforestry and natural remnants in Cajamarca, Peru. Data analyses performed were the following: principal component analysis (PCA), regression analysis, the bootstrap method, and Pearson correlation analysis. For each 1 °C increase in temperature, the length and width of the pod decreased by 2.1 and 0.62 mm, and of the seed by 0.17 and 0.12 mm in the agroforestry environment; likewise, pod, valve, seed and gum weights were reduced by 23.9, 10.9, 13 and 2.3 g in the agroforestry environment, and 22.3, 13, 9.3 and 2.1 g in the natural environment. Activities such as association with annual crops and perennial pasture possibly favor the length and width of the pod and seed and the weight of the pod, valve, seed and gum in the agroforestry environment when compared to the natural environment. Larger pod and seed dimensions and higher pod, valve, seed and gum weights are related to higher soil CaCO3 contents in the natural environment and higher soil P and B contents in the agroforestry environment at higher altitudes. Higher Fe contents in the soil suggest an improvement in tara’s tannin weight (valve) in the natural and agroforestry environment. The effective response of tara, reflected in its weight and size of pods, was higher in an agroforestry environment than in a natural environment. Further studies on the production of tara pods are necessary for a better understanding of the interaction between altitude and soil fertility to expand the revenue and employment of Peruvian tara farmers.
Genome-Wide Identification of B3 DNA-Binding Superfamily Members (ABI, HIS, ARF, RVL, REM) and Their Involvement in Stress Responses and Development in Camelina sativa
Authors: Kandeel Mahmoud , Morsy Mohamed A. , Abd El-Lateef Hany M. , Marzok Mohamed , El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Al Khodair Khalid M. , Albokhadaim Ibrahim , Venugopala Katharigatta N.
Published: February 2023

The B3 DNA-binding superfamily is a group of gene families that contain a B3 domain in their proteins. Members of this superfamily are involved in responses to stresses including salt, drought, and cold stress. The B3 DNA-binding superfamily has not been fully studied in Camelina sativa. A total of eighty-seven members of this superfamily were identified in C. sativa. The identified genes were placed into five groups based on a phylogenetic analysis. All the proteins were predicted to be nuclear. The RAV and ARF gene family had the most conserved motifs, with nine out of ten motifs being preserved, while the REM gene family was discovered to have the fewest, with just one conserved motif being present. The RAV and REM gene families showed the least protein–protein interactions. The CsARF5 and CsARF7 genes showed the highest potent interaction score with multiple auxin-responsive proteins. A qPCR analysis was carried out on six genes that showed stress-induced expression changes. CsREM17, CsREM5, and CsRAVL5 were discovered to be considerably increased in response to drought stress, while CsARF10, CsARF4, and CsREM34 were found to be downregulated to a large extent. The B3 DNA-binding superfamily regulates abscisic acid signaling, which in turn influences plant growth and stress resistance.
Selenium Nanoparticles Improve Quality, Bioactive Compounds and Enzymatic Activity in Jalapeño Pepper Fruits
Authors: Sariñana-Navarrete María de los Ángeles , Morelos-Moreno Álvaro , Sánchez Esteban , Cadenas-Pliego Gregorio , Benavides-Mendoza Adalberto , Preciado-Rangel Pablo
Published: February 2023

Trace element malnutrition causes the development of chronic degenerative diseases. The consumption of minerals and other compounds of biochemical origin through the intake of vegetables can attenuate these deficiencies to a great extent. Because the content in the plant depends on the conditions where it develops, there are still deficiencies that should be taken into consideration. For example, in Mexico, the intake of selenium does not cover the recommended daily requirement. The objective of this study was to use selenium nanoparticles (nSe) as a selenium (Se) source and to determine the effects on agronomic indices, antioxidant compounds, enzymatic activity, and accumulation of Se in fruits of a jalapeño pepper crop. Different concentrations of nSe (1, 15, 30, and 45 mg L−1) were supplied via drench to jalapeño pepper plants at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after transplanting. The results indicate that applying nSe via drench with 45 mg L−1 increased crop yield and antioxidant compounds. Moreover, all doses evaluated modified the activity of the enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and phenylalanine ammonium lyase (PAL), as well as improved the concentration of Se in fruits. The nSe incorporation via drench is an alternative to increase the content of Se and other nutraceutical compounds in jalapeño pepper fruits, possibly positively influencing human nutrition when consumed.
Responses of the Growth Characteristics of Spinach to Different Moisture Contents in Soil under Irrigation with Magnetoelectric Water
Authors: Sun Yan , Wang Jian , Wang Quanjiu , Wang Chunhong
Published: February 2023

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is a worldwide vegetable crop with rich nutritional value, and drought is the main factor restricting its growth. Magnetized water and de-electronated water have shown potential for improving yield and quality in some crops. To assess the influence of magnetized-de-electronated water (denoted magnetoelectric water) on the growth characteristics of spinach, five soil moisture gradients were developed, including 45–55%, 55–65%, 65–75%, 75–85%, and 85–95% of field capacity (FC). The results demonstrated that the influence of irrigation by magnetoelectric water on the growth of spinach was obvious. All the spinach indicators with each soil moisture gradient under irrigation by magnetoelectric water were higher than those of irrigation by conventional water, including the fresh weight of shoots, chlorophyll content, and the total nitrogen content in the leaves. In particular, the improvement in fresh weight of shoots and the total nitrogen contents in the leaves had the highest values, as demonstrated by increases of 52.26% and 25.87%, respectively, under 65–75% of the gradient of FC. Additionally, the fitting results of the photo response curve by different light response models varied. The modified rectangular hyperbolic model was the most accurate for all the treatment groups and thus was the optimized model for the photosynthetic characteristics of spinach under irrigation by magnetoelectric water analysis. The parameters of the photo response curve showed that the dark respiration rate, apparent quantum efficiency, light saturation point, and maximum net photosynthetic rate all increased following irrigation by magnetoelectric water with different soil moisture gradients compared with conventional water irrigation. These research results can provide new technical support for improving the water use efficiency of irrigation water and increasing vegetable production.
Comparative Binding Ability of Human Monoclonal Antibodies against Omicron Variants of SARS-CoV-2: An In Silico Investigation
Authors: Das Nabarun Chandra , Chakraborty Pritha , Bayry Jagadeesh , Mukherjee Suprabhat
Published: February 2023

Mutation(s) in the spike protein is the major characteristic trait of newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants such as Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), Delta (B.1.617.2), and Delta-plus. Omicron (B.1.1.529) is the latest addition and it has been characterized by high transmissibility and the ability to escape host immunity. Recently developed vaccines and repurposed drugs exert limited action on Omicron strains and hence new therapeutics are immediately needed. Herein, we have explored the efficiency of twelve therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the RBD region of the spike glycoprotein against all the Omicron variants bearing a mutation in spike protein through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. Our in silico evidence reveals that adintivimab, beludivimab, and regadanivimab are the most potent mAbs to form strong biophysical interactions and neutralize most of the Omicron variants. Considering the efficacy of mAbs, we incorporated CDRH3 of beludavimab within the framework of adintrevimab, which displayed a more intense binding affinity towards all of the Omicron variants viz. BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4, and BA.5. Furthermore, the cDNA of chimeric mAb was cloned in silico within pET30ax for recombinant production. In conclusion, the present study represents the candidature of human mAbs (beludavimab and adintrevimab) and the therapeutic potential of designed chimeric mAb for treating Omicron-infected patients.
Infrared and Visible Image Fusion via Feature-Oriented Dual-Module Complementary
Authors: Zhang Yingmei , Lee Hyo Jong
Published: February 2023

With the industrial demand caused by multi-sensor image fusion, infrared and visible image fusion (IVIF) technology is flourishing. In recent years, scale decomposition methods have led the trend for feature extraction. Such methods, however, have low time efficiency. To address this issue, this paper proposes a simple yet effective IVIF approach via a feature-oriented dual-module complementary. Specifically, we analyze five classical operators comprehensively and construct the spatial gradient capture module (SGCM) and infrared brightness supplement module (IBSM). In the SGCM, three kinds of feature maps are obtained, respectively, by introducing principal component analysis, saliency, and proposing contrast estimation operators considered the relative differences of contrast information covered by the input images. These maps are later reconstructed through pyramidal transformation to obtain the predicted image. The IBSM is then proposed to refine the missing infrared thermal information in the predicted image. Among them, we improve the measurement operators applied to the exposure modalities, namely, the gradient of the grayscale images (2D gradient) and well-exposedness. The former is responsible for extracting fine details, and the latter is meant for locating brightness regions. Experiments performed on public datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms nine state-of-the-art methods in terms of subjective visual and objective indicators.
Experimental Analysis of the Behavior of Mirror-like Objects in LiDAR-Based Robot Navigation
Authors: Damodaran Deeptha , Mozaffari Saeed , Alirezaee Shahpour , Ahamed Mohammed Jalal
Published: February 2023

Mobile robots are equipped with various sensors to perform object detection, localization, and navigation. Among these sensors, LiDAR (light detection and ranging) is the most widely used sensor for environment map creation. However, LiDAR-based localization is challenging in modern environments containing specular surfaces, such as mirrors and glasses, that cause light reflection, penetration, or diffusion. These conditions make the obtained map inaccurate, unreliable, and noisy. This paper presents the effects of mirror-like objects in various indoor arrangements on 2D LiDAR-based maps. Experiments were conducted using a mobile robot equipped with LiDAR navigating in an environment with several mirrors. Experiments suggest that laser scans may be fully reflected off mirrors, causing no range or intensity data and creating a faulty map. Objects or boundaries within the range of LiDAR may be mapped behind the surface of the mirror, and robot self-detection may occur on the surface of the mirror. This situation exacerbates when more than one mirror is present in the environment. The results presented in this paper can aid the development of LiDAR-based indoor navigation to identify and remove inconsistencies created in LiDAR maps due to mirror-like objects.
Seasons Influence the Native Gut Microbiome of Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush
Authors: Savard Pascale , Fernandes Tim , Dao Amy , McMeans Bailey , Lazar Cassandre Sara
Published: February 2023

The fish gut microbiome plays an essential role in the host’s development and survival. Environmental factors can shape the gut microbiome and potentially mediate physiological performance. Seasonal environments that experience regular abiotic and biotic transitions likely drive variability in the gut microbiome. However, we know very little about how seasonal transitions interact with the gut microbiome, especially at northern latitudes where seasonality is exaggerated. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the native gut microbiome of a flexible top predator fish species, the lake trout, across seasons in a boreal lake using 16S rRNA sequencing. Seasonal changes explained one third of the bacterial variance. The relative abundance of several bacterial taxa influenced the observed seasonal differences in the community; pathogenic Pseudomonas and Stenotrophomonas were most abundant in the spring and winter seasons, and chemoheterotrophic Macrococcus and Lelliottia were most abundant in the summer. The fall season was dominated by unclassified Clostridiaceae, potentially linked to a shift in lake trout foraging. Therefore, we present novel evidence that suggests seasonality is likely to shape the native gut microbiome of lake trout; however, the mechanistic links between the environment and the microbial diversity of the gut remain to be uncovered.
Re-Narrating Radical Cities over Time and through Space: Imagining Urban Activism through Critical Pedagogical Practices
Authors: Mehan Asma
Published: February 2023

Radical cities have historically been hotbeds of transformative paradigms, political changes, activism, and social movements, and have given rise to visionary ideas, utopian projects, revolutionary ideologies, and debates. These cities have served as incubators for innovative ideas, idealistic projects, revolutionary philosophies, and lively debates. The streets, squares, and public spaces of radical cities have been the backdrop for protests, uprisings, and social movements that have had both local and global significance. This research project aims to explore and reimagine radical cities and urban activism using a variety of visual and collaborative pedagogical approaches. This project will study and categorize these cities through comparative case studies from different regions, including North America, and Latin America, and beyond, in order to better understand and interpret pivotal societal transitions.
Epidermal Wearable Biosensors for Monitoring Biomarkers of Chronic Disease in Sweat
Authors: Yuan Xichen , Li Chen , Yin Xu , Yang Yang , Ji Bowen , Niu Yinbo , Ren Li
Published: February 2023

Biological information detection technology is mainly used for the detection of physiological and biochemical parameters closely related to human tissues and organ lesions, such as biomarkers. This technology has important value in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases in their early stages. Wearable biosensors can be integrated with the Internet of Things and Big Data to realize the detection, transmission, storage, and comprehensive analysis of human physiological and biochemical information. This technology has extremely wide applications and considerable market prospects in frontier fields including personal health monitoring, chronic disease diagnosis and management, and home medical care. In this review, we systematically summarized the sweat biomarkers, introduced the sweat extraction and collection methods, and discussed the application and development of epidermal wearable biosensors for monitoring biomarkers in sweat in preclinical research in recent years. In addition, the current challenges and development prospects in this field were discussed.
Application of Nanozymes in Environmental Monitoring, Management, and Protection
Authors: Wang Miaomiao , Zhu Ping , Liu Shuge , Chen Yating , Liang Dongxin , Liu Yage , Chen Wei , Du Liping , Wu Chunsheng
Published: February 2023

Nanozymes are nanomaterials with enzyme-like activity, possessing the unique properties of nanomaterials and natural enzyme-like catalytic functions. Nanozymes are catalytically active, stable, tunable, recyclable, and versatile. Therefore, increasing attention has been paid in the fields of environmental science and life sciences. In this review, we focused on the most recent applications of nanozymes for environmental monitoring, environmental management, and environmental protection. We firstly introduce the tuning catalytic activity of nanozymes according to some crucial factors such as size and shape, composition and doping, and surface coating. Then, the application of nanozymes in environmental fields are introduced in detail. Nanozymes can not only be used to detect inorganic ions, molecules, organics, and foodborne pathogenic bacteria but are also involved in the degradation of phenolic compounds, dyes, and antibiotics. The capability of nanozymes was also reported for assisting air purification, constructing biofuel cells, and application in marine antibacterial fouling removal. Finally, the current challenges and future trends of nanozymes toward environmental fields are proposed and discussed.
Sensing Properties of g-C3N4/Au Nanocomposite for Organic Vapor Detection
Authors: Nasri Atefeh , Jaleh Babak , Daneshnazar Milad , Varma Rajender S.
Published: February 2023

Alleviating the increasingly critical environmental pollution problems entails the sensing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as a hazardous factor for human health wherein the development of gas sensor platforms offers an efficient strategy to detect such noxious gases. Nanomaterials, particularly carbon-based nanocomposites, are desired sensing compounds for gas detection owing to their unique properties, namely a facile and affordable synthesis process, high surface area, great selectivity, and possibility of working at room temperature. To achieve that objective, g-C3N4 (graphitic carbon nitride) was prepared from urea deploying simple heating. The ensuing porous nanosheets of g-C3N4 were utilized as a substrate for loading Au nanoparticles, which were synthesized by the laser ablation method. g-C3N4 presented a sensing sensitivity toward organic vapors, namely methanol, ethanol, and acetone vapor gases, which were significantly augmented in the presence of Au nanoparticles. Specifically, the as-prepared nanocomposite performed well with regard to the sensing of methanol vapor gas and offers a unique strategy and highly promising sensing compound for electronic and electrochemical applications.
Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale: Evidence of Construct Validity in Argentinians
Authors: Flores-Kanter Pablo Ezequiel , Alesandrini Claudia , Alvarado Jesús M.
Published: February 2023

Suicide is a global public health problem. The goal of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the measurement of suicide severity based on the Columbia suicide severity rating scale. We worked with a sample of 516 Argentinean adults, aged 18 to 75. The fit of a measurement model that differentiates between the various degrees of suicidal severity was verified. The specified model returns fit values above the suggested cut-off points, both for the occurrence and frequency indicators. The internal consistency indices from the composite reliability coefficient also show values above the cut-off points for both occurrence and frequency. Finally, evidence of construct validity was obtained from the relationship with external variables. The results are consistent with the theory, showing stronger effects of hopelessness on suicidal ideation compared to suicide attempts. Overall, evidence of construct validity for the measurement of suicidal severity is presented, a contribution that is essential in remedying the lack of studies on suicide in the region and promoting prevention strategies.
Implicit Attitudes of New-Type Drug Abstainers towards New-Type Drugs and Their Relapse Tendencies
Authors: Li Guangming
Published: February 2023

Over the last decade, new-type drugs have been replacing traditional-type drugs in China. However, studies of implicit attitudes towards new-type drugs are insufficient and contradictory results exist. Previous studies have suggested that implicit attitudes and relapse tendencies are a dual structure model, but that is for traditional or mixed drug addicts. For new drug addicts, is the dual structure model completely suitable or partially supported? This study attempts to explore this point. At a drug rehabilitation center, we randomly selected 50 abstainers (25 males and 25 females; age range: 21–41 years) who only took new-type drugs prior to abstention to participate in this study. Participants complete the General Situation Questionnaire, the Drug Use Characteristics Questionnaire, the Drug Relapse Risk Scale (DRRS), and the Single Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT). The relationship between implicit attitudes and relapse tendencies of new-type drug abstainers towards new-type drugs was investigated. The results showed: (1) abstainers had negative attitudes towards new-type drugs, and the data had statistical correlation with abstainers’ drug use characteristics and each relapse risk index; (2) females held relatively positive implicit attitudes towards new-type drugs; (3) being female and divorced could significantly predict abstainers’ implicit attitudes; (4) there is no significant correlation between implicit attitudes and relapse tendencies of new-type drug abstainers towards new-type drugs, which partially supports the dual structure model; (5) fender influences the self-assessment of relapse probability. Compared with traditional or mixed drug addicts, the dual structure model is only partially supported for new-type drug abstainers towards new-type drugs. That is because being female and divorced are the main factors influencing implicit attitudes and relapse tendencies. A few women or divorced people regard consuming new drugs as the source of happiness and forget the harm brought by the drugs themselves in their implicit attitude, which leads to more drug abuse in their explicit behavior. Therefore, we should pay more attention to women who have become new-type drug addicts and pay special attention to the impact of divorce.
Overcoming the Legal Barriers to the Implementation of Smart Contracts in the Construction Industry: The Emergence of a Practice and Research Agenda
Authors: Agapiou Andrew
Published: February 2023

The construction industry is one of the most critical sectors of the global economy, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation [...]
Properties of Concrete Columns Strengthened by CFRP-UHPC under Axial Compression
Authors: Wang Bo , Liu Gejia , Zhou Jiayu
Published: February 2023

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a kind of structural material with ultra-high strength, extremely low porosity, and excellent durability, which has extremely broad application prospects. In order to promote the application of UHPC constrained by carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets as strengthening material in practical engineering, a total of nine specimens were designed, and two kinds of UHPC strengthening layer thickness (35 mm and 45 mm, respectively) were designed. By changing the constraint form of the UHPC strengthening layer (longitudinal reinforcements and ordinary stirrups, longitudinal reinforcements and spiral stirrups, and CFRP sheets, respectively), the axial compression performance of the strengthened column was explored. The study shows that compared with the without strengthened column, the uplift of carrying capacity of the strengthened test column is 277–561%. The reinforcement form of the strengthening layer has little influence on the lifting capacity. Among the three different strengthening methods, the wrapped CFRP has the best improvement effect on carrying capacity and ductility, followed by longitudinal reinforcements and spiral stirrups in the strengthening layer. With the increase of CFRP layers from two to five layers, the maximum carrying capacity increases by 21.3%. The carrying capacity of three different types of UHPC-strengthened columns is theoretically calculated, and the accuracy of the theoretical calculation method is verified by comparing the test value with the theoretical value, which provides a theoretical basis for the application of UHPC-strengthened columns in the future.
Modelling Strategies for the Updating of Infilled RC Building FEMs Considering the Construction Phases
Authors: Nicoletti Vanni , Gara Fabrizio
Published: February 2023

This paper deals with modelling strategies for the updating of Finite Element Models (FEMs) of infilled Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame buildings. As is known, this building typology is the most adopted worldwide for residential houses and strategic buildings, such as hospitals, schools, police stations, etc. The importance of achieving trustworthy numerical models for these kinds of structures, especially the latter ones, is clear. The updating procedure mainly consists in changing the geometrical and mechanical material properties of models until pre-determined convergence criteria are verified, the latter based on the comparison between numerical and experimental outcomes. In this work, the modelling strategies that can be adopted to refine FEMs of infilled RC buildings are treated in-depth, starting from the simple model usually developed for design purposes. Modelling techniques relevant to the geometry, the mechanical properties, the mass, and the restraint conditions of the model are discussed. Moreover, the approaches that can be adopted to calibrate numerical models during the construction process are addressed as well. Then, an application of the proposed strategies is provided with reference to a real building that was investigated during its construction. The proposed modelling strategies proved to be effective in the model updating of the considered building and provide useful support for the calibration of FEMs of this building typology in general.
Heritage and Rehabilitation Strategies for Confucian Courtyard Architecture: A Case Study in Liaocheng, China
Authors: Rong Weihan , Bahauddin Azizi
Published: February 2023

During the past decades, many traditional vernacular buildings have been forced to be demolished or abandoned due to the accelerating trend of urbanisation in China, which has resulted in regional culture, historical memory, and architectural narratives being gradually lost. The contemporary development of courtyard-style architecture under the influence of Confucianism, an important architectural form that carries Chinese culture, remains unclear. To preserve these vernacular buildings and local culture, this paper traces the historical value of courtyard houses. Through a case study, the effectiveness of local courtyard-style building rehabilitation in Shandong is assessed, and key components, building materials, and construction techniques corresponding to Confucian cultural connotations are examined, leading to a more comprehensive dialectical analysis of building rehabilitation. The results indicated that rehabilitation can be effective in preserving vernacular components and cultural narratives in the context of sustainable development strategies for traditional buildings. Moreover, by identifying and evaluating the sense of place and rehabilitation strategies of the architectural heritage, new perspectives are offered to the world of vernacular architectural practice, and existing knowledge of the architectural courtyard is expanded.
Targeting Underlying Inflammation in Carcinoma Is Essential for the Resolution of Depressiveness
Authors: Borovcanin Milica M. , Vesić Katarina , Arsenijević Dragana , Milojević-Rakić Maja , Mijailović Nataša R. , Jovanovic Ivan P.
Published: February 2023

In modern clinical practice and research on behavioral changes in patients with oncological problems, there are several one-sided approaches to these problems. Strategies for early detection of behavioral changes are considered, but they must take into account the specifics of the localization and phase in the course and treatment of somatic oncological disease. Behavioral changes, in particular, may correlate with systemic proinflammatory changes. In the up-to-date literature, there are a lot of useful pointers on the relationship between carcinoma and inflammation and between depression and inflammation. This review is intended to provide an overview of these similar underlying inflammatory disturbances in both oncological disease and depression. The specificities of acute and chronic inflammation are considered as a basis for causal current and future therapies. Modern therapeutic oncology protocols may also cause transient behavioral changes, so assessment of the quality, quantity, and duration of behavioral symptoms is necessary to prescribe adequate therapy. Conversely, antidepressant properties could be used to ameliorate inflammation. We will attempt to provide some impetus and present some unconventional potential treatment targets related to inflammation. It is certain that only an integrative oncology approach is justifiable in modern patient treatment.